Description
NI PCI-6110 Product Description
1. General Information
Product Model: NI PCI-6110
Manufacturer: National Instruments (NI)
Product Category: High – Performance Multifunction Data Acquisition (DAQ) Card (PCI Interface)
2. Detailed Parameter Table
| Parameter Name | Parameter Value |
| Electrical Performance | |
| Analog Input | 16 single – ended / 8 differential channels; Resolution: 16 – bit; Sampling rate: Up to 2 MS/s (single – channel), 1 MS/s (multichannel, 8 differential channels); Input range: ±0.2 V, ±0.5 V, ±1 V, ±2 V, ±5 V, ±10 V (6 software – selectable ranges) |
| Analog Output | 2 channels; Resolution: 16 – bit; Output range: 0–5 V, 0–10 V, ±5 V (selectable); Update rate: 1 MS/s per channel |
| Digital I/O | 24 lines (16 input/8 output, configurable); Logic levels: 5 V TTL/CMOS |
| Counter/Timer | 2 × 24 – bit up/down counters (max frequency 80 MHz); PWM output: Supported via counter/timer (up to 2 MHz) |
| Physical Size | Dimensions (L×W×H): 175 mm × 106 mm × 20 mm (standard PCI form factor); Weight: Approximately 230 g |
| Interface Type | PCI 2.2 compliant (32 – bit, 33 MHz); Dual 68 – pin SCSI – II connectors for analog/digital signals; 10 – pin header for counter/timer signals; RTSI bus connector (8 – line) for multi – device synchronization |
| Communication Protocol | PCI bus for data transfer; Compatible with NI – DAQmx and legacy Traditional NI – DAQ drivers; Supports scatter – gather DMA for efficient high – speed data transfer; Supports register – level programming and SCPI |
| Environmental Requirements | Operating temperature: 0 °C to 55 °C; Storage temperature: – 20 °C to 70 °C; Relative humidity: 10% to 90% (non – condensing); Operating altitude: Up to 2000 m; Vibration resistance: 2 g (10 Hz to 500 Hz); Shock resistance: 50 g (11 ms half – sine) |
| Installation Method | Standard PCI slot mounting (compatible with PCI 2.1/2.2 chassis); Easy – to – install design for quick setup in various systems |
| Performance Indicators | Analog input accuracy: ±0.01% full scale (FS) at 25 °C; Analog output accuracy: ±0.1% FS; Digital I/O max sink/source current: 24 mA per line; Counter frequency: Up to 80 MHz; FIFO buffer: 32 kB for analog input, 4 kB for analog output; Signal – to – Noise Ratio (SNR): > 85 dB (analog input); Channel crosstalk: < – 80 dB (at 100 kHz) |
| Power Requirements | Powered by PCI bus (typical: 8 W); Peak power consumption: 12 W (during 2 MS/s sampling) |
| Compatibility | Works with Windows XP/Vista/7/10 (32 – bit/64 – bit); Compatible with NI LabVIEW (v8.0+), LabWindows/CVI, C/C++, Visual Basic 6.0; Full support for Traditional NI – DAQ; Good compatibility with newer .NET/Python via NI – DAQmx bridge |
NI PCI-6110
3. Product Introduction
The NI PCI – 6110 is a high – performance multifunction DAQ card developed by National Instruments. It is designed to meet the demanding requirements of various applications, especially those that require high – speed and high – precision data acquisition. As an upgrade from some of NI’s previous models, it offers enhanced features in terms of resolution, sampling rates, and overall performance.
This card is suitable for a wide range of users, including researchers in academic institutions, engineers in industrial automation, and those involved in test and measurement applications. For example, in a research laboratory studying high – speed physical phenomena, the PCI – 6110 can accurately capture transient signals with its 16 – bit resolution and high sampling rates. In industrial settings, it can be used for real – time monitoring and control of complex processes, thanks to its versatile analog and digital I/O capabilities.
4. Core Advantages and Technical Highlights
High – Resolution Data Acquisition: The 16 – bit analog input resolution of the NI PCI – 6110 allows for extremely precise measurements. In a sensor calibration application, for instance, it can detect minute changes in sensor output signals, ensuring accurate calibration results. This high resolution is crucial for applications where small signal variations carry important information, such as in high – end scientific research or precision manufacturing quality control.
Fast Sampling Rates: With a single – channel sampling rate of up to 2 MS/s and 1 MS/s for multichannel (8 differential channels), the PCI – 6110 can quickly capture fast – changing signals. In power electronics testing, it can precisely sample the high – frequency switching waveforms of power devices. The fast sampling rates enable the capture of transient events that might be missed by cards with lower sampling capabilities, ensuring comprehensive data for analysis.
Flexible I/O Configuration: The 24 – line digital I/O, which is configurable as 16 input/8 output, along with the 6 selectable analog input ranges and 3 selectable analog output ranges, provides great flexibility. In an industrial automation system, it can be easily configured to interface with different types of sensors and actuators. For example, it can be used to control the operation of motors while simultaneously monitoring various process variables through analog sensors.
Efficient Data Transfer: The scatter – gather DMA feature and the relatively large FIFO buffers (32 kB for analog input and 4 kB for analog output) ensure efficient data transfer. When sampling multiple channels at high rates, the scatter – gather DMA can split the data into smaller blocks and transfer them to non – contiguous memory locations, reducing the CPU load. This is especially important in applications where continuous high – speed data acquisition is required, such as in high – speed imaging systems where large amounts of data need to be transferred quickly without overwhelming the CPU.
5. Typical Application Scenarios
Industrial Automation: In a manufacturing plant, the NI PCI – 6110 can be used to monitor and control production processes. It can interface with temperature sensors, pressure sensors, and motor drives. For example, it can sample the temperature of a manufacturing process at high rates to detect any sudden changes that might indicate a problem. At the same time, it can control the speed of motors based on the feedback from sensors, ensuring smooth and efficient production.
Scientific Research: In a physics laboratory studying high – energy particle collisions, the PCI – 6110 can be used to capture the signals from detectors. Its high – resolution analog input and fast sampling rates are essential for accurately measuring the short – lived signals generated during particle collisions. The data collected can then be analyzed to gain insights into the fundamental properties of particles.
Test and Measurement: In an electronics testing facility, the card can be used to test the performance of electronic components. For example, when testing the response of an amplifier to high – frequency input signals, the PCI – 6110 can accurately sample the input and output signals of the amplifier. By comparing these signals, engineers can determine the gain, bandwidth, and other performance characteristics of the amplifier.
NI PCI-6110
6. Related Model Recommendations
NI PCI – 6071E: A legacy high – speed multifunction DAQ card. It has a lower analog input resolution (12 – bit compared to 16 – bit of PCI – 6110) but offers a higher single – channel sampling rate in some cases (up to 5 MS/s). It can be a cost – effective alternative for applications where high resolution is not as critical but high – speed sampling is required, such as in some legacy power electronics testing setups.
NI PCI – 6259: This card offers 16 – bit resolution like the PCI – 6110 but has more analog input channels (32 single – ended / 16 differential). It also has a different set of features in terms of analog output and digital I/O. It can be a suitable choice for applications that require a larger number of analog input channels, such as in large – scale environmental monitoring systems where multiple sensors need to be connected.
NI USB – 6366: A USB – powered DAQ module. It offers similar performance in terms of analog input resolution (16 – bit) and sampling rates (up to 2 MS/s single – channel). The advantage of this module is its portability, making it ideal for field testing applications. For example, in on – site inspection of industrial equipment, the USB – 6366 can be easily connected to a laptop for quick data acquisition, while the PCI – 6110 is more suitable for permanent installations in a laboratory or industrial control room.
7. Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance Instructions
Installation Preparation: Before installing the NI PCI – 6110, power off the target PC and ensure it has an available PCI 2.1/2.2 slot. Wear an ESD wristband to prevent electrostatic discharge that could damage the card. Insert the card firmly into the slot, making sure the PCI edge connector is fully seated, and secure it with the chassis screw. Connect sensors to the dual 68 – pin SCSI – II terminal blocks according to the type of sensors. For example, use appropriate signal conditioning modules for strain gauges or thermocouples. Connect the 10 – pin header for counter/timer signals if needed, and use an 8 – line RTSI cable for multi – device synchronization.
Commissioning: Download the appropriate NI – DAQmx or legacy Traditional NI – DAQ drivers from NI’s official website. Use NI Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) to detect the card. Run self – tests provided by MAX to verify the basic functionality of the card, such as analog input and output capabilities, digital I/O status, and counter/timer operations. In LabVIEW or other compatible software, configure the channels and settings according to the application requirements. For example, set the analog input range, sampling rate, and trigger conditions.
Maintenance Suggestions: Regularly check the card for any signs of physical damage, such as bent pins or discolored components. Periodically clean the connectors with isopropyl alcohol to ensure good electrical contact. Calibrate the card at least once a year using NI’s calibration tools. This helps to maintain the accuracy of the analog input and output measurements. In case of any abnormal behavior, such as incorrect readings or communication errors, refer to NI’s online knowledge base or contact their technical support for troubleshooting guidance.
8. Service and Guarantee Commitment
National Instruments provides comprehensive support for the NI PCI – 6110. The standard warranty covers manufacturing defects for a specified period. In addition, NI offers extended service plans that include:
Priority technical support for any issues related to the card, whether it’s hardware – related or software – related. Their team of experts can quickly diagnose and provide solutions to problems such as data acquisition errors or driver compatibility issues.
Periodic software updates to ensure compatibility with the latest operating systems and software development environments. These updates can also enhance the performance and functionality of the card.
Access to NI’s vast knowledge base, which contains application notes, tutorials, and troubleshooting guides. This resource helps users to make the most of the card’s features and solve common problems on their own.
For out – of – warranty repairs, NI has a reliable repair service. Their technicians can replace faulty components and perform thorough testing to ensure the card is restored to its original working condition.
