Description
Detailed Parameter Table
| Parameter Name | Parameter Value |
| Product model | NI PCI-6036 |
| Manufacturer | National Instruments (NI) |
| Product category | PCI-Based Multifunctional Data Acquisition (DAQ) Card (E Series) |
| Analog input channels | 16 single-ended / 8 differential channels |
| Analog input resolution | 16-bit |
| Maximum sampling rate (analog input) | 200 kS/s (single-channel); 100 kS/s (multichannel simultaneous) |
| Analog input voltage ranges | ±10 V, ±5 V, ±0.5 V, ±0.05 V (software-selectable) |
| Analog output channels | 2 channels (16-bit resolution) |
| Maximum output rate (analog output) | 10 kS/s per channel |
| Digital I/O lines | 8 lines (TTL/CMOS-compatible, software-configurable as input/output) |
| Counter/timer | 2 x 24-bit, 20 MHz counters (for frequency measurement, pulse generation) |
| Communication interface | PCI (32-bit, 33 MHz); compatible with 3.3 V and 5 V PCI slots |
| Operating temperature range | 0 °C to 55 °C (32 °F to 131 °F) |
| Storage temperature range | -20 °C to 70 °C (-4 °F to 158 °F) |
| Power consumption | +5 VDC @ 1.2 A (max); +12 VDC @ 0.3 A (max); -12 VDC @ 0.1 A (max) |
| Calibration support | On-board self-calibration (software-controlled); annual external calibration recommended |
| Software compatibility | NI-DAQmx driver, LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, C/C++, .NET, Python |
NI PCI-6036
Product Introduction
The NI PCI-6036 is a cost-effective multifunctional DAQ card from National Instruments (NI), belonging to the company’s renowned E Series— a line trusted for balancing performance and affordability in industrial automation and academic testing. Designed for small-to-mid-scale applications, the NI PCI-6036 integrates analog input/output, digital I/O, and counter/timer functions into a single PCI card, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices and reducing system complexity.
At its core, the NI PCI-6036 delivers reliable 16-bit precision, making it suitable for tasks like sensor signal capture (e.g., temperature, pressure) and low-speed control. When paired with NI’s NI-DAQmx driver, the NI PCI-6036 seamlessly integrates with common software tools like LabVIEW, enabling users to build custom test or monitoring systems without extensive programming expertise. This accessibility, combined with its robust industrial design, makes the NI PCI-6036 a go-to choice for budget-conscious teams needing accurate, all-in-one DAQ capabilities.
Core Advantages and Technical Highlights
Cost-Effective All-in-One Design: The NI PCI-6036 combines analog I/O, digital I/O, and counters in a single card— a key advantage over discrete components that would require multiple PCI slots and higher costs. For example, a small manufacturing plant can use the NI PCI-6036 to measure 4 temperature sensors (analog input), control a relay (digital output), and track motor speed (counter)—all with one device. This integration cuts hardware expenses by up to 40% compared to standalone modules.
16-Bit Precision for Accurate Measurements: With 16-bit analog input resolution, the NI PCI-6036 captures subtle signal variations (down to ~1.2 μV in the ±0.05 V range) that 12-bit DAQ cards might miss. This precision is critical for applications like laboratory experiments, where students use the NI PCI-6036 to measure small voltage changes in circuit prototypes, or industrial quality control, where the card verifies tight tolerance levels in sensor outputs.
Flexible Voltage Ranges: The NI PCI-6036 offers four software-selectable input ranges (from ±0.05 V to ±10 V), adapting to diverse signal sources without external attenuators or amplifiers. For instance, users can switch from measuring a 50 mV strain gauge signal (±0.05 V range) to a 10 V motor control signal (±10 V range) via software—no hardware reconfiguration needed. This flexibility reduces setup time and minimizes signal loss from external components.
On-Board Self-Calibration: Unlike many budget DAQ cards that require manual potentiometer adjustments, the NI PCI-6036 features software-controlled self-calibration. This ensures measurement accuracy over time and temperature fluctuations, critical for long-term monitoring applications (e.g., tracking ambient conditions in a warehouse). Users can run calibration in minutes via NI-DAQmx, eliminating the need for specialized calibration tools.
Typical Application Scenarios
The NI PCI-6036 excels in cost-sensitive, small-scale automation and testing scenarios across industries. In academic research, it is a staple in electrical engineering labs: students use the NI PCI-6036 to conduct experiments like RC circuit time-constant analysis (measuring voltage decay via analog input) or digital logic testing (controlling LEDs via digital output). Its compatibility with LabVIEW lets educators create step-by-step tutorials, making it easy for beginners to learn DAQ fundamentals.
In small manufacturing, the NI PCI-6036 supports quality control (QC) stations for low-volume production. For example, a maker of portable medical devices uses the NI PCI-6036 to test battery voltage (analog input) and verify button functionality (digital input) of each unit. The card’s 200 kS/s sampling rate ensures fast QC throughput, while its 16-bit precision guarantees compliance with medical device voltage standards.
In industrial maintenance, the NI PCI-6036 is used for predictive monitoring of small machinery. A facility manager might connect the NI PCI-6036 to vibration sensors (analog input) on a small pump and a temperature sensor (another analog input) to track equipment health. The card’s counter function also monitors pump RPM, alerting staff to abnormal speeds that indicate wear—helping prevent unplanned downtime.
NI PCI-6036
Related Model Recommendations
NI PCI-6035: A sibling in the E Series with identical features but a lower maximum sampling rate (100 kS/s single-channel), serving as a cost-saving alternative to the NI PCI-6036 for low-speed applications (e.g., static temperature monitoring).
NI PCI-6037: An upgraded E Series model with a higher sampling rate (500 kS/s) and 16 analog inputs, ideal for users needing faster data capture than the NI PCI-6036 (e.g., high-speed sensor testing).
NI PCI-6221: A newer M Series DAQ card with 16-bit resolution and 250 kS/s sampling rate, replacing the NI PCI-6036 for users upgrading to more modern hardware with improved noise performance.
NI cDAQ-9201: A CompactDAQ module with 8 analog inputs, a portable alternative to the NI PCI-6036 for field testing (e.g., on-site equipment maintenance) where PCI-based systems are impractical.
NI PCI-6024E: A legacy E Series card with 12-bit resolution, compatible with older systems and serving as a lower-cost backup for the NI PCI-6036 in non-critical applications.
NI PCIe-6321: A PCI Express (PCIe) upgrade to the NI PCI-6036, offering faster data transfer (via PCIe x1) and 16 analog inputs for users transitioning from PCI to PCIe motherboards.
NI PCI-6031E: An E Series card with 8 analog inputs (half of the NI PCI-6036), designed for applications needing fewer channels (e.g., simple two-sensor monitoring).
NI PCI-6040E: An E Series model with 4 analog outputs (double the NI PCI-6036), ideal for users needing more control outputs (e.g., driving multiple actuators in a test setup).
Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance Instructions
Installation preparation: Before installing the NI PCI-6036, confirm the host PC has an available 32-bit PCI slot (3.3 V or 5 V compatible) and meets system requirements (Windows 7/10/11, 4 GB RAM, 200 MB free disk space for NI-DAQmx). Power off the PC and disconnect all power sources. Use an anti-static wristband to handle the NI PCI-6036, as electrostatic discharge can damage its components. Align the card’s edge connector with the PCI slot, press firmly until the bracket seats against the case, and secure with a screw. After installation, install the latest NI-DAQmx driver from NI’s website and run the hardware detection utility in NI Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) to verify connectivity.
Maintenance suggestions: Clean the NI PCI-6036’s PCI connector every 3 months with compressed air to remove dust, which can cause intermittent connectivity. Run self-calibration quarterly (or after significant temperature changes) to maintain accuracy. If the NI PCI-6036 fails to communicate, check for loose cables, verify the driver is up to date, and test the card in a different PCI slot. For hardware issues (e.g., unresponsive channels), contact NI support—do not open the card, as this voids the warranty. Replace damaged BNC cables or terminal blocks promptly to avoid signal distortion.
Service and Guarantee Commitment
The NI PCI-6036 comes with a standard 1-year manufacturer’s warranty, covering defects in materials and workmanship. NI guarantees the NI PCI-6036 will meet all published technical specifications during the warranty period, with free repair or replacement of defective units. Customers can extend coverage to 5 years via NI’s Extended Service Program (ESP), which includes annual calibration, priority technical support, and expedited repair (48–72 hour turnaround).
NI provides comprehensive support for the NI PCI-6036 through online resources (application notes, video tutorials, and a community forum), email support, and phone access to DAQ experts. For custom integration needs, NI offers professional services—including system design and LabVIEW code development—to help users maximize the NI PCI-6036’s value. This commitment ensures users have reliable access to expertise and resources, protecting their investment in the NI PCI-6036 for years.
