National Instruments PXI-6511 Digital I/O Module

The National Instruments PXI-6511 (Part Number: 778967-01) is a 64-Channel, Bank-Isolated, Sink/Source Inputs, ±30 VDC PXI based Digital I/O Module. It has a digital input voltage range of -30 V to 30 V, and digital I/O logic levels of 24 V. This model is designed to be utilized as an industrial grade digital I/O interface with eight banks of completely isolated channels. If a software application or hardware (computer) related fault occurs, the PXI-6511 can use the integrated, digital I/O watchdogs to trigger switchover to a user-configured safe output state to ensure detection and recovery from fault conditions safely. In addition, the programmable input filters eliminate spikes and provide sufficient denouncing for digital relays/switches by means of a software-selectable digital filter.

This module comes equipped with a high-density 100-pin keyed female SCSI connector that provides access to the digital inputs. The input lines on the National Instruments PXI-6511 consist of input photocouplers. These photocouplers react to both the voltage differential and voltage increase. With this module, the user can configure power-up states as required, ensuring device power-up in a predefined, known state. The user can have the power-up states defined simply by using the Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) tool. To eliminate glitches/spikes on the input lines, this model offers a digital filtering option. Filtering can also minimize the number of changes when it is used with the change detection feature.

The PXI-6511 is run using the NIDAQmx driver software which can be programmed with software packages or application development environments (ADEs) such as LabVIEW or LabWindows/CVI.

The NI PXI-6511 also allows the user to configure the digital I/O channels to pass across a digital filter stationed after the photocouplers. In addition, the user can define and control the timing interval the digital filter uses.

The NI device weighs 4.8 oz, and measures 8.38 x 5.12 in. in physical dimensions. It has recommended operating and storage temperature ranges of 0 to 55 °C and –20 to 70 °C respectively, operating and storage humidity ranges of 10 to 90% and 5 to 95%, operating and non-operating random vibrations of 0.3 grms and 2.4 grms respectively–all at a frequency range of 5 to 500 Hz.