NI-6587 High-Speed LVDS Digital I/O Adapter for FlexRIO
The NI-6587 is a high-speed digital I/O adapter module designed for compatible NI FlexRIO FPGA hardware. It provides 20 LVDS digital channels, including 16 bidirectional data lines and four LVDS programmable function interface lines.
With LVDS data rates up to 1 Gbit/s, the NI-6587 supports high-speed serial and parallel digital interfaces, real-time protocol implementation and deterministic data processing. FPGA programmability allows the interface timing and behavior to be customized for specialized devices and communication systems.
Key Features of the NI-6587
- 20 LVDS digital I/O channels
- 16 bidirectional LVDS data channels
- Four LVDS PFI channels
- Data rates up to 1 Gbit/s
- Per-channel direction control
- 100 Ω differential LVDS termination
- LVDS strobe input
- LVDS clock output
- External clock input through SMA
- Additional single-ended PFI connections
- InfiniBand-style digital data and control connector
- Designed for compatible NI FlexRIO FPGA modules
- Supports custom LabVIEW FPGA protocols
NI-6587 Technical Specifications
| Product Model | NI-6587 |
|---|---|
| Product Type | High-speed digital I/O adapter module for FlexRIO |
| Primary Signaling | LVDS |
| Total LVDS Channels | 20 |
| LVDS Data Channels | 16 bidirectional channels |
| LVDS PFI Channels | 4 |
| Maximum LVDS Data Rate | 1 Gbit/s |
| Direction Control | Per channel |
| LVDS Termination | 100 Ω differential |
| Clock Inputs | External SMA clock input and LVDS strobe input |
| Clock Output | LVDS clock output through the DDC connector |
| Main Connector | InfiniBand-style digital data and control connector |
| Programming | LabVIEW FPGA with supported adapter CLIP |
| Required Platform | Compatible NI FlexRIO FPGA module |
The NI-6587 is an FPGA adapter rather than a standalone digital instrument. Maximum usable performance depends on the selected FPGA carrier, FPGA design, sample clock, cable assembly and signal-integrity characteristics of the DUT interface.
NI-6587 Part Number and Accessories
| Item | Part Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| NI-6587 | 781702-01 | 20-channel, 1 Gbit/s LVDS FlexRIO adapter module |
| SMA-2164 | Configuration dependent | Breakout accessory for accessing digital and programmable signals |
| Shielded Digital Cable | Configuration dependent | Connects the NI-6587 to a compatible breakout or custom fixture |
| FlexRIO FPGA Module | Model dependent | Provides FPGA processing and the host-system interface |
| SMA Clock Cable | Configuration dependent | Connects an external timing or reference source |
Use shielded cables and accessories to maintain electromagnetic compatibility and high-speed signal integrity. Confirm connector pin assignments before attaching a custom fixture.
1 Gbit/s LVDS Operation
LVDS signaling uses low-voltage differential pairs to support fast data transfer with improved noise rejection compared with many single-ended interfaces. Correct differential impedance and pair matching are essential at the NI-6587’s highest rates.
The 1 Gbit/s figure represents the supported maximum LVDS data rate. It does not guarantee that every custom FPGA design or external device can operate reliably at that speed without appropriate timing and signal-integrity design.
Bidirectional Data Channels
The 16 main LVDS data channels support per-channel direction control. This provides greater flexibility than interfaces that configure direction only by fixed channel groups.
The FPGA application must prevent unintended bus contention when a channel changes direction. Appropriate turnaround time should be included in any bidirectional protocol.
Clock and Strobe Resources
The adapter provides dedicated timing resources, including an external clock input, an LVDS strobe input and an LVDS clock output. These signals help implement source-synchronous and externally timed interfaces.
NI-6587 Applications
- High-speed LVDS device interfacing
- Custom serial protocol development
- Parallel digital data acquisition
- High-speed digital pattern generation
- Semiconductor characterization
- Image-sensor and camera interfacing
- Converter and communication-device testing
- Real-time FPGA data processing
- Hardware-in-the-loop testing
- Prototype interface validation
Custom High-Speed Protocols
Engineers can use FPGA logic to implement specialized framing, serialization, triggering and error checking. This is useful when a commercial protocol instrument does not provide the required timing or channel behavior.
High-Speed Data Capture
Incoming LVDS data can be processed, filtered or packetized in the FPGA before transfer to the host. This can reduce host-processing load and support deterministic reactions to incoming data.
Digital Stimulus and Response Testing
The same adapter can generate stimulus, acquire response data and manage timing signals. Test logic can compare captured values against expected patterns in real time.
NI-6587 Installation Workflow
Step 1: Select a Compatible FlexRIO Carrier
Confirm support for the NI-6587 adapter and verify that the carrier provides sufficient FPGA and data-transfer resources.
Step 2: Power Down the System
Turn off the PXI system before installing or removing the adapter. NI cautions that connected signals should be removed before the module is powered down.
Step 3: Attach the Adapter and Cables
Install the NI-6587 on the FPGA module and connect shielded digital and clock cables.
Step 4: Configure the Adapter CLIP
Add the correct component-level IP configuration to the LabVIEW FPGA project and map the required data, PFI, strobe and clock resources.
Step 5: Implement Timing Constraints
Define the interface clocking, direction control and data timing required by the external device.
Step 6: Validate Signal Integrity
Begin at a reduced data rate, inspect differential signals where possible and increase the rate after confirming reliable operation.
NI-6587 Troubleshooting
No LVDS data is acquired
Check the FPGA bitfile, adapter CLIP, channel direction and connector pinout. Confirm that the external device is producing valid LVDS levels.
Data becomes corrupted at higher rates
Inspect differential impedance, cable length, pair matching and termination. Review FPGA timing constraints and clock-to-data alignment.
The FPGA compilation fails
Confirm that the project uses the correct FlexRIO target and NI-6587 CLIP. Review clock-domain resources and incompatible pin assignments.
A bidirectional channel does not change direction correctly
Verify the direction-control logic and provide adequate turnaround time. Ensure both devices are not driving the same pair simultaneously.
The module stops responding after power cycling
Disconnect external signals, power the FlexRIO system correctly and reconnect the signals only after the adapter has been powered by its FPGA module.
NI-6587 Comparison
| Model | Digital Interface | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|
| NI-6587 | 20 LVDS channels, up to 1 Gbit/s | High-speed differential custom interfaces |
| NI-6581 | 54 single-ended channels, up to 100 MHz | High-channel-count single-ended buses |
| NI-6585 | 32 LVDS channels, up to 200 Mbit/s | Higher LVDS channel density at moderate data rates |
| NI-6589 | 20-channel, 1 Gbit/s LVDS architecture | Newer FlexRIO platforms and updated carrier compatibility |
Recommended Related Products
- NI-6581 Single-Ended FlexRIO Adapter
- NI-6587 LVDS FlexRIO Adapter
- PXIe-7966R FlexRIO FPGA Module
- PXIe-7965R FlexRIO FPGA Module
- View More NI PXI and FlexRIO Modules
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NI-6587?
The NI-6587 is a 20-channel high-speed LVDS digital I/O adapter for compatible NI FlexRIO FPGA modules.
How many data channels does it provide?
It provides 16 bidirectional LVDS data channels and four LVDS PFI channels.
What is its maximum data rate?
The LVDS channels support data rates up to 1 Gbit/s, subject to the FPGA design and complete interface configuration.
Is the NI-6587 a standalone PXI instrument?
No. It must be attached to a compatible FlexRIO FPGA module.
What is the NI-6587 part number?
The standard ordering part number is 781702-01.
Request a Quote for the NI-6587
Contact us for current availability and pricing for the NI-6587 20-Channel LVDS Digital I/O Adapter Module. We can also help verify the required FlexRIO FPGA carrier, breakout accessory and cable configuration.
