Low-Cost M Series Multifunction DAQ

16-Bit, 250 kS/s, up to 80 Analog Inputs

NI recommends high-speed M Series
for 5X faster sampling rates or
high-accuracy M Series for
4X higher resolution
16, 32, or 80 analog inputs
at 16-bit, 250 kS/s
Up to 4 analog outputs at 16 bits,
833 kS/s (6 s full-scale settling time)
Programmable input range
(10, 5, 1, 0.2 V) per channel
Up to 48 TTL/CMOS digital I/O lines
(up to 32 hardware-timed at 1 MHz)
Two 32-bit, 80 MHz counter/timers
Digital triggering
NI-MCal calibration technology for
improved measurement accuracy
6 DMA channels for fast
data throughput
Available lifetime warranty and
calibration services
NI M Series Low-Cost
Family Bus Analog Inputs
Analog Input
Resolution (bits) Analog Outputs
Output
Resolution (bits)
Max Output
Rate (kS/s)
Analog Output
Range (V) Digital I/O
Correlated
(clocked) DIO
NI 6220 PCI, PXI 16 16 24 8, up to 1 MHz
NI 6221 PCI, PXI 16 16 2 16 833 10 24 8, up to 1 MHz
NI 6221 (37-Pin)
1
PCI 16 16 2 16 833 10 10 2, up to 1 MHz
NI 6224 PCI, PXI 32 16 48 32, up to 1 MHz
NI 6225 PCI, PXI 80 16 2 16 833 10 24 8, up to 1 MHz
NI 6229 PCI, PXI 32 16 4 16 833 10 48 32, up to 1 MHz
1
37-Pin multifunction DAQ devices are not compatible with NI SCC or SCXI platforms.
Table 1. Low-Cost M Series Selection Guide
Operating Systems
Windows 2000/XP
Mac OS X
Linux

Recommended Software
LabVIEW
LabWindows/CVI
Measurement Studio
Other Compatible Software
SignalExpress
VI Logger
Visual Studio .NET
C/C++/C#
Measurement Services
Software (included)
1
NI-DAQmx driver software
Measurement & Automation Explorer
configuration utility
VI Logger Lite data-logging software
1
Mac OS X users must download NI-DAQmx Base driver.
Lifetime Warranties NEW!
Overview and Applications
National Instruments M Series low-cost multifunction data acquisition
(DAQ) devices provide optimized functionality for cost-sensitive
applications. Low-cost M Series devices have up to 80 analog inputs,
48 digital I/O lines, four analog outputs, two counter/timers, and digital
triggering. All low-cost M Series devices are available with lifetime
warranties and additional calibration services. Low-cost M Series
devices have a one-year calibration interval. For better accuracy,
faster speeds, and an extended 2-year calibration service,
consider the high-speed and high-accuracy M Series devices.
MSeries for Test
For test, you can use 16-bit, 250 kS/s analog inputs and 1 MHz digital
lines in conjunction with NI signal conditioning for applications including
data logging and sensor measurements. Low-cost M Series devices are
compatible with National Instruments SCC and SCXI signal conditioning
platforms, which provide amplification, filtering, and power for virtually
every type of sensor. These platforms also are compliant with IEEE 1451.4
smart transducer electronic data sheet (TEDS) sensors, which provide
digital storage for sensor data sheet information.

MSeries for Control
MSeries digital lines can drive 24 mA for relay and actuator control.
With up to four analog outputs, two 80 MHz counter/timers, and six
DMA channels, M Series devices can execute multiple control loops
simultaneously. Low-cost M Series devices also have direct support for
encoder measurements, protected digital lines, and digital debounce
filters for control applications. With up to 80 analog inputs, 32 clocked
digital lines at rates of 1 MHz, and four analog outputs, you can execute
multiple control loops with a single device. For higher-count control loops,
you can use M Series devices in conjunction and tightly synchronized with
National Instruments analog output devices for 64 or more loops.
MSeries for Design
You can use the wide range of I/O from 80 analog inputs to 48 digital
lines to measure and verify prototype designs. M Series devices and
National Instruments SignalExpress interactive measurement software
bring benchtop measurements to the PC.With NI SignalExpress
interactive configuration-based steps, you can quickly create design
verification tests. The fast acquisition and generation rates of low-cost
MSeries devices along with SignalExpress provide on-the-fly design
analysis. You can convert your tested and verified SignalExpress projects
to NI LabVIEW applications for immediate M Series DAQ use and bridge
the gap between test, control, and design applications.
Hybrid-Slot-Compatible PXI Modules
PXI M Series modules are hybrid-slot-compatible so that you can use
them in both PXI slots and the hybrid slots found in new PXI Express
chassis. The PXI Systems Alliance specifies that hybrid-slot-compatible
PXI modules use modified slot connectors to mechanically fit in both
PXI slots and hybrid slots. This mechanical change:
Provides compatibility to past, current, and future PXI chassis
Maintains existing product specifications
Requires no software changes (application or driver)
Maintains speed and capability of all PXI communication (PXI Express
signaling is not provided)
However, hybrid-slot-compatible PXI modules do not include the
pins used to implement PXI local bus communication, which is used
for backplane SCXI control from the right most PXI slot in PXI/SCXI
combination chassis (PXI-1010, PXI-1011, PXI-1050, and PXI-1052).
For these applications, NI provides unmodified PXI M Series modules
that maintain the required local bus capabilities. Refer to SCXI Control
of PXI/SCXI Combination Chassis section within Ordering Information
for part numbers.
Simultaneous and Intelligent Data Acquisition
When you need to obtain performance from a data acquisition
device beyond the capabilities of a multifunction DAQ device,
National Instruments provides simultaneous sampling with NI S Series
and intelligent DAQ with NI R Series. The S Series architecture
dedicates an ADC per channel to provide higher aggregate sampling
rates compared to multiplexed devices. S Series devices are ideal for
applications including IF digitization, transient recording, ultrasound
and sonar testing, and high-energy physics.
The multifunction R Series data acquisition devices contain a 1M/3M
gate FPGA that is reconfigurable using the NI LabVIEW FPGA Module.
Multifunction R Series devices have up to eight independent 16-bit
analog inputs with up to 200 kHz simultaneous sampling, up to eight
independent 16-bit analog outputs with up to 1 MHz simultaneous
update rates, and up to 96 digital I/O lines configurable at rates up to
40 MHz.You can customize these devices to develop capabilities such as
complete control over the synchronization and timing of all signals and
operations; user-defined onboard decision-making logic; and digital lines
individually configurable as input, output, counter/timers, PWM, flexible
encoder inputs, or user-defined communication protocols.
Recommended Accessories
Signal conditioning is required for sensor measurements or voltage
inputs greater than 10 V. National Instruments SCXI is a versatile,
high-performance signal conditioning platform optimized for high-
channel-count applications. NI SCC provides portable, flexible signal
conditioning options on a per-channel basis. Visit ni.com/sigcon
for resources on available NI signal conditioning.
The new National Instruments PCI-6221 (37-Pin) is the first M Series
device to offer the 37-pin D-Sub connector that lowers connectivity
cost by 80 percent. The D-Sub connector makes the NI PCI-6221 (37-Pin)
ideal for OEM applications. For applications that do not require signal
conditioning, refer to Table 2 for recommended cabling and accessories.
Recommended Training and Services
All M Series devices are available with additional warranty and
calibration services. Choose from the one-year extended warranty,
lifetime warranty, or lifetime warranty with one basic calibration
service. For new data acquisition programmers, NI recommends the
Data Acquisition: 7 Steps to Success Tutorial Kit. This tutorial kit helps
shorten development time for data acquisition applications by describing
the various stages of getting started with data acquisition applications
including system definition, setup, test, and application programming.
Low-Cost M Series Multifunction DAQ 16-Bit, 250 kS/s, up to 80 Analog Inputs
2
BUY ONLINE at ni.com or CALL (800) 813 3693 (U.S.)
Low-Cost M Series Multifunction DAQ 16-Bit, 250 kS/s, up to 80 Analog Inputs
3
BUY ONLINE at ni.com or CALL (800) 813 3693 (U.S.)
Ordering Information
PCI
NI PCI-6220............................................................................779065-01
NI PCI-6221............................................................................779066-01
NI PCI-6221 (37-Pin) ..............................................................779418-01
NI PCI-6224............................................................................779067-01
NI PCI-6225............................................................................779295-01
NI PCI-6229............................................................................779068-01
PXI
NI PXI-6220............................................................................779112-01
NI PXI-6221............................................................................779629-01
NI PXI-6224............................................................................779114-01
NI PXI-6225............................................................................779296-01
NI PXI-6229............................................................................779630-01
Includes data acquisition driver software.
SCXI Control of PXI/SCXI Combination Chassis
NI PXI-6221............................................................................779113-01
NI PXI-6229............................................................................779115-01
Data Acquisition Services
Data Acquisition: 7 Steps to Success ..................................779489-01
1-Year Extended Warranty ....................................................960431-01
Lifetime Ltd Warranty ..........................................................960432-01
Lifetime Ltd Warranty and 1 Basic Calibration ....................960433-01
BUY NOW!
For complete product specifications, pricing, and accessory
information, call (800) 813 3693 (U.S.) or go to ni.com/daq.
Recommended Software
National Instruments measurement services software, built around
NI-DAQmx driver software, includes intuitive application programming
interfaces, configuration tools, I/O assistants, and other tools designed
to reduce system setup, configuration, and development time. National
Instruments recommends using the latest version of NI-DAQmx driver
software for application development in National Instruments LabVIEW,
LabWindows/CVI, and Measurement Studio. To obtain the latest version
of NI-DAQmx, visit ni.com/support/daq/versions. Mac OS X users
can program M Series devices with NI-DAQmx Base driver software.
MSeries devices are compatible with the following versions (or later) of
NI application software LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, or Measurement
Studio versions 7.x; SignalExpress 1.x; VI Logger 2.0; or LabVIEW with
the LabVIEW Real-Time Module 7.1. M Series devices are not
compatible with the Traditional NI-DAQ (Legacy) driver.
MSeries Feature Connect to. . . Connector
1
Cable
2
Cable Adapter Accessory
68-pin devices Noise-reducing SCC portable signal conditioning 0 or 1 SHC68-68-EPM See ni.com/sigcom or SCC-68
Noise-reducing SCXI high-performance signal conditioning 0 only SHC68-68-EPM See ni.com/sigcom
Noise-reducing Screw terminals 0 or 1 SHC68-68-EPM SCC-68, SCB-68, or TBX-68
Noise-reducing Screw terminals (PXI only) 0 only TB-2706
Noise-reducing BNC terminal block 0 or 1 SHC68-68-EPM BNC-2110, BNC-2111, BNC-2120, or BNC-2090
Noise-reducing 50-pin connector 0 or 1 SHC68-68-EPM 68M-50F-MIO Custom-built or third-party
Basic shielding Screw terminals 0 or 1 SHC68-68 SCB-68, CB-68LP or CB-68LPR
Low-cost Screw terminals 0 or 1 RC68-68 CB-68LP or CB-68LPR
Custom connectivity Board mounting connectors 0 or 1 SHC68-68-EPM PCB mounting connectors
Custom connectivity 68-pin female connector 0 or 1 SHC68-68M-EPM Custom-built or third-party
Custom connectivity Unterminated 0 or 1 SHC68-NT-S Custom-built or third-party
37-pin devices Low-cost Screw terminals 0 only SH37F-37M-1 CB-37FH, CB-37FV
Low-cost Screw terminals 0 only CB-37F-LP
1
Connector 0 is found on all M Series devices. 0 and 1 require two cables and accessories and are available on NI 6224, NI 6225, and NI 6229 devices.
2
For NI 6225, use SHC68-68-EPM on connector 0 and SHC68-68 on connector 1.
Table 2. Recommended Accessories
NI Services and Support
NI has the services and support to meet
your needs around the globe and through
the application life cycle from planning
and development through deployment
and ongoing maintenance. We offer
services and service levels to meet
customer requirements in research,
design, validation, and manufacturing.
Visit ni.com/services.
Training and Certification
NI training is the fastest, most certain route to productivity with our
products. NI training can shorten your learning curve, save development
time, and reduce maintenance costs over the application life cycle. We
schedule instructor-led courses in cities worldwide, or we can hold a
course at your facility. We also offer a professional certification program
that identifies individuals who have high levels of skill and knowledge on
using NI products. Visit ni.com/training.
Professional Services
Our Professional Services Team is comprised of NI applications engineers,
NI Consulting Services, and a worldwide National Instruments Alliance
Partner program of more than 600 independent consultants and
integrators. Services range from
start-up assistance to turnkey
system integration.
Visit ni.com/alliance.
OEM Support
We offer design-in consulting and product integration assistance if you
want to use our products for OEM applications. For information about
special pricing and services for OEM customers, visit ni.com/oem.
Local Sales and Technical Support
In offices worldwide, our staff is local to the country, giving you access
to engineers who speak your language. NI delivers industry-leading
technical support through online knowledge bases, our applications
engineers, and access to 14,000 measurement and automation
professionals within NI Developer Exchange forums. Find immediate
answers to your questions at ni.com/support.
We also offer service programs that provide automatic upgrades to
your application development environment and higher levels of technical
support. Visit ni.com/ssp.
Hardware Services
NI Factory Installation Services
NI Factory Installation Services (FIS) is the fastest and easiest way to
use your PXI or PXI/SCXI combination systems right out of the box.
Trained NI technicians install the software and hardware and configure
the system to your specifications. NI extends the standard warranty by
one year on hardware components (controllers, chassis, modules)
purchased with FIS. To use FIS, simply configure your system online with
ni.com/pxiadvisor.
Calibration Services
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 specifically designed for use by metrology
laboratories. Visit ni.com/calibration.
Repair and Extended Warranty
NI provides complete repair services for our products. Express repair
and advance replacement services are also available. We offer
extended warranties to help you meet project life-cycle requirements.
Visit ni.com/services.
SERVICE
NEEDS
National Instruments [email protected]
ni.com (800) 813 3693 *251343A-01*
351343A-01 2006-6943-301-101-D
2006 National Instruments Corporation. All rights reserved. CVI, DAQPad, LabVIEW, Measurement Studio, National Instruments,
National Instruments Alliance Partner, NI, ni.com, and SCXI are trademarks of National Instruments. Linux

is the registered trademark of

Linus Torvalds in the U.S. and other countries. Other product and company names listed are trademarks or trade names of their respective companies.
A National Instruments Alliance Partner is a business entity independent from NI and has no agency, partnership, or joint-venture relationship with NI.
Data Acquisition and Signal Conditioning
Driver Software Options
Overview
The quality of the driver software is just as important as the quality of
the measurement hardware. National Instruments offers three levels of
data acquisition software, each with its own unique offering. The result
is a complete offering of DAQ software to simplify use of NI data
acquisition hardware in any application.
Three Levels of DAQ Driver Software
1. NI-DAQmx is full-featured, high-performance driver software that
maximizes productivity and performance through an intuitive
programming interface and added software.
2. NI-DAQmx Base is a basic multiplatform DAQ driver with a subset
of NI-DAQmx functionality. It is the best option for applications on
Mac OS X, RTX, and Pocket PC.
3. Measurement Hardware DDK is a development kit for the creation
of custom drivers using register-level programming.
Note: Not all drivers work with all devices. Visit
ni.com/support/daq/versions to check compatibility.
NI-DAQmx Driver Software
NI-DAQmx is full-featured, high-performance driver software that
maximizes productivity and performance through an intuitive
programming interface and included measurement services. It supports
broad ranges of programming languages, devices, buses, sensors, and
even mixed-signal types. NI-DAQmx is the best option almost every time
for Windows and Linux development.
Note: National Instruments recommends using the latest version of
NI-DAQmx driver software for application development in NI LabVIEW,
LabWindows/CVI, and Measurement Studio 7.x or later on Windows
and Linux.
Included Measurement Services
1
NI-DAQmx includes a collection of measurement services designed to
save data acquisition system developers time and money. A few of these
services include:
Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) Software for
configuring, calibrating, testing, and managing your hardware.
DAQ Assistant Software for creating configuration-based data
acquisition tasks and automatic code generation in popular application
development environments.
VI Logger Lite FREE software specifically designed for basic
data-logging applications.
NI Device Monitor Software that provides a true plug-and-play
experience for developers using USB DAQ modules.
1
Windows version only.
NI-DAQmx
Compatible with more than 200
DAQ devices
Full-featured driver software for
Windows and Linux

High-performance driver engine

Fast single-point and multithreaded I/O
Automatic code generation
with DAQ Assistant
Virtual channels for simple
measurement configuration
Multiple-device synchronization
Optimized integration with LabVIEW VIs
and analysis
API for LabVIEW, ANSI C,
Visual Studio .NET, and Visual Basic
FREE data-logging software included
NI-DAQmx Base
Compatible with more than 80
DAQ devices
Multiplatform driver for Linux, Mac OS X,
RTX, Pocket PC, and Windows
Subset of NI-DAQmx functionality
Similar programming interface
to NI-DAQmx
Basic DAQ driver for LabVIEW and ANSI C
Measurement
Hardware DDK
Custom-driver development tools
Register-level programming interface
Designed for OEM customers
Data acquisition for virtually any OS
NI-DAQmx Base Driver Software
NI-DAQmx Base offers a subset of NI-DAQmx functionality on Windows,
Linux, Mac OS X, RTX, and Pocket PC OSs. This driver software includes
ready-to-use LabVIEW VIs and C function examples similar to those
included in the full-featured NI-DAQmx software.
National Instruments built NI-DAQmx Base driver software using the
NI Measurement Hardware DDK and developed the software almost
entirely in the multiplatform LabVIEW graphical development environment.
This lightweight, agile architecture makes it possible to quickly develop
NI-DAQmx Base for additional OSs and devices in the future.
NI-DAQmx Base is the best choice for applications on Mac OS X, RTX,
and Pocket PC.
Developers creating applications for Windows or Linux-based systems
should consider using the latest in full-featured NI-DAQmx.
Measurement Hardware DDK
The Measurement Hardware DDK provides development tools and a
register-level programming interface for the development of custom driver
software. The Measurement Hardware DDK, designed for OEM customers
developing applications that require nonstandard OSs, provides access to
the full device register map and offers examples for completing common
measurement and control functions. The Measurement Hardware DDK
works with a selection of multifunction, analog output, digital I/O, and
counter/timer I/O devices, including M Series, E Series, and S Series
devices. Standard phone and e-mail support are not available for
Measurement Hardware DDK users.
Developers considering the Measurement Hardware DDK
should also study the advantages of industry-leading NI-DAQmx
and NI-DAQmx Base software.
Data Acquisition and Signal Conditioning Driver Software Options
2
BUY ONLINE at ni.com or CALL (800) 813 3693 (U.S.)
For the latest information on applicable devices and OSs or new features, visit ni.com/daq/software.
NI-DAQmx NI-DAQmx Base Measurement Hardware DDK
High-Performance Multithreaded Driver MultiplatformRegister-Level Interface Custom Driver Development Tools
Bus and OS Support
PCI/PXI Linux, Windows 2000/NT/XP Linux, Mac OS X, RTX
4
Linux, Mac OS X, VxWorks
2
, QNX
2
USB
1
Windows 2000/XP Linux, Mac OS X
PCMCIA Windows 2000/NT/XP Pocket PC/WinCE Pocket PC/WinCE
CompactFlash Pocket PC/WinCE
Programming Languages
Programming languages LabVIEW, C/C++, Microsoft Visual Basic .NET and C# LabVIEW, C/C++ LabVIEW, C/C++
LabVIEW interface Complete polymorphic VIs and property nodes Limited NI-DAQmx polymorphic VIs Register-level VIs
Additional Measurement Services
Development speed A F D
DAQ Assistant code generation A
3

Multithreaded I/O performance A

Driver footprint D F A
Test panels A D

Automatic sensor scaling A

Single programming interface for all hardware and I/O types A A

Measurement examples >200 30 30

Hardware
M Series
S Series
E Series
B Series
USB DAQ
SC Series
SCXI
DSA
Digital I/O
Timing I/O
AO
KEY: ABest, FBetter, DGood, All or many devices supported.
1
USB DAQPad devices use NI-DAQmx.
2
With third-party software.
3
Windows only.
4
LabVIEW only.
NI Services and Support
2006 National Instruments Corporation. All rights reserved. CVI, LabVIEW, Measurement Studio, National Instruments,
National Instruments Alliance Partner, NI, ni.com, and NI-DAQ are trademarks of National Instruments. Linux

is the registered trademark of

Linus Torvalds in the U.S. and other countries. Other product and company names listed are trademarks or trade names of their respective companies.
A National Instruments Alliance Partner is a business entity independent from NI and has no agency, partnership, or joint-venture relationship with NI.
National Instruments [email protected]
ni.com (800) 813 3693
NI has the services and support to meet
your needs around the globe and through
the application life cycle from planning
and development through deployment
and ongoing maintenance. We offer
services and service levels to meet
customer requirements in research,
design, validation, and manufacturing.
Visit ni.com/services.
Local Sales and Technical Support
In offices worldwide, our staff is local to the country, giving you access
to engineers who speak your language. NI delivers industry-leading
technical support through online knowledge bases, our applications
engineers, and access to 14,000 measurement and automation
professionals within NI Developer Exchange forums. Find immediate
answers to your questions at ni.com/support.
Training and Certification
NI training is the fastest, most certain route to productivity with our
tools. NI training can shorten your learning curve, save development
time, and reduce maintenance costs over the application life cycle. We
schedule instructor-led courses in cities worldwide, or we can hold a
course at your facility. We also offer a professional certification program
that identifies individuals who
have high levels of skill and
knowledge on using NI products.
Visit ni.com/training.
Professional Services
Our Professional Services Team is comprised of NI applications engineers,
NI Consulting Services, and a worldwide National Instruments Alliance
Partner program of more than 600 independent consultants and
integrators. Services range from start-up assistance to turnkey system
integration. Visit ni.com/alliance.
Software Service Programs
NI offers service programs that provide automatic upgrades to your
application development environment and higher levels of technical
support. Our service programs ensure that you always have the latest
advances in productivity and receive live, on-demand access to NI
applications engineers through phone and e-mail to assist in developing
your solutions. Service programs are cost-effective and simplify software
purchasing as an annual, fixed cost, making it easier to plan and budget
than intermittent individual upgrades. You also receive discounts for our
training courses and materials. For details, visit ni.com/ssp.
Basic Service Level
Upgrades purchased separately
Support by NI applications engineers, R&D engineers, partners, and
community members through online Developer Exchange
Access to KnowledgeBase, example code, troubleshooting wizards,
solutions, and white papers
Standard Service Level
Automatic upgrades included
All the benefits of Basic Service
Support by NI applications engineers through direct phone or
e-mail access
10 percent discount on training courses and materials
Premier Service Level
All the benefits of Standard Service
Support by NI senior applications engineers through direct phone or
e-mail access with extended hours of operation
SERVICE
NEEDS
*342565A-01*
342565A-01 2005-6083-301-101-D