Description
NI PCI-6251 Product Description
Detailed parameter table
| Parameter name | Parameter value |
| Product model | PCI-6251 |
| Manufacturer | NI |
| Product category | Multifunction Data Acquisition (DAQ) Board |
| Analog Input Resolution | 16-bit |
| Number of Analog Input Channels | 16 (Single-ended) / 8 (Differential) |
| Maximum Sampling Rate (Single Channel) | 1.25 Ms/s |
| Maximum Sampling Rate (Multi Channel) | 1 Ms/s |
| Analog Output Resolution | 16-bit |
| Number of Analog Output Channels | 2 |
| Number of Digital I/O Channels | 24 |
| Counter/Timer Resolution | 32-bit (2 units) |
| Trigger Types | Analog and Digital |
| Bus Type | PCI |
| Signal Conditioning Options | Approximately 70 |
NI PCI-6251
Product introduction
The NI PCI-6251 is a high – performance multifunction data acquisition (DAQ) board brought to you by NI, a global leader in test, measurement, and control solutions. As part of NI’s extensive range of DAQ products, the PCI-6251 is designed to meet the diverse needs of various industries for precise and efficient data collection.
Equipped with 16 analog input channels (configurable as 16 single – ended or 8 differential) and 2 analog output channels, all with 16 – bit resolution, this board ensures accurate signal capture and generation. The 24 digital I/O channels and two 32 – bit counters/timers add to its versatility. It supports both analog and digital triggering, providing flexibility in data acquisition scenarios. The PCI-6251 serves as a crucial component in systems where real – time data acquisition and control are essential, acting as the bridge between the physical world’s signals and the digital processing systems.
Core advantages and technical highlights
High – Resolution Data Acquisition: With a 16 – bit resolution for both analog inputs and outputs, the NI PCI-6251 can capture and reproduce even the most minute signal details. This high resolution is especially beneficial in applications where precision is critical, such as in scientific research for measuring delicate physical phenomena or in high – end manufacturing for quality control.
Fast Sampling Rates: Boasting a maximum sampling rate of 1.25 Ms/s in single – channel operation and 1 Ms/s in multi – channel operation, the PCI-6251 can quickly acquire data. This makes it suitable for applications dealing with rapidly changing signals, like high – speed vibration monitoring in machinery or fast – paced electrical signal measurements.
Versatile Channel Configuration: The board’s ability to configure its analog input channels as either single – ended or differential, along with its 24 digital I/O channels and two 32 – bit counters/timers, offers users a wide range of options. This versatility allows it to be used in various setups, from simple sensor data collection to complex industrial control systems.
Abundant Signal Conditioning Options: With approximately 70 signal conditioning options, the PCI-6251 can adapt to different types of sensors and measurement requirements. These options include features like a programmable low – pass filter that can directly block high – frequency noise during A/D conversion, ensuring clean and accurate data.
Compatibility with NI Ecosystem: The PCI-6251 seamlessly integrates with NI’s software platforms, such as LabVIEW, and other NI hardware products. This compatibility simplifies system integration and expansion, allowing users to build comprehensive measurement and control systems with ease.
Typical application scenarios
In industrial automation, the NI PCI-6251 plays a vital role. For example, on manufacturing production lines, it can be used to monitor and control various parameters. It can acquire data from sensors measuring temperature, pressure, and vibration in real – time. This data is then used to optimize production processes, detect any potential equipment failures early, and ensure product quality.
In laboratory research, the board is invaluable. In physics experiments, it can precisely measure electrical signals, light intensities, or mechanical forces. In chemistry labs, it can be used to monitor reaction conditions such as pH levels, temperature changes, and gas concentrations. The high – resolution and fast sampling rates of the PCI-6251 enable researchers to obtain accurate data for their experiments.
In test and measurement applications, the PCI-6251 is often used in electronics testing. It can measure electrical parameters of components like voltage, current, and resistance with high precision. In automotive testing, it can be used to record data from sensors during vehicle performance testing, such as engine speed, tire pressure, and acceleration.
NI PCI-6251
Related model recommendations
NI PCI-6221: Belongs to the same PCI – based DAQ product family as the PCI-6251. It has 16 analog input channels with 16 – bit resolution, but a lower maximum sampling rate of 250 kS/s. It is suitable for applications where the sampling rate requirements are not as high as those for the PCI-6251, such as some basic sensor data logging in less demanding industrial or research scenarios.
NI PCIe – 6351: Part of the PCI Express – based DAQ series. It offers 16 analog input channels with 16 – bit resolution and a maximum sampling rate of 2.86 Ms/s, which is higher than the PCI-6251. It also has 2 analog output channels and 32 digital I/O channels. It can be considered as an upgrade for applications that require higher data transfer speeds and more digital I/O channels, especially in modern high – speed data acquisition systems.
NI USB – 6251: This is a USB – connected version of the multifunction DAQ. It has similar analog and digital I/O capabilities as the PCI-6251 but offers the convenience of plug – and – play connectivity. It is ideal for applications where portability is a key factor, such as field – based data collection or in test setups where quick reconfiguration is needed.
NI cDAQ – 9174 with NI 9205: The cDAQ – 9174 is a chassis – based data acquisition system, and the NI 9205 is an analog input module. Together, they can provide a modular and scalable solution. The NI 9205 has 8 analog input channels with 16 – bit resolution. This combination can be used as an alternative or complementary solution to the PCI-6251 in applications where a more distributed and expandable data acquisition system is required, like in large – scale industrial plants.
NI PXI – 6259: A PXI – based multifunction DAQ. It offers 32 analog input channels with 16 – bit resolution and a maximum sampling rate of 2.86 Ms/s. It also has 2 analog output channels and 48 digital I/O channels. The PXI platform provides advantages such as high – speed backplane communication and synchronization capabilities. It can be used in applications where the PXI platform’s features, like modularity and high – density I/O, are more suitable, such as in complex test and measurement systems in a laboratory or industrial setting.
Installation, commissioning and maintenance instructions
Installation preparation: Before installing the NI PCI-6251, ensure that the host system has a compatible PCI slot. The installation environment should be free from excessive dust and electromagnetic interference. Use anti – static precautions, such as wearing an anti – static wrist strap, to prevent electrostatic discharge from damaging the board. Power off the host system before inserting the PCI-6251 into the PCI slot.
Maintenance suggestions: For daily maintenance, regularly check the connections of the cables attached to the PCI-6251 to ensure they are secure. Monitor the data acquisition performance and look for any signs of abnormal noise or inaccurate readings. In case of issues, first check the software configuration settings and the integrity of the connected sensors. If a hardware replacement is needed, follow the installation steps in reverse. Update the NI – DAQmx driver regularly as per NI’s recommendations to ensure compatibility with the latest software and hardware, and to access any new features or performance improvements.
Service and guarantee commitment
NI stands behind the quality of the PCI-6251 with a comprehensive quality assurance program. In the event of manufacturing defects, NI offers replacement or repair services within the warranty period. Their dedicated technical support team is available to assist customers with any installation, configuration, or performance – related questions. Whether it’s helping with integrating the board into a complex system or troubleshooting data acquisition issues, NI’s experts are accessible via various channels. This commitment to quality and after – sales service reflects NI’s confidence in the PCI-6251 and their dedication to ensuring customers can fully utilize this high – performance DAQ board in their applications.
