Usb equivalent of PCI 6023E and PCI 6602

[Emenyke]

I have been using PCI 6023E for Analog Inputs data Acquisition and PCI 6602 for Counters inputs. 

Are there equipment USB versions of these two cards that can serve my purpose 

[santo_13]

It depends on what exactly your measurement requirements are.

Please share what your measurement requirements are, for example, measure analog inputs +/-5V at 100kSps simultaneously across 10 channels or measure frequency upto 20MHz etc.,

[Emenyke]

Thanks for your response.

the 6023E and 6602 are for MUDLOGGING sensors measurement on an oil drilling rig.

the 6023E is basically for measuring 4-20ma (0-5v) output from Ultrasonic Level sensor. 16channles are simultaneously measured.

The 6602 is for measuring counts from a Proximity Switch Counter (maximum 200 strokes per minute). Normally 4 counter channels are needed.

My company has been using these 6023 & 6602 over the years, but we desire to switch to a USB equivalents of these 2. 

The USB 6421 (https://www.ni.com/en-za/shop/model/usb-6421.html) seems to be a suitable replacement for the PCI6023E, But I can't seem to find a suitable USB replacement for the PCI 6602, which basically is for monitoring counter inputs (usually not more than 200 counts per minute). 4 counter channels minimum needed.

Thanks.

[santo_13 · Accepted solution]

200 counts per minute is low and can be counted with a digital input or analog input instead of a dedicated counter module.

USB-6421 also contains 4 counters.

[Emenyke]

Ok. Thanks a lot. 👍

I had no idea Digital Input could be used as a low frequency counter.

Was under the impression it was for monitoring High & Low states rather than for counting.

I'll explore that option. 

Thanks. 

[santo_13]

In other words, when using a digital input, the counter must be implemented in the software layer by polling or hardware-timed digital input capture, then count the edges/transitions.

What are you interested in the counter functionality? frequency or the counts overall?

[Kevin_Price]

To the OP:

Although Santhosh is helpfully addressing your question about the use of digital inputs for counting purposes, refer again back to his prior msg #4.  There he stated that the USB-6421 has 4 built-in counters -- and they are much more likely to be the better option for you, using very similar (if not identical) code as you used for counting with a 6602.

-Kevin P

[Emenyke]

I am interested in both the Total Counts as well as Counts per Minute (doesn't usually exceed 200 per minute).

I'll explore the 2 options, viz the Digital Inputs & the 4 counters in the 6421.

Thanks Santhosh. 

[Emenyke]

You are absolutely correct. 

Thanks. 👍