National Instruments PCIe-6738 Analog Output Device

The PCIe-6738 is a high-speed Analog Output Device developed by National Instruments. The part number of the PCIe-6738 is 785822-01. This device offers the simultaneous update of multiple channels. The PCIe-6738 also features digital triggering and external clocking options. The data points of all the channels can be programmed for common waveforms. This model can transmit simple waveforms like square, sine, and sawtooth. It also supports complex waveforms. The PCIe-6738 has so many features that it can replace many devices. These devices include PID controllers, function generators, and low-speed waveform generators.

The PCIe-6738 Analog Output Device has 32 AO terminals. The AO terminals are categorized into different banks. Each bank consists of four channels and incorporates a DAC. The NI PCIe-6738 also has an AO FIFO buffer. This device supports two types of data generation methods. These methods are software-timed and hardware-timed generations. Each bank can be programmed independently for either task.  In the software-timed mode, software is used to control the data generation rate. Multiple banks can be updated simultaneously in this mode. In the hardware-timed mode, a digital signal is needed to control the generation rate. This mode can also use hardware triggering.

The PCIe 6738 device supports two modes of triggering for the analog outputs. These modes are start-trigger and pause-trigger. The PCIe-6738 offers three sample clock frequencies, with a default frequency of 100 MHz. Other frequency options are 20 MHz and 100 kHz.  

The PCIe-6738 Analog Output Device is used in a variety of applications but is mainly designed for waveform output and control applications. This device is used for stimulus-response tests and 3-phase power simulation, along with power supply control and simulation for signals and sensors.