NI describes the USB-6451 as a 20-bit, 1 MS/s/ch multifunction I/O device with 16 analog inputs, 2 analog outputs, 16 DIO, and four counters in the mioDAQ family. The device uses a USB Type-C connection for power and data, and NI states that it is bus-powered. According to the official product page, it integrates analog I/O, digital I/O, and counter functionality in one PC-connected instrument for voltage-oriented measurement and control applications.
For analog acquisition, NI lists 8 simultaneous sampling ADCs and four analog input ranges: ±200 mV, ±2.5 V, ±5 V, and ±10 V. The two analog outputs provide a ±10 V range, and NI specifies an analog output update rate of 250 kS/s/ch. This combination supports synchronized measurement and signal generation workflows where both high-resolution input and analog stimulus are needed.
The digital subsystem includes 16 DIO lines that NI states can operate as static I/O, hardware-timed digital I/O up to 10 MHz, or in conjunction with the onboard counters. The official specifications also distinguish the standard USB-6451 from the USB-6451 (OEM): the enclosed USB-6451 uses 2x 36-position spring terminals, while the OEM version uses 2x 50-pin ribbon cable headers. NI also lists the standard USB-6451 dimensions as 116.7 mm × 177.0 mm × 30.4 mm with a weight of 598 g.
NI documentation states that the USB-6451 specifications apply to Revision D, Revision F, and subsequent revisions, as well as the USB-6451 (OEM). The specifications page also notes the USB Type-C power/data connector and explicitly states not to connect the device to USB 2.0 or lower. For installation and operation guidance, NI provides the official USB-6451 and USB-6451 (OEM) User Manual with detailed functionality and step-by-step use information.
