National Instruments  PCI-4472B – 8‑Channel Dynamic Signal Acquisition for Sound & Vibration on PCI

The NI PCI-4472B is a workhorse DSA card for lab and production test teams that need clean, phase-accurate measurements without babysitting the setup. It brings 8 simultaneous 24‑bit analog inputs to a standard PCI slot, with precision anti‑alias filtering, IEPE sensor excitation for microphones and accelerometers, and per‑channel AC/DC coupling. From my experience, it’s the kind of board you install once and rely on for years in modal analysis, rotating machinery diagnostics, and acoustics labs.

One thing I appreciate is how predictable the results are: you get 100 dB‑class dynamic range, sampling up to 102.4 kS/s per channel, and tight channel‑to‑channel phase. You might notice that it behaves more like a compact analyzer than a generic DAQ card—especially when you lock multiple devices together over RTSI for higher channel counts.

Company’s Order Placement Process and Guarantees

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

Key Features

• 8 simultaneous analog inputs (24‑bit): Sigma‑delta converters maintain phase alignment across channels for confident cross‑spectral work.
• Up to 102.4 kS/s per channel: Suited for NVH, vibration, and acoustics where bandwidth up to the tens of kHz is typically required.
• Integrated IEPE excitation: Powers ICP/IEPE microphones and accelerometers—no external conditioner in most cases.
• AC or DC coupling, per‑channel: Flexibly handle sensor bias, low‑frequency content, and structural dynamics.
• Built‑in anti‑alias filtering: Tracking filters that seem to behave like a dedicated analyzer, giving clean spectra at high sample rates.
• BNC front panel connectivity: Quick, lab‑friendly connections for sensors and signal sources.
• Hardware timing & triggers: External trigger/clock and RTSI bus support to synchronize with other NI cards.
• Software ecosystem: NI‑DAQmx support for LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, and common text‑based languages; typically straightforward to deploy.

Technical Specifications

“We replaced a benchtop analyzer with the PCI‑4472B for a 24/7 end‑of‑line buzz/squeak/rattle test. Synchronization across two cards over RTSI stayed tight, and the team liked the simple IEPE setup.” — Automotive components manufacturer

Related or Supporting Products

• NI PXI-4472B: PXI form factor version for modular chassis; same measurement class, easier multi‑module sync in PXI.
• NI PCI-4474: 4‑channel DSA board when space or budget is tighter and you don’t need eight inputs.
• NI PCI-4462: 2‑channel, 24‑bit DSA with higher per‑channel sample rate (commonly used when bandwidth is the priority).
• NI USB-4432 / USB-4431: Portable USB DSA alternatives for field work; fewer slots needed, typically lower channel counts.
• Accessories: Low‑noise BNC cables, IEPE accelerometers/microphones, BNC breakouts, and calibration services (1‑year or 2‑year intervals).

Installation & Maintenance

• PC & cabinet: Install in a clean, ventilated desktop or industrial PC. Keep airflow unobstructed; vibration‑prone cabinets benefit from rubber isolation mounts.
• Wiring: Use shielded BNC cables; for IEPE sensors, enable excitation in software and verify bias levels. AC coupling helps when DC offsets are present.
• Grounding & noise: From my experience, most issues come from ground loops. Tie shields at one end and keep sensor cabling clear of power lines.
• Sync & scaling: For multi‑card setups, use RTSI for shared clocks/triggers. Confirm sensitivity (mV/g or mV/Pa) per sensor for correct engineering units.
• Safety: Power down the PC before inserting/removing the card. Observe ESD precautions. Don’t exceed sensor and channel input limits.
• Routine maintenance: Dust the PC interior every few months, verify sensor bias readings, and schedule calibration annually or biennially depending on QA needs.
• Software/firmware: Keep NI‑DAQmx and device firmware current; updated drivers typically improve stability and timing features.

Quality & Certifications

• Certifications: CE and RoHS compliant; WEEE applicable. Manufacturer operates under ISO 9001‑type quality systems.
• Manufacturer warranty (typical): 1‑year limited warranty from NI for new units; regional variations may apply.
• Our coverage: 365‑day warranty with the order terms above.