PCI-6115 4-Channel 10 MS/s/ch Simultaneous-Sampling DAQ
The PCI-6115 is a high-speed S Series multifunction data acquisition device with four simultaneously sampled analog inputs. Each channel uses its own 12-bit ADC and can acquire at up to 10 MS/s per channel.
Its 40 MS/s aggregate acquisition capability makes it suitable for transient capture, radar, sonar, ultrasound and high-speed stimulus-response applications. Simultaneous conversion preserves channel-to-channel timing and phase relationships.
The PCI-6115 also provides two analog outputs with update rates up to 4 MS/s, eight bidirectional digital lines and two 24-bit counters.
Key Features of the PCI-6115
- Four simultaneous analog input channels
- 12-bit ADC resolution
- 10 MS/s maximum rate on every channel
- Up to 40 MS/s aggregate acquisition
- Two analog outputs at up to 4 MS/s
- Eight bidirectional digital I/O lines
- Two 24-bit counter/timers
- Selectable input ranges extending to ±42 V
- 16 MS or 32 MS memory variants
- Hardware timing and digital triggering
- NI-DAQmx support
PCI-6115 Technical Specifications
| Product Model | PCI-6115 |
|---|---|
| Part Numbers | 778534-01 / 778554-01 |
| Bus Interface | PCI |
| Analog Inputs | 4 differential channels |
| Sampling Architecture | Dedicated ADC per channel |
| Input Resolution | 12 bits |
| Maximum Sample Rate | 10 MS/s per channel |
| Onboard Memory | 16 MS or 32 MS, depending on version |
| Analog Outputs | 2 |
| Maximum AO Update Rate | 4 MS/s |
| Digital I/O | 8 bidirectional lines |
| Counters/Timers | 2 × 24-bit |
| Front Connection | 68-pin SCSI-type connector |
| Software | NI-DAQmx |
| Form Factor | Full-length PCI board |
PCI-6115 Part Number and Accessories
| Item | Part Number or Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| PCI-6115 | 778534-01 | PCI-6115 configuration with 16 MS onboard input memory |
| PCI-6115 | 778554-01 | PCI-6115 configuration with 32 MS onboard input memory |
| DAQ Cable | Compatible shielded 68-pin cable | Connects the board to a signal accessory |
| SCB-68 Series | Shielded terminal block | Provides screw terminals and signal shielding |
| BNC-2110 | BNC accessory | Supports convenient laboratory signal connections |
10 MS/s Per-Channel Performance
The PCI-6115 doubles the maximum per-channel sampling rate of the PCI-6110 while maintaining four simultaneous inputs. It can capture short pulses, rapidly changing waveforms and broadband transient behavior.
At maximum rate, data throughput is substantial. The host computer, PCI bus, DMA configuration and storage system must be selected for the intended acquisition duration.
Onboard Memory Options
Available memory configurations help buffer high-speed data before transfer to the host. The larger-memory version is useful for finite acquisitions where a longer pretrigger or post-trigger record is needed.
When replacing an existing PCI-6115, match the part number if the application depends on a specific memory capacity.
Coordinated Input and Output
Hardware-timed analog output supports synchronized stimulus-response operation. A generated waveform can excite the DUT while four analog inputs measure multiple response points.
Digital lines and counters can coordinate fixture control, triggers, pulse trains and external events with the analog measurement.
PCI-6115 Applications
- High-speed transient recording
- Radar and sonar development
- Ultrasound testing
- Ballistics and impact testing
- Power-electronics characterization
- Fast control-system response measurement
- Stimulus-response testing
- Multichannel phase analysis
- Automated validation systems
- Scientific research
PCI-6115 Installation Workflow
Step 1: Confirm the Board Variant
Check whether the application requires the 16 MS or 32 MS onboard-memory version.
Step 2: Verify Host Compatibility
Confirm the presence of a full-length PCI slot and a supported operating system.
Step 3: Install NI-DAQmx
Select a driver release that supports the PCI-6115 and the host operating system.
Step 4: Install and Cable the Device
Power down the computer, install the board using ESD precautions and connect the correct shielded cable and accessory.
Step 5: Perform a Test Acquisition
Run a self-test and acquire a known waveform at a low rate before increasing the system to its target 10 MS/s/ch configuration.
PCI-6115 Troubleshooting
Maximum-rate acquisition stops early
Review buffer size, DMA transfer, disk throughput and application processing. Reduce the rate or record length to isolate the bottleneck.
A trigger is missed
Check trigger polarity, threshold, routing and pretrigger configuration. Confirm that the trigger is available at the required terminal.
Channels show crosstalk or interference
Inspect shielding, grounding and source impedance. Separate high-level outputs and digital switching lines from low-level analog inputs.
Waveforms appear clipped
Select a wider input range and verify both differential and common-mode voltages.
PCI-6115 Comparison
| Model | AI | Resolution | Rate | Primary Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCI-6115 | 4 | 12-bit | 10 MS/s/ch | Highest speed in this group |
| PCI-6110 | 4 | 12-bit | 5 MS/s/ch | Lower-rate four-channel capture |
| PCI-6120 | 4 | 16-bit | 800 kS/s/ch | Higher amplitude resolution |
| PCI-6123 | 8 | 16-bit | 500 kS/s/ch | More input channels |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can all four channels sample at 10 MS/s?
Yes. The maximum rate is specified per channel because each input has a dedicated ADC.
What is the difference between the two part numbers?
The principal catalog distinction is onboard acquisition memory: 16 MS or 32 MS.
Does the PCI-6115 provide analog outputs?
Yes. It includes two analog outputs capable of hardware-timed updates up to 4 MS/s.
Is the PCI-6115 still appropriate for a modern computer?
It requires a compatible conventional PCI slot and supported driver environment. Verify both before purchasing legacy hardware.
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Request a Quote for the PCI-6115
Contact us for availability, memory configuration and pricing for the PCI-6115 10 MS/s/ch simultaneous-sampling DAQ device. We can also assist with cable and terminal-accessory selection.
