NI PCI-6230

Description

NI PCI – 6230 Product Description

Detailed Parameter Table

NI PCI-6230

Product Introduction

The NI PCI – 6230 is a multifunction data acquisition board from NI’s M Series. It is designed to provide a reliable and efficient solution for applications that require accurate data acquisition and control in industrial and laboratory environments. This board combines high – performance features with built – in isolation capabilities, making it suitable for use in high – voltage and electrically noisy settings.

Core Advantages and Technical Highlights

Isolation for Enhanced Safety and Performance: One of the key features of the NI PCI – 6230 is its bank isolation and channel – to – bus isolation. The continuous bank isolation of up to 60 VDC helps in reducing ground loops, rejecting common – mode voltages, and providing protection against electrical noise. The high channel – to – bus isolation of up to 1950 VDC / 1400 VRMS for up to 5 s safeguards the board and connected equipment from voltage spikes and transients. This isolation is crucial in industrial applications where electrical interference can be a significant issue, ensuring accurate measurements and reliable operation.

High – Resolution Analog I/O: With 16 – bit ADC resolution for analog inputs and 16 – bit DAC resolution for analog outputs, the PCI – 6230 offers high – precision data conversion. The 8 analog input channels (configurable as 8 single – ended or 4 differential) can sample at a maximum rate of 250 ks/s per channel, while the 4 analog output channels can update at rates up to 500 ks/s (with appropriate channel usage). The wide input and output voltage ranges (±10 V, ±5 V, ±1 V, ±0.2 V for inputs and ±10 V for outputs) make it adaptable to a variety of analog signal – based applications, such as sensor data acquisition and control signal generation.

Versatile Digital I/O and Counters/Timers: The board is equipped with 6 digital inputs and 4 digital outputs that are compatible with 5 V TTL/CMOS signals. These digital I/O lines can be used for interfacing with digital sensors, actuators, and other control devices. Additionally, the two 32 – bit counters/timers with an operating frequency of 80 MHz are useful for tasks such as edge, semi – period, and period measurements, as well as for generating precise timing signals in applications like motor control and frequency counting.

Efficient Data Transfer and Compatibility: The PCI – 6230 supports data transfers via DMA (scatter – gather), interrupts, and programmed I/O, ensuring efficient data movement between the board and the host system. It is driven by the NI – DAQmx driver software, which is highly compatible with popular software packages and application development environments (ADEs) such as LabVIEW and LabWindows/CVI. This compatibility simplifies the development process, allowing engineers to quickly configure and program the board for their specific applications.

Typical Application Scenarios

Industrial Monitoring and Control: In industrial settings, the NI PCI – 6230 can be used to monitor and control various processes. For example, it can be connected to proximity sensors, flow meters, and pressure sensors to collect real – time data on the state of industrial equipment. The analog outputs can be used to control valves, pumps, and other actuators, ensuring smooth operation of industrial processes. The isolation features of the board make it suitable for use in environments with high electrical noise, such as manufacturing plants and power generation facilities.

Automotive Testing: In automotive testing laboratories, the PCI – 6230 can be used to measure engine performance parameters. It can interface with sensors that measure variables like temperature, pressure, and vibration in the engine. The high – speed analog input capabilities allow for accurate and timely data collection, which is crucial for analyzing engine performance and diagnosing any potential issues. The digital I/O lines can be used to control test equipment and synchronize different measurement systems.

Laboratory Research: In research laboratories, the versatility of the PCI – 6230 makes it a valuable tool. It can be used in experiments that require precise data acquisition and control. For instance, in a physics experiment involving the measurement of small electrical signals, the high – resolution analog inputs can accurately capture the signals. The digital I/O and counters/timers can be used to control experimental setups, such as triggering lasers or controlling the movement of robotic arms with high precision.

NI PCI-6230

Related Model Recommendations

NI PCI – 6229: The PCI – 6229 is also an M Series data acquisition board. It has 32 single – ended or 16 differential analog input channels, which may be more suitable for applications that require a larger number of analog input channels. However, it has a lower maximum sampling rate compared to the PCI – 6230. If an application needs to monitor a large number of analog signals simultaneously, but the sampling rate requirements are not as high, the PCI – 6229 could be a viable alternative.

NI PXI – 6230: The PXI – 6230 is a bank – isolated multifunction I/O module similar to the PCI – 6230 but is designed for use in PXI systems. It offers the same basic functionality in terms of analog and digital I/O, counters/timers, and isolation. The main difference lies in the form factor and the system it is integrated into. If the application is based on a PXI platform, which offers advantages such as better modularity, higher density, and faster data transfer in some cases, the PXI – 6230 would be the preferred choice.

Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance Instructions

Installation Preparation: Before installing the NI PCI – 6230, ensure that the host computer has a compatible PCI slot. The computer should also meet the minimum system requirements for running the NI – DAQmx driver software. Gather the necessary tools, such as a screwdriver for opening the computer case. Make sure the computer is powered off and unplugged from the electrical outlet to avoid any electrical hazards during installation.

Commissioning: Open the computer case and carefully insert the PCI – 6230 into an available PCI slot, ensuring that it is properly seated. Close the computer case and power on the computer. Install the NI – DAQmx driver software, which can usually be obtained from the NI website or included on a CD – ROM. After the driver installation, use NI Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) to detect and configure the PCI – 6230. Set the appropriate input and output ranges, sampling rates, and other parameters according to the application requirements. Test the basic functionality of the board by running simple data acquisition or control applications using LabVIEW or other compatible software.

Maintenance Suggestions: Regularly check the connections of the 37 – pin D – sub connector to ensure that the cables are securely attached and not damaged. Monitor the performance of the board using NI software tools, looking for any abnormal behavior such as incorrect data readings or inconsistent sampling rates. Keep the driver software and any related firmware up – to – date to benefit from the latest bug fixes and performance improvements. If the board is used in a dusty or humid environment, consider using appropriate enclosures or air – filtering systems to protect it from environmental factors that could affect its performance.

Service and Guarantee Commitment

NI provides a standard warranty for the PCI – 6230, which typically covers manufacturing defects for a specified period. Technical support is available through NI’s official channels, including online resources, user forums, and direct contact with their support team. In case of any issues with the PCI – 6230, users can refer to the NI documentation, which includes detailed user manuals, technical specifications, and troubleshooting guides. If the problem persists, NI’s support team can offer further assistance, such as remote diagnostic services or replacement of defective parts within the warranty period.