Product Introduction
The NI PXI-6723 is a high-channel-count analog output module designed for automated testing, stimulus generation, process control, hardware-in-the-loop applications, and laboratory measurement systems. It provides 32 independently programmable analog output channels, making it particularly suitable for applications that require a large number of voltage outputs within a compact PXI platform.
With 13-bit analog output resolution, high-speed waveform update capability, digital I/O, counter/timer resources, hardware timing, and NI-DAQmx software support, the PXI-6723 provides a flexible solution for generating static voltages and dynamic waveforms across multiple channels.
Product Overview
The NI PXI-6723 belongs to the NI 6700 Series analog output family and is optimized for high-density voltage generation. Unlike conventional multifunction DAQ modules that emphasize analog input acquisition, the PXI-6723 is primarily designed for applications requiring a large number of programmable analog outputs.
The module provides 32 analog voltage output channels with 13-bit resolution. Its multi-channel architecture enables engineers to generate independent stimulus signals for devices under test, simulate sensor outputs, control external equipment, and create complex automated test sequences.
The PXI-6723 also incorporates digital I/O and counter/timer functionality, allowing analog stimulus generation to be coordinated with digital control signals, triggers, events, and other hardware-timed operations.
Key Features
32 Analog Output Channels
The PXI-6723 provides 32 independently programmable analog output channels for high-density signal generation.
- 32 analog voltage outputs
- Independent channel programming
- Multi-channel stimulus generation
- Sensor simulation
- Automated control applications
Advantage: The large number of analog outputs helps reduce the number of modules required in systems that must generate many independent voltage signals.
13-Bit Analog Output Resolution
The PXI-6723 provides 13-bit digital-to-analog conversion for programmable voltage generation.
- 13-bit DAC resolution
- Programmable voltage levels
- Repeatable analog stimulus
- Multi-channel signal generation
- Automated test integration
Advantage: Provides suitable output resolution for general-purpose stimulus, simulation, control, and automated test applications.
High-Speed Analog Output Updates
The PXI-6723 supports hardware-timed analog output generation for applications requiring dynamic waveforms in addition to static voltage levels.
- Hardware-timed analog output
- High-speed waveform updates
- Programmable signal generation
- Dynamic stimulus applications
- Automated waveform sequences
Advantage: Enables the module to generate changing voltage waveforms rather than being limited to static DC output values.
Independent Analog Output Channels
Each analog output can be programmed according to the requirements of the test or control application.
- Independent output values
- Multi-device stimulus
- Parallel sensor simulation
- Channel-specific waveform generation
- Complex test sequences
Advantage: Allows one PXI module to simulate or control multiple independent analog signals within a test system.
Programmable Voltage Output
The PXI-6723 provides programmable voltage outputs suitable for driving compatible devices, circuits, and test interfaces.
- Programmable analog voltage
- Positive and negative output capability
- DC level generation
- Dynamic waveform generation
- Automated stimulus control
Advantage: Supports a wide range of stimulus and simulation requirements using software-defined voltage levels.
Digital I/O Capability
In addition to analog output generation, the PXI-6723 provides digital I/O resources for control and synchronization tasks.
- Digital input monitoring
- Digital output control
- Test fixture interfacing
- Device control
- Automated sequencing
Advantage: Allows analog stimulus and basic digital control functions to be integrated within the same module.
Counter and Timer Resources
Integrated counter/timer resources provide hardware-timed measurement and generation capabilities.
- Event counting
- Frequency measurement
- Pulse generation
- Period measurement
- Hardware timing
Advantage: Counter/timers can coordinate analog output generation with external events and other test system operations.
Hardware-Timed Waveform Generation
The PXI-6723 can generate buffered, hardware-timed analog output waveforms for repeatable stimulus applications.
- Buffered waveform generation
- Hardware sample clock
- Repeatable signal sequences
- Trigger-controlled generation
- Automated stimulus testing
Advantage: Hardware timing provides more precise and repeatable waveform generation than software-controlled point-by-point updates.
PXI Triggering and Synchronization
The PXI-6723 can use PXI timing and triggering resources to coordinate analog generation with other measurement instruments.
- PXI trigger integration
- Hardware synchronization
- Multi-module operation
- Coordinated stimulus and acquisition
- Automated test sequencing
Advantage: Enables the module to operate as part of larger PXI systems containing data acquisition, switching, digitizer, DMM, and other instrumentation.
NI-DAQmx Software Support
The PXI-6723 is supported by NI-DAQmx for configuration, waveform generation, digital I/O, counters, timing, and triggering.
- NI-DAQmx driver support
- LabVIEW integration
- NI MAX configuration
- TestStand integration
- C/C++ and .NET application development
Advantage: Provides an established software environment for integrating the PXI-6723 into automated test and control applications.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Product Type | PXI Analog Output Module |
| Product Family | NI 6700 Series |
| Analog Output Channels | 32 Voltage Outputs |
| Analog Output Resolution | 13-bit |
| Maximum Update Rate | Up to 800 kS/s |
| Output Type | Voltage |
| Output Range | Programmable Bipolar Voltage Output |
| Waveform Generation | Hardware-Timed and Buffered |
| Digital I/O | 8 Lines |
| Counter/Timers | 2, 24-bit |
| Hardware Triggering | Supported |
| PXI Synchronization | Supported |
| Platform | PXI |
| Driver | NI-DAQmx |
| Primary Applications | Analog Stimulus, Sensor Simulation, Automated Test and Process Control |
Software Ecosystem
The NI PXI-6723 integrates with NI software tools for analog waveform generation, hardware configuration, automated testing, and control system development.
- NI-DAQmx: Provides programming APIs for analog output generation, digital I/O, counters, hardware timing, and triggering.
- LabVIEW: Enables engineers to develop custom waveform generation, simulation, control, and automated test applications.
- NI MAX: Provides hardware detection, configuration, diagnostics, and basic device testing.
- TestStand: Allows analog stimulus generation to be incorporated into automated validation and production test sequences.
- C/C++ and .NET: Support development of customized signal generation and control applications using compatible NI-DAQmx APIs.
Industries
- Automated Test
- Automotive and EV Testing
- Aerospace and Defense
- Electronic Manufacturing
- Industrial Automation
- Power Electronics
- Research and Development
- Scientific Laboratories
Applications
Multi-Channel Analog Stimulus Generation
The 32 analog output channels make the PXI-6723 particularly suitable for test systems requiring many independent stimulus signals.
- Device stimulus generation
- Electronic subsystem testing
- Multi-channel voltage generation
- Automated functional testing
Sensor Simulation
The PXI-6723 can generate programmable voltage signals that simulate the electrical outputs of compatible sensors and transducers.
- Sensor signal simulation
- ECU input simulation
- Controller validation
- Fault-condition simulation
- Automated sensor emulation
Hardware-in-the-Loop Testing
High-channel-count analog output generation can be useful in HIL systems that require multiple simulated analog signals to be applied to a controller under test.
- ECU validation
- Controller input simulation
- Analog signal simulation
- Automated fault testing
- System-level validation
Automated Electronic Testing
The PXI-6723 can provide programmable analog stimulus signals during automated validation and production test sequences.
- Functional testing
- Production validation
- Device characterization
- Automated stimulus generation
Industrial Process Control
Multiple programmable voltage outputs can be used for control and simulation applications within compatible industrial systems.
- Process control
- Actuator command generation
- Equipment simulation
- Automated control systems
Waveform Generation
Hardware-timed analog outputs allow the PXI-6723 to generate repeatable dynamic voltage waveforms.
- Arbitrary voltage sequences
- Periodic waveform generation
- Dynamic stimulus
- Automated response testing
Research and Laboratory Testing
The PXI-6723 provides researchers with a programmable high-density analog stimulus platform for experimental systems.
- Experimental signal generation
- Prototype testing
- Laboratory automation
- Engineering research
Comparison with Similar PXI Analog Output Modules
| Model | Main Difference | Best Application |
|---|---|---|
| NI PXI-6723 | 32-channel, 13-bit PXI analog output module designed for high-density programmable voltage generation. | High-channel-count analog stimulus and sensor simulation |
| NI PXI-6722 | Related 6700 Series analog output module with fewer output channels for systems requiring lower channel density. | General-purpose multi-channel analog output |
| NI PXI-6221 | M Series multifunction DAQ combining analog input, two analog outputs, digital I/O, and counter/timer functionality. | General-purpose multifunction data acquisition |
| NI PXI-6251 | Higher-performance multifunction DAQ combining analog acquisition and generation for broader measurement applications. | Multifunction stimulus and measurement |
Recommended Related Products
| NI PXI-6722 | Related PXI analog output module for systems requiring programmable voltage generation with fewer output channels. |
| NI PXI-6221 | Multifunction DAQ module combining analog input and output for general-purpose stimulus-and-response testing. |
| NI PXI-6251 | M Series multifunction DAQ module for systems requiring both higher-performance analog acquisition and programmable output. |
| NI PXI-6225 | High-channel-count analog input module that can complement the PXI-6723 in systems requiring many stimulus and measurement channels. |
Why Choose PXI-6723?
- 32 independently programmable analog voltage outputs
- 13-bit analog output resolution
- High-speed hardware-timed output updates
- Buffered waveform generation
- High channel density
- Digital I/O capability
- Integrated counter/timer resources
- PXI hardware triggering and synchronization
- NI-DAQmx and LabVIEW integration
- Ideal for sensor simulation and automated stimulus generation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NI PXI-6723?
The NI PXI-6723 is a high-channel-count PXI analog output module designed for programmable voltage generation, sensor simulation, automated testing, process control, and laboratory applications.
How many analog output channels does the PXI-6723 have?
The PXI-6723 provides 32 independently programmable analog voltage output channels, making it particularly suitable for applications requiring high output channel density.
What is the analog output resolution of the PXI-6723?
The PXI-6723 provides 13-bit analog output resolution for programmable voltage and waveform generation.
What is the maximum update rate of the PXI-6723?
The PXI-6723 supports hardware-timed analog output updates up to 800 kS/s under applicable operating conditions. Actual multi-channel waveform generation performance depends on the configured channels, timing, and application.
Can the PXI-6723 generate dynamic waveforms?
Yes. In addition to generating static programmable voltage levels, the PXI-6723 supports buffered hardware-timed analog output generation for dynamic waveform and stimulus applications.
Can the PXI-6723 be used for sensor simulation?
Yes. Its 32 programmable analog outputs make the PXI-6723 particularly useful for generating voltage signals that emulate compatible sensor outputs during ECU, controller, subsystem, and automated test validation.
Does the PXI-6723 have analog inputs?
No. The PXI-6723 is primarily an analog output device and does not provide general-purpose analog input channels. Applications requiring both acquisition and generation can combine it with a PXI DAQ or digitizer module.
What is the difference between PXI-6723 and PXI-6722?
Both devices belong to the NI 6700 Series and are designed for analog output applications. The PXI-6723 provides 32 analog voltage output channels and is better suited to high-channel-count systems, while the PXI-6722 provides fewer analog outputs for applications with lower channel-density requirements.
What is the difference between PXI-6723 and PXI-6221?
The PXI-6723 is a dedicated high-channel-count analog output module with 32 programmable voltage outputs. The PXI-6221 is a multifunction DAQ module that combines analog input with only two analog outputs, digital I/O, and counter/timer functionality. The PXI-6723 is therefore more appropriate when analog output channel density is the primary requirement.
What software supports the PXI-6723?
The PXI-6723 is supported by NI-DAQmx and can be integrated into LabVIEW, NI MAX, TestStand, and compatible C/C++ and .NET applications.
Conclusion
The NI PXI-6723 analog output module provides a high-density solution for programmable voltage generation, sensor simulation, automated stimulus, process control, and laboratory testing. With 32 analog output channels, 13-bit resolution, hardware-timed waveform generation, digital I/O, counter/timer resources, PXI synchronization, and NI-DAQmx support, the PXI-6723 is particularly well suited for automated test systems requiring a large number of independently controlled analog stimulus signals.


