The NI PCI-6259 is a 16-bit M Series multifunction DAQ module for measurement and control applications requiring high-resolution analog I/O, digital logic, and timing functions. Built around the NI-STC 2 system controller and NI-MCal calibration technology, it delivers synchronized acquisition and generation across 32 single-ended or 16 differential analog inputs, 4 analog outputs, 48 digital I/O channels, and 2 counter/timer channels. The module installs in standard PCI slots and operates with NI-DAQmx driver software.
Technical Specifications
Analog Inputs
• 32 single-ended or 16 differential channels, 16-bit resolution
• Maximum sampling rate: 1.25 MS/s (single-channel), 1 MS/s (multi-channel)
• Input ranges: ±0.1 V, ±0.2 V, ±0.5 V, ±1 V, ±2 V, ±5 V, ±10 V
• Input impedance: >10 GΩ (powered on), 820 Ω (powered off)
• Small signal bandwidth (-3 dB): 1.7 MHz
• Crosstalk: −75 dB (adjacent channels), −95 dB (non-adjacent channels) at 100 kHz
• DC input coupling; maximum working voltage ±11 V relative to AI GND
• Timing accuracy: 50 ppm of sample rate; timing resolution 50 ns
• No missing codes guaranteed; INL and offset/gain errors subject to temperature and calibration history
Analog Outputs
• 4 channels, 16-bit resolution
• Output ranges: ±10 V, ±5 V
• Update rate: 2.86 MS/s
• Overdrive current: 20 mA; power-off glitch 1.5 V peak for 1.5 seconds
• 8,191-sample output FIFO (shared)
• Timing resolution: 50 ns
Digital I/O & Timing
• 48 digital I/O channels
• 2 counter/timer channels, 32-bit resolution, 80 MHz timebase
• 2-sample counter FIFO
• 1 frequency generator (output to PFI or RTSI)
• 2 base clocks: 100 kHz and 10 MHz
Triggering
• 1 analog trigger supporting AI and APFI sources
• 10-bit resolution (1 in 1,024)
• Modes: analog edge, analog edge with hysteresis, analog window
• AI trigger bandwidth: 3.4 MHz (−3 dB)
• Functions: start, reference, pause, sample clock, convert clock, sample clock timebase
– Key Features
• NI-STC 2 controller for synchronized multi-function timing
• NI-MCal calibration technology for accuracy over temperature and time
• High input impedance (>10 GΩ) minimizes loading effects
• Low crosstalk isolation across channel groups
• Flexible analog triggering with hysteresis and windowing modes
• Legacy product; availability through third-party suppliers only
– Typical Applications
• Sensor-based measurement systems requiring multi-range input scaling
• Industrial process monitoring with synchronized analog and digital signals
• Laboratory instrumentation combining high-speed acquisition with programmable waveform generation
• Real-time control loops demanding precise timing and trigger capability
– Compatibility & Integration
Requires standard 32-bit PCI slot and NI-DAQmx driver software for Windows and Linux environments.
