NI PCIe‑6351 – X Series Multifunction DAQ for high-speed mixed-signal test and control

The NI PCIe‑6351 is a PCI Express X Series data acquisition board designed for fast, synchronized analog and digital measurements inside a PC. From my experience, it fits well where you need reliable ±10 V analog input, a couple of precise analog outputs, and plenty of digital I/O for triggers and control—without the overhead of external boxes. Typical applications include end-of-line functional testing, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) stimulus/response, and lab automation where timing determinism and driver maturity matter.

Order Placement Process and Guarantees

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

Key Features

• 16‑bit analog inputs (up to ±10 V) – Typically 16 single‑ended or 8 differential channels with programmable ranges for sensors and bench signals.
• High-speed AI sampling – 1.25 MS/s class aggregate rate suits dynamic tests, burst capture, and control loops that need tight timing.
• 2 analog outputs (16‑bit) – Generate waveforms or setpoints; commonly up to around 900 kS/s per channel in many use cases.
• 24 lines of digital I/O – 5 V TTL/CMOS compatible; supports static control as well as correlated I/O for pattern streaming.
• 4 counters/Timers (32‑bit) – Frequency, PWM, encoder feedback, and buffered timing with a hardware timebase.
• PCI Express x1 interface – Low-latency bus mastering and DMA; no external power supply needed.
• NI‑DAQmx software support – Mature driver stack with examples for LabVIEW, C/C++, .NET, and Python; typically shortens bring‑up time.
• Flexible triggering and PFI – Hardware timing and triggering lines help synchronize with motion controllers, sensors, or other DAQ.

Technical Specifications

One thing I appreciate is how quickly teams get it running with NI‑DAQmx examples—signal routing, triggering, and buffered I/O are pretty transparent. You might notice that for higher channel counts, the onboard timing engine keeps sync tight even when you mix fast AI with correlated DIO.

Related or Supporting Products

• NI PCIe‑6321 – Similar I/O with lower AI rate (cost‑optimized for moderate sampling).
• NI PCIe‑6341 – Mid‑range step up from 6321; suitable when you need more headroom than 250 kS/s.
• NI PCIe‑6361 – Higher‑speed variant (2 MS/s class AI) for more demanding dynamics testing.
• NI USB‑6351 – USB form factor equivalent when a portable or laptop setup is preferred.
• Cables & Terminal Blocks: SHC68‑68‑EPM shielded cable; SCB‑68A or CB‑68LP for screw terminals; BNC‑2110/BNC‑2120 for quick BNC connections.

Installation & Maintenance

• PC & cabinet – Install in a clean, ventilated chassis; avoid blocking adjacent slots for airflow. Standard ATX or industrial PCs work well.
• Wiring – Use shielded 68‑pin cables; route analog away from high‑current lines. Provide strain relief near the terminal block.
• Grounding & safety – Reference inputs properly (SE vs DIFF). Keep within rated input ranges; the board is not isolated.
• Software & drivers – Install NI‑DAQmx before hardware where possible. Verify device in NI MAX and run self‑test/self‑cal.
• Routine maintenance – Annual calibration is typical for tighter accuracy. Keep connectors clean; check screw terminals and cable backshells quarterly. Update NI‑DAQmx/firmware during planned downtime.

Quality & Certifications

• CE marking; RoHS compliant; WEEE/REACH in most markets
• Designed for EMC immunity/emissions per EN standards for information technology equipment
• Manufacturer’s standard quality system aligns with ISO 9001 practices
• Warranty: 365 days (service terms as listed above)