Detailed Specifications of NI PXI-6031E Multifunction DAQ Module
The NI PXI-6031E is a high-channel-density multifunction data acquisition (DAQ) module belonging to National Instruments (NI)’s legacy E-Series, engineered for the PXI bus architecture. Its defining feature is 64 single-ended/32 differential analog input channels with 16-bit resolution, making it ideal for mid-speed, multi-signal measurement scenarios such as laboratory automation, industrial process monitoring, and manufacturing test systems. Integrating analog I/O, digital functions, and precision timing, it delivers reliable performance in cost-sensitive yet channel-intensive applications.
1. Basic Information
- Module Series: E-Series multifunction DAQ module, optimized for PXI systems
- Part Numbers: 777636-01 (standard model); 184808A-01, 184808E-01, 184808L-01 (variant models)
- Physical Dimensions: 3U PXI standard size, 6.3 inches × 3.9 inches (approximately 16.0 cm × 9.9 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 5.9 ounces (0.17 kg) (estimated based on E-Series form factor)
- +5 V DC (1.0 A) (via PXI backplane)
- +5.25 V DC (1.0 A) available through I/O connector for external peripherals
- Interface Type: 68-pin VHDCI (Very High-Density Cable Interconnect) connector; 32-bit, 33 MHz PXI bus interface
- Operating Temperature Range: 0°C ~ 55°C (commercial grade)
- Shock Resistance: 50 g peak (11 ms duration) (consistent with E-Series specifications)
- Vibration Resistance: 2 g RMS (10 Hz ~ 500 Hz) (consistent with E-Series specifications)
- Isolation: Non-isolated (signal paths share common ground reference)
- Compliance: Meets FCC Part 15 Class A, CE EN 61326-1, and UL 61010-1 safety standards
- Warranty & Calibration: 3-year standard warranty; recommended external calibration interval: 1 year
2. Core Technical Specifications
2.1 Analog Input
- 64 single-ended (SE) / 32 differential (DIFF) channels (software-selectable)
- Supports Referenced Single-Ended (RSE), Non-Referenced Single-Ended (NRSE), and Differential (DIFF) modes
- Resolution: 16-bit ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter), no missing codes (differential nonlinearity: ±0.5 LSB)
- Maximum single-channel rate: 100 kS/s (kilo samples per second)
- Multi-channel aggregate rate: 100 kS/s (synchronized multiplexing across all channels)
- Input Ranges: 8 software-switchable ranges to accommodate diverse signal amplitudes :
- ±0.2 V, ±0.5 V, ±1 V, ±2 V
- ±5 V, ±10 V, ±20 V, ±40 V
- Integral Nonlinearity (INL): ±1 LSB (maximum)
- Input Impedance: 10 GΩ (parallel with 100 pF)
- Common-Mode Rejection Ratio (CMRR): 90 dB (DC ~ 60 Hz)
- Overvoltage Protection: ±42 V (powered on), ±25 V (powered off)
- Buffer Memory: 32 KB onboard FIFO buffer, supporting burst-mode acquisition and reducing CPU load
- Signal Conditioning: Compatible with NI SCC (Signal Conditioning Cartridge) and SCXI modules for sensor-specific conditioning (e.g., thermocouple, strain gage)
2.2 Analog Output
- Channel Count: 2 independent analog output channels
- Resolution: 12-bit DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter), integral nonlinearity: ±1 LSB
- Update Rate: Up to 100 kS/s per channel (supports waveform generation for control signals)
- Output Range: ±10 V (standard), output current: ±5 mA continuous per channel; ±20 mA peak (short-circuit limited)
- Performance: Offset error ±5 mV (typical), gain error ±0.1% of full scale (typical)
2.3 Digital I/O
- Channel Configuration: 8 bidirectional TTL/CMOS-compatible digital I/O lines
- Input: 0 V (low) ~ 5 V (high)
- Output: 0 V (low) ~ 5 V (high), 4 mA source/sink current per line
- Functionality: Software-configurable input/output direction per line; supports general-purpose control and status monitoring
2.4 Counter/Timer
- Configuration: 2 independent 24-bit up/down counters
- Timebase: 20 MHz internal clock (stability: ±50 ppm typical)
- Event counting (up to 10 MHz input frequency)
- Frequency/period measurement (resolution: 50 ns)
- Pulse width modulation (PWM)
- Pulse generation (custom duty cycle: 0.1% ~ 99.9%)
2.5 Synchronization & Triggering
- Internal: 20 MHz precision oscillator
- External: 0.1 Hz ~ 10 MHz clock input via front-panel connector
- Analog Edge Trigger: Rising/falling edge with adjustable threshold (±40 V range)
- Digital Edge Trigger: TTL-compatible edge on digital I/O or PXI trigger lines (0 ~ 7)
- Software Trigger: API-initiated trigger for automated test sequences
- Trigger Polarity: Configurable; minimum trigger pulse width: 100 ns
- Data Transfer: 3 independent DMA (Direct Memory Access) channels with scatter-gather mode, enabling high-efficiency data transfer (up to 132 MB/s via PXI bus)
3. Software & Driver Support
- Recommended Drivers: NI-DAQmx 8.0 and above; legacy NI-DAQ (Traditional DAQ) also supported
- Programming Compatibility:
- NI Ecosystem: Fully integrated with LabVIEW (7.0+), LabWindows/CVI (7.0+), and Measurement Studio (7.0+)
- Third-Party Languages: Supports C/C++, C#, Visual Basic, and Python (via pyDAQmx bindings)
- Operating Systems: Compatible with Windows (XP/Vista/7/10) and Linux distributions
- Configuration Tools: NI Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) for channel mapping, range selection, and system calibration
- Onboard temperature sensor for real-time thermal monitoring
- Self-calibration support with timestamp and temperature logging
- FIFO underflow/overflow detection and error logging
- Signal path integrity self-test
4. Typical Application Scenarios
The NI PXI-6031E’s high channel count makes it ideal for multi-signal measurement tasks:
- Laboratory Automation: Simultaneous data logging of temperature, pressure, and humidity in environmental chambers; integration with SCC-SG01 modules for strain gage measurements
- Industrial Process Monitoring: Multi-point voltage/current measurement in chemical plants or power distribution systems; digital I/O for controlling relays and valves
- Manufacturing Test: Quality control testing of multi-channel electronic devices (e.g., sensor arrays, data loggers); analog output for stimulus-response testing
- Automotive Electronics: ECU (Electronic Control Unit) validation via simultaneous acquisition of engine sensors (speed, torque, temperature)
- Aerospace & Defense: Flight component testing with synchronized measurement of vibration, acceleration, and power signals
5. Selection & Compatibility Notes
- Ideal Use Cases: Applications requiring 32+ analog input channels, 100 kS/s sampling rate, and PXI modular integration; suitable for mid-speed, cost-sensitive multi-signal acquisition
- Comparison with E-Series Models:
- vs. NI PXI-6032E: PXI-6031E offers 64 SE/32 DI channels (vs. 16 SE/8 DI for PXI-6032E) but identical sampling rate; choose for higher channel density
- vs. NI PXI-6034E: PXI-6031E has lower resolution (16-bit vs. 18-bit) but more channels; ideal for applications prioritizing channel count over ultra-high precision
- Chassis Compatibility: Works with all NI 3U PXI chassis (e.g., PXI-1042, PXI-1050) and third-party PXI-compliant chassis
- Signal Conditioning: Pair with SCXI-1125 (amplification) or SCXI-1144 (isolation) modules for harsh environment use
- Cable Accessories: Compatible with NI SHC68-68-EPM shielded cables for noise reduction in industrial settings
- Limitations: Non-isolated design (avoid use in high-voltage environments >42 V); 12-bit analog output resolution (insufficient for precision waveform generation)
- Higher Resolution: NI PXI-6071E (16 SE/8 DI channels, 12-bit, 1 MS/s)
- Isolated Channels: NI PXI-6289 (8 DI channels, 16-bit, 1 MS/s, 2500 Vrms isolation)
- PCI Form Factor: NI PCI-6031E (identical functionality for desktop test systems)
