The NI-6587 is a Digital I/O Adapter Module for FlexRIO from National Instruments, designed for high-speed digital communication, real-time protocol interfacing, custom digital signal control, and FPGA-based PXI test systems. When combined with a compatible PXI FPGA Module for FlexRIO, the NI-6587 creates a digital instrument for interfacing with 20 LVDS digital channels. This module supports digital waveform sampling up to 1 GHz and is suitable for applications that require fast digital I/O, low-voltage differential signaling, and real-time FPGA processing.
The NI-6587 Digital I/O Adapter Module is useful for engineers who need to interface with standard digital protocols or implement custom communication protocols. Because it works with FlexRIO FPGA hardware, users can define custom timing, digital patterns, triggering behavior, protocol logic, and real-time data processing directly in FPGA logic. This makes the NI-6587 suitable for applications where fixed-function digital instruments do not provide enough flexibility.
The National Instruments NI-6587 supports 20 bidirectional LVDS digital channels, allowing users to send and receive high-speed digital signals through a FlexRIO-based system. Third-party technical listings describe the module as having 16 data channels and 4 PFI channels, with a maximum data rate of 1 Gbit/s and a maximum clock rate of 1 GHz. The module is designed for differential signaling and supports common LVDS voltage levels.
The NI-6587 FlexRIO Adapter Module can be used for real-time interfacing with digital devices under test. It is suitable for digital protocol validation, custom protocol emulation, high-speed digital pattern generation, digital waveform acquisition, device communication testing, and FPGA-based digital control. By combining the NI-6587 with a FlexRIO FPGA module, engineers can process digital data as it is acquired or generated, reducing the workload on the host computer and improving deterministic system behavior.
In system integration, the NI-6587 must be used with a compatible FlexRIO FPGA module. This combination allows users to create a custom PXI-based digital instrument instead of relying on a fixed-purpose digital I/O device. The FPGA can be programmed to handle application-specific timing, protocol decoding, custom digital logic, and high-speed signal control. This architecture is especially useful for research systems, automated validation platforms, semiconductor test, communication interface testing, and custom embedded device verification.
For hardware connectivity, the NI-6587 includes front-panel connectors for high-speed digital signal connection. Technical listings identify the front panel as including two SMA connectors and a 73-pin InfiniBand connector. These interfaces allow the module to connect with external digital devices, test fixtures, and protocol validation setups. The NI-6587 is listed by NI as no longer available, with NI-6589 suggested as the replacement model.
Overall, the NI-6587 Digital I/O Adapter Module for FlexRIO is a flexible high-speed digital adapter for users who need LVDS digital I/O, custom protocol implementation, and FPGA-based real-time control. With 20 LVDS channels, 1 Gbit/s digital performance, 1 GHz digital waveform sampling, and FlexRIO FPGA compatibility, the NI-6587 is well suited for high-speed digital communication, protocol validation, digital waveform testing, and custom PXI-based digital instrumentation.
