PCI-6220 16-Channel 16-Bit Multifunction DAQ Device
The NI PCI-6220 is an M Series multifunction data acquisition board designed for voltage measurement, automated testing, laboratory research and industrial monitoring.
It provides 16 single-ended or eight differential analog input channels with 16-bit resolution and a maximum aggregate sample rate of 250 kS/s.
The PCI-6220 also includes 24 bidirectional digital I/O lines, eight hardware-timed digital lines and two 32-bit counter/timers. It does not provide analog output channels.
Key Features of the PCI-6220
- 16 single-ended or eight differential analog inputs
- 16-bit analog input resolution
- 250 kS/s maximum aggregate sample rate
- Four programmable bipolar input ranges
- 24 bidirectional digital I/O lines
- Eight hardware-timed digital lines
- Digital waveform rates up to 1 MHz
- Two 32-bit counter/timers
- Analog and digital triggering
- One 68-pin VHDCI connector
- Conventional PCI interface
- NI-DAQmx support
PCI-6220 Technical Specifications
| Product Model | PCI-6220 |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 779065-01 |
| Product Family | NI M Series Multifunction DAQ |
| Bus Interface | Conventional PCI |
| Analog Inputs | 16 single-ended or 8 differential |
| ADC Resolution | 16 bits |
| Maximum Sample Rate | 250 kS/s aggregate |
| Input Coupling | DC |
| Input Ranges | ±0.2 V, ±1 V, ±5 V and ±10 V |
| Maximum Working Voltage | ±11 V relative to AI GND |
| Analog Outputs | None |
| Digital I/O | 24 bidirectional lines |
| Hardware-Timed DIO | 8 lines, up to 1 MHz |
| Counter/Timers | 2 × 32-bit |
| Counter Timebases | 80 MHz, 20 MHz and 100 kHz |
| Front Connector | 1 × 68-pin VHDCI |
| Driver | NI-DAQmx |
PCI-6220 Part Number and Accessories
| Item | Part Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| PCI-6220 | 779065-01 | 16-channel, 16-bit PCI multifunction DAQ device |
| SHC68-68-EPM | 192061-02 | 2 m shielded VHDCI cable |
| SCB-68A | 782536-01 | Shielded screw-terminal connector block |
| BNC-2110 | 777643-01 | BNC connector block for laboratory signals |
| BNC-2120 | 777960-01 | Desktop BNC development accessory |
16-Bit Analog Input
The PCI-6220 provides four bipolar ranges between ±200 mV and ±10 V. Selecting a suitable range improves the effective resolution available for the measured signal.
Differential connections improve rejection of common-mode interference, while single-ended connections provide the full 16-channel capacity.
250 kS/s Multiplexed Acquisition
The 250 kS/s specification is an aggregate rate shared by all active analog input channels. For example, ten channels sampled at equal rates can each operate at up to approximately 25 kS/s.
The multiplexed architecture introduces a small timing offset between channels. Applications requiring simultaneous phase measurements should use simultaneous-sampling hardware.
Digital I/O and Counters
Twenty-four individually configurable digital lines support logic monitoring and control. Eight Port 0 lines provide hardware-timed digital acquisition or generation at rates up to 1 MHz.
The two counters support edge counting, pulse measurement, frequency measurement, encoder position and pulse-train output.
Triggering and Synchronization
Analog and digital trigger capabilities allow acquisition to respond to external signal events. RTSI connections can synchronize the board with other compatible PCI instruments.
PCI-6220 Applications
- General-purpose voltage measurement
- Automated test equipment
- Production functional testing
- Industrial process monitoring
- Laboratory data logging
- Conditioned sensor acquisition
- Digital fixture control
- Encoder and frequency measurement
- Educational laboratory systems
General-Purpose Data Acquisition
The PCI-6220 provides a practical balance between channel count, resolution and sampling speed for moderate-bandwidth signals.
Production Test
Analog inputs can measure DUT voltage levels while digital lines control fixture states and counters verify timing or frequency outputs.
Industrial Monitoring
With appropriate external signal conditioning, the board can monitor pressure, temperature, position and other process measurements.
PCI-6220 Installation Workflow
Step 1: Confirm the Computer Interface
Verify that the host computer has a conventional PCI slot.
Step 2: Install NI-DAQmx
Select a driver version compatible with the operating system and application environment.
Step 3: Install the Board
Power off the computer, observe ESD precautions and secure the PCI-6220 in the slot.
Step 4: Connect the Terminal Accessory
Install the shielded VHDCI cable and verify the terminal-block pinout.
Step 5: Configure NI MAX
Run the device self-test and verify the channels with a known signal.
Step 6: Create the DAQ Task
Configure input mode, voltage range, sample rate, trigger and buffer settings.
PCI-6220 Troubleshooting
The board is not detected
Check the PCI slot, board seating, BIOS resources and NI-DAQmx compatibility.
The measured voltage is inaccurate
Verify the input range, channel mode, grounding and signal-source type.
Measurements contain 50 Hz or 60 Hz interference
Use differential wiring, shielded cables and a carefully designed grounding arrangement.
The requested multichannel rate is unavailable
The active channels must share the 250 kS/s aggregate sample rate.
A counter records additional edges
Check signal quality and grounding. Noisy or slowly changing inputs may require external conditioning.
PCI-6220 Comparison
| Model | AI Rate | AO | DIO | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCI-6220 | 250 kS/s | 0 | 24 | General-purpose input-only DAQ |
| PCI-6221 | 250 kS/s | 2 | 24 | DAQ requiring analog output |
| PCI-6229 | 250 kS/s | 4 | 48 | Higher channel density |
| PCIe-6320 | 250 kS/s | 0 | 24 | PCI Express replacement systems |
PCI-6220 vs PCI-6250
The PCI-6250 provides a higher 1.25 MS/s single-channel rate and additional low-level input ranges. The PCI-6220 is suitable when 250 kS/s acquisition is sufficient.
PCI-6220 vs PCI-6221
The PCI-6221 adds two analog outputs. The PCI-6220 is appropriate for measurement-focused systems that do not require programmable analog stimulus.
Why Choose the PCI-6220?
Choose the PCI-6220 for general-purpose 16-bit voltage acquisition, digital control and counter measurements in a conventional PCI system.
PCI-6220 Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PCI-6220 part number?
The standard part number is 779065-01.
What is its maximum sample rate?
The maximum aggregate analog input rate is 250 kS/s.
Does it provide analog outputs?
No. The PCI-6221 is a related model with two analog outputs.
How many digital lines are hardware timed?
Eight Port 0 lines support hardware-timed operation at up to 1 MHz.
What is the PCI Express alternative?
The PCIe-6320 is a relevant PCI Express replacement option.
Recommended Related Products
- PCI-6221 Multifunction DAQ Device
- PCI-6229 Multifunction DAQ Device
- PCIe-6320 Multifunction DAQ Device
- PCI-6250 High-Speed Multifunction DAQ Device
- View More NI DAQ Products
Request a Quote for the PCI-6220
Contact us for current availability and pricing for the NI PCI-6220 Multifunction DAQ Device. We can also help identify compatible VHDCI cables, connector blocks and PCI Express replacement models.
