Description
NI PCI-6624 – Precision Counter/Timer and Digital Timing I/O for Deterministic Measurements on PCI
The NI PCI-6624 is built for applications where reliable timing and event measurement really matter. From my experience, it fits nicely when you need frequency/period measurement, edge counting, quadrature encoder tracking, or stable pulse/ PWM generation on a standard desktop PC. You might notice that it behaves more like a dedicated timing engine than a simple digital board—hardware timing, buffered operations, and NI‑DAQmx support make it straightforward to script repeatable test steps in LabVIEW, C/C++, or .NET. Typical use cases include spindle speed monitoring on benchtop testers, tachometer input on production rigs, and synchronized pulse trains to drive relays or stepper controllers.
Company’s Order Placement Process and Guarantees
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- – Warranty period: 365 days
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- – Delivery time: 1 week for in‑stock items, no more than one month at the latest
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- – Payment method: 50% advance payment, full payment for delivery
- – Express delivery: FedEx, UPS, DHL
Key Features
- Dedicated counter/timer engine – Designed for precise event counting, frequency/period measurement, pulse generation, and gating; ideal for motion feedback and production test triggers.
- Hardware‑timed digital timing I/O – Deterministic timing seems to be the key advantage when you need repeatable timing behavior without OS jitter.
- Encoder support – Reads quadrature (A/B/Z) in many cases, making it practical for speed and position feedback on rotating machinery.
- 5 V TTL I/O with PFI lines – Standard 68‑pin connectivity makes wiring to NI terminal blocks and shielded cables straightforward.
- Multi‑device synchronization – RTSI ribbon connectivity typically helps sync multiple PCI boards for phase‑aligned sampling and timing.
- NI‑DAQmx software support – Streamlined APIs for LabVIEW, C/C++, and .NET reduce setup time and simplify long‑term maintenance.
- Bus‑powered PCI – No external power supply; installation is simply seat the card and connect your field wiring.
Technical Specifications
| Brand / Model | National Instruments PCI-6624 |
| HS Code | 8473.30 (Parts and accessories for machines of heading 8471 – printed circuit assemblies) |
| Bus / Interface | 32‑bit PCI (33 MHz); RTSI header for board‑to‑board synchronization |
| Power Requirements | Powered from PCI bus (no external supply required) |
| Signal I/O Types | Counter/Timer and digital timing I/O; 5 V TTL‑level PFI lines via 68‑pin connector |
| Connectors | 68‑pin SCSI‑II/VHDCI front I/O; internal RTSI ribbon header (synchronization) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to 50 °C (typical for NI PCI boards) |
| Dimensions & Weight | Full‑height PCI add‑in card; fits standard desktop chassis |
| Software / Driver | NI‑DAQmx; compatible with LabVIEW, C/C++, and .NET APIs |
| Installation Method | Install in a PCI slot; connect 68‑pin cable to NI terminal blocks; optional RTSI ribbon for sync |
Related or Supporting Products
- NI PCI-6602 – Legacy counter/timer board; suitable when basic timing and counting are enough and PCIe isn’t required.
- NI PCIe-6612 – PCI Express timing I/O; typically preferred for newer PCs with higher throughput and improved timing features.
- NI PCIe-6321 / PCIe-6341 (X Series) – Multifunction DAQ with analog + advanced counters; a good choice when you need analog plus timing in one board.
- NI SH68‑68‑EP / SHC68‑68‑EPM – Shielded 68‑pin cables recommended for clean signals and reduced crosstalk.
- NI SCB‑68A / CB‑68LP – 68‑pin terminal blocks for convenient field wiring; SCB‑68A adds strain relief and conditioning options.
- NI BNC‑2121 – Breakout with BNC for counters and triggers; handy for tachometers and encoders in lab setups.
Installation & Maintenance
- Environment & cabinet – Use a standard desktop or 19‑inch rack PC with adequate ventilation. Keep ambient within the stated operating range; avoid dust‑heavy airflow directly across the card.
- Wiring – Use shielded 68‑pin cables to terminal blocks. For encoders, keep A/B/Z twisted and shielded; ground shields at a single point to reduce noise.
- Power & grounding – The board is bus‑powered; ensure the PC’s PSU is stable and properly grounded. Isolate high‑voltage lines from low‑level timing leads.
- Synchronization – When using multiple boards, link them with an RTSI ribbon and share a common reference clock for tighter phase alignment.
- Software setup – Install NI‑DAQmx first, then seat the card. From my experience, running a self‑test in NI MAX typically catches cabling or driver issues early.
- Routine care – Periodically clean connectors, verify encoder index alignment, and keep firmware/driver versions current for stability. Re‑check timing tasks after any PC OS update.
- Safety – Observe ESD precautions. Keep I/O within TTL limits; for industrial 24 V signals, use appropriate isolators or interface modules.
Quality & Certifications
- Certifications – CE and RoHS compliant; produced under ISO 9001 quality systems.
- Manufacturer support – Compatible with NI‑DAQmx driver stack and long‑term software support pathways in most cases.
- Warranty – 365‑day warranty from us; advance replacements can be arranged case‑by‑case to minimize downtime.







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