The NI AT-AO-6 is a 12-bit analog output board for ISA bus systems, delivering six independent channels of precision voltage and current signal generation. Each channel supports unipolar or bipolar voltage outputs and 4 to 20 mA current sinking with integrated protection. The board integrates with NI-DAQ drivers and LabVIEW, making it suitable for industrial control, laboratory instrumentation, and real-time waveform synthesis applications.
Technical Specifications
Analog Output Channels
• 6 channels, 12-bit resolution
• Voltage output: Unipolar or bipolar DC coupled
• Current output: 4 to 20 mA sinking capability
• Voltage settling time: 5 µs (within 0.5 LSB at 10 V full scale)
• Current settling time: 7 µs
• Current accuracy: ±0.1% of full scale
• Reference voltage: 10 V internal (jumper-selectable external option)
• Output impedance: Maximum 500 pF load
• Short circuit and open circuit protection (current outputs); ground short protection (voltage outputs)
Waveform Generation
• Double-buffered DAC architecture for synchronized multichannel waveforms
• Simultaneous generation on 2, 4, or 6 channels
• 1,024-word FIFO buffer for continuous stimulus output
• Update rate: Maximum 300 kS/s system dependent; 200 ksamples/sec per channel
• Update sources: External (EXTUPDATE*), counter/timer 1, counter/timer 2
• Data transfer: DMA and interrupt modes
Digital I/O
• 8 channels, TTL compatible
• 5 V source voltage
• 24 mA sink capability
• Power-on state: Input (high impedance)
Bus and Connectivity
• ISA bus slave interface
• 50-pin male I/O connector
• RTSI bus support for timing synchronization with AT Series boards
– Typical Applications
Process control, multi-axis motion systems, analog signal conditioning, arbitrary waveform generation, and laboratory signal sourcing.
– Compatibility & Integration
National Instruments legacy NI-DAQ driver software and LabVIEW integration. Part numbers: 776541-01 (kit), 181435-06 (board only).
