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July 2025
PCI-6541 Request for Availability
PCI-6541, 32 Data Channels, 68-Pin VHDCI I/O Connector, Digital Waveform Device
Rated 4.7/5 | 19 ratings
Actual item may vary if no part number is provided on quote request.
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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 PCI-6541 Digital Waveform Device
The NI PCI-6541 (Part Numbers: 778988-01, 778988-02, 778988-03, 191431A-01) is a 50 MHz Digital Waveform Generator/Analyzer, designed for high-speed digital applications. With 32 channels featuring per-channel direction control, the device includes deep onboard memory using Synchronization and Memory Core (SMC) technology, enabling advanced triggering and pattern sequencing.
This instrument comes with the NI-HSDIO driver, allowing users to interface with 3.3V TTL (5V TTL compatible), 2.5V, and 1.8V logic levels. Users can also leverage the NI Digital Waveform Editor (sold separately), a powerful tool for creating and modifying digital waveforms. Using this software, users can import test patterns from spreadsheet formats, ASCII, or Value Change Dump (VCD) files, then visualize and edit them graphically for different test conditions.
The PCI-6541 also provides built-in fill patterns such as pseudorandom bit sequences (PRBS) and count up/down patterns for generating test signals. Once users have finalized their waveforms, they can seamlessly import them into NI LabVIEW, LabVIEW SignalExpress, or C environments for execution. The Digital Waveform Editor is included with the 8 Mbit and 64 Mbit/channel models, while it is an optional add-on for the 1 Mbit/channel model. This model also supports data delay adjustments for frequencies ≥25 MHz, with a resolution of 1/256 of the sample clock period.
Physically, the PCI-6541 measures dimensions of 4.95 in. by 13.9 in. (12.6 cm × 35.5 cm) and weighs in at 14.5 oz (410 g). The environmental specifications of the device include an operating temperature range of 0 °C to 45 °C and a storage temperature range of -20 °C to 70 °C. Designed for indoor use only, the pollution degree of the Digital Waveform Device is 2 and it can be operated at altitudes up to 2,000 m above sea level.
While the PCI-6541 is no longer available from NI (National Instruments), the Digital Waveform Device will remain available in perpetuity with Apex Waves for purchase or repairs!
| Model | PCI-6541 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | National Instruments |
| Part Numbers | 778988-01, 778988-02, 778988-03, 191431A-01 |
| Type | Digital Waveform Device |
| Data Channels | 32 (3.3V TTL, 2.5V, 1.8V Logic Families) |
| Sample Clock Frequency | 50 MHz |
| Onboard Memory Size | 1 Mbit/Channel, 8 Mbit/Channel, 64 Mbit/Channel |
| I/O Connector | 68-Pin VHDCI |
| Power Requirements | +3.3 VDC, +5VDC, +12 VDC, -12VDC - 1.6A, 1.2A, 0.25A, 0.06A |
| Total Power | Typically 15 W, Maximum 20.5 W |
| Power Dissipation | 15 W |
| Warm-Up Time | 15 Minutes |
| Operating Temp Range | 0 °C to 45 °C |
| Storage Temp Range | -20 °C to 70 °C |
| Dimensions | 4.95 in. by 13.9 in. (12.6 cm × 35.5 cm) |
| Weight | 14.5 oz (410 g) |
| Software Driver | NI-HSDIO |
| Warranty | Three Year Warranty |
| PCI-6541 Manual | User Manual and Maintenance Manual Available for Download |
| Price | Get a Quote Today for Pricing Information |
Associated part numbers for PCI-6541:
National Instruments PCI-6541 Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What is the maximum cable length for the PCI-6541?
Answer: The recommended maximum cable length is 1 meter. While a 2-meter cable (Part Number: 781293-01) is available, performance specifications are not guaranteed beyond 1 meter..
Question: Which accessories are required for the NI PCI 6541?
Answer: The Digital Waveform Device requires an I/O cable for connectivity. Recommended options include the SHC68-C68-D4 series cables, such as the 0.55 m (Part Number: 781013-01), 1 m (Part Number: 196275-01), or 2 m (Part Number: 781293-01). Optionally, users can use a compatible connector block, such as the CB-2162 (Part Number: 778747-01) or SMB-2163 (Part Number: 778592-01). For applications requiring flexible connections, accessories like the SHC68-H1X38 High-Speed Digital Flying-Leads Cable (Part Number: 192681-1R5) and the IC Grabber Clip Set (Part Number: 194096-01) are available.
Question: Which safety certifications does the PCI-6541 comply with?
Answer: The device complies with the following safety certifications: IEC 61010-1, EN 61010-1, UL 61010-1, and CSA C22.2 No. 61010-1.
Question: What is the total power of the Digital Waveform Device?
Answer: The total power for the PCI-6541 is typically 15 W and at maximum 20.5 W.
| 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.
PCI-6541 PDF Manuals
MAINTAIN-FORCED-AIR-COOLING-NOTE-TO-USERS.PDF
NI-HIGH-SPEED-DIGITAL-WAVEFORM-GENERATOR-ANALYZER-GETTING-STARTED-GUIDE.PDF
Driver Downloads for PCI-6541
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