Product Introduction
Земля NI PCI-6230 является isolated M Series multifunction data acquisition (DAQ) device designed for PCI-based measurement, control, and automated test systems. It combines analog input, analog output, digital I/O, counters/timers, hardware timing, and bank isolation on a single PCI DAQ board.
The PCI-6230 provides up to 8 single-ended or 4 differential analog input channels с 16-битное разрешение and a maximum sampling rate of 250 kS/s. It also includes 4 analog output channels, 6 digital input lines, 4 digital output lines, and two 32-bit counters/timers.
One of the most important characteristics of the PCI-6230 is its bank-isolated I/O architecture. Isolation helps protect the measurement system and reduce problems caused by ground potential differences, making the PCI-6230 particularly useful in industrial measurement, automated test, machine monitoring, and electrically noisy environments.
Product Overview
Земля National Instruments PCI-6230 integrates multiple measurement and control functions into one PCI device.
A typical system architecture is:
Sensors / Voltage Signals → PCI-6230 → PCI Bus → Host Computer → NI-DAQmx / LabVIEW
At the same time, the device can generate analog signals, monitor digital inputs, control digital outputs, and perform counter/timer measurements.
Key Features
8 Analog Input Channels
The PCI-6230 provides up to 8 single-ended analog input channels for acquiring voltage signals from sensors, transducers, electronic circuits, and other measurement sources.
For applications requiring differential measurements, the device supports up to 4 differential analog input channels.
16-Bit Analog Input Resolution
The analog-to-digital converter provides 16-битное разрешение, allowing the PCI-6230 to capture detailed voltage measurements for industrial, laboratory, and automated test applications.
250 kS/s Maximum Sample Rate
The PCI-6230 provides a maximum single-channel analog input sampling rate of 250 kS/s.
This acquisition rate is suitable for many sensor measurement, monitoring, control, and electronic test applications.
Multiple Analog Input Ranges
The PCI-6230 supports multiple programmable analog input ranges, including:
- ±0.2 V
- ±1 V
- ±5 V
- ±10 V
Selecting an appropriate input range can improve measurement resolution for signals with different voltage levels.
4 Analog Output Channels
The PCI-6230 provides 4 аналоговых выходных канала, allowing the same DAQ device to perform both signal acquisition and analog signal generation.
Analog outputs can be used for:
- Control voltage generation
- Device excitation
- Test stimulus generation
- Programmable setpoints
- Замкнутая система управления
- Automated device testing
6 Digital Inputs
The PCI-6230 provides 6 digital input lines for monitoring digital states and external equipment.
Типичные применения включают:
- Equipment status monitoring
- Limit switch detection
- External trigger detection
- Machine-state monitoring
- Digital event detection
4 Digital Outputs
The device also provides 4 digital output lines for controlling compatible external digital devices.
Digital outputs can be used for control signals, indicators, external logic, relays through appropriate interfacing circuitry, and automated test sequencing.
5 V TTL/CMOS Digital I/O
The PCI-6230 digital interface is designed for 5 V TTL/CMOS digital signaling.
Signal voltage levels and current requirements should always be verified before connecting external equipment directly to the digital I/O terminals.
Bank Isolation
A major advantage of the PCI-6230 is its bank isolation.
Electrical isolation helps separate sections of the measurement hardware from the host computer and can reduce problems associated with:
- Ground loops
- Ground potential differences
- Electrical noise
- Industrial equipment interference
- Transient disturbances
This makes the PCI-6230 particularly useful for industrial and automated test applications where measurement signals may not share the same ground potential as the host computer.
Two 32-Bit Counters/Timers
The PCI-6230 provides two 32-bit counters/timers for timing and digital measurement applications.
Counter/timer functions can be used for:
- Подсчет событий
- Frequency measurement
- Period measurement
- Pulse-width measurement
- Encoder measurements
- Генерация импульсов
- Digital timing
PCI Host Interface
The PCI-6230 installs directly into a compatible conventional PCI slot in a desktop, industrial, or rackmount computer.
This makes the device particularly relevant for maintaining existing PCI-based automated test and industrial measurement systems.
NI-DAQmx Support
The PCI-6230 is supported by НИ-DAQmx, which provides hardware configuration, measurement, timing, triggering, generation, and programming functionality.
NI-DAQmx allows the PCI-6230 to be integrated into LabVIEW and other compatible application development environments.
Technical Specifications
| Параметр | Спецификация |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Isolated M Series Multifunction DAQ Device |
| Модель | PCI-6230 |
| Manufacturer | Национальные инструменты |
| Шинный интерфейс | PCI |
| Analog Input Channels | 8 Single-Ended / 4 Differential |
| Analog Input Resolution | 16-Bit |
| Maximum AI Sample Rate | 250 kS/s |
| Analog Input Type | Voltage |
| Input Coupling | DC |
| Analog Input Ranges | ±0.2 V, ±1 V, ±5 V, ±10 V |
| Analog Output Channels | 4 |
| Digital Inputs | 6 |
| Digital Outputs | 4 |
| Digital Logic | 5 V TTL/CMOS |
| Counters/Timers | 2 |
| Counter Resolution | 32-Bit |
| Изоляция | Bank Isolation |
| I/O Connector | 37-контактный D-SUB |
| Driver | НИ-DAQmx |
| Primary Applications | Industrial Measurement, Automated Test, Control and Data Acquisition |
How Does the PCI-6230 Work?
The PCI-6230 provides a multifunction interface between external analog and digital signals and a PCI-based host computer.
A simplified analog measurement path is:
Sensor / Voltage Signal → Isolated Input Circuitry → Multiplexer → 16-Bit ADC → PCI Bus → Host Application
The host application can acquire analog measurements while also controlling analog outputs, monitoring digital inputs, generating digital outputs, and performing counter/timer operations.
What Is Bank Isolation?
Bank isolation electrically separates groups of I/O circuitry from other parts of the measurement system.
In practical measurement systems, isolation can be important when external equipment operates at different ground potentials or when electrical noise could otherwise interfere with measurements.
Common applications for isolated DAQ hardware include:
- Промышленное оборудование
- Motor test systems
- Power electronics testing
- Автоматизация производства
- Production equipment monitoring
- Electromechanical systems
- Automated validation systems
Why Use an Isolated DAQ Device?
A conventional nonisolated DAQ device shares a closer electrical reference with the host computer. In some industrial systems, this can create measurement problems when the external signal source and computer have different ground potentials.
An isolated device such as the PCI-6230 can help improve system robustness in these environments.
Isolation can be especially valuable when:
- Signals originate from industrial machinery
- Long cables introduce ground differences
- Multiple powered systems are interconnected
- Electrical noise is present
- Measurement equipment and sensors use different grounds
Analog Input Measurement
The PCI-6230 provides eight single-ended or four differential voltage input channels.
The appropriate measurement configuration depends on the signal source, grounding architecture, noise environment, and required channel count.
Single-Ended Measurement
Single-ended operation provides the maximum eight-channel analog input count and can be appropriate when the signals have compatible grounding and noise conditions.
Differential Measurement
Differential operation uses pairs of input terminals and provides up to four analog input channels.
Differential measurement can be useful when improved common-mode noise rejection is required.
Analog Output Applications
Unlike acquisition-only DAQ devices, the PCI-6230 provides four analog outputs for programmable voltage generation.
This allows a single board to both stimulate and measure a device under test.
A typical automated test architecture can be:
PCI-6230 AO → Device Under Test → PCI-6230 AI → Test Application
This architecture is useful for characterization, control, functional testing, and closed-loop measurement applications.
Digital Input and Output
The PCI-6230 provides separate digital input and digital output resources.
Digital inputs can monitor external equipment states, while digital outputs can control compatible external circuitry.
Например:
Digital Input → Read Machine Status
Digital Output → Control External Logic
Counter and Timer Applications
The two 32-bit counters/timers provide additional measurement and generation capabilities beyond conventional analog and digital I/O.
Типичные применения включают:
- Rotational speed measurement
- Frequency measurement
- Подсчет событий
- Pulse-width measurement
- Encoder position measurement
- Генерация импульсов
- Timing measurements
Industrial Measurement
The isolated architecture of the PCI-6230 makes it particularly suitable for industrial measurement applications.
Typical measurements can include:
- Process voltage monitoring
- Мониторинг состояния оборудования
- Motor test measurements
- Production equipment monitoring
- Control-system validation
- Industrial sensor acquisition
Автоматизированные испытательные системы
The PCI-6230 combines measurement, generation, digital control, and timing functionality for automated test applications.
A typical automated test sequence can:
- Configure the analog and digital channels.
- Generate a test voltage through an analog output.
- Control the device under test through digital outputs.
- Acquire analog measurements.
- Monitor digital status signals.
- Measure frequency or timing signals.
- Evaluate pass/fail limits.
- Store the test results.
Machine Monitoring
The PCI-6230 can be used in machine monitoring systems where multiple voltage and digital signals must be acquired from industrial equipment.
Isolation can help maintain reliable measurements when the monitored machinery operates in an electrically noisy environment.
Motor and Drive Testing
Motor drives, actuators, and electromechanical equipment often generate electrical noise and ground-potential differences.
The isolated I/O architecture of the PCI-6230 makes it useful for compatible motor and drive test systems where voltage acquisition, digital monitoring, and control signals are required.
Power Electronics Testing
Power electronic devices can require isolated measurement and control interfaces because the device under test and host computer may operate at different electrical potentials.
The PCI-6230 can be incorporated into compatible power electronics validation systems, subject to its specified input ranges, working-voltage limits, and isolation ratings.
PCI-6230 vs PXI-6230
The PCI-6230 and PXI-6230 provide closely related isolated M Series multifunction DAQ functionality but use different host platforms.
| Функция | PCI-6230 | ПХИ-6230 |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | PCI | PXI |
| Analog Inputs | 8 SE / 4 Differential | 8 SE / 4 Differential |
| AI Resolution | 16-Bit | 16-Bit |
| Maximum AI Sample Rate | 250 kS/s | 250 kS/s |
| Analog Outputs | 4 | 4 |
| Изоляция | Bank Isolation | Bank Isolation |
| Installation | PCI Computer | PXI Шасси |
| Best Application | PC-Based Systems | Modular PXI Systems |
PCI-6230 vs Nonisolated Multifunction DAQ
| Функция | PCI-6230 | Typical Nonisolated DAQ |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Isolation | Bank Isolation | Typically No |
| Analog Input | Да | Да |
| Analog Output | Да | Model Dependent |
| Цифровой ввод-вывод | Да | Да |
| Counters/Timers | Да | Model Dependent |
| Industrial Ground Differences | Better Suited | Requires Careful System Design |
| Primary Strength | Isolated Multifunction I/O | General-Purpose DAQ |
PCI-6230 vs PCI-6281
The PCI-6230 and PCI-6281 target different measurement requirements.
| Функция | PCI-6230 | PCI-6281 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Design | Isolated Multifunction DAQ | High-Accuracy Multifunction DAQ |
| AI Resolution | 16-Bit | 18-Bit |
| Maximum AI Rate | 250 kS/s | 625 kS/s |
| Maximum AI Channels | 8 | 16 |
| Analog Outputs | 4 | 2 |
| Изоляция | Bank Isolation | Nonisolated Architecture |
| Best For | Industrial / Isolated Measurements | High-Accuracy General DAQ |
Choose the PCI-6230 when isolation is a major system requirement. Choose a high-accuracy DAQ such as the PCI-6281 when higher analog resolution, higher sampling performance, or additional analog input channels are more important.
37-Pin D-SUB Connector
The PCI-6230 uses a 37-pin D-SUB I/O connector.
The appropriate cable, terminal block, and connection accessories should be selected according to the required wiring architecture and application.
Before purchasing accessories, verify compatibility with the PCI-6230 model and required signal connections.
NI-DAQmx Integration
The PCI-6230 uses НИ-DAQmx for device configuration, data acquisition, signal generation, digital I/O, counter/timer operations, timing, and triggering.
Typical NI-DAQmx functionality includes:
- Analog input configuration
- Analog output generation
- Digital input and output
- Counter/timer configuration
- Hardware timing
- Trigger configuration
- Buffer management
- Device diagnostics
LabVIEW Integration
The PCI-6230 can be integrated into LabVIEW applications through compatible NI-DAQmx software.
A typical measurement application can follow this workflow:
Configure Channels → Configure Timing → Configure Trigger → Start Task → Acquire / Generate Data → Analyze Results → Stop Task
Legacy System Maintenance
The PCI-6230 is particularly relevant for existing industrial and automated test systems built around conventional PCI computers.
When replacing an existing PCI-6230, engineers should verify:
- PCI slot compatibility
- NI-DAQmx version
- Operating system compatibility
- LabVIEW or application software version
- Existing cable compatibility
- Terminal block compatibility
- Analog input ranges
- Digital signal requirements
- Isolation requirements
- Existing application source code
How to Choose an Isolated Multifunction DAQ
Before selecting the PCI-6230, evaluate:
- Required electrical isolation
- Analog input channel count
- Single-ended or differential configuration
- Required analog input resolution
- Sampling rate
- Input voltage range
- Analog output requirements
- Digital input requirements
- Digital output requirements
- Counter/timer requirements
- PCI slot availability
- Connector and cable requirements
- NI-DAQmx compatibility
- Operating system compatibility
Industries
- Промышленная автоматизация
- Automated Test
- Electronic Validation
- Manufacturing Test
- Machine Monitoring
- Power Electronics
- Motor and Drive Testing
- Laboratory Automation
- Research and Development
- Production Test
Applications
Isolated Voltage Measurement
The PCI-6230 can acquire compatible voltage signals in applications where bank isolation is required to improve measurement-system robustness.
Industrial Data Acquisition
Its isolated multifunction architecture makes the PCI-6230 suitable for acquiring and controlling signals from industrial equipment.
Automated Test
Analog inputs, analog outputs, digital I/O, counters, timing, and isolation can be combined in automated functional test and validation systems.
Machine Monitoring
The PCI-6230 can monitor analog and digital signals from machines and production equipment in industrial environments.
Electronic Validation
The device can generate test stimulus, acquire voltage measurements, control digital signals, and perform timing measurements during electronic validation.
Legacy Test System Replacement
The PCI-6230 can be used to maintain compatible existing PCI-based measurement and control systems where the same hardware architecture must be retained.
Recommended Related Products
| PCI-6230 | 16-bit isolated multifunction PCI DAQ device with analog input, analog output, digital I/O, and counters/timers. |
| ПХИ-6230 | PXI version for modular systems requiring similar isolated multifunction DAQ capabilities. |
| PCI-6232 | Isolated M Series DAQ option for related industrial measurement and control applications. |
| PCI-6233 | Related isolated multifunction DAQ device for applications requiring a different I/O configuration. |
| PCI-6281 | 18-bit high-accuracy multifunction PCI DAQ for applications prioritizing measurement resolution and higher analog acquisition performance. |
Why Choose PCI-6230?
- 8 single-ended analog inputs
- 4 differential analog inputs
- 16-bit analog input resolution
- Up to 250 kS/s sampling
- 4 аналоговых выходных канала
- 6 digital input lines
- 4 digital output lines
- 5 V TTL/CMOS digital interface
- Bank isolation
- Two 32-bit counters/timers
- 37-pin D-SUB connector
- PCI host interface
- NI-DAQmx support
- Интеграция LabVIEW
- Suitable for industrial measurement
- Suitable for automated testing
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NI PCI-6230?
The NI PCI-6230 is an isolated M Series multifunction PCI DAQ device providing analog input, analog output, digital I/O, counters/timers, and bank isolation for industrial measurement and automated test applications.
How many analog input channels does PCI-6230 have?
The PCI-6230 provides up to 8 single-ended or 4 differential analog input channels.
What is the analog input resolution of PCI-6230?
The PCI-6230 provides 16-bit analog input resolution.
What is the maximum sample rate of PCI-6230?
The maximum single-channel analog input sampling rate is 250 kS/s.
What analog input ranges does PCI-6230 support?
The PCI-6230 supports programmable analog input ranges of ±0.2 V, ±1 V, ±5 V, and ±10 V.
Does PCI-6230 have analog outputs?
Yes. The PCI-6230 provides 4 аналоговых выходных канала for programmable voltage generation and control applications.
Does PCI-6230 have digital I/O?
Yes. The PCI-6230 provides 6 digital input lines and 4 digital output lines.
Is the PCI-6230 isolated?
Yes. The PCI-6230 provides bank isolation, which is one of the primary reasons to select this model for industrial measurement and control applications.
How many counters does PCI-6230 have?
The PCI-6230 provides two 32-bit counters/timers.
What connector does PCI-6230 use?
The PCI-6230 uses a 37-pin D-SUB I/O connector.
What driver does PCI-6230 use?
The PCI-6230 uses the НИ-DAQmx driver architecture for configuration, measurement, signal generation, digital I/O, timing, and counter operations.
Can PCI-6230 be used with LabVIEW?
Yes. PCI-6230 can be integrated into LabVIEW-based measurement, industrial monitoring, control, and automated test applications through compatible NI-DAQmx software.
What is the difference between PCI-6230 and PXI-6230?
The primary difference is the system platform. PCI-6230 installs in a conventional PCI computer, while PXI-6230 installs in a PXI chassis. Both belong to the NI 6230 isolated multifunction DAQ family.
What is the difference between PCI-6230 and PCI-6281?
PCI-6230 is designed around isolated multifunction I/O and provides bank isolation, while PCI-6281 focuses on high-accuracy multifunction acquisition with 18-bit analog input resolution and higher acquisition performance. The appropriate model depends on whether isolation or higher measurement resolution and channel count are more important.
Is PCI-6230 suitable for industrial environments?
Yes. Its bank-isolated architecture makes it particularly useful for industrial measurement, machine monitoring, automated testing, and other applications where ground-potential differences or electrical noise may be present.
Can PCI-6230 directly measure industrial high-voltage signals?
The PCI-6230 should only be used within its specified input, working-voltage, and isolation limits. Higher-voltage signals require appropriate attenuation, isolation, or signal-conditioning hardware. Always verify the official device specifications before connecting industrial power signals.
Is the NI PCI-6230 discontinued?
NI currently identifies the PCI-6230 as no longer available. It remains relevant for maintenance, repair, replacement, and expansion of existing PCI-based measurement systems.
What should I check before purchasing a PCI-6230 replacement?
Verify the PCI interface, analog input and output requirements, 37-pin D-SUB connector and accessories, digital I/O configuration, isolation requirements, existing cabling, NI-DAQmx version, operating system, LabVIEW version, and compatibility with the original application.
Заключение
Земля NI PCI-6230 Isolated Multifunction DAQ combines 16-bit, 250 kS/s analog acquisition with up to 8 single-ended or 4 differential analog inputs, four analog outputs, six digital inputs, four digital outputs, two 32-bit counters/timers, and bank isolation. Its isolated multifunction architecture makes it particularly suitable for industrial measurement, machine monitoring, automated test, electronic validation, production systems, and maintenance of legacy PCI-based NI DAQ installations.
