NI PCI-5922 High-Resolution Digitizer – Precision A/D for Low‑Noise, Wideband Measurements

The NI PCI-5922 is a high‑resolution, two-channel digitizer for PCI-based PCs that typically excels when you need clean, low-noise data without giving up bandwidth. From my experience, teams pick it for audio and vibration capture, power quality analysis, sensor characterization, and precision transient recording where 24‑bit performance (at lower rates) and flexible sampling up to the tens of MS/s range matter. You might notice that it bridges a rare gap: high effective resolution for slow, detailed work and the headroom to step into faster events when needed—all in a standard PCI slot, bus‑powered, with NI-SCOPE driver support for LabVIEW and .NET.

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Key Features

• High‑resolution acquisition – Provides up to 24‑bit resolution at lower sample rates, ideal for precision, low‑noise analysis.
• Wide dynamic operating range – Software-selectable voltage ranges and input impedance (commonly 50 Ω / 1 MΩ) to match sensors and front ends.
• Flexible sampling – Supports variable sample rates up to high MHz territory for transient and mixed‑signal work, while preserving fidelity.
• Two simultaneous channels – Synchronous capture across both inputs, typically with advanced triggering for clean event isolation.
• PCI bus integration – Installs in standard desktop/industrial PCs; bus‑powered (no external supply), straightforward to deploy.
• NI-SCOPE driver ecosystem – Native integration with LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, and .NET; common examples help you get results faster.
• Low-noise front end – Suits audio testing, precision sensor work, and power quality where noise floor and linearity seem to be the limiting factors.

Technical Specifications

Where it’s typically used

• Audio and acoustic testing where 24‑bit detail helps expose distortion and noise artifacts.
• Power electronics and grid monitoring—harmonics, flicker, and transient capture with high ENOB at modest rates.
• Precision sensor characterization—strain, pressure, and high‑linearity transducers with external conditioning.
• Vibration and modal testing—pair with accelerometers and SMB‑to‑BNC cabling for clean multi‑run averages.

“We picked the PCI‑5922 to cross over between audio‑grade fidelity and higher‑speed events. Streaming to disk while running custom LabVIEW code was surprisingly stable.” — Test Engineer, power systems lab

Related or Supporting Products

• NI PXI-5922 – PXI form factor of the same high‑resolution digitizer for modular test racks; better for multi‑slot, synchronized systems.
• NI PXIe-5162 – Higher‑bandwidth PXIe digitizer (GS/s class, lower resolution) when fast edges and RF‑adjacent work take priority.
• SMB‑to‑BNC 50 Ω coaxial cables – Typical front‑end cabling for sensors and benches that are BNC‑based.
• 50 Ω terminators and inline attenuators – Useful to manage source impedance and over‑range on sensitive measurements.
• Industrial PC with PCI slots – For stable deployment; many teams prefer fan‑filtered chassis for lower dust ingress.

Installation & Maintenance

• Environment – Install in a clean, ventilated PC chassis; maintain ambient temperature in the typical 0–50 °C range; avoid vibration near the card.
• Cabinet & airflow – Keep adjacent PCI slots spaced if possible; ensure front‑to‑back airflow isn’t blocked by cable bundles.
• Wiring – Use quality 50 Ω coax; keep analog runs short; terminate correctly; route triggers and reference clock separately to minimize crosstalk.
• Grounding – Common‑mode issues show up fast on high‑resolution inputs; tie shields properly and avoid ground loops.
• Maintenance – Periodic dust cleaning with ESD‑safe air; review driver/firmware updates in NI‑SCOPE annually; verify calibration intervals based on your QMS (commonly 1 year).
• Software – Validate versions of LabVIEW/.NET and NI‑SCOPE in a staging PC before rolling updates to production benches.

Quality & Certifications

• CE and RoHS compliant (typical for NI PCI measurement hardware)
• Meets relevant safety and EMC standards for information technology equipment; UL/cUL markings commonly present
• Manufacturer’s standard warranty applies; our coverage: 365‑day warranty as stated above
• Traceable calibration services available on request

If you’re balancing noise floor, resolution, and workable bandwidth in a conventional PC, the NI PCI‑5922 usually lands in a sweet spot. Tell me your channel count, sample rate window, and how you plan to trigger—I can recommend cabling, terminators, and a driver version that keeps your setup stable from the first run.