NI PCI-6036E

NI PCI-6036E

Product Overview
The PCI-6036E is a PCI-bus multifunction data acquisition device from the National Instruments E Series family. It provides 16-bit analog input, 16-bit analog output, digital I/O, and counter/timer functions in a single PCI card. It is designed for general-purpose laboratory measurement, industrial testing, automation control, and equipment validation. The PCI-6036E is a cost-optimized E Series device and offers lower aggregate throughput than full-featured E Series boards such as the PCI-6030E.

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Description

NI PCI-6036E

Technical Specifications

  • Brand: National Instruments
  • Product Family: E Series Multifunction DAQ
  • Model: PCI-6036E
  • Bus Interface: PCI
  • Analog Input Channels: 16 single-ended or 8 differential
  • Analog Input Resolution: 16-bit
  • Maximum Analog Input Sampling Rate: 100 kS/s aggregate
  • Analog Output Channels: 2
  • Analog Output Resolution: 16-bit
  • Maximum Analog Output Update Rate: 10 kS/s
  • Digital I/O Lines: 8 TTL-compatible lines
  • Counters/Timers: 2 counters, 24-bit, 20 MHz
  • Input Ranges: 4 selectable ranges
  • I/O Connector: 68-pin VHDCI
  • Calibration: Software-controlled self-calibration, no potentiometers or jumpers
  • Driver Software: NI-DAQ / NI-DAQmx depending on operating system and driver version

Functional Features

  • Multifunction I/O: Combines analog input, analog output, digital I/O, and counter/timer functions.
  • Software-configurable calibration: Uses on-board calibration without manual trimmers.
  • Programmable input ranges: Supports multiple voltage ranges for flexible sensor interfacing.
  • Counter/timer support: Enables frequency measurement, pulse counting, and timing applications.
  • Digital I/O: Provides eight TTL-compatible lines for status monitoring and simple control.
  • NI software compatibility: Works with LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, Measurement Studio, and other NI-supported environments.
  • Legacy E Series architecture: Suitable for maintaining existing test systems and industrial equipment.

Application Scenarios

  • Laboratory data acquisition
  • Industrial process monitoring
  • Equipment test and validation
  • Sensor signal acquisition
  • Educational measurement systems
  • Automation control interfaces
  • General-purpose voltage and current signal recording
  • Legacy system maintenance where E Series hardware is already deployed

Performance Parameters

  • Aggregate AI Sampling Rate: 100 kS/s
  • AI Resolution: 16-bit
  • AO Resolution: 16-bit
  • AO Update Rate: Up to 10 kS/s
  • Counter Resolution: 24-bit
  • Counter Maximum Frequency: 20 MHz
  • Digital I/O Count: 8 lines
  • Analog Triggering: Not supported on the PCI-6036E

Material Composition

  • PCB Assembly: Multilayer printed circuit board with ADC, DAC, digital logic, and counter circuits
  • Analog Front End: Signal conditioning amplifiers, multiplexers, and reference circuitry
  • Digital Section: TTL-compatible I/O buffers and counter/timer logic
  • Connectors: 68-pin VHDCI I/O connector and PCI edge connector
  • Shielding: Metal bracket and board-level shielding for EMI protection

Structural Features

  • Full-size PCI card format: Installs into a standard PCI slot.
  • 68-pin VHDCI connector: Provides access to analog, digital, and counter signals.
  • No jumpers or DIP switches: Configuration is performed through software.
  • Compact bracket design: Fits standard desktop or industrial PC chassis.
  • Single-slot occupancy: Reduces cabinet or chassis space requirements.

Working Principle
The PCI-6036E acquires analog signals through its multiplexed analog input stage. The 16-bit ADC converts selected input channels into digital values according to the configured sampling rate and input range. Digital values are transferred to the host computer through the PCI bus using DMA, interrupts, or programmed I/O. For analog output, the host computer sends digital values to the DAC, which generates corresponding voltage outputs. The digital I/O lines read or drive TTL-level signals, and the two 24-bit counters measure frequency, period, pulse width, or event counts.

Installation Requirements

  • Install the card into a compatible PCI slot on the host computer.
  • Ensure the computer power supply can support additional PCI devices.
  • Connect field signals through a 68-pin VHDCI cable or breakout accessory.
  • Use shielded cables for analog signals to reduce noise coupling.
  • Install the appropriate NI-DAQ or NI-DAQmx driver before use.
  • Configure channel ranges, sampling rate, and trigger settings in software.
  • Ground signal references properly to avoid ground loops.

Precautions for Use

  • Do not exceed the specified input voltage range.
  • Verify whether the installed driver supports the PCI-6036E on the current operating system.
  • Avoid using analog triggering, as it is not supported on this model.
  • The aggregate sampling rate is shared across all analog input channels.
  • Keep analog signal wiring away from high-current power cables.
  • Use proper signal conditioning for sensors requiring current excitation, isolation, or high-voltage protection.
  • Confirm exact electrical limits, pin assignments, and environmental ratings from the official NI PCI-6036E documentation.

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