The NI PCI-6601 is a high-performance counter/timer board for the PCI bus, delivering four independent 32-bit counter/timer channels for precision timing, event counting, and pulse generation in industrial and laboratory measurement systems. With a 12.5 ns resolution timebase and maximum source frequencies up to 20 MHz (60 MHz with prescalers), the device handles diverse timing and counting tasks including quadrature encoder measurement, frequency analysis, period measurement, and pulse-width analysis. The board integrates up to 32 individually configurable TTL/CMOS-compatible digital I/O lines with bidirectional capability, digital debouncing filters, and high-speed DMA transfer support for efficient data streaming.
Technical Specifications
Counter/Timer Channels
• 4 independent 32-bit counters with 12.5 ns resolution
• Maximum source frequency: 20 MHz (60 MHz with 8X and 2X prescalers)
• Up/down counting with selectable pre-scaling
• Event counting, period measurement, frequency measurement, pulse-width measurement, position/quadrature encoder measurement, pulse generation, and pulse-train generation
• Base clock accuracy: 100 ppm (±0.01%) over temperature
Digital I/O
• Up to 32 lines, 5V TTL/CMOS compatible
• Individually configurable, bidirectional channels
• Digital debouncing filters and glitch removal
Interface & Power
• 68-pin SCSI-II female connector
• +5 VDC: 0.4 A to 0.75 A
• High-speed DMA capability
– Key Features
• Four independent signal routing paths (SOURCE, GATE, UP/DOWN, OUT per counter)
• Buffered operations for reliable multi-channel synchronization
• Compact PCI form factor: 17.5 cm × 9.9 cm
• Operating temperature: 0 °C to 55 °C
• Operating humidity: 0% to 90% noncondensing
• Mechanical shock rating: 30 g peak, half-sine, 11 ms pulse
• Random vibration: 5 Hz to 500 Hz, 0.3 grms
– Typical Applications
Precision event counting, frequency measurement, encoder position tracking, pulse generation and synchronization, timing control systems, and high-speed data acquisition requiring accurate temporal correlation.
– Compatibility & Integration
Supports NI-DAQ 7.4.x and NI-DAQmx driver software. Compatible with LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, Microsoft Visual C++, Visual Basic, and Borland C++. Operates in PC-compatible computers, PXI chassis, and CompactPCI chassis. Requires shielded or ribbon cabling and appropriate connector blocks (SCB-68, TBX-68, or CB-68LP).
