USB-6212 Specifications

Definitions

Warranted specifications describe the performance of a model under stated operating conditions and are covered by the model warranty.

Characteristics describe values that are relevant to the use of the model under stated operating conditions but are not covered by the model warranty.

Typical specifications describe the performance met by a majority of models.
Nominal specifications describe an attribute that is based on design, conformance testing, or supplemental testing.

Specifications are Typical unless otherwise noted.

Conditions

Specifications are valid at 25 °C unless otherwise noted.

Analog Input

Number of channels

8 differential or 16 single ended

ADC resolution

16 bits

DNL

No missing codes guaranteed

INL

Refer to the AI Absolute Accuracy section

Sample rate
Single channel maximum	400 kS/s
Multichannel maximum (aggregate)	400 kS/s
Minimum	0 S/s

Timing resolution

50 ns

Timing accuracy

50 ppm of sample rate

Input coupling

DC

Input range

±0.2 V, ±1 V, ±5 V, ±10 V

Maximum working voltage for analog inputs (signal + common mode)

±10.4 V of AI GND

CMRR (DC to 60 Hz)

100 dB

Input impedance

Device on
AI+ to AI GND	>10 GΩ in parallel with 100 pF
AI- to AI GND	>10 GΩ in parallel with 100 pF

Device off
AI+ to AI GND	1,200 Ω
AI- to AI GND	1,200 Ω

Input bias current

±100 pA

Crosstalk (at 100 kHz)
Adjacent channels	-75 dB
Non-adjacent channels	-90 dB

Small signal bandwidth (-3 dB)

1.5 MHz

Input FIFO size

4,095 samples

Scan list memory

4,095 entries

Data transfers

USB Signal Stream, programmed I/O

Overvoltage protection for all analog input and sense channels
Device on	±30 V for up to two AI pins
Device off	±20 V for up to two AI pins

Input current during overvoltage condition

±20 mA maximum/AI pin

Settling Time for Multichannel Measurements

Accuracy, full-scale step, all ranges
±90 ppm of step (±6 LSB)	2.5 μs convert interval
±30 ppm of step (±2 LSB)	3.5 μs convert interval
±15 ppm of step (±1 LSB)	5.5 μs convert interval

Typical Performance Graphs

1378 — Figure 3. Settling Error versus Time for Different Source Impedances

AI Absolute Accuracy (Warranted)

Note Accuracies listed are valid for up to one year from the device external calibration.

Note The input/output channels of this device are not protected for electromagnetic interference due to functional reasons. As a result, this device may experience reduced measurement accuracy or other temporary performance degradation when connected cables are routed in an environment with radiated or conducted radio frequency electromagnetic interference. To ensure that this device functions within specifications in its operational electromagnetic environment and to limit radiated emissions, care should be taken in the selection, design, and installation of measurement probes and cables.

Table 1. AI Absolute Accuracy
Nominal Range Positive Full Scale	Nominal Range Negative Full Scale	Residual Gain Error (ppm of Reading)	Residual Offset Error (ppm of Range)	Offset Tempco (ppm of Range/°C)	Random Noise, σ (μVrms)	Absolute Accuracy at Full Scale (μV)	Sensitivity (μV)
10	-10	75	20	34	295	2,710	118.0
5	-5	85	20	36	149	1,420	59.6
1	-1	95	25	49	32	310	12.8
0.2	-0.2	135	40	116	13	89	5.2

Note Sensitivity is the smallest voltage change that can be detected. It is a function of noise.

Gain tempco	7.3 ppm/°C
Reference tempco	5 ppm/°C
INL error	76 ppm of range

AI Absolute Accuracy Equation

AbsoluteAccuracy = Reading · (GainError) + Range · (OffsetError) + NoiseUncertainty

GainError = ResidualAIGainError + GainTempco · (TempChangeFromLastInternalCal) + ReferenceTempco · (TempChangeFromLastExternalCal)
OffsetError = ResidualAIOffsetError + OffsetTempco · (TempChangeFromLastInternalCal) + INLError
NoiseUncertainty =
$\frac{Random Noise \cdot 3}{\sqrt{100}}$
for a coverage factor of 3 σ and averaging 100 points.

AI Absolute Accuracy Example

Absolute accuracy at full scale on the analog input channels is determined using the following assumptions:

TempChangeFromLastExternalCal = 10 °C
TempChangeFromLastInternalCal = 1 °C
number_of_readings = 100
CoverageFactor = 3 σ

For example, on the 10 V range, the absolute accuracy at full scale is as follows:

GainError = 75 ppm + 7.3 ppm · 1 + 5 ppm · 10 = 132 ppm
OffsetError = 20 ppm + 34 ppm · 1 + 76 ppm = 130 ppm
NoiseUncertainty =
$\frac{295 µ V \cdot 3}{\sqrt{100}}$
= 88.5 µV
AbsoluteAccuracy = 10 V · (GainError) + 10 V · (OffsetError) + NoiseUncertainty = 2,710 µV

Analog Output

Number of channels

2

DAC resolution

16 bits

DNL

±1 LSB

Monotonicity

16 bit guaranteed

Maximum update rate
1 channel	250 kS/s
2 channels	250 kS/s per channel

Timing accuracy

50 ppm of sample rate

Timing resolution

50 ns

Output range

±10 V

Output coupling

DC

Output impedance

0.2 Ω

Output current drive

±2 mA

Overdrive protection

±30 V

Overdrive current

2.4 mA

Power-on state

±20 mV

Power-on glitch

±1 V for 200 ms

Output FIFO size

8,191 samples shared among channels used

Data transfers

USB Signal Stream, programmed I/O

AO waveform modes

Non-periodic waveform, periodic waveform regeneration mode from onboard FIFO, periodic waveform regeneration from host buffer including dynamic update

Settling time, full-scale step, 15 ppm (1 LSB)

32 µs

Slew rate

5 V/µs

Glitch energy
Magnitude	100 mV
Duration	2.6 µs

AO Absolute Accuracy (Warranted)

Absolute accuracy at full-scale numbers is valid immediately following internal calibration and assumes the device is operating within 10 °C of the last external calibration.

Note Accuracies listed are valid for up to one year from the device external calibration.

Note The input/output channels of this device are not protected for electromagnetic interference due to functional reasons. As a result, this device may experience reduced measurement accuracy or other temporary performance degradation when connected cables are routed in an environment with radiated or conducted radio frequency electromagnetic interference. To ensure that this device functions within specifications in its operational electromagnetic environment and to limit radiated emissions, care should be taken in the selection, design, and installation of measurement probes and cables.

Table 2. AO Absolute Accuracy
Nominal Range Positive Full Scale (V)	Nominal Range Negative Full Scale (V)	Residual Gain Error (ppm of Reading)	Gain Tempco (ppm/°C)	Residual Offset Error (ppm of Range)	Offset Tempco (ppm of Range/°C)	Absolute Accuracy at Full Scale (μV)
10	-10	90	11	60	12	3,512

Reference tempco	5 ppm/°C
INL error	128 ppm of range

AO Absolute Accuracy Equation

AbsoluteAccuracy = OutputValue · (GainError) + Range · (OffsetError)

GainError = ResidualGainError + GainTempco · (TempChangeFromLastInternalCal) + ReferenceTempco · (TempChangeFromLastExternalCal)
OffsetError = ResidualOffsetError + AOOffsetTempco · (TempChangeFromLastInternalCal) + INLError

Digital I/O and PFI

Static Digital I/O Characteristics

Digital input or output
BNC/Mass Termination	24 total, 8 (P0.<0..7>), 16 (PFI <0..7>/P1.<0..7>,PFI <8..15>/P2.<0..7>)
Screw Terminal	32 total, 16 (P0.<0..15>), 16 (PFI <0..7>/P1.<0..7>,PFI <8..15>/P2.<0..7>)

Ground reference

D GND

Pull-down resistor

50 kΩ typical, 20 kΩ minimum

Input voltage protection

±20 V on up to 8 pins^[1]

PFI Functionality

Functionality	Static digital input, static digital output, timing input, timing output
Timing output sources	Many AI, AO, counter timing signals
Debounce filter settings	125 ns, 6.425 µs, 2.56 ms, disable; high and low transitions; selectable per input

Maximum Operating Conditions

I_OL output low current	16 mA maximum
I_OH output high current	-16 mA maximum

Digital Input Characteristics


Level	Minimum	Maximum
V_IL input low voltage	0 V	0.8 V
V_IH input high voltage	2.2 V	5.25 V
I_IL input low current (V_in = 0 V)	-	-10 μA
I_IH input high current (V_in = 5 V)	-	250 μA
Positive-going threshold (VT+)	-	2.2 V
Negative-going threshold (VT-)	0.8 V	-
Delta VT hysteresis (VT+ - VT-)	0.2 V	-

Digital Output Characteristics

General-Purpose Counters/Timers

Number of counter/timers	2
Resolution	32 bits
Counter measurements	Edge counting, pulse, semi-period, period, two-edge separation
Position measurements	X1, X2, X4 quadrature encoding with Channel Z reloading; two-pulse encoding
Output applications	Pulse, pulse train with dynamic updates, frequency division, equivalent time sampling
Internal base clocks	80 MHz, 20 MHz, 0.1 MHz
External base clock frequency	0 MHz to 20 MHz
Base clock accuracy	50 ppm
Inputs	Gate, Source, HW_Arm, Aux, A, B, Z, Up_Down
Routing options for inputs	PFI <0..15>, many internal signals
FIFO	1,023 samples
Data transfers	USB Signal Stream, programmed I/O

Frequency Generator

Number of channels	1
Base clocks	10 MHz, 100 kHz
Divisors	1 to 16
Base clock accuracy	50 ppm

Output can be available on any output PFI terminal.

External Digital Triggers

Source	PFI <0..15>
Polarity	Software-selectable for most signals
Analog input function	Start Trigger, Reference Trigger, Pause Trigger, Sample Clock, Convert Clock, Sample Clock Timebase
Analog output function	Start Trigger, Pause Trigger, Sample Clock, Sample Clock Timebase
Counter/timer function	Gate, Source, HW_Arm, Aux, A, B, Z, Up_Down

Bus Interface

USB	USB 2.0 Hi-Speed or full-speed^[2]
USB Signal Stream	4, can be used for analog input, analog output, counter/timer 0, counter/timer 1

Current Limits

+5 V terminal as output^[3]
Voltage	4.6 V to 5.2 V
Current (internally limited)	50 mA maximum, shared with digital outputs

+5 V terminal as input^[3]
Voltage	4.75 V to 5.35 V
Current	350 mA maximum, self-resetting fuse

Caution Do not exceed 16 mA per DIO pin.

Protection

±10 V

Power Requirements

Input voltage on USB port

4.5 V to 5.25 V in configured state

Maximum inrush current

500 mA

No load typical current

320 mA at 4.5 V

Maximum load
Typical current	400 mA at 4.5 V
Suspend current	260 μA typical

Physical Characteristics

Dimensions (includes connectors)
BNC	23.5 cm × 11.2 cm × 6.4 cm(9.25 in. × 4.40 in. × 2.50 in.)
Mass Termination	19.3 cm × 9.4 cm × 3.1 cm(7.61 in. × 3.68 in. × 1.20 in.)
Screw Terminal	16.9 cm × 9.4 cm × 3.1 cm(6.65 in. × 3.70 in. × 1.20 in.)

Weight
BNC	950 g (33.5 oz)
Mass Termination	227 g (8.0 oz)
Screw Terminal	206 g (7.2 oz)

I/O connectors
BNC	19 BNCs and 26 screw terminals
Mass Termination	1 68-pin SCSI
Screw Terminal	4 16-position combicon

Screw terminal wiring

16 AWG to 28 AWG

Torque for screw terminals

0.22 N · m to 0.25 N · m(2.0 lb · in. to 2.2 lb · in.)

USB connector

Series B receptacle

To clean the device, wipe with a dry towel.

Calibration

Recommended warm-up time	15 minutes
Calibration interval	1 year

Environmental

Operating temperature	0 ºC to 45 ºC
Storage temperature	-20 ºC to 70 ºC
Humidity	10% RH to 90% RH, noncondensing
Maximum altitude	2,000 m
Pollution Degree	2

Indoor use only.

Safety Voltages

Connect only voltages that are below these limits.

Channel-to-earth ground

11 V, Measurement Category I

Measurement Category I is for measurements performed on circuits not directly connected to the electrical distribution system referred to as MAINS voltage. MAINS is a hazardous live electrical supply system that powers equipment. This category is for measurements of voltages from specially protected secondary circuits. Such voltage measurements include signal levels, special equipment, limited-energy parts of equipment, circuits powered by regulated low-voltage sources, and electronics.

Caution Do not use for measurements within Categories II, III, or IV.

Note Measurement Categories CAT I and CAT O (Other) are equivalent. These test and measurement circuits are not intended for direct connection to the MAINS building installations of Measurement Categories CAT II, CAT III, or CAT IV.

Safety Compliance Standards

This product is designed to meet the requirements of the following electrical equipment safety standards for measurement, control, and laboratory use:

IEC 61010-1, EN 61010-1
UL 61010-1, CSA C22.2 No. 61010-1

Note For safety certifications, refer to the product label or the Product Certifications and Declarations section.

Electromagnetic Compatibility

CE Compliance

2011/65/EU; Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS)

Product Certifications and Declarations

Refer to the product Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for additional regulatory compliance information. To obtain product certifications and the DoC for NI products, visit ni.com/product-certifications, search by model number, and click the appropriate link.

Environmental Management

NI is committed to designing and manufacturing products in an environmentally responsible manner. NI recognizes that eliminating certain hazardous substances from our products is beneficial to the environment and to NI customers.

For additional environmental information, refer to the Engineering a Healthy Planet web page at ni.com/environment. This page contains the environmental regulations and directives with which NI complies, as well as other environmental information not included in this document.

EU and UK Customers

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)—At the end of the product life cycle, all NI products must be disposed of according to local laws and regulations. For more information about how to recycle NI products in your region, visit ni.com/environment/weee.

电子信息产品污染控制管理办法（中国RoHS）

中国RoHS— NI符合中国电子信息产品中限制使用某些有害物质指令(RoHS)。关于NI中国RoHS合规性信息，请登录 ni.com/environment/rohs_china。(For information about China RoHS compliance, go to ni.com/environment/rohs_china.)