Description
NI PCI-6601 Counter/Timer Board – Reliable 4‑Counter Timing and 32‑Line Digital I/O for PCI Systems
The NI PCI-6601 is a workhorse counter/timer board for legacy and long-life PC platforms that still run standard 32-bit, 5 V PCI slots. It gives you four 32-bit hardware counters and 32 channels of TTL digital I/O on a single, short-length card. From my experience, it’s a straightforward choice for encoder reading, frequency/period measurement, event counting, and generating pulse trains or one-shot triggers in automated test stands and light industrial rigs.
Typical use cases include counting parts on a conveyor, measuring RPM with a tach sensor, reading quadrature encoders on a lab jig, or producing a clean PWM signal to synchronize external instruments. One thing I appreciate is how it stays predictable under load; DMA-backed operations and NI-DAQmx support (in most cases) make timing tasks stable enough for 24/7 benches.
Company’s Order Placement Process and Guarantees
- Warranty: 365 days
- Delivery time: 1 week for in-stock; no more than one month at the latest
- Payment: 50% advance payment, full payment for delivery
- Express delivery: FedEx, UPS, DHL
Key Features
- 4 hardware counters (32-bit each) – Handles event counting, frequency/period, pulse-width, and quadrature encoder tasks with hardware timing.
- 32 channels of TTL digital I/O – Buffered lines for pattern I/O, handshaking, and simple machine signals (0 to 5 V, TTL-level).
- Flexible timing sources – Internal timebases (up to the tens of MHz range) with support for external source/gate routing on PFI lines.
- Deterministic pulse generation – Create pulse trains or single pulses for device triggering, gating, or basic PWM control.
- Single 68-pin I/O connector – Works with standard NI cables and terminal blocks for quick wiring to panels or breadboards.
- NI-DAQmx driver support – In many cases, supported on mainstream Windows versions; simplifies API calls in LabVIEW, C/C++, .NET.
- Legacy PCI compatibility – 32-bit, 5 V PCI interface for long-life industrial PCs and older controllers that still need dependable timing I/O.
Customer feedback (typical): “We swapped in the PCI‑6601 to count pulses from two encoders and generate a reference clock for our PLC rack. Setup took under an hour with NI‑DAQmx; it’s been running continuously for months.”
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand / Model | NI PCI-6601 |
| HS Code | 9030.89 (Instruments for measuring/checking electrical quantities, other) |
| Power Requirements | Bus-powered via PCI (+5 V); no external supply required |
| Counters | 4 x 32-bit counters; event count, frequency/period, pulse width; quadrature encoder support |
| Digital I/O | 32 x TTL lines (0–5 V), software-selectable directions (in groups); buffered |
| Signal Input/Output Types | TTL/CMOS compatible; PFI routing for counter source/gate; pulse train out |
| Timebases | Internal timebases (up to the tens of MHz range); accepts external sources typically up to ~20 MHz |
| Communication Interfaces | PCI 32‑bit, 33 MHz (5 V signaling); 68‑pin I/O connector; NI‑DAQmx API support (typical) |
| Connector & Cabling | Single 68‑pin (VHDCI/SCSI‑type); compatible with SH68‑68‑EP to CB‑68LP or BNC‑2121 |
| Installation Method | PCI slot (full‑height, short-length card); screw‑secured bracket |
| Operating Temperature | Typically 0 °C to 45 °C host environment (non‑condensing) |
| Dimensions & Weight | Half‑length PCI add‑in card; approx. 167 mm × 107 mm; lightweight |
Related or Supporting Products
- NI PCI-6602 – Similar platform with 8 counters (vs 4 on PCI‑6601) for higher channel density.
- NI PCIe-6612 / PCIe-6614 – PCIe versions with enhanced timing features and higher throughput; better for modern PCs without legacy PCI slots.
- NI USB/X Series (e.g., NI USB-6341) – Multifunction DAQ with counters plus analog I/O if you need a single-USB device for lab setups.
- Accessories: SH68-68-EP cable; CB-68LP/CB-68LPR terminal blocks (screw‑terminal access); BNC-2121 for counter/timer signals on BNC.
Installation & Maintenance
- Environment & cabinet: Install in a clean, ventilated PC chassis; maintain airflow around adjacent slots to avoid heat soak in long runs.
- Slot & power: Requires a 32‑bit, 5 V PCI slot. Many newer motherboards are PCIe‑only—double‑check before planning.
- Wiring: Use shielded 68‑pin cables for long runs or noisy panels. Keep encoder and high‑speed counter lines away from relays and VFD cabling.
- Signal levels: Inputs/outputs are TTL. Avoid connecting 12/24 V industrial signals directly—use level translators or opto-isolation as needed.
- Driver & software: Install NI‑DAQmx (supported versions for your OS). From my experience, matching driver version to OS build prevents most setup hiccups.
- Safety: Power down and ESD‑ground before inserting/removing the card. Secure the bracket and strain-relieve cables to the panel.
- Routine care: Periodically dust the chassis, re-seat the connector if vibrations are present, and check screw terminals for loosened connections. Firmware updates are uncommon; driver updates usually bring the real improvements.
Quality & Certifications
- Certifications: CE and RoHS compliant; manufacturer quality systems typically ISO 9001.
- Safety/Agency: Designed to meet applicable EN/UL requirements for information technology equipment.
- Warranty: 365 days (our coverage). Manufacturer policies may vary by region and build year.
You might notice that the PCI‑6601 hits a sweet spot when you need dependable counters without overpaying for analog I/O. If you’re unsure about driver support for your OS or need help mapping PFI lines to your application (encoders, tach, or PWM), send the setup details and we’ll sanity‑check the I/O plan before you place the order.
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