Product Introduction
Земля NI PXIe-6381 is a high-accuracy PXI Express multifunction I/O module designed for data acquisition, automated test, control, data logging, sensor measurement, and electronic validation applications.
The PXIe-6381 combines 16 analog input channels with 18-bit resolution and a maximum sampling rate of 625 kS/s, 2 analog output channels operating at up to 2.86 MS/s, 24 digital I/O lines, и four 32-bit counter/timers in a single PXI Express module.
With its high-resolution analog input architecture, multifunction I/O capabilities, PCI Express connectivity, and NI STC3 timing and synchronization technology, the PXIe-6381 provides a flexible platform for applications ranging from basic data logging to sophisticated automated control and test systems.
Product Overview
Земля National Instruments PXIe-6381 is designed for engineers who require analog measurement, analog stimulus, digital I/O, and counter/timer functionality within a single PXI Express instrument.
Its 18-bit analog input resolution provides improved measurement resolution compared with conventional 16-bit multifunction DAQ hardware, while its ±10 V measurement capability supports a broad range of voltage-based sensors, transducers, and electronic signals.
The PXIe-6381 is particularly suitable for automated test systems where multiple measurement and control functions must operate together with precise hardware timing and synchronization.
Key Features
16 Analog Input Channels
The PXIe-6381 provides up to 16 single-ended analog input channels или 8 differential analog input channels.
- 16 single-ended analog inputs
- 8 differential analog inputs
- 18-bit analog input resolution
- 625 kS/s maximum sampling rate
- Multiple programmable input ranges
- Suitable for voltage and sensor measurements
Advantage: The flexible channel configuration allows engineers to select between higher channel count and differential measurement depending on signal integrity and application requirements.
18-Bit Analog Input Resolution
One of the primary advantages of the PXIe-6381 is its 18-bit analog input resolution.
Higher ADC resolution provides finer voltage measurement granularity than conventional 16-bit multifunction DAQ devices when operating under comparable measurement conditions.
- 18-bit ADC architecture
- High-resolution voltage measurement
- Suitable for precision data acquisition
- Improved small-signal measurement capability
- Useful for sensor and electronic validation
625 kS/s Maximum Analog Input Sample Rate
The PXIe-6381 provides a maximum analog input sampling rate of 625 kS/s.
- Up to 625 kS/s analog acquisition
- Измерения с аппаратным синхронизацией
- Continuous data acquisition
- Transient signal recording
- Automated test measurements
The module uses a multiplexed analog input architecture and does not provide simultaneous sampling across all analog input channels.
Multiple Analog Input Ranges
The PXIe-6381 supports multiple programmable bipolar analog input ranges, allowing the measurement range to be matched to the expected signal amplitude.
- ±0.1 V
- ±0.2 V
- ±0.5 V
- ±1 V
- ±2 V
- ±5 V
- ±10 V
Advantage: Selecting an appropriate input range helps maximize the effective measurement resolution for different signal amplitudes.
2 Analog Output Channels
In addition to analog measurement, the PXIe-6381 provides 2 analog output channels for generating programmable voltage signals.
- 2 analog outputs
- Up to 2.86 MS/s analog output update rate
- Programmable waveform generation
- Control signal generation
- DUT stimulus generation
- Automated test integration
Advantage: Analog input and output functions can be combined in the same module for closed-loop control, stimulus-response testing, and automated electronic validation.
2.86 MS/s Analog Output Update Rate
The PXIe-6381 analog outputs provide update rates up to 2.86 MS/s, enabling generation of dynamic control and stimulus signals.
Типичные применения включают:
- Programmable voltage stimulus
- Control waveform generation
- Device characterization
- Automated test stimulus
- Замкнутая система управления
24 Digital I/O Lines
The PXIe-6381 includes 24 digital I/O lines for interfacing with digital devices and test-system control signals.
- 24 digital I/O lines
- Digital input monitoring
- Digital output control
- Test fixture interfacing
- Trigger and status signal handling
- Automated control applications
The digital I/O capability allows the PXIe-6381 to combine analog measurement with digital control without requiring a separate general-purpose DIO module for many applications.
Four 32-Bit Counter/Timers
The PXIe-6381 provides four 32-bit counter/timers for advanced timing and digital measurement applications.
- Frequency measurement
- Period measurement
- Подсчет событий
- Измерение пульса
- Генерация импульсов
- PWM applications
- Encoder measurements
Advantage: Dedicated counter/timer hardware provides additional measurement and control functionality beyond standard analog and digital I/O.
NI STC3 Timing and Synchronization
The PXIe-6381 incorporates NI STC3 timing and synchronization technology.
STC3 provides advanced hardware timing capabilities including independent analog and digital timing engines and support for retriggerable measurement tasks.
- Independent timing engines
- Hardware-timed analog acquisition
- Hardware-timed digital operations
- Retriggerable measurement tasks
- Расширенная синхронизация
- Deterministic test sequencing
PXI Express Architecture
The PXIe-6381 uses the high-throughput PCI Express architecture of the PXI Express platform.
This provides efficient communication between the multifunction I/O module and the PXI controller while allowing the device to integrate with other PXI instrumentation.
- PXI Express interface
- High-throughput data transfer
- Modular instrumentation architecture
- Аппаратная синхронизация
- Scalable automated test integration
Technical Specifications
| Параметр | Описание |
|---|---|
| Product Type | PXI Express Multifunction I/O Module |
| Модель | NI PXIe-6381 |
| Part Number | 790689-01 |
| Шинный интерфейс | PXI Express |
| Maximum Single-Ended Analog Inputs | 16 |
| Maximum Differential Analog Inputs | 8 |
| Analog Input Resolution | 18 Bit |
| Maximum Analog Input Sample Rate | 625 kS/s |
| Simultaneous Sampling | No |
| Analog Input Ranges | ±0.1 V, ±0.2 V, ±0.5 V, ±1 V, ±2 V, ±5 V, ±10 V |
| Analog Input Absolute Accuracy | 980 μV |
| Analog Output Channels | 2 |
| Maximum Analog Output Update Rate | 2.86 MS/s |
| Цифровой ввод-вывод | 24 Lines |
| Counter/Timers | 4 |
| Counter Resolution | 32 Bit |
| Timing Technology | NI STC3 |
| Driver | НИ-DAQmx |
| Primary Applications | Data Acquisition, Data Logging, Automated Test, Control, Sensor Measurement and Electronic Validation |
What Is a Multifunction I/O Module?
A multifunction I/O module combines several measurement and control functions within a single device.
Instead of using separate modules for analog acquisition, analog generation, digital I/O, and counter/timer operations, engineers can use a multifunction device such as the PXIe-6381 to perform these functions from one PXI Express slot.
The PXIe-6381 combines:
- Analog input
- Analog output
- Digital input and output
- Counter/timer functions
- Hardware timing
- Triggering and synchronization
This makes multifunction I/O particularly useful for general-purpose automated test and control systems.
Analog Input Applications
The PXIe-6381’s 18-bit analog input subsystem can acquire voltage signals from compatible sensors, transducers, electronic circuits, and test fixtures.
Типичные применения включают:
- Voltage measurement
- Sensor data acquisition
- Electronic circuit testing
- Device characterization
- Process monitoring
- Automated data logging
- Research measurements
Single-Ended vs Differential Measurements
The PXIe-6381 supports both single-ended and differential analog input configurations.
| Конфигурация | Maximum Channels | Typical Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Single-Ended | 16 | Higher Channel Count |
| Differential | 8 | Improved Noise Rejection and Signal Integrity |
Single-ended measurements are useful when channel density is important and signals share an appropriate reference. Differential measurements are generally preferred when improved common-mode noise rejection is required.
18-Bit vs 16-Bit Data Acquisition
ADC resolution determines the number of discrete digital levels available to represent the measured analog signal.
| ADC Resolution | Theoretical Number of Levels |
|---|---|
| 16 Bit | 65,536 |
| 18 Bit | 262,144 |
An 18-bit ADC therefore provides four times as many theoretical quantization levels as a 16-bit ADC.
However, actual measurement performance also depends on noise, gain error, offset error, temperature, signal conditioning, wiring, grounding, and the selected input range. ADC resolution alone should not be interpreted as measurement accuracy.
Analog Output Applications
The two analog output channels allow the PXIe-6381 to generate voltage signals while simultaneously forming part of a measurement system.
- Device stimulus
- Control signals
- Test waveform generation
- Sensor excitation applications
- Electronic characterization
- Замкнутая система управления
This makes the PXIe-6381 useful for stimulus-response testing where one part of the module generates a signal and another subsystem measures the DUT response.
Digital I/O Applications
The 24 digital I/O lines can interface the PXIe-6381 with compatible digital devices, control circuits, and test fixtures.
- DUT status monitoring
- Fixture control
- Digital triggering
- Logic-state acquisition
- Control-line generation
- Automated test sequencing
Counter and Timer Applications
The four 32-bit counter/timers extend the PXIe-6381 beyond conventional voltage measurement.
Typical counter/timer applications include:
- Подсчет событий
- Frequency measurement
- Period measurement
- Pulse-width measurement
- Encoder measurement
- Генерация ШИМ
- Генерация импульсной последовательности
This functionality is useful in motor testing, rotating machinery measurements, automation, motion-related measurements, and electronic validation.
Data Logging
The PXIe-6381 is well suited for general-purpose data logging applications where multiple voltage channels must be acquired over time.
The combination of 18-bit resolution, multiple programmable input ranges, hardware timing, and PXI Express data transfer makes it suitable for:
- Laboratory data logging
- Product validation
- Environmental monitoring
- Sensor acquisition
- Long-duration measurements
- Engineering experiments
Automated Test Applications
The multifunction architecture of the PXIe-6381 is particularly valuable in automated test systems.
A single test sequence can use:
- Analog outputs to stimulate the DUT
- Analog inputs to measure DUT response
- Digital I/O to control the fixture
- Counters to measure frequency or pulses
- Hardware triggers to synchronize operations
This reduces the number of separate instruments required for many general-purpose functional test applications.
Control Applications
The combination of analog input, analog output, digital I/O, counter/timers, and advanced hardware timing makes the PXIe-6381 suitable for compatible monitoring and control applications.
- Замкнутая система управления
- Machine test systems
- Laboratory automation
- Prototype control
- Actuator and sensor testing
- Research systems
NI STC3 Timing Architecture
Precise timing is important when multiple measurement and control operations must occur in a defined sequence.
The PXIe-6381 uses NI STC3 technology to provide independent timing engines for analog and digital subsystems.
This architecture supports sophisticated automated measurement sequences including retriggerable acquisition tasks.
A simplified automated test architecture can be represented as:
Trigger → Analog/Digital Stimulus → DUT → PXIe-6381 Measurement → Data Processing → Pass/Fail Result
PXIe-6381 in a PXI System
The PXIe-6381 can operate as the general-purpose DAQ and control component of a larger PXI automated test platform.
A complete system may combine the PXIe-6381 with:
- PXI Express chassis
- PXI embedded or remote controller
- Oscilloscopes and digitizers
- Digital multimeters
- Programmable power supplies
- PXI switch modules
- RF instruments
- Communication interfaces
This modular architecture allows the system to be expanded as measurement requirements change.
PXIe-6381 vs Dedicated Measurement Instruments
| Функция | PXIe-6381 | Dedicated Instrument |
|---|---|---|
| Analog Input | Included | Instrument Dependent |
| Analog Output | Included | May Require Separate Instrument |
| Цифровой ввод-вывод | 24 Lines | May Require Separate Hardware |
| Counter/Timers | 4 × 32 Bit | Instrument Dependent |
| Primary Advantage | Multiple Functions in One Module | Optimized for Specialized Measurements |
| Best Application | General-Purpose DAQ and Automated Test | Specialized High-Performance Measurement |
PXIe-6381 vs PXIe-6383
The PXIe-6381 and PXIe-6383 belong to the same generation of high-accuracy 18-bit PXI Express multifunction I/O modules, but the PXIe-6383 provides higher channel density.
| Функция | PXIe-6381 | PXIe-6383 |
|---|---|---|
| Analog Input Resolution | 18 Bit | 18 Bit |
| Maximum AI Sample Rate | 625 kS/s | 625 kS/s |
| Single-Ended AI | 16 | 32 |
| Analog Outputs | 2 | 4 |
| Цифровой ввод-вывод | 24 | 48 |
| Counter/Timers | 4 | 4 |
| Primary Advantage | Cost-Effective Multifunction I/O | Higher I/O Channel Density |
Choose the PXIe-6381 when 16 AI, 2 AO, and 24 DIO provide sufficient capacity. Choose the PXIe-6383 when the application requires additional analog and digital channels.
Connectivity and Accessories
NI provides several compatible cabling and terminal options for integrating the PXIe-6381 into measurement and test systems.
Compatible connectivity options include:
- SHC68-68 shielded cable
- SHC68-68-EPM shielded cable
- TB-2706 front-mount screw terminal block
- TBX-68 connector block
- BNC-2090A
- BNC-2110
- BNC-2120
- SCB-68A shielded connector block
- CB-68LP
- CB-68LPR
Software and Driver Support
The PXIe-6381 is supported by НИ-DAQmx, NI’s driver and configuration software for data acquisition hardware.
The device can be incorporated into software environments used for measurement, logging, analysis, and automated test development.
- НИ-DAQmx
- ЛабВью
- FlexLogger
- TestStand-based automated test systems
- Custom DAQ applications
Industries
- Electronic Manufacturing
- Automotive Testing
- Аэрокосмическая и оборонная промышленность
- Промышленная автоматизация
- Тестирование полупроводников
- Research and Development
- Laboratory Measurement
- Production Test
- Automated Test Equipment
Applications
Data Acquisition
The PXIe-6381 provides high-resolution analog acquisition for voltage measurements, sensor acquisition, and engineering test applications.
Automated Functional Test
Analog input, analog output, digital I/O, and counter/timer functions can be coordinated within automated DUT validation sequences.
Data Logging
The module can acquire and record multiple analog channels for laboratory experiments, engineering validation, and long-duration monitoring.
Electronic Validation
The PXIe-6381 can generate stimulus, acquire DUT responses, monitor digital states, and perform counter/timer measurements within electronic validation systems.
Sensor Measurement
The 18-bit analog input subsystem and multiple programmable voltage ranges make the module suitable for compatible voltage-output sensors and conditioned sensor signals.
Control Systems
Analog outputs, digital I/O, counter/timers, and hardware-timed analog inputs allow the PXIe-6381 to perform measurement and control functions within compatible automated systems.
Recommended Related Products
| NI PXIe-6381 | 18-bit PXI Express multifunction I/O module with 16 AI, 2 AO, 24 DIO, and four 32-bit counter/timers. |
| NI PXIe-6383 | Higher-channel-density version with 32 analog inputs, 4 analog outputs, and 48 digital I/O lines for larger automated test systems. |
| NI PXI-6259 | Multifunction DAQ module for applications requiring a proven PXI analog and digital data acquisition platform. |
| NI PXIe-6612 | Dedicated counter/timer module for applications requiring additional frequency, encoder, pulse, PWM, and event-counting capability. |
| NI PXIe-4322 | Analog output module for applications requiring additional dedicated analog stimulus and control channels. |
Why Choose NI PXIe-6381?
- 18-bit analog input resolution
- 16 single-ended analog inputs
- 8 differential analog inputs
- 625 kS/s maximum analog input sampling rate
- Multiple programmable input ranges up to ±10 V
- 2 analog output channels
- Up to 2.86 MS/s analog output update rate
- 24 digital I/O lines
- Four 32-bit counter/timers
- NI STC3 timing and synchronization
- Retriggerable measurement capability
- Архитектура PXI Express
- NI-DAQmx support
- Suitable for data logging and control
- Designed for automated test and measurement
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NI PXIe-6381?
The NI PXIe-6381 is an 18-bit PXI Express multifunction I/O module that combines analog input, analog output, digital I/O, and counter/timer functionality for data acquisition, control, and automated test applications.
What is the part number of the PXIe-6381?
The NI PXIe-6381 part number is 790689-01.
How many analog input channels does the PXIe-6381 have?
The PXIe-6381 provides up to 16 single-ended analog input channels или 8 differential analog input channels.
What is the analog input resolution of the PXIe-6381?
The PXIe-6381 provides 18-bit analog input resolution.
What is the maximum analog input sample rate?
The PXIe-6381 provides a maximum analog input sample rate of 625 kS/s.
Does the PXIe-6381 support simultaneous sampling?
No. The PXIe-6381 uses a multiplexed analog input architecture and does not provide simultaneous sampling across multiple analog input channels.
What analog input ranges does the PXIe-6381 support?
The PXIe-6381 supports programmable bipolar input ranges of ±0.1 V, ±0.2 V, ±0.5 V, ±1 V, ±2 V, ±5 V, and ±10 V.
How many analog outputs does the PXIe-6381 have?
The PXIe-6381 provides 2 analog output channels with a maximum update rate of up to 2.86 MS/s.
How many digital I/O lines does the PXIe-6381 provide?
The PXIe-6381 provides 24 digital I/O lines.
How many counters does the PXIe-6381 have?
The module provides four 32-bit counter/timers for frequency measurement, event counting, encoder measurements, PWM, pulse generation, and other timing applications.
Does the PXIe-6381 use NI STC3 technology?
Yes. The PXIe-6381 incorporates NI STC3 timing and synchronization technology, providing independent analog and digital timing engines and advanced hardware-timed measurement functionality.
Can the PXIe-6381 generate analog signals?
Yes. The two analog output channels can generate programmable voltage signals at update rates up to 2.86 MS/s for stimulus, control, and automated test applications.
Can the PXIe-6381 be used for data logging?
Yes. Data logging is one of the primary applications for the PXIe-6381. Its 18-bit analog inputs, programmable voltage ranges, hardware timing, and PXI Express architecture make it suitable for laboratory and automated data acquisition systems.
What is the difference between PXIe-6381 and PXIe-6383?
Both devices provide 18-bit, 625 kS/s analog acquisition. The PXIe-6381 provides 16 AI, 2 AO, and 24 DIO, while the PXIe-6383 provides 32 AI, 4 AO, and 48 DIO. The PXIe-6383 is therefore better suited to applications requiring higher channel density.
What accessories can be used with the PXIe-6381?
NI lists compatible accessories including the SHC68-68 and SHC68-68-EPM cables, TB-2706, TBX-68, BNC-2090A, BNC-2110, BNC-2120, SCB-68A, CB-68LP, and CB-68LPR connectivity accessories.
What software supports the PXIe-6381?
The PXIe-6381 is supported by NI-DAQmx and can be integrated into NI software environments such as LabVIEW, FlexLogger, and automated test applications developed around TestStand.
What applications are suitable for the PXIe-6381?
Typical applications include high-resolution voltage measurement, sensor data acquisition, data logging, automated functional test, electronic validation, closed-loop control, digital control, frequency and encoder measurement, research, and production test.
What should I check before purchasing a PXIe-6381?
Before purchasing a PXIe-6381, verify the required analog input channel count, 18-bit resolution, 625 kS/s sampling rate, analog input range, analog output requirements, digital I/O requirements, counter/timer requirements, PXI Express chassis compatibility, connector and cabling requirements, and NI-DAQmx software compatibility.
Заключение
Земля NI PXIe-6381 18-Bit PXI Express Multifunction I/O Module combines 16 analog inputs at up to 625 kS/s, 2 analog outputs at up to 2.86 MS/s, 24 digital I/O lines, and four 32-bit counter/timers in a single modular instrument. Its 18-bit measurement architecture, multiple programmable input ranges, NI STC3 timing technology, and NI-DAQmx integration make it a strong choice for high-accuracy data acquisition, data logging, automated test, sensor measurement, electronic validation, and control applications.
