USB-6218 Isolated 32-Channel USB Multifunction DAQ
Земля NI USB-6218 is a high-channel-count isolated USB multifunction data acquisition device. It provides 32 single-ended or 16 differential analog inputs with 16-bit resolution and a maximum aggregate sampling rate of 250 kS/s.
The device also includes two 16-bit analog outputs, eight digital inputs, eight digital outputs and two 32-bit counters. Screw-terminal and BNC versions support different laboratory and field-wiring requirements.
Key Features of the USB-6218
- Isolated USB multifunction I/O device
- 32 single-ended or 16 differential analog inputs
- 16-bit analog input resolution
- 250 kS/s maximum aggregate rate
- Two 16-bit analog outputs
- 250 kS/s update rate per analog output
- Eight digital input lines
- Eight digital output lines
- Two 32-bit counters
- Screw-terminal and BNC versions
- USB 2.0 Hi-Speed communication
- NI-DAQmx software support
USB-6218 Technical Specifications
| Product Model | USB-6218 |
|---|---|
| Изоляция | USB-bus isolation |
| Analog Inputs | 32 single-ended or 16 differential |
| ADC Resolution | 16 bits |
| Maximum Sample Rate | 250 kS/s aggregate |
| Input Ranges | ±0.2 V, ±1 V, ±5 V and ±10 V |
| Input Bandwidth | 450 kHz |
| CMRR | 100 dB from DC to 60 Hz |
| Analog Outputs | 2 |
| Output Resolution | 16 bits |
| Maximum Output Rate | 250 kS/s per channel |
| Output Range | ±10 V |
| Digital Inputs | 8 |
| Digital Outputs | 8 |
| Counters | 2 × 32-bit |
| Connector Options | Screw terminal or BNC |
| USB Interface | USB 2.0 Hi-Speed |
USB-6218 Part Number and Accessories
The USB-6218 is available with screw-terminal and BNC connectivity. These configurations serve different wiring requirements and may have different orderable part numbers.
| Конфигурация | Recommended Use |
|---|---|
| USB-6218 Screw Terminal | High-density sensor, fixture and field wiring |
| USB-6218 BNC | Direct laboratory connection of coaxial signals |
| DIN-Rail Mounting Kit | Industrial panel installation |
| USB Cable | Host communication and device power |
32-Channel Analog Input
The USB-6218 doubles the single-ended analog input count of the USB-6215 and USB-6216. It is useful for systems that need to monitor many conditioned sensor and voltage signals from one USB connection.
The 250 kS/s rate is shared by all active channels. With 32 channels sampled evenly, the achievable rate per channel is lower than the aggregate device rate.
Screw-Terminal and BNC Versions
The screw-terminal version is appropriate for permanent or semi-permanent multiwire installations. The BNC version simplifies connection to oscilloscopes, laboratory sensors and other coaxial equipment.
Confirm the exact connector style before purchasing because cables and fixture wiring are not interchangeable between the two versions.
USB-6218 Applications
- High-channel-count voltage acquisition
- Industrial equipment monitoring
- Laboratory sensor measurement
- Environmental test systems
- Production fixture monitoring
- Portable multichannel data logging
- Ground-loop-sensitive measurements
- Mixed analog and digital control
High-Channel-Count Data Logging
The USB-6218 can collect conditioned voltage signals from as many as 32 sources. It is suitable for temperature, pressure, position and process measurements when the sensors provide compatible voltage outputs.
Environmental Testing
Multiple sensor outputs can be monitored during temperature, vibration or reliability testing. The analog outputs and digital lines can also coordinate compatible external equipment.
USB-6218 Installation Workflow
Step 1: Select the Connector Style
Choose the screw-terminal version for dense wiring or the BNC version for direct coaxial connections.
Step 2: Install NI-DAQmx
Install the driver and confirm compatibility with the selected operating system.
Step 3: Plan Channel Assignments
Determine which channels use differential or single-ended wiring and calculate the required per-channel sampling rate.
Step 4: Connect Signals
Follow the pinout for the exact USB-6218 version and keep analog cables away from high-current wiring.
Step 5: Verify the Device
Run a self-test and test-panel measurement in NI MAX.
Step 6: Validate the Complete Scan
Acquire every intended channel and check channel order, scaling, settling, noise and data-storage performance.
USB-6218 Troubleshooting
The Per-Channel Rate Is Lower Than Expected
The 250 kS/s specification is aggregate. Divide the available rate among the active channels when planning the scan.
Some Channels Show Signals from Adjacent Channels
Review source impedance, wiring, channel order and settling time. High-impedance sources may require buffering.
The BNC Channel Names Do Not Match the Application
Verify the physical connector labels and NI-DAQmx channel configuration for the BNC version.
The Measurement Contains Ground-Loop Noise
Confirm the isolation boundaries, shielding, terminal configuration and sensor grounding.
The USB Connection Is Unstable
Use a short, high-quality cable and connect directly to the computer. Disable inappropriate USB power-saving settings.
USB-6218 Comparison
| Модель | Analog Inputs | Maximum AI Rate | Цифровой ввод-вывод |
|---|---|---|---|
| USB-6215 | 16 | 250 kS/s | 8 lines |
| USB-6216 | 16 | 400 kS/s | Up to 32 lines |
| USB-6218 | 32 | 250 kS/s | 16 lines |
Choose the USB-6218 when high analog input density is the primary requirement. Choose the USB-6216 when faster acquisition and additional bidirectional digital lines are more important.
USB-6218 Frequently Asked Questions
How many analog inputs does the USB-6218 provide?
It provides 32 single-ended or 16 differential analog inputs.
Is the USB-6218 isolated?
Yes. It provides isolation between the USB host and measurement-side circuitry.
What is the maximum sampling rate?
The maximum aggregate analog input sampling rate is 250 kS/s.
Does it have analog outputs?
Yes. It includes two 16-bit analog outputs with a maximum update rate of 250 kS/s per channel.
Which connector versions are available?
NI documents screw-terminal and BNC versions of the USB-6218.
Recommended Related Products
- USB-6215 Isolated USB DAQ Device
- USB-6216 Isolated USB DAQ Device
- USB-6255 80-Channel Multifunction DAQ
Request a Quote for the USB-6218
Contact us for current availability and project pricing for the NI USB-6218 isolated multifunction DAQ device. Please specify whether the application requires the screw-terminal or BNC version.
