Description
NI PCI-6259 – High‑precision Multifunction DAQ for PCI Test Racks
The NI PCI-6259 is a multifunction M Series data acquisition board designed for engineers who need reliable mixed-signal I/O in a standard desktop PCI chassis. From my experience, it’s the go-to when you want 16‑bit analog accuracy, plenty of channels, and tight hardware timing without moving to PXI or external USB boxes. You might notice that it integrates neatly with NI-DAQmx and common terminal blocks, so wiring, timing, and scaling typically come together fast.
Company’s Order Placement Process and Guarantees
- Warranty: 365 days
- Delivery: 1 week if in stock; no more than one month at the latest
- Payment: 50% advance payment, full payment before delivery
- Express options: FedEx, UPS, DHL
Key Features
- 32 analog input channels, 16‑bit – Ideal for multi-point voltage measurements; typical aggregate rates up to the M Series 1.25 MS/s class for single-channel sampling.
- 4 analog output channels, 16‑bit – Generate stimuli or closed-loop control signals; update rates up to the multi‑MS/s class in many cases.
- Digital I/O lines – Abundant static and correlated lines for handshakes, triggers, and pattern I/O when you need mixed-signal synchronization.
- Two 32‑bit counters/timers – Hardware timing for pulse measurement, encoder tasks, and buffered event counting.
- Deterministic hardware timing & triggering – PFI/RTSI routing makes cross‑device sync straightforward in a shared PC test station.
- NI-DAQmx software support – Quick to script tasks in LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, C/C++, .NET, and Python with stable drivers.
- Standard PCI form factor – Fits legacy and long-life PCs where PCI slots are still available; no external power required.
Customer remark: “We swapped three older boards for one PCI‑6259 and kept the wiring via SCB‑68A. Channel expansion was painless, and sync over RTSI worked right out of the box.”
Technical Specifications
| Brand / Model | National Instruments (NI) / PCI-6259 (M Series) |
| HS Code | 9030.89 (Instruments for measuring or checking electrical quantities, other) |
| Power Requirements | PCI bus powered (no external supply) |
| Dimensions & Weight | Standard PCI short card; approx. 175 mm (L) × 107 mm (H); weight ~250 g (typical) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to 55 °C (typical for M Series DAQ); non‑condensing humidity |
| Signal I/O Types | – Analog Inputs: 32 channels, 16‑bit, programmable ranges (e.g., ±10 V); multiplexed – Analog Outputs: 4 channels, 16‑bit, high‑speed voltage output – Digital I/O: Multiple lines for static/correlated I/O – Counters/Timers: 2 × 32‑bit hardware counters |
| Communication Interfaces | 32‑bit PCI (33 MHz), PFI lines for timing/trigger, RTSI bus for board‑to‑board sync; dual 68‑pin VHDCI connectors to external wiring accessories |
| Installation Method | Internal PCI card; connect field signals via NI terminal blocks (e.g., SCB‑68A, BNC‑2120) and shielded 68‑pin cables |
| Software & Drivers | NI‑DAQmx; supports LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, C/C++, .NET, and common Python bindings (OS support depends on driver version) |
Related or Supporting Products
- NI PCIe-6259 – PCI Express version with similar I/O counts; typically better bus throughput and modern PC compatibility.
- NI USB-6259 – External USB form factor; convenient when a desktop slot isn’t available, at the expense of chassis integration.
- NI X Series (e.g., PCIe-6323 / PCIe-6343) – Newer timing engine and higher digital performance; a good step‑up replacement path in many cases.
- SCB-68A – 68‑pin shielded terminal block with conditioning options; great for compact wiring to AI/AO.
- BNC-2120 / BNC-2110 – BNC breakout with onboard signal conditioning and convenient front-panel access.
- SHC68-68-EPM – Shielded 68‑pin cable for low‑noise, reliable connections between the PCI‑6259 and terminal blocks.
Installation & Maintenance
- PC & cabinet: Install in a clean, ventilated chassis with an available 32‑bit PCI slot; allow airflow around adjacent slots.
- Wiring: Use shielded 68‑pin cables to terminal blocks (SCB‑68A, BNC‑2120). Keep high‑voltage or inductive lines separated to reduce crosstalk.
- Grounding & safety: Tie shields to a single point ground when possible. Observe channel-to-earth ratings and avoid floating high‑common‑mode sources.
- Software setup: Install a compatible NI‑DAQmx version; verify device in NI MAX, then create tasks for AI, AO, DIO, and counters.
- Calibration: Factory calibration is stable, but annual verification is recommended for regulated environments. Many teams schedule 12–24 month intervals.
- Cleaning: Power down and remove dust with dry air; avoid solvents. Check cable strain reliefs periodically.
- Firmware/driver updates: Keep NI‑DAQmx current to maintain OS support and fix timing edge cases that occasionally appear with new platforms.
Quality & Certifications
- CE compliant; RoHS and REACH compliant; EMC to EN 61326‑1 class for industrial environments (typical for NI M Series)
- Safety designed to IEC/EN 61010‑1 low-voltage directives (typical)
- Manufacturer quality system aligned with ISO 9001 practices
- Warranty: 365 days (provided as part of our sales guarantee above)
If you’re refreshing a mixed‑signal test bench or adding more channels to an existing NI setup, the PCI‑6259 balances channel density with clean timing features. One thing I appreciate is how easy it is to synchronize AI, AO, and counters when you need deterministic behavior without extra timing hardware.
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