NI 512x Digitizer
- Updated2023-08-17
- 3 minute(s) read
NI 512x Digitizer
NI VMS is designed to use the National Instruments NI 5122 and NI 5124 high-speed digitizers for acquisition of all analog video signals. These modules are available for PXI and PCI platforms. For 3-channel component signals, additional hardware is required to handle progressive and HDTV signals, and an external input multiplexer is required to expand the standard 2 channels to include a virtual third channel.
Both modules are available in PXI or PCI form factors, installed in either a PXI chassis or directly into a PC, respectively.
NI VMS is designed to use the National Instruments NI 5122 and NI 5124 high-speed digitizers for acquisition of all analog video signals. These modules are available for PXI and PCI platforms. For 3-channel component signals, additional hardware is required to handle progressive and HDTV signals, and an external input multiplexer is required to expand the standard 2 channels to include a virtual third channel.
Both modules are available in PXI or PCI form factors, installed in either a PXI chassis or directly into a PC, respectively.
The 5122 and 5124 have the following key features:
| Feature | NI 5122 | NI 5124 |
|---|---|---|
| Slots | 1 | 1 |
| Channels | 2 | 2 |
| Resolution (bits) | 14 | 12 |
| Sample Rate (MHz) | 100/n | 200/n |
| Memory (MSamples) | 4, 16, or 128 | 4, 16, or 128 |
| Full-Scale Input Range (V) | ±0.1 to ±10 | ±0.1 to ±10 |
| Input Impedance (Ohms) | 1M | 1M |
| Input Coupling | DC or AC | DC or AC |
| Input Offset Adjustment | Yes | Yes |
| Input Range Adjustment | Yes | Yes |
| External Trigger Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bandwidth Limit | None or 20 MHz | None or 20 MHz |
| Composite TV Trigger | Yes | Yes |
| Video DC Restoration | Yes (optional) | Yes (optional) |
It is important that a 75 Ohm terminator is used in conjunction with the NI 512x so that the video input is correctly terminated (not required when the VideoMUX is used). A short feed-through type is recommended (this will have an accuracy of ±1%).
With a typical input range of 2 Vp-p, the 5122 will have a voltage resolution of 0.12 mV, and the NI-5124 will have a resolution of 0.48 mV. Input offset can only be adjusted as far as half the input range, and so signals with a high DC offset will require a wider input range. The input range and offset are measured during hardware initialization, and used for all subsequent acquisitions.
The NI-5122 digitizer will handle most component (CAV) and computer VGA signal graphic modes, but not those that require sampling rates above 100 MHz. For such applications the higher speed NI-5124 digitizer (200 MS/S) digitizer is required.
| Resolution | Signal Type | Frame Rate (Hz) | Sample Rate (MHz) | NI-5122 | NI-5124 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1280 x 1024 | VGA | 60.00 | 108.89 | No | Yes |
| 1600 x 1200 | VGA | 60.00 | 160.96 | No | Yes |
| 1920 x 1080p | CAV | 60.00 | 148.50 | No | Yes |
| 1920 x 1080p | CAV | 59,94 | 148,35 | No | Yes |
| 1920 x 1080p | CAV | 50,00 | 148,50 | No | Yes |
For acquisition of progressive-scan and component signals, the external VideoCTU or VideoMUX video interface box for NI VMS is required.
The NI 512x requires NI-SCOPE driver software to be installed as well.