PCI/PCIe/PXI/PXIe/USB-6259 Specifications
- Updated2025-10-10
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PCI/PCIe/PXI/PXIe/USB-6259 Specifications
Specifications
These specifications apply to the PCI-6259, PCIe-6259, PXI-6259, PXIe-6259, USB-6259 Screw Terminal, USB-6259 BNC, USB-6259 Mass Termination, and USB-6259 OEM models.
The following specifications are typical at 25 °C, unless otherwise noted.
Revision History
| Version | Date changed | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 375216E-01 | August 2025 | Updated I/O connector specifications. |
| 375216D-01 | June 2025 | Added pinout diagrams. |
| 375216C-01 | June 2016 | Updated AI absolute accuracy example values. |
| 375216B-01 | September 2015 | Updated formatting. |
| 375216A-01 | May 2015 | Initial release. |
| 371291H-01 | June 2007 | Original specifications document: NI 625x Specifications. |
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PCI/PCIe/PXI/PXIe/USB-6259 Pinout
Use the pinout to connect to terminals on the PCI/PCIe/PXI/PXIe/USB-6259.
Analog Input
| Number of channels | 16 differential or 32 single ended |
| ADC resolution | 16 bits |
| DNL | No missing codes guaranteed |
| INL | Refer to AI Absolute Accuracy |
| Timing accuracy | 50 ppm of sample rate |
| Timing resolution | 50 ns |
| Input coupling | DC |
| Input range | ±0.1 V, ±0.2 V, ±0.5 V, ±1 V, ±2 V, ±5 V, ±10 V |
| Maximum working voltage for analog inputs (signal + common mode) | ±11 V of AI GND |
| CMRR (DC to 60 Hz) | 100 dB |
| Input bias current | ±100 pA |
| Small signal bandwidth (-3 dB) | 1.7 MHz |
| Input FIFO size | 4,095 samples |
| Scan list memory | 4,095 entries |
| Single channel maximum | 1.25 MS/s |
| Multichannel maximum (aggregate) | 1.00 MS/s |
| Minimum | No minimum |
| Device on, AI+ to AI GND | >10 GΩ in parallel with 100 pF |
| Device on, AI- to AI GND | >10 GΩ in parallel with 100 pF |
| Device off, AI+ to AI GND | 820 Ω |
| Device off, AI- to AI GND | 820 Ω |
| Adjacent channels | -75 dB |
| Non-adjacent channels | -95 dB |
| PCI/PCI Express/PXI/PXI Express | DMA (scatter-gather), interrupts, programmed I/O |
| USB | USB Signal Stream, programmed I/O |
| Device on | ±25 V for up to four AI pins |
| Device off | ±15 V for up to four AI pins |
| Input current during overvoltage condition | ±20 mA maximum/AI pin |
Settling Time for Multichannel Measurements
| Range | ±60 ppm of Step (±4 LSB for Full-Scale Step) | ±15 ppm of Step (±1 LSB for Full-Scale Step) |
|---|---|---|
| ±1 V, ±2 V, ±5 V, ±10 V | 1 μs | 1.5 μs |
| ±0.5 V | 1.5 μs | 2 μs |
| ±0.1 V, ±0.2 V | 2 μs | 8 μs |
Typical Performance Graphs
AI Absolute Accuracy
| Nominal Range Positive Full Scale | Nominal Range Negative Full Scale | Residual Gain Error (ppm of Reading) | Residual Offset Error (ppm of Range) | Offset Tempco (ppm of Range/°C) | Random Noise, σ (μVrms) | Absolute Accuracy at Full Scale (μV) | Sensitivity (μV) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | -10 | 60 | 20 | 21 | 280 | 1,920 | 112.0 |
| 5 | -5 | 70 | 20 | 21 | 140 | 1,010 | 56.0 |
| 2 | -2 | 70 | 20 | 24 | 57 | 410 | 22.8 |
| 1 | -1 | 80 | 20 | 27 | 32 | 220 | 12.8 |
| 0.5 | -0.5 | 90 | 40 | 34 | 21 | 130 | 8.4 |
| 0.2 | -0.2 | 130 | 80 | 55 | 16 | 74 | 6.4 |
| 0.1 | -0.1 | 150 | 150 | 90 | 15 | 52 | 6.0 |
| Gain tempco | 13 ppm/°C |
| Reference tempco | 1 ppm/°C |
| INL error | 60 ppm of range |
AI Absolute Accuracy Equation
AbsoluteAccuracy = Reading · (GainError) + Range · (OffsetError) + NoiseUncertainty
- GainError = ResidualAIGainError + GainTempco · (TempChangeFromLastInternalCal) + ReferenceTempco · (TempChangeFromLastExternalCal)
- OffsetError = ResidualAIOffsetError + OffsetTempco · (TempChangeFromLastInternalCal) + INLError
- NoiseUncertainty = for a coverage factor of 3 σ and averaging 100 points.
AI Absolute Accuracy Example
Absolute accuracy at full scale on the analog input channels is determined using the following assumptions:
- TempChangeFromLastExternalCal = 10 °C
- TempChangeFromLastInternalCal = 1 °C
- number_of_readings = 100
- CoverageFactor = 3 σ
For example, on the 10 V range, the absolute accuracy at full scale is as follows:
- GainError = 60 ppm + 13 ppm · 1 + 1 ppm · 10 = 83 ppm
- OffsetError = 20 ppm + 21 ppm · 1 + 60 ppm = 101 ppm
- NoiseUncertainty = = 84 µV
- AbsoluteAccuracy = 10 V · (GainError) + 10 V · (OffsetError) + NoiseUncertainty = 1,920 µV
Analog Triggers
| Number of triggers | 1 |
| Source | AI <0..31>, APFI <0, 1> |
| Functions | Start Trigger, Reference Trigger, Pause Trigger, Sample Clock, Convert Clock, Sample Clock Timebase |
| Resolution | 10 bits, 1 in 1,024 |
| Modes | Analog edge triggering, analog edge triggering with hysteresis, and analog window triggering |
| Accuracy | ±1% |
| AI <0..31> | ±Full scale |
| APFI <0, 1> | ±10 V |
| AI <0..31> | 3.4 MHz |
| APFI <0, 1> | 3.9 MHz |
| Input impedance | 10 kΩ |
| Coupling | DC |
| Protection, power on | ±30 V |
| Protection, power off | ±15 V |
Analog Output
| Number of channels | 4 |
| DAC resolution | 16 bits |
| DNL | ±1 LSB |
| Monotonicity | 16 bit guaranteed |
| Accuracy | Refer to AO Absolute Accuracy |
| Timing accuracy | 50 ppm of sample rate |
| Timing resolution | 50 ns |
| Output range | ±5 V, ±10 V, ±external reference on APFI <0, 1> |
| Output coupling | DC |
| Output impedance | 0.2 Ω |
| Output current drive | ±5 mA |
| Overdrive protection | ±25 V |
| Overdrive current | 20 mA |
| Power-on state | ±5 mV[1]1 When the USB Screw Terminal device is powered on, the analog output signal is not defined until after USB configuration is complete. |
| Power-off glitch | 1.5 V peak for 1.5 s |
| Output FIFO size | 8,191 samples shared among channels used |
| AO waveform modes | Non-periodic waveform, periodic waveform regeneration mode from onboard FIFO, periodic waveform regeneration from host buffer including dynamic update |
| Settling time, full-scale step, 15 ppm (1 LSB) | 2 µs |
| Slew rate | 20 V/µs |
| 1 channel | 2.86 MS/s |
| 2 channels | 2.86 MS/s per channel |
| 3 channels | 1.54 MS/s per channel |
| 4 channels | 1.25 MS/s per channel |
| PCI/PCI Express/PXI/PXI Express | DMA (scatter-gather), interrupts, programmed I/O |
| USB | USB Signal Stream, programmed I/O |
| Magnitude | 10 mV |
| Duration | 1 µs |
External Reference
| Input impedance | 10 kΩ |
| Coupling | DC |
| Protection, power on | ±30 V |
| Protection, power off | ±15 V |
| Range | ± 11 V |
| Slew rate | 20 V/μs |
AO Absolute Accuracy
Absolute accuracy at full-scale numbers is valid immediately following internal calibration and assumes the device is operating within 10 °C of the last external calibration.
| Nominal Range Positive Full Scale | Nominal Range Negative Full Scale | Residual Gain Error (ppm of Reading) | Gain Tempco (ppm/°C) | Residual Offset Error (ppm of Range) | Offset Tempco (ppm of Range/°C) | Absolute Accuracy at Full Scale (μV) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | -10 | 75 | 17 | 40 | 2 | 2,080 |
| 5 | -5 | 85 | 8 | 40 | 2 | 1,045 |
| Reference tempco | 1 ppm/°C |
| INL error | 64 ppm of range |
AO Absolute Accuracy Equation
AbsoluteAccuracy = OutputValue · (GainError) + Range · (OffsetError)
- GainError = ResidualGainError + GainTempco · (TempChangeFromLastInternalCal) + ReferenceTempco · (TempChangeFromLastExternalCal)
- OffsetError = ResidualOffsetError + AOOffsetTempco · (TempChangeFromLastInternalCal) + INLError
Digital I/O/PFI
Static Characteristics
| Number of channels | 48 total, 32 (P0.<0..31>), 16 (PFI <0..7>/P1, PFI <8..15>/P2) |
| Ground reference | D GND |
| Direction control | Each terminal individually programmable as input or output |
| Pull-down resistor | 50 kΩ typical, 20 kΩ minimum |
| Input voltage protection | ±20 V on up to two pins[2]2 Stresses beyond those listed under Input voltage protection may cause permanent damage to the device. |
Waveform Characteristics (Port 0 Only)
| Terminals used | Port 0 (P0.<0..31>) |
| Port/sample size | Up to 32 bits |
| Waveform generation (DO) FIFO | 2,047 samples |
| Waveform acquisition (DI) FIFO | 2,047 samples |
| DI or DO Sample Clock source[3]3 The digital subsystem does not have its own dedicated internal timing engine. Therefore, a sample clock must be provided from another subsystem on the device or an external source. | Any PFI, RTSI, AI Sample or Convert Clock, AO Sample Clock, Ctr n Internal Output, and many other signals |
| PCI/PCI Express/PXI/PXI Express | 0 MHz to 10 MHz, system and bus activity dependent |
| USB | 0 MHz to 1 MHz, system and bus activity dependent |
| Regenerate from FIFO | 0 MHz to 10 MHz |
| Streaming from memory | 0 to 10 MHz, system and bus activity dependent |
| Regenerate from FIFO | 0 MHz to 10 MHz |
| Streaming from memory | 0 MHz to 1 MHz, system and bus activity dependent |
| PCI/PCI Express/PXI/PXI Express | DMA (scatter-gather), interrupts, programmed I/O |
| USB | USB Signal Stream, programmed I/O |
PFI/Port 1/Port 2 Functionality
| Functionality | Static digital input, static digital output, timing input, timing output |
| Timing output sources | Many AI, AO, counter, DI, DO timing signals |
| Debounce filter settings | 125 ns, 6.425 µs, 2.56 ms, disable; high and low transitions; selectable per input |
Recommended Operating Conditions
| Level | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Input high voltage (VIH) | 2.2 V | 5.25 V |
| Input low voltage (VIL) | 0 V | 0.8 V |
| Output high current (IOH) P0.<0..31> | — | -24 mA |
| Output high current (IOH) PFI <0..15>/P1/P2 | — | -16 mA |
| Output low current (IOL) P0.<0..31> | — | 24 mA |
| Output low current (IOL) PFI <0..15>/P1/P2 | — | 16 mA |
Electrical Characteristics
| Level | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Positive-going threshold (VT+) | — | 2.2 V |
| Negative-going threshold (VT-) | 0.8 V | — |
| Delta VT hysteresis (VT+ - VT-) | 0.2 V | — |
| IIL input low current (Vin = 0 V) | — | -10 µA |
| IIH input high current (Vin = 5 V) | — | 250 µA |
Digital I/O Characteristics
General-Purpose Counters/Timers
| Number of counter/timers | 2 |
| Resolution | 32 bits |
| Counter measurements | Edge counting, pulse, semi-period, period, two-edge separation |
| Position measurements | X1, X2, X4 quadrature encoding with Channel Z reloading; two-pulse encoding |
| Output applications | Pulse, pulse train with dynamic updates, frequency division, equivalent time sampling |
| Internal base clocks | 80 MHz, 20 MHz, 0.1 MHz |
| External base clock frequency | 0 MHz to 20 MHz |
| Base clock accuracy | 50 ppm |
| Inputs | Gate, Source, HW_Arm, Aux, A, B, Z, Up_Down |
| Routing options for inputs | Any PFI, RTSI, PXI_TRIG, PXI_STAR, analog trigger, many internal signals |
| FIFO | 2 samples |
| PCI/PCI Express/PXI/PXI Express | Dedicated scatter-gather DMA controller for each counter/timer; interrupts, programmed I/O |
| USB | USB Signal Stream, programmed I/O |
Frequency Generator
| Number of channels | 1 |
| Base clocks | 10 MHz, 100 kHz |
| Divisors | 1 to 16 |
| Base clock accuracy | 50 ppm |
Output can be available on any output PFI or RTSI terminal.
Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) (PCI/PCI Express/PXI/PXI Express Only)
| Number of PLLs | 1 |
| Reference signal | PXI_STAR, PXI_CLK10, RTSI <0..7> |
| Output of PLL | 80 MHz Timebase; other signals derived from 80 MHz Timebase including 20 MHz and 100 kHz Timebases |
External Digital Triggers
| Source | Any PFI, RTSI, PXI_TRIG, PXI_STAR |
| Polarity | Software-selectable for most signals |
| Analog input function | Start Trigger, Reference Trigger, Pause Trigger, Sample Clock, Convert Clock, Sample Clock Timebase |
| Analog output function | Start Trigger, Pause Trigger, Sample Clock, Sample Clock Timebase |
| Counter/timer function | Gate, Source, HW_Arm, Aux, A, B, Z, Up_Down |
| Digital waveform generation (DO) function | Sample Clock |
| Digital waveform acquisition (DI) function | Sample Clock |
Device-to-Device Trigger Bus
| PCI/PCI Express | RTSI <0..7>[4]4 In other sections of this document, RTSI refers to RTSI <0..7> for the PCI/PCI Express devices or PXI_TRIG <0..7> for PXI/PXI Express devices. |
| PXI/PXI Express | PXI_TRIG <0..7>, PXI_STAR |
| USB source | None |
| Output selections | 10 MHz Clock, frequency generator output, many internal signals |
| Debounce filter settings | 125 ns, 6.425 μs, 2.56 ms, disable; high and low transitions; selectable per input |
Bus Interface
| PCI/PXI | 3.3 V or 5 V signal environment |
| DMA channels | 6, can be used for analog input, analog output, digital input, digital output, counter/timer 0, counter/timer 1 |
| Form factor | x1 PCI Express, specification v1.0a compliant |
| Slot compatibility | x1, x4, x8, and x16 PCI Express slots[5]5 Some motherboards reserve the x16 for graphics use. For PCI Express guidelines, refer to ni.com/pciexpress. |
| DMA channels | 6, can be used for analog input, analog output, digital input, digital output, counter/timer 0, counter/timer 1 |
| Form factor | x1 PXI Express peripheral module, specification rev 1.0 compliant |
| Slot compatibility | x1 and x4 PXI Express or PXI Express hybrid slots |
| DMA channels | 6, can be used for analog input, analog output, digital input, digital output, counter/timer 0, counter/timer 1 |
| USB | USB 2.0 Hi-Speed or full-speed[6]6 If you are using an USB M Series device in full-speed mode, device performance will be lower and you will not be able to achieve maximum sample/update rates., [7]7 Operating on a full-speed bus may result in lower performance. |
| USB Signal Stream | 4, can be used for analog input, analog output, counter/timer 0, counter/timer 1 |
- May be installed in PXI Express hybrid slots
- Or, may be used to control SCXI in PXI/SCXI combo chassis
| M Series Part Number | SCXI Control in PXI/SCXI Combo Chassis | PXI Express Hybrid Slot Compatible |
|---|---|---|
| 191325D-01/191325E-01L | No | Yes |
| 191325D-11/191325E-11L | Yes | No |
| 191325C-0x/191325B-0x | Yes | No |
Power Requirements
| +5 V | 0.03 A |
| +3.3 V | 0.725 A |
| +12 V | 0.35 A |
| +3.3 V | 0.925 A |
| +12 V | 0.35 A |
| +3.3 V | 0.45 A |
| +12 V | 0.5 A |
| +5 V | 0.03 A |
| +3.3 V | 1.2 A |
| +12 V | 0.38 A |
| +3.3 V | 1.4 A |
| +12 V | 0.38 A |
| +3.3 V | 0.48 A |
| +12 V | 0.71 A |
| USB power supply requirements | 11 VDC to 30 VDC, 20 W, locking or non-locking power jack with 0.080 in. diameter center pin, 5/16-32 thread for locking collars |
Current Limits
| +5 V terminal (connector 0) | 1 A maximum. See note. |
| +5 V terminal (connector 1) | 1 A maximum. See note. |
| +5 V terminals combined | 0.35 A maximum. See note. |
| P0/PFI/P1/P2 and +5 V terminals combined | 0.39 A maximum |
| +5 V terminal (connector 0) | 1 A maximum. See note. |
| +5 V terminal (connector 1) | 1 A maximum. See note. |
| P0/PFI/P1/P2 combined | 0.39 A maximum |
| +5 V terminal (connector 0) | 1 A maximum. See note. |
| +5 V terminal (connector 1) | 1 A maximum. See note. |
| P0/PFI/P1/P2 and +5 V terminals combined | 2 A maximum |
| +5 V terminal | 1 A maximum. See note. |
| P0/PFI/P1/P2 and +5 V terminals combined | 2 A maximum |
| Power supply fuse | 2 A, 250 V |
Physical Characteristics
| PCI printed circuit board | 10.6 cm × 15.5 cm (4.2 in. × 6.1 in.) |
| PXI/PXI Express printed circuit board | Standard 3U PXI |
| USB Screw Terminal (includes connectors) | 26.67 cm × 17.09 cm × 4.45 cm (10.5 in. × 6.73 in. × 1.75 in.) |
| USB BNC (includes connectors) | 28.6 cm × 17 cm × 6.9 cm (11.25 in. × 6.7 in. × 2.7 in.) |
| USB Mass Termination (includes connectors) | 18.8 cm × 17.09 cm × 4.45 cm (7.4 in. × 6.73 in. × 1.75 in.) |
| USB OEM | Refer to the NI USB-622x/625x/628x OEM User Guide |
| PCI | 162 g (5.6 oz) |
| PCI Express | 175 g (6.1 oz) |
| PXI | 233 g (8.2 oz) |
| PXI Express | 221 g (7.8 oz) |
| USB Screw Terminal | 1.24 kg (2 lb 11 oz) |
| USB Mass Termination | 816 g (1 lb 12.8 oz) |
| USB OEM | 172 g (6.1 oz) |
| PCI/PCI Express/PXI/PXI Express | 2 68-pin VHDCI |
| USB Screw Terminal | 128 screw terminals |
| USB Mass Termination | 2 68-pin SCSI |
| USB BNC | 32 BNCs and 60 screw terminals |
| PCI Express disk drive power | Standard ATX peripheral connector (not serial ATA) |
| USB Screw Terminal/BNC screw terminal wiring | 16 AWG to 28 AWG |
Calibration
| PCI/PXI/PCI Express/PXI Express recommended warm-up time | 15 minutes |
| USB recommended warm-up time | 30 minutes |
| Calibration interval | 2 years |
Maximum Working Voltage
Connect only voltages that are below these limits.
| Channel-to-earth | 11 V, Measurement Category I |
Measurement Category I is for measurements performed on circuits not directly connected to the electrical distribution system referred to as MAINS voltage. MAINS is a hazardous live electrical supply system that powers equipment. This category is for measurements of voltages from specially protected secondary circuits. Such voltage measurements include signal levels, special equipment, limited-energy parts of equipment, circuits powered by regulated low-voltage sources, and electronics.
Environmental
| PCI/PXI/PXI Express operating temperature | 0 ºC to 55 ºC |
| PCI Express operating temperature | 0 ºC to 50 ºC |
| USB operating temperature | 0 ºC to 45 ºC |
| Storage temperature | -20 ºC to 70 ºC |
| Humidity | 10% RH to 90% RH, noncondensing |
| Maximum altitude | 2,000 m |
| Pollution Degree | 2 |
| Indoor use only. | |
Safety Compliance Standards
This product is designed to meet the requirements of the following electrical equipment safety standards for measurement, control, and laboratory use:
- IEC 61010-1, EN 61010-1
- UL 61010-1, CSA C22.2 No. 61010-1
EMC Standards
This product meets the requirements of the following EMC standards for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use:
- EN 61326-1 (IEC 61326-1): Class A emissions; Basic immunity
- EN 55011 (CISPR 11): Group 1, Class A emissions
- EN 55022 (CISPR 22): Class A emissions
- EN 55024 (CISPR 24): Immunity
- AS/NZS CISPR 11: Group 1, Class A emissions
- AS/NZS CISPR 22: Class A emissions
- FCC 47 CFR Part 15B: Class A emissions
- ICES-001: Class A emissions
CE Compliance
This product meets the essential requirements of applicable European Directives, as follows:
- 2014/35/EU; Low-Voltage Directive (safety)
- 2014/30/EU; Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC)
- 2011/65/EU; Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS)
Product Certifications and Declarations
Refer to the product Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for additional regulatory compliance information. To obtain product certifications and the DoC for NI products, visit ni.com/product-certifications, search by model number, and click the appropriate link.
Environmental Management
NI is committed to designing and manufacturing products in an environmentally responsible manner. NI recognizes that eliminating certain hazardous substances from our products is beneficial to the environment and to NI customers.
For additional environmental information, refer to the Engineering a Healthy Planet web page at ni.com/environment. This page contains the environmental regulations and directives with which NI complies, as well as other environmental information not included in this document.
EU and UK Customers
电子信息产品污染控制管理办法(中国RoHS)
1 When the USB Screw Terminal device is powered on, the analog output signal is not defined until after USB configuration is complete.
2 Stresses beyond those listed under Input voltage protection may cause permanent damage to the device.
3 The digital subsystem does not have its own dedicated internal timing engine. Therefore, a sample clock must be provided from another subsystem on the device or an external source.
4 In other sections of this document, RTSI refers to RTSI <0..7> for the PCI/PCI Express devices or PXI_TRIG <0..7> for PXI/PXI Express devices.
5 Some motherboards reserve the x16 for graphics use. For PCI Express guidelines, refer to ni.com/pciexpress.
6 If you are using an USB M Series device in full-speed mode, device performance will be lower and you will not be able to achieve maximum sample/update rates.
7 Operating on a full-speed bus may result in lower performance.