PCI-6122 4-Channel 16-Bit Simultaneous-Sampling DAQ Device
Земля PCI-6122 is an S Series multifunction data acquisition device designed for synchronized analog measurement and transient recording. It provides four differential analog input channels, with a dedicated 16-bit analog-to-digital converter for every channel.
All four channels can acquire simultaneously at up to 500 kS/s per channel. Unlike a multiplexed DAQ board, the PCI-6122 does not switch a single ADC between several inputs. This dedicated-converter architecture preserves the timing and phase relationship between measured signals.
The board also includes eight bidirectional digital I/O lines, two 24-bit counter/timers and hardware triggering. It is suitable for IF digitization, telecommunications testing, ultrasound, sonar, transient analysis and scientific data acquisition.
Key Features of the PCI-6122
- Four differential analog input channels
- Simultaneous sampling on every input
- Dedicated ADC for each analog input
- 16-bit analog input resolution
- 500 kS/s maximum sample rate per channel
- Four software-selectable bipolar input ranges
- Eight TTL/CMOS-compatible digital I/O lines
- Up to 10 MHz correlated digital I/O operation
- Two general-purpose 24-bit counter/timers
- Analog and digital triggering support
- NI-DAQmx software compatibility
- Full-length PCI form factor
PCI-6122 Technical Specifications
| Product Model | PCI-6122 |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 779407-01 |
| Product Family | NI S Series Multifunction DAQ |
| Шинный интерфейс | PCI |
| Analog Input Channels | 4 differential channels |
| Input Architecture | Dedicated ADC per channel |
| ADC Resolution | 16 bits |
| Maximum Sample Rate | 500 kS/s per channel |
| Simultaneous Sampling | Да |
| Analog Input Ranges | ±10 V, ±5 V, ±2.5 V and ±1.25 V |
| Analog Input FIFO | 2,046 samples |
| Analog Output Channels | Ничего |
| Цифровой ввод-вывод | 8 bidirectional TTL/CMOS lines |
| Digital I/O Rate | Up to 10 MHz |
| Counters/Timers | 2 × 24-bit |
| Запуск | Analog and digital triggering |
| Front Connector | 68-pin SCSI-type connector |
| Power | PCI bus powered |
| Software Driver | НИ-DAQmx |
PCI-6122 Part Number and Accessories
| Item | Part Number or Type | Описание |
|---|---|---|
| PCI-6122 | 779407-01 | Four-channel, 16-bit, 500 kS/s/ch simultaneous-sampling PCI DAQ device |
| Shielded DAQ Cable | Compatible 68-pin cable | Connects the PCI-6122 to a terminal block or test fixture |
| SCB-68 Series | Shielded connector block | Provides screw-terminal access for analog, digital and timing signals |
| BNC-2110 | BNC connection accessory | Provides convenient BNC access in laboratory measurement systems |
Confirm cable pinout, connector gender and accessory compatibility before ordering. Similar-looking 68-pin cables may use different internal wiring arrangements.
Four Dedicated 16-Bit ADCs
The PCI-6122 uses a separate ADC for each analog input. When a sample-clock edge occurs, all four converters acquire their respective signals at the same time.
This architecture is valuable for phase comparison, propagation-delay measurement, multiaxis control and applications in which even a small interchannel timing offset can affect the result.
500 kS/s Per-Channel Sampling
Each input supports sampling rates up to 500 kS/s. Enabling additional channels does not divide the specified per-channel sampling rate because the inputs do not share one converter.
At maximum rate, four enabled channels produce an aggregate throughput of two million samples per second. The computer, PCI bus and acquisition software must process or store this data without allowing the host buffer to overflow.
Selectable Analog Input Ranges
The PCI-6122 provides four software-selectable bipolar ranges. Selecting the narrowest range that safely contains the complete signal uses more of the 16-bit converter range and improves effective voltage resolution.
The inputs are not isolated. External isolation or signal conditioning may be necessary when measuring signals with incompatible grounds, hazardous voltages or excessive common-mode voltage.
Digital I/O and Timing Resources
Eight bidirectional digital lines can monitor logic states, control a test fixture or exchange hardware timing signals with external equipment. The digital lines support TTL/CMOS-compatible signal levels.
Two 24-bit counter/timers support event counting, period measurement, frequency measurement, pulse-width measurement and pulse generation.
NI-DAQmx Integration
The PCI-6122 is controlled through the NI-DAQmx driver. Applications can configure input ranges, sample clocks, triggers, buffer sizes and counter operations through LabVIEW or compatible text-based programming environments.
Because this is legacy PCI hardware, verify that the required NI-DAQmx release supports both the board and the intended operating system.
PCI-6122 Applications
- IF signal digitization
- Transient waveform recording
- ISDN, ADSL and POTS manufacturing test
- Ultrasound system testing
- Sonar research and validation
- High-energy physics experiments
- Four-channel phase comparison
- Power-electronics testing
- Scientific data acquisition
- Automated electronic validation
PCI-6122 Installation Workflow
Step 1: Verify the Host Computer
Confirm that the computer provides a conventional PCI slot with enough physical clearance for a full-length board.
Step 2: Install a Compatible NI-DAQmx Version
Check the NI hardware support table and select a driver release compatible with the PCI-6122 and the host operating system.
Step 3: Install the PCI Board
Power down the computer, disconnect external power and follow ESD precautions. Insert the board fully into the PCI slot and secure the mounting bracket.
Step 4: Connect the Signal Accessory
Attach the correct 68-pin cable and terminal block. Verify channel numbers, signal polarity, analog grounds and trigger terminals against the PCI-6122 pinout.
Step 5: Configure the Measurement
Use NI MAX or NI-DAQmx to create one hardware-timed task containing all required analog channels. Configure the voltage range, sampling rate and trigger.
Step 6: Validate the System
Run a self-test and acquire a known signal on each channel before connecting the final device under test.
PCI-6122 Troubleshooting
The PCI-6122 is not detected
Check that the board is seated correctly, the PCI slot is enabled and the installed NI-DAQmx version supports the device. Review Device Manager for hardware or driver errors.
The channels do not appear synchronized
Place the channels in the same analog input task and use one shared hardware sample clock. Independently started software tasks do not provide equivalent synchronization.
The measured signal is clipped
Select a wider input range and verify the peak voltage, offset and transient overshoot. Also confirm that the signal remains inside the permitted common-mode range.
The acquisition returns a buffer overflow
Increase the host buffer, read data more frequently or reduce the sampling rate. Avoid slow display, analysis or file-writing operations in the acquisition loop.
PCI-6122 Comparison
| Модель | Analog Inputs | Разрешение | Maximum Rate | Onboard Memory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCI-6122 | 4 | 16-битный | 500 kS/s/ch | 2,046 samples |
| PCI-6123 | 8 | 16-битный | 500 kS/s/ch | Standard or 32 MS version |
| PCI-6132 | 4 | 14-bit | 2.5 MS/s/ch | 16 MS |
| PCI-6143 | 8 | 16-битный | 250 кВыб/с/кан | 2,046 samples |
PCI-6122 vs PCI-6132
The PCI-6122 provides 16-bit measurement resolution at 500 kS/s/ch, while the PCI-6132 provides faster 2.5 MS/s/ch acquisition with 14-bit resolution. Select the PCI-6122 when amplitude resolution is more important and the PCI-6132 when higher waveform bandwidth and deeper memory are required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the PCI-6122 sample all four channels simultaneously?
Yes. Every input has a dedicated ADC, allowing all four channels to sample on the same hardware clock edge.
What is the maximum sample rate?
The maximum analog input sampling rate is 500 kS/s per channel.
Does the PCI-6122 provide analog outputs?
No. The board provides analog input, digital I/O and counter/timer functions but does not include analog output channels.
Is the PCI-6122 isolated?
No. The differential inputs are not galvanically isolated. Use external isolation when required by the signal source or safety design.
What is the PCI-6122 part number?
The standard NI part number is 779407-01.
Recommended Related Products
- PCI-6123 8-Channel 16-Bit DAQ Device
- PCI-6132 4-Channel High-Speed DAQ Device
- PCI-6133 8-Channel High-Speed DAQ Device
- PCI-6143 8-Channel 16-Bit DAQ Device
- View More NI Data Acquisition Hardware
Request a Quote for the PCI-6122
Contact us for current availability, condition and pricing for the PCI-6122 4-channel simultaneous-sampling DAQ device. We can also help identify compatible cables, terminal blocks and replacement NI data acquisition hardware.


