NI PCIe-6323 – Multifunction X Series DAQ for high‑channel mixed‑signal measurements on PCI Express

The NI PCIe-6323 is a versatile X Series multifunction data acquisition card designed for engineers who need lots of channels in a single PC. From my experience, it’s a solid fit for automated test rigs, production monitoring, or lab benches where you want 32 analog inputs, hardware-timed digital I/O, and reliable counter/timer resources without overcomplicating the setup. You might notice that it strikes a nice balance: enough performance to handle typical mixed-signal tasks, yet stable and predictable for 24/7 systems.

Company’s Order Placement Process and Guarantees

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

Key Features

• 32 analog inputs (16-bit) – Typically configured as 32 SE or 16 differential channels, suitable for ±10 V instrumentation and general sensor work.
• Up to ~250 kS/s aggregate AI rate – Well-suited for multi-channel scanning, trend capture, and control feedback in many cases.
• Analog outputs on board – 16-bit voltage outputs (commonly four channels on this model) for stimulus generation, setpoints, or loop control.
• 48 lines of digital I/O (TTL) – Correlated, hardware-timed DIO helps when you need pattern I/O synchronized to your analog tasks.
• Four 32‑bit counters/timers – Quadrature, frequency, pulse measurement, or PWM duties using a high‑frequency timebase.
• PCI Express x1 interface – Simple installation in a desktop or industrial PC; no external power typically required.
• Two 68‑pin VHDCI connectors – Clean break‑out to shielded terminal blocks or BNC panels for faster wiring.
• DAQmx driver ecosystem – Mature software support for Windows and, in many cases, Linux; easy task configuration and repeatability.

A production engineer told us, “We swapped an aging M Series card for the PCIe‑6323 and kept our LabVIEW code almost as-is. The extra counters and cleaner timing made our line testing noticeably smoother.”

Technical Specifications

Related or Supporting Products

• NI PCIe-6321 – Similar family with fewer AI channels (typically 16 AI) and fewer AO (often 2). A good choice when you don’t need the higher channel count.
• NI PCIe-6343 – Higher AI rate (commonly up to ~500 kS/s aggregate) while keeping a comparable I/O mix. Useful for faster dynamics.
• NI PCIe-6353 – Moves to higher throughput (around ~1.25 MS/s AI), ideal when bandwidth is the bottleneck.
• Shielded Cables – SHC68-68-EPM or equivalent 68‑pin VHDCI cable for low‑noise connections to terminal blocks.
• Terminal Blocks – SCB-68A (screw‑terminal with shielding), BNC-2110 (BNC connectivity), CB-68LP (compact low‑profile) depending on wiring style.

One thing I appreciate is how the 6323 pairs with an SCB‑68A: strain‑relief plus per‑channel labeling tends to cut wiring mistakes on first builds.

Installation & Maintenance

• PC/Chassis – Use a stable, grounded PC chassis with a free PCIe x1 or higher slot. Maintain clear airflow; avoid blocking adjacent slots in compact enclosures.
• Wiring & Shielding – Route analog and digital bundles separately. In most cases, shielded 68‑pin cables to a shielded terminal block noticeably reduce pickup on low‑level signals.
• Grounding – Tie sensor grounds sensibly to avoid ground loops; differential AI is recommended for noisy environments.
• ESD & Handling – Handle the board by the edges; use ESD protection during installation. Power down the PC before inserting/removing the card.
• Routine Care – Light dust removal every few months; verify screw terminals remain tight. Annual signal path check (spot calibration against a known reference) is typically sufficient.
• Firmware/Driver – Keep NI‑DAQmx up to date to ensure fixes and OS compatibility; it seems to improve device stability in many cases.

Quality & Certifications

• CE, RoHS, and REACH compliance for typical NI X Series boards
• Manufactured under ISO 9001 quality systems
• Manufacturer’s warranty: typically 1 year; our supply warranty is 365 days as stated above

If you’re upgrading an older M Series setup or building a compact mixed‑signal station, the PCIe‑6323 usually drops in with minimal code changes under NI‑DAQmx. The payoff is predictable timing, more counters, and cleaner synchronization between analog and digital tasks.