National Instruments PCI-6731 Analog Output Device

The National Instruments PCI-6731 (Part Number: 778511-01) is a 4-Channel, 16-Bit Analog Output Device designed to provide parallel multichannel updates for various stimulus-response tests and simulation applications, such as acoustic distortion testing and three-phase power stimulation. The analog output channels have a sampling rate of 1 MS/s. This device is the PCI based variant of the NI-6731; a similar analog output board with PXI connectivity is also available. Since this model is a PCI based device, the PCI-6731 can easily be plugged and deployed in any PCI bus compatible computer. However, the PXI based version can only be used with a compatible PXI casing. However, both of these devices are almost identical in their characteristics and precision. This model comes with 8 TTL/CMOS compatible, 5 V digital I/O lines, and two 24-bit counter/timers–with a frequency of 20 MHz.

Moreover, the NI PCI 6731 also supports external clocking and digital triggering. This Analog Output Device can be used as a low-cost replacement of several instruments, including PID controllers and function generators. This Analog Output Device can create and acquire digital waveforms as well. On startup, all PFI and DIO lines of the PCI 6731 are set to high-impedance inputs and each line comes with a weak -pull up resistor attached to it.   

The digital input applications achievable with this device include sensing externally connected device states and receiving TTL signals. The digital output applications include driving external devices and sensing TTL signals. A start trigger initiates a continuous or finite pulse generation, while the pause trigger can be used in continuous pulse generation and edge counting applications. The device is equipped with a 68-pin male SCSI-II I/O connector.

The PCI-6731 is run using the NI-DAQmx driver software which is compatible with software packages/application development environments (ADEs) such as LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, or Measurement Studio. It can be configured using the Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) tool.

The NI device measures 6.87 x 4.2 in. in physical dimensions. It has a recommended operating temperature range of 0 to 50 °C, a storage temperature range of –20 to 70 °C, and a noncondensing humidity range of 5 to 90% RH.