Product Overview
The National Instruments PCI-6259 is a multifunction data acquisition card for PCI based computers. It belongs to the NI M Series DAQ family and provides 32 analog input channels with 16 bit resolution and a maximum single channel sampling rate of 1.25 MS/s. The card also includes four analog output channels, 48 digital input and output lines, and two counters.
The PCI-6259 installs in a standard PCI slot and is supported by NI-DAQmx software. Its high channel count and sampling performance make it suitable for automated test, laboratory measurement, production verification, and control applications that need a flexible mix of signal types in one card.
Analog Input Performance
The card provides 32 analog input channels with 16 bit resolution and a maximum single channel rate of 1.25 MS/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.
Analog Output and Digital I/O
The card includes four 16 bit analog output channels for control voltages, setpoints, and waveform generation. Hardware timed output produces deterministic waveform sequences, which is useful for stimulus response testing, actuator command profiles, and calibration signals. Engineers should confirm the load and settling requirements of the driven device.
Forty eight digital lines provide logic level control, relay driving through external conditioning, and status monitoring. Two 32 bit counters support event counting, frequency measurement, pulse generation, and encoder position tracking. Because analog and digital tasks can share timing signals, the card can implement coordinated mixed signal sequences within one application.
Timing and Synchronization
NI-DAQmx provides start triggers, reference triggers, pause triggers, and sample clock configuration for the PCI-6259. These features allow acquisition and generation to be aligned with external events or with other DAQ devices. Counter outputs can be routed as triggers, and analog or digital events can gate tasks.
For larger systems, multiple cards can be synchronized using shared timing and trigger signals where supported. Channel expansion must be planned so that sample clocks remain consistent across devices. Documenting clock sources, trigger routes, and channel mapping helps maintain reproducibility when the system is duplicated.
Software and Accessories
The PCI-6259 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
High channel count analog data acquisition
Mixed signal automated test systems
Waveform generation and stimulus response test
Digital control, monitoring, and event counting
Laboratory measurement and prototype validation
PCI based test and measurement systems
The PCI-6259 provides 32 analog inputs at 1.25 MS/s, 4 analog outputs, 48 digital lines, and 2 counters in an M Series PCI card. Its channel count, speed, and NI-DAQmx support make it suitable for demanding test and measurement applications.
