National Instruments DAQCARD-700 User Manual

DAQ

DAQCard™-700 User Manual

Multifunction I/O Devices for the PCMCIA Bus
DAQCard-700 User Manual
December 2001 Edition
Part Number 320676D-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 techpubs@ni.com.
© 1994, 2001 National Instruments Corporation. All rights reserved.

Important Information

Warranty

The DAQCard-700 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 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
E
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 contract or 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; owners modification of the product; owners 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 in any form, electronic ormechanical, 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™,LabVIEW™, Measurement Studio™, National Instruments™,NI™, and ni.com™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.
.CUSTOMERS RIGHT TO RECOVER DAMAGES CAUSED BY FAULT OR NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF
patents.txt
file

Contents

About This Manual
Conventions ...................................................................................................................vii
National Instruments Documentation ............................................................................viii
Chapter 1 Introduction
About the DAQCard-700...............................................................................................1-1
What You Need to Get Started ......................................................................................1-2
Software Programming Choices ....................................................................................1-2
NI-DAQ...........................................................................................................1-2
National Instruments ADE Software............................................................... 1-3
Custom Cabling .............................................................................................................1-4
Unpacking......................................................................................................................1-5
Safety Information .........................................................................................................1-5
Chapter 2 Installing and Configuring the DAQCard-700
Installing the Software ................................................................................................... 2-1
Installing the Hardware..................................................................................................2-1
Configuring the DAQCard-700 .....................................................................................2-3
Configuring Analog Input ...............................................................................2-3
Analog Input Mode ...........................................................................2-4
Configuring Digital I/O ...................................................................................2-5
Configuring Counters ......................................................................................2-5
Chapter 3 Connecting Signals
I/O Connector ................................................................................................................3-1
Signal Connection Descriptions.....................................................................................3-2
Connecting Analog Input Signals....................................................................3-3
Types of Signal Sources....................................................................3-4
Measurement System Types .............................................................3-4
Input Configurations .........................................................................3-5
Recommended Input Configurations ................................................3-7
Single-Ended Connection Considerations ........................................3-7
Differential Connection Considerations............................................ 3-9
© National Instruments Corporation v DAQCard-700 User Manual
Contents
Connecting Digital I/O Signals ....................................................................... 3-13
Connecting Power ...........................................................................................3-14
Connecting Timers.......................................................................................... 3-15
Chapter 4 Theory of Operation
Functional Overview ..................................................................................................... 4-1
PCMCIA I/O Channel Interface Circuitry .................................................................... 4-3
Analog Input and Data Acquisition Circuitry ............................................................... 4-4
Analog Input Circuitry .................................................................................... 4-5
Data Acquisition Timing Circuitry ................................................................. 4-6
Digital I/O Circuitry ...................................................................................................... 4-8
Timing I/O Circuitry...................................................................................................... 4-9
Appendix A
Data Acquisition Counter and Timing Connections......................... 3-15
General-Purpose Counter and Timing Signal Connections.............. 3-16
Single-Channel Data Acquisition ..................................................... 4-7
Multichannel (Scanned) Data Acquisition ....................................... 4-7
Data Acquisition Rates ..................................................................... 4-7
Specifications
Appendix B Differences between the PC-LPM-16 and the DAQCard-700
Appendix C Common Questions
Appendix D Technical Support Resources
Glossary
Index
DAQCard-700 User Manual vi ni.com

About This Manual

This manual describes the mechanical and electrical aspects of the National
Instruments (NI) DAQCard-700 and contains information concerning its
installation and operation. The DAQCard-700 is a compact, low-cost,
low-power analog input (AI), digital I/O (DIO), and timing I/O (TIO) card
for computers that are equipped with a Type II PCMCIA 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 namefor example,
DBIO<3..0>.
» The » symbol leads you through nested menu items and dialog box options
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
© National Instruments Corporation vii DAQCard-700 User Manual
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-700 User Manual is one piece of the documentation set for the data acquisition (DAQ) system. You could have any of several types of manuals, depending on the hardware and software in the system. Use the manuals you have as follows:
Hardware documentationThis 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 the DAQ hardware, and application hints.
Software documentationYou may have both application software and NI-DAQ documentation. After you set up the hardware, use either the application software documentation or the NI-DAQ documentation to help you write your application. NI application software includes LabVIEW and Measurement Studio. If you have a large, complicated system, it is worthwhile to look through the software documentation before you configure the hardware.
Accessory installation guides or manualsIf you are using accessory products, read the cable assembly installation guides. They explain how to physically connect the relevant pieces of the system. Consult these guides when you make the connections.
DAQCard-700 User Manual viii ni.com
Introduction
This chapter discusses what you need to get started, optional software, optional equipment, how to unpack the DAQCard-700, and safety information for using the device.

About the DAQCard-700

The DAQCard-700 is a low-cost, low-power AI, DIO, and TIO card for computers equipped with a Type II PCMCIA slot. The card has the following features:
A 12-bit, successive-approximation A/D converter (ADC) with 16 single-ended or 8 differential analog inputs
16 DIO channels: eight lines of TTL-compatible digital input and eight lines of digital output
Two 16-bit counter/timer channels for TIO
A MSM82C54 counter/timer integrated circuit, which provides three
integrated counter/timers
An optional 50-pin I/O connector, which enables you to easily connect all the analog, digital, and timing signals to the card
1
The DAQCard-700 is fully software configurable and factory calibrated.
The low power consumption of the DAQCard-700 makes the card ideal for portable computers, making remote data acquisition more practical. The card requires very little power when operating and has a standby mode that uses even less power, thus extending the computer battery life.
In addition, the low cost of a system based on the DAQCard-700 makes it ideal for laboratory work. The multiple-channel AI capability is useful in signal analysis and data logging. The 12-bit ADC is suited for high-resolution applications such as chromatography, temperature measurement, and DC voltage measurement. The 16 TTL-compatible DIO lines can be used for switching external devices such as transistors and solid-state relays, for reading the status of external digital logic, and for generating interrupts. The counter/timers can be used to synchronize events, generate pulses, and measure frequency and time.
© National Instruments Corporation 1-1 DAQCard-700 User Manual
Chapter 1 Introduction
Detailed specifications of the DAQCard-700 are in Appendix A,
Specifications.

What You Need to Get Started

To set up and use the DAQCard-700, you will need the following:
DAQCard-700
DAQCard-700 I/O cable
DAQCard-700 User Manual
One of the following software packages and documentation:
LabVIEW
Measurement Studio
(for Windows or Mac OS)
(for Windows)

NI-DAQ

The computer
(for PC compatibles or Mac OS)

Software Programming Choices

When programming the National Instruments 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 ships with the DAQCard-700 and 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-700.
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.
DAQCard-700 User Manual 1-2 ni.com
Chapter 1 Introduction
Conventional Programming
Environment
DAQ Hardware
Figure 1-1.
NI-DAQ
Driver Software
The Relationship Between the Programming Environment,
NI-DAQ, and Your Hardware
LabVIEW or
Measurement Studio
Personal
Computer or
Workstation
To download a free copy of the most recent version of NI-DAQ, click Download Software at
ni.com
.

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,
© National Instruments Corporation 1-3 DAQCard-700 User Manual
Chapter 1 Introduction

Custom Cabling

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.
NI offers two cables, the PR-50-50F and the PR-50-50M, and one cable termination accessory, the CB-50, for use with the DAQCard-700. The CB-50 kit includes a terminated, 50-conductor, flat ribbon cable and a connector block. You can attach signal input and output wires to screw terminals on the connector block and therefore to the DAQCard-700 I/O connector.
The CB-50 is useful for the initial prototyping of an application or in situations in which the DAQCard-700 interconnections are frequently changed. After you develop a final field wiring scheme, however, you may want to develop your own cable. This section contains information and guidelines for the design of custom cables.
The PR-50-50M terminates in a 50-pin, male ribbon cable header connector, and the PR-50-50F terminates in a 50-pin, female ribbon cable socket connector. The mating connector for each cable is a 50-position, polarized, ribbon-socket header. For the PR-50-50M, the mating connector has strain relief. NI uses a polarized (keyed) connector for each cable to prevent inadvertent upside-down connections to the DAQCard-700.
The PCMCIA I/O cable connector, like the card connector attached to the card itself, is a custom-designed part. It is only available as part of the PR-50-50 cable assembly.
DAQCard-700 User Manual 1-4 ni.com

Unpacking

Chapter 1 Introduction
TheDAQCard-700isshippedinanantistaticpackagetoprevent electrostatic damage to the device.
Caution
of connectors.
To avoid electrostatic damage to the DAQCard-700, never touch the exposed pins
Because the DAQCard-700 is enclosed in a fully shielded case, no additional electrostatic precautions are necessary.
Remove the DAQCard-700 from the package and inspect the device for loose components or any sign of damage. Notify NI if the DAQCard-700 appears damaged in any way. Do not install a damaged device into your computer.
Store the DAQCard-700 in the antistatic envelope when not in use.

Safety Information

The following section contains important safety information 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.
© National Instruments Corporation 1-5 DAQCard-700 User Manual
Chapter 1 Introduction
Pollution degree 2 means that only nonconductive pollution occurs in most cases. Occasionally, however, a temporary conductivity caused by condensation must be expected.
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
1
. 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,
1
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-700 User Manual 1-6 ni.com
Chapter 1 Introduction
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.
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.
© National Instruments Corporation 1-7 DAQCard-700 User Manual
Installing and Configuring the DAQCard-700
This chapter describes how to install and configure the DAQCard-700.

Installing the Software

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-700.
Note
It is important to install NI-DAQ before installing the DAQCard-700 to ensure that
the DAQCard-700 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-700.
1. Power off the computer.
2
Note
You must have Card & Socket Services 2.0 or later on the computer.
The DAQCard-700 requires a 32-byte I/O address window and one interrupt level.
2. Insert the DAQCard-700 in any available Type II PC Card slot until the connector is firmly seated. The DAQCard-700 has two connectors—a 68-pin PCMCIA bus connector on one end and a 50-pin I/O connector on the other end.
Note
If the computer supports hot swapping, you may insert or remove the DAQCard-700
at any time, whether the computer is powered on or off.
© National Instruments Corporation 2-1 DAQCard-700 User Manual
Chapter 2 Installing and Configuring the DAQCard-700
3. Visually verify the installation by making sure that the DAQCard-700 isfullyinsertedintotheslot.
4. Attach the DAQCard-700 I/O cable.
Note
Be careful not to put strain on the I/O cable when inserting it into and removing it from the DAQCard-700. 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-700.
5. Plug in and power on the computer.
The DAQCard-700 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 Signals.
Figure 2-1 shows an example of a typical configuration.
Portable
Computer
PCMCIA Socket
DAQCard-700
I/O Cable
CB-50
I/O Signals
®

Figure 2-1. A Typical Configuration for the DAQCard-700

DAQCard-700 User Manual 2-2 ni.com

Configuring the DAQCard-700

Because of the standard NI architecture for data acquisition, the DAQCard-700 is completely software configurable.
Data acquisition-related configuration, which you must perform, includes settings such as AI coupling and range. 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 the DAQ Quick Start Guide or to the NI-DAQ Function Reference Help file.

Configuring Analog Input

At startup, the DAQCard-700 defaults to the following configuration:
Referenced single-ended (RSE) input mode
±10 V AI range
Table 2-1 lists the available AI configurations for the DAQCard-700 and shows the default settings.
Chapter 2 Installing and Configuring the DAQCard-700
Table 2-1.
Parameter Configuration
Analog Input Polarity Bipolar±10 V (default setting)
Analog Input Mode RSE (default setting)
The AI circuitry is software configurable.
Caution
any of the maximum signal ratings on the DAQCard-700 can result in damage to the DAQCard-700. NI is not liable for any injuries or damage resulting from incorrect signal connections.
© National Instruments Corporation 2-3 DAQCard-700 User Manual
Connections, including power signals to ground and vice versa, that exceed
Analog I/O Settings
Bipolar±5 V Bipolar±2.5 V
Differential (DIFF)
Chapter 2 Installing and Configuring the DAQCard-700
Analog Input Mode
The DAQCard-700 has two input modes: RSE and DIFF. RSE input mode provides 16 channels. DIFF input mode provides eight channels. Table 2-2 describes these modes.
Table 2-2. Analog Input Modes for the DAQCard-700
Analog Input
Modes
RSE Referenced single-ended mode provides
DIFF Differential mode provides eight differential inputs
Description
16 single-ended inputs referenced to analog ground (default setting).
with the positive (+) input of the instrumentation amplifier tied to channels 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 and thenegative(–) input tied to channels 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, or 15, respectively, thus choosing channel pairs (0, 8), (1, 9), (2, 10), (3, 11), (4, 12), (5, 13), (6, 14), or (7, 15).
While reading the following paragraphs, you may find it helpful to refer to the Connecting Analog Input Signals section of Chapter 3, Connecting
Signals, which contains diagrams showing the signal paths for the
two modes. These two modes are software-selectable.
RSE Input Mode (16 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-700 AI ground. The RSE configuration is useful for measuring floating signal sources. See the Types
of Signal Sources section of Chapter 3, Connecting Signals,formore
information. With this input configuration, the DAQCard-700 can monitor 16 different AI channels.
Considerations for using the RSE input mode are discussed in Chapter 3,
Connecting Signals. Notice that in this mode, the return path of the signal
is analog ground at the connector through the AIGND pin.
DAQCard-700 User Manual 2-4 ni.com
DIFF Input Mode (Eight 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.
Considerations for using DIFF input mode are discussed in Chapter 3,
Connecting Signals. Notice that the signal return path is through the
negative terminal of the instrumentation amplifier and through channel 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, or 15, depending on which channel pair you select.

Configuring Digital I/O

The DAQCard-700 always uses one 8-bit digital output port and one 8-bit digital input port.

Configuring Counters

You can use the MSM82C54 for general-purpose applications, such as pulse and square wave generation, event counting, and pulse-width, time-lapse, and frequency measurements. For information about configuring the MSM82C54, refer to the Connecting Timers section of Chapter 3, Connecting Signals.
Chapter 2 Installing and Configuring the DAQCard-700
© National Instruments Corporation 2-5 DAQCard-700 User Manual
Connecting Signals
This chapter describes the DAQCard-700 I/O connector signals and typical cable setups.

I/O Connector

Figure 3-1 shows the pin assignments for the DAQCard-700 I/O connector. This connector is attached to the ribbon cable that extends from the PCMCIA slot when the card is installed and the cable is connected.
3
Caution
any of the maximum signal ratings on the DAQCard-700 can result in damage to the DAQCard-700. 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
© National Instruments Corporation 3-1 DAQCard-700 User Manual
Chapter 3 Connecting Signals
AIGND
ACH0 ACH1 ACH2 ACH3 ACH4 ACH5 ACH6 ACH7
DGND
NC DIN1 DIN3 DIN5 DIN7
DOUT1 DOUT3 DOUT5 DOUT7
EXTINT*
OUT0 OUT1
CLK1
GATE2
+5 V
11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31 33 35 37 39 41 43 45 47 49
2
1 3 5 7 9
4 6
8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50
AIGND ACH8 ACH9 ACH10 ACH11 ACH12 ACH13 ACH14 ACH15 NC DIN0 DIN2 DIN4 DIN6 DOUT0 DOUT2 DOUT4 DOUT6 OUT1* EXTCONV* GATE0 GATE1 OUT2 CLK2 DGND

Figure 3-1. DAQCard-700 I/O Connector Pin Assignments

Signal Connection Descriptions

Pin Signal Name Direction Description
1–2 AIGND Analog Input GroundThese pins are connected to the
AI ground signal.
3–18 ACH<0..15> Input Analog Input Channels 0 through 15These channels are
available in single-ended mode.
19 DGND Digital GroundThis pin is connected to the digital ground
signal.
20–21 NC Not ConnectedThese pins are not connected.
22–29 DIN<0..7> Input Input Digital Data Lines 0 through 7DIN7 is the MSB
DAQCard-700 User Manual 3-2 ni.com
(most significant bit), DIN0 the LSB (least significant bit).
Chapter 3 Connecting Signals
Pin Signal Name Direction Description
30–37 DOUT<0..7> Output Output Digital Data Lines 0 through 7DOUT7 is the MSB,
DOUT0 the LSB.
38 OUT1* Output Counter 1 OutputThis pin is the inversion of counter 1
output.
39 EXTINT* Input External InterruptThis pin is used for input of the external
interrupt signal.
40 EXTCONV* Input External ControlThis pin is used for input of the external
control signal to trigger A/D conversions.
41 OUT0 Output Counter 0 OutputThis pin is the output of counter 0.
42 GATE0 Input Counter 0 Gate InputThis pin is the gate input for counter 0.
43 OUT1 Output Counter 1 OutputThis pin is the output of counter 1.
44 GATE1 Input Counter 1 Gate InputThis pin is the gate input for counter 1.
45 CLK1 Input Counter 1 Clock InputThis pin is the clock input for
46 OUT2 Output Counter 2 OutputThis pin is the output of counter 2.
47 GATE2 Input Counter 2 Gate InputThis pin is the gate input for counter 2.
48 CLK2 Input Counter 2 Clock InputThis pin is the clock input for
49 +5 V Output +5 VoltsThis pin provides +5 VDC. The +5 V supply is
50 DGND Digital GroundThis pin is connected to the digital ground
* Indicates that the signal is active low.
counter 1.
counter 2.
fused at 1 A, which is the maximum current available.
signal.
The connector pins can be grouped into AI signal pins, DIO signal pins, and TIO signal pins. Signal connection guidelines for each of these groups are included in the following pages.

Connecting Analog Input Signals

Pins 1 through 18 are AI signal pins for the ADC. Pins 1 and 2, named AIGND, are an analog common signal. You can use these pins for a general analog power ground tie to the DAQCard-700. Pins 3 through 18 are the ACH<0..15> signal pins. These pins are tied to the AI channels of the DAQCard-700 through 4.7 kseries resistors. These resistors limit the input current to the multiplexer. Refer to Appendix A, Specifications,for input ranges and maximum ratings for the analog inputs, ACH<0..15>.
© National Instruments Corporation 3-3 DAQCard-700 User Manual
Chapter 3 Connecting Signals
Caution
input voltage rating may damage the DAQCard-700 card and the computer. NI is not liable for any damage resulting from such signal connections.
Exceeding the input signal range distorts input signals. Exceeding the maximum
Types of Signal Sources
When configuring the input mode of the DAQCard-700 and making signal connections, first determine whether the signal source and the measurement system are floating or ground referenced. The two signal source types are described as follows, and the types of measurement systems are described in later sections.
Ground-Referenced Signal Sources
A ground-referenced signal source is one that is connected to the building system ground. Nonisolated outputs of instruments and devices that plug into the building power system fall into this category.
The difference in ground potential between two instruments connected to the same building power system is typically between 1 and 100 mV but can be much higher if power-distribution circuits are improperly connected. The connection instructions described later in this chapter for grounded signal sources are designed to eliminate this ground potential difference from the measured signal.
Floating Signal Sources
A floating, or nonreferenced, signal source is one that is not connected in any way to the building ground system and has instead 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. The ground reference of a floating signal must be tied to the DAQCard-700 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 provides an isolated output falls into the floating signal source category.
Measurement System Types
In addition to determining the signal source type, you must also determine whether the measurement system is ground-referenced or floating. These two measurement system types are described below. Depending on the power connection, a portable computer can represent either a ground-referenced or floating measurement system. If a portable computer is entirely battery powered, it is a floating system. If it is operated from an
DAQCard-700 User Manual 3-4 ni.com
Chapter 3 Connecting Signals
AC/DC wall adapter, it may be ground referenced, depending on the connection. You should determine from the computer documentation whether any of the power connections are tied to the building power system ground.
Ground-Referenced Measurement System
A ground-referenced measurement system is one that is connected in some way to the building system ground. Instruments that plug into the building power system fall into this category.
Floating Measurement System
A floating, or nonreferenced, measurement system is one that is not connected in any way to the building ground system but rather has an isolated ground-reference point. Some examples of floating measurement systems are battery-powered instruments, instruments powered with a nonground-referenced power adapter, and instruments with differential inputs. A floating measurement system will float to the level of the signals being measured.
Input Configurations
To measure different types of input signals, you can configure the DAQCard-700 for one of two input modesDIFF or RSE. These two modes can be implemented by changing the configuration of the instrumentation amplifier onboard the DAQCard-700. Figure 3-2 shows a diagram of the DAQCard-700 instrumentation amplifier.
+
V
in
-
V
in
Figure 3-2.
© National Instruments Corporation 3-5 DAQCard-700 User Manual
+
_
DAQCard-700 Instrumentation Amplifier
Instrumentation Amplifier
+
V=[V
in
– V
V
-
in
Measured Voltage
] GAIN
Chapter 3 Connecting Signals
The DAQCard-700 instrumentation amplifier applies common-mode voltage rejection and presents a high-input impedance to the AI signals connected to the DAQCard-700. Signals are routed to the positive and negative inputs of the instrumentation amplifier through input multiplexers on the DAQCard-700. 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-700 ground. The DAQCard-700 ADC measures this output voltage when it performs A/D conversions.
Single-Ended Mode (RSE)
Although the instrumentation amplifier on the DAQCard-700 is actually bypassed in RSE input mode, the effect of this mode is the same as if signals connected to ACH<0..15> were routed to the positive terminal of the instrumentation amplifier and the negative terminal of the instrumentation amplifier were connected to the analog ground reference of the DAQCard-700. Thus, the voltage measured by the DAQCard-700 in RSE input mode is the difference between an input signal and the DAQCard-700 analog ground reference.
Differential Mode (DIFF)
In DIFF input mode, signals connected to ACH<0..7> are routed to the positive input of the instrumentation amplifier, and signals connected to ACH<8..15> are routed to the negative input of the instrumentation amplifier. Thus, the voltage measured by the DAQCard-700 in DIFF input mode is the difference between two of the input signals.
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Chapter 3 Connecting Signals
Recommended Input Configurations
The following sections discuss the use of RSE and DIFF measurements and considerations for measuring both floating and ground-referenced signal sources. Table 3-1 summarizes the recommended input configurations for both signal source types.
Table 3-1. Recommended Input Configurations for Ground-Referenced and Floating Measurement Systems
Recommended Input
System Type Type of Signal
Configurations
Ground-referenced system, such as a desktop computer
Floating system, such as a battery-powered computer
Ground referenced (nonisolated outputs, plug-in instruments)
Floating (batteries, thermocouples, isolated outputs)
Ground referenced (nonisolated outputs, plug-in instruments)
Floating (batteries, thermocouples, isolated outputs)
DIFF with bias resistors
DIFF with bias resistors
DIFF with bias resistors
DIFF
RSE
RSE
RSE
Single-Ended Connection Considerations
Single-ended connections are those in which all DAQCard-700 AI signals are referenced to one common ground. The input signals are tied to the positive input of an operational amplifier that is referenced to the common ground point.
When the DAQCard-700 is configured for RSE input mode, 16 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-700 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, use the DIFF input mode.
The RSE input mode is referenced, but you can use this mode for nonreferenced signal sources. In addition, if the computer using the
© National Instruments Corporation 3-7 DAQCard-700 User Manual
Chapter 3 Connecting Signals
DAQCard-700 is not ground referenced, you can use this mode for ground-referenced signal sources.
Figure 3-3 shows how to connect a signal source to a DAQCard-700 in RSE input mode. When you connect grounded signal sources to a DAQCard-700 in a ground-referenced computer, carefully observe the polarity to avoid shorting the signal source output. A laptop operating from a battery is not grounded. A laptop powered from an AC/DC adapter may or may not be grounded.
Signal
Source
++
V
V
S1
S2
-
I/O Connector
3
4
5
+
V
S3
-
18
-
1, 2
AIGND
ACH<0..15>
Input Multiplexer
+
-
Operational
Amplifier
+
Measured
V
Voltage
-
DAQCard-700
Figure 3-3. Single-Ended Analog Input Signal Connections
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Chapter 3 Connecting Signals
Differential Connection Considerations
Differential connections are those in which each DAQCard-700 AI signal has its own reference signal or signal return path. These connections are available when the DAQCard-700 is configured in the DIFF 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.
When the DAQCard-700 is configured for DIFF input mode, each signal uses two of the multiplexer inputsone for the signal and one for its reference signal. Therefore, only eight AI channels are available when using DIFF input mode. DIFF input mode should be used when any of the following conditions are present:
Input signals are low-level (less than 1 V).
Leads connecting signals to the DAQCard-700 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 noise pickup and increase common-mode noise rejection. With these connections, input signals can float within the common-mode limits of the input instrumentation amplifier.
© National Instruments Corporation 3-9 DAQCard-700 User Manual
Chapter 3 Connecting Signals
Grounded-
Referenced
Signal
Source
V
s
Differential Connections for Grounded Signal Sources
Figure 3-4 shows how to connect a ground-referenced signal source to a DAQCard-700 card configured for DIFF input.
ACH<0..7>
17
Instrumentation
Amplifier
Common-Mode
Noise,
Ground
Potential,
and so on
I/O Connector
ACH<8..15>
V
cm
18
Input Multiplexers
1,2
AIGND
DAQCard-700 Device in DIFF Configuration
Measured
V
Voltage
Figure 3-4. Differential Input Connections for Grounded Signal Sources
With this type of connection, the instrumentation amplifier rejects both the common-mode noise in the signal and the ground potential difference between the signal source and the DAQCard-700 ground (shown as V
cm
in
Figure 3-4).
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Chapter 3 Connecting Signals
Differential Connections for Floating Signal Sources
Figure 3-5 shows how to connect a floating signal source to a DAQCard-700 configured for DIFF input mode. Configuration instructions are included in the Input Configurations section.
ACH<0..7>
Floating
Signal
Source
Bias
Current
Return
Paths
V
s
I/O Connector
17
ACH<8..15>
18
Input Multiplexers
1, 2
DAQCard-700 Device in DIFF Configuration
Figure 3-5.
Differential Input Connections for Floating Sources
AIGND
Instrumentation
Amplifier
Measured
V
Voltage
The 100 kresistors shown in Figure 3-5 create a return path to ground for the bias currents of the instrumentation amplifier. If a return path is not provided, the instrumentation amplifier bias currents cause stray capacitances, resulting in uncontrollable drift and possible saturation in the amplifier. Typically, values from 10 kto 100 kare used.
© National Instruments Corporation 3-11 DAQCard-700 User Manual
Chapter 3 Connecting Signals
A resistor from each input to ground, as shown in Figure 3-5, provides bias current return paths for an AC-coupled input signal. This solution, although necessary for AC-coupled signals, lowers the input impedance of the AI channel. In addition, the input offset current of the instrumentation amplifier contributes a DC offset voltage at the input. The amplifier has a maximum input offset current of ±0.75 nA and a typical offset current drift of ±1.5 pA/°C.
Multiplied by the 100 kresistor, this current contributes a maximum offset voltage of 75 µV and a typical offset voltage drift of 150 nV/°Catthe input. Thus, the offset is unlikely to be more than one LSB, so it can usually be ignored.
If the input signal is DC coupled, only the resistor connecting the negative signal input to ground is needed. This connection does not lower the input impedance of the AI channel.
Common-Mode Signal Rejection Considerations
Figures 3-4 and 3-5 show connections for signal sources that are already referenced to some ground point with respect to the DAQCard-700. In these cases, the instrumentation amplifier can reject any voltage due to ground potential differences between the signal source and the DAQCard-700. In addition, with DIFF input connections, the instrumentation amplifier can reject common-mode noise pickup in the leads connecting the signal sources to the DAQCard-700.
The common-mode input range of the DAQCard-700 instrumentation amplifier is defined as the magnitude of the greatest common-mode signal that can be rejected. The DAQCard-700 can reject common-mode input signalssolongasV
+
in
and V
are both in the range ±9.5 V.
in
The common-mode input range for the DAQCard-700 depends on the size
+
of the differential input signal (V
diff
=V
V
in
). The formula for the
in
permissible common-mode input range is as follows:
V
cm-max
=±(9.5V– V
diff
/2)
Thus, for a differential voltage as large as 10 V, the largest common-mode voltage that can be rejected is ±4.5 V. However, if the differential signal is
2.5 V, ±8.25 V common-mode voltage can be rejected.
DAQCard-700 User Manual 3-12 ni.com
The common-mode voltage is measured with respect to the DAQCard-700 ground and can be calculated by the following formula:
+
where V
is the signal at the positive input of the instrumentation
in
amplifier and V amplifier.
If the input signal common-mode range exceeds the maximum value (computed above) with respect to the DAQCard-700 ground, limit the amount of floating that occurs between the signal ground and the DAQCard-700 ground.

Connecting Digital I/O Signals

Pins 22 through 37 of the I/O connector are DIO signal pins. Pins 22 through 29 are digital input pins. Pins 30 through 37 are digital output pins. Pins 19 and 50 are digital ground pins.
Refer to Appendix A, Specifications, for more information about the specifications and ratings for the DIO lines.
Chapter 3 Connecting Signals
+
V
cm-actual
is the signal at the negative input of the instrumentation
in
=(V
in
+V
)/2
in
Figure 3-6 shows an example of connections to the digital input and output ports. Digital input applications include receiving TTL signals and sensing external device states such as the switch in Figure 3-6. Digital output applications include sending TTL signals and driving external devices, such as the LED shown in Figure 3-6.
© National Instruments Corporation 3-13 DAQCard-700 User Manual
Chapter 3 Connecting Signals
22 DIN0
+5 V
LED

Connecting Power

TTL Signal
29 DIN7
19
+5 V
DGND
30 DOUT0
I/O Connector
DAQCard-700
Digital
Input
Por t
Digital
Output
Por t
Figure 3-6. Digital I/O Signal Connections
Pin 49 of the I/O connector sends +5 V from the PCMCIA I/O channel power supply. This pin is referenced to DGND and can be used to power external digital circuitry that draws up to 1 A. Pin 49 is connected to a 1 A resettable fuse on the card. The actual current available from this signal may be less than 1 A, depending on the computer. Notice also that any current drawn from this line adds to the power requirements from the computer.
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Chapter 3 Connecting Signals
Caution
Connections, including power signals to ground and vice versa, that exceed any of the maximum signal ratings on the DAQCard-700 can result in damage to the DAQCard-700 card. NI is not liable for any injuries or damage resulting from incorrect signal connections

Connecting Timers

Pins 38 through 48 of the I/O connector are connections for TIO signals. The DAQCard-700 TIO uses an MSM82C54 counter/timer integrated circuit. All three integrated counter/timers of the MSM82C54 are available at the I/O connector. One of these counters, counter 0, is used for DAQ timing. Pin 40 carries an external signal, EXTCONV*, that can be used for DAQ timing in place of counter 0 of the MSM82C54. This signal is explained in the Data Acquisition Counter and Timing Connections section. Pins 38 and 41 through 48 carry general-purpose timing signals from the MSM82C54. These signals are explained under the
General-Purpose Counter and Timing Signal Connections section.
Data Acquisition Counter and Timing Connections
Counter 0 on the MSM82C54 is used as a sample-interval counter in timed A/D conversions. In addition to counter 0, you can use pin 40, EXTCONV*, to externally time conversions. Figure 3-7 shows the timing requirements for the EXTCONV* input. An A/D conversion is initiated by a rising edge on the EXTCONV*. The data from this conversion is latched into the FIFO memory within 10 µs. The EXTCONV* input is a TTL-compatible signal.
EXTCONV*
V
IH
V
IL
int
A/D Conversion Starts Here
Figure 3-7. EXTCONV* Signal Timing
200 ns Minimum
Notice that EXTCONV* only causes conversions to occur; you cannot use it as a monitor to detect conversions caused by the onboard sample-interval timer.
© National Instruments Corporation 3-15 DAQCard-700 User Manual
Chapter 3 Connecting Signals
General-Purpose Counter and Timing Signal Connections
The general-purpose timing signals include the GATE, CLK, and OUT signals for the three integrated counter/timers, except CLK of counter 0 is not available on the I/O connector. You can use the counter/timers for general-purpose applications such as pulse and square wave generation, event counting, and pulse-width, time-lapse, and frequency measurement. For these applications, CLK and GATE signals are sent to the counters, and the counters are programmed for various operations. The only exceptions are counter 0, which has an internal 1 MHz clock, and counter 1, which can also be configured to use this clock.
The MSM82C54 is described briefly in the Timing I/O Circuitry section of Chapter 4, Theory of Operation.
To perform pulse and square wave generation, program a counter to generate a timing signal at its OUT output pin.
To count events, program a counter to count rising or falling edges applied to any of the MSM82C54 CLK inputs. You can then read the counter value to determine the number of edges that have occurred. You can gate counter operation on and off during event counting. Figure 3-8 shows connections for a typical event-counting operation in which a switch is used to gate the counter on and off.
DAQCard-700 User Manual 3-16 ni.com
+5 V
Chapter 3 Connecting Signals
CLK
OUT
Signal
Source
Switch
I/O Connector
Use level gating to measure pulse width. Apply the pulse to be measured to the counter GATE input. Load the counter with the known count and program the counter 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.
To measure time lapse, program a counter to be edge gated. Apply an edge to the counter GATE input to start the counter. 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 the read value) multiplied by the CLK period.
19 DGND
Figure 3-8.
GATE
Counter
DAQCard-700
Event-Counting Application with External Switch Gating
© National Instruments Corporation 3-17 DAQCard-700 User Manual
Chapter 3 Connecting Signals
Signal
Source
To measure frequency, 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 you applied to the counter GATE input is of a known duration. In this case, 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 3-9 shows the connections for a frequency measurement application. You could also use a second counter to generate the gate signal in this application.
+5 V
CLK
OUT
GATE
Gate
Source
Counter
19 DGND
I/O Connector
DAQCard-700
Figure 3-9. Frequency Measurement Application
The GATE, CLK, and OUT signals for counters 1 and 2 are available at the I/O connector. In addition, the GATE and CLK pins are pulled up to +5 V through a 100 kresistor.
DAQCard-700 User Manual 3-18 ni.com
CLK
GATE
Chapter 3 Connecting Signals
Figure 3-10 shows the timing requirements for the GATE and CLK input signals and the timing specifications for the OUT output signals of the MSM82C54.
sc pwh pwl
V
IH
V
IL
gsu gh
V
IH
V
IL
gwh gwl
OUT
outg
V
OH
V
OL
sc
clock period
pwh
clock high level
pwl
clock low level
gsu
gate setup time
gh
gate hold time
gwh
gate high level
gwl
gate low level
outc
output delay from clock
outg
output delay from gate
100 ns min
30 ns min
50 ns min
40 ns min
50 ns min
50 ns min
50 ns min
100 ns max
100 ns max
outc
Figure 3-10. General-Purpose Timing Signals
The GATEand OUT signals in Figure 3-10 are referenced to the rising edge of the CLK signal.
Refer to Appendix A, Specifications, for more information about the MSM82C54 DIO specifications.
© National Instruments Corporation 3-19 DAQCard-700 User Manual
Theory of Operation
This chapter includes an overview of the DAQCard-700 and explains the operation of each functional unit making up the DAQCard-700.

Functional Overview

The block diagram in Figure 4-1 shows a functional overview of the DAQCard-700.
4
© National Instruments Corporation 4-1 DAQCard-700 User Manual
Chapter 4 Theory of Operation
Instrumentation
Amplifier
+
Mux1 Dual
8
(8-Channel
8
Scanning
Input
Single-
Ended)
Counter
Input Mux2
(4-Channel)
Buffer
12-Bit
Sampling
ADC
512-Word
FIFO
PCMCIA
I/O Channel
Interface
I/O Connector
GATE<0..2>
3
CLK<1..2>
2
OUT<0..2>
3
8
8
From A/D FIFO
+12 V
+12 V
OUT0EXTCONV*
MSM82C54
Digital
I/O
DC-DC
Converter
A/D Timing
To Analog CircuitTo Analog Circuit
1 A Resettable Fuse

Figure 4-1. DAQCard-700 Block Diagram

Interrupt Interface
PCMCIA I/O Channel
+5 V+5 V
The following are the major components making up the DAQCard-700:
PCMCIA I/O channel interface circuitry
AI circuitry
DAQCard-700 User Manual 4-2 ni.com
DIO circuitry
TIO circuitry
DAQ functions can be executed by using the AI circuitry and some of the TIO circuitry. The internal data and control buses interconnect the components. The theory of operation for each of these components is explained in the remainder of this chapter. The theory of operation for the DAQ circuitry is included with the discussion of the AI circuitry.

PCMCIA I/O Channel Interface Circuitry

The PCMCIA I/O channel interface circuitry consists of an address bus, a data bus, interrupt lines, and several control and support signals. The components making up the DAQCard-700 PCMCIA I/O channel interface circuitry are shown in Figure 4-2.
Register Selects
Address Decoder
Chapter 4 Theory of Operation
Address Bus
Timing
Read and Write Signals
Card
Information
Structure
Internal Data Bus
PCMCIA
Control
Registers
Interrupt Requests
Figure 4-2.
© National Instruments Corporation 4-3 DAQCard-700 User Manual
PCMCIA I/O Interface Circuitry Block Diagram
Interface
Data
Buffers
Interrupt
Control
Control Lines
Data Bus
PCMCIA I/O Channel
IRQ
Chapter 4 Theory of Operation
When you first insert the card, the system examines information stored in the DAQCard-700 Card Information Structure (CIS). This data is used to configure the card for the system in which it is used. When the system has assigned the card to a section of memory, it updates the PCMCIA 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 circuitry monitor uses CE1* (controlled by the PCMCIA Card and Socket Services Software) as the card enable signal, and uses lines <A0..A4> plus timing signals to generate the onboard register select signals and read/write signals. The data buffers control the direction of data transfer on the bidirectional data lines based on whether the transfer is a read or write. The interrupt control circuitry routes any enabled interrupts to the IREQ* line, which is routed to an available interrupt request line by the system motherboard. The DAQCard-700 generates interrupts in three different situations:
When a prescribed number of A/D conversions can be read from FIFO
When an active low-level signal is detected on the EXTINT* line
When a rising-edge signal is detected on counter 2 output
Each one of these interrupts is individually enabled and cleared.

Analog Input and Data Acquisition Circuitry

The DAQCard-700 has 16 AI channels with 12-bit A/D conversion. Using the timing circuitry, the DAQCard-700 can automatically time multiple A/D conversions. Figure 4-3 shows a block diagram of the AI and DAQ circuitry.
DAQCard-700 User Manual 4-4 ni.com
Mux1 Dual
8
(8-Channel
Single-
8
Ended)
I/O Connector
Scanning
Counter
Input
Instrumentation
Amplifier
Input
Mux2
(4-Channel)
Buffer
12-Bit
Sampling
ADC
A/D Timing
A/D
Data
OUT0
512-Word
FIFO,
Sign
Extension
MSM82C54
Chapter 4 Theory of Operation
1612
PCMCIA
Data
I/O Channel
Interface
A/D RD
Interrupt
Interface
PCMCIA I/O Channel
EXTCONV*

Analog Input Circuitry

The AI circuitry consists of an input multiplexer, a software-selectable gain stage, and a 12-bit sampling ADC. The 12-bit output is sign-extended to 16 bits, then stored in a FIFO memory that is 512 words deep.
The input multiplexer stage is made up of two CMOS AI multiplexers. In single-ended mode, the input multiplexers switch between 16 AI channels (channels 0 through 15). In DIFF input mode, one of the input multiplexers switches between eight differential pairs (channels 0 and 8, 1 and 9, and so on). With the input multiplexer stage, input overvoltage protection of ±30Visavailable,poweredonoroff.
The DAQCard-700 uses a 12-bit successive-approximation ADC. Software-selectable gains of 1, 0.5, and 0.25 for the input signal combined with the ADC fixed input range of ± 10 V yield three useful AI signal ranges. These ranges are ±10 V, ± 5 V, and ± 2.5 V.
When an A/D conversion is complete, the ADC clocks the result into the A/D FIFO. The A/D FIFO is 16 bits wide and 512 words deep. This FIFO
CLK0
1MHz

Figure 4-3. Analog Input and DAQ Circuitry Block Diagram

© National Instruments Corporation 4-5 DAQCard-700 User Manual
Chapter 4 Theory of Operation
serves as a buffer to the ADC and has two benefits. First, when an A/D conversion is complete, the value is saved in the A/D FIFO for later reading, and the ADC is free to start a new conversion. Secondly, the A/D FIFO can collect up to 512 A/D conversion values before any information is lost, thus giving the software some extra time (512 times the sample interval) to catch up with the hardware. If more than 512 values are stored in the A/D FIFO without the A/D FIFO being read from, an error condition called A/D FIFO overflow occurs and A/D conversion information is lost.
The A/D FIFO generates a signal that indicates when it contains A/D conversion data. The state of this signal can be read from the Status Register.
The output from the ADC is a twos complement number ranging from –2,048 to 2,047. The output from the 12-bit ADC is always sign-extended to 16 bits by the card circuitry so that data values read from the FIFO are 16 bits wide.

Data Acquisition Timing Circuitry

A DAQ operation refers to the process of obtaining a series of successive A/D conversions at a carefully timed interval called the sample interval. The DAQ timing circuitry consists of various clocks and timing signals that perform this timing. The DAQCard-700 can perform two types of data acquisition: single-channel data acquisition and multichannel (scanned) data acquisition. Scanned data acquisition uses a counter to automatically switch between AI channels during data acquisition. The scan interval is equal to the number of channels multiplied by the sample interval.
DAQ timing consists of signals that initiate a DAQ operation and generate scanning clocks. Sources for these signals are supplied mainly by timers on the DAQCard-700 card. One of the three counters of the MSM82C54 is reserved for this purpose.
An A/D conversion can be initiated internally during data acquisition by a low-to-high transition on the counter 0 output (OUT0) of the MSM82C54, or externally by a low-to-high transition on EXTCONV* input.
The sample-interval timer is a 16-bit down counter that uses the onboard 1 MHz clock to generate sample intervals from 2 µs to 65,535 µs(Referto the Timing I/O Circuitry section). Each time the sample-interval timer reaches zero, it generates a pulse and reloads with the programmed sample-interval count. This operation continues until the counter is reprogrammed.
DAQCard-700 User Manual 4-6 ni.com
Chapter 4 Theory of Operation
Notice that only counter 0 is required for DAQ operations. The software must track the number of conversions that have occurred and turn off counter 0 after the required number of conversions has been obtained.
Single-Channel Data Acquisition
During single-channel data acquisition, a control register is set to select the analog input channel before data acquisition is initiated. This multiplexer setting remains constant during the entire data acquisition process; therefore, all A/D conversion data is read from a single channel.
Multichannel (Scanned) Data Acquisition
Multichannel data acquisition is performed by enabling scanning during data acquisition. Multichannel scanning is controlled by a scan counter.
For scanning operations, the scan counter decrements from the highest numbered channel(selected by the user) through channel 0 and then repeats the sequence. For RSE input mode, therefore, any number of channels from 2 to 16 can be scanned. For DIFF input mode, any number of channels from 2 to 8 can be scanned. Notice that the same AI range is used for all channels in the scan sequence.
Data Acquisition Rates
The maximum data acquisition rate (number of samples per second) is determined by the conversion period of the ADC plus the acquisition time of its track-and-hold stage. During multichannel scanning, the data acquisition rate is further limited by the settling time of the input multiplexers and operational amplifier. After the input multiplexers are switched, the amplifier must be able to settle to the new input signal value to within 12-bit accuracy before an A/D conversion is performed, or 12-bit accuracy cannot be achieved.
If the chosen data acquisition rate does not allow the specified settling time, the analog input circuitry may not perform at 12-bit accuracy. Furthermore, if the maximum data acquisition rate is exceeded, A/D conversions may be lost. The maximum data acquisition rate and settling time specifications at various input ranges are listed in Appendix A, Specifications.
© National Instruments Corporation 4-7 DAQCard-700 User Manual
Chapter 4 Theory of Operation
These settling time specifications assume that voltage levels on all the channels included in the scan sequence are within range and are driven by low-impedance sources. Signal levels outside the ranges on the channels included in the scan sequence adversely affect the input settling time. Similarly, greater settling time may be required for channels driven by high-impedance signal sources.

Digital I/O Circuitry

The DAQCard-700 has 16 TTL-compatible DIO lines. DIN<0..7> are digital input lines, and DOUT<0..7> are digital output lines. These lines are monitored, or driven, by the Digital Input Register and the Digital Output Register, respectively. Reading the Digital Input Register returns the current state of DIN<0..7>. Writing the Digital Output Register drives the new value onto DOUT<0..7>. An external device may drive the EXTINT* signal to indicate readiness for data transfer. Figure 4-4 shows a diagram of this circuitry.
DIN<0..7>
8
DOUT<0..7>
8
I/O Connector
EXTINT*

Figure 4-4. Digital I/O Circuitry Block Diagram

DAQCard-700 User Manual 4-8 ni.com
Digital
Input
Register
Digital
Output
Register
Status Register
Interrupt
Interface
8
I/O RD
8
I/O WR
PCMCIA I/O Channel

Timing I/O Circuitry

The DAQCard-700 uses an MSM82C54 counter/timer integrated circuit for DAQ timing and general-purpose TIO functions. Three counters of the MSM82C54 are available for general use, but Counter 0 is also used internally for DAQ timing. Figure 4-5 shows a block diagram of both groups of TIO circuitry.
A/D Conversion Logic
Chapter 4 Theory of Operation
OUT0
GATE0
1-MHz
Clock
CLK1
OUT1
I/O Connector
OUT1*
CLK2
GATE2
OUT2
Interrupt
Interface
OUT0
GATE0
CLK0
Input
Mux
CLK1
GATE1
OUT1
CLK2
GATE2
OUT2
MSM82C54 Counter/Timer
CTR RD/WR
PCMCIA I/O Channel
8
Data

Figure 4-5. Timing I/O Circuitry Block Diagram

© National Instruments Corporation 4-9 DAQCard-700 User Manual
Chapter 4 Theory of Operation
The MSM82C54 contains three independent 16-bit counter/timers and one 8-bit mode register. As shown in Figure 4-5, counter 0 can be used for DAQ timing, and counters 1 and 2 are free for general use. Counter 0 is free for general use when EXTCONV* is being used to time the AI circuitry or when the DAQ circuitry is not in use.
The MSM82C54 counter 0 uses a 1 MHz clock generated from the onboard oscillator. The timebases for counters 1 and 2 can be supplied externally through the 50-pin I/O connector. In addition, counter 1 can optionally use the same onboard 1 MHz clock that is used for DAQ timing, which facilitates synchronous operations. The counters in the MSM82C54 can be diagrammed as shown in Figure 4-6.
CLK
Counter
GATE

Figure 4-6. Counter Block Diagram

OUT
Each counter has a clock input pin, a gate input pin, and an output pin labeled CLK, GATE, and OUT, respectively. The MSM82C54 counters are numbered zero through two, and their GATE, CLK, and OUT pins are labeled GATE N,CLKN,andOUTN,whereN is the counter number.
DAQCard-700 User Manual 4-10 ni.com
Specifications
This appendix lists the specifications of the DAQCard-700. These specifications are typical at 25 °C unless otherwise noted. The operating temperature range is 0 to 70 °C.
Analog Input
Input Characteristics
Number of channels ............................... 16 single-ended or 8 differential,
Type of ADC.......................................... Successive approximation
Resolution .............................................. 12 bits, worst-case code range
A
software-selectable
–2024 to +2023 (due to software calibration)
Max sampling rate.................................. 100 kS/s
Input signal ranges ................................. ±10 V, ±5 V, ±2.5 V;
software-selectable
Input coupling ........................................ DC
Max working voltage
(signal + common mode) ....................... Each input should remain within
±9.5 V of AIGND (in DIFF mode)
Overvoltage protection........................... ±30 V powered on,
± 30 V powered off
Inputs protected...................................... ACH<0..15>
FIFO buffer size ..................................... 512 samples
Data transfers ......................................... Interrupts, programmed I/O
1
Please refer to the Dynamic Characteristics section for maximum scan rates with stated accuracy.
© National Instruments Corporation A-1 DAQCard-700 User Manual
1
Appendix A Specifications
Transfer Characteristics
Relative accuracy....................................±1 LSB typ, ±1.5 LSB max
DNL ........................................................±0.5 LSB typ, ±1 LSB max
No missing codes....................................12 bits, guaranteed
Offset error
After software calibration................±1 LSB
Before software calibration .............±2 LSB typ, ±9 LSB max
Gain error (relative to calibration reference)
After software calibration................±0.036% max
Before software calibration .............±0.07% of reading typ,
±0.4% max
Amplifier Characteristics
Input impedance .....................................1 GΩ in parallel with 40 pF
CMRR (all input ranges) ........................–72 dB, DC to 60 Hz
Dynamic Characteristics
Settling time ±0.024% accuracy
(±1 LSB) for full-scale step....................25 µs max at ±10 V, ±5 V
10 µsat±2.5V(RSE)
System noise ...........................................0.5 LSB
at ±5 V range
rms
Stability
Recommended warm-up time.................15 min
Onboard calibration reference
Level................................................3.0 V (±0.2 mV)
Temperature coefficient...................60 ppm/°Cmax
Digital I/O
Number of channels................................8 input and 8 output
Compatibility ..........................................TTL-compatible
DAQCard-700 User Manual A-2 ni.com
Appendix A Specifications
Maximum votage input rating................ +5.5 V with respect to DGND
–5.5 V with respect to DGND
Digital logic levels
Level Min Max
Input low voltage 0V 0.8 V
Input high voltage 2V 5V
Input low current (Vin=0V) 50 µA
Input high current (Vin=5V) 1 µA
Timing I/O
Output low voltage (I
Output high voltage (I
=4mA) 0.4 V
out
=4mA) 3.7 V
out
Number of channels ............................... 3 counter/timers
(1 dedicated to analog input)
Resolution .............................................. 16 bits
Compatibility ......................................... TTL, gate and source pulled
high with 100 kresistors
Maximum voltage input rating............... –0.5to+5.0Vwithrespectto
DGND
Digital logic levels for MSM82C54
Level Min Max
Input low voltage +0.8 V
Input high voltage +2.2 V
Input load current ±10.0A
Output low voltage +0.40 V
Output high voltage +3.0 V
Output source current ±2.5mA
Output sink current ±2.5 mA
© National Instruments Corporation A-3 DAQCard-700 User Manual
Appendix A Specifications
Bus Interface
Power Requirement
Note
These power usage figures do not include the power used by external devices that
you have connected to the fused supply present on the I/O connector.
Base clocks available..............................1 MHz
Base clock accuracy................................±0.01%
Max source frequency.............................10 MHz
Min source pulse duration ......................50 ns
Min gate pulse duration ..........................50 ns
Data transfers..........................................Programmed I/O
Type ........................................................slave
+5 VDC (±5%) .......................................100 mA in operational mode
70 mA in power-down mode
Physical
PC Card type...........................................Type II
I/O connector ..........................................50-pin male
Maximum Working Voltage
Maximum working voltage refers to the signal voltage plus the common-mode voltage.
Channel-to-earth .....................................30 VAC or 60 VDC, installation
category I
Channel-to-channel.................................30 VAC or 60 VDC, installation
category I
Environmental
Operating temperature ............................0 to 70 °C
Storage temperature................................–55 to 150 °C
DAQCard-700 User Manual A-4 ni.com
Humidity ................................................ 5 to 90% RH, noncondensing
Maximum altitude ..................................2000 meters
Pollution degree (indoor use only)......... 2
Safety
The DAQCard-700 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
Appendix A Specifications
FCC Part 15A above 1 GHz
Electrical immunity................................ Evaluated to EN 61326:1997/
A1:1998, Table 1
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. To obtain the DoC for this product, click Declaration of Conformity at
ni.com/hardref.nsf/
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.
© National Instruments Corporation A-5 DAQCard-700 User Manual
. This Web site lists the DoCs by product family. Select the
Differences between the PC-LPM-16 and the DAQCard-700
This appendix contains a summary of differences between the PC-LPM-16 and the DAQCard-700 that may be relevant to you if you are a current PC-LPM-16 user.
The DAQCard-700 is compatible with the PC-LPM-16. Software developed for the PC-LPM-16 using NI-DAQ or LabWindows routines, as well as LabVIEW VIs for the PC-LPM-16, typically works with the DAQCard-700 without modification. The following table summarizes the significant differences.

Table B-1. Functionality Differences Between the PC-LPM-16 and the DAQCard-700

Functionality PC-LPM-16 DAQCard-700
FIFO read Two 8-bit words One 16-bit word
B
FIFO buffer size 16 samples 512 samples
Maximum sample rate 50 kS/s 100 kS/s
Supply voltages at I/O connector +5 V, +12 V, –12 V +5 V
Maximum input voltage rating ±45V ±30V
ADC calibration Hardware calibration Software calibration
Timer chip MSM82C53 MSM82C54*
Maximum timer source frequency 8MHz 10 MHz
Input modes Single ended Single ended or differential
Input ranges ±5 V, ±2.5 V, 0–10 V, 0–5V,
jumper selectable
* The MSM82C54 timer used in the DAQCard-700 is compatible with the MSM82C53.
© National Instruments Corporation B-1 DAQCard-700 User Manual
±10V,±5V,±2.5V, software-selectable
Common Questions
This appendix contains a list of common questions and answers relating to the operation of the DAQCard-700. The questions are grouped according to the type of information requested.
Installing and Configuring the DAQCard-700
Which NI documentation should I read first to get started using NI-DAQ?
Refer to the Configuring the DAQCard-700 section of Chapter 2, Installing
and Configuring the DAQCard-700, for this information.
What version of NI-DAQ must I have to program the DAQCard-700?
The DAQCard-700 is supported by NI-DAQ for Windows versions 6.9.x and earlier. You may also use the DAQCard-700 with NI-DAQ for Mac OS version 6.6.x or version 4.9.4 or earlier.
C
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, 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-700
When using the DAQCard in differential analog input mode, I have connected a differential input signal, but my 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 DIFF input mode, the signal must still be
© National Instruments Corporation C-1 DAQCard-700 User Manual
Appendix C Common Questions
referenced to the same ground level as the DAQCard reference. There are various methods of achieving the same ground level while maintaining a high CMRR. These methods are outlined in Chapter 3, Connecting Signals.
I want to use NI-DAQ to program the DAQCard-700. 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 Help.ClickNI-DAQ Functions»Listed by Hardware Product
for a complete list of functions supported by the DAQCard-700. 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-700. 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-700 Register-Level Programmer Manual from
ni.com/manuals
.
DAQCard-700 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
D
.
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
© National Instruments Corporation D-1 DAQCard-700 User Manual
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-700 User Manual D-2 ni.com

Glossary

Prefix Meaning Value
p- pico- 10
n- nano- 10
µ- micro- 10
m- milli- 10
k- kilo- 10
M- mega- 10
G- giga- 10

Numbers/Symbols

° degrees
ohms
% percent
12
9
6
3
3
6
9
± plus or minus
+5 V +5 VDC source signal
A
A amperes
AC alternating current
ACH analog input channel signal
ActiveX controls a special form of Automation Object. ActiveX Controls are similar to
Visual Basic custom controls (VBXs), but their architecture is based on OLE; ActiveX Controls can be freely plugged into any OLE-enabled development tool, application, or Web browser
A/D analog-to-digital
ADC A/D converter
© National Instruments Corporation G-1 DAQCard-700 User Manual
Glossary
ADE application development environment such as LabVIEW,
LabWindows/CVI, BridgeVIEW, Visual Basic, C, and C++
AI analog input
AIGND analog input ground signal
ANSI American National Standards Institute
AWG American Wire Gauge
B
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
C
CCelsius
CE card enable signal
CIS card information structure
CLK clock input signal
CMOS complementary metallic oxide semiconductor
CMRR common-mode rejection ratio
COM communications port
counter/timer a circuit that counts external pulses or clock pulses (timing)
CPU central processing unit
D
D/A digital-to-analog
DAQ data acquisition
dB decibel
DAQCard-700 User Manual G-2 ni.com
Glossary
DC direct current
DGND digital ground signal
DIFF differential configuration
DIN digital input signal
DIO digital input/output
DOS disk operating system
DOUT digital output signal
drivers/driver software software that controls a specific hardware device such as a DAQ device
E
EEPROM erasable programmable read-only memoryROM that can be erased
(usually by ultraviolet light exposure) and reprogrammed
EXTCONV external control signal to trigger A/D conversions
EXTINT external interrupt signal
F
Ffarads
FIFO first-in-first-out
ft feet
G
GATE gate input signal
gh gate hold time
gsu gate setup time
gwh gate high level
gwl gate low level
H
Hz hertz
© National Instruments Corporation G-3 DAQCard-700 User Manual
Glossary
I
I/O input/output
in. inches
interrupt a computer signal indicating that the CPU should suspend its current
task to service a designated activity
I
OH
I
OL
I
out
output source current, at V
output sink current, at V
OL
output current
OH
IREQ interrupt request
K
KB kilobytes
L
LabVIEW a graphical programming language
LED light-emitting diode
LSB least significant bit
M
max maximum
MAX Measurement and Automation Explorera controlled centralized
configuration environment that allows you to configure your National Instruments DAQ device
MB megabytes of memory
MSB mostsignificantbit
mux multiplexer—a switching device with multiple inputs that sequentially
connects each of its inputs to its output, typically at high speeds, in order to measure several signals with a single analog input channel
DAQCard-700 User Manual G-4 ni.com
Glossary
N
NC not connected (signal)
NI National Instruments
NI-DAQ National Instruments driver software for DAQ hardware
O
OUT output signal
outc output delay from clock
outg output delay from gate
P
PC Card a credit-card-sized expansion card that fits in a PCMCIA slot often
referred to as a PCMCIA card
PCMCIA Personal Computer Memory Card International Association
pwh clock high level
pwl clock low level
R
RAM random-access memory
RH relative humidity
rms root mean square
ROM read-only memory
RSE referenced single-ended modeall measurements are made with
respect to a common reference measurement system or a ground; also called a grounded measurement system
S
S samples
s seconds
© National Instruments Corporation G-5 DAQCard-700 User Manual
Glossary
sample interval amount of time between samples
sc clock period
scan interval the number of channels multiplied by the sample interval
settling time the amount of time required for a voltage to reach its final value within
specified limits
T
TIO timing input/output
trigger any event that causes or starts some form of data capture
TTL transistor-transistor logic
twos complement given a number x expressedinbase2withn digits to the left of the radix
point, the (base 2) number 2n - x
U
unipolar a signal range that is always positive (for example, 0 to +10 V)
V
V volts
V
cm
VDC volts, direct current
V
diff
VI virtual instrument
V
IH
V
IL
V
in
V
OH
V
OL
V
s
DAQCard-700 User Manual G-6 ni.com
common-mode noise
differential input signal
volts, input high
volts, input low
volts in
volts, output high
volts, output low
signal source

Index

Symbols

+5 V signal, 3-3
A
ACH<0..15> signal, 3-2 AIGND signal, 3-2 analog input
specifications, A-1
analog input circuitry
block diagram, 4-5 theory of operation, 4-5
analog input configuration
analog input modes, 2-4 default settings (table), 2-3 DIFF input
configuration, 2-5
definition (table), 2-4 exceeding maximum ratings (caution), 2-3 RSE input
configuration, 2-4
definition (table), 2-4
analog input signal connections
differential (DIFF) connections
common-mode signal rejection
considerations, 3-12 floating signal sources, 3-11 grounded signal sources, 3-10
differential input mode, 3-6 exceeding maximum input rating
(caution), 3-4 floating measurement system, 3-5 floating signal sources, 3-4 ground-referenced measurement
system, 3-5 ground-referenced signal sources, 3-4 input configurations, 3-5
instrumentation amplifier, 3-5 pins for analog input, 3-3 recommended input configurations, 3-7 single-ended connection s, 3-7 single-ended input mode, 3-6 types of measurement systems, 3-4 types of signal sources, 3-4
B
bus interface, A-4
C
cabling, 1-4 CLK, OUT, and GATE signals for
general-purpose timing, 3-16 CLK1 signal, 3-3 CLK2 signal, 3-3 common-mode signal rejection
considerations, 3-12 configuration
analog I/O
analog input modes, 2-4 default settings (table), 2-3 DIFF input, 2-5 exceeding maximum ratings
(caution), 2-3
RSE input, 2-4 counter/timers, 2-5 digital I/O, 2-5 input configurations
differential input mode, 3-6
instrumentation amplifier, 3-6
recommended input configurations
(table), 3-7
single-ended input mode, 3-6
© National Instruments Corporation I-1 DAQCard-700 User Manual
Index
PC Card, C-1
typical configuration (figure), 2-2 conventions used in the manual, vii counter/timers
See also general-purpose counter and
timing connections configuration, 2-5 MSM82C54 counter/timer, 3-16
customer education, E-1
D
DAQCard-1200
configuration. See configuration installation, 2-1 unpacking, 1-5
DAQCard-700
block diagram, 4-2 compared with PC-LPM-16, B-1 features, 1-1 major components, 4-2 what you need to get started, 1-2
data acquisition counter and timing
connections, 3-15
data acquisition timing circuitry
block diagram, 4-5 data acquisition rates, 4-7 multichannel (scanned) data
acquisition, 4-7 single-channel data acquisition, 4-7 theory of operation, 4-6
DGND signal, 3-2, 3-3 DIFF input
configuration, 2-5 definition (table), 2-4 differential input mode, 3-6
differential connections
common-mode signal rejection
considerations, 3-12 definition, 3-9
floating signal sources, 3-11 grounded signal sources, 3-10 when to use, 3-9
digital I/O
circuitry, 4-8 configuration, 2-5 signal connections, 3-13
specifications, A-2 DIN<0..7> signal, 3-2 DOUT<0..7> signal, 3-3
E
event-counting applications, 3-17 EXTCONV* signal
data acquisition counter and timing
connections, 3-15 definition, 3-3 timing (figure), 3-15
EXTINT* signal, 3-3
F
floating measurement system, 3-5 floating signal sources
definition, 3-4 differential connections, 3-11 recommended input configurations
(table), 3-7
frequency measurement application
(figure), 3-18
G
GATE, CLK, and OUT signals for
general-purpose timing, 3-16 GATE0 signal, 3-3 GATE1 signal, 3-3 GATE2 signal, 3-3
DAQCard-700 User Manual I-2 ni.com
Index
general-purpose counter and timing
connections
event-counting applications (figure), 3-17 figure, 3-19 frequency measurement (figure), 3-18 pulse and square wave generation, 3-16 pulse-width measurement, 3-17 time-lapse measurement, 3-17
timing specifications, 3-19 ground-referenced measurement system, 3-5 ground-referenced signal sources
definition, 3-4
differential connections, 3-10
recommended input configurations
(table), 3-7
I
I/O connector
exceed maximum ratings (caution), 3-1
pin assignments (figure), 3-2 input configurations
DIFF
definition (table), 2-4
purpose, 2-5 differential mode, 3-6 instrumentation amplifier (figure), 3-5 recommended input configurations, 3-7 RSE
definition (table), 2-4
purpose, 2-4 single-ended mode, 3-6
installation, DAQCard-1200, 2-1 instrumentation amplifier
figure, 3-5 purpose and use, 3-6
M
measurement systems
floating, 3-5 ground-referenced, 3-5
multichannel (scanned) data acquisition, 4-7
N
National Instruments documentation, viii National Instruments Web support, E-1 NI Developer Zone, E-1
O
operation of DAQCard-700
See also theory of operation
OUT, GATE, and CLK signals for
general-purpose timing, 3-16 OUT0 signal, 3-3 OUT1 signal, 3-3 OUT1* signal, 3-3 OUT2 signal, 3-3
P
PC-LPM-16, compared with
DAQCard-700, B-1 PCMCIA
I/O channel interface circuitry, 4-3 physical specifications, A-4 power connections, 3-14 power requirement specifications, A-4 pulse and square wave generation, 3-16 pulse-width measurement, 3-17
© National Instruments Corporation I-3 DAQCard-700 User Manual
Index
R
referenced single-ended input. See RSE input RSE input
configuration, 2-4 definition (table), 2-4
S
signal connections
analog input signal connections
differential (DIFF) connections
common-mode signal rejection
considerations, 3-12 floating signal sources, 3-11 grounded signal sources, 3-10
differential input mode, 3-6 exceeding maximum input rating
(caution), 3-4 floating measurement system, 3-5 floating signal sources, 3-4 ground-referenced measurement
system, 3-5 ground-referenced signal
sources, 3-4 input configurations, 3-5 instrumentation amplifier, 3-5 pins for analog input, 3-3 recommended input
configurations, 3-7 single-ended connections, 3-7 single-ended input mode, 3-6 types of measurement systems, 3-4 types of signal sources, 3-4
cabling, 1-4 digital I/O signal connections, 3-13 I/O connector
exceed maximum ratings
(caution), 3-1 pin assignments (figure), 3-2
power connections, 3-14 signal descriptions, 3-2
timing connections
data acquisition counter and timing
connections, 3-15
general-purpose counter and timing
signal connections, 3-16 single-channel data acquisition, 4-7 single-ended connection considerations
connecting signal source (figure), 3-8
when to use, 3-7 single-ended input mode, 3-6 specifications
analog input, A-1
bus interface, A-4
digital I/O, A-2
physical, A-4
power requirement, A-4
timing I/O, A-3 square wave generation, 3-16 system integration, by National
Instruments, E-1
T
technical support resources, E-1 theory of operation
analog input circuitry, 4-5
block diagram, 4-2
data acquisition timing circuitry, 4-6
data acquisition rates, 4-7 multichannel (scanned) data
acquisition, 4-7
single-channel data acquisition, 4-7 major components, 4-1 PCMCIA I/O channel interface
circuitry, 4-3 time-lapse measurement, 3-17 timing connections
data acquisition counter and timing
connections, 3-15
EXTCONV* signal timing
(figure), 3-15
DAQCard-700 User Manual I-4 ni.com
Index
general-purpose counter and timing
connections
event-counting applications
(figure), 3-17 figure, 3-19 frequency measurement
(figure), 3-18 pulse and square wave generation,
3-16 pulse-width measurement, 3-17 time-lapse measurement, 3-17 timing specifications, 3-19
general-purpose counter andtiming signal
connections, 3-16
timing I/O circuitry
block diagram, 4-9 counter block diagram, 4-10 specifications, A-3 theory of operation, 4-9
U
unpacking the DAQCard-1200, 1-5
W
Web support from National Instruments, E-1 worldwide technical support, E-2
© National Instruments Corporation I-5 DAQCard-700 User Manual
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