PCI/PXI-6230 Specifications
- Updated2025-06-26
- 12 minute(s) read
PCI/PXI-6230 Specifications
Definitions
Warranted specifications describe the performance of a model under stated operating conditions and are covered by the model warranty.
Characteristics describe values that are relevant to the use of the model under stated operating conditions but are not covered by the model warranty.
- Typical specifications describe the performance met by a majority of models.
- Nominal specifications describe an attribute that is based on design, conformance testing, or supplemental testing.
Specifications are Typical unless otherwise noted.
PCI/PXI-6230 Pinout
Analog Input
Number of channels | 4 differential or 8 single ended | ||||||||||||||||||
Channel type | Voltage input | ||||||||||||||||||
ADC resolution | 16 bits | ||||||||||||||||||
DNL | No missing codes guaranteed | ||||||||||||||||||
INL | Refer to the AI Absolute Accuracy section | ||||||||||||||||||
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Timing resolution | 50 ns | ||||||||||||||||||
Timing accuracy | 50 ppm of sample rate | ||||||||||||||||||
Input coupling | DC | ||||||||||||||||||
Input range | ±0.2 V, ±1 V, ±5 V, ±10 V | ||||||||||||||||||
Maximum working voltage for analog inputs | Refer to the Maximum Working Voltage section | ||||||||||||||||||
CMRR (DC to 60 Hz) | 95 dB (with respect to AI GND) | ||||||||||||||||||
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Input bias current | ±100 pA | ||||||||||||||||||
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Small signal bandwidth (-3 dB) | 700 kHz | ||||||||||||||||||
Input FIFO size | 4,095 samples | ||||||||||||||||||
Scan list memory | 4,095 entries | ||||||||||||||||||
Data transfers | DMA (scatter-gather), interrupts, programmed I/O | ||||||||||||||||||
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Input current during overvoltage condition | ±20 mA maximum/AI pin | ||||||||||||||||||
Settling Time for Multichannel Measurements
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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 | 75 | 20 | 57 | 244 | 3,100 | 97.6 |
| 5 | -5 | 85 | 20 | 60 | 122 | 1,620 | 48.8 |
| 1 | -1 | 95 | 25 | 79 | 30 | 360 | 12.0 |
| 0.2 | -0.2 | 135 | 80 | 175 | 13 | 112 | 5.2 |
Gain tempco | 25 ppm/°C |
Reference tempco | 5 ppm/°C |
INL error | 76 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 = 75 ppm + 25 ppm · 1 + 5 ppm · 10 = 150 ppm
- OffsetError = 20 ppm + 57 ppm · 1 + 76 ppm = 153 ppm
- NoiseUncertainity = = 73 µV
- AbsoluteAccuracy = 10 V · (GainError) + 10 V · (OffsetError) + NoiseUncertainity = 3,100 µV
Analog Output
Number of channels | 4 | ||||||||||
Channel type | Voltage output | ||||||||||
DAC resolution | 16 bits | ||||||||||
DNL | ±1 LSB | ||||||||||
Monotonicity | 16 bit guaranteed | ||||||||||
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Timing accuracy | 50 ppm of sample rate | ||||||||||
Timing resolution | 50 ns | ||||||||||
Output range | ±10 V | ||||||||||
Output coupling | DC | ||||||||||
Output impedance | 0.4 Ω | ||||||||||
Output current drive | ±5 mA | ||||||||||
Overdrive protection | ±25 V | ||||||||||
Overdrive current | 10 mA | ||||||||||
Power-on state | ±20 mV | ||||||||||
Power-on glitch[1]1 For the earlier version of the PCI-6230 (192233B-01), refer to the NI 6230 Specifications document, 371672A-01, January 2006 revision. | ±2 V for 2 ms | ||||||||||
Power-off glitch[2]2 When outputting 0 V on power down from the analog output channel. | ±100 mV for 350 ms | ||||||||||
Output FIFO size | 8,191 samples shared among channels used | ||||||||||
Data transfers | DMA (scatter-gather), interrupts, programmed I/O | ||||||||||
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) | 6 µs | ||||||||||
Slew rate | 15 V/µs | ||||||||||
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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 (V) | Nominal Range Negative Full Scale (V) | 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 | 90 | 10 | 40 | 5 | 3,230 |
Reference tempco | 5 ppm/°C |
INL error | 128 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 | 10 total | ||||||
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Ground reference | D GND | ||||||
Direction control | Fixed, lines are unidirectional | ||||||
Input voltage protection | ±20 V on up to two pins[3]3 Stresses beyond those listed under Input voltage protection may cause permanent damage to the device. | ||||||
PFI/Port 1/Port 2 Functionality
PFI <0..5>/P0.<0..5> | Static digital input, timing input |
PFI <6..9>/P1.<0..3> | Static digital output, timing output |
Timing output sources | Many AI, AO, counter timing signals |
Debounce filter settings | 125 ns, 6.425 µs, 2.56 ms, disable; high and low transitions; selectable per input |
Digital Input Characteristics
| Level | Min | Max |
|---|---|---|
| VIL input low voltage | 0 V | 0.8 V |
| VIH input high voltage | 2 V | 5.25 V |
| IIL input low current (Vin = 0 V) | — | -10 µA |
| IIH input high current (Vin = 5 V) | — | 10 µA |
Digital Output Characteristics
| Level | Voltage Level | Current Level |
|---|---|---|
| VOL | 0.4 V | 7 mA |
| VOL | 0.6 V | 10 mA |
| VOH | 2.8 V | -24 mA |
| VOH | 4.0 V | -6 mA |
Maximum Operating Conditions
| Level | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| IOL output low current P1.<0..3> | — | 10 mA |
| IOH output high current P1.<0..3> | — | -24 mA |
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 input PFI, RTSI, PXI_TRIG, PXI_STAR, many internal signals |
FIFO | 2 samples |
Data transfers | Dedicated scatter-gather DMA controller for each counter/timer; interrupts; programmed I/O |
Isolation Effects
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Propagation delay skew between channels (inputs and outputs) | 15 ns | ||||||
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)
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 |
Device-To-Device Trigger Bus
PCI | RTSI <0..7>[4]4 In other sections of this document, RTSI refers to RTSI <0..7> for the PCI devices or PXI_TRIG <0..7> for PXI devices. |
PXI | PXI_TRIG <0..7>, PXI_STAR |
Output selections | 10 MHz Reference 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 or PXI | 3.3 V or 5 V signal environment |
PXI-6230 devices can be installed in PXI slots or PXI Express hybrid slots.
DMA channels | 4, analog input, analog output, counter/timer 0, counter/timer 1 |
Power Requirements
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Physical Characteristics
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I/O connector | 37-pin D-SUB | ||||||
Calibration
Recommended warm-up time | 15 minutes |
Calibration interval | 1 year |
Maximum Working Voltage
Connect only voltages that are below these limits.
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Analog channel-to-AI GND or AO GND (in the following figure, |Va - Vc|) | ≤11 V, Measurement Category I | ||||||
Digital channel-to-D GND (in the following figure, |Vb - Vc|) | ≤5.25 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.
The following figure illustrates the safety voltages specifications.
Environmental
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Maximum altitude | 2,000 m | ||||||
Pollution Degree | 2 | ||||||
Indoor use only.
Shock and Vibration (PXI Only)
Operational shock | 30 g peak, half-sine, 11 ms pulse (Tested in accordance with IEC 60068-2-27. Test profile developed in accordance with MIL-PRF-28800F.) |
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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 For the earlier version of the PCI-6230 (192233B-01), refer to the NI 6230 Specifications document, 371672A-01, January 2006 revision.
2 When outputting 0 V on power down from the analog output channel.
3 Stresses beyond those listed under Input voltage protection may cause permanent damage to the device.
4 In other sections of this document, RTSI refers to RTSI <0..7> for the PCI devices or PXI_TRIG <0..7> for PXI devices.
5 In the figure, |Va – Vd|,|Vb – Vd|, and |Vc – Vd|.
6 In the figure, |Va – Ve|,|Vb – Ve|, and |Vc – Ve|.