PCI-DIO-96: Product OverviewThe National Instruments PCI-DIO-96 is a high-density digital input/output interface board designed for PCI-based computer systems requiring extensive parallel digital signal handling capabilities. This card functions as a general-purpose digital interface between a host computer and external digital devices, providing 96 channels of configurable digital I/O. The device serves as a fundamental component in automated test systems, industrial control applications, and data acquisition systems where monitoring of digital status signals and control of external equipment is required.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.The design incorporates three 32-bit ports that can be accessed independently or as a unified block, providing efficient data transfer for both bit-level and word-level operations. The board includes onboard buffers to ensure data integrity during high-speed transfers and supports interrupt-driven operation for efficient handling of state changes on input lines. This architecture makes the interface suitable for applications ranging from simple manual control of relays and indicators to complex automated test sequences requiring precise timing relationships between multiple digital signals.
NI PCI-DIO-96
PCI-DIO-96: Technical Specifications
• Model Number: PCI-DIO-96
• Manufacturer: National Instruments
• Product Type: PCI Digital I/O Interface Board
• Number of Channels: 96 digital I/O channels
• I/O Organization: Three 32-bit ports
• Logic Levels: 5V TTL compatible
• Maximum Sink Current: 24 mA per line
• Maximum Source Current: 15 mA per line
• Data Transfer: Memory-mapped I/O, interrupt-driven
• Direction Control: Programmable per line (input or output)
• Input Voltage Range: -0.5V to +5.5V
• Output Voltage: 0V to 5V (TTL levels)
• Switching Speed: 1 MHz typical
• Power Consumption: 1.5A maximum from +5V PCI bus
• Connector: Two 50-pin high-density D-Sub connectors
• Operating Temperature: 0°C to 55°C
• Compatibility: 3.3V and 5V PCI slots
NI PCI-DIO-96
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. The benefit is reduced system complexity and cost compared to using multiple lower-density digital I/O cards.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 without physical changes to the system.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. The robust output drivers can handle typical industrial loads while providing protection against short circuits and overcurrent conditions.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. The high channel count enables complex test scenarios involving multiple devices and test points simultaneously.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. The per-channel direction control allows optimal configuration for each I/O point based on its specific function in the control system.In data acquisition systems, the digital lines acquire status information from multiple sensors and control points in building automation, environmental monitoring, and equipment supervision applications. The parallel architecture ensures synchronized reading of all input states, providing a coherent snapshot of system status at specific time intervals.
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