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NI USB-6251

16-Bit, 1.25 MS/s M Series Multifunction DAQ, External Power

  • 16 analog inputs (16-bit), 1.25 MS/s single-channel (1 MS/s aggregate)
  • 2 analog outputs (16-bit, 2.8 MS/s); 24 digital I/O (8 clocked); 32-bit counters
  • Use mass termination version with SCC signal conditioning
  • NI Signal Streaming for bidirectional high-speed data streams over USB; OEM version available
  • Compatible with LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, and Measurement Studio for Visual Studio .NET
  • NI-DAQmx driver software and NI LabVIEW SignalExpress LE interactive data-logging software
  • Data Sheet

Part Number Description Est Ship  US Dollars Qty
Device and Professional Accessory Set
779627-01NI USB-6251 M Series, 26 cm, Screw Term US (120V)--For prices, Select Country 
779694-01NI USB-6251 M Series, 26 cm, MASS Term, US (120V)--For prices, Select Country 
184749-01SH68-68-EP Noise Rejecting, Shielded Cable, 1 m--For prices, Select Country 
Optional Accessories
779489-01Data Acquisition: 7 Steps To Success Tutorial Kit--For prices, Select Country 
 
 

Please select the country where you will use the product(s) so that we can provide you with accurate pricing, availability, and purchasing information

The National Instruments USB-6251 is a USB high-speed M Series multifunction data acquisition (DAQ) module optimized for superior accuracy at fast sampling rates. The NI USB-6251 is ideal for applications such as dynamic signal acquisition, and for sensor measurements when used with NI signal conditioning.

The National Instruments USB-6251 is designed specifically for mobile or space-constrained applications. Plug-and-play installation minimizes configuration and setup time, while direct screw-terminal connectivity helps keep costs down and simplifies signal connections. NI-DAQmx driver and measurement services software provides easy-to-use configuration and programming interfaces with features such as DAQ Assistant to help reduce development time.

This module also features the new NI Signal Streaming technology which allows for DMA-like bidirectional high-speed streaming of data across the USB bus. For more information about NI signal streaming, check the resources tab.

Each module also features an OEM version. Check the resources tab or use the left navigation to get pricing and technical information.

Driver Software
NI-DAQmx driver and measurement services software provides easy-to-use configuration and programming interfaces with features such as DAQ Assistant to help reduce development time. Browse the information in the Resources tab to learn more about driver software or download a driver. M Series devices are not compatible with the Traditional NI-DAQ (Legacy) driver.

Application Software
Every M Series data acquisition device includes a copy of NI LabVIEW SignalExpress LE so you can quickly acquire, analyze, and present data without programming. In addition to LabVIEW SignalExpress, M Series data acquisition devices are compatible with the following versions (or later) of NI application software – LabVIEW 7.1, LabWindows™/CVI 7.x, or Measurement Studio 7.x. M Series data acquisition devices are also compatible with Visual Studio .NET, C/C++, and
Visual Basic 6.

Specifications Documents


Specifications Summary

General 
Form FactorUSB
OS SupportWindows
Measurement TypeQuadrature encoder, Voltage
DAQ Product FamilyM Series
Analog Input 
Number of Channels16 SE/8 DI
Sample Rate1.25 MS/s
Resolution16 bits
Simultaneous SamplingNo
Maximum Voltage Range-10..10 V
      Range Accuracy1.92 mV
      Range Sensitivity112 µV
Minimum Voltage Range-50..50 mV
      Range Accuracy0.052 mV
      Range Sensitivity6 µV
Number of Ranges7
On-Board Memory4095 samples
Signal ConditioningLow-pass filtering
Analog Output 
Number of Channels2
Update Rate2.86 MS/s
Resolution16 bits
Maximum Voltage Range-10..10 V
      Range Accuracy2.08 mV
Minimum Voltage Range-5..5 V
      Range Accuracy1.045 mV
Current Drive (Channel/Total)5 mA/10 mA
Digital I/O 
Number of Channels24 DIO
TimingHardware, Software
Maximum Clock Rate1 MHz
Logic LevelsTTL
Maximum Input Range0..5 V
Maximum Output Range0..5 V
Input Current FlowSinking, Sourcing
Programmable Input FiltersYes
Output Current FlowSinking, Sourcing
Current Drive (Channel/Total)24 mA/448 mA
Watchdog TimerNo
Supports Programmable Power-Up States?Yes
Supports Handshaking I/O?No
Supports Pattern I/O?Yes
Counter/Timers 
Number of Counter/Timers2
Resolution32 bits
Maximum Source Frequency80 MHz
Logic LevelsTTL
Maximum Range0..5 V
Timebase Stability50 ppm
GPS SynchronizationNo
Pulse GenerationYes
Buffered OperationsYes
Debouncing/Glitch RemovalYes
Timing/Triggering/Synchronization 
Synchronization Bus (RTSI)No
TriggeringAnalog, Digital
Physical Specifications 
Length18.8 cm, 26.67 cm
Width17.09 cm
Height4.45 cm
I/O Connector68-pin male SCSI-II type, Screw terminals

Extended Warranties

National Instruments designs and manufactures all products to minimize failures, but we know unexpected failures can still occur. Extended warranties provide a fixed economical price at the time of system purchase covering any repair costs for up to three years.

  • Significant cost savings compared to individual repair incidents
  • Fault location, diagnostics, and repair by NI any time the system product fails
  • All parts and labor costs covered as well as any adjustments needed to bring the hardware back to manufacturing specifications

Calibration

NI recognizes the need to maintain properly calibrated devices for high-accuracy measurements. We provide manual calibration procedures, services to recalibrate your products, and automated calibration software to calibrate many of our measurement products.

Training

NI training is the fastest, most certain route to productivity with NI tools and successful application development.

Repair Services

  • You can return your registered product under warranty at no additional labor and parts cost. NI offers fault location, diagnostics, and repair any time the system fails as well as any adjustments needed to bring the hardware back to manufacturing specifications.
  • Contact us to obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) form and shipping instructions
  • View your RMA support request status online
  • Register your product

Technical Support

www.ni.com/support