The NI PCI-6250 is a 16-bit multifunction DAQ module that integrates analog input, digital I/O, and counter/timer functionality on a single PCI-based card. It delivers simultaneous acquisition across 8 differential or 16 single-ended analog channels at up to 1.25 MS/s per channel, with 50 ns timing resolution and selectable input ranges from ±0.1 V to ±10 V. The onboard NI-PGIA 2 amplifier and NI-MCal calibration technology ensure measurement accuracy across high sampling rates, while crosstalk performance reaches -75 dB on adjacent channels and -95 dB on non-adjacent channels.
Digital I/O consists of 24 independently programmable channels. Two 32-bit counter/timer channels support PWM outputs at up to 80 MHz timebase and quadrature encoder inputs with 1X, 2X, and 4X modes. External clock sources accept frequencies from 0–20 MHz, or choose from fixed internal clocks at 0.1 MHz, 20 MHz, and 80 MHz. The module connects via a single 68-pin VHDCI connector and operates under NI-DAQmx driver software with full LabVIEW integration.
Technical Specifications
Analog Input
• 8 differential or 16 single-ended channels
• 16-bit ADC resolution
• Single-channel maximum: 1.25 MS/s; multichannel maximum: 1 MS/s per channel
• Timing resolution: 50 ns
• Input ranges: ±0.1 V, ±0.2 V, ±0.5 V, ±1 V, ±2 V, ±5 V, ±10 V (selectable)
• Maximum working voltage: ±11 V relative to AI GND
• Input impedance (device on): >10 GΩ || 100 pF; (device off): 820 Ω
• Input bias current: ±100 pA
• Crosstalk at 100 kHz: -75 dB (adjacent), -95 dB (non-adjacent)
• Small signal bandwidth (-3 dB): 1.7 MHz
• Input FIFO: 4,095 samples
• Scan list memory: 4,095 entries
Digital I/O
• 24 channels total, individually programmable as input or output
• Pull-down resistor: 50 kΩ typical, 20 kΩ minimum
Counters/Timers
• 2 channels, 32-bit resolution
• Internal base clocks: 0.1 MHz, 20 MHz, 80 MHz
• External clock range: 0–20 MHz
• PWM outputs: 2 at 80 MHz timebase
• Encoder inputs: 2 quadrature channels (1X, 2X, 4X supported)
Interface & Physical
• PCI bus interface; 68-pin VHDCI connector
• Dimensions: 3.8 × 6.1 inches
• Weight: 5 oz (0.14 kg)
– Key Features
• NI-PGIA 2 amplifier for sustained accuracy at high sampling rates
• NI-MCal calibration technology for enhanced measurement repeatability
• Programmable input ranges with DC coupling
• 4,095-entry scan list for complex multi-channel sequences
• Flexible counter operation: PWM or quadrature encoder per channel
• High input impedance minimizes signal loading
– Typical Applications
• Laboratory automation and data acquisition
• Research and design verification
• Manufacturing and production test
• Analog signal conditioning and monitoring
– Compatibility & Integration
• NI-DAQmx driver software
• LabVIEW programming and analysis
• Windows operating systems
