PCI-5102 2-Channel 20 MS/s PCI Digitizer
The NI PCI-5102 is a two-channel high-speed digitizer designed for waveform acquisition, transient capture, automated testing and legacy virtual-oscilloscope applications.
It provides two simultaneously sampled analog input channels with 8-bit resolution, a maximum real-time sampling rate of 20 MS/s and an analog input bandwidth of 15 MHz.
Software-configurable input ranges, onboard acquisition memory and hardware triggering allow the PCI-5102 to capture repetitive and single-shot signals inside a conventional PCI computer.
Key Features of the PCI-5102
- Two analog input channels
- Simultaneous sampling
- 8-bit ADC resolution
- 20 MS/s maximum real-time sample rate
- 15 MHz analog input bandwidth
- Programmable input ranges
- Onboard waveform acquisition memory
- Pretrigger and post-trigger acquisition
- Analog and external triggering
- Direct BNC analog input connections
- Conventional PCI interface
- NI-SCOPE instrument driver
- Suitable for legacy automated test systems
PCI-5102 Technical Specifications
| Product Model | PCI-5102 |
|---|---|
| Orderable Part Number | 777304-01 |
| Common Hardware Assembly | 183612-series; verify exact revision |
| Product Type | High-speed PCI digitizer |
| Bus Interface | Conventional PCI |
| Analog Input Channels | 2 |
| Sampling Architecture | Simultaneous |
| ADC Resolution | 8 bits |
| Maximum Sample Rate | 20 MS/s per channel |
| Analog Bandwidth | 15 MHz |
| Input Coupling | AC or DC, configuration dependent |
| Analog Input Connectors | 2 × BNC |
| Triggering | Analog input and external trigger |
| Acquisition Modes | Pretrigger and post-trigger waveform capture |
| Driver Software | NI-SCOPE legacy driver |
| Lifecycle Status | Legacy/discontinued digitizer |
| Operating-System Limitation | PCI-5102 is not supported on 64-bit Windows |
The PCI-5102 should not be confused with a multifunction DAQ device. It is a waveform digitizer optimized for triggered signal capture rather than large numbers of low-frequency analog, digital and counter channels.
PCI-5102 Part Number and Accessories
| Item | Part Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| PCI-5102 | 777304-01 | Two-channel, 20 MS/s PCI digitizer |
| PCI-5102 Hardware Assembly | 183612-series | Board-level number that can vary by hardware revision |
| 50 Ω BNC Cable | Length dependent | Coaxial cable for connecting the signal source or DUT |
| BNC Oscilloscope Probe | Probe dependent | Passive or active probe selected for signal voltage and bandwidth |
| BNC Attenuator | Application dependent | Reduces signal amplitude before the digitizer input |
| External Trigger Cable | Connector dependent | Connects an external trigger source |
When replacing a PCI-5102, provide both the orderable part number and the complete hardware assembly number printed on the board. Revision differences may affect system validation and software compatibility.
Two Simultaneously Sampled Channels
The PCI-5102 uses separate conversion paths so that both channels can be sampled at the same time. This preserves the relative timing between signals.
Simultaneous sampling is useful when comparing input and output waveforms, measuring propagation delay or observing two related control signals.
20 MS/s Real-Time Sampling
Each channel can sample at up to 20 MS/s. At this rate, the sampling interval is 50 ns. The selected record length determines the time window that can be captured in onboard memory.
Sampling rate should be chosen according to signal bandwidth, rise time, record length and measurement objective.
15 MHz Analog Bandwidth
The 15 MHz input bandwidth defines the approximate frequency range passed by the analog front end. Signals with frequency components near or above this limit are attenuated.
System bandwidth also depends on probes, coaxial cables, source impedance, termination and fixture design.
8-Bit Vertical Resolution
The 8-bit converter provides 256 digitization levels across the selected input range. The input range should be selected so that the waveform occupies as much of the digitizer range as practical without clipping.
For signals requiring greater amplitude resolution or dynamic range, consider a newer 12-bit or 14-bit digitizer.
Hardware Triggering
Triggering allows the PCI-5102 to capture a waveform relative to a defined signal event. Pretrigger acquisition stores samples occurring before the event, while post-trigger acquisition captures the response after it.
A stable trigger level and clean trigger signal are important for consistent waveform alignment.
NI-SCOPE Software Support
The PCI-5102 is controlled through a compatible legacy NI-SCOPE driver. Applications can configure vertical range, sample rate, record length, trigger and waveform retrieval.
NI states that the PCI-5102 is not supported on 64-bit operating systems. Maintaining an existing system can therefore require a supported 32-bit Windows environment and an appropriately matched NI-SCOPE version.
PCI-5102 Applications
- Electronic waveform acquisition
- Transient signal capture
- Automated production testing
- Legacy virtual-oscilloscope systems
- Input and output waveform comparison
- Pulse and timing analysis
- Electronic component testing
- Research and laboratory measurements
- Embedded-system signal debugging
Transient Capture
The onboard memory and hardware trigger allow the PCI-5102 to capture short-duration pulses, startup behavior and other transient events.
Automated Electronic Testing
Test software can configure the digitizer, acquire a waveform and calculate voltage, timing or frequency results without manual oscilloscope operation.
Dual-Channel Timing Measurements
Simultaneous acquisition allows engineers to compare the timing of two related signals, including stimulus and response waveforms.
PCI-5102 Installation Workflow
Step 1: Verify the Computer Platform
Confirm that the host computer provides a conventional PCI slot and a supported 32-bit operating system.
Step 2: Install a Compatible NI-SCOPE Version
Match the driver version to the PCI-5102, operating system and development environment.
Step 3: Install the Digitizer
Power down the computer, observe ESD precautions and secure the board in the PCI slot.
Step 4: Connect the Signals
Use suitable BNC cables, probes, attenuation and grounding for the expected voltage and bandwidth.
Step 5: Configure the Input
Select the appropriate vertical range, coupling, sample rate, record length and trigger conditions.
Step 6: Validate with a Known Waveform
Acquire a calibrated reference signal and verify amplitude, frequency and channel timing.
PCI-5102 Troubleshooting
The PCI-5102 is not detected on 64-bit Windows
The PCI-5102 is not supported on 64-bit operating systems. Use a supported legacy 32-bit environment or migrate to a newer digitizer.
The waveform is clipped
Select a wider input range or add a suitable external attenuator.
The waveform appears noisy
Use shielded coaxial cables, proper termination and the narrowest suitable input range.
The trigger is unstable
Adjust the trigger level, slope and source. Check the trigger signal for noise or insufficient amplitude.
The measured amplitude is too low at high frequency
Check whether the signal exceeds the 15 MHz analog bandwidth or whether cables and probes introduce additional attenuation.
The acquisition record is shorter than expected
Review the configured sample rate, record length and available onboard memory.
PCI-5102 Comparison
| Model | Resolution | Sample Rate | Bandwidth | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCI-5102 | 8-bit | 20 MS/s | 15 MHz | Legacy basic waveform capture |
| PCI-5112 | 8-bit | 100 MS/s | Higher | Faster legacy PCI acquisition |
| PCI-5122 | 14-bit | 100 MS/s | 100 MHz | Higher-resolution digitizing |
| PXI-5105 | 12-bit | 60 MS/s | 60 MHz | Eight-channel PXI acquisition |
PCI-5102 vs PCI-5122
The PCI-5122 provides substantially higher resolution, sample rate and bandwidth. The PCI-5102 remains relevant when maintaining a validated system that depends on its legacy PCI and software environment.
Selecting a PCI-5102 Replacement
A replacement must be selected according to channel count, resolution, sample rate, bandwidth, input range, impedance, memory, triggering, computer interface and software support.
Why Choose the PCI-5102?
Choose the PCI-5102 when maintaining a legacy 32-bit PCI system whose fixtures, application software and validation procedures were developed around this digitizer.
PCI-5102 Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PCI-5102 part number?
The standard orderable part number is 777304-01. Hardware assemblies may carry an additional 183612-series number.
How many input channels are available?
The PCI-5102 provides two simultaneously sampled analog input channels.
What is the maximum sample rate?
The maximum real-time sample rate is 20 MS/s per channel.
What is the analog bandwidth?
The analog input bandwidth is 15 MHz.
Which driver controls the PCI-5102?
The device uses a compatible legacy version of the NI-SCOPE instrument driver.
Does the PCI-5102 work on 64-bit Windows?
No. NI states that the PCI-5102 is not supported on 64-bit operating systems.
Is the PCI-5102 a multifunction DAQ board?
No. It is a waveform digitizer optimized for oscilloscope-style signal acquisition.
Recommended Related Products
- PCI-5112 High-Speed Digitizer
- PCI-5122 High-Resolution Digitizer
- PXI-5105 Eight-Channel Digitizer
- View More NI Digitizers and PXI Modules
Request a Quote for the PCI-5102
Contact us for current availability and pricing for the NI PCI-5102 20 MS/s Digitizer. Please provide the complete board number, revision and software environment so that compatibility can be verified.
