Description
USB-6501: Product Overview
The National Instruments USB-6501 is a compact, bus-powered digital I/O device designed for portable measurement applications requiring basic data acquisition and control capabilities. This multifunction device connects to a computer via a standard USB port, providing 24 channels of digital I/O and a 32-bit counter/timer in a rugged, portable package. The device serves as an economical solution for applications such as educational laboratories, portable data logging, and simple industrial control systems where AC power availability may be limited.
Operating as part of the NI USB-6000 series, this device is designed for ease of use and quick setup, requiring no external power supply due to its bus-powered operation. The 24 digital lines are configurable as inputs or outputs on a per-port basis, with each port consisting of eight lines that can be independently programmed. The integrated 32-bit counter can be used for event counting, frequency measurement, or pulse generation. The device’s sample clock operates at 10 MHz, providing sufficient timing resolution for most basic digital acquisition and generation tasks.
The primary value of this device lies in its combination of portability, ease of use, and National Instruments’ software integration. It is supported by NI-DAQmx driver software, which provides a consistent API across National Instruments’ entire DAQ product line. This allows for straightforward programming in environments such as LabVIEW, C, and .NET. The rugged design and bus-powered operation make it suitable for field applications where reliability and portability are key considerations.
NI USB-6501
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Manufacturer: National Instruments
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Product Type: USB Bus-Powered Digital I/O Device
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Digital I/O Channels: 24 lines (3 ports of 8 lines)
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Digital Logic Levels: TTL/CMOS compatible
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Counter/Timer: One 32-bit counter
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Power Source: USB bus-powered
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USB Connector: USB Type-B
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I/O Connector: 50-pin micro-D connector
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Operating Temperature: 0°C to 45°C
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Storage Temperature: -20°C to 60°C
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Relative Humidity: 10% to 90% non-condensing
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Software Support: NI-DAQmx driver software
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Compatibility: Windows, Linux
NI USB-6501
Core Features & Customer Value
USB Bus-Powered Operation: The device draws all necessary power directly from the USB bus, eliminating the need for an external power supply. This significantly enhances portability and simplifies installation, particularly in educational settings, field applications, or temporary test setups where AC power may not be readily available. The bus-powered design reduces overall system cost and complexity while improving deployment flexibility.
Software Integration and Ease of Use: Supported by NI-DAQmx driver software, the device integrates seamlessly with National Instruments’ software platforms, including LabVIEW and Measurement Studio. This provides a consistent programming experience across different hardware platforms, reducing learning curves and development time. The plug-and-play operation allows for quick setup and configuration, making it accessible to users with varying levels of technical expertise.
Rugged Portable Design: The device features a robust mechanical design suitable for transportation and use in various environments. The compact form factor and bus-powered operation make it ideal for portable measurements, educational labs, and temporary installations. The rugged construction ensures reliable operation in typical laboratory and light industrial environments, providing durability for educational and research applications.
In educational laboratories, the device introduces students to digital I/O concepts and data acquisition fundamentals, supporting experiments in digital logic, basic control systems, and sensor interfacing. The bus-powered operation and simple connectivity make it ideal for classroom environments where setup time and complexity must be minimized.
For portable data logging applications, the module monitors digital signals from sensors and switches in field applications such as environmental monitoring or equipment testing. The USB connectivity allows for easy data transfer to laptop computers for analysis and storage in remote locations.
In industrial settings, the device performs basic control tasks such as monitoring limit switches, controlling relays, and reading encoder signals for simple automation applications. The digital I/O capabilities support functions like machine status monitoring, basic sequencing, and simple process control.
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Full 12-month warranty on all components
Full 12-month warranty on all components
