The AMUX-64T is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year from 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 manual 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.
EXCEPT AS SPECIFIED HEREIN, NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE
OF
NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR DAMAGES RESULTING FROM LOSS OF DATA, PROFITS,
USE OF PRODUCTS, OR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY
THEREOF
whether in contract or tort, including 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.
. CUSTOMER'S RIGHT TO RECOVER DAMAGES CAUSED BY FAULT OR NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART
NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE AMOUNT THERETOFORE PAID BY THE CUSTOMER.
. This limitation of the liability of National Instruments will apply regardless of the form of action,
Copyright
Under the copyright laws, this publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any 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
LabVIEW®, NI-DAQ®, and RTSI® are trademarks of National Instruments Corporation.
Product names and company names listed are trademarks or trade names of their respective companies.
WARNING REGARDING MEDICAL AND CLINICAL USE
OF NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS
National Instruments products are not designed with components and testing intended to ensure a level of reliability
suitable for use in treatment and diagnosis of humans. Applications of National Instruments products involving
medical or clinical treatment can create a potential for accidental injury caused by product failure, or by errors on
the part of the user or application designer. Any use or application of National Instruments products for or involving
medical or clinical treatment must be performed by properly trained and qualified medical personnel, and all
traditional medical safeguards, equipment, and procedures that are appropriate in the particular situation to prevent
serious injury or death should always continue to be used when National Instruments products are being used.
National Instruments products are NOT intended to be a substitute for any form of established process, procedure, or
equipment used to monitor or safeguard human health and safety in medical or clinical treatment.
Contents
About This Manual.............................................................................................................ix
Organization of This Manual.........................................................................................ix
Conventions Used in This Manual.................................................................................x
Chapter 1
Introduction
About the AMUX-64T...................................................................................................1-1
What You Need to Get Started ......................................................................................1-1
This manual describes the mechanical and electrical aspects of the AMUX64T and contains information about configuring, operating, and
programming the AMUX-64T.
multiplexer that quadruples the number of analog input signals that can be
digitized with a National Instruments MIO board (except the AT-MIO-64).
The AMUX-64T also has an integrated circuit temperature sensor that can
be connected as a differential input to two of the 64 input channels
(jumper-selectable) for low-cost thermocouple cold junction compensation.
The AMUX-64T also has signal conditioning positions available for all 64
input channels.
Organization of This Manual
The AMUX-64T User Manual is organized as follows:
The AMUX-64T is a front-end analog
•Chapter 1, Introduction, describes the AMUX-64T; lists what you need
to get started with your AMUX-64T; describes the software
programming choices and optional equipment; and explains how to
unpack your AMUX-64T.
•Chapter 2, Configuration and Installation, describes the configuration
and installation of your AMUX-64T. The topics discussed include switch
and jumper configuration, connection of the AMUX-64T board to the
MIO board, power, and signal connections.
•Chapter 3, Signal Connections, describes the AMUX-64T signal
connections and has specifications and connection instructions for the
AMUX-64T connector signals.
•Chapter 4, Signal Conditioning, discusses signal conditioning and
describes how to build systems such as filters and attenuators for
passive analog input signal conditioning.
•Chapter 5, Theory of Operation and Register-Level Programming,
contains a functional overview of the AMUX-64T and explains the
operation of each functional unit making up the AMUX-64T. This
chapter also contains register-level programming information for the
MIO board.
•Appendix A, Specifications, lists the specifications for the AMUX-64T.
•Appendix B, Customer Communication, contains forms you can use to
request help from National Instruments or to comment on our products
and manuals.
•The Glossary contains an alphabetical list and description of terms used
in this manual, including abbreviations, acronyms, metric prefixes,
mnemonics, and symbols.
•The Index contains an alphabetical list of key terms and topics in this
manual, including the page where you can find each one.
monospaceText in this font denotes text or characters that are to be
literally input 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, variables, filenames, and extensions,
and for statements and comments taken from program
code.
NBNB refers to the NuBus series computers.
PCPC refers to the IBM PC/XT, the IBM PC AT, and
compatible computers.
Abbreviations, acronyms, metric prefixes, mnemonics, symbols, and terms
are listed in the Glossary.
The AMUX-64T User Manual is one piece of the documentation set for your
system. You could have any of several types of manuals, depending on the
hardware and software in your system. Use the different types of manuals
you have as follows:
•Your DAQ hardware user manuals—These manuals have detailed
information about the DAQ hardware that plugs into or is connected to
your computer. Use these manuals for hardware installation and
configuration instructions, specification information about your DAQ
hardware, and application hints.
•Software manuals—Examples of software manuals you may have are the
®
LabVIEW and LabWindows
After you set up your hardware system, use either the application
software (LabVIEW or LabWindows) manuals or the
NI-DAQ manuals to help you write your application. If you have a large
and complicated system, it is worthwhile to look through the software
manuals before you configure your hardware.
manual sets and the NI-DAQ manuals.
•Accessory installation guides or manuals—If you are using accessory
products, read the terminal block and cable assembly installation guides
or accessory board user manuals. They explain how to physically
connect the relevant pieces of the system. Consult these guides when
you are making your connections.
Related Documentation
The following manuals contain information you may find helpful as you
read this manual:
•NIST Monograph 175: Temperature-Electromotive Force Reference
Functions and Tables for the Letter-Designated Thermocouple Types
Based on the ITS-90, National Institute of Standards and Technology,
1993
The following document contains information you may find helpful as you
read this manual and is available from National Instruments upon request:
•Application Note 043, Measuring Temperature with Thermocouples
In addition, the National Instruments DAQ board user manuals contain
information you may find helpful as you read this manual.
Customer Communication
National Instruments wants to receive your comments on our products and manuals. We are
interested in the applications you develop with our products, and we want to help if you have
problems with them. To make it easy for you to contact us, this manual contains comment and
configuration forms for you to complete. These forms are in Appendix B, Customer
This chapter describes the AMUX-64T; lists what you need to get started with your AMUX-64T;
describes the software programming choices and optional equipment; and explains how to
unpack your AMUX-64T.
About the AMUX-64T
The AMUX-64T is a front-end analog multiplexer that quadruples the number of analog input
signals that can be digitized with a National Instruments MIO board (except the AT-MIO-64).
The AMUX-64T has 16 separate four-to-one analog multiplexer circuits. Four AMUX-64T
boards can be cascaded to digitize up to 256 single-ended or 128 differential signals by one
MIO board.
The AMUX-64T has an integrated circuit temperature sensor that can be connected as a
differential input to two of the 64 input channels (jumper-selectable) for low-cost thermocouple
cold-junction compensation. Cold-junction compensation is achieved by adding the temperature
reading of the sensor to the temperature readings of thermocouples at the remaining 62
AMUX-64T input channels. You can cascade up to four AMUX-64T boards to increase the
number of thermocouple inputs with cold-junction compensation to 248 in single-ended mode or
124 in differential mode.
The AMUX-64T also has open component positions on all 64 input channels. These positions
are for building signal conditioning devices such as filters and attenuators.
Note:When an MIO board is referred to without an AT, MC, NB, NEC, or SB prefix, the
reference applies to the AT, MC, NB, NEC, and SB versions of that board.
The AMUX-64T is a circuitboard assembly that is placed on a workbench or mounted in a 19-in.
rack. You can configure the AMUX-64T to draw power from the MIO board or from an external
+5 V supply. A red LED indicates when the board is powered on. Input signal leads are
attached at screw terminals.
What You Need to Get Started
To set up and use your AMUX-64T, you will need the following:
AMUX-64T board
AMUX-64T User Manual
0.2, 0.5, 1.0, or 2.0 m cable
MIO board
Detailed specifications of the AMUX-64T are listed in Appendix A, Specifications.
There are four options to choose from when programming your National Instruments DAQ and
SCXI hardware. You can use LabVIEW, LabWindows, NI-DAQ, or register-level programming
software.
Your accessory hardware kit does not include software. The AMUX-64T works with LabVIEW
for Windows, LabVIEW for Macintosh, LabWindows for DOS, and LabWindows/CVI for
Windows, NI-DAQ for PC compatibles, and NI-DAQ for Macintosh.
LabVIEW and LabWindows Application Software
LabVIEW and LabWindows are innovative program development software packages for data
acquisition and control applications. LabVIEW uses graphical programming, whereas
LabWindows enhances traditional programming languages. Both packages include extensive
libraries for data acquisition, instrument control, data analysis, and graphical data presentation.
LabVIEW currently runs on four different platforms—AT/MC/EISA computers running
Microsoft Windows, NEC computers running Windows, the Macintosh platform, and the Sun
SPARCstation platform. LabVIEW features interactive graphics, a state-of-the-art user
interface, and a powerful graphical programming language. The LabVIEW Data Acquisition VI
Library, a series of VIs for using LabVIEW with National Instruments DAQ hardware, is
included with LabVIEW. The LabVIEW Data Acquisition VI Libraries are functionally
equivalent to the NI-DAQ software, except that the SCXI functions are not included in the
LabVIEW software for Sun.
LabWindows has two versions—LabWindows for DOS is for use on PCs running DOS, and
LabWindows/CVI is for use on PCs running Windows and for Sun SPARCstations.
LabWindows/CVI features interactive graphics, a state-of-the-art user interface, and uses the
ANSI standard C programming language. The LabWindows Data Acquisition Library, a series
of functions for using LabWindows with National Instruments DAQ hardware, is included with
the NI-DAQ software kit. The LabWindows Data Acquisition libraries are functionally
equivalent to the NI-DAQ software except that the SCXI functions are not included in the
LabWindows/CVI software for Sun.
Using LabVIEW or LabWindows software will greatly reduce the development time for your
data acquisition and control application.
NI-DAQ Driver Software
The NI-DAQ driver software is included at no charge with all National Instruments DAQ
hardware. NI-DAQ is not packaged with SCXI or accessory products, except for the
SCXI-1200. NI-DAQ has an extensive library of functions that you can call from your
application programming environment. These functions include routines for analog input
(A/D conversion), buffered data acquisition (high-speed A/D conversion), analog output
(D/A conversion), waveform generation, digital I/O, counter/timer operations, SCXI, RTSI,
self calibration, messaging, and acquiring data to extended memory.
NI-DAQ has both high-level DAQ I/O functions for maximum ease of use and low-level data
acquisition I/O functions for maximum flexibility and performance. Examples of high-level
functions are streaming data to disk or acquiring a certain number of data points. An example of
a low-level function is writing directly to registers on the data acquisition device. NI-DAQ does
not sacrifice the performance of National Instruments data acquisition devices because it lets
multiple devices operate at their peak performance—up to 500 kS/s on ISA computers and up to
1 MS/s on EISA computers.
NI-DAQ includes a Buffer and Data Manager that uses sophisticated techniques for handling
and managing data acquisition buffers so that you can simultaneously acquire and process data.
NI-DAQ functions for the DAQCard-DIO-24 can transfer data using interrupts or software
polling.
With the NI-DAQ Resource Manager, you can simultaneously use several functions and several
DAQ devices. The Resource Manager prevents multiple-device contention over DMA channels,
interrupt levels, and RTSI channels.
NI-DAQ can send event-driven messages to DOS, Windows, or Windows NT applications
whenever a user-specified event occurs. Thus, polling is eliminated and you can develop eventdriven data acquisition applications. An example of an NI-DAQ user event is when a specified
digital I/O pattern is matched.
NI-DAQ also internally addresses many of the complex issues between the computer and the
DAQ hardware such as programming the PC interrupt and DMA controllers. NI-DAQ maintains
a consistent software interface among its different versions so that you can change platforms
with minimal modifications to your code.
Figure 1-1 illustrates the relationship between NI-DAQ and LabVIEW and LabWindows. You
can see that the data acquisition parts of LabVIEW and LabWindows are functionally equivalent
to the NI-DAQ software.
Figure 1-1. The Relationship between the Programming Environment,
NI-DAQ, and Your Hardware
The National Instruments PC, AT, MC, DAQCard, and DAQPad Series DAQ hardware is
packaged with NI-DAQ software for PC compatibles. NI-DAQ software for PC compatibles
comes with language interfaces for Professional BASIC, QuickBASIC, Visual Basic, Borland
Turbo Pascal, Turbo C++, Borland C++, Microsoft Visual C++, and Microsoft C for DOS; and
Visual Basic, Turbo Pascal, Microsoft C with SDK, and Borland C++ for Windows and
Microsoft Visual C++ for Windows NT. You can use your AMUX-64T, together with other PC,
AT, MC, EISA, DAQCard, and DAQPad Series DAQ and SCXI hardware, with NI-DAQ
software for PC compatibles.
The National Instruments NB Series DAQ boards are packaged with NI-DAQ software for
Macintosh. NI-DAQ software for Macintosh comes with language interfaces for MPW C,
THINK C, Pascal, and Microsoft QuickBASIC. Any language that uses Device Manager
Toolbox calls can access NI-DAQ software for Macintosh. You can use NB Series DAQ boards
and SCXI hardware with NI-DAQ software for Macintosh.
The National Instruments SB Series DAQ boards are packaged with NI-DAQ software for Sun,
which comes with a language interface for ANSI C.
The final option for programming any National Instruments DAQ hardware is to write registerlevel software. Writing register-level programming software can be very time-consuming and
inefficient, and is not recommended for most users. The only users who should consider writing
register-level software should meet at least one of the following criteria:
•National Instruments does not support your operating system or programming language.
•You are an experienced register-level programmer who is more comfortable writing your
own register-level software.
Even if you are an experienced register-level programmer, always consider using NI-DAQ,
LabVIEW, or LabWindows to program your National Instruments DAQ hardware. Using the
NI-DAQ, LabVIEW, or LabWindows software is easier than, and as flexible as, register-level
programming, and can save you weeks of development time.
The AMUX-64T User Manual and your software manuals contain complete instructions for
programming your AMUX-64T with NI-DAQ, LabVIEW, or LabWindows. For register-level
programming information, see Chapter 5, Theory of Operation and Register-LevelProgramming. If you are using NI-DAQ with LabWindows, use this manual and your
LabWindows software manual. If you are using LabVIEW, use your LabVIEW manual. If you
are using NI-DAQ, LabVIEW, or LabWindows to control your board, you should not need the
programming information in Chapter 5, Theory of Operation and Register-Level Programming.
Chapter 5, Theory of Operation and Register-Level Programming, contains low-level
programming details, such as register maps, bit descriptions, and register programming hints,
that you will need only for register-level programming.
Optional Equipment
Contact National Instruments to order any of the following optional equipment:
•CB-50 I/O connector (50-screw terminals) with 0.5 or 1.0 m cable
•SCB-68 I/O connector (68-screw terminals) with 0.5 or 1.0 m cable
•SH6868 shielded cable assembly with 1, 2, 5, or 10 m cable
•SH6850 shielded cable assembly with 1, 2, 5, or 10 m cable
•R6868 1 m ribbon cable assembly
•R6850 1 m ribbon cable assembly
•Rack-mount kit with acrylic plastic cover (single- or double-height)
•Rack-mount kit with metal wraparound cover (single- or double-height)
For more information about optional equipment available from National Instruments, refer to
your National Instruments catalog or call the office nearest you.
Unpacking
Your AMUX-64T board is shipped in an antistatic package to prevent electrostatic damage to the
board. Electrostatic discharge can damage several components on the board. To avoid such
damage in handling the board, take the following precautions:
•Ground yourself via a grounding strap or by holding a grounded objects.
•Touch the antistatic package to a metal part of your computer chassis before removing the
board from the package.
•Remove the board from the package and inspect the board for loose components or any other
sign of damage. Notify National Instruments if the board appears damaged in any way. Donot install or connect a damaged board in your computer or to your MIO board.
This chapter describes the configuration and installation of your AMUX-64T. The topics
discussed include switch and jumper configuration, connection of the AMUX-64T to the MIO
board, power, and signal connections.
Board Configuration
The AMUX-64T contains two sets of switches and three jumpers to change the multiplexer
settings and power connection configurations of the board. These jumpers and switches are
shown in Figure 2-1.
The five-position switch at U12 configures the AMUX-64T for single-board or multiple-board
operation. Switch SW1 selects either the internal +5 V power from the MIO board or an external
+5 V power source for the AMUX-64T. Jumper W1 optionally connects the onboard
temperature sensor to Channels 0 and 32 of the AMUX-64T. Jumper W2 connects the
AMUX-64T analog ground to the shield of a rack-mounted chassis. Jumper W3 connects the
AMUX-64T 68-pin connector shield to the shield of a rack-mounted chassis.
Power, Temperature Sensor, and Shield Configuration
To configure the AMUX-64T board, use the three user-configurable jumpers (W1–W3) shown in
the parts locator diagram, Figure 2-1. Tables 2-1 to 2-3 list the description and configuration of
the user-configurable jumpers.
No Connect position—Use this
setting to disconnect the
AMUX-64T analog ground from
the shield of a rack-mounted
chassis. (factory setting)
AIGND position—Use this
setting to connect the
AMUX-64T analog ground to the
shield of a rack-mounted chassis.
No Connect position—Use this
setting to disconnect the
AMUX-64T 68-pin connector
shield from the shield of a rackmounted chassis. (factory setting)
CABLE SHLD position—Use
this setting to connect the
AMUX-64T 68-pin connector
shield to the shield of a rackmounted chassis.
NC
NC
CHASSIS
W3
NC
Shield
Disconnected
NC
Shield
Connected
CHASSIS
W2
AIGND
CHASSIS
W2
AIGND
CABLE SHLD
CHASSIS
W3
Note: The shaded area indicates the position of the jumper.
Supplementary Configuration Information
Power Supply Selection
Switch SW1 selects internal or external +5 V power for the AMUX-64T. Set SW1 to the INT
position to power the AMUX-64T by drawing power through the MIO board. Set SW1 to the
EXT position to draw power from an external +5 V source connected to J41.
With the exception of the MC-MIO-16, all MIO boards are capable of powering up to four
AMUX-64T boards. The MC-MIO-16 has enough remaining power to start up to two
AMUX-64T boards. Each AMUX-64T board typically draws 78 mA. Table 2-4 shows the
amount of power the MIO boards can supply to the AMUX-64T.
* This value depends on the computer model and configuration of other boards in the system.
Power RemainingTotal Number of AMUX-64Ts That
Can Be Powered through MIO
Board
(limited by a fuse)
(limited by a fuse)
(limited by a fuse)
(limited by a fuse)
(limited by a fuse)
Temperature Sensor
4
4
4
4
4
Table 2-2 shows the positions for jumper W1.
The AMUX-64T is equipped with an onboard temperature sensor for use with thermocouple
cold-junction compensation. This sensor is a National Semiconductor LM-35CZ that provides a
voltage output of 10 m V/°C, with an accuracy of ±1° C. The sensor is jumper-selected on
differential input channel 0.
Configure the host MIO board for differential inputs if you plan to use this temperature sensor.
Use jumper W1 to select either the temperature sensor or the external screw terminals as the
input source for differential channel 0. The AMUX-64T is shipped from the factory with the
jumpers set so that CH0 and CH32 are connected to the terminal block (the temperature sensor is
not selected).
Shield Selection
The AMUX-64T is shipped from the factory with the jumpers set so that AIGND and
CABLE SHLD are disconnected from CHASSIS. Table 2-3 shows the jumper W2 and
jumper W3 settings.
The AMUX-64T has two optional connections that are relevant when using a rack-mount kit to
mount the AMUX-64T, jumpers W2 and W3. Jumper W2 connects the analog input ground
(AIGND) to the rack-mount kit. Setting this jumper to the AIGND position connects the
AIGND signal to the metal standoff in the lower left corner of the board. Setting this jumper to
the NC position keeps the AMUX-64T AIGND isolated from the rack.