Product Introduction
Земля NI PCI-7813 является Digital Reconfigurable I/O (RIO) Device designed for applications that require FPGA-based digital processing, precise hardware timing, custom digital protocols, high-speed waveform generation, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, and deterministic control.
The PCI-7813 combines a Virtex-II 3M Gate FPGA с 160 bidirectional digital I/O channels. Unlike conventional digital I/O boards with fixed hardware functionality, the PCI-7813 allows engineers to implement custom I/O behavior directly in FPGA hardware using LabVIEW FPGA.
Individual digital lines can be configured for digital input, digital output, counter/timer functions, PWM generation, encoder acquisition, triggering, or specialized communication protocols. This makes the PCI-7813 particularly useful for custom automated test, HIL simulation, sensor simulation, digital protocol implementation, and legacy R Series systems.
Product Overview
Земля National Instruments PCI-7813 belongs to the NI R Series family of FPGA-based reconfigurable I/O devices.
A typical system architecture is:
Digital Sensors / DUT / External Equipment → PCI-7813 Digital I/O → FPGA Processing → PCI Bus → Host Application
For generation and control applications:
Host Application → PCI-7813 FPGA → Custom Hardware Logic → Digital Outputs → DUT / External Equipment
Because digital processing can execute directly on the onboard FPGA, the PCI-7813 can perform deterministic operations without relying on software timing for every I/O event.
Key Features
Virtex-II 3M Gate FPGA
The PCI-7813 incorporates a Xilinx Virtex-II 3M Gate FPGA that can be programmed to implement custom digital processing and control logic.
The FPGA can be used to implement:
- Custom digital I/O behavior
- Counter/timer functions
- Генерация ШИМ
- Интерфейсы энкодера
- Digital triggering
- Пользовательские протоколы связи
- State machines
- Hardware decision logic
- Цифровое формирование сигналов
- Hardware-in-the-loop interfaces
160 Bidirectional Digital I/O Channels
The PCI-7813 provides 160 bidirectional digital I/O channels.
The large number of digital lines makes the device particularly useful for applications requiring high-density digital interfacing between a computer and external electronic or industrial equipment.
Individual digital lines can be configured according to the FPGA application rather than being permanently assigned to one fixed function.
Individually Configurable Digital Lines
With LabVIEW FPGA, digital lines can be configured individually as inputs or outputs and can participate in custom FPGA-based functions.
Possible implementations include:
- Static digital input
- Static digital output
- Hardware counters
- Timers
- PWM signals
- Encoder inputs
- Trigger signals
- Custom digital buses
- Specialized communication protocols
40 MHz Maximum Clock Rate
The PCI-7813 has a specified maximum clock rate of 40 MHz for its standard device timing architecture.
FPGA-based timing enables deterministic execution of digital operations and allows custom logic to respond to external events without depending on nondeterministic operating-system timing.
3.3 V and 5 V Digital Logic
The PCI-7813 supports 3.3 V and 5 V digital logic levels, making it suitable for interfacing with a wide range of compatible digital electronic systems.
Electrical compatibility, current requirements, and signal characteristics should always be verified before connecting external hardware.
FPGA-Based Hardware Timing
One of the primary advantages of the PCI-7813 is that timing-critical functions can execute directly in FPGA hardware.
This can provide deterministic behavior for:
- Digital signal acquisition
- Цифровое формирование сигналов
- Trigger processing
- Protocol handling
- Encoder acquisition
- Генерация импульсов
- Hardware decision making
- Closed-loop digital control
Custom Onboard Processing
The FPGA can process digital signals locally before transferring information to the host computer.
This architecture can reduce host CPU involvement and allows the PCI-7813 to perform custom real-time decisions directly in hardware.
PCI Host Interface
The PCI-7813 installs in a compatible conventional PCI slot.
The PCI architecture makes this device particularly relevant for maintaining existing automated test, simulation, research, and industrial systems originally designed around NI R Series PCI hardware.
Technical Specifications
| Параметр | Спецификация |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Digital Reconfigurable I/O Device |
| Модель | PCI-7813 |
| Manufacturer | Национальные инструменты |
| Part Number | 779370-01 |
| Product Family | NI R Series |
| Шинный интерфейс | PCI |
| ФПГА | Xilinx Virtex-II 3M Gate |
| Bidirectional Digital I/O | 160 Channels |
| Digital Logic Levels | 3.3 V / 5 V |
| Maximum Clock Rate | 40 MHz |
| External Clock Inputs | 0 |
| Analog Input | No |
| Analog Output | No |
| FPGA Programming | LabVIEW FPGA |
| Primary Function | FPGA-Based Digital I/O and Custom Hardware Processing |
| Типичные применения | HIL Test, Sensor Simulation, Digital Protocols, Waveform Generation and Custom Control |
FPGA Resources
The PCI-7813 uses the Virtex-II V3000 FPGA, providing significantly more FPGA resources than the smaller Virtex-II device used in the PCI-7811.
| FPGA Resource | PCI-7813 |
|---|---|
| FPGA Family | Virtex-II |
| FPGA Device | V3000 |
| Nominal Gate Class | 3 Million Gates |
| FPGA Slices | 14,336 |
| Flip-Flops | 28,672 |
| 4-Input LUTs | 28,672 |
| 18 × 18 Multipliers | 96 |
| Embedded Block RAM | 1,728 Kb |
How Does the PCI-7813 Work?
The PCI-7813 combines configurable digital I/O with an onboard FPGA.
Instead of sending every digital signal directly to host software for processing, the FPGA can evaluate inputs and generate outputs according to custom hardware logic.
A simplified architecture is:
External Digital Signal → PCI-7813 I/O → FPGA Logic → Hardware Decision → Digital Output / Host Data
This architecture provides deterministic timing that is difficult to achieve with software-only control running under a general-purpose operating system.
What Is Reconfigurable I/O?
Reconfigurable I/O allows engineers to define the behavior of hardware resources through an FPGA rather than relying only on fixed-function circuitry.
For example, the same PCI-7813 digital lines can be incorporated into FPGA logic implementing:
- Digital input monitoring
- Digital output control
- Custom counters
- Custom timers
- Генерация ШИМ
- Интерфейсы энкодера
- Digital protocol decoding
- Custom triggering
- State machines
This flexibility is one of the major differences between an R Series device and a conventional digital I/O board.
LabVIEW FPGA Programming
The PCI-7813 can be programmed using LabVIEW FPGA.
Instead of executing the FPGA diagram as conventional host software, LabVIEW FPGA compiles the application into FPGA hardware logic.
A typical development process is:
Create FPGA VI → Define I/O → Develop FPGA Logic → Compile FPGA Bitfile → Download to PCI-7813 → Run Hardware Application
Deterministic Hardware Processing
General-purpose operating systems can introduce scheduling delays and timing jitter.
FPGA logic does not depend on normal operating-system task scheduling for each operation. Therefore, timing-sensitive functions can execute with deterministic hardware behavior.
This is particularly important for:
- HIL simulation
- Protocol emulation
- Цифровое формирование сигналов
- Trigger response
- Sensor simulation
- Обработка кодировщика
- Hardware interlocks
Hardware-in-the-Loop Testing
The PCI-7813 is well suited for hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test applications that require custom digital interfaces and deterministic signal behavior.
A typical HIL architecture can be:
Simulation Software → PCI-7813 FPGA → Simulated Digital Signals → ECU / Controller Under Test
The FPGA can also capture responses from the device under test and process them according to custom timing requirements.
Sensor Simulation
The PCI-7813 can generate programmable digital patterns that emulate compatible digital sensors.
Possible applications include simulation of:
- Encoder signals
- Pulse-output sensors
- Digital status signals
- Frequency-output sensors
- Custom digital interfaces
This capability is useful when validating electronic controllers without requiring the physical sensor or complete mechanical system.
Encoder Interface Applications
Digital lines and FPGA logic can be configured to acquire and process compatible encoder signals.
FPGA-based encoder processing can be used for:
- Position measurement
- Direction detection
- Speed calculation
- Rotational monitoring
- Motion-system testing
- Encoder simulation
PWM Generation
The PCI-7813 can implement custom pulse-width modulation (PWM) functionality in FPGA logic.
Unlike a device limited to a fixed number of hardware PWM resources, FPGA-based implementation provides flexibility in defining timing and channel behavior within the available FPGA and I/O resources.
Custom Counter and Timer Functions
The FPGA can implement custom counter and timer functionality using the digital I/O lines.
Applications can include:
- Подсчет событий
- Pulse counting
- Frequency measurement
- Period measurement
- Pulse-width measurement
- Custom timing sequences
- Timestamp-related logic
Custom Communication Protocols
The PCI-7813 can implement specialized digital communication protocols directly in FPGA hardware.
This is valuable when testing equipment that uses proprietary or nonstandard interfaces not supported by conventional instrument hardware.
Possible FPGA functions include:
- Custom serial protocols
- Protocol encoding
- Protocol decoding
- Handshake logic
- Frame generation
- Digital data capture
- Error detection
Bit Error Rate Testing
NI identifies bit error rate testing as one of the applications for the PCI-7813.
Custom FPGA logic can generate digital patterns, capture received data, and compare transmitted and received bit sequences according to the requirements of the test system.
High-Speed Waveform Generation
The FPGA and high-density digital I/O architecture can be used for custom digital waveform generation.
Applications can include:
- Digital stimulus generation
- Pattern generation
- Device-under-test stimulation
- Sensor simulation
- Protocol generation
- Custom timing signals
Автоматизированные испытательные системы
The PCI-7813 can serve as a custom digital interface inside automated test equipment.
A test sequence can use the FPGA to:
- Monitor DUT digital signals.
- Generate required stimulus patterns.
- Implement custom timing.
- Decode DUT communication.
- Generate triggers.
- Perform hardware-based comparisons.
- Transfer processed results to the host application.
160-Channel Digital Interface
The 160 bidirectional digital lines provide significantly more I/O capacity than many conventional digital DAQ devices.
This makes the PCI-7813 particularly useful when an application requires simultaneous connection to large numbers of digital signals.
Applications can include:
- Large digital test fixtures
- Electronic controller testing
- Digital interface simulation
- Custom communication buses
- Parallel digital interfaces
- Multi-channel digital control
DMA Data Transfer
The NI R Series architecture supports DMA data transfer between the reconfigurable I/O hardware and host computer.
DMA can reduce CPU involvement when transferring data between the FPGA application and host memory, which is useful for continuous and high-throughput test applications.
PCI-7813 vs PCI-7811
The PCI-7813 and PCI-7811 belong to the same generation of NI R Series digital reconfigurable I/O devices. The primary difference is the size of the FPGA.
| Функция | PCI-7813 | PCI-7811 |
|---|---|---|
| Bus | PCI | PCI |
| Цифровой ввод-вывод | 160 | 160 |
| FPGA Family | Virtex-II | Virtex-II |
| FPGA Gate Class | 3 Million | 1 Million |
| FPGA Slices | 14,336 | 5,120 |
| Maximum Clock Rate | 40 MHz | 40 MHz |
| Best Fit | More Complex FPGA Applications | Less Complex FPGA Applications |
The PCI-7813 is generally the better choice when the FPGA application requires more logic resources for custom protocols, state machines, parallel processing, or complex digital control.
PCI-7813 vs PXI-7813
The PCI-7813 and PXI-7813 provide closely related FPGA and digital I/O capabilities but use different system platforms.
| Функция | PCI-7813 | PXI-7813 |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | PCI | PXI |
| Цифровой ввод-вывод | 160 | 160 |
| ФПГА | Virtex-II 3M | Virtex-II 3M |
| Maximum Clock Rate | 40 MHz | 40 MHz |
| Digital Logic | 3.3 V / 5 V | 3.3 V / 5 V |
| Host Architecture | PCI Computer | PXI Шасси |
| Best Fit | PC-Based Legacy RIO Systems | PXI-Based Modular Systems |
PCI-7813 vs PCIe-7821
The PCIe-7821 represents a newer generation of digital reconfigurable I/O hardware and should be considered when designing a new system rather than maintaining an existing PCI-7813 installation.
Important selection factors include:
- PCI versus PCI Express interface
- FPGA generation
- Number of digital I/O lines
- Existing LabVIEW FPGA code
- Connector and cable compatibility
- Timing requirements
- Operating system compatibility
A newer R Series device should not automatically be considered a drop-in replacement because FPGA resources, connectors, I/O count, software, and electrical characteristics can differ.
PCI-7813 vs Standard Digital I/O Device
| Функция | PCI-7813 | Standard Digital I/O |
|---|---|---|
| Цифровой ввод-вывод | 160 Bidirectional Lines | Model Dependent |
| User-Programmable FPGA | Да | Typically No |
| Custom Hardware Timing | Да | Ограниченный |
| Custom Protocols | Да | Usually No |
| Custom Counter/Timer | FPGA Implemented | Fixed Resources |
| Sensor Simulation | Strong Capability | Ограниченный |
| HIL Applications | Well Suited | Ограниченный |
PCI-7813 vs Multifunction RIO
The PCI-7813 is primarily a digital reconfigurable I/O device. It does not provide the onboard analog input and analog output resources available on some multifunction R Series devices.
Choose the PCI-7813 when the application primarily requires high-density programmable digital I/O and FPGA processing.
For applications requiring both FPGA processing and analog acquisition or generation, an appropriate multifunction RIO device may be more suitable.
Cables and Connectivity
The PCI-7813 can be used with compatible NI R Series digital I/O connectivity accessories.
NI identifies compatible options including:
- SHC68-68-RDIO cable
- SCB-68 connector block
- SCB-68A connector block
The correct pinout should always be verified for the specific NI 78xx R Series device because terminal assignments can differ between models.
NI 9151 Expansion Chassis
The PCI-7813 can also be used with compatible NI 9151 R Series Expansion Chassis hardware.
NI documentation indicates that the PCI-7813 R Series architecture can support multiple NI 9151 expansion chassis, allowing C Series modules to be incorporated for additional signal conditioning and field I/O requirements.
Compatibility should be verified for the specific connector, C Series module, driver, and LabVIEW FPGA software configuration.
Legacy System Replacement
The PCI-7813 is particularly important for maintaining legacy automated test, HIL, simulation, and control systems that were originally developed around its FPGA architecture.
Replacing an FPGA-based device can be more complex than replacing a conventional DAQ card because the system may depend on custom FPGA code.
Before replacing a PCI-7813, verify:
- Exact model and part number
- PCI slot availability
- Virtex-II FPGA requirements
- Existing FPGA bitfile
- LabVIEW FPGA source code
- 160-channel digital I/O requirement
- 3.3 V / 5 V logic requirements
- Connector pinout
- Existing SHC68-68-RDIO cables
- SCB-68 / SCB-68A connectivity
- Driver version
- LabVIEW version
- Operating system compatibility
How to Choose a Reconfigurable I/O Device
Before selecting the PCI-7813, evaluate:
- Required number of digital I/O channels
- Required FPGA resources
- Custom protocol requirements
- Hardware timing requirements
- Encoder and counter requirements
- PWM requirements
- HIL simulation requirements
- Sensor simulation requirements
- Digital logic voltage
- PCI slot availability
- Cable and terminal block requirements
- LabVIEW FPGA compatibility
- Existing FPGA source-code compatibility
Industries
- Automated Test
- Hardware-in-the-Loop Testing
- Automotive Electronics
- Aerospace and Defense Testing
- Промышленная автоматизация
- Electronic Validation
- Manufacturing Test
- Research and Development
- Sensor Simulation
- Laboratory Automation
Applications
Hardware-in-the-Loop Testing
The PCI-7813 can implement deterministic digital interfaces for HIL systems that simulate sensors, actuators, communication signals, and other hardware behavior.
Sensor Simulation
FPGA-controlled digital outputs can generate programmable signals that simulate compatible encoders, pulse-output sensors, and digital devices.
Custom Digital Protocols
The Virtex-II FPGA can implement specialized digital communication and protocol logic that is not available from conventional fixed-function I/O hardware.
High-Speed Waveform Generation
The PCI-7813 can generate deterministic digital patterns and custom waveforms for electronic testing and device stimulation.
Encoder Processing
Digital lines and FPGA logic can be configured to acquire encoder signals and implement custom position, direction, and speed processing.
Automated Test
The PCI-7813 can provide custom FPGA-based digital interfacing, stimulus generation, triggering, and DUT response processing in automated test equipment.
Recommended Related Products
| PCI-7813 | 160-channel PCI digital RIO device with a Virtex-II 3M Gate FPGA. |
| PXI-7813 | PXI form-factor version with 160 digital I/O lines and Virtex-II 3M FPGA. |
| PCI-7811 | Related 160-DIO R Series device with a smaller Virtex-II 1M Gate FPGA. |
| PCIe-7821 | Newer-generation PCI Express digital reconfigurable I/O device for FPGA-based applications. |
| PCIe-7822 | Higher-FPGA-resource PCI Express R Series option for complex digital applications. |
| SCB-68A | Connector block for wiring compatible PCI-7813 digital signals. |
Why Choose PCI-7813?
- 160 bidirectional digital I/O channels
- Virtex-II 3M Gate FPGA
- 14,336 FPGA slices
- 28,672 flip-flops
- 28,672 four-input LUTs
- 96 hardware 18 × 18 multipliers
- 1,728 Kb embedded block RAM
- 40 MHz maximum clock rate
- 3.3 V and 5 V digital logic
- User-programmable FPGA
- Custom counter/timer implementation
- PWM and encoder functionality
- Custom digital communication protocols
- Hardware-in-the-loop applications
- Sensor simulation
- High-speed digital waveform generation
- PCI interface
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NI PCI-7813?
The NI PCI-7813 is a PCI-based digital reconfigurable I/O device featuring a user-programmable Virtex-II FPGA and 160 bidirectional digital I/O channels.
What is the part number of PCI-7813?
The NI PCI-7813 ordering part number is 779370-01.
What FPGA does PCI-7813 use?
The PCI-7813 uses a Xilinx Virtex-II 3M Gate FPGA.
How many digital I/O channels does PCI-7813 have?
The PCI-7813 provides 160 bidirectional digital I/O channels.
Are the PCI-7813 digital channels fixed as inputs or outputs?
No. The digital lines are reconfigurable and can be programmed for input, output, and custom FPGA-based functions according to the application.
What is the maximum clock rate of PCI-7813?
NI specifies a 40 MHz maximum clock rate for the PCI-7813.
What digital logic levels does PCI-7813 support?
The PCI-7813 supports 3.3 V and 5 V digital logic levels.
Does PCI-7813 have analog inputs?
No. The PCI-7813 is a digital reconfigurable I/O device. It does not provide the onboard analog input channels found on multifunction R Series devices such as selected NI 783x, 784x, and 785x models.
Does PCI-7813 have analog outputs?
No. Its primary I/O resources are FPGA-controlled digital channels.
Can PCI-7813 be programmed with LabVIEW FPGA?
Yes. LabVIEW FPGA can be used to implement custom hardware logic for the PCI-7813.
Can PCI-7813 implement counters and timers?
Yes. Digital lines and FPGA logic can be configured to implement custom counter/timer functionality.
Can PCI-7813 generate PWM signals?
Yes. PWM functionality can be implemented using the onboard FPGA and compatible digital output lines.
Can PCI-7813 read encoder signals?
Yes. The FPGA and digital I/O lines can be configured for compatible encoder input and processing applications.
Can PCI-7813 implement custom communication protocols?
Yes. Custom communication protocols are one of the major applications of FPGA-based R Series hardware. Engineers can implement protocol timing, encoding, decoding, handshaking, and related logic directly in the FPGA.
Is PCI-7813 suitable for HIL testing?
Yes. NI specifically identifies hardware-in-the-loop testing as an application for the PCI-7813 because its FPGA can implement deterministic digital signal generation, acquisition, and processing.
What is the difference between PCI-7813 and PCI-7811?
Both provide 160 digital I/O lines and use Virtex-II FPGA technology. The PCI-7813 uses a larger 3M Gate FPGA, while the PCI-7811 uses a 1M Gate FPGA. PCI-7813 therefore provides substantially more FPGA resources for complex applications.
What is the difference between PCI-7813 and PXI-7813?
The primary difference is the platform. PCI-7813 installs in a conventional PCI computer, while PXI-7813 installs in a PXI chassis. Both use a Virtex-II 3M FPGA and provide 160 digital I/O lines.
What cable is used with PCI-7813?
NI identifies the SHC68-68-RDIO as a compatible digital I/O cable for the PCI-7813. Compatible connector blocks include the SCB-68 and SCB-68A.
Can PCI-7813 be replaced by a newer R Series device?
Newer PCI Express R Series hardware can be considered when redesigning a system, but replacement is not necessarily drop-in. Verify FPGA resources, digital I/O count, electrical specifications, connector pinout, cables, LabVIEW FPGA source code, driver support, and operating system compatibility before migration.
What should I check before purchasing PCI-7813?
Verify the exact 779370-01 model, PCI slot compatibility, 160-DIO requirement, FPGA resource requirements, 3.3 V/5 V signal compatibility, existing FPGA source code or bitfile, LabVIEW FPGA version, driver compatibility, SHC68-68-RDIO cabling, connector blocks, operating system, and host application compatibility.
Заключение
Земля NI PCI-7813 Digital Reconfigurable I/O Device combines a Virtex-II 3M Gate FPGA with 160 bidirectional digital I/O channels and a conventional PCI interface. Its user-programmable FPGA architecture enables deterministic hardware timing, custom digital protocols, encoder processing, PWM, counters, sensor simulation, waveform generation, HIL testing, and custom automated test functionality. It remains particularly relevant for maintaining existing NI R Series systems that depend on PCI-7813 hardware and previously developed LabVIEW FPGA applications.
