The NI PCIe-6259 is a 16-bit multifunction DAQ module for PCI Express systems, delivering analog input, analog output, digital I/O, and timing capabilities in a single card. It acquires data from 32 single-ended or 16 differential analog input channels at up to 1.25 MS/s (single channel) or 1 MS/s aggregate (multichannel), with software-selectable ranges from ±0.1 V to ±10 V. Four 16-bit analog outputs support update rates scaling from 2.86 MS/s (1 channel) to 1.25 MS/s (4 channels) across ±5 V and ±10 V ranges. The module provides 48 bidirectional digital I/O lines and two 32-bit counter/timers operating at 80 MHz for quadrature encoder or PWM functions. High input impedance (>10 GΩ || 100 pF when active), extensive overvoltage protection (±25 V device on, ±15 V device off), and low crosstalk (-75 dB adjacent, -95 dB non-adjacent at 100 kHz) enable precision measurement in industrial automation, test systems, and data logging environments.
Technical Specifications
Analog Input
• 32 channels (single-ended) or 16 channels (differential), 16-bit resolution
• Maximum sample rate: 1.25 MS/s single channel; 1.00 MS/s aggregate multichannel
• Input ranges: ±0.1 V, ±0.2 V, ±0.5 V, ±1 V, ±2 V, ±5 V, ±10 V
• Input impedance: >10 GΩ || 100 pF (device on); 820 Ω (device off)
• Maximum working voltage: ±11 V of AI GND (signal + common mode)
• Crosstalk: -75 dB adjacent channels, -95 dB non-adjacent (100 kHz)
• Small signal bandwidth: 1.7 MHz (-3 dB)
• Input FIFO: 4,095 samples; scan list memory: 4,095 entries
• Overvoltage protection: ±25 V (device on), ±15 V (device off) for up to four AI pins
• Absolute accuracy example (10 V range): 1,920 µV
Analog Output
• 4 channels, 16-bit resolution
• Update rates: 2.86 MS/s (1 channel), 2.00 MS/s (2 channels), 1.54 MS/s (3 channels), 1.25 MS/s (4 channels)
• Output ranges: ±5 V, ±10 V
• Output impedance: 0.2 Ω; output current drive: ±5 mA
• Output FIFO: 8,191 samples shared
Digital I/O
• 48 bidirectional lines, individually programmable as input or output
Timing
• Two 32-bit counter/timers at 80 MHz; configurable for quadrature encoder inputs or PWM outputs (not simultaneously on same counter)
– Key Features
• DC-coupled analog inputs with software-selectable gain ranges
• High input impedance minimizes loading effects on signal sources
• Comprehensive overvoltage protection safeguards against transients
• Dual-function counters support motion control and frequency measurement
• NI-DAQmx driver software compatibility for application development
– Typical Applications
• Automated test and measurement systems
• Process control and monitoring
• High-speed data logging and signal acquisition
• Motion control and encoder interfacing
• Multi-channel sensor signal conditioning
