National Instruments USB-6211 Multifunction I/O Device

The National Instruments USB-6211 (part numbers: 779676-01, 780104-01, and 196203-03) is a portable Multifunction I/O Device from the M Series. Boasting a wide range of connectivity options, the device features 16 single-ended analog input channels that are configurable as 8 differential channels. In addition, the NI USB-6211 is equipped with 2 analog output, 4 digital input, and 4 digital output channels. The maximum sampling rate of the channels is 250 kS/s, offering a high-resolution performance for a variety of test and measurement applications.

The difference between the part numbers for the NI USB-6211 Multifunction I/O Device is that part number 780104-01 is designed for Linux and Mac, while part number 196203-03 is the variation of the device with no enclosure (board only kit). Part number 779676-01 is the standard version of the device. The NI USB-6211 has 2 general purpose counters/timers that have 32 bits of resolution. These allow for a range of counter measurements- including edge counting, two-edge separation, period, semi-period, and pulse.

The front connectors of the NI USB-6211 are designed with screw terminals, which have a wiring of 16 AWG to 28 AWG. The internal base clocks of the I/O device range in frequency from either 80 MHz, 20 MHz, or 0.1 MHz. For external base clocks, the frequency ranges from 0 MHz to 20 MHz. When in a configured state, the USB port has an input voltage of 4.5 V to 5.25 V. The maximum load for the typical current is 400 mA at 4.5 V, while a suspend current of the USB-6211 has a maximum load of 260 μA (typically).

The physical specifications of the NI USB-6211 includes a 15 minute warm up time recommended for annual calibration. Designed for indoor use only, the device should be operated within a temperature range of 0 ºC to 45 ºC. When nonoperational, it should be kept within storage temperatures ranging from -20 ºC to 70 ºC. Including the connectors, the USB-6211 Multifunction I/O Device measures 16.9 cm × 9.4 cm × 3.1 cm (6.65 in. × 3.70 in. × 1.20 in.) and weighs a total of 206 g (7.2 oz).