For user manuals and dimensional drawings, visit the product page resources tab on ni.com.
Last Revised: 2011-10-21 10:33:49.0
Low-Cost M Series Multifunction Data Acquisition - 16-Bit, 250 kS/s, up to 80 Analog Inputs
NI recommends high-speed M Series (NI 625x) for 5X faster sampling rates,
high-accuracy M Series (NI 628x) for 4X higher resolution, or industrial M Series (NI
623x) for 60 VDC isolation and superior noise rejection
16, 32, or 80 analog inputs at 16 bits, 250 kS/s
Up to 4 analog outputs at 16 bits, 833 kS/s (6 μs full-scale settling time)
Programmable input range (±10, ±5, ±1, ±0.2 V) per channel
Up to 48 TTL/CMOS digital I/O lines (up to 32 hardware-timed at 1 MHz)
Two 32-bit, 80 MHz counter/timers
Digital triggering
X1, X2, or X4 quadrature encoder inputs
Overview
NI M Series low-cost multifunction data acquisition (DAQ) devices provide optimized functionality for cost-sensitive applications. They have up to 80 analog inputs, 48 digital I/O
lines, four analog outputs, two counter/timers, and digital triggering. Low-cost M Series devices have a one-year calibration interval. For better accuracy, faster speeds, and an
extended two-year calibration service, consider high-speed and high-accuracy M Series devices.
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Requirements and Compatibility
OS Information
Linux®
Mac OS X
Windows 2000/XP
Windows 7
Windows Vista x64/x86
Driver Information
NI-DAQmx
NI-DAQmx Base
Software Compatibility
ANSI C
LabVIEW
LabWindows/CVI
Measurement Studio
SignalExpress
Visual Basic
Visual Studio .NET
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Comparison Tables
Family
NI 6220
NI 6221
NI 6221
(37-pin)
NI 6224
Bus
PCI, PXI
PCI, PXI,
USB
PCI
PCI, PXI
Analog
Inputs
16
16
16
16
Analog Input
Resolution (bits)
-
2
Analog
Outputs (AO)
AO Resolution
(bits)
-
16
-
Max AO Rate
AO
Digital
(kS/S)
Range (V)
I/O
-
±10
24
24
Correlated
(clocked) DIO
8, up to 1 MHz
8, up to 1 MHz
833
16
32
16
16
2
-
16
-
833
-
±10
-
10
48
2, up to 1 MHz
32, up to 1 MHz
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Family
Bus
PCI, PXI,
USB
PCI, PXI,
USB
Analog
Inputs
80
16
Analog Input
Resolution (bits)
2
Analog
Outputs (AO)
AO Resolution
(bits)
16
Max AO Rate
AO
Digital
(kS/S)
Range (V)
I/O
833
±10
24
Correlated
(clocked) DIO
8, up to 1 MHz
NI 6225
NI 6229
32
16
4
16
833
±10
48
32, up to 1 MHz
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Application and Technology
M Series for Test
For test, you can use 16-bit, 250 kS/s analog inputs and 1 MHz digital lines with NI signal conditioning for applications including data logging and sensor measurements. Low-cost
M Series devices are compatible with the NI SCC and SCXI signal conditioning platforms, which provide amplification, filtering, and power for virtually every type of sensor. These
platforms also are compliant with IEEE 1451.4 smart transducer electronic data sheet (TEDS) sensors, which provide digital storage for sensor data sheet information.
M Series for Control
Low-cost M Series digital lines can drive 24 mA for relay and actuator control. With up to four analog outputs, two 80 MHz counter/timers, and six DMA channels, M Series
devices can execute multiple control loops simultaneously. Low-cost M Series devices also have direct support for encoder measurements, protected digital lines, and digital
debounce filters for control applications. With up to 80 analog inputs, 32 clocked digital lines at rates of 1 MHz, and four analog outputs, you can execute multiple control loops
with a single device. For higher-count control loops, you can use M Series devices in conjunction and tightly synchronized with National Instruments analog output devices for 64
or more loops.
M Series for Design
You can use the wide range of I/O – from 80 analog inputs to 48 digital lines – to measure and verify prototype designs. M Series devices and NI LabVIEW SignalExpress
interactive measurement software deliver benchtop measurements to the PC. With LabVIEW SignalExpress interactive configuration-based steps, you can quickly create design
verification tests. The fast acquisition and generation rates of low-cost M Series devices along with LabVIEW SignalExpress provide on-the-fly design analysis. You can convert
your tested and verified LabVIEW SignalExpress projects to LabVIEW applications for immediate M Series DAQ use and bridge the gap between test, control, and design
applications.
Hybrid-Slot-Compatible PXI Modules
PXI M Series modules are hybrid-slot-compatible so that you can use them in both PXI slots and the hybrid slots found in new PXI Express chassis. The PXI Systems Alliance
specifies that hybrid-slot-compatible PXI modules use modified slot connectors to mechanically fit in both PXI slots and hybrid slots. This mechanical change:
Provides compatibility with past, current, and future PXI chassis
Maintains existing product specifications
Requires no software changes (application or driver)
Maintains speed and capability of all PXI communication (PXI Express signaling is not provided)
However, hybrid-slot-compatible PXI modules do not include the pins used to implement PXI local bus communication, which is used for backplane SCXI control from the
right-most PXI slot in PXI/SCXI combination chassis (NI PXI-1010, PXI-1011, PXI-1050, and PXI-1052). For these applications, NI provides unmodified PXI M Series modules that
maintain the required local bus capabilities. Refer to the SCXI Control of PXI/SCXI Combination Chassis section in the Ordering Information section for part numbers.
Simultaneous and Intelligent Data Acquisition
When you need to obtain performance from a data acquisition device beyond the capabilities of a multifunction data acquisition device, National Instruments provides
simultaneous sampling with NI S Series and intelligent data acquisition with NI R Series. The S Series architecture dedicates an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) per channel to
provide higher aggregate sampling rates compared to multiplexed devices. S Series devices are ideal for applications including IF digitization, transient recording, ultrasound and
sonar testing, and high-energy physics. R Series multifunction DAQ devices contain a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) that is reconfigurable using the LabVIEW FPGA
Module. R Series multifunction devices combine analog input, analog output, and digital I/O on a single device. You can customize these devices to develop capabilities such as
complete control over the synchronization and timing of all signals and operations; user-defined onboard decision-making logic; and digital lines individually configurable as input,
output, counter/timers, pulse-width modulation (PWM), flexible encoder inputs, or user-defined communication protocols.
Industrial M Series
When you need performance and accuracy from a data acquisition device in an electrically noisy or harsh environment, consider industrial NI M Series devices. They offer a set
of high-reliability features, including isolation, ±20 mA current I/O, 24 V digital logic levels, and digital debounce filters. Isolation prevents ground loops, rejects high common-mode
voltages, and protects users and equipment from high-voltage transients. Four to 20 mA current loops are immune to most sources of electrical noise and voltage (IR) drops along
extensive cable lengths. Sourcing or sinking 24 V digital I/O interfaces directly with pumps, valves, relays, and other industry-standard sensors and actuators; programmable
debounce filters remove glitches and spikes from switches and relays connected to digital input lines.
Recommended Accessories
Signal conditioning is required for sensor measurements or voltage inputs greater than 10 V. NI SCXI is a versatile, high-performance signal conditioning platform optimized for
high-channel-count applications. NI SCC provides portable, flexible signal conditioning options on a per-channel basis. Visit ni.com/sigcon for NI signal conditioning resources.
The NI PCI-6221 (37-Pin) offers a 37-pin D-Sub connector that lowers connectivity costs by 80 percent. The D-Sub connector makes the PCI-6221 (37-Pin) ideal for OEM
applications; however, its connector is not compatible with SCC or SCXI signal conditioning.
Recommended Driver Software
National Instruments measurement services software, built around NI-DAQmx driver software, includes intuitive application programming interfaces, configuration tools, I/O
assistants, and other tools designed to reduce system setup, configuration, and development time. National Instruments recommends using the latest version of NI-DAQmx driver
software for application development in NI LabVIEW and LabWindows™/CVI, ANSI C/C++, C#, Visual Basic .NET, and Visual Basic 6.0. To download the most recent version of
NI-DAQmx software, visit ni.com/support/daq/versions. Linux and Mac OS X users can program M Series devices with NI-DAQmx Base driver software. M Series devices are
compatible with the following versions (or later) of NI application software – LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, or Measurement Studio versions 7.x; LabVIEW SignalExpress 1.x; VI
Logger 2.0; or LabVIEW with the LabVIEW Real-Time Module 7.1. M Series devices are not compatible with the Traditional NI-DAQ (Legacy) driver.
NI measurement services software speeds up your development with features including the following:
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www.ni.com
A guide to create fast and accurate measurements with no programming using the DAQ Assistant
Automatic code generation to create your application in LabVIEW; LabWindows/CVI; LabVIEW SignalExpress; and C#, Visual Studio .NET, ANSI C/C++, or Visual Basic using
Measurement Studio
Multithreaded streaming technology for 1,000 times performance improvements
Automatic timing, triggering, and synchronization routing to make advanced applications easy
Thousands of free software downloads available at ni.com/zone to jump-start your project
Software configuration of all digital I/O features without hardware switches/jumpers
Single programming interface for analog input, analog output, digital I/O, and counters on hundreds of multifunction DAQ hardware devices
M Series devices are compatible with the following versions (or later) of NI application software – LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, or Measurement Studio versions 7.x; and LabVIEW
SignalExpress 2.x.
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Ordering Information
For a complete list of accessories, visit the product page on ni.com.
Products
Part
Number
Recommended Accessories
Part
Number
NI PCI-6220
NI PCI-6220
Each NI PCI-6220 requires: 1 Cable, 1 Connector Block
779065-01
Cable:
Shielded - SHC68-68-EPM Cable
(2m)
**Also available: Unshielded
Connector Block:
Screw Terminals -
SCB-68
**Also available: BNC Termination
NI PXI-6220
NI PXI-6220
Each NI PXI-6220 requires: 1 Cable, 1 Connector Block
779112-01
Cable:
Shielded - SHC68-68-EPM Cable
(2m)
**Also available: Unshielded
Connector Block:
Screw Terminals -
SCB-68
**Also available: BNC Termination
NI PCI-6221
NI PCI-6221
Each NI PCI-6221 requires: 1 Cable, 1 Connector Block
779066-01
Cable:
Shielded - SHC68-68-EPM Cable
(2m)
**Also available: Unshielded
Connector Block:
Screw Terminals -
SCB-68
**Also available: BNC Termination
NI PCI-6224
NI PCI-6224
Each NI PCI-6224 requires: 2 Cables, 2 Connector Blocks
779067-01
Connector 0:
Cable:
Shielded - SHC68-68-EPM Cable
(2m)
**Also available: Unshielded
Connector Block:
Screw Terminals -
SCB-68
**Also available: BNC Termination
Connector 1:
Cable:
Shielded - SHC68-68-EPM Cable
(2m)
**Also available: Unshielded
Connector Block:
Screw Terminals -
SCB-68
**Also available: BNC Termination
NI PXI-6224
NI PXI-6224
Each NI PXI-6224 requires: 2 Cables, 2 Connector Blocks
779114-01
Connector 0:
Cable:
Shielded - SHC68-68-EPM Cable
(2m)
**Also available: Unshielded
Connector Block:
Screw Terminals -
SCB-68
**Also available: BNC Termination
Connector 1:
192061-02
192061-02
192061-02
192061-02
192061-02
192061-02
776844-01
776844-01
776844-01
776844-01
776844-01
776844-01
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www.ni.com
Cable:
Shielded - SHC68-68-EPM Cable
(2m)
**Also available: Unshielded
Connector Block:
Screw Terminals -
SCB-68
**Also available: BNC Termination
NI PCI-6225
NI PCI-6225
Each NI PCI-6225 requires: 2 Cables, 2 Connector Blocks
779295-01
Connector 0:
Cable:
Shielded - SHC68-68-EPM Cable
(2m)
**Also available: Unshielded
Connector Block:
Screw Terminals -
SCB-68
**Also available: BNC Termination
Connector 1:
Cable:
Shielded - SHC68-68 Cable (2m)
**Also available: Unshielded
Connector Block:
Screw Terminals -
SCB-68
**Also available: BNC Termination
NI PXI-6225
NI PXI-6225
Each NI PXI-6225 requires: 2 Cables, 2 Connector Blocks
779296-01
Connector 0:
Cable:
Shielded - SHC68-68-EPM Cable
(2m)
**Also available: Unshielded
Connector Block:
Screw Terminals -
SCB-68
**Also available: BNC Termination
Connector 1:
Cable:
Shielded - SHC68-68 Cable (2m)
**Also available: Unshielded
Connector Block:
Screw Terminals -
SCB-68
**Also available: BNC Termination
NI PCI-6229
NI PCI-6229
Each NI PCI-6229 requires: 2 Cables, 2 Connector Blocks
779068-01
Connector 0:
Cable:
Shielded - SHC68-68-EPM Cable
(1m)
**Also available: Unshielded
Connector Block:
Screw Terminals -
SCB-68
**Also available: BNC Termination
Connector 1:
Cable:
Shielded - SHC68-68-EPM Cable
(1m)
**Also available: Unshielded
Connector Block:
Screw Terminals -
SCB-68
**Also available: BNC Termination
NI PXI-6229
NI PXI-6229
Each NI PXI-6229 requires: 2 Cables, 2 Connector Blocks
779630-01
Connector 0:
Cable:
Shielded - SHC68-68-EPM Cable
(2m)
**Also available: Unshielded
Connector Block:
Screw Terminals -
SCB-68
**Also available: BNC Termination
Connector 1:
Cable:
Shielded - SHC68-68-EPM Cable
(2m)
**Also available: Unshielded
Connector Block:
Screw Terminals -
SCB-68
192061-02
776844-01
192061-02
776844-01
191945-02
776844-01
192061-02
776844-01
191945-02
776844-01
192061-01
776844-01
192061-01
776844-01
192061-02
776844-01
192061-02
776844-01
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**Also available: BNC Termination
NI PXI-6229 for SCXI Control in PXI/SCXI Combination Chassis
Each NI PXI-6229 for SCXI Control in PXI/SCXI Combination Chassis requires: 2 Cables, 2
Connector Blocks
779115-01
Connector 0:
Cable:
Shielded - SHC68-68-EPM Cable
(2m)
**Also available: Unshielded
Connector Block:
Screw Terminals -
SCB-68
**Also available: BNC Termination
Connector 1:
Cable:
Shielded - SHC68-68-EPM Cable
(2m)
**Also available: Unshielded
Connector Block:
Screw Terminals -
SCB-68
**Also available: BNC Termination
NI PXI-6221
NI PXI-6221
Each NI PXI-6221 requires: 1 Cable, 1 Connector Block
779629-01
Cable:
Shielded - SHC68-68-EPM Cable
(2m)
**Also available: Unshielded
Connector Block:
Screw Terminals -
SCB-68
**Also available: BNC Termination
NI PXI-6221 for SCXI Control in PXI/SCXI Combination Chassis
Each NI PXI-6221 for SCXI Control in PXI/SCXI Combination Chassis requires: 1 Cable, 1
Connector Block
779113-01
Cable:
Shielded - SHC68-68-EPM Cable
(2m)
**Also available: Unshielded
Connector Block:
Screw Terminals -
SCB-68
**Also available: BNC Termination
NI PCI-6221 37-pin
NI PCI-6221 37-pin
Each NI PCI-6221 37-pin requires: 1 Cable, 1 Connector Block
