Simultaneous multi-channel imaging NI PCI-1422 or 1424?

[carless]

We have an IMAQ 1408. We wanna do simultaneous multi-channel imaging. However, as 1408 has only 1 A/D converter, it cannot acquire multiple channels simultaneously. We are looking for possible upgrade.

The NI PCI-1422 or 1424 seem to upgrade products of 1408. Can anybody tell us if they can do simultaneous multi-channel imaging?

Sorry if this is not the right forum for me to post this question. But I've called the NI customer service. The guys doesn't seem really knows frame grabbers. I think there are more experts in here.

[BruceAmmons]

I would probably use firewire, GigE, or USB3 cameras.  You can acquire from several cameras at full speed simultaneously.  Digital cameras will be much easier to use than analog cameras, because you can control gains, shutter speeds, and everything else from the computer instead of having to move switches on the camera itself.

Bruce

[carless]

Thanks Bruce for the suggestions!

However, we can't use digital cameras. We have analog signals from several detectors. We need the frame grabber to digitize the signals and turn the signals into images.

We can generate our own pixel clock and sync signals.

[BruceAmmons · Accepted solution]

If you have analog signals, it makes it a bit more difficult.  NI no longer provides any hardware for reading analog camera signals.  I don't remember any of their hardware being able to input more than one analog signal simultaneously.  They always alternated between signals, reading one frame at a time.

Your best bet might be to get an analog to digital converter that converts to any of the formats I mentioned.  You would have to make sure it is compatible (not compressed, industry standard, etc.)

Bruce

[carless]

Thanks for the suggestion!