Product Overview
The National Instruments NI 6587 is a high speed LVDS digital input and output adapter module for FlexRIO systems. It provides 54 LVDS channels and is designed to interface with custom digital devices, high speed sensors, and communication protocols. The module is part of the FlexRIO adapter module family, which pairs signal interface hardware with an FPGA based FlexRIO module for custom digital logic.
The NI 6587 is intended for applications that require flexible digital input and output with low voltage differential signaling. LVDS is commonly used in high speed digital interfaces because it provides good noise immunity and low power consumption. The module allows engineers to implement custom protocols and timing in LabVIEW FPGA while using a tested hardware interface for the physical layer.
Channel Count and Speed
The NI 6587 provides 54 LVDS digital channels. These channels can be configured for input, output, or bidirectional operation depending on the system design and FPGA logic. The module supports clock rates up to 200 MHz and data rates up to 1.2 Gbps per channel, making it suitable for high speed digital communication and custom serial or parallel interfaces.
The high channel count and flexible direction control allow the module to handle wide parallel buses, multi lane serial links, and custom timing patterns. External clock and trigger signals can be used to synchronize the digital interface with external devices. The FPGA module provides the processing and timing engine for the custom digital logic.
FlexRIO Architecture
The NI 6587 is an adapter module for FlexRIO. It does not operate as a standalone PXI instrument. Instead, it connects to a compatible FlexRIO FPGA module, which provides the programmable logic and high speed data path. This architecture allows engineers to define custom digital protocols, state machines, and data processing functions in LabVIEW FPGA.
FlexRIO systems are used when standard fixed function instruments cannot meet the timing or protocol requirements of an application. The NI 6587 provides the LVDS physical interface, while the FPGA module provides deterministic control and real time processing. This combination supports rapid development of custom digital interfaces without designing a complete custom board.
Signal Integrity and System Integration
LVDS signaling provides differential transmission that is resistant to common mode noise. The NI 6587 is designed to maintain signal integrity in high speed digital systems. Careful cable selection, termination, and board layout are important for achieving reliable operation at high clock rates. The module is used with compatible FlexRIO front panel connectors and cables for connection to external devices.
The module integrates with PXI and PXI Express FlexRIO systems. It can be synchronized with other modules and instruments through the PXI timing and trigger resources available in the chassis. This allows the NI 6587 to participate in larger test systems that combine high speed digital I/O with analog acquisition, signal generation, and control.
Software and Development
The NI 6587 is programmed through LabVIEW FPGA. Engineers can use the FlexRIO development environment to define input and output timing, protocol handling, buffering, and data processing. The FPGA logic can run at hardware speed, which is essential for custom high speed digital interfaces. Host software can communicate with the FPGA through DMA and register access.
The module is suitable for both prototype development and deployed test systems. Because the digital behavior is defined in FPGA logic, the same hardware can support different protocols and interfaces through software changes. This flexibility is useful in research, protocol validation, and custom equipment design.
Typical Applications
Custom high speed digital protocol test and validation
Image sensor and display interface development
High speed data acquisition from digital sensors
Custom parallel and serial digital interfaces
Hardware in the loop test with FPGA based timing
Research and prototype development using FlexRIO
The NI 6587 provides 54 LVDS channels with high speed clocking and FlexRIO integration. Its ability to support custom digital logic in LabVIEW FPGA makes it a flexible module for high speed digital interface and protocol development.
