National Instruments  PCI-6255 – High‑Channel M Series DAQ for Fast, Multipoint Analog Measurement

The NI PCI-6255 is a multifunction M Series data acquisition board designed for applications that need lots of analog input channels without giving up sampling speed. It’s commonly chosen for automated test racks, sensor panels, and laboratory setups where you may have dozens of points to scan and log in parallel. From my experience, teams step up to the 6255 when they’ve outgrown lower-speed scan cards but still want the familiar NI-DAQmx workflow and straightforward wiring to SCB-68A or BNC terminal blocks. One thing I appreciate is how easily it synchronizes with other PCI devices over RTSI, which, in many cases, saves hours when you scale a system.

Company’s Order Placement Process and Guarantees

• Warranty: 365 days
• Delivery: typically 1 week for in-stock items; no more than one month at the latest
• Payment: 50% advance payment; full payment prior to delivery
• Express: FedEx, UPS, DHL

Key Features

• High‑channel analog input – Typically up to 80 AI channels (16‑bit), ideal for dense sensor panels and multi-point logging.
• Fast M Series sampling – Up to 1.25 MS/s aggregate AI on M Series hardware, helping reduce scan latency across many channels.
• Built‑in analog output – 2 AO channels (16‑bit, high‑update rate) for stimulus, loop tuning, or reference signals.
• Digital I/O and counters – 24 lines of TTL/CMOS DIO plus 2×32‑bit counters for timing, PWM, or encoder tasks.
• Bus‑powered PCI card – No external power supply; simplifies integration in industrial PCs and PXI/IPC hybrids with PCI slots.
• Timing & triggering – PFI/trigger lines and RTSI support for deterministic, multi-device synchronization.
• NI‑DAQmx software support – Seamless control from LabVIEW, C/C#, Python, and .NET; reduces application development time.
• Robust for lab and light‑industrial use – Operates in typical 0–55°C environments with proper enclosure ventilation.

Technical Specifications

Related or Supporting Products

• NI PCI-6225 – Similar 80‑channel layout at lower AI throughput (cost‑effective for slower scans).
• NI PCI-6259 – 32 AI, 16‑bit, 1.25 MS/s; higher AO/DIO density for mixed‑signal benches.
• NI PCIe-6259 – PCI Express interface; comparable M Series performance with higher bus bandwidth.
• SCB-68A – Shielded 68‑pin connector block for field wiring and cold‑junction options.
• BNC-2110 – BNC termination for quick lab hookup and sensor swaps.
• SHC68-68-EPM – Shielded 68‑pin cable typically used with M Series PCI boards.

Installation & Maintenance

• Environment & enclosure – Use a clean, ventilated industrial PC or 19‑inch rack PC with a free 5 V PCI slot. Keep ambient within 0–55°C and avoid dust ingress.
• Wiring practices – Prefer shielded twisted pairs for analog signals; differential wiring helps in noisy environments. Tie shields to a single-point ground to minimize loops.
• Power & grounding – Ensure the host PC power supply is stable and chassis is properly grounded. Separate high-current loads from low‑level measurement cabling.
• Software setup – Install the latest NI‑DAQmx driver. From my experience, driver updates often bring meaningful stability and device support improvements.
• Calibration – Follow a 1–2 year calibration interval depending on compliance needs. Use NI‑recommended procedures or accredited labs.
• Routine care – Periodically clean PCI slots and connectors with dry air. Verify connectors and strain relief on 68‑pin cables, especially in mobile racks.

Quality & Certifications

• CE (EMC/LVD) and RoHS compliant; typical FCC Part 15 (Class A) for IT equipment.
• Manufacturer warranty: NI standard limited hardware warranty (commonly 1–3 years depending on product/region; verify by serial and purchase channel).
• We support the unit with a 365‑day warranty as stated above.