The National Instruments PCI-6711 is a high-performance analog output board for PCI systems, delivering precise waveform generation and deterministic control across industrial and laboratory applications. Built around four 12-bit DAC channels with simultaneous multichannel updates, the board executes stimulus-response testing, power supply control, sensor simulation, and high-speed closed-loop regulation. It replaces discrete PID controllers, arbitrary waveform generators, and function generators in OEM and test environments.
Technical Specifications
Analog Output
• 4 channels, 12-bit resolution
• Update rate: 1 MS/s per channel maximum
• Output voltage: ±10 V or ±EXT REF
• DAC architecture: Double-buffered, multiplying
• Relative accuracy (INL): ±0.3 LSB typical, ±0.5 LSB maximum (post-calibration)
• Differential nonlinearity (DNL): ±0.3 LSB typical (post-calibration)
• Absolute accuracy (±10 V range): 0.0177% of reading + 0.0197% of offset + 0.0219% of temp drift
Digital I/O
• 8 programmable lines (5 V TTL/CMOS)
• Independently configurable as input or output
Counter/Timer
• 2 channels, 24-bit resolution
• Maximum frequency: 20 MHz
• PWM output capable (2 outputs via counter channels)
Timing & Synchronization
• System Timing Controller (DAQ-STC) manages analog and counter functions
• Timing resolution: 50 ns
• Digital triggering and external clock supported
• RTSI bus for multi-device synchronization
• PXI Trigger Bus support for PXI configurations
External Reference Input
• Operating range: ±11 V
• Overvoltage protection: ±25 V (powered on)
– Key Features
• PCI Local Bus compliant interface with MITE bus controller
• DC-coupled output for direct signal delivery
• Simultaneous updates enable deterministic multichannel control
• 50 ns timing resolution supports high-frequency command injection
– Typical Applications
• Proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control loops
• Arbitrary waveform and function generation at low to moderate speeds
• Sensor excitation and signal simulation
• Power supply programming and regulation
• Stimulus-response characterization testing
– Compatibility & Integration
Works in standard PCI systems and CompactPCI chassis (PICMG CompactPCI 2.0 R3.0 compliant). Software support via NI-DAQ 7.x or later. Integrates with RTSI and PXI trigger infrastructure for synchronized multi-instrument configurations.
