National Instruments DAQCard-1200 User Manual

DAQ

DAQCard™-1200
User Manual

Multifunction I/O Card for
the PCMCIA Bus

DAQCard-1200 User Manual

October 1999 Edition

Part Number 320936B-01

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 [e-mail].

© Copyright 1995, 1999 National Instruments Corporation. All rights reserved.

Important Information

Warranty

The DAQ-Card-1200 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 i ncludes parts and labo r.

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 perio d of 9 0 da ys from d ate o f sh ip ment, as ev idenced b y receipt s o r ot her
documentation. National Instruments will, at its op ti on , repair or repl ace soft ware me dia th at do not ex ecu te pr ogram mi ng
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 uni nterrup ted 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 warrant y.

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 withou t p rio r no ti ce to hold ers o f thi s ed itio n. The read er sh ou ld consul t
National Instruments if errors are suspected. In no even t shall Nati on al Inst rum ents be l iable fo r any dama ges aris in g o ut of
or related to this document or the information contained in it.

XCEPT AS SPECIFIED HEREIN

E

WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE
NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE AMOUNT THERETOFORE PAID BY THE CUSTOMER

NSTRUMENTS WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR DAMAGES RESULTING FROM LOSS OF DATA, PROFITS, USE OF PRODUCTS, OR INCIDENTAL OR

I

CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY THEREOF

apply regardless of the form of action, 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 co ver d amag es, defects,
malfunctions, or service failures caused by ow ner’s fai lu re t o foll ow th e Nation al Inst rum ent s in stal l ation, op erat i on, or
maintenance instructions; owner’s modification of the pro du ct; ow ner’s abus e, m isus e, or negligent acts; and po wer failure or
surges, fire, flood, accident, actions of third parties, or other events outside reasonable control.

ATIONAL INSTRUMENTS MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY

, N

Copyright

Under the copyright laws, this publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form, electronic or mechanical, including
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consent of National Instruments Corporation.

USTOMER’S RIGHT TO RECOVER DAMAGES CAUSED BY FAULT OR

. C

. This limitation of the liability of National Instruments will

. N

ATIONAL

Trademarks

CVI™, DAQCard™, DAQPad™, LabVIEW™, natinst.com™, National Instruments™ , NI-DAQ™, and RTSI™ are trademarks
of National In strum ent s Co rporat ion.

Product and company names mentioned herein are trad emarks o r trad e name s of thei r respect ive compan ies .

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, I NCLUDING THE ABOVE , RELIABILITY OF OP ERATION OF THE SOFT WARE 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 DE VEL OP AN APPLICAT ION,
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 ELECTRON IC SYSTE M DUE TO THE RISK OF SYSTEM
FAILURE. TO AVOID DAMAGE, INJURY, OR DEATH, THE USER OR APPLICATION DESIGNE R MU ST T AKE
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 A PPLICATION DE SIGNER IS
ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE FOR VERIFYING AND VALIDATING THE SUITAB ILITY OF NA TIONAL
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.

Contents

About This Manual

Organization of This Manual.........................................................................................ix

Conventions Used in This Manual.................................................................................x

National Instruments Documentation......................................... ...................................xi

Related Documentation........................................... .......................................................xii

Chapter 1
Introduction

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

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

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

LabVIEW and LabWindows/CVI Application Software................................1-3

NI-DAQ Driver Software................................................................................1-3

Register-Level Programming ..................................................... .....................1-4

Optional Equipment.......................................................................................................1-5

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

Chapter 2
Installation and Configuration

Installation .....................................................................................................................2-1

Configuration.................................................................................................................2-2

Analog Input Configuration ............................................................................2-3

Analog Input Polarity........................................................................2-3

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

RSE Input (Eight Channels, Default Setting).....................2-4

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

DIFF Input (Four Channels)...............................................2-5

Analog Output Configuration..........................................................................2-5

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

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

Counter Configuration.......................................................... ...........................2-6

Chapter 3
Signal Connections

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

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

Analog Input Signal Connections....................................................................3-4

© National Instruments Corporation v DAQCard-1200 User Manual

Contents

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

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

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

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

Differential Connection Considerations

(DIFF Configuration)......................................................3-7

Differential Connections for Grounded Signal Sources..... 3-8

Differential Connections for Floating Signal Sources ....... 3-9

Single-Ended Connection Considerations..........................3-11

Single-Ended Connections for Floating Signal Sources

(RSE Configuration)........................................................3-11

Single-Ended Connections for Grounded Signal

Sources (NRSE Configuration).......................................3-12

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

Analog Output Signal Connections.................................................................3-14

Digital I/O Signal Connections.........................................................3-15

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

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

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

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

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

DAQ and General-Purpose Timing Signal Connections ................................3-22

DAQ Timing Connections................................................................3-22

General-Purpose Timing Signal Connections ..................................3-26

Power Connections .........................................................................................3-31

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

Continuous Data Acquisition............................................................4-8

Interval Data Acquisition..................................................................4-9

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

DAQCard-1200 User Manual vi © National Instruments Corporation

Analog Output................................................................................................................4-11

Analog Output Circuitry..................................................................................4-11

Power-On State................................................................................................4-12

DAC Timing....................................................................................................4-12

Digital I/O.......................... ............................................................................................4-13

Chapter 5
Calibration

Calibration at Higher Gains...........................................................................................5-2

Calibration Equipment Requirements............................................................................ 5-2

Using the Calibration Function ......................................................................................5-2

Appendix A
Specifications

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

Contents

Appendix C
Power-Management Modes

Appendix D
PC Card Questions and Answers

Appendix E
Technical Support Resources

Glossary

Index

Figures

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

NI-DAQ, and Your Hardware........................................................... .. ..1-4

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

© National Instruments Corporation vii DAQCard-1200 User Manual

Contents

Figure 3-1. DAQCard-1200 I/O Connector Pin Assignments.................................3-2

Figure 3-2. DAQCard-1200 Instrumentation Amplifier..........................................3-5

Figure 3-3. Differential Input Connections for Grounded Signal Sources.............. 3-9

Figure 3-4. Differential Input Connections for Floating Sources............................ 3-10

Figure 3-5. Single-Ended Input Connections for Floating Signal Sources ............. 3-12

Figure 3-6. Single-Ended Input Connections for Grounded Signal Sources........... 3-13

Figure 3-7. Analog Output Signal Connections ......................................................3-14

Figure 3-8. Digital I/O Connections........................................................................3-16

Figure 3-9. Mode 1 Timing Specifications for Input Transfers...............................3-19

Figure 3-10. Mode 1 Timing Specifications for Output Transfers............................3-20

Figure 3-11. Mode 2 Timing Specifications for Bidirectional Transfers..................3-21

Figure 3-12. EXTCONV* Signal Timing .................................................................3-22

Figure 3-13. Posttrigger DAQ Timing....................................................................... 3-23

Figure 3-14. Pretrigger DAQ Timing........................................................................ 3-24

Figure 3-15. Interval-Scanning Signal Timing..........................................................3-25

Figure 3-16. EXTUPDATE* Signal Timing for Updating DAC Output..................3-26

Figure 3-17. Event-Counting Application with External Switch Gating .................. 3-27

Figure 3-18. Frequency Measurement Application...................................................3-29

Figure 3-19. General-Purpose Timing Signals..........................................................3-30

Figure 4-1. DAQCard-1200 Block Diagram...........................................................4-1

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

Figure 4-3. Timing Circuitry ...................................................................................4-4

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

Figure 4-5. Analog Output Circuitry.......................................................................4-11

Figure 4-6. Digital I/O Circuitry..............................................................................4-13

Tables

Table 2-1. Analog I/O Settings...............................................................................2-3

Table 2-2. Analog Input Modes for the DAQCard-1200 ....................................... 2-4

Table 3-1. Bipolar and Unipolar Analog Input Signal Range Versus Gain........... 3-5

Table 3-2. Recommended Input Configurations for Ground-Referenced

and Floating Signal Sources..................................................................3-7

Table 3-3. Port C Signal Assignments ...................................................................3-17

Table 4-1. Analog Input Settling Time Versus Gain..............................................4-10

Table 4-2. DAQCard-1200 Maximum Recommended Data Acquisition Rates....4-10

Table C-1. DAQCard-1200 Power-Management Modes .......................................C-1

DAQCard-1200 User Manual viii © National Instruments Corporation

About This Manual

This manual describes the mechanical and electrical aspects of the
DAQCard-1200 and contains information concerning its installation and
operation. The DAQCard-1200 is a compact, low-cost, low-power analog
input, analog output, digital, and timing I/O card for IBM PC/XT, PC AT,
and compatible computers that are equipped with a T ype II PC Card socket.

Organization of This Manual

The DAQCard-1200 User Manual is organized as follows:

• Chapter 1, Introduction, describes the DA QCard-1200; lists what you
need to get started, the optional software, and optional equipment; and
explains how to unpack the DAQCard-1200.

• Chapter 2, Installation and Configuration, describes ho w to install and
software configure the DAQCard-1200.

• Chapter 3, Signal Connections, describes the signals on the
DAQCard-1200 I/O connector.

• Chapter 4, Theory of Operation, explains the operation of each
functional unit of the DAQCard-1200.

• Chapter 5, Calibration, discusses the calibration procedures for the
DAQCard-1200 analog I/O circuitry.

• Appendix A, Specifications, lists the specifications of the
DAQCard-1200.

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

and the DAQCard-1200, contains a summary of the functional

differences among the Lab-PC+, the DAQPad-1200, and the
DAQCard-1200.

• Appendix C, Power-Management Modes, describes the
power-management modes of the DA QCard-1200.

• Appendix D, PC Card Questions and Answers, contains a list of
common questions and answers relating to PC Card operation.

• Appendix E, Technical Support Resources, contains forms you can use
to request help from National Instruments or to comment on our
products and manuals.

© National Instruments Corporation ix DAQCard-1200 User Manual

About This Manual

• 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.

Conventions Used in This Manual

The following conventions are used in this manual:

<> Angle brackets enclose the name of a key on the keyboard—for example,

<shift>. Angle brackets containing numbers separated by an ellipsis
represent a range of values associated with a bit or signal name—for
example, DBIO<3..0>.

This icon to the left of bold italicized text denotes a note, which alerts you
to important information.

!

bold italic Bold italic text denotes an activity objective, note, caution, or warning.

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

monospace Text in this font denotes text or characters that you should literally enter

NI-DAQ NI-DAQ is used in this manual to refer to the NI-DAQ software for PC

PC PC refers to the IBM PC/XT, PC AT, Personal System/2, and laptop

This icon to the left of bold italicized text denotes a caution, which advises
you of precautions to take to avoid injury, data loss, or a system crash.

This icon to the left of bold italicized text denotes a warning, which advises
you of precautions to take to avoid being electrically shocked.

to a key concept. This font also denotes text from which you supply the
appropriate word or value, as in NI-DAQ 6.x.

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, file names and extensions, and for statements and
comments taken from programs.

compatibles unless otherwise stated.

compatible computers which are equipped with a Type II, 5 V-capable slot
and a PCMCIA standard version 2.0 or later bus interface.

DAQCard-1200 User Manual x © National Instruments Corporation

National Instruments Documentation

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

• Getting Started with SCXI—If you are using SCXI, this is the first
manual you should read. It gives an overview of the SCXI system and
contains the most commonly needed information for the modules,
chassis, and software.

• Your SCXI user manuals—If you are using SCXI, read these manuals
next for detailed information about signal connections and module
configuration. They also explain in greater detail how the module
works and contain application hints.

• Your DAQ board 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/CVI manual sets and the NI-DAQ
manuals. After you set up your hardware system, use either the
application software (LabVIEW or LabWindo ws/CVI) 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.

• Accessory manuals—If you are using accessory products, read the
terminal block and cable assembly installation guides. They explain
how to physically connect the relevant pieces of the system. Consult
these guides when you are making your connections.

• SCXI chassis manuals—If you are using SCXI, read these manuals for
maintenance information on the chassis and installation instructions.

About This Manual

© National Instruments Corporation xi DAQCard-1200 User Manual

About This Manual

Related Documentation

The following documents contain information that you may find helpful as
you read this manual:

• Your NI-DAQ or LabVIEW software manuals for PC compatibles

• Your computer operating manual, which explains how to insert cards
into the PC Card slot

• “Dither in Digital Audio” by John Vanderkoo y and Stanley P. Lipshitz,
Journal of the Audio Engineering Society, Vol. 35, No. 12, Dec. 1987

DAQCard-1200 User Manual xii © National Instruments Corporation

Introduction

This chapter describes the DAQCard-1200; lists what you need to get
started, the optional software, and optional equipment; and explains how to
unpack the DAQCard-1200.

About the DAQCard-1200

Thank you for your purchase of the National Instruments DAQCard-1200.
The DAQCard-1200 is a low-cost, low-power analog input, analog output,
digital I/O, and timing I/O card for PCs equipped with a Type II PC Card
slot. The card contains a 12-bit, successive-approximation ADC with
eight inputs, which you can configure as eight single-ended or four
differential channels. The DAQCard-1200 also has two 12-bit DACs
with voltage outputs, 24 lines of TTL-compatible digital I/O and
three 16-bit counter/timer channels for timing I/O. The specially designed
standard 50-pin I/O connector for the DAQCard-1200 enables you to
connect all your analog, digital, and timing signals directly to the card.
The DAQCard-1200 is fully software-configurable and calibrated so that
you can easily install the card and begin your acquisition.

1

The small size and weight of the DAQCard-1200 coupled with its low
power consumption make this card ideal for use in portable computers,
making 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 multichannel 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 analog output channels to
generate experimental stimuli or for machine and process control and
analog function generation. Y ou can use the 24 TTL-compatible digital I/O
line 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

© National Instruments Corporation 1-1 DAQCard-1200 User Manual

Chapter 1 Introduction

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

The DAQCard-1200 is shipp e d with NI-DAQ, a National Instruments
complete DA Q driv er that handles every function listed on the data sheet for
our DAQ 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 DA QCard-1200 in the power -down mode. See Appendix C,

Power-Management Modes, for a description of the power-management

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

Specifications.

What You Need to Get Started

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

❑ DAQCard-1200
❑ DAQCard-1200 I/O cable
❑ DAQCard-1200 User Manual
❑ One of the following software packages and documentation:

– LabVIEW for Macintosh
– LabVIEW for Windows
– LabWindows/CVI for Windows
– NI-DAQ for Macintosh
– NI-DAQ for PC compat ibles

❑ Your computer

Software Programming Choices

There are several options to choose from when programming your National
Instruments plug-in DAQ and SCXI hardware. You can use LabVIEW,
LabWindows/CVI, or NI-DAQ.

DAQCard-1200 User Manual 1-2 © National Instruments Corporation

LabVIEW and LabWindows/CVI Application Software

LabVIEW and LabWindows/CVI are innovative program development
software packages for data acquisition and control applications. LabVIEW
uses graphical programming, whereas LabWindows/CVI enhances
traditional programming languages. Both packages include extensive
libraries for data acquisition, instrument control, data analysis, and
graphical data presentation.

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 boards, is included with LabVIEW. The LabVIEW Data
Acquisition VI Libraries are functionally equivalent to the NI-DAQ
software.

LabWindows/CVI features interactive graphics and a state-of-the-art user
interface and uses the ANSI standard C programming language. The
LabWindows/CVI Data Acquisition Library, a series of functions for using
LabWindo ws/CVI with National Instruments boards, is included with your
NI-DA Q software kit. The LabW indows/CVI Data Acquisition libraries are
functionally equivalent to the NI-DAQ software.

Chapter 1 Introduction

Using LabVIEW or LabWindows/CVI 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 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 also internally addresses many of the complex issues between the
computer and the plug-in board, such as programming interrupts 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/CVI. You can see that the data
acquisition parts of LabVIEW and LabWindows/CVI are functionally
equivalent to the NI-DAQ software.

© National Instruments Corporation 1-3 DAQCard-1200 User Manual

Chapter 1 Introduction

Conventional

Programming

Environment
(PC, Macintosh, or
Sun SPARCstation)

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

Register-Level Programming

The final option for programming any National Instruments DAQ
hardware is to write register-level software. Writing register-level
programming software can be very time-consuming and inefficient and is
not recommended.

DAQ or

SCXI Hardware

NI-DAQ, and Your Hardware

LabVIEW

(PC, Macintosh, or

Sun SPARCstation)

NI-DAQ

Driver Software

LabWindows/CVI

(PC or

Sun SPARCstation)

Personal
Computer

or

Workstation

Even if you are an experienced register-level programmer, consider using
NI-DAQ, LabVIEW, or LabWindows/CVI to program your National
Instruments DAQ hardware. Using the NI-DAQ, LabVIEW, or
LabWindows/CVI software is as easy and as flexible as register-level
programming and can save weeks of development time.

DAQCard-1200 User Manual 1-4 © National Instruments Corporation

Optional Equipment

You can use the following National Instruments products with your
DAQCard-1200:

• 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 RTD accessories

• SCXI products
For more information about optional equipment available from National

Instruments, refer to your National Instruments catalog or call the office
nearest you.

Unpacking

The DAQCard-1200 is shipped in an antistatic vinyl envelope; when you
are not using the DAQCard-1200, store it in this envelope.

Chapter 1 Introduction

Because the DAQCard-1200 is enclosed in a fully shielded case, no
additional electrostatic precautions are necessary. However, for your own
safety and to protect the DA QCard-1200, ne ver attempt to touch the pins of
the connectors.

© National Instruments Corporation 1-5 DAQCard-1200 User Manual

Installation and Configuration

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

Installation

There are two basic steps to installing the DAQCard-1200.

1. You must have Card & Socket Services 2.0 (or a later version) on your
computer.

2. Insert the DAQCard-1200 and attach the I/O cable.

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. Insert
the PCMCIA bus connector into any available Type II PC Card slot until
the connector is seated firmly . Notice that the card is keye d so that it can be
inserted only one way. If your compu ter supports hot insertion, you may
insert or remove the D A QCard-1200 at any time, whether your computer is
powered on or off.

2

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, see the Optional

Equipment section in Chapter 1, Introduction. Notice that the cable is

keyed so that you can insert it only one way. Be careful not to put strain
on the I/O cable when inserting it into and removing it from the
DA QCard-1200. Always grasp the cable b y the connector you are plugging
or unplugging. Never pull directly on the I/O cable to unplug it from the
DAQCard-1200.

The DA QCard-1200 is now installed. You are ready to make the appropriate
connections to the I/O connector cable as described in Chapter 3, Signal

Connections, and to install and configure your software.

© National Instruments Corporation 2-1 DAQCard-1200 User Manual

Chapter 2 Installation and Configuration

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

Portable

Computer

PCMCIA Socket

I/O Cable

®

NATIONAL
INSTRUMENTS

The Software is the Instrument

CB-50

I/O Signals

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

Configuration

The DAQCard-1200 is completely software configurable; refer to your
software manuals to install and configure your software.

If you are using NI-DAQ, refer to your NI-DAQ user manual or function
reference manual. The software installation and configuration instructions
are in Chapter 1. Find the installation and system configuration section for
your operating system and follow the instructions given there.

If you are using LabVIEW, you do not need the NI-DAQ manuals; the
software installation instructions are in your LabVIEW release notes. After
you have installed LabVIEW , refer to the Data Acquisition, VXI, and GPIB

Installation Notes section of Chapter 1, Required Configuration,
Installation, and Upgrade Information of your LabVIEW Version 5.1
Addendum for software configuration instructions.

DAQCard-1200 User Manual 2-2 © National Instruments Corporation

If you are using LabWindows/CVI, the software installation instructions
are in Part 1, Introduction to LabWindows/CVI, of the Getting Started with
LabWindows/CVI manual. After you have installed LabWindows/CVI,
refer to Chapter 1, Configuring LabWindows/CVI, of the LabWindows/CVI
User Manual for software configuration instructions. Then follow
DAQ configuration instructions in your NI-DAQ user manual.

Analog Input Configuration

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

• Referenced single-ended input mode

• ±5 V analog input range

Table 2-1 lists the available analog I/O configurations for the
DAQCard-1200 and shows the default settings.

Chapter 2 Installation and Configuration

Warning

Table 2-1.

Analog I/O Settings

Parameter Configuratio n

Analog Input Polarity

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

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

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

The analog input circuitry is software configurable.

Connections, including power signals to ground and vice versa, that exceed any of
the maximum signal ratings on the DAQCard-1200 can damage your card and
computer . National Instruments is

NOT

liable for any damages or injuries resulting

from incorrect signal connections.

Analog Input Polarity

You can select the analog input on the DAQCard-1200 for either a unipolar
range (0 to 10 V) or a bipolar range (–5 to +5 V). If you select a bipolar
range, the two’s complement coding is selected. In this mode, –5 V input
corresponds to F800 hex (–2,048 decimal) and +5 V 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).

© National Instruments Corporation 2-3 DAQCard-1200 User Manual

Chapter 2 Installation and Configuration

Analog Input Mode

The DAQCard-1200 has three different input modes—referenced
single-ended (RSE), non-referenced single-ended (NRSE), and differential
(DIFF). Single-ended configuration provides eight input channels. DIFF
configuration provides four input channels. Table 2-2 describes these
configurations.

Table 2-2.

Analog

Input Modes

RSE Referenced single-ended 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 Non-referenced single-ended configuration provides eight single-ended inputs

with the negative input of the instrumentation amplifier tied to AISENSE/AIGND
and not connected to ground.

DIFF Differential 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).

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

Connections, which contains diagrams showing the signal paths for the

three configurations. These three modes are software selectable.

Analog Input Modes for the DAQCard-1200

Description

RSE Input (Eight Channels, Default Setting)

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

of Signal Sources section of Chapter 3, Signal Connections, for more

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

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

Signal Connections. Notice that in RSE mode, the return path of the

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

DAQCard-1200 User Manual 2-4 © National Instruments Corporation

Chapter 2 Installation and Configuration

NRSE Input (Eight Channels)

NRSE input 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 configuration is
useful when measuring ground-referenced signal sources.

Considerations in using the NRSE configuration are discussed in
Chapter 3, Signal Connections. Notice that in this mode, the return path of
the signal is through the negative terminal of the amplif ier, available at the
connector through the pin AISENSE/AIGND.

DIFF Input (Four Channels)

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

Considerations for using the DIFF configuration are discussed in
Chapter 3, Signal Connections. 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.

Analog Output Configuration

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

© National Instruments Corporation 2-5 DAQCard-1200 User Manual

Chapter 2 Installation and Configuration

Analog Output Polarity

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

Digital I/O Configuration

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,
see the DAQ Timing Connections section of Chapter 3, Signal

Connections.

Caution

!

The DAQCard-1200 DIO lines are not pulled up or pulled down. If you are using
these lines as digital outputs, add 10 k
your application) to the DIO line(s) you are using.

Counter Configuration

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 measurement. For information
about configuring the MSM82C53A, see the DAQ Timing Connections
section of Chapter 3, Signal Connections.

ΩΩΩΩ

resistors to +5 V or DGND (depending on

DAQCard-1200 User Manual 2-6 © National Instruments Corporation

Signal Connections

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 connected.

3

Warning

Connections, including power signals to ground and vice versa, that exceed any of
the maximum ratings of input or output signals on the DAQCard-1200 can
damage the DA QCard-1200 and the PC. National Instruments is
damages resulting from any such signal connections.

NOT

liable for any

© National Instruments Corporation 3-1 DAQCard-1200 User Manual

Chapter 3 Signal Connections

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

12
34
56
78

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 © National Instruments Corporation

Signal Connection Descriptions

The following table describes the connector pins on the DAQCard-1200
front I/O connector by pin number and gives the signal name and the
significance of each signal connector pin.

Pins Signal Name Direction Reference Description

Chapter 3 Signal Connections

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

through 7.

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

channel 0.

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

channel 1.

signals and the +5 V supply.

PA7 is the MSB, and PA0 is the LSB.

PB7 is the MSB, and PB0 is the LSB.

PC7 is the MSB, and PC0 is the LSB.

DAQ operation.

DAC outputs.

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

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

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

© National Instruments Corporation 3-3 DAQCard-1200 User Manual

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

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

Chapter 3 Signal Connections

Pins Signal Name Direction Reference Description

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 analog input signal pins, analog output
signal pins, digital I/O signal pins, timing I/O signal pins, and power
connections. Signal connection guidelines for each of these groups are
described in the following sections.

Analog Input Signal Connections

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 analog input 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 3-1. Exceeding the input signal range will 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 e xceeded. The D AQCard-1200 is guaranteed
to withstand inputs up to the maximum input voltage rating.

Warning

Exceeding the input signal range distorts input signals. Exceeding the maximum
input voltage rating may damage the DAQCard-1200 and the computer. National
Instruments is

DAQCard-1200 User Manual 3-4 © National Instruments Corporation

NOT

liable for any damages resulting from such signal connections.

Chapter 3 Signal Connections

Table 3-1. Bipolar and Unipolar Analog Input Signal Range Versus Gain

Input Signal Range

Gain Setting

Bipolar Unipolar

1 ±5 V 0 to 10 V
2 ±2.5 V 0 to 5 V

5 ±1 V 0 to 2 V
10 ±500 mV 0 to 1 V
20 ±250 mV 0 to 500 mV
50 ±100 mV 0 to 200 mV

100 ±50 mV 0 to 100 mV

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 configurations, you can use
the instrumentation amplifier in different ways. Figure 3-2 shows a diagram
of the DAQCard-1200 instrumentation amplifier.

Instrumentation

+

V

in

+

Amplifier

+

–

V

in

–

V

m

Measured
Voltage

–

V

= [Vin + – Vin –] GAIN

m

Figure 3-2. DAQCard-1200 Instrumentation Amplifier

© National Instruments Corporation 3-5 DAQCard-1200 User Manual

Chapter 3 Signal Connections

The instrumentation amplifier applies gain, common-mode voltage
rejection, and high-input impedance to the analog input 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 amplif ier output v oltage 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 analog input 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 PC 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 © National Instruments Corporation

Chapter 3 Signal Connections

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 not properly
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 DA QCard-1200 and your PC with a floating power source,

such as a battery, your system may be floating with respect to earth ground. In this
case, treat all of your 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 considerations for measuring both floating
and ground-referenced signal sources. Table 3-2 summarizes the
recommended input configurations for both types of signal sources.

Table 3-2. Recommended Input Configurations for Ground-Referenced

and Floating Signal Sources

Type of Signal Recommended Input Configuration

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

Floating
(batteries, thermocouples, isolated outputs)

DIFF with bias resistors

DIFF

NRSE

RSE

Differential Connection Considerations (DIFF Configuration)

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

© National Instruments Corporation 3-7 DAQCard-1200 User Manual

Chapter 3 Signal Connections

When you configure the DAQCard-1200 for DIFF input, each signal uses
two of the multiplexer inputs—one for the signal and one for its reference
signal. Therefore, only four analog input channels are available when using
the DIFF configuration. You should use the DIFF input configuration when
any of the following conditions is present:

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

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

• Any of the input signals requires a separate ground-reference point or
return signal.

• The signal leads travel through noisy environments.

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

Differential Connections for Grounded Signal Sources

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

Configuration section in Chapter 2, Installation and Configuration, for

configuration instructions.

DAQCard-1200 User Manual 3-8 © National Instruments Corporation