DAQ DAQCard-1200 User Manual

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DAQ

DAQCard™-1200 User Manual

Multifunction I/O Card for the PCMCIA Bus

DAQCard-1200 User Manual

December 2001 Edition

Part Number 320936C-01

Support

Worldwide Technical Support and Product Information

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For further support information, see the Technical Support Resources appendix. To comment on the documentation, send e-mail to techpubs@ni.com.

Important Information

Warranty

The DAQCard-1200 iswarranted against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one yearfrom the date of shipment, as evidenced by receipts or other documentation. National Instruments will, at its option, repair or replace equipment that proves to be defective during the warranty period. This warranty includes parts and labor.

The media on which you receive National Instruments software are warranted not to fail to execute programming instructions, due to defects in materials and workmanship, for a period of 90 days from date of shipment, as evidenced by receipts or other documentation. National Instruments will, at its option, repair or replace software media that do not execute programming instructions if National Instruments receives notice of such defects during the warranty period. National Instruments does not warrant that the operation of the software shall be uninterrupted or error free.

A Return Material Authorization (RMA) number must be obtained from the factory and clearly marked on the outside of the package before any equipment will be accepted for warranty work. National Instruments will pay the shipping costs of returning to the owner parts which are covered by warranty.

National Instruments believes that the information in this document is accurate. The document has been carefully reviewed for technical accuracy. In the event that technical or typographical errors exist, National Instruments reserves the right to make changes to subsequent editions of this document without prior notice to holders of this edition. The reader should consult National Instruments if errors are suspected. In no event shall National Instruments be liable for any damages arising out of or related to this document or the information contained in it.

XCEPT AS SPECIFIED HEREIN,NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY WARRANTY OF

MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE

NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE AMOUNT THERETOFORE PAID BY THE CUSTOMER.NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR

DAMAGES RESULTING FROM LOSS OF DATA

. This limitation of the liability of National Instruments will apply regardless of the form of action, whether in contractor tort, including

THEREOF

negligence. Any action against National Instruments must be brought within one year after the cause of action accrues. National Instruments shall not be liable for any delay in performance due to causes beyond its reasonable control. The warranty provided herein does not cover damages, defects, malfunctions, or service failures caused by owner’s failure to follow the National Instruments installation, operation, or maintenance instructions; owner’s modification of the product; owner’s abuse, misuse, or negligent acts; and power failure or surges, fire, flood, accident, actions of third parties, or other events outside reasonable control.

, PROFITS, USE OF PRODUCTS, OR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY

Copyright

Under the copyright laws, this publication may not be reproduced or transmitted inany form, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, storing in an information retrieval system, or translating, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of National Instruments Corporation.

Trademarks

CVI™, DAQCard™, DAQPad™,LabVIEW™, Measurement Studio™, National Instruments™,NI™,ni.com™, and NI-DAQ™are trademarks of National Instruments Corporation.

Product and company names mentioned herein are trademarks or trade names of their respective companies.

Patents

For patents covering National Instruments products, refer to the appropriate location: Help»Patents in your software, the on your CD, or

ni.com/patents

WARNING REGARDING USE OF NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS

(1) NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS ARE NOT DESIGNED WITH COMPONENTS AND TESTING FOR A LEVEL OF RELIABILITY SUITABLE FOR USE IN OR IN CONNECTION WITH SURGICAL IMPLANTS OR AS CRITICAL COMPONENTS IN ANY LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEMS WHOSE FAILURE TO PERFORM CAN REASONABLY BE EXPECTED TO CAUSE SIGNIFICANT INJURY TO A HUMAN.

(2) IN ANY APPLICATION, INCLUDING THE ABOVE, RELIABILITY OF OPERATION OF THE SOFTWARE PRODUCTS CAN BE IMPAIRED BY ADVERSE FACTORS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO FLUCTUATIONS IN ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY, COMPUTER HARDWARE MALFUNCTIONS, COMPUTER OPERATING SYSTEM SOFTWARE FITNESS, FITNESS OF COMPILERS AND DEVELOPMENT SOFTWARE USED TO DEVELOP AN APPLICATION, INSTALLATION ERRORS, SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE COMPATIBILITY PROBLEMS, MALFUNCTIONS OR FAILURES OF ELECTRONIC MONITORING OR CONTROL DEVICES, TRANSIENT FAILURES OF ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS (HARDWARE AND/OR SOFTWARE), UNANTICIPATED USES OR MISUSES, OR ERRORS ON THE PART OF THE USER OR APPLICATIONS DESIGNER (ADVERSE FACTORS SUCH AS THESE ARE HEREAFTER COLLECTIVELY TERMED “SYSTEM FAILURES”). ANY APPLICATION WHERE A SYSTEM FAILURE WOULD CREATE A RISK OF HARM TO PROPERTY OR PERSONS (INCLUDING THE RISK OF BODILY INJURY AND DEATH) SHOULD NOT BE RELIANT SOLELY UPON ONE FORM OF ELECTRONIC SYSTEM DUE TO THE RISK OF SYSTEM FAILURE. TO AVOID DAMAGE, INJURY, OR DEATH, THE USER OR APPLICATION DESIGNER MUST TAKE REASONABLY PRUDENT STEPS TO PROTECT AGAINST SYSTEM FAILURES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO BACK-UP OR SHUT DOWN MECHANISMS. BECAUSE EACH END-USER SYSTEM IS CUSTOMIZED AND DIFFERS FROM NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS' TESTING PLATFORMS AND BECAUSE A USER OR APPLICATION DESIGNER MAY USE NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS IN COMBINATION WITH OTHER PRODUCTS IN A MANNER NOT EVALUATED OR CONTEMPLATED BY NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS, THE USER OR APPLICATION DESIGNER IS ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE FOR VERIFYING AND VALIDATING THE SUITABILITY OF NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS WHENEVER NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS ARE INCORPORATED IN A SYSTEM OR APPLICATION, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE APPROPRIATE DESIGN, PROCESS AND SAFETY LEVEL OF SUCH SYSTEM OR APPLICATION.

.CUSTOMER’S RIGHT TO RECOVER DAMAGES CAUSED BY FAULT OR NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF

patents.txt

file

Compliance

FCC/Canada Radio Frequency Interference Compliance*

Determining FCC Class

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has rules to protect wireless communications from interference. The FCC places digital electronics into two classes. These classes are known as Class A (for use in industrial-commercial locations only) or Class B (for use in residential or commercial locations). Depending on where it is operated, this product could be subject to restrictions in the FCC rules. (In Canada, the Department of Communications (DOC), of Industry Canada, regulates wireless interference in much the same way.)

Digital electronics emit weak signals during normal operation that can affect radio, television, or other wireless products. By examining the product you purchased, you can determine the FCC Class and therefore which of the two FCC/DOC Warnings apply in the following sections. (Some products may not be labeled at all for FCC; if so, the reader should then assume these are Class A devices.)

FCC Class A products only display a simple warning statement of one paragraph in length regarding interference and undesired operation. Most of our products are FCC Class A. The FCC rules have restrictions regarding the locations where FCC Class A products can be operated.

FCC Class B products display either a FCC ID code, starting with the letters EXN, or the FCC Class B compliance mark that appears as shown here on the right.

Consult the FCC Web site at

fcc.gov

FCC/DOC Warnings

This equipment generates and usesradio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in strict accordance withthe instructions in this manual and the CE Mark Declaration of Conformity**, may cause interference to radio and television reception. Classification requirements are the same for the FCC and the DOC.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by National Instruments could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment under the FCC Rules.

for more information.

Class A

Federal Communications Commission

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.

Canadian Department of Communications

This Class A digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations. Cet appareil numérique de la classe A respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.

Class B

Federal Communications Commission

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Canadian Department of Communications

This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations. Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.

Compliance to EU Directives

Readers in the European Union (EU) must refer to the Manufacturer’s Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for information** pertaining to the CE Mark compliance scheme. The Manufacturer includes a DoC for most every hardware product except for those bought for OEMs, if also available from an original manufacturer that also markets in the EU, or where compliance is not required as for electrically benign apparatus or cables.

To obtain the DoC for this product, click Declaration of Conformity at by product family. Select the appropriate product family, followed by your product, and a link to the DoC appears in Adobe Acrobat format. Click the Acrobat icon to download or read the DoC.

* Certain exemptions may apply in the USA, see FCC Rules §15.103 Exempted devices,and§15.105(c). Also available in

sections of CFR 47.

** The CE Mark Declaration of Conformity will contain important supplementary information and instructions for the user or

installer.

ni.com/hardref.nsf/

. This Web site lists the DoCs

About This Manual

Conventions ...................................................................................................................xi

National Instruments Documentation ............................................................................xii

Chapter 1 Introduction

About the DAQCard-1200.............................................................................................1-1

What You Need to Get Started ......................................................................................1-2

Software Programming Choices ....................................................................................1-2

NI-DAQ...........................................................................................................1-2

National Instruments ADE Software............................................................... 1-4

Optional Equipment....................................................................................................... 1-4

Unpacking......................................................................................................................1-5

Safety Information ......................................................................................................... 1-5

Chapter 2 Installing and Configuring the DAQCard-1200

Installing the Software ...................................................................................................2-1

Installing the Hardware..................................................................................................2-1

Configuring the DAQCard-1200 ...................................................................................2-3

Configuring Analog Input ...............................................................................2-3

Analog Input Polarity........................................................................ 2-4

Analog Input Mode ........................................................................... 2-4

DIFF Input Mode (Four Channels).....................................2-4

RSE Input Mode (Eight Channels, Default Setting)........... 2-5

NRSE Input Mode (Eight Channels) ..................................2-5

Configuring Analog Output.............................................................................2-5

Analog Output Polarity ..................................................................... 2-6

Configuring Digital I/O ...................................................................................2-6

Configuring Counters ......................................................................................2-6

Contents

Chapter 3 Connecting the Signals

I/O Connector ................................................................................................................ 3-1

Signal Connection Descriptions .................................................................................... 3-3

Connecting Analog Input Signals ................................................................... 3-4

Types of Signal Sources ................................................................... 3-6

Input Configurations......................................................................... 3-7

Connecting Analog Output Signals................................................................. 3-14

Connecting Digital I/O Signals ....................................................................... 3-15

Port C Pin Connections..................................................................... 3-17

Timing Specifications....................................................................... 3-18

Connecting Analog I/O and General-Purpose Timing Signals....................... 3-22

Analog Input Timing Connections ................................................... 3-22

Analog Output Timing Connections................................................. 3-26

General-Purpose Timing Connections..............................................3-27

Connecting the Power ..................................................................................... 3-31

Floating Signal Sources...................................................... 3-6

Ground-Referenced Signal Sources ................................... 3-6

Differential Connection Considerations

(DIFF Input Mode).......................................................... 3-7

Single-Ended Connection Considerations

(RSE and NRSE Input Modes)........................................ 3-11

Common-Mode Signal Rejection Considerations.............. 3-13

Mode 1 Input Timing ......................................................... 3-19

Mode 1 Output Timing....................................................... 3-20

Mode 2 Bidirectional Timing............................................. 3-20

Chapter 4 Theory of Operation

Functional Overview ..................................................................................................... 4-1

PC Card I/O Channel Interface Circuitry ......................................................................4-2

Timing ...........................................................................................................................4-3

Analog Input.................................................................................................................. 4-5

Analog Input Circuitry .................................................................................... 4-6

Data Acquisition Timing................................................................................. 4-8

Data Acquisition Operation .............................................................. 4-8

Round-Robin Data Acquisition ........................................................ 4-8

Interval Data Acquisition.................................................................. 4-8

Data Acquisition Rates.................................................................................... 4-9

DAQCard-1200 User Manual viii ni.com

Analog Output................................................................................................................4-10

Analog Output Circuitry..................................................................................4-10

Power-On State................................................................................................4-11

DAC Timing.................................................................................................... 4-11

Digital I/O ......................................................................................................................4-12

Chapter 5 Calibration

Loading Calibration Constants ......................................................................................5-1

Self-Calibration..............................................................................................................5-2

External Calibration.......................................................................................................5-2

Appendix A Specifications

Appendix B Differences among the Lab-PC+, the DAQPad-1200, and the DAQCard-1200

Contents

Appendix C Common Questions

Appendix D Technical Support Resources

Glossary

Index

About This Manual

This manual describes the mechanical and electrical aspects of the National

Instruments (NI) DAQCard-1200 and contains information concerning its

installation and operation. The DAQCard-1200 is a compact, low-cost,

low-power analog input (AI), analog output (AO), digital I/O (DIO), and

timing I/O (TIO) card for IBM PC/XT, PC AT, and compatible computers

that are equipped with a PCMCIA Type II PC Card socket.

Conventions

The following conventions appear in this manual:

<> Angle brackets that contain numbers separated by an ellipsis represent a

range of values associated with a bit or signal name—for example,

DBIO<3..0>.

» The» symbolleadsyouthroughnestedmenuitemsanddialogboxoptions

to a final action. The sequence File»Page Setup»Options directs you to

pull down the File menu, select the Page Setup item, and select Options

from the last dialog box.

This icon denotes a note, which alerts you to important information.

This icon denotes a caution, which advises you of precautions to take to

avoid injury, data loss, or a system crash. When this symbol is marked on

the product, refer to the Safety Information section of Chapter 1,

Introduction, for precautions to take.

bold Bold text denotes items that you must select or click on in the software,

such as menu items and dialog box options. Bold text also denotes

parameter names.

italic Italic text denotes variables, emphasis, a cross reference, or an introduction

to a key concept. This font also denotes text that is a placeholder for a word

or value that you must supply.

monospace

Text in this font denotes text or characters that you should enter from the

keyboard, sections of code, programming examples, and syntax examples.

This font is also used for the proper names of disk drives, paths, directories,

programs, subprograms, subroutines, device names, functions, operations,

variables, filenames and extensions, and code excerpts.

About This Manual

PC PC refers to all PC AT series computers with PCI or PXI bus unless

otherwise noted.

PCMCIA PCMCIA is an international standards body and trade association that

promotes the interoperability of PC cards.

Platform

Text in this font denotes a specific platform and indicates that the text following it applies only to that platform.

National Instruments Documentation

The DAQCard-1200 User Manual is one piece of the documentation set for the data acquisition (DAQ) system. You could have any of several types of documentation depending on the hardware and software in your system. Use the documentation you have as follows:

• Hardware documentation—This documentation has detailed information about the DAQ hardware that plugs into or is connected to the computer. Use this documentation for hardware installation and configuration instructions, specification information about DAQ hardware, and application hints.

• Software documentation—You may have both application software and NI-DAQ software documentation. NI application software includes LabVIEW and Measurement Studio. After you set up your hardware system, use either your application software documentation or the NI-DAQ documentation to help you write your application. If you have a large, complicated system, it is worthwhile to look through the software documentation before you configure your hardware.

• Accessory installation guides or manuals—If you are using accessory products, read the cable assembly installation guide. It explains how to physically connect the relevant pieces of the system. Consult thisguide when you make the connections.

DAQCard-1200 User Manual xii ni.com

Introduction

This chapter discusses what you need to get started, optional software, optional equipment, how to unpack the DAQCard-1200, and safety information for using the device.

About the DAQCard-1200

The DAQCard-1200 is a low-cost, low-power AI, AO, DIO, and TIO card for computers equipped with a Type II PC Card slot. The card contains a 12-bit, successive-approximation A/D converter (ADC) with eight inputs, which you can configure as eight single-ended or four differential channels. The DAQCard-1200 also has two 12-bit D/A converters (DACs) with voltage outputs, 24 lines of TTL-compatible DIO and three 16-bit counter/timer channels for TIO. The specially designed standard 50-pin I/O connector for the DAQCard-1200 enables you to connect all the analog, digital, and timing signals to the card. The DAQCard-1200 is fully software configurable and factory calibrated so that you can easily install the card and begin acquiring data.

The low power consumption of the DAQCard-1200 makes this card ideal for use in portable computers and makes portable data acquisition practical. The card requires very little power when operating, thus extending the life of your computer batteries.

In addition, the low-cost and multifunctional nature of a system based on the DAQCard-1200 makes it ideal for laboratory work in industrial and academic environments. The multiple channel analog input is useful in signal analysis and data logging. The 12-bit ADC is useful in high-resolution applications such as chromatography, temperature measurement, and DC voltage measurement. You can use the AO channels to generate experimental stimuli or for machine and process control and analog function generation. You can use the 24 TTL-compatible DIO lines for switching external devices such as transistors and solid-state relays, for reading the status of external digital logic, and for generating interrupts. You can use the counter/timers to synchronize events, generate pulses, and measure frequency and time. The DAQCard-1200, used in conjunction

Chapter 1 Introduction

with the PC, is a versatile, cost-effective and portable platform for laboratory test, measurement, and control.

The DAQCard-1200 is shipped with NI-DAQ, the NI driver software that handles every function listed on the data sheet for our hardware. Using NI-DAQ, you can start your application quickly and easily without having to program the card at the register level. Utilities shipped with NI-DAQ also can help you conserve additional power by configuring the DAQCard-1200 in the power-down mode.

Detailed specifications of the DAQCard-1200 are in Appendix A,

Specifications.

What You Need to Get Started

To set up and use the DAQCard-1200, you need the following items:

❑

DAQCard-1200

❑

DAQCard-1200 I/O cable

DAQCard-1200 User Manual

❑

One of the following software packages and documentation:

– LabVIEW

– Measurement Studio

❑

NI-DAQ

❑

The computer

(for Windows or Mac OS)

(for Windows)

(for PC compatibles or Mac OS)

Software Programming Choices

When programming NI data acquisition (DAQ) hardware, you can use NI application development environment (ADE) software or other ADEs. In either case, you use NI-DAQ.

NI-DAQ

NI-DAQ, which shipped with the DAQCard-1200, has an extensive library of functions that you can call from your ADE. These functions allow you to use all the features of the DAQCard-1200.

DAQCard-1200 User Manual 1-2 ni.com

Chapter 1 Introduction

NI-DAQ carries out many of the complex interactions, such as programming interrupts, between the computer and the DAQ hardware. NI-DAQ maintains a consistent software interface among its different versions so that you can change platforms with minimal modifications to your code. Whether you use LabVIEW, Measurement Studio, or other ADEs, your application uses NI-DAQ, as illustrated in Figure 1-1.

Conventional Programming

Environment

NI-DAQ

Driver Software

DAQ Hardware

LabVIEW or

Measurement Studio

Personal

Computer or

Workstation

Figure 1-1. The Relationship Between the Programming Environment,

NI-DAQ, and the Hardware

To download a free copy of the most recent version of NI-DAQ, click Download Software at

ni.com

Chapter 1 Introduction

National Instruments ADE Software

LabVIEW features interactive graphics, a state-of-the-art interface, and a powerful graphical programming language. The LabVIEW Data Acquisition VI Library, a series of virtual instruments (VIs) for using LabVIEW with National Instruments DAQ hardware, is included with LabVIEW.

Measurement Studio, which includes LabWindows/CVI, tools for Visual C++, and tools for Visual Basic, is a development suite that allows you to use ANSI C, Visual C++, and Visual Basic to design your test and measurement software. For C developers, Measurement Studio includes LabWindows/CVI, a fully integrated ANSI C application development environment that features interactive graphics and the LabWindows/CVI Data Acquisition and Easy I/O libraries. For Visual Basic developers, Measurement Studio features a set of ActiveX controls for using National Instruments DAQ hardware. These ActiveX controls provide a high-level programming interface for building virtual instruments. For Visual C++ developers, Measurement Studio offers a set of Visual C++ classes and tools to integrate those classes into Visual C++ applications. The libraries, ActiveX controls, and classes are available with Measurement Studio and NI-DAQ.

Using LabVIEW or Measurement Studio greatly reduces the development time for your data acquisition and control application.

Optional Equipment

NI offers a variety of products to use with the DAQCard-1200, including cables, connector blocks, and other accessories, including the following items:

• BNC-2081

• CB-50 or CB-50LP I/O connector block with a 0.5 or 1.0 m cable

• ER-8, ER-16 electromechanical relays

• PR50-50F or PR50-50M cables

• SC-2042, SC-2043 strain gauge and resistance-temperature detector

(RTD) accessories

• SCXI products

For more specific information about these products, refer to

ni.com/catalog

DAQCard-1200 User Manual 1-4 ni.com

or call the office nearest you.

Unpacking

Chapter 1 Introduction

The DAQCard-1200 is shipped in an antistatic package to prevent electrostatic damage to the device.

Caution

Never touch the exposed pins of connectors.

Because the DAQCard-1200 is enclosed in a fully shielded case, no additional electrostatic precautions are necessary.

Remove the DAQCard-1200 from the package and inspect the device for loose components or any sign of damage. Notify NI if the DAQCard-1200 appears damaged in any way. Do not install a damaged device into your computer.

Store the DAQCard-1200 in the antistatic envelope when not in use.

Safety Information

The following section contains important safety instructions that you must follow when installing and using the product.

Do not operate the product in a manner not specified in this document. Misuse of the product can result in a hazard. You can compromise the safety protection built into the product if the product is damaged in any way. If the product is damaged, return it to NI for repair.

Do not substitute parts or modify the product except as described in this document. Use the product only with the chassis, modules, accessories, and cables specified in the installation instructions. You must have all covers and filler panels installed during operation of the product.

Do not operate the product in an explosive atmosphere or where there may be flammable gases or fumes. Operate the product only at or below the pollution degree stated in Appendix A, Specifications. Pollution is foreign matter in a solid, liquid, or gaseous state that can reduce dielectric strength or surface resistivity. The following is a description of pollution degrees:

• Pollution degree 1 means no pollution or only dry, nonconductive pollution occurs. The pollution has no influence.

• Pollution degree 2 means that only nonconductive pollution occurs in most cases. Occasionally, however, a temporary conductivity caused by condensation must be expected.

Chapter 1 Introduction

• Pollution degree 3 means that conductive pollution occurs, or dry, nonconductive pollution occurs that becomes conductive due to condensation.

Clean the product with a soft nonmetallic brush. Make sure that the product is completely dry and free from contaminants before returning it to service.

Yo u must insulate signal connections for the maximum voltage for which the product is rated. Do not exceed the maximum ratings for the product. Remove power from signal lines before connecting them to or disconnecting them from the product.

Operate this product only at or below the installation category stated in Appendix A, Specifications.

The following is a description of installation categories:

• Installation category I is for measurements performed on circuits not directly connected to MAINS

. This category is a signal level such as voltages on a printed wire board (PWB) on the secondary of an isolation transformer.

Examples of installation category I are measurements on circuits not derived from MAINS and specially protected (internal) MAINS-derived circuits.

• Installation category II is for measurements performed on circuits directly connected to the low-voltage installation. This category refers to local-level distribution such as that provided by a standard wall outlet.

Examples of installation category II are measurements on household appliances, portable tools, and similar equipment.

• Installation category III is for measurements performed in the building installation. This category is a distribution level referring to hardwired equipment that does not rely on standard building insulation.

Examples of installation category III include measurements on distribution circuits and circuit breakers. Other examples of installation category III are wiring including cables, bus-bars, junction boxes, switches, socket outlets in the building/fixed installation, and equipment for industrial use, such as stationary motors with a permanent connection to the building/fixed installation.

MAINS is defined as the electricity supply system to which the equipment concerned is designed to be connected either for powering the equipment or for measurement purposes.

DAQCard-1200 User Manual 1-6 ni.com

Chapter 1 Introduction

• Installation category IV is for measurements performed at the source of the low-voltage (<1,000 V) installation.

Examples of category IV are electric meters, and measurements on primary overcurrent protection devices and ripple-control units.

Below is a diagram of a sample installation.

Installing and Configuring the DAQCard-1200

This chapter describes how to install and configure the DAQCard-1200.

Installing the Software

Install the software before you install the DAQCard-1200. Install the ADE, such as LabVIEW or Measurement Studio, according to the instructions on the CD and the release notes. After you have installed the ADE, install NI-DAQ according to the instructions on the CD and the DAQ Quick Start Guide included with the DAQCard-1200.

Note

It is important to install NI-DAQ before installing the DAQCard-1200 to ensure that

the DAQCard-1200 is properly detected.

Installing the Hardware

The following are general installation instructions. Consult the computer user manual or technical reference manual for specific instructions and warnings about installing new devices. Refer to Figure 2-1 when installing the DAQCard-1200.

1. Power off and unplug the computer.

Note

You must have Card & Socket Services 2.0 or later on the computer.

2. Insert the PCMCIA bus connector of the DAQCard-1200 in any available Type II PC Card slot until the connector is firmly seated. The DAQCard-1200 has two connectors—a 68-pin PCMCIA bus connector on one end and a 50-pin I/O connector on the other end. Notice that the card is keyed so that it can be inserted only one way.

Note

If the computer supports hot-swapping, you may insert or remove the

DAQCard-1200 at any time, whether the computer is powered on or off.

Chapter 2 Installing and Configuring the DAQCard-1200

3. Visually verify the installation by making sure that the DAQCard-1200 isfullyinsertedintotheslot.

4. Attach the I/O cable. You can use either a 50-pin female or a 50-pin male cable to plug into the DAQCard-1200. For more information on these products, refer to the Optional Equipment section in Chapter 1,

Introduction. Notice that the cable is keyed so that you can insert it

only one way.

Note

Be careful not to put strain on the I/O cable when inserting it into and removing it from the DAQCard-1200. Always grasp the cable by the connector you are plugging or unplugging. Never pull directly on the I/O cable to unplug it from the DAQCard-1200.

5. Plug in and power on the computer.

The DAQCard-1200 is now installed. You are now ready to configure the hardware and software and to make the appropriate connections to the I/O connector cable as described in Chapter 3, Connecting the Signals.

Figure 2-1 shows an example of a typical configuration.

Portable

Computer

PCMCIA Socket

I/O Cable

CB-50

I/O Signals

Figure 2-1. A Typical Configuration for the DAQCard-1200

DAQCard-1200 User Manual 2-2 ni.com

Chapter 2 Installing and Configuring the DAQCard-1200

Configuring the DAQCard-1200

Because of the NI standard architecture for data acquisition, the DAQCard-1200 is completely software configurable.

Data acquisition-related configuration, which you must perform, includes such settings as analog input coupling and range, and others. You can modify these settings using NI-DAQ or application-level software, such as LabVIEW and Measurement Studio.

To configure the device in Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX), refer to either the DAQ Quick Start Guide or to the NI-DAQ User Manual for PC Compatibles.

Configuring Analog Input

At startup, the DAQCard-1200 defaults to the following configuration:

• Referenced single-ended input mode

• ±5 V AI range

Table 2-1 lists the available AI configurations for the DAQCard-1200 and shows the default settings.

Table 2-1.

Parameter Configuration

Analog Input Polarity

Analog Input Mode Referenced single-ended (RSE) (default setting)

The analog input circuitry is software configurable.

Caution

of the maximum signal ratings on the DAQCard-1200 can damage the card and computer. NI is not liable for any injuries or damage resulting from incorrect signal connections.

Connections, including power signals to ground and vice versa, that exceed any

Bipolar—±5 V (default setting) Unipolar—0–10 V

Non-referenced single-ended (NRSE) Differential (DIFF)

Analog Input Settings

Chapter 2 Installing and Configuring the DAQCard-1200

Analog Input Polarity

You can configure the AI setting on the DAQCard-1200 for either a unipolar range (0 to 10 V) or a bipolar range (–5to+5V).Ifyouselecta bipolar range, the two’s complement coding mode is selected. In this mode, –5 V input corresponds to F800 hex (–2,048decimal)and+5V corresponds to 7FF hex (2,047 decimal). If you select a unipolar mode, the straight binary coding is selected. In this mode, 0 V input corresponds to 0 hex, and +10 V corresponds to FFF hex (4,095 decimal).

Analog Input Mode

The DAQCard-1200 has three input modes—RSE, NRSE, and DIFF. The single-ended modes, RSE and NRSE, provide eight input channels. DIFF input mode provides four input channels. Table 2-2 describes these modes.

Table 2-2. Analog Input Modes for the DAQCard-1200

Analog

Input Modes

DIFF DIFF mode provides four differential inputs with the positive input of the

instrumentation amplifier tied to channels 0, 2, 4, or 6 and the negative input tied to channels 1, 3, 5, or 7, respectively, thus pairing channels (0, 1), (2, 3), (4, 5), (6, 7).

Description

RSE RSE mode provides eight single-ended inputs with the negative input of the

instrumentation amplifier referenced to AISENSE/AIGND, which is tied to ground through about 200 Ω resistance (default setting).

NRSE NRSE mode provides eight single-ended inputs with the negative input of the

instrumentation amplifier tied to AISENSE/AIGND, which is not connected to ground.

While reading the following paragraphs, you may find it helpful to refer to the Connecting Analog Input Signals section of Chapter 3, Connecting

the Signals, which contains diagrams showing the signal paths for the three

modes. These three modes are software-selectable.

DIFF Input Mode (Four Channels)

DIFF input mode means that each input signal has its own reference, and the difference between each signal and itsreference is measured. The signal and its reference are each assigned an input channel. With DIFF input mode, the DAQCard-1200 can monitor four different analog input signals.

DAQCard-1200 User Manual 2-4 ni.com

Chapter 2 Installing and Configuring the DAQCard-1200

Considerations for using DIFF input mode are discussed in Chapter 3,

Connecting the Signals. Notice that the signal return path is through the

negative terminal of the instrumentation amplifier and through channel 1, 3, 5, or 7 depending on which channel pair you select.

RSE Input Mode (Eight Channels, Default Setting)

RSE input mode means that all input signals are referenced to a common ground point that is also tied to the DAQCard-1200 AI ground. The RSE mode is useful for measuring floating signal sources. Refer to the Types of

Signal Sources section of Chapter 3, Connecting the Signals,formore

information. With the RSE configuration, the DAQCard-1200 can monitor eight different analog input channels.

Considerations for using the RSE mode are discussed in Chapter 3,

Connecting the Signals. Notice that in RSE mode, the return path of the

signal is through analog ground at the connector through the AISENSE/AIGND pin.

NRSE Input Mode (Eight Channels)

NRSE input mode means that all signals are referenced to the same common-mode voltage, which is allowed to float with respect to the analog ground of the DAQCard-1200. This common mode voltage is subsequently subtracted out by the instrumentation amplifier. NRSE input mode is useful when measuring ground-referenced signal sources.

Considerations for using the NRSE configuration are discussed in Chapter 3, Connecting the Signals. Notice that in this mode, the return path of the signal is through the negative terminal of the amplifier, available at the connector through the pin AISENSE/AIGND.

Configuring Analog Output

You can set the analog output on the DAQCard-1200 to either bipolar or unipolar configurations.

Parameter Configuration

Analog Output CH0 Polarity Bipolar—±5 V (default setting)

Unipolar—0–10 V

Analog Output CH1 Polarity Bipolar—±5 V (default setting)

Unipolar—0–10 V

Chapter 2 Installing and Configuring the DAQCard-1200

Analog Output Polarity

The DAQCard-1200 has two channels of AO voltage at the front panel I/O connector. You can configure each AO channel for either unipolar or bipolar output. A unipolar configuration has a range of 0 to 10 V at the analog output. A bipolar configuration has a range of –5to+5Vatthe analog output. If you select a bipolar range for a D/A conversion, the two’s complement coding mode is selected. In this mode, data values written to the AO channel range from F800 hex (–2,048 decimal) to 7FF hex (2,047 decimal). If you select a unipolar range, you are selecting the straight binary coding. In this mode, data values written to the AO channel range from 0 to FFF hex (4,095 decimal).

Configuring Digital I/O

The DAQCard-1200 uses the MSM82C55 programmable peripheral interface (PPI). This chip provides 24 digital lines in the form of three ports—A, B, and C. On power up, all three ports reset to high-impedance inputs. For information about configuring the MSM82C55, Refer to the Analog Input Timing Connections section of Chapter 3, Connecting the Signals.

Caution

these lines as digital outputs, add 10 kΩ resistors to +5 V or DGND (depending on your application) to the DIO line(s) you are using.

The DAQCard-1200 DIO lines are not pulled up or pulled down. If you are using

Configuring Counters

You can use the MSM82C53A counter/timers for general-purpose timing applications, such as pulse and square wave generation, event counting, and pulse-width, time-lapse,and frequency measurements. For information about configuring the MSM82C53A, refer to the Analog Input Timing

Connections section of Chapter 3, Connecting the Signals.

DAQCard-1200 User Manual 2-6 ni.com

Connecting the Signals

This chapter describes the signals on the DAQCard-1200 I/O connector.

I/O Connector

Figure 3-1 shows the pin assignments for the DAQCard-1200 I/O connector. This connector is attached to the ribbon cable that extends from the PC Card slot when the card is installed and the cable is connected.

Caution

of the maximum ratings of input or output signals on the DAQCard-1200 can damage the DAQCard-1200 and the computer. NI is not liable for damage resulting from any such signal connections.

Connections, including power signals to ground and vice versa, that exceed any

Chapter 3 Connecting the Signals

ACH0

ACH2 ACH4

ACH6

AISENSE/AIGND

AGND

DGND

PA1

PA3

PA5 PA7

PB1

PB3

PB5

PB7

PC1

PC3 PC5

PC7

EXTUPDATE*

OUTB0 OUTB1

CLKB1

GATB2

+5 V

910

11 12

13 14

15 16

17 18

19 20

21 22

23 24

25 26

27 28

29 30

31 32

33 34

35 36

37 38

39 40

41 42

43 44

45 46

47 48

49 50

ACH1 ACH3

ACH5

ACH7

DAC0OUT

DAC1OUT

PA0

PA2

PA4

PA6 PB0

PB2

PB4

PB6

PC0

PC2

PC4

PC6

EXTTRIG

EXTCONV* GATB0

GATB1

OUTB2

CLKB2

DGND

Figure 3-1. DAQCard-1200 I/O Connector Pin Assignments

DAQCard-1200 User Manual 3-2 ni.com

Chapter 3 Connecting the Signals

Signal Connection Descriptions

Table 3-1 describes the connector pins on the DAQCard-1200 front I/O connector by pin number and gives the signal name and information about each signal connector pin.

Table 3-1. Signal Descriptions

Pins Signal Name Direction Reference Description

1–8 ACH< 0..7> AI AGND Analog Channel 0 through 7—Analog input channels

0 through 7.

9 AISENSE/AIGND AI AGND Analog Input Sense/Analog Input Ground—Connected to

AGND in RSE mode, analog input sense in NRSE mode.

10 DAC0OUT AO AGND DAC0 Output—Voltage output signal for analog output

channel 0.

11 AGND N/A N/A Analog Ground—Analog output ground reference for

analog output voltages. This signal is the bias current return point for differential measurements.

12 DAC1OUT AO AGND DAC1 Output—Voltage output signal for analog output

channel 1.

13 DGND N/A N/A Digital Ground—Voltage ground reference for the digital

signals and the +5 V supply.

14–21 PA<0..7> DIO DGND Port A 0 through 7—Bidirectional data lines for port A.

PA7istheMSB,andPA0istheLSB.

22–29 PB<0..7> DIO DGND Port B 0 through 7—Bidirectional data lines for port B.

PB7istheMSB,andPB0istheLSB.

30–37 PC<0..7> DIO DGND Port C 0 through 7—Bidirectional data lines for port C.

PC7istheMSB,andPC0istheLSB.

38 EXTTRIG DI DGND External Trigger—External control signal to trigger a

DAQ operation.

39 EXTUPDATE* DI DGND External Update—External control signal to update

DAC out puts.

40 EXTCONV* DIO DGND External Convert—External control signal to time

A/D conversions (DI) and drive SCANCLK when you use SCXI (DO).

41 OUTB0 DO DGND Output B0—Voltage output signal of counter B0.

42 GATB0 DI DGND Gate B0—External control signal for gating counter B0.

43 OUTB1 DIO DGND Output B1—Voltage output signal of counter B1 when

selected as output (DO). This is the external control signal for timing an interval cycle when selected as input (DI).

Chapter 3 Connecting the Signals

Table 3-1. Signal Descriptions (Continued)

Pins Signal Name Direction Reference Description

44 GATB1 DI DGND Gate B1—External control signal for gating counter B1.

45 CLKB1 DI DGND Clock B1—External control clock signal for counter B1.

46 OUTB2 DO DGND Counter B2—Voltage output signal of counter B2.

47 GATB2 DI DGND Gate B2—External control signal for gating counter B2.

48 CLKB2 DI DGND Clock B2—External control clock signal for counter B2.

49 +5 V DO DGND +5 Volts—Fused for up to 1 A of +5 V supply, but limit

current to 250 mA.

50 DGND N/A N/A Digital Ground—Voltage ground reference for the digital

signals and the +5 V supply.

* Indicates that the signal is active low. AI = Analog Input DI = Digital Input DIO = Digital Input/Output AO = Analog Output DO = Digital Output N/A = Not Applicable

The connector pins are grouped into AI signal pins, AO signal pins, DIO signal pins, TIO signal pins, and power connections. Signal connection guidelines for each group is described in the following sections.

Connecting Analog Input Signals

Pins 1 through 8 are analog input signal pins for the 12-bit ADC. Pin 9, AISENSE/AIGND, is an analog common signal. You can use this pin as a signal ground connection to the DAQCard-1200 in RSE mode or as a return path in NRSE mode. Pin 11, AGND, is the bias current return point for differential measurements. Pins 1 through 8 are tied, through 4.7 kΩ series resistances, to the eight single-ended AI channels of the input multiplexer. Pins 2, 4, 6, and 8 are also tied to an input multiplexer for DIFF mode.

The signal ranges for inputs ACH<0..7> at all possible gains are shown in Table 3-2. Exceeding the input signal range does not damage the input circuitry as long as the maximum input voltage rating of ±35 V powered on and ±25 V powered off is not exceeded. The DAQCard-1200 is guaranteed to withstand inputs up to the maximum input voltage rating.

Caution

input voltage rating may damage the DAQCard-1200 and the computer. NI is not liable for damage resulting from such signal connections.

DAQCard-1200 User Manual 3-4 ni.com

Exceeding the input signal range distorts input signals. Exceeding the maximum

Chapter 3 Connecting the Signals

Table 3-2.

Bipolar and Unipolar Analog Input Signal Range Versus Gain

Input Signal Range

Gain Setting

Bipolar Unipolar

1 ±5 V 0to10V

2 ±2.5 V 0to5V

5 ±1 V 0to2V

10 ±500 mV 0to1V

20 ±250 mV 0to500mV

50 ±100 mV 0to200mV

100 ±50 mV 0to100mV

How you connect analog input signals to the DAQCard-1200 depends on how you configure the card analog input circuitry and the type of input signal source. With different DAQCard-1200 input modes, you can use the instrumentation amplifier in different ways. Figure 3-2 shows a diagram of the DAQCard-1200 instrumentation amplifier.

–

Vm=[V

Instrumentation

Amplifier

–

– V

] GAIN

Measured

Voltage

–

Figure 3-2. DAQCard-1200 Instrumentation Amplifier

Chapter 3 Connecting the Signals

The instrumentation amplifier applies gain, common-mode voltage rejection, and high-input impedance to the AI signals connected to the DAQCard-1200. Signals are routed to the positive and negative inputs of the instrumentation amplifier through input multiplexers on the DAQCard-1200. The instrumentation amplifier converts two input signals to a signal that is the difference between the two input signals multiplied by the gain setting of the amplifier. The amplifier output voltage is referenced to the DAQCard-1200 ground. The DAQCard-1200 ADC measures this output voltage when it performs A/D conversions.

All signals must be referenced to ground, either at the source device or at the DAQCard-1200. If you have a floating source, you must use a ground-referenced input connection at the DAQCard-1200. If you have a grounded source, you must use a nonreferenced input connection at the DAQCard-1200.

Types of Signal Sources

When configuring the input mode of the DAQCard-1200 and making signal connections, you must first determine whether the signal source is floating or ground referenced. This section describes these two types of signals.

Floating Signal Sources

A floating signal source is not connected in any way to the building ground system but has an isolated ground-reference point. Some examples of floating signal sources are outputs of transformers, thermocouples, battery-powered devices, optical isolator outputs, and isolation amplifiers. You must tie the ground reference of a floating signal to the DAQCard-1200 AI ground to establish a local or onboard reference for the signal. Otherwise, the measured input signal varies or appears to float. An instrument or device that supplies an isolated output falls into the floating signal source category.

Ground-Referenced Signal Sources

A ground-referenced signal source is connected in some way to the building system ground and is therefore already connected to a common ground point with respect to the DAQCard-1200, assuming that the computer is plugged into the same power system. Nonisolated outputs of instruments and devices that plug into the building power system fall into this category.

DAQCard-1200 User Manual 3-6 ni.com

Chapter 3 Connecting the Signals

The difference in ground potential between two instruments connected to the same building power system is typically between 1 mV and 100 mV but can be much higher if power distribution circuits are improperly connected. The connection instructions that follow for grounded signal sources eliminate this ground potential difference from the measured signal.

Note

If you power both the DAQCard-1200 and the PC with a floating power source, such as a battery, the system may be floating with respect to earth ground. In this case, treat all the signal sources as floating sources.

Input Configurations

You can configure the DAQCard-1200 for one of three input modes—RSE, NRSE, or DIFF. The following sections discuss the use of single-ended and differential measurements and give considerations for measuring both floating and ground-referenced signal sources. Table 3-3 summarizes the recommended input modes for both types of signal sources.

Table 3-3. Recommended Input Modes for Ground-Referenced

and Floating Signal Sources

Recommended Input

Type of Signal

Configuration

Ground-Referenced (nonisolated outputs, plug-in instruments)

Floating (batteries, thermocouples, isolated outputs)

DIFF with bias resistors

DIFF

NRSE

RSE

Differential Connection Considerations (DIFF Input Mode)

Differential connections are those in which each DAQCard-1200 AI signal has its own reference signal or signal return path. These connections are available when you configure the DAQCard-1200 in the DIFF input mode. Each input signal is tied to the positive input of the instrumentation amplifier, and its reference signal, or return, is tied to the negative input of the instrumentation amplifier.

Chapter 3 Connecting the Signals

You should use the DIFF input configuration when any of the following conditions are present:

• Input signals are low level (less than 1 V).

• Leads connecting signals to the DAQCard-1200 are greater than 15 ft.

• Any input signal requires a separate ground-reference point or return

• The signal leads travel through noisy environments.

Differential signal connections reduce noise pickup noise and increase common-mode noise rejection. With these connections, input signals can float within the common-mode limits of the input instrumentation amplifier.

Differential Connections for Floating Signal Sources

Figure 3-3 shows how to connect a floating signal source to a DAQCard-1200 that is configured for DIFF input mode. Configuration instructions are included in the Configuring Analog Input section of Chapter 2, Installing and Configuring the DAQCard-1200.

signal.

DAQCard-1200 User Manual 3-8 ni.com

Floating

Signal

Source

Chapter 3 Connecting the Signals

ACH 0

ACH 2

ACH 4

–

ACH 6

Bias

Current

Return

Paths

Front I/O Connector

ACH 1

ACH 3

ACH 5

ACH 7

AGND

DAQCard-1200 in DIFF Configuration

Figure 3-3.

Differential Input Connections for Floating Sources

–

Measured

Voltage

–

The 100 kΩ resistors shown in Figure 3-3 create a return path to ground for the bias currents of the instrumentation amplifier. If there is no return path, the instrumentation amplifier bias currents cause stray capacitances, resulting in uncontrollable drift and possible saturation in the amplifier.

A resistor from each input to ground, as shown in Figure 3-3, provides bias current return paths for an AC-coupled input signal.

If the input signal is DC-coupled, you need only the resistor that connects the negative signal input to ground. This connection does not lower the input impedance of the AI channel.

Chapter 3 Connecting the Signals

Differential Connections for Grounded Signal Sources

Figure 3-4 shows how to connect a ground-referenced signal source to a DAQCard-1200 configured for DIFF input mode. Refer to the Configuring

Analog Input section of Chapter 2, Installing and Configuring the DAQCard-1200, for configuration instructions.

Grounded

Signal

Source

–

ACH 0

ACH 2

ACH 4

ACH 6

Common-Mode

Noise,

Ground

Potential

Front I/O Connector

ACH 1

ACH 3

–

ACH 5

ACH 7

AGND

DAQCard-1200 in DIFF Configuration

Figure 3-4.

Differential Input Connections for Grounded Signal Sources

–

Measured

Voltage

–

With this connection type, the instrumentation amplifier rejects both the common-mode noise in the signal and the ground-potential difference between the signal source and the DAQCard-1200 ground, which is shown as V

in Figure 3-4.

DAQCard-1200 User Manual 3-10 ni.com

Chapter 3 Connecting the Signals

Single-Ended Connection Considerations (RSE and NRSE Input Modes)

Single-ended connections are those in which all DAQCard-1200 AI signals are referenced to one common ground. The input signals are tied to the positive input of the instrumentation amplifier, and their common ground point is tied to the negative input of the instrumentation amplifier.

When the DAQCard-1200 is configured for single-ended input (RSE or NRSE), eight AI channels are available. You can use single-ended input connections when the following criteria are met by all input signals:

• Input signals are high level (greater than 1 V).

• Leads connecting the signals to the DAQCard-1200 are less than 15 ft.

• All input signals share a common reference signal (at the source).

If any of the preceding criteria are not met, you should use DIFF input mode.

You can configure the DAQCard-1200 using software for two different types of single-ended input modes, RSE and NRSE. Use RSE input mode for floating signal sources; in this case, the DAQCard-1200 provides the reference ground point for the external signal. Use NRSE input mode for ground-referenced signal sources; in this case, the external signal supplies its own reference ground point and the DAQCard-1200 should not supply one.

Single-Ended Connections for Floating Signal Sources (RSE Input Mode)

Figure 3-5 shows how to connect a floating signal source to a DAQCard-1200 configured for single-ended input. You must configure the DAQCard-1200 analog input circuitry for RSE input mode to make these connections. For configuration instructions, refer to the Configuring

Analog Input section of Chapter 2, Installing and Configuring the DAQCard-1200.

Chapter 3 Connecting the Signals

Floating

Signal

Source

–

ACH 0

ACH 1

ACH 2

ACH 7

Front I/O Connector

AISENSE/AIGND

AGND

DAQCard-1200 in RSE Configuration

–

Measured

Voltage

–

Figure 3-5. Single-Ended Input Connections for Floating Signal Sources

Single-Ended Connections for Grounded Signal Sources (NRSE Input Mode)

If you measure a grounded signal source with a single-ended configuration, you must configure the DAQCard-1200 in the NRSE input configuration. The signal is connected to the positive input of the DAQCard-1200 instrumentation amplifier, and the signal local ground reference is connected to the negative input of the DAQCard-1200 instrumentation amplifier. Therefore, you must connect the ground point of the signal to the AISENSE/AIGND pin. Any potential difference between the DAQCard-1200 ground and the signal ground appears as a common-mode signal at both the positive and negative inputs of the instrumentation amplifier and is therefore rejected by the amplifier. NRSE input mode must be used in place of the RSE input mode to prevent any difference in ground potentials from appearing as an error in the measured voltage.

Figure 3-6 shows how to connect a grounded signal source to a DAQCard-1200 configured in the NRSE configuration. For configuration instructions, refer to the Configuring Analog Input section of Chapter 2,

Installing and Configuring the DAQCard-1200.

DAQCard-1200 User Manual 3-12 ni.com

Ground-

Referenced

Signal

Source

Chapter 3 Connecting the Signals

ACH 0

ACH 1

ACH 2

–

ACH 7

Common-Mode

Noise

–

Front I/O

Connector

AISENSE/AIGND

AGND

DAQCard-1200 in NRSE Input Configuration

–

Measured

Voltage

–

Figure 3-6. Single-Ended Input Connections for Grounded Signal Sources

Common-Mode Signal Rejection Considerations

Figures 3-4 and 3-6 show connections for signal sources that are already referenced to some ground point with respect to the DAQCard-1200. In these cases, the instrumentation amplifier can reject any voltage caused by ground-potential differences between the signal source and the DAQCard-1200. In addition, with differential input mode connections, the instrumentation amplifier can reject common-mode noise pickup in the leads connecting the signal sources to the DAQCard-1200.

The common-mode input range of the DAQCard-1200 instrumentation amplifier is the magnitude of the greatest common-mode signal that can be rejected.

The common-mode input range for the DAQCard-1200 depends on the size of the differential input signal (V

diff

= V

in+

– V

) and the gain setting of the

in–

instrumentation amplifier. In unipolar mode, the differential input range is 0 to 10 V. In bipolar mode, the differential input range is from –5to+5V.

should remain within a range of –6to+6Vinbipolarmodeand

in–

Chapter 3 Connecting the Signals

–6to+2Vinunipolarmode.V of –6 to +11 V in either mode.

Connecting Analog Output Signals

Pins 10 through 12 of the front connector are the AO signals DAC0OUT, AGND, and DAC1OUT.

DAC0OUT is the voltage output signal for AO channel 0. DAC1OUT is the voltage output signal for AO channel 1. AGND is the ground-reference point for both AO channels and analog input.

The following output ranges are available, and for each output range, the maximum load current is ±1 mA for 12-bit linearity (per DAC):

• Output signal range

Bipolar output ±5 V

–

Unipolar output 0 to 10 V

–

Figure 3-7 shows how to make AO signal connections.

Load

OUT

should remain within a range

in+

DAC0OUT

–

AGND

Channel 0

–

Load

Front I/O Connector

OUT

DAC1OUT

DAQCard-1200

Channel 1

Analog Output Channels

Figure 3-7. Analog Output Signal Connections

DAQCard-1200 User Manual 3-14 ni.com

Connecting Digital I/O Signals

Chapter 3 Connecting the Signals

Caution

The DAQCard-1200 DIO lines are not pulled up or pulled down. If you are using these lines as digital outputs, add 10 kΩ resistors to +5 V or DGND (depending on your application) to the DIO line(s) you are using.

Pins 13 through 37 of the front connector are DIO signal pins. DIO on the DAQCard-1200 uses the 82C55A integrated circuit. The 82C55A is a general-purpose peripheral interfacecontaining 24 programmable I/O pins. These pins represent the three 8-bit ports (PA, PB, and PC) of the 82C55A.

Pins 14 through 21 are connected to the digital lines PA<0..7> for DIO port A. Pins 22 through 29 are connected to the digital lines PB<0..7> for DIO port B. Pins 30 through 37 are connected to the digital lines PC<0..7> for DIO port C. Pin 13, DGND, is the digital ground pin for all three DIO ports. Refer to Appendix A, Specifications, for signal voltage and current specifications.

Chapter 3 Connecting the Signals

Figure 3-8 illustrates signal connections for three typical DIO applications.

Por t C

PC<0..7>

22 PB0

+5 V

Por t B

PB<0..7>

Por t A

PA<0..7>

LED

TTL Signal

29 PB7

+5 V

DGND

30 PA0

I/O Connector

DAQCard-1200

Figure 3-8. Digital I/O Connections

In Figure 3-8, port A is configured for digital output, and ports B and C are configured for digital input. Digital input applications include receiving TTL signals and sensing external device states such as the switch in Figure 3-8. Digital output applications include sending TTL signals and driving external devices, such as the LED shown in Figure 3-8.

Note

The 82C55A has only one configuration register. Therefore, you must program the direction (input/output) of all ports before writing or reading from them to prevent data loss caused by the ports being reset to their default state.

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Chapter 3 Connecting the Signals

Port C Pin Connections

The signals assigned to port C depend on how the 82C55A is configured. In mode 0, or no-handshaking configuration, port C is configured as two 4-bit I/O ports. In modes 1 or 2, or handshaking configuration, port C is used for status and handshaking signals with zero, two, or three lines available for general-purpose I/O. Table 3-4 summarizes the port C signal assignments for each configuration.

Note

Table 3-4 shows both the port C signal assignments and the terminology correlation between different documentation sources. The 82C55A terminology refers to the different 82C55A configurations as modes, whereas NI-DAQ and LabVIEW documentation refers to them as handshaking and no handshaking. These signal assignments are the same for all four 82C55A PPIs.

Table 3-4.

Configuration Terminology Signal Assignments

82C55A/

DAQCard-1200

User Manual

Mode 0 (Basic I/O)

Mode 1 (Strobed Input)

Mode 1 (Strobed Output)

Mode 2 (Bidirectional Bus)

* Indicates that the signal is active low.

Subscripts A and B denote port A or port B handshaking signals.

NI-DAQ/

LabVIEW

No Handshaking

Handshaking I/O I/O IBFASTBA* INTRASTBB* IBFBBINTR

Handshaking OBFA* ACKA* I/O I/O INTRAACKB* OBFB* INTR

Handshaking OBFA* ACKA* IBFASTBA* INTR

PC7 PC6 PC5 PC4 PC3 PC2 PC1 PC0

I/O I/O I/O I/O I/O I/O I/O I/O

Port C Signal Assignments

I/O I/O I/O

Chapter 3 Connecting the Signals

Timing Specifications

Use the handshaking lines STB* and IBF to synchronize input transfers. Use the handshaking lines OBF* and ACK* to synchronize output transfers.

The following signals are used in the timing diagrams shown later in this chapter:

Name Typ e Description

STB* Input Strobe Input—A low signal on this handshaking line loads data into the

input latch.

IBF Output Input Buffer Full—A high signal on this handshaking line indicates that

data has been loaded into the input latch. This is primarily an input acknowledge signal.

ACK* Input Acknowledge Input—A low signal on this handshaking line indicates

that the data written from the specified port has been accepted. This signal is primarily a response from the external device that it has received the data from the DAQCard-1200.

OBF* Output Output Buffer Full—A low signal on this handshaking line indicates

that data has been written from the specified port.

INTR Output Interrupt Request—This signal becomes high when the 82C55A

requests service during a data transfer. Set the appropriate interrupt enable signals to generate this signal.

RD* Internal Read—This signal is the read signal generated from the parallel port

interface circuitry.

WRT* Internal Write—This signal is the write signal generated from the parallel port

interface circuitry.

DATA Bidirectional Data Lines at the Specified Port—This signal indicates when the data

on the data lines at a specified port is or should be available.

DAQCard-1200 User Manual 3-18 ni.com

STB *

Chapter 3 Connecting the Signals

Mode 1 Input Timing

Figure 3-9 shows the timing specifications for an input transfer in mode 1.

T2 T4

IBF

INTR

RD *

T3 T5

DATA

Name Description Minimum Maximum

T1 STB* pulse width 100 —

T2 STB* = 0 to IBF = 1 — 150

T3 Data before STB* = 1 20 —

T4 STB*=1toINTR=1 — 150

T5 Data after STB* = 1 50 —

T6 RD*=0toINTR=0 — 200

T7 RD*=1toIBF=0 — 150

All timing values are in nanoseconds.

Figure 3-9. Mode 1 Timing Specifications for Input Transfers

Chapter 3 Connecting the Signals

Mode 1 Output Timing

Figure 3-10 shows the timing specifications for an output transfer in mode 1.

WRT*

OBF*

INTR

ACK*

DATA

Name Description Minimum Maximum

T1 WRT*=0toINTR=0 — 250

T2 WRT* = 1 to output — 200

T3 WRT* = 1 to OBF* = 0 — 150

T4 ACK* = 0 to OBF* = 1 — 150

T5 ACK* pulse width 100 —

T6 ACK*=1toINTR=1 — 150

All timing values are in nanoseconds.

Figure 3-10. Mode 1 Timing Specifications for Output Transfers

Mode 2 Bidirectional Timing

Figure 3-11 shows the timing specifications for bidirectional transfers in mode 2.

DAQCard-1200 User Manual 3-20 ni.com

WRT *

OBF *

INTR

ACK *

Chapter 3 Connecting the Signals

STB *

IBF

RD *

DATA

T2 T5 T8 T9

T10

Name Description Minimum Maximum

T1 WRT* = 1 to OBF* = 0 — 150

T2 Data before STB* = 1 20 —

T3 STB* pulse width 100 —

T4 STB* = 0 to IBF = 1 — 150

T5 Data after STB* = 1 50 —

T6 ACK* = 0 to OBF = 1 — 150

T7 ACK* pulse width 100 —

T8 ACK* = 0 to output — 150

T9 ACK* = 1 to output float 20 250

T10 RD*=1toIBF=0 — 150

All timing values are in nanoseconds.

Figure 3-11.

Mode 2 Timing Specifications for Bidirectional Transfers

Chapter 3 Connecting the Signals

Connecting Analog I/O and General-Purpose Timing Signals

Pins 38 through 48 of the front connector are connections for timing I/O signals. The DAQCard-1200 timing I/O uses two 82C53 counter/timer integrated circuits. One circuit, designated 82C53(A), is used exclusively for DAQ timing, and the other, 82C53(B), is available for general use. You can use pins 38 through 40 and pin 43 to carry external signals for DAQ timing in place of the dedicated 82C53(A). These signals are explained in the next section, Analog Input Timing Connections.Pins41 through 48 carry general-purpose timing signals from 82C53(B). These signals are explained in the General-Purpose Timing Connections section.

Analog Input Timing Connections

Each 82C53 counter/timer circuit contains three counters. Counter 0 on the 82C53(A) counter/timer, referred to as A0, is a sample-interval counter in timed A/D conversions. The sample interval counter, or channel clock, controls the time between A/D conversions. A sample interval is also referred to as the interchannel delay. Counter 1 on the 82C53(A) counter/timer, referred to as A1, is a sample counter in timed A/D conversions. Therefore, counter A1 stops data acquisition after a predefined number of samples. These counters are not available for general-purpose use.

Counter B1 is a scan-interval counter in timed A/D conversions. The scan-interval counter, or scan clock, controls the time between when the first channel in the scan is sampled and when that channel is sampled again. When the scan-interval counter is used in conjunction with the sample interval counter, this is referred to as interval scanning. For a more complete description of interval and round-robin scanning, refer to Figure 3-12.

123

Interchannel Delay Scan Interval

DAQCard-1200 User Manual 3-22 ni.com

123

Interval Scanning

Figure 3-12. Interval Scanning and Round-Robin Scanning

123

000111222333

Interchannel Delay

Round-Robin Scanning

EXTCONV*

Chapter 3 Connecting the Signals

Instead of using counter A0 as the sample-interval counter, you can use EXTCONV* to externally time conversions. Figure 3-13 shows the timing requirements for the EXTCONV* input. A falling edge on the EXTCONV* initiates an A/D conversion.

A/D Conversion Starts within

125 ns from this Point

tw250 ns minimum

Figure 3-13.

EXTCONV* Signal Timing

The external control signal EXTTRIG can either start a DAQ sequence or terminate an ongoing DAQ sequence depending on the mode—posttrigger or pretrigger. These modes are software-selectable.

Note

LabVIEW is scan clock oriented. When you specify the scan rate, you are controlling the scan interval timing.

In the posttrigger mode, EXTTRIG serves as an external trigger that initiates a DAQ sequence. When you use counter A0 to time sample intervals, a rising edge on EXTTRIG starts counter A0 and the DAQ sequence. When you use EXTCONV* to time sample intervals, data acquisition is enabled on a rising edge of EXTTRIG followed by a rising edge on EXTCONV*. The first conversion occurs on the next falling edge of EXTCONV*. Further transitions on the EXTTRIG line have no effect until a new DAQ sequence is established.

Figure 3-14 shows a possible timed data acquisition sequence using EXTCONV* and EXTTRIG. The rising edge of EXTCONV* that enables external conversions must occur a minimum of 50 ns after the rising edge of EXTTRIG. The first conversion occurs on the next falling edge of EXTCONV*.

Chapter 3 Connecting the Signals

EXTTRIG

EXTCONV*

CONVERT

In the pretrigger mode, EXTTRIG serves as a stop-trigger signal. Data is acquired both before and after the stop trigger occurs. A/D conversions are software enabled, which initiates the DAQ operation. However, the sample counter is not started until a rising edge is sensed on the EXTTRIG input. Conversions remain enabled until the sample counter counts to zero. The maximum number of samples acquired after the stop trigger is limited to 65,535. The number of samples acquired before the trigger is limited only by the size of the memory buffer available for data acquisition.

tw50 ns minimum

50 ns minimum

First posttrigger sample

Figure 3-14. Posttrigger DAQ Timing

Figure 3-15 shows a pretrigger DAQ timing sequence using EXTTRIG and EXTCONV*. The DAQ operation has been initiated through software. Notice that the sample counter has been programmed to allow five conversions after the rising edge on the EXTTRIG signal. Additional transitions on the EXTTRIG line have no effect until you initiate a new DAQ sequence.

DAQCard-1200 User Manual 3-24 ni.com

EXTTRIG

EXTCONV*

CONVERT

Chapter 3 Connecting the Signals

First posttrigger sample

tw50 ns minimum

Figure 3-15.

Pretrigger DAQ Timing

Because both pretrigger and posttrigger modes use EXTTRIG input, you can only use one mode at a time. Therefore, you cannot use both a hardware start and a hardware stop trigger during the same acquisition.

Figure 3-16 shows an example of a multiple-channel interval-scanning DAQ operation. The scan interval and the sample interval are being timed externally through OUTB1 and EXTCONV*. Channels 1 and 0 of the input multiplexers are being scanned once during each scan interval. The first rising edge of EXTCONV* must occur a minimum of 50 ns after the rising edge on OUTB1. The first rising edge of EXTCONV* after the rising edge of OUTB1 enables an internal GATE signal that allows conversions to occur. The first conversion then occurs on the following falling edge of EXTCONV*.

Instead of using counter B1, you can externally time the scan interval through OUTB1. If you externally time the sample interval, you should also externally time the scan interval.

Chapter 3 Connecting the Signals

OUTB1

tw=50ns

EXTCONV*

CONVERT

GATE

td=50ns

ADC CH

CH1 CH0 CH1 CH0

Figure 3-16. Interval-Scanning Signal Timing

Analog Output Timing Connections

Counter A2 is used to internally control updating the output voltage of the 12-bit DACs. In place of counter A2, you can use the final external control signal, EXTUPDATE*, to externally control updating the output voltage of the 12-bit DACs and/or to generate an externally timed interrupt. There are two update modes—immediate update and delayed update. In immediate update mode the analog output is updated as soon as a value is written to the DAC. If you select the delayed update mode, a value is written to the DAC; however, the corresponding DAC voltage is not updated until a low level on the EXTUPDATE* signal or counter A2 is sensed. Furthermore, an interrupt is generated whenever a rising edge is detected on the EXTUPDATE* bit. The interrupt service routine can write the next value to the DAC. When the EXTUPDATE* signal goes low, the DAC is subsequently updated. Therefore, you can perform externally timed interrupt-driven waveform generation on the DAQCard-1200.

Notice that the EXTUPDATE* signal is level sensitive; that is, if you perform writes to the DAC when EXTUPDATE* is low, the DAC is updated immediately. Also notice that when EXTUPDATE* is low, the signal is susceptible to noise caused by switching of other lines. Because the signal is TTL-compatible, the lower noise margin for logical 0 can result in transitions to a logical 1 due to noise and thereby generate false interrupts. Therefore, the width of EXTUPDATE* pulse should be as short as possible, but greater than 50 ns.

DAQCard-1200 User Manual 3-26 ni.com

Chapter 3 Connecting the Signals

Figure 3-17 illustrates a waveform generation timing sequence using the EXTUPDATE* signal and the delayed update mode. The DACs are updated by a high level on the DAC OUTPUT UPDATE signal, which in this case is triggered by a low level on the EXTUPDATE* line. The counter-interrupt signal interrupts the computer. This interrupt is generated on the rising edge of EXTUPDATE*. The DACWRT signal writes a new value to the DAC.

EXTUPDATE*

DAC OUTPUT UPDATE

Counter Interrupt

DACWRT

Note

mode, but not in a combination of the two modes. Although you can configure the DACs in a combination of modes, doing so can result in glitches on the immediate update DAC if the update rate on the waveform DAC is high. Refer to the Analog Output section in Chapter 4, Theory of Operation, for details on this behavior.

tw50 ns min

Figure 3-17.

EXTUPDATE* Signal Timing for Updating DAC Output

You should configure both DACs in either immediate update mode or in later update

The following rating applies to the EXTCONV*, EXTTRIG, OUTB1, and EXTUPDATE* signals.

• Absolute maximum voltage input rating –0.5to5.5Vwithrespect to DGND

Refer to the NI-DAQ manual or to Chapter 4, Theory of Operation,for more information concerning the various modes of data acquisition and analog output.

General-Purpose Timing Connections

General-purpose timing signals include the GATE, CLK, and OUT signals for the three 82C53(B) counters. The 82C53 counter/timers can be used for many general-purpose applications such as pulse and square wave generation; event counting; and pulse-width, time-lapse, and frequency

Chapter 3 Connecting the Signals

measurement. For these applications, the CLK and GATE signals at the front I/O connector control the counters. The single exception is counter B0, which has an internal 2 MHz clock. Refer to the DAQCard-1200 Register-Level Programmer Manual for programming information.

The GATE, CLK, and OUT signals for counters B1 and B2 are available at the I/O front connector. The GATE and CLK pins are internally pulled up to +5 V through a 100 kΩ resistor. Refer to Appendix A, Specifications,for signal voltage and current specifications.

You perform pulse and square wave generation by programming a counter to generate a timing signal at its OUT output pin. Perform event counting by programming a counter to count rising or falling edges applied to any of the 82C53 CLK inputs. You can then read the counter value to determine the number of edges that have occurred. You can gate counter operations on and off during event counting. Figure 3-18 shows connections for a typical event-counting operation in which a switch is used to gate the counter on and off.

+5 V

CLK

OUT

Signal

Source

I/O Connector

DAQCard-1200 User Manual 3-28 ni.com

Switch

13 DGND

Figure 3-18. Event-Counting Application with External Switch Gating

GATE

Counter (from Group B)

DAQCard-1200

Chapter 3 Connecting the Signals

Pulsewidth measurement is performed by level gating. The pulse you want to measure is applied to the counter GATE input. The counter is loaded with the known count and is programmed to count down while the signal at the GATE input is high. The pulse width equals the counter difference (loaded value minus read value) multiplied by the CLK period.

Perform time-lapse measurement by programming a counter to be edge gated. An edge is applied to the counter GATE input to start the counter. You can program the counter to start counting after receiving a low-to-high edge. The time lapse since receiving the edge equals the counter value difference (loaded value minus read value) multiplied by the CLK period.

To perform frequency measurement, program a counter to be level gated and count the number of falling edges in a signal applied to a CLK input. The gate signal applied to the counter GATE input is of known duration. In this case, you program the counter to count falling edges at the CLK input while the gate is applied. The frequency of the input signal then equals the count value divided by the gate period. Figure 3-19 shows the connections for a frequency-measurement application. You can also use a second counter to generate the gate signal in this application. In this case, program the second counter for a one-slot mode. This configuration requires an external inverter to make the output pulse of the second counter active high.

Chapter 3 Connecting the Signals

+5 V

CLK

OUT

GATE

Signal

Source

Gate

Source

13 DGND

I/O Connector

DAQCard-1200

Counter

Figure 3-19. Frequency Measurement Application

Figure 3-20 shows the timing requirements for the GATE and CLK input signals and the timing specifications for the OUT output signals of the 82C53.

DAQCard-1200 User Manual 3-30 ni.com

Chapter 3 Connecting the Signals

CLK

GATE

OUT

gsu

outg

pwh

pwl

gsu

gwh

gwl

outg

outc

gwh

clock period

clock high level

clock low level

gate setup time

gate hold time

gate high level

gate low level

output delay from clock

output delay from gate

pwh

380 ns min

230 ns min

150 ns min

100 ns min

50 ns min

150 ns min

100 ns min

300 ns max

400 ns max

outc

pwl

gwl

Figure 3-20. General-Purpose Timing Signals

The GATE and OUT signals in Figure 3-20 are referenced to the rising edge of the CLK signal.

Connecting the Power

Pin 49 of the I/O connector supplies +5 V from the DAQCard-1200 power supply. This pin is referenced to DGND. You can use the +5 V to power external digital circuitry.

• Power rating 250 mA at +5 V maximum, fused to 1 A

Caution

other voltage source on the DAQCard-1200 or any other device. Doing so can damage the DAQCard-1200 or the PC. NI is not liable for any damage due to incorrect power connections.

Do not directly connect this +5 V power pin to analog or digital ground or to any

Chapter 3 Connecting the Signals

Pin49isfusedforupto1Abutshouldbelimitedto250mA.Thefuseis a thermally resettable fuse which has an internal thermostat. This thermostat opens when the current exceeds 1 A and the temperature rises. After some time, the thermostat cools down, the switch closes, and the +5 V is available once more. Opening this fuse does not necessarily damage the DAQCard-1200. If you do not receive +5 V, check for any shorts between the +5 V power pin and ground.

DAQCard-1200 User Manual 3-32 ni.com

Theory of Operation

This chapter explains the operation of each functional unit of the DAQCard-1200.

Functional Overview

The block diagram in Figure 4-1 shows a functional overview of the DAQCard-1200.

Dither

I/O Connector

Input

Mux

Calibration

12-Bit

D/A

12-Bit

D/A

82C53

Ctr/Timer

Group B

Pgm Gain

12-Bit

A/D

82C55A

Digital

Interface

2 MHz

Timebase

1KS

FIFO

82C53

Ctr/Timer

Group A

1 MHz

Timebase

Time

Divider

Figure 4-1.

Decode

Circuitry,

Core Logic

20 MHz

Oscillator

DAQCard-1200 Block Diagram

Data

Control

Signals

–

PCMCIA

Channel

Interface

Interrupt Interface

DC-DC

Converter

I/O

PCMCIA I/O Channel

+5 V

Chapter 4 Theory of Operation

The major components of the DAQCard-1200 are as follows:

• PC Card I/O channel interface circuitry

• AI circuitry

• AO circuitry

• DIO circuitry

• Timing circuitry

• Calibration circuitry

The internal data and control buses interconnect the components. The rest of the chapter explains the theory of operation of each of the DAQCard-1200 components.

PC Card I/O Channel Interface Circuitry

The DAQCard-1200 PC Card I/O channel interface circuitry is shown in Figure 4-2 and consists of an address bus, a data bus, interrupt lines, and several control and support signals.

Address Bus

Control Lines

PCMCIA I/O Channel

Data Bus

IRQ

Address

Decoder

Timing

Interface

Card

Information

Data

Buffers

PCMCIA

Control

Interrupt

Control

Read and Write Signals

Internal Data Bus

Interrupt Requests

Figure 4-2. PC Card I/O Interface Circuitry Block Diagram

DAQCard-1200 User Manual 4-2 ni.com

Timing

Chapter 4 Theory of Operation

When you first insert the card into the computer, the system examines information stored in the DAQCard-1200 Card Information Structure (CIS). This data is used to configure the card appropriately for the system in which it is used. When the system has assigned the card to a section of memory, it updates the PC Card control registers and initializes the card.

The rest of the circuitry consists of address decoders, data buffers, I/O channel interface timing control circuitry, and interrupt control circuitry.

The DAQCard-1200 uses two 82C53 counter/timer integrated circuits for internal data acquisition and DAC timing and for general-purpose I/O timing functions. Figure 4-3 shows a block diagram of both groups of timing circuitry (counter groups A and B).

Chapter 4 Theory of Operation

GATEB2

CLKB2

OUTB2

GATEB1

CLKB1

OUTB1

OUTB0

GATEB0

MUX

CLKA0

2 MHz

Source

I/O Connector

GATEB2 CLKB2

General Purpose Counter

OUTB2

GATEB1 CLKB1

Scan Interval/ General Purpose Counter

OUTB1

OUTB0 GATEB0

Timebase

Extension/

General Purpose Counter

CLKB0

82C53 Counter/Timer

Group B

OUTB1

OUTB0

MUX

1 MHz Source

CTR RD

CTR WRT

Data

GATEB1 CLKB1

Sample

Interval

Counter

OUTB1

Decode Circuitry

EXTCONV*

A/D Conversion Logic

EXTTRIG

GATEB1

Sample Counter

CLKA2 GATEA2

+5 V

EXTUPDATE*

D/A Conversion Logic

CLKA2

GATEA2

DAC

Timing

OUTA2

82C53 Counter/Timer

Group A

Figure 4-3. Timing Circuitry

DAQCard-1200 User Manual 4-4 ni.com

Analog Input

Chapter 4 Theory of Operation

Each 82C53 contains three independent 16-bit counter/timers and one 8-bit Mode Register. Each counter has a CLK input pin, a GATE input pin, and an OUT output pin. You can program all three counter/timers to operate in several useful timing modes.

The first group of counter/timers is called Group A and includes A0, A1, and A2. You can use these three counters for internal DAQ and DAC timing, or you can instead use the three external timing signals, EXTCONV*, EXTTRIG and EXTUPDATE*, for DAQ and DAC timing.

The second group of counter/timers is called Group B and includes B0, B1, and B2. You can use counters B0 and B1 for internal DAQ and DAC timing, or you can use the external timing signal CLKB1 for AI timing. If you are not using Counters B0 and B1 for internal timing, you can use these counters as general purpose counter/timers. Counter B2 is reserved for external use as a general purpose counter/timer.

For a more detailed description of Counter Group A and Counters B0 andB1,refertothefollowingAnalog Input and Analog Output sections.

The DAQCard-1200 has eight AI channels with software-programmable gain and 12-bit A/D conversion. The DAQCard-1200 also contains DAQ timing circuitry for automatic timing of multiple A/D conversions and includes advanced options such as external triggering, gating, and clocking. Figure 4-4 shows a block diagram of the AI circuitry.

Chapter 4 Theory of Operation

ACH0 ACH1 ACH2 ACH3 ACH4

Mux ACH5 ACH6 ACH7

AISENSE/

AIGND

I/O Connector

EXTTRIG

EXTCONV*

External Trigger

External Convert

OUTB1

Programmable Gain Amp

Output B1

Dither

Circuitry

A/D

Sampleand-Hold Amp

GAIN0

GAIN1

GAIN2

12-Bit

ADC

Gain

Data

Select/Mux

Convert

DAQ

Timing

Counter

Dither EnableDither

Counter/Timer

Signals

Figure 4-4. Analog Input Circuitry

Sample

A/D

FIFO

Data

WRT/RD

Data

CONV AVAIL

Data

Decode Circuitry

PCMCIA I/O Channel

PCMCIA Interface

Analog Input Circuitry

The analog input circuitry consists of two analog input multiplexers, mux counter/gain select circuitry, a software-programmable gain amplifier, a 12-bit ADC, and a 12-bit FIFO memory that is sign-extended to 16 bits.

The two input multiplexers route the input channels to the instrumentation amplifier in either RSE, NRSE, or DIFF input mode. The input multiplexers provide input overvoltage protection of ±35 V powered on and ±25 V powered off.

The mux counters control the input multiplexers. The DAQCard-1200 can perform either single-channel data acquisition or multiple-channel (scanned) data acquisition. These two modes are software-selectable. For single-channel data acquisition, you select the channel and gain before initiating data acquisition. These gain and multiplexer settings remain constant during the entire DAQ process. For multiple-channel data acquisition, you select the highest numbered channel and gain before data acquisition is initiated. Then the mux counter decrements from the highest numbered channel to channel 0 and repeats the process. Thus you can scan any number of channels from eight to two. Notice that the same gain setting is used for all channels in the scan sequence.

DAQCard-1200 User Manual 4-6 ni.com

Chapter 4 Theory of Operation

The programmable gain amplifier applies gain to the input signal, allowing an analog input signal to be amplified before being sampled and converted, thus increasing measurement resolution and accuracy. The instrumentation amplifier gain is software-selectable. The DAQCard-1200 provides gains of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100.

The dither circuitry, when enabled, adds approximately 0.5 LSB rms of white Gaussian noise to the signal to be converted to the ADC. This addition is useful for applications involving averaging to increase the resolution of the DAQCard-1200 to more than 12 bits, as in calibration. In such applications, which are often lower frequency in nature, noise modulation is decreased and differential linearity is improved by the addition of the dither. For high-speed 12-bit applications not involving averaging, dither should be disabled because it only adds noise.

When taking DC measurements, such as when calibrating the DAQCard-1200, enable dither and average about 1,000 points to take a single reading. This process removes the effects of 12-bit quantization and reduces measurement noise, resulting in improved resolution. Dither, or additive white noise, has the effect of forcing quantization noise to become a zero-mean random variable rather than a deterministic function of input.

The DAQCard-1200 uses a 12-bit successive-approximation ADC. The 12-bit resolution of the converter allows the converter to resolve its input range into 4,096 different steps. The ADC has an input range of ±5 V and 0to10V.

When an A/D conversion is complete, the ADC clocks the result into the A/D FIFO. This FIFO serves as a buffer to the ADC. The A/D FIFO can collect up to 1,024 A/D conversion values before any information is lost, thus allowing software some extra time to catch up with the hardware. If you store more than 1,024 samples in the A/D FIFO before reading from the A/D FIFO, an error condition called A/D FIFO overflow occurs and you lose A/D conversion information.

The output from the ADC can be interpreted as either straight binary or two’s complement format, depending on which input mode you select (unipolar or bipolar). In unipolar mode, the data from the ADC is interpreted as a 12-bit straight binary number with a range of 0 to +4,095. In bipolar mode, the data from the ADC is interpreted as a 12-bit two’s complement number with a range of –2,048 to +2,047. In this mode, the MSB of the ADC result is modified to make it two’s complement. The output from the ADC is then sign extended to 16 bits, causing either a leading 0 or a leading F (hex) to be added, depending on the coding and the sign. Thus, data values read from the FIFO are 16 bits wide.

Chapter 4 Theory of Operation

Data Acquisition Timing

A DAQ operation refers to the process of taking a sequence of A/D conversions when the sample interval, or the time between successive A/D conversions, is carefully timed. A finite DAQ operation acquires a finite number of samples, while a continuous DAQ operation acquires an infinite number of samples. The DAQCard-1200 can perform both single-channel data acquisition and multiple-channel, or scanned, data acquisition in two modes—round-robin and interval.

The DAQ timing circuitry consists of various clocks and timing signals that control the DAQ operation. DAQ timing consists of signals that initiate a DAQ operation, time the individual A/D conversions, gate the DAQ operation, and generate scan clocks. The DAQ operation can either be timed by the timing circuitry or by externally generated signals. These two modes are software configurable.

Data Acquisition Operation

DAQ operations are initiated either externally through EXTTRIG or through software control. The DAQ operation is terminated either internally by counter A1 of the 82C53A counter/timer circuitry, which counts the total number of samples taken during a finite operation, or through software control in a continuous operation.

Round-Robin Data Acquisition

In a round-robin DAQ operation, samples are taken at regular sample intervals without any delays. Therefore, each sample is taken with the same sample interval. This sample interval applies to both single-channel and multiple-channel data acquisition in either continuous or finite operation. The sample interval is either controlled externally by EXTCONV* or internally by counter A0 of the timing circuitry.

Interval Data Acquisition

In an interval DAQ operation, a period called the scan interval is defined. Within each scan interval, a predefined number of samples is taken at regular intervals, and conversions are stopped for the remainder of the interval cycle. A DAQ operation consists of back-to-back interval cycles. In single-channel interval data acquisition, you select the number of samples in each interval cycle from a single channel. In multiple-channel interval data acquisition, the channels are scanned once during each interval cycle. The scan interval timing can be externally controlled through OUTB1 or internally by counter B1 of the timing circuitry.

DAQCard-1200 User Manual 4-8 ni.com

For an example of a multiple-channel interval DAQ operation, refer to the description of interval scanning signal timing in the Analog Input Timing

Connections section of Chapter 3, Connecting the Signals.

Data Acquisition Rates

Maximum DAQ rates (number of samples per second) are determined by the conversion period of the ADC plus the sample-and-hold acquisition time. During multiple-channel scanning, the acquisition rates are further limited by the settling time of the input multiplexers and programmable gain amplifier. After the input multiplexers are switched, the amplifier must settle to the new input signal value to within 12-bit accuracy before you perform an A/D conversion, or 12-bit accuracy is not achieved. The settling time is a function of the selected gain.

Table 4-1 shows the recommended settling time for each gain setting during multiple-channel scanning. Table 4-2 shows the maximum recommended acquisition rates. For single-channel scanning, this rate is limited by the ADC conversion period plus the sample-and-hold acquisition time, which is specified at 10 µs(11µsifEXTCONV*isused).

Chapter 4 Theory of Operation

Table 4-1. Analog Input Settling Time Versus Gain

Gain Setting Settling Time Recommended

1, 2, 5, 10 10 µsmax

20 12 µstyp,15µsmax

50 25 µstyp,30µsmax

100 60 µstyp,80µsmax

Table 4-2. DAQCard-1200 Maximum Recommended Data Acquisition Rates

Sampling

Acquisition Mode Gain Setting

Rate

Single channel 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 100 kS/s

Multiple channel

(observe these settings

to ensure 12-bit

accuracy)

1, 2, 5, 10 100 kS/s

20 83.3 kS/s

50 40.0 kS/s

100 16.6 kS/s

Chapter 4 Theory of Operation

Note

If you use external conversions for single-channel acquisitions, the maximum

sampling rate is 90 kS/s.

Analog Output

The recommended acquisition rates in Table 4-2 assume that voltage levels on all the channels included in the scan sequence are within range for the given gain and are driven by low-impedance sources.

The DAQCard-1200 has two channels of 12-bit D/A output. Each AO channel can provide unipolar or bipolar output. The DAQCard-1200 also contains timing circuitry for waveform generation timed either externally or internally. Figure 4-5 shows the AO circuitry.

DAC0OUT

AGND

EXTUPDATE*

DAC1OUT

I/O Connector

External Update

Analog Output Circuitry

Each AO channel contains a 12-bit DAC. The DAC in each AO channel generates a voltage proportional to the 5 V reference (provided in the Dual DAC chip) multiplied by the 12-bit digital code loaded into the DAC. The voltage output from the two DACs is available at the DAQCard-1200 I/O connector DAC0OUT and DAC1OUT pins.

DAC0

5 V Internal Reference

DAC1

Dual DAC Chip

Two's Complement

DAC0WRT

Data

Counter

DAC1WRT

Two's Complement

Decode Circuitry

Figure 4-5. Analog Output Circuitry

Control

Signal

Data

PCMCIA I/O Channel Interface

PCMCIA Interface

You can program each DAC channel for a unipolar voltage output or a bipolar voltage output range. A unipolar output gives an output voltage

DAQCard-1200 User Manual 4-10 ni.com

Power-On State

Chapter 4 Theory of Operation

range of 0 to +10 V. A bipolar output gives an output voltage range of ±5 V. For unipolar output, 0 V output corresponds to a digital code word of 0. For bipolar output, –5 V output corresponds to a digital code word of F800 hex. One least significant bit (LSB) is the voltage increment corresponding to an LSB change in the digital code word. For both outputs:

1LSB

Both analog outputs reach 0 V approximately 110 ms after card insertion. During this 110 ms period, the output voltage can swing from +2 to –5V.

-----------4096

Caution

PC Card slot. This step ensures that you do not damage the system during the 110 ms before the output reaches 0 V.

DAC Timing

Note

configure the DACs in a combination of both modes because doing so can result in premature updates on the waveform generation DAC (whenever the immediate update DAC is updated). Also, if a waveform generation update occurs between an LSB write and an MSB write of the DAC in the immediate update mode, you receive an incorrect value from that DAC until the MSB is written. Both of these effects are minimal at high waveform update rates.

Note

AO operation is configured.

Disconnect the analog outputs from the system before inserting the card in the

There are two ways you can update the DAC voltages. In the first mode, the DAC output voltage is updated as soon as you write to the corresponding DAC. This mode is called the immediate update mode. In the second mode, the DAC output voltage does not change until a low level is detected either from counter A2 of the timing circuitry or from EXTUPDATE*. This mode is useful for waveform generation. These two modes are software-selectable.

Configure both DACs in either immediate update mode or later update mode. Do not

Delayed update mode is selected by NI-DAQ when a timed, or buffered,

Chapter 4 Theory of Operation

Digital I/O

The DIO circuitry has an 82C55A integrated circuit. The 82C55A is a general-purpose programmable peripheral interface (PPI) containing 24 programmable I/O pins. These pins represent the three 8-bit I/O ports (A, B, and C) of the 82C55A, as well as PA<0..7>, PB<0..7>, and PC<0..7> on the DAQCard-1200 I/O connector. Figure 4-6 shows the DIO circuitry.

PA<0..7>

PB<0..7>

PC<0..7>

I/O Connector

82C55A

Programmable

Peripheral

Interface

PC0

PC3

DATA<0..7>

DIO RD/WRT

Interrupt

Control

Decode

Circuitry

Data

PCMCIA Port Interface

Figure 4-6. Digital I/O Circuitry

All three ports on the 82C55A are TTL-compatible. When enabled, the digital output ports are capable of sinking 2.4 mA of current and sourcing

2.6 mA of current on each DIO line. When the ports are not enabled, the DIO lines act as high-impedance inputs.

PCMCIA I/O Channel

DAQCard-1200 User Manual 4-12 ni.com

Calibration

This chapter discusses calibrating the DAQCard-1200. NI-DAQ includes calibration functions for performing all the steps in the calibration process.

Calibration refers to the process of minimizing measurement and output voltage errors by making small circuit adjustments. On the DAQCard-1200, these adjustments take the form of writing values to onboard calibration DACs (CalDACs).

Some form of device calibration is required for most applications. If you do not calibrate your device, your signals and measurements could have very large offset, gain, and linearity errors.

Loading Calibration Constants

The DAQCard-1200 device is factory calibrated at approximately 25 °C to the levels indicated in Appendix A, Specifications. The associated calibration constants—the values that were written to the CalDACs to achieve calibration in the factory—are stored in the onboard nonvolatile memory (EEPROM). Because the CalDACs have no memory capability, they do not retain calibration information when the device is powered down. Loading calibration constants refers to the process of loading the CalDACs with the values stored in the EEPROM. NI-DAQ determines when this is necessary and does it automatically.

The EEPROM has a user-modifiable calibration area in addition to the permanent factory calibration area. Hence, you can load the CalDACs with values either from the original factory calibration or from a calibration that you subsequently performed.

Chapter 5 Calibration

This method of calibration is not very accurate because it does not take into account the fact that the device measurement and output voltage errors can vary with time and temperature. Self-calibrate the device when it is installed in the environment in which it is used.

Self-Calibration

The DAQCard-1200 can measure and correct for almost all of its calibration-related errors without any external signal connections. NI-DAQ provides a self-calibration function. This self-calibration process, which generally takes less than two minutes, is the preferred method of assuring accuracy in your application. Initiate self-calibration to minimize the effects of any offset and gain drifts, particularly those due to warm-up.

Immediately after self-calibration, the only significant residual calibration error could be gain error due to time or temperature drift of the onboard voltage reference. This error is addressed by external calibration. If you are interested primarily in relative measurements, you can ignore a small amount of gain error, and self-calibration should be sufficient.

External Calibration

The DAQCard-1200 has an onboard calibration reference to ensure the accuracy of self-calibration. Its specifications are listed in Appendix A,

Specifications. The reference voltage is measured at the factory and stored

in the EEPROM for subsequent self-calibrations. This voltage is stable enough for most applications, but if you use your device at an extreme temperature or if the onboard reference has not been measured for a year or more, you may wish to externally calibrate your device.

An external calibration refers to calibrating your device with a known external reference rather than relying on the onboard reference. Redetermining the value of the onboard reference is part of this process and the results can be saved in the EEPROM. You can externally calibrate your device by calling the NI-DAQ calibration function.

To externally calibrate your device, be sure to use a very accurate external reference. The reference should be 4–10 times more accurate than the device itself.

DAQCard-1200 User Manual 5-2 ni.com

Specifications

This appendix lists the specifications for the DAQCard-1200. These specifications are typical at 25 °C unless otherwise noted.

Analog Input

Input Characteristics

Number of channels ............................... 8 single-ended,

Resolution .............................................. 12 bits, 1 in 4,096

Max single-channel sampling rate ......... 100 kS/s

Input signal ranges

8 pseudodifferential, or 4 differential, software-selectable

Device Gain

(Software-Selec

table)

1 0to10V ±5 V

2 0to5V ±2.5 V

5 0to2V ±1 V

10 0to1V ±500 mV

20 0to500mV ±250 mV

50 0to250mV ±100 mV

100 0to100mV ±50 mV

Input coupling ........................................ DC

Type of ADC.......................................... Successive approximation

Unipolar Bipolar

Device Range

(Software-Selectable)

Appendix A Specifications

Maximum working voltage

(signal + common mode)........................Negative input/AISENSE should

remain within ±6 V (bipolar) or –6 to 2 V (unipolar) of AGND

Overvoltage protection ...........................±35 V powered on and

±25Vpoweredoff

Inputs protected ......................................ACH<0..7>

FIFO buffer size......................................1,024 samples

Data transfers..........................................Interrupts, programmed I/O

Dither ......................................................Available

Transfer Characteristics

Relative accuracy....................................±0.5 LSB typ dithered,

±1.5 LSB max undithered

DNL ........................................................±1 LSB max

No missing codes....................................12 bits, guaranteed

Offset error

Pre-gain error after calibration ........10 µVmax

Pre-gain error before calibration .....±20 mV max

Post-gain error after calibration.......1 mV max

Post-gain error before calibration....±200 mV max

Gain error (relative to calibration reference)

After calibration...............................0.02% of reading max

Before calibration ............................±2% of reading max

Gain ≠ 1 with gain error

adjusted to 0 at gain = 1...................±0.8% of reading max

Amplifier Characteristics

Input impedance

Normal powered on .........................100 GΩ in parallel with 50 pF

Powered off .....................................4.7 k min

Overload ..........................................4.7 k min

DAQCard-1200 User Manual A-2 ni.com

Appendix A Specifications

Input bias current ................................... ±100 pA

Input offset current................................. ±100 pA

CMRR .................................................... 70 dB, DC to 60 Hz

Dynamic Characteristics

Bandwidth

Smallsignal(–3dB)

Gain Bandwidth

1–10 250 kHz

20 150 kHz

50 60 kHz

100 30 kHz

Settling time to full scale step

Accuracy

Gain

±0.024% (±1 LSB)

1–10 10 µsmax

20 12 µs typ, 15 µsmax

50 25 µs typ, 30 µsmax

100 60 µs typ, 80 µsmax

System noise (not including quantization error)

Gain Dither Off Dither On

1–50 0.3 LSB

100 0.5 LSB

rms

0.5 LSB

0.7 LSB

rms

Appendix A Specifications

Analog Output

Stability

Recommended warm-up time.................15 minutes

Offset temperature coefficient

Pre-gain............................................±15 µV/°C

Post-gain..........................................±100 µV/°C

Gain temperature coefficient ..................±40 ppm/°C

Output Characteristics

Number of Channels...............................2 voltage

Resolution...............................................12 bits, 1 in 4,096

Max update rate ......................................20 kS/s

Type of DAC ..........................................Double buffered

Data transfers..........................................Interrupts, programmed I/O

Transfer Characteristics

Relative accuracy (INL) .........................±0.5 LSB typ, ±1 LSB max

DNL ........................................................±0.5 LSB typ, ±0.9 LSB max

Monotonicity ..........................................12 bits, guaranteed

Offset error

After calibration...............................±0.5 mV max

Before calibration ............................±75 mV max

Gain error (relative to internal reference)

After calibration...............................±0.02% of reading max

Before calibration ............................±2% of reading max

If you perform simultaneous AI and AO, reliable continuous rates are limited to 0.5 to 1 kS/s and are configuration dependent.

DAQCard-1200 User Manual A-4 ni.com

Appendix A Specifications

Voltage Output

Ranges.................................................... 0 to 10 V, ±5 V software

selectable

Output coupling......................................DC

Output impedance .................................. 0.5 Ω typ

Current drive ......................................... 1 mA max per channel

Protection ...............................................80 mA momentary short-circuit

protection to ground

Power-on state

0 to 110 ms...................................... +2 V to –5V

>110 ms........................................... 0 V (±mV)

Dynamic Characteristics

Settling time to full-scale step................ 20 µs to ±1 LSB accuracy

Digital I/O

Noise ...................................................... 400 µV

typ, DC to 1 MHz

rms

Stability

Offset temperature coefficient ............... ±50 µV/°C

Gain temperature coefficient.................. ±30 ppm/°C

Number of channels ............................... 24 I/O (three 8-bit ports;

uses the 82C55A PPI)

Compatibility ......................................... TTL

Power-on state........................................ All ports high-impedance inputs

Appendix A Specifications

Digital logic levels

Level Min Max

Input low voltage –0.3 V 0.8 V

Input high voltage 2.2 V 5.3 V

Output low voltage (I

=2.5mA) — 0.4 V

out

Output high voltage (I

= –40 µA)

out

= –2.5 mA)

out

4.2 V

3.7 V

— —

Output leakage current

out

≤ V

–10 µA 10 µA

0 ≤ V

Protection................................................–0.5 to 5.5 V powered on,

±0.5 V powered off

Handshaking ...........................................3 wire, 2 port

Data transfers..........................................Interrupts, programmed I/O

Timing I/O

Number of channels................................3 counters/timers

Digital logic levels

Level Min Max

Input low voltage –0.3 V 0.8 V

Input high voltage 2.2 V 5.3 V

Output low voltage (I

=4mA) — 0.45 V

out

Output high voltage (I

= –1mA) 3.7 V —

out

DAQCard-1200 User Manual A-6 ni.com

Appendix A Specifications

Protection ...............................................–0.5 to 5.5 V powered on,

±0.5 V powered off

Resolution

Counters/timers............................... 16 bits

Compatibility ......................................... TTL

Base clocks available ............................. 2 MHz

Base clock accuracy ............................... ±50 ppm max

Max source frequency............................ 8 MHz

Min source pulse duration...................... 125 ns

Min gate pulse duration.......................... 100 µs

Data transfers ......................................... Interrupts, programmed I/O

Digital Trigger

Compatibility ......................................... TTL

Response ................................................ Rising edge

Pulse width............................................. 50 ns min

Bus Interface

Slave

Power Requirement

+5 VDC (±5%)....................................... 150 mA operating,

50 mA power-down mode, plus any current drawn through the I/O connector +5 line

Physical

Dimensions............................................. 8.56 by 5.40 cm (3.37 by 2.13 in.)

PC Card type .......................................... Type II

I/O connector.......................................... 50-pin male

Appendix A Specifications

Maximum Working Voltage

Maximum working voltage refers to the signal voltage plus the common-mode voltage.

Channel-to-earth .....................................30 VAC or 60 VDC,

Channel-to-channel.................................30 VAC or 60 VDC,

Environmental

Operating temperature ............................0 to 50 °C

Storage temperature................................–55 to 150 °C

Humidity .................................................5% to 90% RH, noncondensing

Maximum altitude...................................2000 meters

Pollution degree (indoor use only) .........2

installation category I

Safety

The DAQCard-1200 meets the requirements of the following standards for safety and electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use:

• EN 61010-1:1993/A2:1995, IEC 61010-1:1990/A2:1995

• UL 3111-1:1994

• CAN/CSA c22.2 no. 1010.1:1992/A2:1997

Electromagnetic Compatibility

CE, C-Tick, and FCC Part 15 (Class A) Compliant

Electrical emissions ................................EN 55011 Class A at 10 m

Electrical immunity ................................Evaluated to EN 61326:1997/

Note

For full EMC compliance, you must operate this device with shielded cabling. In addition, all covers and filler panels must be installed. Refer to the Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for this product for any additional regulatory compliance information.

FCC Part 15A above 1 GHz

A1:1998, Table 1

DAQCard-1200 User Manual A-8 ni.com

Appendix A Specifications

To obtain the DoC for this product, click Declaration of Conformity at

ni.com/hardref.nsf/

. This web site lists the DoCs by product family. Select the appropriate product family, followed by your product, and a link to the DoC appears in Adobe Acrobat format. Click the Acrobat icon to download or read the DoC.

Differences among the Lab-PC+, the DAQPad-1200, and the DAQCard-1200

This appendix contains a summary of the functional differences between the Lab-PC+, the DAQPad-1200, and the DAQCard-1200.

The Lab-PC+ is a plug-in DAQ device for PCs. It has jumpers for allocating bus resources such as base address, interrupt, and DMA channels, as well as analog input/output resources such as input/output mode and polarity. It also has potentiometers for calibration.

The DAQPad-1200 is a DAQ device that plugs into the parallel port of the computer. It is functionally identical to the Lab-PC+. In addition, there are no jumpers for bus resource allocation; this is done at configuration time with software. It also has no potentiometers because it is software calibrated. The DAQPad-1200 is register-compatible with the Lab-PC+. It has a few additional registers for calibration purposes.

The DAQCard-1200 is register-compatible with theDAQPad-1200 (and the Lab-PC+) and is functionally identical to it. Register-level software developed for the Lab-PC+ works directly on a configured DAQCard-1200. However, you calibrate the DAQCard-1200 with software instead of with potentiometers.

Appendix B Differences among the Lab-PC+, the DAQPad-1200, and the DAQCard-1200

The following table summarizes the differences among the three products.

Functionality Lab-PC+ DAQPad-1200 DAQCard-1200

Bus resource allocation Jumpers Software Software (automatic)

Calibration Potentiometers Software Software

DMA Uses DMA Cannot use DMA Cannot use DMA

Waveform generation Candowaveform

generation on one DAC and immediate updates on the other DAC

Candowaveform generation on one DAC and immediate updates on the other

Should do either immediate update on both or waveform generation on both but not a combination. Refer to Chapter 4, Theory of

Operation,formore

information.

FIFO size 512 samples 1,024 samples 1,024 samples

Maximum single-channel

83.3 kS/s 100 kS/s 100 kS/s

acquisition rate

Power-management modes — — 150 mA operating,

50 mA power-down mode

Fuse Regular 250 mA Regular 250 mA Thermal 1.0 A

DAQCard-1200 User Manual B-2 ni.com

Common Questions

This appendix contains a list of common questions and answers relating to the operation of the DAQCard-1200. The questions are grouped according to the type of information requested.

Installing and Configuring the DAQCard-1200

Which NI documentation should I read first to get started using DAQ software?

Refer to the Configuring the DAQCard-1200 section in Chapter 2,

Installing and Configuring the DAQCard-1200, for this information.

What version of NI-DAQ must I have to program the DAQCard-1200?

The DAQCard-1200 is supported by NI-DAQ for Windows versions 6.9.x and earlier. You may also the DAQCard-1200 with NI-DAQ for Mac OS version 6.6.x or version 4.9.4 or earlier.

What is the best way to test the DAQCard without having to program the DAQCard?

If you are using Windows, MAX has a Test Panel option that is available by clicking Devices and Interfaces and then clicking the device. The Test Panels are excellent tools for performing simple functional tests of the DAQCard, such as analog input and output, digital I/O, and counter/timer tests. If you are using Mac OS, the NI-DAQ Configuration Utility provides the same functionality.

Operating the DAQCard-1200

When using the DAQCard in differential analog input mode, I have connected a differential input signal, but the readings are random and drift rapidly. What’swrong?

Check the ground-reference connections. The signal may be referenced to a level that is considered floating with reference to the DAQCard ground reference. Even if you are in differential mode, the signal must still be

Appendix C Common Questions

referenced to the same ground level as the DAQCard reference. Chapter 3,

Connecting the Signals, outlines the various methods used to achieve the

same ground level while maintaining a high CMRR.

I want to use NI-DAQ to program the DAQCard-1200. How can I determine which NI-DAQ functions support the DAQCard?

If you are using NI-DAQ 6.7 or later, refer to the NI-DAQ Function Reference Online Help file. Click NI-DAQ Functions»Listed by Hardware Product for a complete list of functions supported by the DAQCard-1200. If you are using NI-DAQ 6.6 or earlier, refer to Appendix C, NI-DAQ Function Support,oftheNI-DAQ Function Reference Manual

for PC Compatibles.

I wish to register-level program the DAQCard-1200. Where can I find the information that I need to accomplish this task?

Register-level programming is not recommended for most users. Even experienced register-level programmers will find that using the NI-DAQ, LabVIEW, or Measurement Studio ADE is as easy and as flexible as register-level programming and can save weeks of development time. However, if you choose to register-level program, you can download the DAQCard-1200 Register-Level Programmer Manual from

ni.com/manuals

DAQCard-1200 User Manual C-2 ni.com

Technical Support Resources

Web Support

NI Web support is your first stop for help in solving installation, configuration, and application problems and questions. Online problem-solving and diagnostic resources include frequently asked questions, knowledge bases, product-specific troubleshooting wizards, manuals, drivers, software updates, and more. Web support is available through the Technical Support section of

NI Developer Zone

ni.com

The NI Developer Zone at building measurement and automation systems. At the NI Developer Zone, you can easily access the latest example programs, system configurators, tutorials, technical news, as well as a community of developers ready to share their own techniques.

Customer Education

NI provides a number of alternatives to satisfy your training needs, from self-paced tutorials, videos, and interactive CDs to instructor-led hands-on courses at locations around the world. Visit the Customer Education section of

ni.com

registration.

System Integration

If you have time constraints, limited in-house technical resources, or other dilemmas, you may prefer to employ consulting or system integration services. You can rely on the expertise available through our worldwide network of Alliance Program members. To find out more about our Alliance system integration solutions, visit the System Integration section of

ni.com

ni.com/zone

for online course schedules, syllabi, training centers, and class

is the essential resource for

Appendix D Technical Support Resources

Worldwide Support

NI has offices located around the world to help address your support needs. You can access our branch office Web sites from the Worldwide Offices section of information, support phone numbers, e-mail addresses, and current events.

If you have searched the technical support resources on our Web site and still cannot find the answers you need, contact your local office or NI corporate. Phone numbers for our worldwide offices are listed at the front of this manual.

ni.com

. Branch office Web sites provide up-to-date contact

DAQCard-1200 User Manual D-2 ni.com

Glossary

Prefix Meanings Value

p- pico- 10

n- nano- 10

µ-micro-10

m- milli- 10

k- kilo- 10

M- mega- 10

G- giga- 10

t- tera- 10

Numbers/Symbols

° degrees

–12

–9

– 6

–3

Ω ohms

% percent

A amperes

A/D analog-to-digital

AC alternating current

ACH analog input channel signal

ACK Acknowledge Input—A low signal on this handshaking line indicates that

the data written from the specified port has been accepted; primarily a response from the external device that it has received data

Glossary

ADC analog-to-digital converter—an electronic device, often an integrated

circuit, that converts an analog voltage to a digital number

ADE application development environment

AGND analog output ground reference signal for analog output voltages

AI analog input

AIGND analog input ground signal

AISENSE analog input sense signal

AO analog output

AWG American Wire Gauge

BCD binary-coded decimal

bipolar a signal range that includes both positive and negative values (for example,

–5Vto+5V)

bit one binary digit, either 0 or 1

buffer temporary storage for acquired or generated data (software)

byte eight related bits

CCelsius

CalDAC calibration DAC

CE card enable signal

CLK clock input signal

CMOS complementary metallic oxide semiconductor

DAQCard-1200 User Manual G-2 ni.com

Glossary

CMRR common-mode rejection ratio—a measure of an instrument’s ability to

reject interference from a common-mode signal, usually expressed in decibels (dB)

D/A digital-to-analog

DAC digital-to-analog converter

DAQ data acquisition—(1) collecting and measuring electrical signals from

sensors, transducers, and test probes or fixtures and inputting them to a computer for processing; (2) collecting and measuring the same kinds of electrical signals with A/D and/or DIO devices plugged into a computer, and possibly generating control signals with D/A and/or DIO devices in the same computer

DATA Data Lines at the Specified Port—the signal that indicates when teh data on

the data lines at a specified port is or should be available

dB decibel

DC direct current

DGND digital ground signal

DI digital input

DIFF differential input mode

DIN digital input signal

DIO digital input/output

DMA direct memory access—a method by which data can be transferred to/from

computer memory from/to a device or memory on the bus while the processor does something else. DMA is the fastest method of transferring data to/from computer memory.

DNL differential nonlinearity—a measure in least significant bit of the

worst-case deviation of code widths from their ideal value of 1 LSB

Glossary

DO digital output

DOUT digital output signal

EEPROM electrically erasable programmable read-only memory—ROM that can be

erased with an electrical signal and reprogrammed

EISA Extended Industry Standard Architecture

ESP Engineering Software Package

EXTCONV external control signal to trigger A/D conversions

EXTINT external interrupt signal

EXTTRIG External Trigger—external control singal to trigger a DAQ operation

EXTUPDATE External Update—external control singal to update DAC outputs

F farads

FIFO first-in first-out memory buffer—the first data stored is the first data sent to

the acceptor. FIFOs are often used on DAQ devices to temporarily store incoming or outgoing data until that data can be retrieved or output. For example, an analog input FIFO stores the results of A/D conversions until the data can be retrieved into system memory, a process that requires the servicing of interrupts and often the programming of the DMA controller. This process can take several milliseconds in some cases. During this time, data accumulates in the FIFO for future retrieval. With a larger FIFO, longer latencies can be tolerated. In the case of analog output, a FIFO permits faster update rates, because the waveform data can be stored on the FIFO ahead of time. This again reduces the effect of latencies associated with getting the data from system memory to the DAQ device.

DAQCard-1200 User Manual G-4 ni.com

Glossary

gain The factor by which a signal is amplified, often expressed in dB.

GATE gate input signal

glitch an unwanted momentary deviation from a desired signal

hex hexadecimal

Hz hertz—the number of scans read or updates written per second

I/O input/output—the transfer of data to/from a computer system involving

communications channels, operator interface devices, and/or data acquisition and control interfaces

IBF Input Buffer Full—A high signal on this handshaking line indicates that

data has been loaded into the input latch; primarily an input acknowledge signal

in. inches

interchannel delay another name for the sample interval, the time between when the first

channel in the scan is sampled and when that channel is sampled again

INTR Interrupt Request—a signal that becomes high when the 82C55A requests

service during a data transfer

ISA Industry Standard Architecture

K the prefix denoting 1,024, or 2

Glossary

LED light-emitting diode

LSB least significant bit

MAX Measurement and Automation Explorer—National Instruments software

that allows you to interface with and configure NI devices

MB megabytes of memory

MSB mostsignificantbit

NC not connected (signal)

NI National Instruments

NI-DAQ National Instruments driver software for DAQ hardware

NRSE nonreferenced single-ended mode—all measurements are made with

respect to a common (NRSE) measurement system reference, but the voltage at this reference can vary with respect to the measurement system ground

OBF Output Buffer Full—a low singal on this handshaking line indicates that

data has been written from the specified port

OUT output signal

DAQCard-1200 User Manual G-6 ni.com

Glossary

PCMCIA an expansion bus architecture that has found widespread acceptance as a

de facto standard in notebook-size computers. It originated as a specification for add-on memory cards written by the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association.

PPI programmable peripheral interface

RAM random-access memory

RD Read—the read signal generated from the parallel port interface circuitry

RH relative humidity

RMA Return Material Authorization

rms root mean square

RSE referenced single-ended mode—input mode where the negative input of the

instrumentation amplifier is referenced to AISENSE/AIGND, which is tied to ground through about 200 Ω resistance (default setting for the DAQCard-1200)

RTD resistance temperature detector

S samples

s seconds

SCXI Signal Conditioning eXtensions for Instrumentation—the National

Instruments product line for conditioning low-level signals within an external chassis near sensors so only high-level signals are sent to DAQ devices in the noisy PC environment

STB Strobe Input—A low signal on this handshaking ine loads data iont the

input latch

Glossary

TIO timing input/output

TTL transistor-transistor logic

two’s complement given a number x expressedinbase2withn digits to the left of the radix

point, the (base 2) number 2n – x

unipolar a signal range that is always positive (for example, 0 to +10 V)

V volts

VAC volts, alternating current

positive supply voltage from the PCMCIA bus (usually +5V)

VDC volts, direct current

VI virtual instrument—(1) a combination of hardware and/or software

elements, typically used with a PC, that has the functionality of a classic stand-alone instrument (2) a LabVIEW software module (VI), which consists of a front panel user interface and a block diagram program

volts, input high

volts, input low

volts in

volts, output high

volts, output low

WRT Write—the write signal generated from the parallel port interface circuitry

DAQCard-1200 User Manual G-8 ni.com

Index

Symbols

+5 V signal (table), 3-4

ACH<0..7> signal

description (table), 3-3 signal ranges, 3-4

bipolar and unipolar analog input

(table), 3-5 ACK* signal (table), 3-18 AGND signal

analog input signal connections, 3-4 description (table), 3-3

AISENSE/AIGND signal

analog common signal, 3-4

description (table), 3-3 amplifier characteristic specifications, A-2 analog input

See also analog input modes; analog input

signal connections circuitry, 4-6 configuration

analog I/O settings (table), 2-3 default settings, 2-3 input modes, 2-4 input polarity, 2-4

data acquisition rates

maximum recommended rates

(table), 4-9

settling time versus gain (table), 4-9

data acquisition timing

continuous data acquisition, 4-8 data acquisition operation, 4-8 interval data acquisition, 4-8

polarity

configuration, 2-4 settings (table), 2-3

specifications

amplifier characteristics, A-2 dynamic characteristics, A-3 input characteristics, A-1 stability, A-4 transfer characteristics, A-2

theory of operation, 4-5

analog input modes

configurations

differential connection

considerations, 3-7 floating signal sources, 3-8 ground-referenced signal sources, 3-10 recommended input configurations

(table), 3-7

DIFF

definition (table), 2-4 purpose and use, 2-4

NRSE

definition (table), 2-4 purpose and use, 2-5

RSE

definition (table), 2-4 purpose and use, 2-5

analog input signal connections

bipolar and unipolar signal range versus

gain (table), 3-5 common-mode signal rejection, 3-13 differential connections

description, 3-7 floating signal sources, 3-8 grounded signal sources, 3-10 single-ended connections, 3-11 when to use, 3-8

Index

exceeding maximum input voltage ratings

(caution), 3-4 floating signal sources, 3-6 ground-referenced signal sources, 3-6 input configurations, 3-7 instrumentation amplifier, 3-5 pins, 3-3 recommended input configurations

(table), 3-7 single-ended connections

floating signal sources (RSE

configuration), 3-11

grounded signal sources (NRSE

configuration), 3-12 purpose and use, 3-11 when to use, 3-11

types of signal sources, 3-6

analog output

circuitry, 4-10 DAC timing, 4-11 polarity

configuration, 2-6 settings (table), 2-5

power-on state, 4-11 signal connections, 3-14 specifications

dynamic characteristics, A-5 output characteristics, A-4 stability, A-5 transfer characteristics, A-4 voltage output, A-5

theory of operation, 4-10

bus interface specifications, A-7

calibration

EEPROM storage, 5-1 loading calibration constants, 5-1 overview, 5-1

CLK signals

general-purpose timing signal

connections, 3-27

timing requirements signals (figure), 3-31 CLKB1 signal (table), 3-4 CLKB2 signal (table), 3-4 common-mode signal rejection

considerations, 3-13

configuration

analog input

analog I/O settings (table), 2-3 default settings, 2-3 exceeding maximum ratings

(caution), 2-3 input modes, 2-4 input polarity, 2-4

analog output polarity, 2-6 counter/timers, 2-6 digital I/O, 2-6 PC Card, C-1

typical configuration (figure), 2-2 contacting National Instruments, E-2 conventions used in the manual, xi Counter 0 on 82C53(A) counter/timer, 3-22 Counter 1 on 82C53(A) counter/timer, 3-22 counter/timers

configuration, 2-6

theory of operation, 4-3 customer

education, E-1

technical support, E-1

DAQCard-1200 User Manual I-2 ni.com

Index

DAC OUTPUT UPDATE signal, 3-27 DAC0OUT signal (table), 3-3 DAC1OUT signal (table), 3-3 DACWRT signal, 3-27 DAQ and general-purpose timing signal

connections

DAQ timing connections, 3-22 general-purpose timing connections,

3-26, 3-27 pins, 3-22 power connections, 3-31

DAQ timing connections. See data acquisition

timing connections

DAQCard-1200

block diagram, 4-1 configuration. See configuration differences among Lab-PC+,

DAQPad-1200, and DAQCard-1200,

B-1 installation, 2-1 optional equipment, 1-4 overview and features, 1-1 requirements for getting started, 1-2 software programming choices

National Instruments ADE

software, 1-4

NI-DAQ driver software, 1-2

theory of operation. See theory of

operation unpacking, 1-5

DAQPad-1200, compared with Lab-PC+ and

DAQCard-1200, B-1

data acquisition rates

maximum recommended rates (table), 4-9 settling time versus gain (table), 4-9

data acquisition timing circuitry

continuous data acquisition, 4-8 data acquisition operation, 4-8 interval data acquisition, 4-8

data acquisition timing connections

DAQ DAQCard-1200 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Support

Worldwide Technical Support and Product Information

National Instruments Corporate Headquarters

Worldwide Offices

Important Information

Warranty

Copyright

Trademarks

Patents

WARNING REGARDING USE OF NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS

Compliance

Contents

About This Manual

Conventions

National Instruments Documentation

About the DAQCard-1200

What You Need to Get Started

NI-DAQ

Software Programming Choices

National Instruments ADE Software

Optional Equipment

Unpacking

Safety Information

Installing the Software

Installing the Hardware

Figure 2-1. A Typical Configuration for the DAQCard-1200

Configuring the DAQCard-1200

Configuring Analog Input

Analog Input Polarity

Analog Input Mode

Table 2-2. Analog Input Modes for the DAQCard-1200

DIFF Input Mode (Four Channels)

RSE Input Mode (Eight Channels, Default Setting)

NRSE Input Mode (Eight Channels)

Configuring Analog Output

Analog Output Polarity

Configuring Digital I/O

Configuring Counters

I/O Connector

Figure 3-1. DAQCard-1200 I/O Connector Pin Assignments

Signal Connection Descriptions

Table 3-1. Signal Descriptions

Connecting Analog Input Signals

Figure 3-2. DAQCard-1200 Instrumentation Amplifier

Types of Signal Sources

Floating Signal Sources

Ground-Referenced Signal Sources

Input Configurations

Differential Connection Considerations (DIFF Input Mode)

Single-Ended Connection Considerations (RSE and NRSE Input Modes)

Figure 3-5. Single-Ended Input Connections for Floating Signal Sources

Figure 3-6. Single-Ended Input Connections for Grounded Signal Sources

Common-Mode Signal Rejection Considerations

Connecting Analog Output Signals

Figure 3-7. Analog Output Signal Connections

Connecting Digital I/O Signals

Figure 3-8. Digital I/O Connections

Port C Pin Connections

Timing Specifications

Mode 1 Input Timing

Figure 3-9. Mode 1 Timing Specifications for Input Transfers

Mode 1 Output Timing

Figure 3-10. Mode 1 Timing Specifications for Output Transfers

Mode 2 Bidirectional Timing

Connecting Analog I/O and General-Purpose Timing Signals

Analog Input Timing Connections

Figure 3-12. Interval Scanning and Round-Robin Scanning

Figure 3-14. Posttrigger DAQ Timing

Figure 3-16. Interval-Scanning Signal Timing

Analog Output Timing Connections

General-Purpose Timing Connections

Figure 3-18. Event-Counting Application with External Switch Gating

Figure 3-19. Frequency Measurement Application

Figure 3-20. General-Purpose Timing Signals

Connecting the Power

Functional Overview