Product Introduction
The NI-5734 is a high-performance 4-channel FlexRIO digitizer adapter module designed for high-speed analog signal acquisition, real-time FPGA processing, and high-throughput data streaming applications.
The NI-5734 provides four simultaneously sampled analog input channels, 16-bit resolution, and sampling rates up to 120 MS/s per channel. When combined with a compatible PXI FPGA Module or Controller for FlexRIO, it creates a flexible high-speed digitizer platform for custom measurement and signal-processing systems.
With up to 117 MHz analog input bandwidth, selectable hardware filtering, AC/DC coupling, and FPGA-based processing capability, the NI-5734 is well suited for waveform acquisition, transient analysis, signal monitoring, research, electronic validation, and custom high-speed instrumentation.
Product Overview
The National Instruments NI-5734 is a FlexRIO digitizer adapter module rather than a standalone digitizer.
It is designed to operate with a compatible FlexRIO FPGA module or controller.
A typical system architecture is:
Analog Signals → NI-5734 → FlexRIO FPGA Module → PXI/PXIe System → Host Software
The NI-5734 performs high-speed analog acquisition while the FPGA provides customizable real-time processing, triggering, data reduction, protocol implementation, and streaming functionality.
Key Features
4 Analog Input Channels
The NI-5734 provides four analog input channels for acquiring multiple high-speed analog signals.
The four-channel architecture is useful for applications requiring synchronized measurement of several related signals.
Typical applications include:
- Multi-channel waveform acquisition
- Electronic validation
- Transient signal analysis
- Research instrumentation
- High-speed sensor measurement
- Custom digitizer systems
- Signal monitoring
- Automated test
120 MS/s per Channel
The NI-5734 provides sampling rates up to 120 MS/s per channel.
All four analog input channels can be sampled simultaneously, providing an aggregate acquisition capability of up to:
4 Channels × 120 MS/s = 480 MS/s Aggregate
This high-speed simultaneous architecture preserves timing relationships between channels and makes the NI-5734 suitable for multi-channel waveform and transient measurements.
Simultaneous Sampling
The NI-5734 provides simultaneous sampling across all four analog input channels.
Unlike multiplexed data acquisition devices that measure channels sequentially, simultaneous sampling captures each channel at the same sampling instant.
This is important for:
- Phase comparison
- Time-domain analysis
- Transient measurements
- Multi-channel synchronization
- Correlation analysis
- Event detection
16-Bit Resolution
The NI-5734 uses 16-bit analog-to-digital conversion.
The combination of 16-bit resolution and 120 MS/s sampling provides a balance between high acquisition speed and measurement resolution for demanding high-speed instrumentation applications.
117 MHz Analog Input Bandwidth
The NI-5734 provides up to approximately 117 MHz analog input bandwidth.
The wide analog bandwidth allows the digitizer to acquire high-frequency signal content while maintaining high-speed digital sampling.
±1 V Analog Input Range
The NI-5734 supports an analog input voltage range of approximately -1 V to +1 V.
Signal amplitude should be verified before connection to ensure that the input remains within the supported electrical limits.
AC and DC Coupling
The NI-5734 supports selectable AC and DC input coupling.
DC coupling allows both DC and AC components of a signal to be measured, while AC coupling can be useful when the DC component should be removed before acquisition.
Selectable Hardware Filters
The NI-5734 includes selectable analog hardware filters that can be configured according to the measurement requirements.
Available filter paths include:
- Elliptic Filter
- Bessel Filter
- Bypass
The appropriate filter can be selected according to the application’s frequency-domain, time-domain, and signal-integrity requirements.
Elliptic Filter
The selectable elliptic hardware filter provides a sharper frequency-domain transition and can be useful when strong out-of-band attenuation is required.
Bessel Filter
The selectable Bessel hardware filter is useful for applications where preserving waveform shape and time-domain characteristics is important.
Filter Bypass
The bypass configuration provides the widest available analog signal path when the application’s bandwidth requirements take priority over additional hardware filtering.
Real-Time FPGA Processing
One of the primary advantages of the NI-5734 is its integration with the FlexRIO FPGA architecture.
Instead of simply transferring every acquired sample directly to the host computer, the FPGA can process data in real time.
Potential FPGA operations include:
- Digital filtering
- Custom triggering
- Threshold detection
- Peak detection
- FFT processing
- Decimation
- Data reduction
- Protocol processing
- Event detection
- Custom DSP algorithms
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Type | FlexRIO Digitizer Adapter Module |
| Model | NI-5734 |
| Manufacturer | National Instruments |
| Part Number | 781659-04 |
| Analog Input Channels | 4 |
| Maximum Sample Rate | 120 MS/s/ch |
| Sampling Architecture | Simultaneous |
| Resolution | 16 Bit |
| Analog Input Bandwidth | Up to 117 MHz |
| Analog Input Voltage Range | -1 V to +1 V |
| Input Coupling | AC / DC |
| Analog Input Impedance | 50 Ω |
| Hardware Filters | Elliptic / Bessel / Bypass |
| External Sample Clock | Supported |
| External Sample Clock Range | 50 MHz to 120 MHz |
| FPGA Integration | FlexRIO |
| Analog Input Connector | BNC |
| Clock Connector | SMB |
| Auxiliary I/O | HDMI-Type Connector |
| Dimensions | 12.9 × 2.0 × 12.1 cm |
| Weight | Approximately 332 g |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to 55 °C |
| Typical Power Consumption | Approximately 4.5 W |
| Primary Applications | High-Speed Digitizing, FPGA Signal Processing, Waveform Acquisition and Automated Test |
NI-5734 Part Number
The primary NI-5734 ordering part number is:
| Model | Part Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| NI-5734 | 781659-04 | 120 MS/s, 16-Bit, 4-Channel Digitizer Adapter Module for FlexRIO |
When requesting a quotation or replacement module, providing both NI-5734 and 781659-04 helps ensure the correct hardware configuration is identified.
How Does the NI-5734 Work?
The NI-5734 serves as the analog front end and high-speed A/D conversion stage of a FlexRIO digitizer system.
A simplified signal path is:
Analog Signal → Input Conditioning → Hardware Filter → 16-Bit ADC → FlexRIO FPGA → Real-Time Processing / Streaming
The analog signal is conditioned and converted into digital samples by the NI-5734. The resulting digital data is then transferred directly to the FPGA for deterministic processing.
NI-5734 Is Not a Standalone Digitizer
An important consideration when purchasing the NI-5734 is that it is a FlexRIO adapter module.
It does not function as a complete standalone PXI digitizer by itself.
A complete acquisition system generally requires:
- NI-5734 Digitizer Adapter Module
- Compatible FlexRIO FPGA Module or Controller
- Compatible PXI/PXIe chassis when using a PXI-based FPGA module
- Host or embedded controller
- Compatible NI software
- Application-specific FPGA implementation
Compatible FlexRIO FPGA Modules
The NI-5734 can be paired with compatible FlexRIO FPGA hardware to create a complete high-speed digitizer.
Examples of compatible FPGA modules include:
| FPGA Module | FPGA | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| PXIe-7971R | Kintex-7 K325T | FlexRIO FPGA Processing |
| PXIe-7972R | Kintex-7 K325T | FlexRIO FPGA Processing with DRAM |
| PXIe-7975R | Kintex-7 K410T | High-Performance FPGA Processing |
| PXIe-7976R | Kintex-7 K410T | High-Performance Processing and Streaming |
Always verify hardware and software compatibility for the exact FPGA module revision before purchasing.
NI-5734 with PXIe-7975R
The PXIe-7975R can be paired with the NI-5734 to provide a Kintex-7 K410T FPGA processing platform.
A typical architecture is:
4 Analog Inputs → NI-5734 → PXIe-7975R FPGA → PXIe System → Host Application
This combination is useful for custom high-speed acquisition systems requiring significant FPGA resources for real-time processing.
NI-5734 with PXIe-7976R
The PXIe-7976R is another compatible FlexRIO FPGA module and provides a Kintex-7 K410T FPGA with onboard DRAM and high-throughput data transfer capability.
This combination is particularly useful for applications requiring:
- High-speed acquisition
- FPGA signal processing
- Large data buffers
- High-throughput streaming
- Custom instrumentation
External Sample Clock
The NI-5734 supports an external sample clock through its front-panel clock input.
For the NI-5734, the supported external sample clock range is approximately 50 MHz to 120 MHz.
An external clock can be useful when the digitizer must synchronize its sampling to another instrument, test system, or signal source.
Internal 120 MHz Sample Clock
The NI-5734 can operate from its internal clock architecture at a nominal 120 MS/s acquisition rate.
The FPGA application uses the associated sample clock domain when acquiring high-speed analog input data.
Four-Channel Simultaneous Acquisition
One of the defining features of the NI-5734 is its ability to simultaneously digitize four analog signals at up to 120 MS/s per channel.
For example:
AI0 → Signal A
AI1 → Signal B
AI2 → Signal C
AI3 → Signal D
Because all channels share a synchronized acquisition architecture, timing relationships between these signals can be preserved for subsequent FPGA or host-based analysis.
Real-Time Data Processing
At maximum acquisition speed, four channels of 16-bit data can produce a substantial amount of raw measurement data.
The FlexRIO architecture allows this data to be processed directly in FPGA hardware before it is transferred to the host.
For example:
Raw ADC Data → FPGA Filter → Trigger / Detection → Data Reduction → Host Transfer
This architecture can significantly reduce unnecessary host data traffic when only specific events or processed results need to be stored.
High-Speed Data Streaming
The NI-5734 is designed for applications requiring high data streaming rates.
When combined with an appropriate FlexRIO FPGA module, PXIe chassis, controller, and storage architecture, acquired data can be processed and transferred at high rates for continuous or event-based acquisition.
Custom Triggering
Because acquired samples are available to the FPGA, engineers can implement application-specific trigger logic instead of relying only on conventional fixed hardware trigger modes.
Examples include:
- Threshold triggering
- Window triggering
- Multi-channel trigger conditions
- Pattern detection
- Event qualification
- Custom timing sequences
Custom Digital Signal Processing
The FPGA can perform deterministic digital signal processing directly on NI-5734 acquisition data.
Potential algorithms include:
- FIR filtering
- IIR filtering
- FFT processing
- Decimation
- Peak detection
- Pulse analysis
- Signal averaging
- Data compression
- Feature extraction
Waveform Acquisition
The combination of 120 MS/s sampling and 117 MHz analog input bandwidth makes the NI-5734 suitable for acquiring high-speed analog waveforms.
Potential signals include:
- Pulses
- Transient signals
- Sensor waveforms
- Electronic test signals
- Communication waveforms
- Research signals
Transient Signal Measurement
High-speed transient events can occur over very short time intervals.
The NI-5734’s 120 MS/s sampling capability allows the system to capture detailed time-domain information about these events while simultaneously monitoring up to four analog channels.
Electronic Validation
The NI-5734 can be integrated into automated electronic validation systems where high-speed analog signals must be acquired and processed in real time.
Potential applications include:
- Prototype validation
- Electronic subsystem testing
- Waveform verification
- Transient characterization
- Timing analysis
- Production test development
Research and Scientific Instrumentation
FlexRIO hardware is particularly useful for research applications that require measurement architectures beyond the fixed functionality of conventional instruments.
Researchers can use the NI-5734 with FPGA hardware to implement custom acquisition and signal-processing algorithms tailored to a specific experiment.
NI-5734 vs NI-5733
The NI-5734 and NI-5733 are closely related FlexRIO digitizer adapter modules, but their analog input channel counts differ.
| Feature | NI-5734 | NI-5733 |
|---|---|---|
| Analog Input Channels | 4 | 2 |
| Resolution | 16 Bit | 16 Bit |
| Maximum Sample Rate | 120 MS/s/ch | 120 MS/s/ch |
| Sampling | Simultaneous | Simultaneous |
| Primary Advantage | Higher Channel Count | Lower Channel Count Requirement |
| Platform | FlexRIO | FlexRIO |
The NI-5734 is generally the more appropriate choice when four synchronized analog input channels are required.
NI-5734 vs Conventional Digitizers
The primary difference between the NI-5734 FlexRIO architecture and a conventional digitizer is programmability.
| Feature | NI-5734 + FlexRIO FPGA | Conventional Digitizer |
|---|---|---|
| Analog Acquisition | Yes | Yes |
| User-Programmable FPGA | Yes | Typically Limited |
| Custom Triggering | Highly Flexible | Fixed Instrument Functions |
| Real-Time DSP | FPGA-Based | Instrument Dependent |
| Custom Protocols | Possible | Limited |
| Development Complexity | Higher | Lower |
NI-5734 Input Connections
The NI-5734 front panel includes BNC analog input connectors for its four high-speed analog channels.
The analog inputs use a 50 Ω single-ended architecture, making proper impedance matching important when connecting high-frequency sources.
50 Ω Input Impedance
High-speed test and measurement systems commonly use 50 Ω signal paths.
When connecting a source to the NI-5734, verify:
- Source output impedance
- Cable impedance
- Signal amplitude
- Termination requirements
- Input voltage limits
- Frequency range
Correct impedance matching helps minimize signal reflections and preserve waveform integrity.
Clock Synchronization
The NI-5734 provides clocking capabilities for applications requiring synchronization with external measurement equipment.
External clocking can be useful in systems containing:
- Multiple digitizers
- Signal generators
- RF instruments
- Custom timing hardware
- Other synchronized measurement devices
LabVIEW FPGA Integration
The NI-5734 is designed for integration with LabVIEW FPGA and the FlexRIO development environment.
A typical workflow is:
Configure FlexRIO Target → Configure NI-5734 CLIP → Acquire ADC Data → Process Data in FPGA → Transfer Results to Host
FPGA development provides engineers with control over how the acquired high-speed data is processed and transferred.
CLIP Integration
The NI-5734 uses Component-Level Intellectual Property (CLIP) to expose adapter-module I/O and clocking resources to the FPGA application.
The CLIP interface provides access to the NI-5734 analog acquisition data and associated hardware resources from the FlexRIO FPGA design.
AUX I/O
The NI-5734 also includes an auxiliary digital I/O interface.
Although the physical connector resembles an HDMI connector, it is an AUX I/O interface and should not be connected to a conventional HDMI video port.
Always use the NI-5734 documentation and appropriate cable when working with the AUX I/O connector.
System Integration Considerations
Before selecting the NI-5734, verify:
- Required analog channel count
- Required sampling rate
- Required analog bandwidth
- Input voltage range
- 50 Ω source compatibility
- AC or DC coupling requirements
- Hardware filter requirements
- External clock requirements
- Compatible FlexRIO FPGA module
- Required FPGA resources
- Required onboard DRAM
- Host data throughput
- PXIe chassis bandwidth
- Software compatibility
Troubleshooting NI-5734 Systems
If an NI-5734 system does not acquire data correctly, check the complete FlexRIO configuration.
- Verify that the NI-5734 is correctly connected to a compatible FlexRIO FPGA module.
- Confirm that the FPGA module is detected by the system.
- Verify that the required FlexRIO software support is installed.
- Check the NI-5734 CLIP configuration.
- Verify the sample clock configuration.
- Check the analog input signal level.
- Confirm 50 Ω signal-path requirements.
- Verify AC/DC coupling configuration.
- Check the selected hardware filter.
- Verify FPGA compilation and deployment.
- Check DMA or host data-transfer configuration.
- Verify trigger and synchronization logic.
How to Choose a FlexRIO Digitizer Adapter Module
Before purchasing a FlexRIO digitizer adapter module, determine:
- Required number of analog input channels
- Required ADC resolution
- Required sampling rate
- Required analog bandwidth
- Simultaneous sampling requirements
- Input voltage range
- Input impedance
- Filter requirements
- External clock requirements
- FPGA processing requirements
- Data streaming requirements
- Compatible FlexRIO FPGA hardware
Industries
- Aerospace and Defense
- Semiconductor Test
- Electronic Validation
- Telecommunications
- Automated Test
- Scientific Research
- Physics Research
- Industrial Measurement
- Electronics Manufacturing
- Research and Development
Applications
High-Speed Waveform Acquisition
The NI-5734 provides four simultaneously sampled 120 MS/s analog input channels for high-speed waveform capture.
Real-Time FPGA Signal Processing
Acquired data can be processed directly by a compatible FlexRIO FPGA for deterministic filtering, triggering, detection, and data reduction.
Transient Analysis
The 120 MS/s sampling rate enables detailed capture of short-duration analog events and transient waveforms.
Electronic Validation
The NI-5734 can be integrated into automated validation systems for high-speed electronic signal measurement and analysis.
Custom Instrumentation
FlexRIO programmability allows engineers to create application-specific digitizers and measurement instruments rather than relying entirely on fixed instrument functionality.
High-Speed Data Streaming
When paired with appropriate FlexRIO and PXIe hardware, the NI-5734 can support applications requiring high-throughput acquisition and data streaming.
Recommended Related Products
| NI-5734 | 4-channel, 16-bit, 120 MS/s/ch FlexRIO digitizer adapter module for high-speed simultaneous analog acquisition. |
| NI-5733 | 2-channel, 16-bit FlexRIO digitizer adapter module with up to 120 MS/s simultaneous sampling. |
| PXIe-7975R | Kintex-7 K410T FlexRIO FPGA module suitable for high-performance FPGA processing applications. |
| PXIe-7976R | High-performance Kintex-7 K410T FlexRIO FPGA module with onboard DRAM for demanding processing and streaming applications. |
Why Choose NI-5734?
- 4 analog input channels
- 120 MS/s per channel
- Simultaneous sampling
- 16-bit ADC resolution
- Up to 117 MHz analog input bandwidth
- ±1 V analog input range
- 50 Ω analog inputs
- AC/DC coupling
- Selectable elliptic hardware filter
- Selectable Bessel hardware filter
- Filter bypass option
- External sample clock support
- FlexRIO FPGA integration
- Real-time signal processing
- Custom triggering capability
- High-speed data streaming
- Suitable for custom instrumentation
- Suitable for automated high-speed test
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NI-5734?
The NI-5734 is a 4-channel, 16-bit, 120 MS/s FlexRIO digitizer adapter module designed for high-speed simultaneous analog acquisition and FPGA-based signal processing.
What is the NI-5734 part number?
The primary NI-5734 ordering part number is 781659-04.
How many analog input channels does NI-5734 have?
The NI-5734 provides four analog input channels.
What is the maximum sampling rate of NI-5734?
The NI-5734 supports sampling rates up to 120 MS/s per channel.
Does NI-5734 sample all four channels simultaneously?
Yes. The NI-5734 provides simultaneous sampling across all four analog input channels at rates up to 120 MS/s/ch.
What is the resolution of NI-5734?
The NI-5734 provides 16-bit analog-to-digital conversion.
What is the analog bandwidth of NI-5734?
The NI-5734 provides up to approximately 117 MHz analog input bandwidth.
What is the input voltage range of NI-5734?
The NI-5734 supports an analog input voltage range of approximately -1 V to +1 V.
Does NI-5734 support AC and DC coupling?
Yes. The NI-5734 provides selectable AC and DC input coupling.
What filters does NI-5734 provide?
The NI-5734 provides selectable elliptic, Bessel, and bypass hardware filter paths.
What is the input impedance of NI-5734?
The NI-5734 uses 50 Ω single-ended analog inputs.
Can NI-5734 use an external sample clock?
Yes. The NI-5734 supports external sample clock operation. The specified external sample clock range is approximately 50 MHz to 120 MHz.
Is NI-5734 a standalone digitizer?
No. The NI-5734 is a FlexRIO digitizer adapter module and must be combined with compatible FlexRIO FPGA hardware to create a complete high-speed digitizer system.
Which FPGA modules are compatible with NI-5734?
Compatible FlexRIO hardware includes configurations such as the PXIe-7971R, PXIe-7972R, PXIe-7975R, and PXIe-7976R. Compatibility should always be verified for the exact hardware and software revision before purchase.
Can NI-5734 be used with PXIe-7975R?
Yes. NI lists the PXIe-7975R as compatible hardware for the NI-5734.
Can NI-5734 be used with PXIe-7976R?
Yes. The PXIe-7976R is a compatible FlexRIO FPGA module and is suitable for applications requiring substantial FPGA processing resources and high-throughput data handling.
What is the difference between NI-5734 and NI-5733?
Both provide 16-bit resolution and up to 120 MS/s simultaneous sampling. The primary difference is channel count: the NI-5734 provides four analog input channels, while the NI-5733 provides two.
Can NI-5734 perform real-time signal processing?
Yes. When connected to a compatible FlexRIO FPGA module, NI-5734 acquisition data can be processed directly in FPGA hardware for filtering, triggering, FFT processing, detection, data reduction, and other application-specific algorithms.
What connectors does NI-5734 use?
The NI-5734 front panel uses BNC connectors for analog inputs, an SMB connector for clocking, and an HDMI-type connector for auxiliary digital I/O.
Can the NI-5734 AUX I/O connector be connected to an HDMI monitor?
No. Although the connector has an HDMI-style physical form, it is an auxiliary I/O interface and must not be treated as a conventional HDMI video interface.
What is the operating temperature of NI-5734?
The NI-5734 specified operating temperature range is approximately 0 °C to 55 °C.
What should I check before purchasing NI-5734?
Verify the required channel count, 120 MS/s/ch sampling capability, 16-bit resolution, analog bandwidth, ±1 V input range, 50 Ω input requirements, AC/DC coupling, hardware filter requirements, external clock requirements, compatible FlexRIO FPGA module, FPGA resources, PXIe system bandwidth, software compatibility, and complete NI part number.
Conclusion
The NI-5734 120 MS/s, 16-Bit, 4-Channel FlexRIO Digitizer Adapter Module combines four-channel simultaneous high-speed acquisition, 117 MHz analog bandwidth, 16-bit resolution, selectable analog filtering, external clock support, and direct FlexRIO FPGA integration. It is particularly well suited for high-speed waveform acquisition, real-time FPGA signal processing, transient analysis, electronic validation, scientific research, automated test, high-throughput data streaming, and custom instrumentation applications.
