USB-6218

Specifications

2024-05-28
 USB-6218 Specifications

Contents
USB-6218 Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

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 USB-6218 Specifications

USB-6218 Specifications
These specifications apply to the USB-218 BNC and USB-6218 Spring Terminal.

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 16 differential or 32 single ended

ADC resolution 16 bits

DNL No missing codes guaranteed

INL Refer to the AI Absolute Accuracy section

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Sample rate
Single channel maximum 250 kS/s

Multichannel maximum (aggregate) 250 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 ±10.4 V of AI GND

(signal + common mode)

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)

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Adjacent channels -75 dB

Non-adjacent channels -90 dB

Small signal bandwidth (-3 dB) 450 kHz

Input FIFO size 4,095 samples

Scan list memory 4,095 entries

USB 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) 4 μs convert interval

±30 ppm of step (±2 LSB) 5 μs convert interval

±15 ppm of step (±1 LSB) 7 μs convert interval

Typical Performance Graphs

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Figure 1. Settling Error versus Time for Different Source Impedances

10 k
≤100 Ω
1 kΩ
1k 2 kΩ
Error (ppm of Step Size)

5 kΩ
10 kΩ

100

10

1
1 10 100
Time (µs)

Figure 2. AI CMRR
140

120

100
CMRR (dB)

80

60

40

60 100 1k 10 k 100 k
Frequency (Hz)

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

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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 Nominal Residual Residual Offset Random Absolute Sensitivity
Range Range Gain Error Offset Tempco Noise, σ Accuracy (μV)
Positive Negative (ppm of Error (ppm (ppm of (μVrms) at Full
Full Scale Full Scale Reading) of Range) Range/°C) Scale (μV)
(V) (V)
10 -10 75 20 34 229 2,690 91.6
5 -5 85 20 36 118 1,410 47.2
1 -1 95 25 49 26 310 10.4
0.2 -0.2 135 40 116 12 88 4.8

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)

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■ OffsetError = ResidualAIOffsetError + OffsetTempco ·

(TempChangeFromLastInternalCal) + INLError
■ NoiseUncertainty =
Random Noise 3
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 =
229 µV 3
100
= 68.7 µV
■ AbsoluteAccuracy = 10 V · (GainError) + 10 V · (OffsetError) +
NoiseUncertainty = 2,690 µV

Analog Output
Number of channels 2

DAC resolution 16 bits

DNL ±1 LSB

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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

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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.

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Table 2. AO Absolute Accuracy

Nominal Nominal Residual Gain Residual Offset Absolute
Range Range Gain Error Tempco Offset Error Tempco Accuracy at
Positive Full Negative Full (ppm of (ppm/°C) (ppm of (ppm of Full Scale
Scale (V) Scale (V) Reading) Range) Range/°C) (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

Number of digital input channels 8 (PFI <0..3>/P0.<0..3>, PFI <8..11>/P0.<4..7>)

Number of digital output channels 8 (PFI <4..7>/P1.<0..3>, PFI <12..15>/P1.<4..7>)

Ground reference D GND

Pull-down resistor 47 kΩ ±1%

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 USB-6218 Specifications

Input voltage protection ±20 V on up to 8 pins[1]

PFI Functionality

PFI <0..3>, PFI <8..11>/Port 0

Functionality Static digital input, timing input

Debounce filter settings 125 ns, 6.425 µs, 2.56 ms, disable; high and low
transitions; selectable per input

PFI <4..7>, PFI <12..15>/Port 1

Functionality Static digital output, timing output

Timing output sources Many AI, AO, counter timing signals

Maximum Operating Conditions

IOL output low current 16 mA maximum

IOH output high current -16 mA maximum

Digital Input Characteristics

Level Minimum Maximum

VIL input low voltage 0V 0.8 V
VIH input high voltage 2V 5.25 V
IIL input low current (Vin = 0 V) - -10 μA
IIH input high current (Vin = 5 V) - 120 μA

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Digital Output Characteristics

Parameter Voltage Level Current Level

VOL 0.6 V 6 mA
VOH 2.7 V -16 mA
VOH 3.8 V -6 mA

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..3>, PFI <8..11>, many internal signals

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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..3>, PFI <8..11>

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

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Bus Interface
USB USB 2.0 Hi-Speed or full-speed[2]

USB Signal Stream 4, can be used for analog input, analog output,
digital input, digital 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

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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.)

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)

Screw Terminal 206 g (7.2 oz)

I/O connectors
BNC 19 BNCs and 26 screw terminals

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

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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[4]
Continuous ≤60 VDC Measurement Category I

Withstand ≤1,000 Vrms, verified by a 5 s dielectric

withstand test

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 USB-6218 Specifications

Analog channel-to-AI GND or AO GND (in the ≤11 V, Measurement Category I

following figure, |Va - Vc|)

Digital channel-to-D GND (in the following ≤5.25 V, Measurement Category I

figure, |Vb - Vc|)

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 This device is rated for Measurement Category I and the voltage
across the isolation barrier is limited to no greater than 30 Vrms/60 VDC/
42.4 Vpk continuous. Do not use for measurements within Measurement
Categories CAT II, CAT III, or CAT 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.

The following figure illustrates the safety voltages specifications.

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Figure 3. USB-6218 Safety Voltages

Isolated Front End USB Connector

Va AI x/AO x

Vb PFI x

Bus
Vc AI GND/AO GND/D GND

Isolation Barrier

Ve

Bus

Vd

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

© National Instruments 19
 USB-6218 Specifications

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）

• e 5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

40

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.)

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