Description
NI PCI-6025E | 16-Channel 12-Bit Analog Input Card New In Stock
Architect’s Product Breakdown
The National Instruments PCI-6025E operates as a versatile multifunction data acquisition card within standard PCI host computer environments, handling multi-channel sensor digitizing, voltage output sourcing, and digital logic sequencing. In industrial test fixtures, research benches, and legacy machine monitoring systems where integrating disparate signal types onto a single PCI card reduces slot count and system complexity, this hardware model delivers reliable multi-IO execution using NI’s DAQ-STC timing controller.
Deploying or replacing this acquisition card in a modern or legacy host PC requires strict attention to system software compatibility and field cabling terminations. While legacy systems relied heavily on the traditional Traditional NI-DAQ (Legacy) driver, modern applications interface with the module using NI-DAQmx driver packages. When performing maintenance swaps, engineers must verify that terminal accessories (such as SCB-68 or CB-68 pin blocks) match the 68-pin I/O connector pinout and that analog input configurations (referenced single-ended, non-referenced single-ended, or differential) are correctly mapped in software to prevent cross-channel noise and ground loops.

PCI-6025E
Key Technical Specifications
- Manufacturer: National Instruments (NI)
- Product Category: Multifunction Data Acquisition (DAQ) Board
- Part Number / Catalog No.: PCI-6025E (777744-01 / 185121x-01)
- Analog Inputs: 16 Single-Ended / 8 Differential channels
- ADC Resolution: 12-bit
- Maximum Sampling Rate: 200 kS/s (single-channel or aggregate)
- Analog Outputs: 2 channels (12-bit resolution, up to 10 kS/s)
- Digital I/O Lines: 32 TTL/CMOS-compatible bidirectional lines (4 ports)
- Counter/Timers: 2 up/down counters (24-bit resolution, DAQ-STC based)
- Bus Architecture: Standard PCI 32-bit bus master/slave interface
- I/O Connector: Single 68-pin female high-density VHDCI / SCSI-type connector
- Operating Temperature Range: 0°C to +55°C
- Weight: Approximately 113 g (0.25 lb)
Field Engineer’s Pitfall Guide (Unique Value)
- Hot-Swapping Under Power: Never insert or remove the PCI-6025E card while the host computer is powered on. Doing so risks shorting live 5V and 12V PCI bus power rails, permanently frying the motherboard and board-level analog switches.
- Driver Ecosystem Mismatches: Swapping this legacy board into an upgraded operating system without checking driver support can lock up your application. Ensure your host system OS is paired with a compatible release of NI-DAQmx or Traditional NI-DAQ that explicitly supports E-Series hardware.
- Floating Inputs in Single-Ended Mode: Leaving unused channels unconnected when operating in Referenced Single-Ended (RSE) mode will result in floating voltages ghosting across adjacent active analog channels. Ground unused input terminals or ground them via software configuration settings.
QA & Testing SOP (Transparency)
- Visual & Origin Verification: Units undergo microscopic examination to confirm clean gold-finger edge connectors, undamaged surface-mount capacitors/resistors, intact PCB traces, and authentic OEM labeling.
- Live Test Bench Environment: Measurement cards are seated in a dedicated industrial test PC running validated NI-DAQmx driver suites and NI Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) to evaluate register stability and hardware self-tests.
- Loopback & Calibration Diagnostics: Technicians route analog outputs directly into analog input channels to execute multi-point voltage sweep verification, frequency response checks, and digital I/O port bit toggling.
- Anti-Static Packaging: Post-testing units are sealed inside conductive ESD shielding bags and cushioned with high-density protective foam to prevent electrostatic discharge during transit.
Technical FAQ
Can I hot-swap the PCI-6025E card while the host computer is powered on? No. Standard PCI expansion slots do not support live hot-swapping. Always power down the host computer entirely before installing or removing this module.
Is the PCI-6025E compatible with modern Windows operating systems? Yes, provided you use a compatible version of NI-DAQmx drivers that support PCI E-Series hardware under 32-bit or 64-bit Windows environments. Check NI’s driver compatibility matrix prior to deployment.
What terminal block accessories can I use with the 68-pin connector on this board? The PCI-6025E connects to standard 68-pin NI terminal blocks such as the SCB-68, CB-68LP, or CB-68T using a SH68-68-EP or C68-68S shielded cable.
What is the standard warranty status for surplus inventory units? Verified surplus or factory-sealed measurement modules typically carry a 12-month operational warranty covering material and manufacturing defects under standard laboratory or industrial conditions.


