Material
Other, Global universal model
Condition
Other, Global universal model
Task
Other, Global universal model
Mathematical Model
Other, Global universal model
Signal
Other, Global universal model
Customized
Non-Customized
Structure
Other, Global universal model
NI PXI-4461 186900T-11L
The NI PXI-4461 is a high-performance data acquisition device as part of the PXI (PCI eXtensions for Instrumentation) modular instrument system, primarily used in audio, vibration, and acoustic measurement applications.
I. Core Functions and Application Scenarios1. Key Functions
High-Precision Data Acquisition: Supports synchronous acquisition and output of multi-channel analog signals for dynamic signal analysis.
Vibration & Acoustic Measurement: Connects to sensors like accelerometers and microphones for equipment fault diagnosis, noise testing, etc.
Audio Testing: Enables audio signal acquisition and playback for performance evaluation of audio devices and systems.
Real-Time Signal Processing: Built-in digital signal processing (DSP) functions for real-time filtering, FFT analysis, and more on acquired signals.
2. Typical Applications
Automotive NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) testing
Industrial equipment vibration monitoring and fault analysis
Acoustic environment measurement and noise control
Audio device R&D and quality inspection
Laboratory dynamic signal research

II. Technical Specifications in Detail1. Analog Input Characteristics
Channels: 4 channels (differential input)
Sampling Rate: Up to 102.4 kS/s (single channel), supports multi-channel synchronous sampling
Resolution: 24-bit ADC with 115 dB dynamic range
Frequency Response: 0.5 Hz to 44.1 kHz (typical)
Input Range: Selectable ±10 V, ±5 V, ±1 V, ±0.5 V
2. Analog Output Characteristics
Channels: 2 channels (differential output)
Sampling Rate: Up to 102.4 kS/s (single channel)
Resolution: 24-bit DAC with 108 dB dynamic range
Output Range: Selectable ±10 V, ±5 V
3. Digital I/O and Triggering
Digital I/O Lines: 8 general-purpose lines (configurable for triggering or status control)
Trigger Modes: Supports software triggering, hardware triggering (PXI trigger bus, external trigger), and synchronous triggering (multi-device clock synchronization)
4. Hardware Features
Anti-Aliasing Filter: Built-in programmable anti-aliasing filter with dynamically adjustable cutoff frequency
Signal Conditioning: Integrated IEPE (Integrated Electronics Piezoelectric) excitation source for direct connection to IEPE sensors
Clock Stability: Built-in low-noise clock with support for external clock input to enhance synchronization accuracy

III. Hardware Interfaces and Compatibility1. Interface Types
PXI Interface: Supports PXI Express bus, compatible with PXI and PXIe chassis
Signal Interfaces: Connects to sensors via NI SCB-68 or SCB-44 terminal blocks with BNC or screw terminal interfaces
Power Supply: Powered by the PXI chassis, no additional power adapter needed
2. System Compatibility
Operating Systems: Supports Windows (7/10/11), Linux, LabVIEW Real-Time, etc.
Software Drivers: Compatible with NI-DAQmx drivers, supports development environments like LabVIEW, C/C++, and Python
Modular Expansion: Can be combined with other PXI modules (e.g., NI PXI-4472, PXI-5441) to build complex testing systems
IV. Software Support and Development Tools1. Drivers and Development Environments
NI-DAQmx: Provides a unified driver interface for multi-channel configuration and real-time data acquisition
LabVIEW: Graphical programming environment with extensive signal analysis and processing toolkits
API Support: Offers API interfaces for languages like C, C#, and Python for easy integration into custom applications
2. Common Toolkits
NI Sound and Vibration Measurement Suite: Designed for acoustic and vibration measurement, including spectrum analysis, octave analysis, etc.
NI SignalExpress: Enables quick configuration of data acquisition and analysis workflows without programming
MathWorks MATLAB: Supports data import and advanced algorithm development
V. Advantages and Features
High Resolution & Low Noise: 24-bit ADC and low-noise design for weak signal detection (e.g., acoustic measurements with microphones).
IEPE Integration: Directly connects to IEPE sensors without extra signal conditioning, simplifying system setup.
Synchronization Performance: Supports multi-module clock synchronization for scalable multi-channel testing (e.g., vehicle NVH testing).
Real-Time Processing: Built-in DSP chip executes real-time filtering, windowing, etc., reducing host load during acquisition.
Reliability & Durability: Meets industrial standards for lab and field testing environments.

VII. Comparison with Similar Products
| Model | NI PXI-4461 | NI PXI-4472 | NI PXI-4432 |
|---|
| Channels | 4 in / 2 out | 8 in / 2 out | 4 in / 2 out |
| Sampling Rate | 102.4 kS/s | 204.8 kS/s | 102.4 kS/s |
| Resolution | 24-bit | 24-bit | 24-bit |
| IEPE Support | Yes | Yes | No (external conditioning required) |
| Typical Applications | Acoustics, vibration | Multi-channel vibration monitoring | Industrial noise analysis |
VIII. Summary
The NI PXI-4461, with its high resolution, IEPE integration, and flexible synchronization, is an ideal choice for audio, vibration, and acoustic measurement. Its modular design supports system expansion as needed, and combined with NI's software ecosystem (e.g., LabVIEW), it significantly simplifies development for various scenarios like research and industrial testing. For multi-channel or high-precision systems, it can be extended with other NI PXI modules or via PXIe bus.