Which PXIe data storage module is right for your application? Engineers in aerospace, defense, scientific research, and high-speed test and measurement systems must ensure they have the right combination of speed, capacity, cost, power efficiency, and security for their data acquisition needs.
From high-speed NVMe RAID solutions for recording multi-gigabyte-per-second data streams to cost-effective SATA SSDs for lower-throughput applications, selecting the right module can significantly impact system performance and reliability.
This guide provides a detailed comparison of PXIe storage solutions and a checklist for choosing the best module based on your specific requirements.
Key Takeaways
- Sustained throughput is critical for high-speed applications like RF signal analysis and electronic warfare data logging.
- Storage capacity varies from single-drive solutions (~4 TB) to multi-drive RAID arrays (30+ TB per module).
- Budget considerations range from high-performance NVMe RAID ($15K+) to entry-level SATA SSDs (<$5K).
- Power and cooling must be factored in for chassis compatibility, especially with high-speed modules. Insufficient cooling can cause an SSD to throttle performance.
- Removability and security are essential for defense, aerospace, and other sensitive data applications. Enterprise class NVME storage can support encryption.
Evaluating PXIe Storage for High-Speed Applications
Sustained Throughput Requirements
For high-speed data acquisition and real-time processing, storage must match the data transfer speed of your PXIe system. If throughput is insufficient, data loss and performance bottlenecks will occur.
- Ultra-High Speed (8 GB/s+ throughput) → NVMe RAID-based PXIe storage
- Moderate Speed (1–4 GB/s throughput) → Single NVMe SSD PXIe solutions
- Lower Speed (<1 GB/s throughput) → Single SATA SSD-based PXIe storage
Example Use Cases:
- Radar & Electronic Warfare → Wideband RF signal recording at 5+ GB/s
- Aerospace & Flight Testing → Continuous sensor data logging at 2–4 GB/s
- Scientific Data Acquisition → High-resolution imaging and research at 4–8 GB/s
Comparing PXIe Storage Solutions
NVMe RAID vs. Single NVMe SSD vs. SATA SSD
| Feature | NVMe RAID (e.g., Conduant DM-4M.2) | Single NVMe SSD PXIe | SATA SSD PXIe |
| Max Speed* | Up to 8 GB/s | ~3–5 GB/s | ~500 MB/s |
| Capacity | Up to 32 TB per module | ~8–16 TB | ~2–4 TB |
| Ideal for | High-speed data logging, EW, aerospace | Lab automation, industrial monitoring | General data logging, cost-sensitive applications |
| Cooling Needs | High (active cooling required) | Moderate | Low |
| Price Range | $$$ (High) | $$ (Mid-range) | $ (Budget) |
| Security Features | Encryption, RAID redundancy | Some options available | Basic security |
| Best Choice If… | You need the fastest storage & highest capacity | You want good speed without RAID complexity | You need affordable, entry-level PXIe storage |
*These are peak speeds not sustained speeds
Storage Capacity Considerations
Storage needs vary based on data volume per test cycle:
- High-Capacity (20+ TB per session) → RAID-based PXIe storage with multiple NVMe SSDs
- Medium-Capacity (5–15 TB per session) → Single NVMe SSD PXIe modules
- Lower-Capacity (<5 TB per session) → Single-drive SATA PXIe modules
Example Use Cases:
- Flight Test Instrumentation → 20+ TB storage per mission
- Medical Imaging & Genomics → 10–30 TB storage per dataset
- Industrial Diagnostics → 5–10 TB capacity needs
Power, Cooling, and Security Considerations
Power & Cooling Needs
High-performance PXIe storage modules generate significant heat, impacting chassis cooling requirements.
- Power-efficient solutions → Single-drive PXIe SSDs generate less heat.
- High-performance needs → NVMe RAID storage requires active cooling and higher power allocation.
Example Applications:
- Lab Research → Standard PXIe chassis cooling may suffice.
- Defense Systems → High-performance RAID requires ruggedized, fan-cooled chassis.
Removability & Data Security
For sensitive applications, removable or encrypted storage may be required.
- Need to swap storage between test cycles? → Opt for PXIe storage with removable NVMe SSDs.
- Handling classified data? → Choose encrypted PXIe storage with secure erase options.
Example Applications:
- Military & Aerospace → Encrypted storage ensures classified data security.
- Medical & Research Labs → Removable SSDs simplify data transfer between teams.
How to Choose the Best PXIe Storage for Your Needs
Use this checklist to find the right PXIe storage module:
🔲 Determine required throughput (Do you need 8 GB/s for high-speed applications?)
🔲 Calculate storage capacity (How much data does each test cycle generate?)
🔲 Set a budget (High-performance NVMe RAID, mid-range single-drive NVMe, or entry-level SATA?)
🔲 Verify cooling & power requirements (Does your chassis support high-performance modules?)
🔲 Check security needs (Do you require removable drives or encryption?)
🔲 Consider future scalability (Will your data storage needs grow over time?)
Download Our Full PXIe Data Storage Buying Guide
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right PXIe data storage module ensures fast, reliable, and secure data acquisition for electronic warfare, aerospace, research, and test and measurement applications.
For applications requiring ultra-fast speeds, NVMe RAID storage is the best choice. For cost-sensitive projects, SATA SSD-based PXIe storage provides a lower-cost alternative.
Need help selecting the best PXIe storage? Contact Conduant’s team for a free consultation.
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