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PCI-6541
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PCI-6541, 32 Data Channels, 68-Pin VHDCI I/O Connector, Digital Waveform Device

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National Instruments PCI-6541 Digital Waveform Device

The NI PCI-6541 (Part Numbers: 778988-01, 778988-02, 778988-03, 191431A-01) is a 50 MHz Digital Waveform Generator/Analyzer, designed for high-speed digital applications. With 32 channels featuring per-channel direction control, the device includes deep onboard memory using Synchronization and Memory Core (SMC) technology, enabling advanced triggering and pattern sequencing.

This instrument comes with the NI-HSDIO driver, allowing users to interface with 3.3V TTL (5V TTL compatible), 2.5V, and 1.8V logic levels. Users can also leverage the NI Digital Waveform Editor (sold separately), a powerful tool for creating and modifying digital waveforms. Using this software, users can import test patterns from spreadsheet formats, ASCII, or Value Change Dump (VCD) files, then visualize and edit them graphically for different test conditions.

The PCI-6541 also provides built-in fill patterns such as pseudorandom bit sequences (PRBS) and count up/down patterns for generating test signals. Once users have finalized their waveforms, they can seamlessly import them into NI LabVIEW, LabVIEW SignalExpress, or C environments for execution. The Digital Waveform Editor is included with the 8 Mbit and 64 Mbit/channel models, while it is an optional add-on for the 1 Mbit/channel model.

This model also supports data delay adjustments for frequencies ≥25 MHz, with a resolution of 1/256 of the sample clock period.

ModelPCI-6541
ManufacturerNational Instruments
Part Numbers778988-01, 778988-02, 778988-03, 191431A-01
TypeDigital Waveform Device
Data Channels32 (3.3V TTL, 2.5V, 1.8V Logic Families)
Sample Clock Frequency50 MHz
Onboard Memory Size1 Mbit/Channel, 8 Mbit/Channel, 64 Mbit/Channel
I/O Connector68-pin VHDCI
Power Requirements+3.3 VDC, +5VDC, +12 VDC, -12VDC - 1.6A, 1.2A, 0.25A, 0.06A
Power Dissipation15 W
Dimensions4.95 in. by 13.9 in.
Weight0.9 lb. (14.5 oz.)
Software DriverNI-HSDIO
WarrantyThree Year Warranty
PCI-6541 ManualUser Manual and Maintenance Manual Available for Download
PriceContact a sales representative for a quote.

Associated part numbers for PCI-6541:

National Instruments PCI-6541 Frequently Asked Questions

 

Question: What is the maximum cable length for the PCI-6541?

Answer: The recommended maximum cable length for the PCI-6541 is 1 meter. While a 2-meter cable (Part Number: 781293-01) is available, performance specifications are not guaranteed beyond 1 meter..

 

Question: Which accessories are required for the NI PCI 6541?

Answer: The NI PCI-6541 requires an I/O cable for connectivity. Recommended options include the SHC68-C68-D4 series cables, such as the 0.55 m (Part Number: 781013-01), 1 m (Part Number: 196275-01), or 2 m (Part Number: 781293-01). Optionally, users can use a compatible connector block, such as the CB-2162 (Part Number: 778747-01) or SMB-2163 (Part Number: 778592-01). For applications requiring flexible connections, accessories like the SHC68-H1X38 High-Speed Digital Flying-Leads Cable (Part Number: 192681-1R5) and the IC Grabber Clip Set (Part Number: 194096-01) are available.

 

Question: Which safety certifications does the PCI 6541 comply with?

Answer: The PCI-6541 complies with the following safety certifications: IEC 61010-1, EN 61010-1, UL 61010-1, and CSA C22.2 No. 61010-1.

Accessory TypeModel NamePart Number
CableSHC68-C68-D4
(Shielded Recommended)
781013-01 (0.55 m)
196275-01 (1 m)
781293-01 (2 m)
132625-03 (3 m)
C68-C68-D4 Cable 
(Unshielded)
195949-01
SHC68-H1X38 
(Shielded, Flying Lead)
192681-1R5
Cable Adapter653x Cable Adapter195846-01
Screw Terminal Block
(Shielded)
SCB-68 HSDIO782914-01
SCB-68A782536-01
Screw Terminal Block
(Unshielded, DIN Rail Mount)
CB-2162778592-01
CB-68LP777145-01
CB-68LPR777145-02
Screw Terminal Block
(Unshielded)
TBX-68777141-01
Breakout BoxSMB-2163778747-01
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*The device is compatible with SCSI accessories when using the 653x Cable Adapter. Without this adapter, VHDCI accessories must be used.

*The SCB-68 / SCB-68A must use Direct Feedthrough Mode for configuration.

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PXI-6541, PFI-6541, PCK-6541, PCI-6T41, PCI-654W
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