NI PCIe-6734

Description

NI PCIe – 6734 Detailed Product Description

Detailed Parameter Table

NI PCIe-6734

Product Introduction

The NI PCIe – 6734 is a high – performance multifunction data acquisition card that plays a crucial role in modern measurement and control systems. Designed to be installed in a PCI Express slot of a host computer, it serves as a powerful interface between the computer and a wide range of external analog and digital devices. This card is engineered to meet the demands of applications that require accurate and high – speed data acquisition, as well as flexible digital input and output capabilities.

With its 4 – channel analog input section capable of simultaneous sampling at 3.5 MS/s per channel and a 16 – bit resolution, the PCIe – 6734 can precisely capture rapidly changing analog signals. The 2 – channel analog output allows for the generation of analog waveforms, which can be used for driving actuators, providing excitation signals to sensors, or simulating analog signals in testing scenarios. The 24 – channel digital I/O ports are useful for controlling digital devices, interfacing with digital sensors, and implementing logic – based control systems. The inclusion of 4 counters with 32 – bit resolution enables accurate time – stamping and frequency measurement tasks.

Core Advantages and Technical Highlights

High – Speed Analog Input

The ability to sample 4 analog channels simultaneously at 3.5 MS/s per channel makes the PCIe – 6734 ideal for applications where multiple signals need to be captured in real – time. This high – speed sampling is essential in fields such as transient signal recording, where short – lived but critical events need to be accurately captured. The 16 – bit resolution ensures a high level of accuracy in measuring analog signals, reducing quantization errors and providing more detailed data for analysis.

NI – STC3 Timing and Synchronization

The integrated NI – STC3 technology is a key differentiator. It offers advanced timing functions, allowing for independent control of analog and digital timing engines. This means that the analog input and output operations can be precisely timed relative to each other and to external events, as well as the digital I/O operations. The repeatable triggering feature enables reliable initiation of measurement tasks, which is crucial for applications that require consistent and accurate data acquisition, such as in manufacturing test processes.

Flexible Digital I/O

The 24 – channel digital I/O provides a versatile interface for interacting with digital devices. It can be configured as inputs to read the status of digital sensors or switches, or as outputs to control digital actuators, relays, or other digital – based control elements. This flexibility makes the PCIe – 6734 suitable for a wide range of applications, from simple digital control systems to complex industrial automation setups.

Compact and High – Performance PCIe Interface

The PCI Express interface offers high – speed data transfer, ensuring that the large amounts of data acquired by the analog input channels can be quickly transferred to the host computer’s memory for processing. The compact form factor of the card allows for easy installation in standard PCIe slots, making it suitable for both desktop – based test systems and rack – mounted industrial computers.

Typical Application Scenarios

Telecommunications Manufacturing Tests

In the telecommunications industry, the PCIe – 6734 can be used for testing various communication protocols such as ISDN, ADSL, and POTS. It can capture and analyze analog signals related to these protocols, ensuring that the equipment being manufactured meets the required standards. For example, it can be used to test the quality of analog voice signals in POTS lines or to analyze the high – speed digital signals in ADSL modems.

Ultrasound and Sonar Testing

In the field of ultrasound and sonar, the card’s high – speed analog input capabilities are invaluable. It can capture the high – frequency ultrasonic or sonar signals with precision, enabling accurate analysis of the signals for applications such as medical ultrasound imaging or underwater sonar mapping. The simultaneous sampling of multiple channels can be used to capture signals from an array of ultrasound transducers or sonar sensors, providing a more comprehensive view of the target being scanned.

High – Energy Physics Experiments

In high – energy physics research, the PCIe – 6734 can be used to acquire data from various detectors. The accurate and high – speed analog input, along with the precise timing capabilities provided by the NI – STC3 technology, are crucial for capturing the fast – moving particles’ signals and correlating them with other events in the experiment. The digital I/O can be used to control the operation of the detectors and to interface with other experimental equipment.

Related Model Recommendations

NI BNC – 2110: This is a signal conditioning and connection module that can be used in conjunction with the PCIe – 6734. It provides a convenient way to connect various types of sensors and actuators to the DAQ card. For example, it can be used to connect BNC – terminated analog sensors to the PCIe – 6734’s analog input channels, or to interface digital devices to the card’s digital I/O ports.

NI DAQmx Software: The NI DAQmx driver software is essential for programming and controlling the PCIe – 6734. It provides a comprehensive set of functions and APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) that allow developers to create customized measurement and control applications. With DAQmx, users can easily configure the card’s analog and digital channels, set up data acquisition and generation tasks, and implement advanced features such as triggering and synchronization.

NI PXI – 6374: Although it is a PXI – based multifunction DAQ module, it is in the same family as the PCIe – 6734 and offers similar functionality. In some cases, where a more modular and ruggedized system is required, the PXI – 6374 can be used in combination with a PXI chassis. It can be used to expand the capabilities of a measurement system, for example, by adding more analog or digital channels to a setup that already includes a PCIe – 6734.

Installation, Commissioning, and Maintenance

Installation Steps

Hardware Installation:

Power off the host computer and open the computer case.

Locate an available PCI Express slot on the motherboard.

Gently insert the NI PCIe – 6734 card into the PCIe slot, ensuring that it is properly seated.

Secure the card to the computer case using the provided screws.

Connect the 68 – pin VHDCI cable from the PCIe – 6734 to the external devices. Make sure to use appropriate cable management to avoid interference and ensure reliable connections.

Software Installation:

Power on the computer.

Install the NI DAQmx driver software, which can be obtained from the National Instruments website or the provided installation media. Follow the on – screen instructions during the installation process.

After the driver installation, install any additional software or tools required for your specific application, such as DAQ Express for basic measurement and analysis tasks.

Commissioning

Device Detection: Open the NI MAX (Measurement & Automation Explorer) software. The PCIe – 6734 should be detected and listed under the “Devices and Interfaces” section. If the card is not detected, check the hardware connections, ensure that the card is properly seated in the slot, and verify that the computer’s BIOS settings related to PCIe are correctly configured.

Channel Configuration: In NI MAX, configure the analog input and output channels, digital I/O channels, and counter/timer settings according to your application requirements. Set the appropriate voltage ranges for analog input and output, and configure the digital I/O as inputs or outputs as needed.

Testing: Use NI – provided test applications or write a simple test program using the DAQmx API to verify the functionality of the card. For example, for analog input, you can acquire a small amount of data from the input channels and display it on the screen. For analog output, generate a simple waveform and check if it is correctly output on the connected devices. For digital I/O, toggle the digital outputs and read the digital inputs to ensure proper operation.

Maintenance Tips

Regular Inspection: Periodically inspect the hardware connections to ensure that the cables are securely attached and not damaged. Check for any signs of wear or corrosion on the connectors.

Software Updates: Keep the NI DAQmx driver software and other related software up – to – date. National Instruments often releases software updates that include bug fixes, performance improvements, and new features. Install these updates as they become available to ensure optimal performance of the PCIe – 6734.

Environmental Considerations: Ensure that the computer and the PCIe – 6734 card are operating within the specified temperature and humidity ranges. Avoid exposing the card to excessive heat, cold, or moisture, as this can affect its performance and reliability.

Troubleshooting: If you encounter any issues with the card, such as incorrect data acquisition or communication problems, refer to the NI documentation, online forums, or contact National Instruments’ technical support. They can provide guidance on troubleshooting and resolving the issues.

Service and Guarantee Commitment

The NI PCIe – 6734 comes with a standard warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship. National Instruments’ global technical support team is available to provide assistance for installation, troubleshooting, and software – related issues. They offer 24/7 support via phone, email, and online support portals.

Calibration services are also available through NI’s accredited labs. Regular calibration ensures that the card’s analog and digital measurements remain accurate over time. For complex applications or custom integration requirements, NI’s professional services team can provide system design support to help optimize the use of the PCIe – 6734 in your specific measurement and control system.

With a reputation for reliability and a commitment to providing long – term support for its products, National Instruments ensures that the NI PCIe – 6734 can be a reliable and long – lasting component in your data acquisition and control setups.