Description
NI PCI-5421
Technical Specifications: Bus interface: Standard PCI bus Output channels: Single analog output channel DAC resolution: 16-bit Maximum sampling rate: 100 MS/s Output voltage range: -6 V to +6 V Waveform memory: Onboard waveform memory buffer Waveform generation method: Direct Digital Synthesis Power supply: PCI slot power supply Operating temperature range: 0℃ ~ +55℃ Storage temperature range: -40℃ ~ +85℃ Relative humidity: 5% to 90%, non-condensing Form factor: Full height PCI add-on card with BNC connector Protection grade: IP20
Functional Features: 100 MS/s high speed arbitrary waveform generation with 16-bit amplitude resolution. Generate standard built-in waveforms including sine wave, square wave, triangle wave and ramp wave. Support custom arbitrary waveform upload from host PC memory to onboard buffer. Direct digital synthesis technology provides precise frequency control for generated signals. Onboard large waveform memory for long waveform segment storage. Hardware trigger input for synchronized waveform generation with external test equipment. NI-DAQmx driver and LabVIEW programming environment compatibility. BNC output connector for connecting signal to device under test. Front panel LED indicator for power and waveform generation status.
Application Scenarios: Electronic circuit automated test, sensor signal simulation, audio component testing, educational laboratory signal generation, automotive ECU signal simulation, aerospace component functional test, vibration shaker waveform generation.
Performance Parameters: Precise frequency tuning capability via DDS architecture. Low amplitude noise and low waveform distortion for generated analog signal. Continuous waveform streaming or single burst waveform output modes. Stable waveform output under continuous long-duration test cycles. Hardware trigger supports synchronized generation with external measurement instruments.
Material Composition: PCB substrate: Multi-layer FR4 glass fiber epoxy printed circuit board. Core components: 16-bit high speed DAC, DDS waveform controller, onboard waveform memory, PCI interface chip, analog output signal conditioning amplifier. Mounting bracket: Steel full height PCI mounting bracket. Connector: Metal shielded BNC connector with gold-plated center contact.
Structural Features: Standard full height PCI add-on card structure. Steel rear bracket fitted with one BNC analog output connector. Internal circuit layout separated into PCI host bus interface area, digital waveform generation area and analog output conditioning area. High speed differential signal routing for DAC high clock signal. Onboard buffer memory stores waveform data before playback. Gold plated PCI edge connector for insertion into PC PCI slot.
Working Principle: PCI-5421 receives power supply from PCI bus after installation in PC PCI slot. NI-DAQmx driver initializes card hardware. User waveform data is downloaded from host PC into onboard waveform memory buffer. DDS waveform controller reads waveform sample points from memory sequentially at 100 MS/s sampling clock rate and sends digital samples to 16-bit DAC chip. DAC converts digital sample values into continuous analog voltage waveform. Signal conditioning amplifier adjusts amplitude to match defined output range and drives BNC output port. External hardware trigger signal can start or pause waveform playback to synchronize with external test instruments. LED indicator shows running status of waveform generation.
Installation Requirements: Power off host PC before installing PCI-5421 card. Insert PCI card into empty PCI slot and fasten steel bracket mounting screw. Install NI-DAQmx driver software and LabVIEW programming environment. Connect shielded BNC coaxial cable from card output port to device under test. Configure waveform type, frequency, amplitude and trigger parameters in LabVIEW project. Connect PC chassis protective earth to reliable grounding point. Verify waveform output with oscilloscope after configuration.
Usage Notes: Do not connect output port to voltage source, only connect to high impedance measurement load. Use shielded BNC coaxial cable for signal output wiring to reduce noise pickup. Wear anti-static wristband when handling PCI card. Backup waveform project files before modifying waveform parameters. Do not apply external voltage to BNC output connector. Do not operate card outside rated temperature and humidity range. Prevent dust accumulation on BNC connector and PCI edge contacts.
