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July 2025
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PXI-6551, 20 Channels, 1- 8- or 64-Mbits per Channel, PXI Digital Waveform Instrument
Rated 4.9/5 | 13 ratings
Actual item may vary if no part number is provided on quote request.
✔ 2 Year Warranty Included
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✔ NIST Calibration Available
Andrew Gar**** Verified Buyer
" Amazing to work with and had my order within 1 week after purchasing with all NI certs and data that were needed. "
March 2025
Said Sai**** Verified Buyer
" Competent contact for highly specialized components. The support team is very knowledgeable. Many thanks for the help and the fast shipping! "
January 2025
Bob C**** Verified Buyer
" Jason was able to get our emergency situation taken care of quickly and professionally. "
May 2025
Gregg Flecki**** Verified Buyer
" Great service and great products. This is my 2nd time using Apex Waves, truly impressed. "
January 2025
Carol Zimme**** Verified Buyer
" Very responsive and helpful, competitive pricing. Good source! "
July 2025
Andrew Gar**** Verified Buyer
" Amazing to work with and had my order within 1 week after purchasing with all NI certs and data that were needed. "
March 2025
Said Sai**** Verified Buyer
" Competent contact for highly specialized components. The support team is very knowledgeable. Many thanks for the help and the fast shipping! "
January 2025
Bob C**** Verified Buyer
" Jason was able to get our emergency situation taken care of quickly and professionally. "
May 2025
Gregg Flecki**** Verified Buyer
" Great service and great products. This is my 2nd time using Apex Waves, truly impressed. "
January 2025
National Instruments PXI-6551 PXI Digital Waveform Instrument
The NI PXI-6551 (Part Numbers: 778538-01, 778538-02, 778538-03, and 188524K-24L) is a 50 MHz PXI Digital Waveform Generator/Analyzer. This instrument can be utilized in digital applications such as functional testing of memory chips and bidirectional communication. The individual PXI-6551 part numbers have different onboard memory options: Part number 778538-01: 1 Mb/channel, Part number 778538-02: 8 Mb/channel, Part number 778538-03: 64 Mb/channel
With the NI Digital Waveform Editor, an intuitive software tool for creating and modifying digital waveforms, users can import existing test patterns from popular spreadsheets and VHDL simulation packages in ASCII or Value Change Dump (VCD) formats. Once imported, users can graphically view and edit the waveforms interactively to match new devices or test conditions. Additionally, users can generate new waveforms using built-in patterns such as pseudorandom bit sequences (PRBS) and count up/down patterns.
When ready to test a device, the waveforms can be seamlessly integrated into NI LabVIEW, LabVIEW SignalExpress, and C. The Digital Waveform Editor is included with the 8 Mb and 64 Mb/channel models but is available as a separate add-on for the 1 Mb/channel model. The NI PXI-6551 features 20 bidirectional channels and supports a maximum sample clock rate of 50 MHz.
The NI PXI-6551 utilizes the same SMC (Synchronization and Memory Core) architecture as the NI-5122 high-resolution digitizers and NI-5441 arbitrary waveform generators, allowing users to integrate these devices into tightly synchronized mixed-signal prototyping and test systems. For applications requiring precise timing, the PXI-6551 can phase-lock to the 10 MHz reference clock on the PXI backplane or accept an external precision reference via the front panel SMB connector. The maximum power consumption of the PXI-6551 is 26.5 W.
The NI-HSDIO driver software, included with the NI PXI-6551, provides an IVI-compliant API for Windows, offering support for LabVIEW, LabVIEW SignalExpress, LabWindows/CVI, and other text-based development environments.
The PXI-6551 is now Obsolete and is no longer available directly from National Instruments, but the PXI Digital Waveform Instrument will remain available in perpetuity with Apex Waves for both purchase and repair services.
| Model | PXI-6551 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | National Instruments |
| Part Numbers | 778538-01, 778538-02, 778538-03, 188524K-24L |
| Type | PXI Digital Waveform Instrument |
| Maximum Clock Rate | 50 MHz |
| Channels | 20 |
| Onboard Memory | 1, 8, or 64 Mbits per Channel |
| I/O Connectors | SMB Jack, 69-Pin VHDCI Connector |
| Maximum Power Requirement | 26.5 W |
| Total Power | Typically 21.6 W, 26.5 W |
| Warm-Up Time | 15 Minutes |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to 55 °C |
| Storage Temperature | -20 °C to 70 °C |
| Dimensions | 7.32 in × 5.16 in (18.6 cm × 13.1 cm) |
| Weight | 13.2 oz (375 g) |
| Warranty | Three Year Warranty |
| PXI-6551 Manual | User Manual and Maintenance Manual Available for Download |
| Price | Submit a Quote Request Today for Pricing |
Associated part numbers for PXI-6551:
National Instruments PXI-6551 Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How often should the PXI-6551 be calibrated?
Answer: The recommended calibration interval of the instruments is two years.
Question: Why are there multiple part numbers for the NI PXI-6551?
Answer: The PXI Digital Waveform Instrument has several memory choices with distinct part numbers. The 778538-01 has 1 Mb/channel, the 778538-02 has 8 Mb/channel, and the 778538-03 has 64 Mb/channel.
Question: What voltage levels does the instrument have?
Answer: The NI PXI-6551 has programmable, 10 mV steps voltage levels.
Question: Which applications are ideal for the PXI-6551?
Answer: This device is ideal for consumer electronics, semiconductor, communications, and aerospace/defense.
| Accessory Type | Model Name | Part Number |
|---|---|---|
| Cable | SHC68-C68-D4 (Shielded Recommended) | 781013-01 (0.55 m) |
| 196275-01 (1 m) | ||
| 781293-01 (2 m) | ||
| 132625-03 (3 m) | ||
| C68-C68-D4 Cable (Unshielded) | 195949-01 | |
| SHC68-H1X38 (Shielded, Flying Lead) | 192681-1R5 | |
| Cable Adapter | 653x Cable Adapter | 195846-01 |
| Screw Terminal Block (Shielded) | SCB-68 HSDIO | 782914-01 |
| SCB-68A | 782536-01 | |
| Screw Terminal Block (Unshielded, DIN Rail Mount) | CB-2162 | 778592-01 |
| CB-68LP | 777145-01 | |
| CB-68LPR | 777145-02 | |
| Screw Terminal Block (Unshielded) | TBX-68 | 777141-01 |
| Breakout Box | SMB-2163 | 778747-01 |
*The device is compatible with SCSI accessories when using the 653x Cable Adapter. Without this adapter, VHDCI accessories must be used.
*The SCB-68 / SCB-68A must use Direct Feedthrough Mode for configuration.
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