Product Introduction
The NI PCIe-6320 is a high-performance multifunction PCI Express data acquisition (DAQ) board designed for industrial automation, automated test equipment (ATE), scientific research, and laboratory measurement. As a member of the National Instruments X Series DAQ family, it combines analog input, analog output, digital I/O, advanced timing, and counter functionality into a single PCI Express device.
Powered by NI-STC3 timing technology, the PCIe-6320 provides high-speed synchronized acquisition, precise waveform generation, and flexible digital control while delivering reliable PCI Express performance for desktop and industrial computer systems.
Product Overview
The PCIe-6320 offers 16 single-ended or 8 differential analog input channels with 16-bit resolution and aggregate sampling rates up to 500 kS/s. It also includes two hardware-timed analog output channels, 24 programmable digital I/O lines, and four independent 32-bit counter/timers.
Its PCI Express interface provides high-bandwidth communication with low latency, making it suitable for synchronized measurement, industrial control, production testing, and high-speed laboratory applications.
Key Features
High-Speed Analog Input
The PCIe-6320 delivers accurate and reliable analog measurements for a wide range of engineering applications.
- 16 single-ended or 8 differential inputs
- 16-bit ADC resolution
- 500 kS/s aggregate sampling
- Multiple programmable voltage ranges
- Low-noise analog front end
Advantage: Supports precise voltage and sensor measurements with excellent acquisition speed.
Dual Analog Outputs
Integrated analog outputs enable waveform generation and closed-loop control applications.
- 2 analog output channels
- 16-bit DAC resolution
- Up to 900 kS/s update rate
- ±10 V output range
- Hardware-timed waveform generation
Advantage: Generates accurate analog stimulus signals for validation and control systems.
24 Programmable Digital I/O
Flexible digital resources support industrial control and automation.
- 24 TTL digital I/O lines
- Static digital I/O
- Hardware timing support
- Trigger routing
- External device control
Advantage: Easily interfaces with PLCs, relays, fixtures, and automation equipment.
Four Independent Counter/Timers
Integrated timing resources support motion, pulse, and encoder applications.
- 4 independent 32-bit counters
- Frequency measurement
- Event counting
- Quadrature encoder support
- Pulse generation
- PWM applications
Advantage: Eliminates the need for additional timing hardware in many measurement systems.
NI-STC3 Timing Technology
Advanced timing architecture enables synchronized multifunction acquisition.
- NI-STC3 timing engine
- Hardware triggering
- Reference triggering
- External clock support
- High-speed synchronization
Advantage: Delivers deterministic measurements with precise timing across all subsystems.
PCI Express Performance
The PCI Express interface provides fast communication between the DAQ board and host computer.
- PCI Express interface
- High bandwidth
- Low communication latency
- Reliable desktop integration
- Long-term industrial stability
Advantage: Maximizes throughput for demanding acquisition and automation applications.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Product Type | PCI Express Multifunction DAQ Board |
| DAQ Family | NI X Series |
| Bus Interface | PCI Express x1 |
| Analog Input Channels | 16 Single-Ended or 8 Differential |
| Analog Input Resolution | 16 Bits |
| Maximum Sampling Rate | 500 kS/s |
| Analog Input Ranges | ±0.2 V, ±1 V, ±5 V, ±10 V |
| Analog Output Channels | 2 |
| Analog Output Resolution | 16 Bits |
| Maximum Analog Output Rate | 900 kS/s |
| Analog Output Range | ±10 V |
| Digital I/O | 24 Bidirectional TTL Lines |
| Counter/Timers | 4 × 32-Bit |
| Counter Timebases | 100 MHz, 20 MHz, 100 kHz |
| Timing Engine | NI-STC3 |
| Programming Support | NI-DAQmx |
| Supported Languages | LabVIEW, Python, C/C++, C#, .NET, LabWindows/CVI |
Software Ecosystem
The PCIe-6320 integrates seamlessly with the National Instruments software platform.
- NI-DAQmx – Device configuration, acquisition, waveform generation, and synchronization.
- LabVIEW – Graphical programming for automated measurement and control.
- NI MAX – Hardware configuration, diagnostics, and testing.
- FlexLogger – Configuration-based measurement and data logging.
- DIAdem – Advanced data analysis and reporting.
- Python, C/C++, C#, .NET – Full programming support through NI-DAQmx APIs.
Industries
- Industrial Automation
- Automated Test Equipment (ATE)
- Electronics Manufacturing
- Semiconductor Testing
- Research Laboratories
- Automotive Validation
- Energy Systems
- University Research
Applications
Industrial Data Acquisition
Acquire voltage and sensor signals from industrial equipment with high precision.
- Sensor monitoring
- Voltage acquisition
- Process control
- Machine diagnostics
Automated Test Equipment
Integrate analog, digital, and counter functions into production testing systems.
- Functional testing
- Electronic validation
- Production verification
- Quality assurance
Waveform Generation
Generate analog control signals and synchronized test stimuli.
- Signal simulation
- Closed-loop control
- Calibration
- Device characterization
Motion and Encoder Measurement
Use integrated counters for motion control and timing applications.
- Encoder acquisition
- Frequency measurement
- Pulse generation
- Position monitoring
Comparison with Similar Products
| Model | Main Difference | Best Application |
|---|---|---|
| NI PCIe-6320 | 500 kS/s X Series multifunction DAQ with balanced performance and cost. | General industrial measurement |
| NI PCIe-6321 | Similar X Series DAQ with different connector and I/O configuration. | General laboratory applications |
| NI PCIe-6323 | Higher-performance X Series DAQ with additional analog channels and functionality. | Advanced automated testing |
| NI PCI-6281 | M Series PCI DAQ featuring 18-bit analog input resolution. | High-accuracy laboratory measurements |
Recommended Related Products
| NI SCB-68A | Shielded connector block for precision signal connections. |
| NI CB-68LP | Low-cost terminal block for custom wiring. |
| NI SHC68-68-EPM | High-performance shielded cable for X Series DAQ devices. |
| NI USB-6212 | Portable USB multifunction DAQ alternative. |
| NI PXIe-6378 | PXI Express X Series multifunction DAQ module. |
Why Choose PCIe-6320?
- 500 kS/s multifunction data acquisition
- NI-STC3 advanced timing technology
- Integrated analog, digital, and counter resources
- Reliable PCI Express communication
- Ideal for industrial automation and laboratory testing
- Excellent synchronization capabilities
- Supported by NI-DAQmx and LabVIEW
- Flexible platform for measurement and control
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum analog sampling rate of the PCIe-6320?
The PCIe-6320 provides an aggregate analog input sampling rate of up to 500 kS/s with 16-bit resolution.
Does the PCIe-6320 support hardware-timed analog output?
Yes. The board includes two 16-bit analog output channels capable of hardware-timed waveform generation up to 900 kS/s.
Which software supports the PCIe-6320?
The PCIe-6320 is supported by NI-DAQmx, LabVIEW, NI MAX, FlexLogger, DIAdem, Python, C/C++, C#, .NET, and LabWindows/CVI.
Conclusion
The NI PCIe-6320 delivers high-speed multifunction data acquisition, advanced NI-STC3 timing technology, and reliable PCI Express performance in a compact DAQ solution. Its combination of analog input, analog output, digital I/O, and counter resources makes it an excellent choice for industrial automation, automated testing, laboratory research, and precision measurement applications.
