PCI-781XR: Product OverviewThe National Instruments PCI-781XR is a reconfigurable I/O (RIO) device designed for PCI-based computer systems, featuring a user-programmable FPGA for onboard processing and flexible I/O operation. This card represents the R Series Intelligent DAQ platform, providing data acquisition and control with onboard processing capabilities. The device functions as a highly flexible digital interface that can be customized to meet specific application requirements through FPGA programming.Installed in a standard PCI slot, the module operates with a Virtex-II 1M gate FPGA at its core, enabling users to define the functionality and timing of the digital I/O lines according to their specific application needs. The 160 digital I/O lines can be individually configured as inputs, outputs, counter/timers, PWM channels, encoder inputs, or specialized communication protocols. This flexibility allows the card to replace multiple specialized devices in complex measurement and control systems.The reconfigurable I/O architecture enables users to implement custom control algorithms, signal processing functions, and communication protocols directly in hardware, providing deterministic performance with sub-microsecond latency. The device supports DMA (Direct Memory Access) data streaming for efficient data transfer between the card and host computer memory, making it suitable for high-speed data acquisition applications.
NI PCI-781XR
PCI-781XR: Technical Specifications
• Model Number: PCI-781XR
• Manufacturer: National Instruments
• Product Type: PCI Reconfigurable I/O Device
• FPGA Type: Virtex-II 1M gate
• Digital I/O Lines: 160 lines, configurable as inputs, outputs, counters, or custom logic
• Onboard Memory: 80 KB
• Data Transfer: DMA data streaming support
• Power Requirements: +3.3 VDC, +5 VDC (650 mA at +5 VDC, 9 mA at +3.3 VDC)
• Operating Temperature: 0°C to 55°C
• Storage Temperature: -20°C to 70°C
• Relative Humidity: 10% to 90%, noncondensing
• Altitude: 2,000 m at 25°C ambient temperature
• Connector: Coordinated connector intersection box with screw terminal or link options
• Certification: NI CompactRIO extreme industrial certifications and ratings
NI PCI-781XR
Core Features & Customer ValueFPGA-Based Customization: The programmable Virtex-II FPGA enables users to implement custom logic and processing functions that fixed-function DAQ cards cannot match. This allows for the creation of application-specific I/O devices tailored to unique requirements, such as custom communication protocols, specialized triggering schemes, or complex control algorithms.High-Speed Deterministic Performance: With FPGA logic executed in hardware rather than software, the module achieves sub-microsecond latency for control tasks, making it ideal for applications requiring precise timing and real-time response. This deterministic performance ensures reliable operation in time-critical applications such as robotics, motion control, and high-speed manufacturing processes.Scalable Digital I/O Capability: The 160 digital I/O lines provide extensive connectivity for large-scale digital systems, allowing simultaneous interface with multiple sensors, actuators, and control devices. This high channel count makes the card suitable for industrial automation applications where numerous digital signals need to be monitored and controlled.Typical ApplicationsIn industrial automation systems, the module controls robotic arms and manufacturing equipment, implementing custom motion control algorithms with precise timing requirements. The FPGA can run high-speed control loops for position control, reading encoder data and adjusting motor outputs with minimal latency.For electronics testing and validation, the card generates and measures digital signals to test integrated circuits (ICs) and printed circuit boards (PCBs). The high-speed data acquisition capabilities enable quick and accurate testing of electronic components, helping identify faulty components and ensure product quality.In scientific research applications, the device controls experiments requiring precise timing, such as particle physics experiments where it manages the timing of detectors and magnets in particle accelerators. The programmable FPGA can implement complex trigger and data acquisition logic for accurate data capture and analysis.
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