USB-6216 Isolated 400 kS/s USB Multifunction DAQ
The NI USB-6216 is an isolated USB multifunction data acquisition device designed for measurement, automation and control applications requiring faster acquisition and additional digital I/O.
It provides 16 single-ended or eight differential analog inputs with 16-bit resolution and a maximum aggregate rate of 400 kS/s. Two analog outputs, up to 32 digital I/O lines and two 32-bit counters support mixed-signal test systems from one USB device.
Key Features of the USB-6216
- USB-bus isolation
- 16 single-ended or 8 differential analog inputs
- 16-bit ADC resolution
- 400 kS/s aggregate sampling rate
- 1.5 MHz small-signal bandwidth
- Two 16-bit analog outputs
- 250 kS/s update rate per output
- Up to 32 digital I/O lines
- Two 32-bit counters
- BNC, mass-termination and spring-terminal versions
- NI-DAQmx support
USB-6216 Technical Specifications
| Product Model | USB-6216 |
|---|---|
| Isolation | USB-bus isolation |
| Analog Inputs | 16 single-ended or 8 differential |
| ADC Resolution | 16 bits |
| Maximum Sample Rate | 400 kS/s aggregate |
| Input Ranges | ±0.2 V, ±1 V, ±5 V and ±10 V |
| Input Bandwidth | 1.5 MHz |
| Analog Outputs | 2 |
| Output Resolution | 16 bits |
| Output Rate | 250 kS/s per channel |
| Output Range | ±10 V |
| Digital I/O | 24 lines on BNC/mass-termination versions; 32 on spring-terminal version |
| Counters | 2 × 32-bit |
| USB Interface | USB 2.0 Hi-Speed |
| Connector Options | BNC, mass termination or spring terminal |
USB-6216 Part Number and Accessories
USB-6216 part numbers differ according to the connector configuration. Confirm whether the application needs direct BNC connections, spring terminals or mass termination before ordering.
| Configuration | Best Suited For |
|---|---|
| USB-6216 BNC | Direct connection of coaxial laboratory signals |
| USB-6216 Spring Terminal | Flexible field and sensor wiring with up to 32 DIO lines |
| USB-6216 Mass Termination | Custom fixtures and high-density cable assemblies |
| DIN-Rail Mounting Kit | Industrial cabinet installation |
400 kS/s Analog Acquisition
The USB-6216 provides faster analog acquisition than the USB-6215. Its 1.5 MHz front-end bandwidth is useful for transient signals and faster-changing sensor outputs.
The sampling rate is aggregate across active analog input channels. Correctly calculate the resulting per-channel rate when using a multichannel scan.
Up to 32 Digital I/O Lines
The spring-terminal version provides 32 bidirectional digital lines. BNC and mass-termination versions provide 24 digital lines because connector allocation differs.
Digital lines support static input, static output and programmable timing functions. External drivers are required for relays, solenoids and other high-current loads.
USB-6216 Applications
- Industrial equipment monitoring
- Mixed-signal functional testing
- Automated test fixtures
- Sensor and actuator validation
- High-density digital control
- Encoder measurement
- Portable data acquisition
- Ground-loop-sensitive measurements
Automated Test Fixtures
Analog input, analog output and numerous digital lines allow the USB-6216 to measure DUT signals, apply analog stimulus and control fixture logic from one device.
USB-6216 Installation Workflow
Step 1: Select the Connector Version
Choose BNC, mass termination or spring terminal based on fixture density, signal type and maintenance requirements.
Step 2: Install NI-DAQmx
Install the driver and supported development software before configuring the hardware.
Step 3: Complete the Wiring
Follow the pinout for the exact connector version. Do not assume all USB-6216 versions have identical terminal assignments.
Step 4: Connect USB and Power
Connect the device and verify that it enumerates correctly in NI MAX.
Step 5: Test Every Subsystem
Check analog input, analog output, digital I/O and counter channels separately before combining them in one application.
USB-6216 Troubleshooting
The Expected Digital Channels Are Missing
Confirm the connector version. Spring-terminal devices provide more DIO lines than BNC and mass-termination versions.
Multichannel Measurements Are Distorted
Reduce source impedance, increase channel-settling time and review the order of channels with large voltage differences.
The Device Is Detected but No Signal Is Measured
Check the pinout, terminal mode, voltage range and measurement-side ground reference.
Acquisition Stops Unexpectedly
Check the USB cable, computer power management, acquisition buffer and software read rate.
USB-6216 Comparison
| Model | Analog Inputs | AI Rate | Digital I/O |
|---|---|---|---|
| USB-6215 | 16 | 250 kS/s | 4 DI and 4 DO |
| USB-6216 | 16 | 400 kS/s | Up to 32 lines |
| USB-6218 | 32 | 250 kS/s | 8 DI and 8 DO |
Choose the USB-6216 for higher acquisition speed and flexible digital I/O. Choose the USB-6218 when analog channel count is more important than acquisition speed.
USB-6216 Frequently Asked Questions
Is the USB-6216 isolated?
Yes. It provides isolation between the USB interface and measurement-side circuitry.
What is the maximum input rate?
The maximum aggregate analog input rate is 400 kS/s.
How many digital lines does it provide?
It provides 24 DIO lines on BNC and mass-termination versions and 32 lines on the spring-terminal version.
Which connector versions are available?
NI documents BNC, mass-termination and spring-terminal versions.
Recommended Related Products
- USB-6215 Isolated USB DAQ Device
- USB-6218 32-Channel USB DAQ Device
- USB-6251 High-Speed Multifunction DAQ
Request a Quote for the USB-6216
Contact us for pricing and configuration assistance for the NI USB-6216 isolated multifunction DAQ device. Please specify BNC, spring-terminal or mass-termination connectivity.


