NI IMAQ PXI-1408 Image Acquisition Module

The NI PXI-1408 is a high-performance image acquisition module that captures analog video signals within PXI systems. It digitizes video from multiple analog sources using an 8-bit flash ADC, supporting PAL, CCIR, RS-170, NTSC, and non-standard video formats. The module delivers pixel-level precision with <5 ns peak jitter and externally clocked sampling rates from 5 to 20 MHz. Four video multiplexers, programmable gain and offset controls, and region-of-interest (ROI) acquisition circuits enable flexible image capture for industrial and scientific applications.

– Technical Specifications

Image Acquisition
• ADC Resolution: 8-bit flash
• Sampling Rate: 5 to 20 MHz, externally clocked
• Pixel Jitter: <5 ns peak
• Video Multiplexers: Four channels
• Supported Standards: PAL, CCIR, RS-170, NTSC, non-standard video
• Maximum Spatial Resolution: 1 Mpixels (2048 H × 1024 V pixels)
• Acquisition Window: Unlimited with DMA
• Gain and Offset: Programmable per channel

Input/Output
• Analog Input: One line RSE mode; two lines DIFF mode
• Video Connectors: BNC or 25-pin DSUB
• External Triggers: Four available
• Synchronization Signals: CSYNC, HSYNC, VSYNC, PCLK (internal or external generation)
• Digital I/O: Four general-purpose lines
• Digital Outputs: Four lines for camera control, lighting, shutter, pulse generation
• RTSI Bus: Integrated for timing and trigger routing

Memory Architecture
• Onboard FIFO Buffers: For PCI bus data exchange
• Non-volatile RAM: Register configuration at power-up
• Static RAM: DMA controller programming

– Key Features

• Four independent video signal paths eliminate external switching complexity
• Programmable gain and offset correction integrated on-module
• ROI acquisition circuits reduce data bandwidth and processing load
• DMA-based transfers enable continuous image streaming without CPU overhead
• External pixel clock acceptance supports non-standard video formats

– Typical Applications

• Industrial machine vision and quality inspection systems
• Scientific imaging and analysis in laboratory environments
• Multi-camera video acquisition within modular PXI chassis
• Real-time image capture with triggering synchronization

– Compatibility & Integration

The PXI-1408 integrates into any PXI system via standard PXI slot interface. RTSI bus connectivity enables timing alignment across multiple PXI modules. Both RSE and differential input modes support diverse camera and video source impedances.