Use NI DAQ Device's Onboard Amplifier (NI-PGIA) For External Amplification?

Updated Apr 19, 2024

Reported In

Hardware

  • USB-6251

Driver

  • NI-DAQmx

Issue Details

  • I notice in my NI DAQ Device Users manual there is a NI programmable gain instrumentation amplifier (NI-PGIA). Is it possible for me to use this amplifier to amplify my signal without going directly into the Analog to Digital Converter (ADC)?
  • Is the NI-PGIA user accessible?
  • How can I use the NI-PGIA to amplify my signal without using the ADC?

Solution

The NI-PGIA is not user accessible and cannot be used to amplify external signals. 

Additional Information

The NI-PGIA is intended to amplify or attenuate voltage levels to take advantage of the full range of the ADC. Because the ADC can only take full advantage of its available digital bits when the voltage is close to it's maximum input range, the PGIA helps ensure that the resolution is maximized for every input. 

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