Description
NI PCI‑6225 Multifunction DAQ – High‑Channel Analog Measurement on a Standard PCI Bus
The NI PCI‑6225 is a classic M Series data acquisition board for engineers who need a lot of analog inputs without moving to a chassis system. It combines 16‑bit measurement accuracy with a high channel count, so you can wire many sensors directly into a single PC. From my experience, it fits well in laboratory automation, production test benches, and university R&D rigs where you want reliable ±10 V measurements, modest sampling rates, and straightforward PCI integration.
One thing I appreciate is how predictable it is under NI‑DAQmx: you drop it into a desktop, install the driver, and you’re streaming data in minutes. You might notice that it’s not about extreme throughput; it’s about stable, synchronized measurements across many channels, with the usual M Series perks like PFI timing lines and hardware counters for clean triggering.
Our Order Process & Guarantees
- Warranty: 365 days
- Lead time: 1 week if in stock; no more than 1 month at the latest
- Payment: 50% advance; full payment before delivery
- Express options: FedEx, UPS, DHL
Key Features
- High‑channel analog input: typically 80 SE or 40 differential channels for dense sensor wiring on one card.
- 16‑bit ADC accuracy: suitable for ±10 V measurement tasks where resolution and repeatability matter.
- Aggregate AI sampling around 250 kS/s: balanced for multi‑channel scanning without oversizing the PC.
- Analog outputs included: voltage AO channels for stimulus, calibration, or closed‑loop control when needed.
- Digital I/O and counters: TTL‑level lines and two 32‑bit counters for timing, event counting, and flexible triggering.
- PCI bus integration: 32‑bit, 33 MHz PCI—no external power, just slot it in and cable to a terminal block.
- NI‑DAQmx software stack: stable driver support with LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, and C/.NET APIs.
- Dual 68‑pin connectivity: works with standard NI shielded cables and terminal blocks for tidy wiring.
Technical Specifications
| Brand / Model | National Instruments NI PCI‑6225 (M Series DAQ) |
| HS Code | 8471.80 (Units of automatic data processing machines) |
| Power Requirements | PCI bus powered (no external supply) |
| Form Factor / Dimensions & Weight | Full‑height PCI plug‑in card (standard short PCI length) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to 45 °C (typical for M Series desktop boards) |
| Signal I/O Types | AI: 16‑bit, ±10 V ranges, SE/DIFF; AO: voltage outputs; DIO: TTL‑compatible; Counters: 2 × 32‑bit |
| Max AI Throughput | Up to 250 kS/s aggregate (multiplexed) |
| Connectivity | Two 68‑pin I/O connectors (use NI shielded cables to terminal blocks) |
| Communication Interfaces | 32‑bit PCI bus, PFI lines for triggers/clocks; RTSI bus support for board‑to‑board sync |
| Installation Method | Install in a desktop PCI slot; wire via NI terminal blocks and shielded cables |
| Software Support | NI‑DAQmx; compatible with LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, C/C++, .NET |
Field note from a test engineer we worked with last quarter: “We replaced two older E Series cards with a single PCI‑6225 and cleaned up the wiring using SCB‑68A blocks. Channel scanning at 5 kS/s per channel stayed stable, and the PFI trigger made our timing a lot less fussy.”
Related & Supporting Products
- NI PCIe‑6225 – PCI Express version; similar I/O with a PCIe interface for newer PCs.
- NI USB‑6225 – USB variant; portable form factor, useful when a desktop chassis isn’t available.
- NI SCB‑68A – Shielded 68‑pin terminal block; strain relief and cold‑junction options for neat wiring.
- NI BNC‑2110 – BNC terminal block; quick connection for lab instruments and coax sensors.
- NI SHC68‑68‑EPM – Shielded 68‑pin cable optimized for M Series signal integrity.
- NI CB‑68LP / TBX‑68 – Low‑profile terminal boards for tight cabinets.
- Upgrade path: NI X Series (e.g., PCIe‑6323/6363) – Higher timing performance; fewer native AI channels but better sample rates and timing engines.
Installation & Maintenance
- Cabinet/PC: Use a clean, ventilated enclosure; keep the PCI slot clear for airflow. Avoid high‑EMI zones near VFDs or large relays.
- Wiring: Use shielded 68‑pin cables to terminal blocks; tie shields to a single ground point to minimize ground loops.
- Power & grounding: The card is bus‑powered. Ensure the PC power supply is stable and earth‑grounded; in many cases this removes random noise.
- Triggers & clocks: Prefer hardware PFI triggers. For multi‑board sync, route RTSI properly and verify in NI‑MAX.
- Software: Install the latest NI‑DAQmx supported by your OS. Firmware updates come via the driver stack in most cases.
- Calibration: Annual calibration is typical. For tighter uncertainty budgets, consider 6‑month intervals.
- Cleaning: Power down and remove the card before dusting; use dry air only—no solvents.
Quality & Certifications
- Certifications: CE, RoHS; typical NI safety approvals (UL/CSA) for PC plug‑in cards.
- Manufacturer warranty: Typically 1‑year limited warranty from National Instruments.
- Traceability: Calibration certificates available on request when sourced with calibration service.
If you’re consolidating multiple medium‑speed signals into one workstation, the PCI‑6225 seems to be a very safe choice. I usually pair it with SCB‑68A blocks and the SHC68‑68‑EPM cable to keep noise predictable and bring‑up painless.
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