NI PCI-5114

Description

Detailed Parameter Table

NI PCI-5114

Product Introduction

The NI PCI-5114 is a versatile 4-channel high-speed digitizer card developed by National Instruments (NI), engineered to deliver cost-effective multi-channel signal measurement for legacy and mid-tier PCI-based test and automation systems. As a key model in NI’s multi-channel digitizer portfolio, it balances channel count, speed, and affordability—making it ideal for capturing synchronized mid-frequency signals (up to 30 MHz) in industrial monitoring, academic research, and low-to-medium volume manufacturing testing.

At the core of the NI PCI-5114 is its flexible 4-channel design, which supports both single-ended inputs and configurable differential pairs. This adaptability lets it connect to diverse signal sources, from arrays of industrial sensors to multi-output electronic components. When paired with NI’s NI-SCOPE driver and software tools like LabVIEW, the NI PCI-5114 transforms standard PCI-equipped PCs into multi-channel oscilloscope systems. Engineers can leverage its 100 MS/s sampling rate to capture transient signals (e.g., 10 ns pulses) and 2 MSample per-channel memory to store synchronized data across all four channels—eliminating the need for multiple single-channel cards and reducing system complexity. This integration is especially valuable for users maintaining legacy PCI infrastructure, as it extends the lifecycle of existing test setups without sacrificing measurement consistency.

Core Advantages and Technical Highlights

Multi-Channel Synchronization: The NI PCI-5114 delivers sub-nanosecond timing alignment across all four channels, a critical advantage for applications requiring correlated signal analysis. For example, in industrial motor testing, engineers use the NI PCI-5114 to simultaneously measure current signals from four motor windings—its synchronized sampling ensures accurate phase difference calculations, which are essential for diagnosing winding imbalance. Unlike combining multiple single-channel digitizers (which risk timing skew), the NI PCI-5114’s integrated design guarantees reliable synchronization without external triggers.

Legacy System Compatibility: Optimized for 32-bit PCI slots (including older 5-V architectures), the NI PCI-5114 is a drop-in replacement for aging multi-channel measurement cards in legacy test systems. Manufacturing facilities with decades-old PCI-based test benches (e.g., for automotive sensor arrays or consumer electronics) can integrate the NI PCI-5114 without upgrading PCs or rewriting existing LabVIEW code—thanks to its compatibility with both legacy and current NI-SCOPE driver versions. This saves significant time and capital compared to full system overhauls.

Flexible Input Configuration: The NI PCI-5114 switches between single-ended and differential input modes to match signal types. Single-ended mode simplifies connections to ground-referenced signals (e.g., temperature or pressure sensor outputs), while differential mode reduces noise pickup for floating signals (e.g., motor drive voltages or differential amplifier outputs). For instance, a test engineer can use the NI PCI-5114 in single-ended mode to measure four independent sensor DC offsets in the morning, then reconfigure it to two differential pairs in the afternoon to test a power supply’s differential ripple—all with one card.

Cost-Effective Mid-Speed Performance: With a 100 MS/s sampling rate and 30 MHz bandwidth, the NI PCI-5114 targets applications where high-end 1 GS/s digitizers (like the NI PCI-5122) are overspecified. Its 8-bit resolution and software-selectable voltage ranges (±0.5 V to ±10 V) provide sufficient accuracy for non-critical multi-channel measurements, such as consumer electronics EOL testing or academic lab experiments. Compared to 4 separate single-channel cards, the NI PCI-5114 reduces hardware costs by up to 40% while saving PCI slot space.

Typical Application Scenarios

The NI PCI-5114 excels in multi-channel, medium-speed measurement applications across industries. In industrial process monitoring, it is used to track synchronized signals from multi-sensor arrays—such as a chemical plant’s temperature, pressure, and flow sensors installed on a reactor. Technicians install the NI PCI-5114 in a PCI-based industrial PC, connecting its four channels to the sensors. The card’s synchronized sampling captures correlated data (e.g., how pressure spikes align with temperature increases), enabling engineers to optimize reaction conditions and prevent equipment failure. Its compatibility with legacy software ensures it integrates with existing plant monitoring dashboards.

In academic research, the NI PCI-5114 supports electrical engineering and physics projects requiring multi-channel signal analysis. For example, in a university’s control systems lab, students use the NI PCI-5114 to test a 4-axis robotic arm’s motor control signals. The card measures current and voltage from four motor drivers simultaneously, letting students analyze how changes to one motor’s input affect others—critical for learning about system dynamics. Its low cost and easy LabVIEW integration make it accessible for classroom use, where budgets and student expertise vary.

In consumer electronics manufacturing, the NI PCI-5114 powers low-to-medium volume EOL test stations for devices like smart speakers or small appliances. For a smart speaker manufacturer, the card measures four audio output channels simultaneously, verifying frequency response, THD (Total Harmonic Distortion), and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) across all speakers. The NI PCI-5114’s multi-channel capability reduces test time by 75% compared to sequential single-channel testing, while its software integration with automation tools enables consistent pass/fail judgments for each unit.

NI PCI-5114

Related Model Recommendations

NI PCI-5112: A 2-channel version of the NI PCI-5114, designed for applications needing fewer channels (e.g., dual-sensor temperature monitoring) but the same 100 MS/s speed and legacy compatibility.

NI PCI-5122: A 2-channel high-speed digitizer with 1 GS/s sampling rate and 300 MHz bandwidth, an upgrade to the NI PCI-5114 for users requiring faster transient capture (e.g., EV inverter testing) over fewer channels.

NI PCIe-5114: A PCI Express version of the NI PCI-5114, offering 4-channel performance with faster data transfer (via PCIe x1) for users transitioning from PCI to PCIe systems.

NI PCI-5105: A 2-channel digitizer with 200 MS/s sampling rate, a complementary model to the NI PCI-5114 for mixed setups (e.g., 4 channels of medium-speed data + 2 channels of faster transient data).

NI PCI-5922: A 2-channel dynamic signal analyzer (DSA) card, pairs with the NI PCI-5114 to add frequency-domain analysis (e.g., spectrum analysis of audio signals) to multi-channel time-domain measurements.

NI PXIe-5186: A PXIe-based 2-channel digitizer with 12-bit resolution, a high-resolution alternative for users needing precise measurements (e.g., medical sensor testing) who can transition from PCI to PXIe.

NI PCI-6115: A multi-function DAQ card with 100 MS/s sampling rate and analog output, a versatile alternative to the NI PCI-5114 for mixed-signal applications (e.g., closed-loop control with 4-channel input + 2-channel output).

NI cDAQ-9221: A CompactDAQ 2-channel module, a portable alternative to the NI PCI-5114 for field testing (e.g., on-site machinery maintenance) where PCI-based systems are impractical—can be scaled to 4 channels with two modules.

Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance Instructions

Installation preparation: Before installing the NI PCI-5114, confirm the host PC has an available 32-bit PCI slot (compatible with 3.3-V or 5-V architectures) and meets system requirements (Windows 7/10/11, 4 GB RAM, 300 MB free disk space for NI-SCOPE drivers). Power off the PC and disconnect all power sources to prevent electrical damage. Use an anti-static wristband when handling the NI PCI-5114 to avoid ESD damage to internal components. Align the card’s edge connector with the PCI slot, press firmly until the bracket seats against the PC case, and secure it with a screw to prevent movement. After installation, power on the PC and install the latest NI-SCOPE driver (verify compatibility with your OS via NI’s website)—legacy system users should select the driver version matching their existing LabVIEW code.

Maintenance suggestions: For long-term reliability of the NI PCI-5114, clean the PCI connector every 3 months with compressed air to remove dust (a common cause of intermittent connectivity). Inspect the card’s BNC input connectors for bent pins or corrosion—replace damaged cables immediately to avoid signal distortion. If the NI PCI-5114 fails to capture synchronized data, check that all channels are connected correctly, verify the driver is up to date, and ensure the input voltage range matches the signal amplitude (e.g., use ±5 V range for 4 V signals to avoid clipping). Calibrate the card annually using NI’s Calibration Executive to maintain timing and voltage accuracy. For hardware issues (e.g., unresponsive channels, no power), contact NI technical support—do not open the card, as this voids the warranty.

Service and Guarantee Commitment

The NI PCI-5114 comes with a standard 1-year manufacturer’s warranty, covering defects in materials and workmanship. NI guarantees the NI PCI-5114 will meet all published technical specifications during the warranty period, with free repair or replacement of defective units. For legacy system users, NI offers an Extended Service Program (ESP) that extends coverage to 3 years, including priority support for legacy drivers, expedited repair (48–72 hour turnaround), and calibration services tailored to multi-channel digitizer needs.

NI provides comprehensive support for the NI PCI-5114 through global channels: online resources (application notes, video tutorials for multi-channel synchronization, and a community forum), email support, and phone access to NI’s team of legacy PCI and digitizer experts. For customers needing custom integration, NI offers professional services—including legacy software migration (e.g., updating old LabVIEW code to work with current drivers) and on-site troubleshooting for PCI-based multi-channel test benches. This commitment ensures users maintain uptime, reduce maintenance costs, and maximize the value of their NI PCI-5114 investment throughout its lifecycle.