National Instruments 778627-01 Multifunction I/O Device

The 778627-01, often referred to as the PCI-6014, is a high-performance multifunction analog, digital, and timing I/O device designed by National Instruments. With its 16 channels of 16-bit analog input (AI), 2 channels of 16-bit analog output (AO), and 8 digital I/O (DIO) lines, this adaptable device is perfect for a variety of uses, including as research, design verification/testing, laboratory automation, and industrial testing. For advanced time-related functions, the 778627-01 makes use of the NI data acquisition system timing controller (DAQ-STC), which guarantees smooth integration and reliable performance.

The 778627-01 has two 24-bit counters with digital triggering capabilities, digital I/O, and analog input. It also has a 68-pin connector. Two software-configurable input modalities are available for the AI section: differential (DIFF) mode, which offers up to eight channels, and nonreferenced single-ended (NRSE) mode, which offers up to 16 channels. Due to its flexibility, scanning can be done in several modes, allowing for configurations such scanning 12 channels, 4 of which are differentially designed, and 8 of which are single-ended. The A/D converter (ADC) resolution can be optimized for each AI channel by programming it with a different gain value (0.5, 1.0, 10, or 100), which makes accurate measurements easier.

The 778627-01 has AI and AO capabilities in addition to eight digital I/O lines (DIO<0..7>) that can be independently set up for input or output using software. Every DIO port is set to high-impedance upon system startup and reset, providing greater versatility for a range of applications. In addition to offering a vast library of functions to fully utilize the device, the bundled NI-DAQmx driver and configuration tool automate setup and simplify measurements.

The 778627-01's DAQ-STC timing controller is made up of three timing groups that regulate the AO, general-purpose counter/timer, and AI functions. With a maximum timing resolution of 50 ns, these groups consist of seven 24-bit and three 16-bit counters, allowing for sophisticated applications including buffered pulse generation, equivalent time sampling, and smooth sampling rate modifications.