PCI-6503: Product OverviewThe National Instruments PCI-6503 is a high-density digital input/output interface board designed for PCI-based computer systems. This card provides 96 channels of parallel digital I/O capability, serving as an interface between a host computer and external digital devices. The board functions as a general-purpose digital interface for applications requiring monitoring of digital status signals, control of external equipment, or communication with parallel digital devices.Installed in a standard PCI slot, the board operates as a memory-mapped device that appears to the host computer as a block of memory locations. Each of the 96 digital lines can be individually programmed as either an input or output, providing flexibility for mixed applications requiring both sensing and control capabilities. The board supports 5V TTL logic levels and includes per-line direction control, allowing system designers to configure the interface for specific application requirements without hardware modifications. The parallel architecture enables simultaneous update of all output channels and simultaneous reading of all input channels, making it suitable for applications requiring synchronized digital operations.
NI PCI-6503
PCI-6503: Technical Specifications
• Model Number: PCI-6503
• Manufacturer: National Instruments
• Product Type: PCI Digital I/O Interface Board
• Number of Channels: 96 digital I/O channels
• Logic Levels: 5V TTL compatible
• I/O Organization: Three 32-bit ports (96 total channels)
• Direction Control: Programmable per line (input or output)
• Input Voltage Range: -0.5V to +5.5V
• Output Voltage: 0V to 5V (TTL levels)
• Maximum Sink Current: 24 mA per line
• Maximum Source Current: 15 mA per line
• Data Transfer: Memory-mapped I/O, interrupt-driven
• Connector: Two 50-pin high-density D-Sub connectors
• Power Consumption: 1.5A maximum from +5V PCI bus
• Operating Temperature: 0°C to 55°C
• Compatibility: 3.3V and 5V PCI slots
NI PCI-6503
Core Features & Customer ValueHigh-Density Digital Interface: The 96-channel configuration provides significant I/O capability in a single PCI slot, reducing the need for multiple interface cards in applications requiring extensive digital signal monitoring and control. For industrial automation applications, this high channel count supports complex machine control systems where multiple sensors, actuators, and status indicators need to be monitored and controlled simultaneously.Flexible Per-Line Configuration: The ability to program each of the 96 channels individually as either input or output provides exceptional application flexibility. This allows system designers to adapt the interface to changing requirements without hardware modifications, supporting mixed applications where some channels monitor sensor status while others control actuators or indicators. The software-configurable approach reduces installation time and enables field reconfiguration.TTL Compatibility and Drive Capability: The 5V TTL compatibility ensures straightforward interface with a wide range of industrial control components, including PLCs, sensors, and actuators. The 24 mA sink current capability per line enables direct driving of optoisolators, small relays, and indicators without additional buffer circuits, simplifying system design and reducing component count.Typical ApplicationsIn automated test equipment, the board controls relay matrices, stimulus applications, and monitors device-under-test status lines during functional testing of electronic assemblies and components.For industrial machine control, the interface monitors limit switches, proximity sensors, and emergency stops while controlling solenoids, motor starters, and indicator lights in manufacturing automation systems.In laboratory automation, the digital lines control peripheral equipment and acquire status information from multiple instruments in research and development environments requiring flexible digital interfacing.
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Full 12-month warranty on all components
