For user manuals and dimensional drawings, visit the product page resources tab on ni.com.
Last Revised: 2012-03-09 16:17:58.0
NI X Series Multifunction Data Acquisition
Overview
NI X Series devices for USB, PCI Express, and PXI Express are the most advanced DAQ devices ever designed by National Instruments. They feature significant improvements
in onboard timing and triggering and optimizations for use with multicore PCs. X Series devices integrate high-performance analog, digital, and counter/timer functionality into a
single device, making them well-suited for a broad range of applications, from basic data logging to control and test automation.
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Requirements and Compatibility
OS Information
PharLap
Real-Time OS
Windows 7
Windows 7 64-bit
Windows Vista x64/x86
Windows XP
Driver Information
NI-DAQmx
Software Compatibility
ANSI C/C++
LabVIEW
LabVIEW Real-Time Module
LabWindows/CVI
Measurement Studio
SignalExpress
Visual Basic
Visual Studio .NET
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Comparison Tables
Model
Number
6320
6321
6323
Bus
Analog
Inputs (AI)
16
16
32
16
32
16
Max AI Sampling
Rate (1-Channel)
250 kS/s
250 kS/s
250 kS/s
500 kS/s
500 kS/s
1.25 MS/s
Max Total AI
Throughput
250 kS/s
250 kS/s
250 kS/s
500 kS/s
500 kS/s
1.25 MS/s
0
2
4
2
4
2
Analog
Outputs
(AO)
Max AO
Digital
Update Rate I/O Lines
-
900 kS/s
900 kS/s
900 kS/s
900 kS/s
2.86 MS/s
24
24
48
24
48
24
Max Digital
Triggering
I/O Rate
1 MHz
1 MHz
1 MHz
1 MHz
1 MHz
10 MHz
Digital
Digital
Digital
Digital
Digital
Analog,
Digital
Analog,
Digital
PCI Express
PCI Express
PCI Express
USB, PCI Express,
6341
PXI Express
USB, PCI Express 6343
USB, PCI Express 6351
USB, PCI Express 6353
32
1.25 MS/s
1.25 MS/s
4
2.86 MS/s
48
10 MHz
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www.ni.com
Bus
Model
Number
Analog
Inputs (AI)
Max AI Sampling
Rate (1-Channel)
Max Total AI
Throughput
Analog
Outputs
(AO)
2
Max AO
Digital
Update Rate I/O Lines
Max Digital
Triggering
I/O Rate
Analog,
Digital
Analog,
Digital
Analog,
Digital
Analog,
Digital
Analog,
Digital
Analog,
Digital
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USB, PCI Express,
6361
PXI Express
USB, PCI Express,
6363
PXI Express
USB, PXI Express 6356
16
2 MS/s
2 MS/s
2.86 MS/s
24
10 MHz
32
8
simultaneous
16
simultaneous
8
simultaneous
16
simultaneous
2 MS/s
2 MS/s
4
2.86 MS/s
48
10 MHz
1.25 MS/s/channel
10 MS/s
2
3.33 MS/s
24
10 MHz
PXI Express
6358
1.25 MS/s/channel
20 MS/s
4
3.33 MS/s
48
10 MHz
USB, PXI Express 6366
2 MS/s/channel
16 MS/s
2
3.33 MS/s
24
10 MHz
PXI Express
6368
2 MS/s/channel
32 MS/s
4
3.33 MS/s
48
10 MHz
Application and Technology
NI-STC3 Timing and Synchronization Technology
NI X Series multifunction DAQ devices include the NI-STC3, an ASIC designed by NI for advanced timing, triggering, and synchronization. This technology includes the following:
Four counter/timers with more functionality than ever before, such as the ability to create a finite pulse train with a single counter
A 100 MHz timebase for faster triggering response and more precise generation of analog and digital sample clocks
Independent analog and digital timing engines
Retriggerable measurement tasks for analog I/O, digital I/O, and counter/timers
Native PCI Express Interface
In contrast to a PCI-to-PCI Express bridge chip, which limits the bandwidth of the device to that of the PCI bus and introduces latency, PCI Express and PXI Express X Series
devices use a native x1 PCI Express interface that provides up to 250 MB/s in each direction. National Instruments has also optimized this interface for low latency in single-point
control applications. You can use X Series PCI Express boards in any PCI Express slot from x1 up to x16.
NI Signal Streaming
USB X Series devices include patented NI Signal Streaming, a technology that uses message-based instructions and device-side intelligence to ensure high-speed, bidirectional
data transfer over USB. With USB X Series, you can concurrently transfer analog, digital, and counter data in both directions. The total device throughput over USB is
PC-dependent; on some systems, up to 32 MB/s sustained transfers are possible.
Improved Mechanical Enclosure
USB X Series devices introduce a redesigned, extruded aluminum enclosure with an easy access magnetic lid. This lid keeps signal wiring secured and shielded and can be
opened easily when needed. The underside of the lid has a device-specific pinout label so that you can quickly determine the corresponding screw terminals for a given channel.
The enclosure also includes a lockable USB port to prevent accidental removal during operation and a security slot that can be used with ordinary laptop locks to secure the
device to a desk or workstation.
Board-Only Form Factor for OEM Applications
USB X Series devices are also available in a board-only form factor that is intended for high-volume OEM applications. These devices include standard 34-pin and 50-pin IDC
connectors for easy mating to a daughter board, which can contain custom signal conditioning and connectivity.
Software Enhancements
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PCI Express and PXI Express X Series devices are compatible with NI-DAQmx Version 9.0 or later driver software. USB X Series devices require NI-DAQmx Version 9.2 or later.
More than a basic driver, NI-DAQmx includes the NI Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) configuration utility, the DAQ Assistant for rapid development of basic
applications, and hundreds of example programs for NI LabVIEW and text-based languages. NI-DAQmx also includes LabVIEW SignalExpress LE basic data-logging software.
NI-DAQmx 9.0 introduces the ability to synchronize multiple PCI Express or PXI Express X Series devices with a single NI-DAQmx task, which previously took several tasks and
manual routing of clocks and triggers. This version also introduces the fastest, easiest way to acquire measurement data to disk in the Technical Data Management Streaming
(TDMS) format with the new Configure Logging VI. NI-DAQmx 9.2 introduces the ability to log acquired data to TDMS files within the DAQ Assistant Express VI.
With NI-DAQmx and intuitive LabVIEW graphical programming, you can easily develop applications that take advantage of today's multicore systems so you can perform
acquisition, signal processing, and data logging on different CPU cores.
Simultaneous Sampling X Series
Some X Series devices for USB and PXI Express offer simultaneous sampling, with the same channel counts and connectivity as multiplexed devices.
Unlike multiplexed devices that reduce sampling rates as you add more channels, you can use simultaneous sampling devices to maintain sampling rates as you expand the
number of channels. Simultaneous sampling X Series devices are available with up to 16 differential channels per device, and, with PXI Express, you can sample more than 200
channels simultaneously.
Simultaneous X Series devices for USB include 32 or 64 MS onboard memory to ensure the transfer of finite acquisitions, even in the presence of heavy USB traffic.
Applications
Acquisition and Visualization
X Series devices include analog, digital, and counter circuitry for the most common types of static and waveform measurements. With LabVIEW, you can easily acquire the data
and view it on a variety of graphs and displays. You can use configuration-based wizards called Express VIs to take measurements and perform signal processing with minimal
programming.
Data Logging
Whether you are validating a new hardware design, monitoring conditions on a factory floor, or recording temperature changes during a scientific experiment, you need to take
measurements, visualize your data, and often log it to disk. With X Series multifunction DAQ, you can develop a user-defined measurement system by using intuitive graphical
programming software and incorporating the exact visualization, analysis, and data-logging capabilities your application requires.
Control Systems
If you need to control the temperature of a room, the speed of a motor, or the pressure of hydraulic fluids, you can use X Series DAQ hardware to connect sensors and actuators
to your computer and build the control system that meets your exact application needs. The low-latency PCI Express bus improves single-point I/O performance, and with
LabVIEW software and NI-DAQmx driver software, you can easily take sensor measurements, compare values to a setpoint, and update output signals. X Series devices also
have four counter/timers for performing quadrature encoder measurements, pulse-width modulation, pulse train generation, frequency measurements, and much more, making
them ideal for basic motor control.
Due to the inherent higher latency of USB as compared to PCI Express, National Instruments recommends that you use PCI Express or PXI Express X Series devices for
applications that require single-point control or deterministic operation.
Test Automation
X Series DAQ hardware provides analog inputs, analog outputs, hardware-timed digital I/O, and four counter/timers on a single device, making it a cost-effective option for basic
device under test characterization and test automation. With NI-DAQmx software, you can easily synchronize acquisition or generation on multiple subsystems, such as an analog
input and analog output channel. In addition, you can easily synchronize two or more X Series devices for further expansion by using a RTSI cable for PCI Express boards or over
the PXI Express backplane for PXI Express modules. It is possible to synchronize two or more USB X Series devices by exporting sample or reference clocks from the master
device to the slave device, and using external wiring.
Compatible Accessories
PCI Express and PXI Express X Series devices use either a single- or dual-stack 68-pin VHDCI female connector, depending on the number of analog and digital channels on the
device. National Instruments offers several options for cables, from 0.5 m to 10 m and from low cost to high performance with shielding. Connector blocks are available with screw
terminal, BNC, or custom connector types.
For measurements requiring signal conditioning, you can use X Series with SCXI signal conditioning modules.
You can purchase DIN-rail or panel mount kits for USB X Series devices as well as replacement power supplies and latching USB cables. See the model page for ordering
information.
Upgrading
Because X Series DAQ devices use the same NI-DAQmx driver software as NI M Series DAQ devices, upgrading is easy. In addition, PCI Express and PXI Express X Series
devices use the same VHDCI connector as PCI and PXI M Series. You can reuse your code and preserve your investment in accessories. The pinouts for X Series devices are
backward-compatible with M Series devices.
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Ordering Information
For a complete list of accessories, visit the product page on ni.com.
Products
NI PCIe-6361
NI PCIe-6361
Requires: 1 Cables , 1 Connector Blocks ;
Part Number
Recommended Accessories
Part Number
781050-01
Cables:
Shielded - SHC68-68-EPM Cable (2m)
**Also Available: [Unshielded]
Connector Blocks:
Spring-Screw_Terminals - SCB-68A
**Also Available: [BNC_Terminals]
192061-02
782536-01
NI PXIe-6361
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NI PXIe-6361
Requires: 1 Cable , 1 Connector Block ;
781055-01
Cable:
Shielded - SHC68-68-EPM Cable (2m)
**Also Available: [Unshielded]
Connector Block:
Spring-Screw_Terminals - SCB-68A
**Also Available: [BNC_Terminals, Custom]
192061-02
782536-01
NI PCIe-6363
NI PCIe-6363
Requires: 2 Cables , 2 Connector Blocks ;
781051-01
Connector 0:
Cables:
Shielded - SHC68-68-EPM Cable (2m)
**Also Available: [Unshielded]
Connector Blocks:
Spring-Screw_Terminals - SCB-68A
**Also Available: [BNC_Terminals]
Connector 1:
Cables:
Shielded - SHC68-68-EPM Cable (2m)
**Also Available: [Unshielded]
Connector Blocks:
Spring-Screw_Terminals - SCB-68A
**Also Available: [BNC_Terminals]
NI PXIe-6363
NI PXIe-6363
Requires: 1 Cable , 1 Connector Block ;
781056-01
Connector 0:
Cable:
Shielded - SHC68-68-EPM Cable (2m)
**Also Available: [Unshielded]
Connector Block:
Spring-Screw_Terminals - SCB-68A
**Also Available: [BNC_Terminals]
Connector 1:
Cable:
Shielded - SHC68-68-EPM Cable (2m)
**Also Available: [Unshielded]
Connector Block:
Spring-Screw_Terminals - SCB-68A
**Also Available: [BNC_Terminals]
192061-02
192061-02
192061-02
192061-02
782536-01
782536-01
782536-01
782536-01
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Software Recommendations
LabVIEW Professional
Development System for
Windows
Advanced software tools for large project
development
Automatic code generation using DAQ
Assistant and Instrument I/O Assistant
Tight integration with a wide range of
hardware
Advanced measurement analysis and digital
signal processing
Open connectivity with DLLs, ActiveX, and
.NET objects
Capability to build DLLs, executables, and
MSI installers
SignalExpress for Windows
Quickly configure projects without
programming
Control over 400 PC-based and stand-alone
instruments
Log data from more than 250 data acquisition
devices
Perform basic signal processing, analysis,
and file I/O
Scale your application with automatic
LabVIEW code generation
Create custom reports or easily export data
to LabVIEW, DIAdem or Microsoft Excel
NI LabWindows™/CVI for
Windows
Real-time advanced 2D graphs and charts
Complete hardware compatibility with IVI,
VISA, DAQ, GPIB, and serial
Analysis tools for array manipulation, signal
processing statistics, and curve fitting
Simplified cross-platform communication with
network variables
Measurement Studio .NET tools (included in
LabWindows/CVI Full only)
The mark LabWindows is used under a
license from Microsoft Corporation.
NI Measurement Studio
Professional Edition
Customizable graphs and charts for WPF,
Windows Forms, and ASP.NET Web Forms
UI design
Analysis libraries for array operations, signal
generation, windowing, filters, signal
processing
Hardware integration support with native
.NET data acquisition and instrument control
libraries
Automatic code generation for all NI-DAQmx
data acquisition hardware
Intelligent and efficient data-logging libraries
for streaming measurement data to disk
Support for Microsoft Visual Studio .NET
2012/2010/2008
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Support and Services
System Assurance Programs
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System Assurance Programs
NI system assurance programs are designed to make it even easier for you to own an NI system. These programs include configuration and deployment services for your NI PXI,
CompactRIO, or Compact FieldPoint system. The NI Basic System Assurance Program provides a simple integration test and ensures that your system is delivered completely
assembled in one box. When you configure your system with the NI Standard System Assurance Program, you can select from available NI system driver sets and application
development environments to create customized, reorderable software configurations. Your system arrives fully assembled and tested in one box with your software preinstalled.
When you order your system with the standard program, you also receive system-specific documentation including a bill of materials, an integration test report, a recommended
maintenance plan, and frequently asked question documents. Finally, the standard program reduces the total cost of owning an NI system by providing three years of warranty
coverage and calibration service. Use the online product advisors at ni.com/advisor to find a system assurance program to meet your needs.
Calibration
NI measurement hardware is calibrated to ensure measurement accuracy and verify that the device meets its published specifications. To ensure the ongoing accuracy of your
measurement hardware, NI offers basic or detailed recalibration service that provides ongoing ISO 9001 audit compliance and confidence in your measurements. To learn more
about NI calibration services or to locate a qualified service center near you, contact your local sales office or visit ni.com/calibration.
Technical Support
Get answers to your technical questions using the following National Instruments resources.
Support
- Visit ni.com/support to access the NI KnowledgeBase, example programs, and tutorials or to contact our applications engineers who are located in NI sales
offices around the world and speak the local language.
Discussion Forums
- Visit forums.ni.com for a diverse set of discussion boards on topics you care about.
Online Community
- Visit community.ni.com to find, contribute, or collaborate on customer-contributed technical content with users like you.
Repair
While you may never need your hardware repaired, NI understands that unexpected events may lead to necessary repairs. NI offers repair services performed by highly trained
technicians who quickly return your device with the guarantee that it will perform to factory specifications. For more information, visit ni.com/repair.
Training and Certifications
The NI training and certification program delivers the fastest, most certain route to increased proficiency and productivity using NI software and hardware. Training builds the skills
to more efficiently develop robust, maintainable applications, while certification validates your knowledge and ability.
Classroom training in cities worldwide
- the most comprehensive hands-on training taught by engineers.
On-site training at your facility
- an excellent option to train multiple employees at the same time.
Online instructor-led training
- lower-cost, remote training if classroom or on-site courses are not possible.
Course kits
- lowest-cost, self-paced training that you can use as reference guides.
Training memberships
and training credits - to buy now and schedule training later.
Visit ni.com/training for more information.
Extended Warranty
NI offers options for extending the standard product warranty to meet the life-cycle requirements of your project. In addition, because NI understands that your requirements may
change, the extended warranty is flexible in length and easily renewed. For more information, visit ni.com/warranty.
OEM
NI offers design-in consulting and product integration assistance if you need NI products for OEM applications. For information about special pricing and services for OEM
customers, visit ni.com/oem.
Alliance
Our Professional Services Team is comprised of NI applications engineers, NI Consulting Services, and a worldwide National Instruments Alliance Partner program of more than
700 independent consultants and integrators. Services range from start-up assistance to turnkey system integration. Visit ni.com/alliance.
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Detailed Specifications
Specifications listed below are typical at 25 °C unless otherwise noted. Refer to the
X Series User Manual
for more information about NI PCIe-6361/6363, NI PXIe-6361/6363,
