Product Overview
The National Instruments PCI-6111E is a multifunction data acquisition card for PCI based computers. It belongs to the NI E Series DAQ family and provides two analog input channels with 12 bit resolution and simultaneous sampling at up to 5 MS/s. The card also includes two analog output channels and digital input and output lines.
The PCI-6111E is designed for applications that need fast, simultaneous capture of two signals rather than high channel count. Examples include power measurement, where voltage and current must be sampled at the same instant, and stimulus response testing, where the input and output of a device are compared in time.
Simultaneous Analog Input
The two analog input channels sample at the same time, which preserves the phase relationship between signals. This is essential when computing power, phase angle, or transfer functions from two measured signals. Sequential sampling would introduce a timing offset that must be corrected mathematically, whereas simultaneous sampling avoids that error at the source.
The 12 bit resolution and high sampling rate support capture of fast transients and higher frequency content. Selectable input ranges allow the card to be matched to the signal levels in the application. Engineers should apply good probing and grounding practice to preserve signal integrity at high sampling rates.
Analog Output and Digital I/O
The card includes two analog output channels for generating control voltages, setpoints, and waveforms. Hardware timed output supports repeatable waveform generation, which is useful for stimulus response testing and control loop evaluation. Engineers should verify the load and settling requirements of the driven device.
Digital input and output lines provide logic level control and status monitoring. The card can use these lines for triggering, handshaking, or simple device control in a test sequence. The combination of analog and digital functions allows the card to handle mixed signal tasks in one PCI slot.
Timing and Synchronization
NI-DAQmx provides trigger and clock configuration for the PCI-6111E. Start triggers, reference triggers, and sample clocks allow acquisition to be aligned with external events. The simultaneous analog input architecture and trigger features make the card suitable for capturing correlated events in power and electronic test systems.
Engineers should document the clock source and trigger routing so that the test sequence can be reproduced. For systems that require more channels, additional cards or devices can be synchronized where the architecture supports shared timing and triggering.
Software and Accessories
The PCI-6111E is supported by NI-DAQmx and can be programmed with LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, Measurement Studio, and other NI-DAQmx compatible environments. The driver handles channel configuration, scaling, calibration metadata, and task management. Signal conditioning accessories and shielded cables are available to connect signals to the card.
Installation requires a PCI slot with adequate airflow and a host computer within the supported specifications. Cables should be routed away from power switching equipment, and shields should be terminated according to the accessory documentation. Regular verification of channel function and calibration supports long term measurement confidence.
Typical Applications
Power measurement with simultaneous voltage and current capture
Stimulus response testing of electronic circuits
Transient and fast signal capture
Phase and transfer function measurement
Control loop evaluation
PCI based test and measurement systems
The PCI-6111E provides two simultaneous analog inputs at up to 5 MS/s, two analog outputs, and digital I/O in an E Series PCI card. Its simultaneous sampling and NI-DAQmx support make it suitable for fast two channel measurement applications.
