Product Overview
The National Instruments PCI-6220 is a multifunction data acquisition card for PCI based computers. It belongs to the NI M Series DAQ family and provides 16 analog input channels with 16 bit resolution and a maximum single channel sampling rate of 250 kS/s. The card also includes digital input and output lines and two counters, making it suitable for general purpose measurement and control applications.
The PCI-6220 installs in a standard PCI slot and is supported by NI-DAQmx software. Its combination of resolution, channel count, and mixed signal functions makes it suitable for automated test, laboratory measurement, and industrial monitoring where a balanced set of capabilities is required.
Analog Input Performance
The card provides 16 analog input channels with 16 bit resolution and a maximum single channel rate of 250 kS/s, with the aggregate rate shared across active channels. Selectable input ranges, including plus or minus 10 V, plus or minus 5 V, and plus or minus 1 V, allow the card to match different signal levels and use the available resolution effectively.
Hardware timed acquisition, external sample clocks, and triggering support repeatable measurement sequences. Multichannel scanning can be configured for single ended or differential connections depending on the accessory and wiring. Differential wiring is often preferred for low level signals and for rejecting common mode noise in industrial environments.
Digital I/O and Counters
The card provides digital input and output lines for logic control, relay driving through external conditioning, and status monitoring. Two 32 bit counters support event counting, frequency measurement, pulse generation, and position sensing. The combination of analog and digital functions allows the card to handle mixed signal tasks in one PCI slot.
Digital lines can be used for triggering and handshaking in a test sequence, while counters can measure encoder position or generate pulses for device control. Engineers should document the direction and function assigned to each digital line to simplify maintenance.
Timing and Synchronization
NI-DAQmx provides trigger and clock configuration for the PCI-6220. Start triggers, reference triggers, and sample clocks allow acquisition to be aligned with external events. The card can be synchronized with other DAQ devices where the system architecture supports shared timing and triggering.
Engineers should document the clock source and trigger routing so that the system can be reproduced. Careful planning of channel mapping and scan order helps avoid confusion when analyzing data from many sensors.
Software and Accessories
The PCI-6220 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. Screw terminal and mass termination accessories are available for different wiring needs.
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
General purpose multi channel analog data acquisition
Laboratory measurement and data logging
Automated test with mixed analog and digital signals
Sensor and transducer measurement
Digital control and event counting
PCI based test and measurement systems
The PCI-6220 provides 16 analog inputs at 16 bit resolution and 250 kS/s, with digital I/O and counters in an M Series PCI card. Its balanced capabilities and NI-DAQmx support make it suitable for general purpose measurement and control applications.
