The USB-6451 is designed for use in a system that may require hardware, drivers, and software to optimize USB-6451 for your application. Use the minimum required USB-6451 system components as a starting point for building your system.

Table 2. Minimum Required USB-6451 System Components
Component Description and Recommendations
Computer The USB-6451 connects to a computer through USB for power and communication.
USB-6451 Your USB DAQ device.
USB Cable Connects your USB DAQ device to your computer.
Mounting Accessories The USB-6451 supports a number of mounting configurations including:
  • Resting on a flat surface, unmounted
  • Mounting to a DIN rail, wall, or panel
  • Mounting in a rack
  • Securing in place with zip ties
Backshells for Connector Blocks You can install backshells over the spring-terminal connector blocks to protect the wiring and provide strain relief. The USB-6451 shipping kit includes backshells, but you can order more separately.
NI-DAQmx Instrument driver software that provides functions to interact with the USB-6451 and execute measurements using the USB-6451.
Note For optimal performance, use the most current version of NI-DAQmx with the USB-6451.
NI Applications NI-DAQmx offers driver support for the following applications:
  • LabVIEW
  • LabVIEW Real-Time Module
  • FlexLogger
  • LabWindows/CVI
  • LabWindows/CVI Real-Time Module
  • NI-DAQmx Measurement Studio Integration (Measurement Studio 2019)
  • C/C++
  • .NET
  • Python

Part Numbers for Recommended Accessories

Use part numbers to purchase the cables and accessories NI recommends to optimize the performance of the USB-6451.

Table 3. Part Numbers for Recommended Accessories
Accessory Description Part Number
USB-64xx Mounting Kit for DIN Rail Use to mount the USB-6451 on a DIN rail horizontally. 789986-01
USB-64xx Mounting Kit for DIN Rail, Wall, or Panel Mount Use to mount the USB-6451 on a DIN rail vertically or to mount it on a wall or a panel. Includes a right-angle USB Type-C cable for mounting close to a wall. 789955-01
USB-64xx Rack Mount Shelf Use to mount up to two USB-6451 in a 19-in. rack. Uses 1U of rack height. Includes two right-angle, 2 m USB Type-C cables. 789953-01
Spring-terminal connector Use to wire the USB-6451. 785502-01
Backshell for spring-terminal connector Use to protect the wiring and provide strain relief. 785080-01
USB Cable, Type-C to Type-C with Screw, USB 3.2 Gen 1, 2m Use to connect the USB-6451 to a computer. One end of the cable has a locking thumb screw for securing the cable to the USB-6451. 789956-02

Additional Cabling and Accessory Guidance

NI recommends the following:
  • Using individually shielded, twisted-pair wires that are 2 m or less to connect AI signals to the USB-6451.