Product Introduction
Земля NI PCIe-6738 is a high-channel-count PCI Express analog output device designed for automated test, stimulus generation, control, hardware-in-the-loop testing, sensor simulation, and laboratory applications.
The PCIe-6738 provides 32 analog output channels с 16-битное разрешение and update rates up to 1 MS/s. Its high analog output channel density makes it particularly suitable for systems that need to generate multiple independent voltage signals from a single PCI Express device.
In addition to analog output generation, the PCIe-6738 provides digital I/O and counter/timer resources that can be used for triggering, synchronization, digital control, pulse generation, and automated test sequencing.
Product Overview
Земля National Instruments PCIe-6738 is designed primarily for applications requiring a large number of hardware-timed analog outputs.
A typical signal-generation architecture is:
Host Computer → PCI Express → PCIe-6738 → Multiple Analog Outputs → DUT / Control System
The device can generate multiple analog voltage signals under software or hardware-timed control, making it useful for multi-channel stimulus-response testing and simulation systems.
Key Features
32 Analog Output Channels
The PCIe-6738 provides 32 analog output channels, allowing a large number of independent voltage signals to be generated from one PCI Express device.
Типичные применения включают:
- Multi-channel stimulus generation
- Sensor simulation
- Automated electronic test
- Control signal generation
- Hardware-in-the-loop testing
- Laboratory automation
- Production test
16-Bit Analog Output Resolution
The analog output subsystem provides 16-битное разрешение.
High-resolution output generation is useful when an application requires precise programmable voltage levels rather than simple low-resolution control signals.
Up to 1 MS/s Analog Output Update Rate
The PCIe-6738 supports analog output update rates up to 1 MS/s, enabling hardware-timed waveform and stimulus generation for demanding automated test and control applications.
The actual achievable performance depends on the channel configuration, waveform generation mode, system architecture, and application requirements.
±10 V Analog Output Range
The PCIe-6738 provides programmable analog voltage outputs suitable for applications requiring signals within approximately a ±10 V output range.
Always verify the required output voltage, current drive, connected load, and grounding configuration before connecting the device to external equipment.
High Channel Density
One of the primary advantages of the PCIe-6738 is its combination of 32 analog output channels in a single PCI Express device.
This can reduce the number of separate analog output devices required in large automated test and simulation systems.
Hardware-Timed Waveform Generation
The PCIe-6738 supports hardware-timed analog output generation.
This allows output waveforms to be generated according to a hardware sample clock rather than relying on software timing.
Typical waveform applications include:
- Sine wave generation
- Ramp generation
- Step sequences
- Arbitrary stimulus profiles
- Sensor signal simulation
- Control reference generation
Цифровой ввод-вывод
The PCIe-6738 also provides digital I/O resources that can be used alongside the analog output subsystem.
Digital I/O can support:
- DUT configuration
- Test fixture control
- Trigger signals
- Status monitoring
- Digital synchronization
- Automated test sequencing
Counter/Timer Resources
Hardware counter/timer resources provide additional timing and pulse functionality.
Типичные применения включают:
- Генерация импульсов
- Подсчет событий
- Frequency measurement
- Period measurement
- Pulse-width measurement
- Encoder-related measurements
PCI Express Interface
The PCIe-6738 installs into a compatible PCI Express slot in a desktop, workstation, rackmount computer, or industrial PC.
PCI Express connectivity makes the device suitable for integrated automated test systems requiring direct host-computer installation.
NI-DAQmx Integration
The PCIe-6738 is designed for use with compatible НИ-DAQmx software.
NI-DAQmx provides configuration and programming support for:
- Analog output generation
- Цифровой ввод-вывод
- Counter/timers
- Sample clocks
- Hardware triggering
- Синхронизация
- Waveform generation
Technical Specifications
| Параметр | Спецификация |
|---|---|
| Product Type | High-Density Analog Output Device |
| Модель | PCIe-6738 |
| Manufacturer | Национальные инструменты |
| Шинный интерфейс | PCI Express |
| Analog Output Channels | 32 |
| Analog Output Resolution | 16 Bit |
| Maximum Analog Output Update Rate | Up to 1 MS/s |
| Analog Output Range | Approximately ±10 V |
| Hardware-Timed Analog Output | Supported |
| Цифровой ввод-вывод | Supported |
| Counter/Timers | Supported |
| Hardware Triggering | Supported |
| Синхронизация | Supported |
| Driver | НИ-DAQmx |
| Primary Function | Multi-Channel Analog Voltage Generation |
| Типичные применения | Automated Test, Sensor Simulation, HIL, Control and Waveform Generation |
How Does the PCIe-6738 Work?
The PCIe-6738 receives waveform or voltage commands from the host application and converts digital data into analog output signals.
A simplified signal path is:
Application Software → NI-DAQmx → PCI Express → PCIe-6738 DAC → Analog Output → DUT
For hardware-timed generation, output samples are generated according to a hardware clock:
Waveform Buffer → Hardware Sample Clock → DAC → Analog Output
This provides substantially more predictable waveform timing than repeatedly updating output values using software commands.
What Is a High-Density Analog Output Device?
A high-density analog output device is designed to generate many independent analog signals from one hardware platform.
The PCIe-6738 provides 32 analog outputs, making it suitable for systems that need to control or simulate many analog signals simultaneously.
Общие области применения включают:
- ECU testing
- Electronic device validation
- Multi-channel sensor simulation
- Control-system testing
- Production test fixtures
- Research systems
Multi-Channel Analog Signal Generation
The 32 analog output channels can generate multiple voltage signals for a device under test or external control system.
Например:
AO0 → Signal 1
AO1 → Signal 2
AO2 → Signal 3
AO3 → Signal 4
… → Up to 32 Analog Outputs
This high channel density is particularly useful when simulating multiple sensors or generating many control reference signals.
Hardware-Timed vs Software-Timed Output
| Функция | Hardware-Timed Output | Software-Timed Output |
|---|---|---|
| Timing Source | Hardware Clock | Host Software |
| Timing Consistency | High | Operating-System Dependent |
| Waveform Generation | Recommended | Basic Static Updates |
| Deterministic Sample Interval | Better | Ограниченный |
| Typical Application | Stimulus / Simulation | Slow Control |
Waveform Generation
The PCIe-6738 can generate hardware-timed analog waveforms for automated test and laboratory applications.
Typical waveform types can include:
- Sine waves
- Square-like analog levels
- Triangle waves
- Ramp signals
- Step sequences
- Custom arbitrary waveforms
- Recorded sensor profiles
The required waveform is typically generated in software, transferred to an output buffer, and clocked through the analog output subsystem.
Sensor Simulation
High channel density makes the PCIe-6738 particularly useful for sensor simulation.
A test system can generate multiple programmable voltage signals representing sensor outputs and apply them to a controller or device under test.
A typical architecture is:
Test Software → PCIe-6738 → Simulated Sensor Voltages → ECU / Controller / DUT
Possible simulated signals include:
- Position sensor voltages
- Pressure sensor outputs
- Temperature-transmitter voltages
- Throttle or pedal position signals
- Control reference voltages
- Generic analog sensor outputs
Specialized sensors that require resistance, current, frequency, differential, or other electrical characteristics may require additional external circuitry.
Hardware-in-the-Loop Testing
The PCIe-6738 can serve as an analog stimulus-generation component in a hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test system.
A typical architecture is:
Simulation Model → PCIe-6738 → Analog Stimulus → Controller / DUT
Other DAQ or measurement hardware can simultaneously acquire the DUT response.
The PCIe-6738 is especially useful when the HIL system requires many analog voltage outputs but does not require FPGA-based custom I/O on every channel.
Automated Test Applications
The PCIe-6738 can provide programmable stimulus signals within automated functional test systems.
A typical test sequence can:
- Configure the analog output channels.
- Load the required stimulus waveforms.
- Configure timing and triggering.
- Start hardware-timed generation.
- Apply stimulus to the DUT.
- Acquire DUT responses using measurement hardware.
- Analyze the measurement results.
- Determine pass or fail status.
Electronic Validation
Electronic validation systems can use the PCIe-6738 to generate controlled analog voltages while separate measurement devices monitor the response of the DUT.
A typical stimulus-response architecture is:
PCIe-6738 → Analog Stimulus → DUT → Measurement Device → Test Software
This architecture is useful for validating electronic controllers, embedded systems, analog interfaces, and production electronics.
Control Applications
The PCIe-6738 can generate analog control signals for compatible laboratory and industrial systems.
Possible applications include:
- Reference voltage generation
- Setpoint control
- Actuator command signals
- Laboratory equipment control
- Process simulation
- Prototype control systems
External amplifiers or drivers should be used when the controlled load requires more voltage, current, or power than the analog output channels can provide.
Запуск
Hardware triggering allows analog output generation to start in response to a defined hardware event.
A typical triggered generation architecture is:
External Trigger → PCIe-6738 → Start Analog Output Waveform
This allows stimulus generation to be coordinated with a DUT, measurement instrument, or other test-system hardware.
Синхронизация
Synchronization is important when the PCIe-6738 operates with other DAQ or measurement devices.
Depending on the system architecture, clocks and trigger signals can be shared to coordinate:
- Analog output generation
- Analog input acquisition
- Цифровой ввод-вывод
- Counter operations
- External instruments
Proper synchronization helps preserve the timing relationship between generated stimulus and measured response.
Digital I/O Applications
Digital I/O resources can complement the analog outputs in automated test systems.
Typical uses include:
- DUT enable signals
- Fixture control
- Digital mode selection
- Status monitoring
- Trigger routing
- Test sequencing
Counter/Timer Applications
Counter/timer resources can support pulse and timing functions alongside analog output generation.
Типичные применения включают:
- Генерация импульсов
- Frequency measurement
- Подсчет событий
- Period measurement
- Pulse-width measurement
- Timing synchronization
PCIe-6738 vs Multifunction DAQ
| Функция | PCIe-6738 | Typical Multifunction DAQ |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Analog Output Generation | Analog Input / Mixed I/O |
| Analog Outputs | 32 | Typically Fewer |
| Analog Input | No General-Purpose AI Subsystem | Usually Yes |
| Hardware-Timed AO | Да | Model Dependent |
| High-Density Stimulus | Excellent | Limited by AO Count |
| Typical Application | Stimulus / Simulation | General Data Acquisition |
PCIe-6738 vs PCIe-6739
The PCIe-6738 and PCIe-6739 belong to the same high-density analog output product family.
When choosing between related analog output devices, compare:
- Required analog output channel count
- Maximum update rate
- Analog output resolution
- Voltage range
- Digital I/O requirements
- Counter/timer requirements
- Connector configuration
- System expansion requirements
PCIe-6738 vs PXIe Analog Output Modules
| Функция | PCIe-6738 | PXIe Analog Output |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | PCI Express Computer | Шасси PXI Express |
| Installation | Internal PC Card | Modular PXIe Module |
| System Expansion | Limited by PC Slots | Modular Chassis |
| Синхронизация | DAQ Timing / External Routing | PXI Timing Infrastructure |
| Typical Application | PC-Based Test System | Modular Automated Test System |
PCIe-6738 vs FPGA R Series Device
| Функция | PCIe-6738 | R Series FPGA Device |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | High-Density Analog Output | Reconfigurable I/O |
| User-Programmable FPGA | No | Да |
| Analog Output Channels | 32 | Model Dependent |
| Custom Hardware Logic | Fixed DAQ Architecture | FPGA Programmable |
| Programming | НИ-DAQmx | LabVIEW FPGA / R Series Software |
| Наилучшее использование | Multi-Channel Stimulus | Custom Deterministic I/O |
NI-DAQmx Integration
The PCIe-6738 uses НИ-DAQmx for hardware configuration and application development.
A typical analog output workflow is:
Create Task → Add AO Channels → Configure Timing → Configure Trigger → Write Waveform → Start Generation → Stop Task
NI-DAQmx also provides tools for testing device functionality and configuring supported digital and counter resources.
LabVIEW Integration
The PCIe-6738 can be integrated into compatible ЛабВью applications through NI-DAQmx.
LabVIEW can be used to:
- Create analog waveforms
- Configure output channels
- Control voltage levels
- Configure sample timing
- Configure triggering
- Synchronize multiple tasks
- Control automated test sequences
- Log test results
Signal Connection Considerations
Before connecting the PCIe-6738 to a DUT or external system, verify:
- Required output voltage
- Output load impedance
- Output current requirements
- Grounding configuration
- Cable length
- Connector and terminal block
- Signal bandwidth
- Noise requirements
- External protection requirements
The PCIe-6738 should not be used as a direct power source for loads requiring substantial current or power.
Legacy System Replacement
When replacing an existing PCIe-6738 in an automated test or simulation system, verify more than the analog output channel count.
Important compatibility factors include:
- Exact model and part number
- 32-channel analog output requirement
- Output voltage range
- Output resolution
- Required update rate
- Hardware timing
- Trigger routing
- Digital I/O usage
- Counter/timer usage
- Connector pinout
- Cable model
- Terminal block
- PCI Express slot compatibility
- NI-DAQmx version
- Operating system compatibility
- Existing LabVIEW or application software
A different analog output device should not automatically be considered a drop-in replacement until electrical, timing, connector, and software compatibility have been verified.
How to Choose an Analog Output Device
Before selecting the PCIe-6738, determine:
- Required number of analog outputs
- Required output voltage range
- Required analog resolution
- Required waveform update rate
- Static or hardware-timed generation
- Output current requirements
- Synchronization requirements
- Triggering requirements
- Digital I/O requirements
- Counter/timer requirements
- PCI Express slot availability
- Cable and terminal block requirements
- NI-DAQmx compatibility
- Operating system compatibility
Industries
- Automotive Testing
- Аэрокосмическая и оборонная промышленность
- Electronic Validation
- Automated Test
- Промышленная автоматизация
- Manufacturing Test
- Research and Development
- Laboratory Automation
- Embedded-System Testing
- Control-System Development
Applications
Multi-Channel Stimulus Generation
The 32 analog outputs make the PCIe-6738 suitable for automated systems that need to generate many independent voltage stimulus signals.
Sensor Simulation
The PCIe-6738 can generate programmable analog voltages that represent compatible sensor outputs for controller and DUT validation.
Hardware-in-the-Loop Testing
High-density analog output generation can be used to provide simulated analog signals to controllers and embedded systems in HIL test environments.
Automated Test
Hardware-timed outputs can provide repeatable DUT stimulus while other instruments acquire and analyze the resulting response.
Electronic Validation
The PCIe-6738 can generate controlled analog voltages for functional testing and validation of electronic devices and subsystems.
Laboratory Automation
Multiple programmable analog outputs can control compatible laboratory equipment, experimental systems, and prototype hardware.
Recommended Related Products
| PCIe-6738 | 32-channel PCI Express analog output device for high-density waveform and stimulus generation. |
| PCIe-6739 | Related high-density analog output device for applications requiring a different channel configuration. |
| PCI-6733 | Legacy PCI analog output device for existing computer-based automated test systems. |
| PXI-6733 | PXI analog output module for modular automated test and waveform-generation systems. |
| PCIe-6323 | X Series multifunction DAQ device for applications requiring both analog acquisition and analog generation. |
Why Choose PCIe-6738?
- 32 analog output channels
- 16-bit analog output resolution
- Up to 1 MS/s analog output update rate
- Approximately ±10 V output range
- High analog output channel density
- Hardware-timed waveform generation
- Digital I/O resources
- Counter/timer functionality
- Hardware triggering
- Synchronization capabilities
- PCI Express interface
- NI-DAQmx integration
- LabVIEW compatibility
- Multi-channel stimulus generation
- Sensor simulation
- HIL testing
- Automated test
- Electronic validation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NI PCIe-6738?
The NI PCIe-6738 is a high-density PCI Express analog output device designed to generate multiple programmable voltage signals for automated test, simulation, control, and laboratory applications.
How many analog outputs does PCIe-6738 have?
The PCIe-6738 provides 32 analog output channels.
What is the analog output resolution of PCIe-6738?
The PCIe-6738 provides 16-bit analog output resolution.
What is the maximum update rate of PCIe-6738?
The PCIe-6738 supports analog output update rates up to 1 MS/s. Actual performance depends on the configured generation mode and application.
What is the output voltage range of PCIe-6738?
The PCIe-6738 is designed for analog voltage generation with an output range of approximately ±10 V.
Does PCIe-6738 have analog inputs?
The PCIe-6738 is primarily a dedicated analog output device and should not be selected as a general-purpose analog input DAQ card. A separate measurement device should be used when analog input acquisition is required.
Can PCIe-6738 generate waveforms?
Yes. The PCIe-6738 supports hardware-timed analog output generation and can generate application-defined waveforms within its electrical and timing specifications.
Can PCIe-6738 generate different signals on multiple channels?
Yes. Its 32 analog outputs are designed for multi-channel signal generation, making the device suitable for systems requiring multiple independent analog stimulus signals.
Can PCIe-6738 be used for sensor simulation?
Yes. The PCIe-6738 is suitable for simulating compatible voltage-output sensors. Sensors requiring resistance, current, frequency, or specialized electrical behavior may require additional interface hardware.
Can PCIe-6738 be used for HIL testing?
Yes. The high analog output channel density makes it useful as a stimulus-generation device in HIL systems, particularly when a controller requires many simulated analog voltage inputs.
Does PCIe-6738 support hardware triggering?
Yes. Hardware triggering can be used to coordinate analog output generation with other measurement and test-system events.
Does PCIe-6738 support digital I/O?
Yes. The device provides digital I/O resources that can complement its analog output subsystem for DUT control, status monitoring, triggering, and test sequencing.
Does PCIe-6738 have counter/timers?
Yes. Hardware counter/timer resources are available for compatible pulse, timing, counting, and synchronization applications.
What software is used with PCIe-6738?
The PCIe-6738 uses the НИ-DAQmx driver and can be integrated with compatible versions of LabVIEW and other NI-DAQmx-supported development environments.
What is the difference between PCIe-6738 and a multifunction DAQ device?
The PCIe-6738 is optimized for high-density analog output generation, providing 32 analog outputs. A conventional multifunction DAQ device typically emphasizes analog input acquisition and provides fewer analog output channels.
What is the difference between PCIe-6738 and an R Series FPGA device?
The PCIe-6738 uses a fixed NI-DAQmx hardware architecture optimized for analog output generation. An R Series device provides a user-programmable FPGA for custom hardware-level timing, processing, and I/O behavior.
Can PCIe-6738 directly drive high-power loads?
No. The analog outputs are intended to provide signal-level voltages. Loads requiring substantial current or power should be connected through appropriate external amplifiers, drivers, or interface circuitry.
What should I check before purchasing PCIe-6738?
Verify the required 32-channel analog output configuration, output voltage range, 16-bit resolution, update-rate requirements, output load characteristics, hardware timing, triggering, synchronization, connector and cable requirements, PCI Express slot compatibility, NI-DAQmx version, operating system, and application software compatibility.
Заключение
Земля NI PCIe-6738 High-Density Analog Output Device combines 32 analog output channels, 16-bit resolution, up to 1 MS/s update performance, hardware-timed waveform generation, digital I/O, counter/timer resources, triggering, synchronization, and PCI Express connectivity. Its high output-channel density makes it particularly suitable for multi-channel stimulus generation, sensor simulation, hardware-in-the-loop testing, automated electronic validation, control, production test, and laboratory automation.
