NI PCI-5114 High-Speed Digitizer – 2‑Channel, 8‑bit, up to 250 MS/s for PCI-based Mixed-Signal Capture

The NI PCI-5114 is a dependable 2‑channel, 8‑bit digitizer card for desktop PCs that need real oscilloscope‑class performance without a bench scope taking up space. It’s typically used for automated test, transient capture, and mixed‑signal validation where you want deep software control and repeatable results. From my experience, it sits in a sweet spot: fast enough for most RF‑adjacent and power electronics work, but straightforward to integrate with NI‑SCOPE and LabVIEW or straight C/C++.

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 terms: 50% advance payment; full payment before delivery
• Express options: FedEx, UPS, DHL

Key Features

• Up to 250 MS/s sampling rate – captures fast edges and short transients that entry‑level DAQs typically miss.
• 2 analog channels, 8‑bit resolution – great for parallel measurements on power and control signals without juggling probes.
• Wide analog bandwidth (around 200 MHz) – seems to be the practical ceiling for many mixed‑signal boards in this class.
• Flexible front-end: AC/DC coupling, 50 Ω or 1 MΩ input impedance – adapt to RF‑style sources or high‑impedance sensors.
• Versatile triggering – analog edge on either channel, external trigger input; helps lock onto intermittent events.
• PCI and RTSI synchronization – coordinate with other NI boards for multi‑instrument timing without a tangle of cables.
• NI‑SCOPE driver support – integrates cleanly with LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, or C/C++ for automated test sequences.

Technical Specifications

Related or Supporting Products

• NI PXI-5114 – PXI form factor version for modular chassis; same core performance in a synchronized PXI environment.
• NI PCI-5112 – 2‑ch, 8‑bit digitizer with lower max sample rate; suitable when 100 MS/s‑class speed is enough.
• NI PCI-5122 – 2‑ch, 14‑bit, up to 100 MS/s; trades speed for higher vertical resolution in precision measurements.
• NI PCI-5124 – 2‑ch, 12‑bit, up to 200 MS/s; balanced choice for bandwidth and resolution in mixed‑signal test.
• 50 Ω BNC feed‑through terminator – for proper source matching on high‑frequency measurements.
• Low‑loss BNC‑to‑BNC coaxial cables (e.g., 1–2 m, 50 Ω) – preserves bandwidth and reduces ringing in fast edges.
• NI RTSI cable – synchronizes the PCI-5114 with other NI PCI cards for shared triggers and clocks.

Installation & Maintenance

• PC/Enclosure: Use a standard desktop with a free full‑length PCI slot. Make sure there’s clear airflow around the card; one thing I appreciate is how much better these digitizers perform thermally with a clean, dust‑free intake.
• Wiring & Probing: For high‑frequency or fast‑edge signals, use 50 Ω source/termination when possible. Keep BNC leads short to avoid reflections; you might notice measurables improve immediately.
• Grounding/EMI: Tie shields properly and avoid ground loops. In many cases, using AC coupling for high‑offset signals prevents saturating the front end.
• Triggering: Prefer external trigger when correlating with other instruments. RTSI is typically the cleanest way to share clocks across multiple NI PCI cards.
• Maintenance: Vacuum dust from the chassis quarterly; check BNC connectors for wear. Calibration every 1–2 years is a practical interval for most labs; driver/firmware updates via NI‑SCOPE help stability.
• Safety: De‑energize the system before installation. Do not exceed the specified input ranges; always terminate 50 Ω paths when used.

A test engineer in automotive validation told me they moved to PCI‑5114 cards to capture injector current profiles while watching supply rail noise on the second channel. The repeatability compared to a bench scope, especially under automated test, made their day‑to‑day much smoother.

Quality & Certifications

• CE compliant; RoHS compliant
• Manufactured under ISO 9001 quality systems (typical for NI hardware)
• Manufacturer’s standard warranty applies; our supply warranty is 365 days as stated above

If you’re upgrading an existing PCI test station, the NI PCI-5114 tends to drop in cleanly and gives you the headroom to automate more of your capture/analysis. If you want, share your sample rates, expected bandwidth, and trigger scheme; I can match accessories and confirm compatibility before you place the order.