Product Introduction
The NI PXIe-6356 is a simultaneous-sampling X Series multifunction data acquisition module designed for high-speed automated testing, transient recording, waveform analysis, and synchronized measurement applications. It combines analog input, analog output, digital I/O, counter/timer functions, and advanced triggering capabilities in a single PXI Express module.
With eight differential analog input channels sampling simultaneously at up to 1.25 MS/s per channel, the PXIe-6356 can acquire time-correlated signals without the channel-to-channel delay associated with multiplexed acquisition devices. Its PXI Express interface and NI-STC3 timing architecture make it suitable for demanding measurement and control systems.
Product Overview
The PXIe-6356 belongs to the NI X Series multifunction I/O family and is optimized for applications that require accurate timing relationships between multiple analog signals. Each analog input channel uses simultaneous-sampling architecture, allowing all eight channels to acquire data at the same instant.
In addition to its analog input subsystem, the PXIe-6356 provides two high-speed analog outputs, 24 programmable digital I/O lines, four 32-bit counter/timers, and analog and digital triggering. These integrated resources allow engineers to perform signal acquisition, waveform generation, digital control, event counting, and hardware synchronization with one module.
The PXIe-6356 is supported by NI-DAQmx and integrates with LabVIEW, NI MAX, TestStand, and other supported development environments, simplifying the creation of scalable PXI Express automated test systems.
Key Features
Eight Simultaneous Analog Inputs for Time-Correlated Acquisition
The PXIe-6356 provides eight differential analog input channels with dedicated simultaneous-sampling capability.
- 8 differential analog input channels
- Simultaneous sampling across all channels
- Up to 1.25 MS/s sampling rate per channel
- 16-bit analog input resolution
- 1 MHz analog input bandwidth
Advantage: Simultaneous sampling preserves timing and phase relationships between signals, improving accuracy in transient recording, waveform comparison, and multichannel analysis.
Programmable Input Ranges for Different Signal Levels
The PXIe-6356 supports several selectable analog input ranges for measuring signals with different amplitudes.
- ±1 V input range
- ±2 V input range
- ±5 V input range
- ±10 V input range
- DC-coupled analog acquisition
Advantage: Programmable ranges allow users to match the measurement span to the expected signal amplitude, improving effective resolution and acquisition flexibility.
Two High-Speed Analog Outputs for Waveform Generation
The PXIe-6356 includes two analog output channels for creating test stimuli, generating waveforms, and controlling external devices.
- 2 simultaneous analog output channels
- 16-bit digital-to-analog conversion
- Up to 3.3 MS/s update rate per channel
- ±10 V and ±5 V output ranges
- Periodic and nonperiodic waveform generation
Advantage: Integrated analog outputs enable the same module to generate test signals while acquiring and analyzing system responses.
24 Programmable Digital I/O Lines
The PXIe-6356 provides digital resources for device control, status monitoring, triggering, and test sequencing.
- 24 programmable digital I/O lines
- Individually configurable input or output direction
- Static digital operations
- Hardware-timed operation on Port 0
- Digital waveform acquisition and generation
Advantage: Integrated digital I/O reduces the need for separate digital control modules in mixed-signal automated test systems.
Four Advanced Counter/Timers
The PXIe-6356 includes four 32-bit counter/timers for event measurement, pulse generation, encoder acquisition, and frequency analysis.
- 4 independent 32-bit counters
- Edge counting
- Pulse-width and period measurement
- Quadrature encoder measurement
- Pulse and pulse-train generation
Advantage: The counter subsystem supports precise timing, motion feedback, frequency measurement, and hardware-controlled test operations.
Advanced Triggering and PXI Synchronization
The PXIe-6356 supports analog triggering, digital triggering, PXI trigger lines, PXI Star, and PXIe differential star trigger resources.
- Analog edge triggering
- Analog window triggering
- Digital start and reference triggers
- PXI trigger bus support
- Multi-device synchronization
Advantage: Flexible trigger routing enables deterministic coordination between multiple instruments in complex PXI Express systems.
High-Speed PXI Express Integration
The PXIe-6356 uses a PXI Express interface for high-speed communication with the system controller and other PXI instruments.
- x1 PXI Express peripheral module
- Compatible with x1 and x4 PXI Express slots
- Compatible with PXI Express hybrid slots
- Eight DMA channels
- Standard 3U PXI form factor
Advantage: PXI Express connectivity supports high-throughput streaming and scalable integration with digitizers, switching modules, RF instruments, and other DAQ hardware.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Product Type | PXI Express Simultaneous-Sampling Multifunction DAQ Module |
| DAQ Family | NI X Series |
| Part Number | 781053-01 |
| Analog Input Channels | 8 Differential Channels |
| Analog Input Resolution | 16 Bits |
| Maximum AI Sample Rate | 1.25 MS/s per Channel |
| Sampling Architecture | Simultaneous Sampling |
| Analog Input Ranges | ±1 V, ±2 V, ±5 V, and ±10 V |
| Input Coupling | DC |
| Analog Input Bandwidth | 1 MHz |
| Analog Output Channels | 2 Simultaneous Channels |
| Analog Output Resolution | 16 Bits |
| Maximum AO Update Rate | 3.3 MS/s per Channel |
| Analog Output Ranges | ±10 V, ±5 V, and External Reference |
| Digital I/O | 24 Programmable Digital I/O Lines |
| Hardware-Timed Digital Port | 8 Lines on Port 0, Up to 10 MHz |
| Counters | Four 32-Bit Counter/Timers |
| Analog Triggering | Edge, Edge with Hysteresis, and Window Triggering |
| Bus Interface | PXI Express |
| I/O Connector | One 68-Pin VHDCI Connector |
| Driver Support | NI-DAQmx |
| Calibration Interval | 2 Years |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to 55 °C |
Software Ecosystem
The PXIe-6356 is supported by the NI software ecosystem for device configuration, hardware-timed acquisition, synchronization, automated testing, and data analysis.
- NI-DAQmx: Provides device configuration, acquisition, generation, triggering, synchronization, and programming interfaces.
- LabVIEW: Supports graphical development of measurement, signal-processing, automation, and control applications.
- NI MAX: Enables device detection, configuration, self-testing, diagnostics, and calibration management.
- TestStand: Supports automated test sequencing, result processing, reporting, and production deployment.
- Programming APIs: NI-DAQmx provides APIs for supported text-based programming environments such as C/C++ and .NET.
Industries
- Telecommunications
- Aerospace and Defense
- Automotive and Transportation
- Electronics Manufacturing
- Medical and Ultrasound Research
- Physics and Scientific Research
- Industrial Automation
- Academic Laboratories
Applications
Transient Recording and Waveform Analysis
The simultaneous-sampling architecture makes the PXIe-6356 suitable for capturing rapidly changing signals while maintaining accurate timing relationships between channels.
- Transient event recording
- Time-correlated waveform acquisition
- Phase comparison
- Pulse and event analysis
Telecommunications Manufacturing Test
The PXIe-6356 can acquire and generate signals for automated testing of telecommunications equipment and signal paths.
- Intermediate-frequency signal digitization
- ISDN equipment testing
- ADSL system validation
- POTS manufacturing test
Ultrasound and Sonar Testing
Its simultaneous inputs and high sampling rate support multichannel acoustic and ultrasonic measurement systems.
- Ultrasound transducer evaluation
- Sonar signal acquisition
- Time-of-flight measurement
- Multichannel acoustic analysis
Automated Electronic Test Systems
The PXIe-6356 combines stimulus generation, response acquisition, digital control, and triggering for automated validation platforms.
- Functional verification
- Production testing
- Electronic device characterization
- Hardware validation
Scientific and High-Energy Physics Research
The module can acquire synchronized signals from laboratory instruments, detectors, and experimental equipment.
- Detector signal acquisition
- Experimental event recording
- Multichannel laboratory measurement
- Research instrumentation
Comparison with Similar Products
| Model | Main Difference | Best Application |
|---|---|---|
|
NI PXIe-6356 | Provides eight simultaneous analog inputs at 1.25 MS/s per channel, two analog outputs, and 24 digital I/O lines. | Compact time-correlated acquisition and mixed-signal testing |
|
NI PXIe-6358 | Provides 16 simultaneous analog input channels, four analog outputs, and 48 digital I/O lines for higher-channel-count systems. | Large simultaneous-sampling measurement systems |
|
NI PXIe-6349 | Offers simultaneous-sampling multifunction I/O with different channel, sampling, and output specifications. | Alternative simultaneous-sampling DAQ configurations |
|
NI PXIe-6366 | Provides a higher per-channel sampling rate for applications requiring faster simultaneous waveform acquisition. | Higher-speed transient and waveform measurement |
Recommended Related Products
The following products can be combined with the PXIe-6356 to create a complete PXI Express data acquisition and automated test system.
|
NI PXIe-1092 | Compact PXI Express chassis for modular automated test and measurement systems. |
|
NI PXIe-1095 | High-performance 18-slot PXI Express chassis for larger instrumentation systems. |
|
NI PXIe-8842 | Embedded PXI Express controller for running acquisition, analysis, and automated test applications. |
|
NI BNC-2110 | Shielded BNC connector block for convenient access to analog, digital, counter, and timing signals. |
|
NI SCB-68A | Shielded 68-pin connector block for custom field wiring and signal termination. |
Why Choose PXIe-6356?
- Eight dedicated simultaneous analog input channels
- Up to 1.25 MS/s acquisition rate on every analog input
- Two 16-bit analog outputs operating at up to 3.3 MS/s
- 24 programmable digital I/O lines
- Four 32-bit counters for timing and motion applications
- Accurate time correlation between multiple analog signals
- Advanced analog and digital triggering
- PXI Express integration for scalable automated test systems
- Supported by NI-DAQmx, LabVIEW, NI MAX, and TestStand
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the PXIe-6356 sample all analog input channels simultaneously?
Yes. The PXIe-6356 provides eight differential simultaneous-sampling analog input channels. Each channel can acquire at up to 1.25 MS/s, helping preserve timing and phase relationships between signals.
Can the PXIe-6356 generate analog signals?
Yes. The PXIe-6356 includes two 16-bit analog output channels with simultaneous update rates of up to 3.3 MS/s per channel. These outputs can be used for waveform generation, device stimulation, and closed-loop control.
Which accessories are compatible with the PXIe-6356?
Compatible connectivity options include the SHC68-68 and SHC68-68-EPM cables together with accessories such as the TB-2706, BNC-2090A, BNC-2110, BNC-2120, SCB-68A, TBX-68, and CB-68LPR.
Conclusion
The NI PXIe-6356 simultaneous-sampling multifunction DAQ module provides a flexible mixed-signal platform for engineers requiring accurate time-correlated acquisition, waveform generation, digital control, and advanced hardware timing.
With eight simultaneous analog inputs, two high-speed analog outputs, 24 digital I/O lines, four counters, PXI Express connectivity, and comprehensive NI software support, the PXIe-6356 is an excellent choice for transient recording, telecommunications testing, ultrasound and sonar applications, automated electronic validation, and scientific research.
