National Instruments PCI-6230

The National Instruments PCI-6230 is a high-performance multifunction data acquisition board from the M Series, designed for demanding industrial applications. This device features bank isolation, providing significant advantages such as enhanced noise rejection, protection against transients, reduced ground loops, and effective common-mode voltage rejection, making it ideal for operation in high-voltage and electrically noisy environments. The PCI-6230 supports eight single-ended or four differential analog input channels with a 16-bit resolution and a maximum sampling rate of 250 kS/s, accommodating input voltage ranges of ±10 V, ±5 V, ±1 V, and ±0.2 V. With continuous bank isolation of up to 60 VDC and channel-to-bus isolation of 1950 VDC, this board offers a robust solution for sensitive measurement applications.

In addition to its analog input capabilities, the PCI-6230 includes four analog output channels powered by 16-bit digital-to-analog converters, achieving maximum update rates of 500 kS/s per channel. The output supports DC coupling and features a ±10 V range with an 8,191-sample output FIFO shared among channels. For counter and timer functionalities, the PCI-6230 is equipped with two 32-bit counters/timers operating at an 80 MHz frequency, facilitating accurate edge, semi-period, and period measurements. Connections are made via a standard 37-pin D-SUB I/O connector.

The PCI-6230 operates using the NIDAQmx driver software and is compatible with popular application development environments such as LabVIEW and LabWindows/CVI. This robust data acquisition board measures 3.8 x 6.1 inches, weighs 0.24 lb, and is rated for operating temperatures between 0 and 55 °C. Although National Instruments has announced the legacy status of the PCI-6230, it remains available for purchase and repair through Apex Waves.