Product Overview
The National Instruments PCIe-6320 is a multifunction data acquisition card for PCI Express computers. As part of the X Series family, it provides 16 analog input channels, 2 analog output channels, 24 digital input and output lines, and 4 counters. The card is intended for measurement, automation, and control applications that require several signal types in one device.
Installing the card in a PCI Express slot gives the host computer a direct, high bandwidth connection to the measurement hardware. This supports continuous streaming, waveform generation, and responsive control in applications such as bench validation, production test, and laboratory research. Configuration and programming are handled through NI-DAQmx.
Analog Input Characteristics
The analog input section provides 16 channels with 16 bit resolution and a maximum single channel rate of 250 kS/s, with the aggregate rate divided among the channels in use. Programmable input ranges, including plus or minus 10 V, plus or minus 5 V, and plus or minus 1 V, allow the card to match the signal amplitude for better use of the available resolution.
Acquisition can be software timed for slow monitoring or hardware timed for deterministic sampling. External sample clocks, analog triggering, and digital triggering allow measurements to be aligned with device events. For noisy environments, differential wiring and shielded cabling reduce common mode interference and improve measurement stability.
Output and Counting Functions
The two 16 bit analog output channels can generate DC setpoints, ramps, and repetitive waveforms. Hardware timed generation produces repeatable output sequences, which is useful for actuator command profiles, calibration stimuli, and closed loop control experiments. Engineers should verify settling behavior and load conditions for the driven device.
The 24 digital lines support logic level control and status monitoring, and the four 32 bit counters support event counting, frequency measurement, quadrature encoder position, and pulse generation. Because analog and digital tasks can share timing signals, the card can implement coordinated sequences such as "generate output, wait for response, capture data, then toggle a line."
Timing, Triggering, and Expansion
NI-DAQmx provides trigger and clock configuration for start, reference, and pause events. Counter outputs can be routed as triggers, and analog or digital events can gate acquisition. This routing flexibility reduces the need for external timing hardware and keeps test sequences inside the application software.
Where additional channels are required, multiple cards can be synchronized using shared timing and trigger signals. 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 on other stations.
Software, Accessories, and Installation
The PCIe-6320 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, spring terminal, and mass termination accessories are available for different wiring needs.
Installation requires a PCI Express slot with adequate airflow and a host within the supported operating specifications. Cables should be routed away from power switching equipment, and shields should be terminated according to the accessory documentation. Regular verification of calibration and channel function supports long term measurement confidence.
Typical Applications
Multifunction bench and rack test systems
Analog data acquisition with synchronized waveform output
Digital monitoring and event counting in test fixtures
Encoder position measurement and motion related test
Calibration and verification benches
Laboratory research requiring PCI Express throughput
The PCIe-6320 provides 16 analog inputs, 2 analog outputs, 24 digital lines, and 4 counters in an X Series PCI Express card. Its throughput, timing features, and NI-DAQmx support make it a practical platform for combined measurement and control tasks.
