National Instruments Low-Cost Multifunction I0O Board User Manual

Lab-PC+

User Manual

Low-Cost Multifunction I/O Board for ISA

June 1996 Edition

Part Number 320502B-01

© Copyright 1992, 1996 National Instruments Corporation.

All Rights Reserved.

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Austin, TX 78730-5039
[phone]
Technical support fax: [phone]

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Warranty

The Lab-PC+ board is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year from the
date of shipment, as evidenced by receipts or other documentation. National Instruments will, at its option, repair or
replace equipment that proves to be defective during the warranty period. This warranty includes parts and labor.

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

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

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

EXCEPT AS SPECIFIED HEREIN, NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,

AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE
OF

NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR DAMAGES RESULTING FROM LOSS OF DATA, PROFITS,

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

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

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

NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE AMOUNT THERETOFORE PAID BY THE CUSTOMER.

. This limitation of the liability of National Instruments will apply regardless of the form of action,

Copyright

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

Trademarks

LabVIEW®, NI-DAQ®, RTSI®, and SCXI™ are trademarks of National Instruments Corporation.
Product and company names listed are trademarks or trade names of their respective companies.

WARNING REGARDING MEDICAL AND CLINICAL USE

OF NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS

National Instruments products are not designed with components and testing intended to ensure a level of reliability
suitable for use in treatment and diagnosis of humans. Applications of National Instruments products involving
medical or clinical treatment can create a potential for accidental injury caused by product failure, or by errors on the
part of the user or application designer. Any use or application of National Instruments products for or involving
medical or clinical treatment must be performed by properly trained and qualified medical personnel, and all
traditional medical safeguards, equipment, and procedures that are appropriate in the particular situation to prevent
serious injury or death should always continue to be used when National Instruments products are being used.
National Instruments products are NOT intended to be a substitute for any form of established process, procedure, or
equipment used to monitor or safeguard human health and safety in medical or clinical treatment.

Contents

About This Manual ........................................................................................................... xi

Organization of the Lab-PC+ User Manual.................................................................. xi

Conventions Used in This Manual................................................................................. xii

National Instruments Documentation ............................................................................ xiii

Customer Communication ............................................................................................. xiii

Chapter 1
Introduction

About the Lab-PC+ ........................................................................................................ 1-1

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

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

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

Unpacking ...................................................................................................................... 1-4

Chapter 2
Configuration and Installation

Board Configuration ...................................................................................................... 2-1

Analog I/O Configuration .............................................................................................. 2-8

Hardware Installation..................................................................................................... 2-15

......................................................................................................................... 1-1

LabVIEW and LabWindows/CVI Application Software .................................. 1-2

NI-DAQ Driver Software................................................................................... 1-2

Register-Level Programming............................................................................. 1-3

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

PC Bus Interface ................................................................................................ 2-1

Base I/O Address Selection................................................................................ 2-3

DMA Channel Selection .................................................................................... 2-6

Interrupt Selection.............................................................................................. 2-7

Analog Output Configuration ............................................................................ 2-9

Bipolar Output Selection........................................................................ 2-9

Unipolar Output Selection ..................................................................... 2-10

Analog Input Configuration............................................................................... 2-10

Input Mode............................................................................................. 2-10

DIFF Input (Four Channels) .................................................................. 2-11

RSE Input (Eight Channels, Factory Setting) ........................................ 2-12

NRSE Input (Eight Channels)................................................................ 2-13

Analog Input Polarity Configuration ................................................................. 2-13

Bipolar Input Selection .......................................................................... 2-13

Unipolar Input Selection ........................................................................ 2-14

© National Instruments Corporation v Lab-PC+ User Manual

Contents

Chapter 3
Signal Connections

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

Signal Connection Descriptions......................................................................... 3-2

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

Types of Signal Sources................................................................................................. 3-5

Floating Signal Sources ..................................................................................... 3-5

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

Input Configurations ...................................................................................................... 3-6

Differential Connection Considerations (DIFF Configuration)......................... 3-6

Differential Connections for Grounded Signal Sources .................................... 3-7

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

Single-Ended Connection Considerations ......................................................... 3-10

Single-Ended Connections for Floating Signal Sources

(RSE Configuration) .......................................................................................... 3-10

Single-Ended Connections for Grounded Signal Sources

(NRSE Configuration) ....................................................................................... 3-11

Common-Mode Signal Rejection Considerations.............................................. 3-12

Analog Output Signal Connections.................................................................... 3-12

Digital I/O Signal Connections.......................................................................... 3-13

Port C Pin Connections.......................................................................... 3-15

Timing Specifications ............................................................................ 3-16

Mode 1 Input Timing ............................................................................. 3-18

Mode 1 Output Timing .......................................................................... 3-19

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

Timing Connections........................................................................................... 3-21

Data Acquisition Timing Connections................................................... 3-21

General-Purpose Timing Signal Connections and

General-Purpose Counter/Timing Signals ............................................. 3-24

Cabling........................................................................................................................... 3-28

............................................................................................................ 3-1

Chapter 4
Theory of Operation

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

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

Analog Input and Data Acquisition Circuitry................................................................ 4-4

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

Data Acquisition Timing Circuitry .................................................................... 4-5

Analog Output Circuitry ................................................................................................ 4-9

Digital I/O Circuitry....................................................................................................... 4-10

Timing I/O Circuitry ...................................................................................................... 4-11

Lab-PC+ User Manual vi © National Instruments Corporation

.......................................................................................................... 4-1

Single-Channel Data Acquisition........................................................... 4-6

Multiple-Channel (Scanned) Data Acquisition...................................... 4-6

Data Acquisition Rates........................................................................... 4-7

Chapter 5
Calibration

Calibration Equipment Requirements............................................................................ 5-1

Calibration Trimpots...................................................................................................... 5-2

Analog Input Calibration ............................................................................................... 5-3

Analog Output Calibration............................................................................................. 5-6

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

Board Configuration .......................................................................................... 5-4

Bipolar Input Calibration Procedure.................................................................. 5-4

Unipolar Input Calibration Procedure................................................................ 5-5

Board Configuration .......................................................................................... 5-6

Bipolar Output Calibration Procedure ............................................................... 5-6

Unipolar Output Calibration Procedure ............................................................. 5-8

Appendix A
Specifications

....................................................................................................................... A-1

Appendix B
OKI 82C53 Data Sheet

Contents

..................................................................................................... B-1

Appendix C
OKI 82C55A Data Sheet

................................................................................................. C-1

Appendix D
Register Map and Descriptions

...................................................................................... D-1

Appendix E
Register-Level Programming

......................................................................................... E-1

Appendix F
Customer Communication

............................................................................................... F-1

Glossary ...................................................................................................................... Glossary-1

Index ................................................................................................................................. Index-1

© National Instruments Corporation vii Lab-PC+ User Manual

Contents

Figures

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

NI-DAQ, and Your Hardware............................................................................ 1-3

Figure 2-1. Parts Locator Diagram ....................................................................................... 2-2

Figure 2-2. Example Base I/O Address Switch Settings ...................................................... 2-4

Figure 2-3. DMA Jumper Settings for DMA Channel 3 (Factory Setting) .......................... 2-6

Figure 2-4. DMA Jumper Settings for Disabling DMA Transfers....................................... 2-7

Figure 2-5. Interrupt Jumper Setting IRQ5 (Factory Setting) .............................................. 2-7

Figure 2-6. Interrupt Jumper Setting for Disabling Interrupts.............................................. 2-8

Figure 2-7. Bipolar Output Jumper Configuration (Factory Setting) ................................... 2-9

Figure 2-8. Unipolar Output Jumper Configuration ............................................................. 2-10

Figure 2-9. DIFF Input Configuration .................................................................................. 2-12

Figure 2-10. RSE Input Configuration ................................................................................... 2-12

Figure 2-11. NRSE Input Configuration................................................................................. 2-13

Figure 2-12. Bipolar Input Jumper Configuration (Factory Setting)...................................... 2-14

Figure 2-13. Unipolar Input Jumper Configuration................................................................ 2-14

Figure 3-1. Lab-PC+ I/O Connector Pin Assignments......................................................... 3-2

Figure 3-2. Lab-PC+ Instrumentation Amplifier.................................................................. 3-5

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

Figure 3-4. Differential Input Connections for Floating Sources......................................... 3-9

Figure 3-5. Single-Ended Input Connections for Floating Signal Sources........................... 3-11

Figure 3-6. Single-Ended Input Connections for Grounded Signal Sources........................ 3-12

Figure 3-7. Analog Output Signal Connections.................................................................... 3-13

Figure 3-8. Digital I/O Connections ..................................................................................... 3-15

Figure 3-9. EXTCONV* Signal Timing............................................................................... 3-21

Figure 3-10. Posttrigger Data Acquisition Timing Case 1 ..................................................... 3-22

Figure 3-11. Posttrigger Data Acquisition Timing Case 2 ..................................................... 3-22

Figure 3-12. Pretrigger Data Acquisition Timing................................................................... 3-23

Figure 3-13. EXTUPDATE* Signal Timing for Updating DAC Output............................... 3-24

Figure 3-14. EXTUPDATE* Signal Timing for Generating Interrupts ................................. 3-24

Figure 3-15. Event-Counting Application with External Switch Gating................................ 3-25

Figure 3-16. Frequency Measurement Application ................................................................ 3-26

Figure 3-17. General-Purpose Timing Signals ....................................................................... 3-27

Figure 4-1. Lab-PC+ Block Diagram ................................................................................... 4-1

Figure 4-2. PC I/O Interface Circuitry Block Diagram ........................................................ 4-3

Figure 4-3. Analog Input and Data Acquisition Circuitry Block Diagram .......................... 4-4

Figure 4-4. Analog Output Circuitry Block Diagram........................................................... 4-9

Figure 4-5. Digital I/O Circuitry Block Diagram ................................................................. 4-10

Figure 4-6. Timing I/O Circuitry Block Diagram................................................................. 4-12

Figure 4-7. Two-Channel Interval-Scanning Timing ........................................................... 4-13

Figure 4-8. Single-Channel Interval Timing......................................................................... 4-14

Figure 4-9. Counter Block Diagram ..................................................................................... 4-14

Figure 5-1. Calibration Trimpot Location Diagram ............................................................. 5-2

Figure E-1. Control-Word Format with Control-Word Flag Set to 1 ................................... E-24

Figure E-2. Control-Word Format with Control-Word Flag Set to 0 ................................... E-24

Lab-PC+ User Manual viii © National Instruments Corporation

Contents

Tables

Table 2-1. PC Bus Interface Factory Settings ..................................................................... 2-3

Table 2-2. Switch Settings with Corresponding Base I/O Address and

Base I/O Address Space..................................................................................... 2-5

Table 2-3. DMA Channels for the Lab-PC+ ....................................................................... 2-6

Table 2-4. Analog I/O Jumper Settings............................................................................... 2-9

Table 2-5. Input Configurations Available for the Lab-PC+ .............................................. 2-11

Table 3-1. Recommended Input Configurations for Ground-Referenced and

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

Table 3-2. Port C Signal Assignments ................................................................................ 3-16

Table 4-1. Analog Input Settling Time Versus Gain........................................................... 4-7

Table 4-2. Lab-PC+ Maximum Recommended Data Acquisition Rates ............................ 4-8

Table 4-3. Bipolar Analog Input Signal Range Versus Gain.............................................. 4-8

Table 4-4. Unipolar Analog Input Signal Range Versus Gain............................................ 4-8

Table 5-1. Voltage Values of ADC Input............................................................................ 5-4

Table D-1. Lab-PC+ Register Map ...................................................................................... D-2

Table E-1. Unipolar Input Mode A/D Conversion Values (Straight Binary Coding) ......... E-4

Table E-2. Bipolar Input Mode A/D Conversion Values (Two’s Complement Coding).... E-4

Table E-3. Analog Output Voltage Versus Digital Code

(Unipolar Mode, Straight Binary Coding) ......................................................... E-21

Table E-4. Analog Output Voltage Versus Digital Code

(Bipolar Mode, Two’s Complement Coding).................................................... E-22

Table E-5. Mode 0 I/O Configurations................................................................................ E-26

Table E-6. Port C Set/Reset Control Words ........................................................................ E-33

© National Instruments Corporation ix Lab-PC+ User Manual

About This Manual

This manual describes the electrical and mechanical aspects of the Lab-PC+ and contains
information concerning its operation and programming.

The Lab-PC+ is a low-cost multifunction analog, digital, and timing I/O board for PC compatible
computers.

Organization of the Lab-PC+ User Manual

The Lab-PC+ User Manual is organized as follows:

• Chapter 1, Introduction, describes the Lab-PC+; lists what you need to get started; describes

the optional software and optional equipment; and explains how to unpack the Lab-PC+.

• Chapter 2, Configuration and Installation, describes the Lab-PC+ jumper configuration and

installation of the Lab-PC+ board in your computer.

• Chapter 3, Signal Connections, describes how to make input and output signal connections to

your Lab-PC+ board via the board I/O connector.

• Chapter 4, Theory of Operation, contains a functional overview of the Lab-PC+ and explains

the operation of each functional unit making up the Lab-PC+. This chapter also explains the
basic operation of the Lab-PC+ circuitry.

• Chapter 5, Calibration, discusses the calibration procedures for the Lab-PC+ analog input

and analog output circuitry.

• Appendix A, Specifications, lists the specifications of the Lab-PC+.

• Appendix B, OKI 82C53 Data Sheet, contains the manufacturer data sheet for the

OKI 82C53 System Timing Controller integrated circuit (OKI Semiconductor). This circuit
is used on the Lab-PC+.

• Appendix C, OKI 82C55A Data Sheet, contains the manufacturer data sheet for the

OKI 82C55A Programmable Peripheral Interface integrated circuit (OKI Semiconductor).
This circuit is used on the Lab-PC+.

• Appendix D, Register Map and Descriptions, describes in detail the address and function of

each of the Lab-PC+ registers.

• Appendix E, Register-Level Programming, contains important information about

programming the Lab-PC+.

• Appendix F, Customer Communication, contains forms you can use to request help from

National Instruments or to comment on our products and manuals.

© National Instruments Corporation xi Lab-PC+ User Manual

About This Manual

• The Glossary contains an alphabetical list and description of terms used in this manual,

including abbreviations, acronyms, metric prefixes, mnemonics, and symbols.

• The Index contains an alphabetical list of key terms and topics used in this manual, including

the page where each one can be found.

Conventions Used in This Manual

The following conventions appear in this manual.
8253 8253 refers to the OKI Semiconductor 82C53 System Timing Controller

integrated circuit.

< > Angle brackets containing numbers separated by an ellipsis represent a

range of values associated with a bit or signal name (for example,
BDIO<3...0>).

bold Bold text denotes the names of menus, menu items, parameters, dialog

boxes, dialog box buttons or options, icons, windows [Windows OS],
Windows 95 tabs or pages, or LEDs.

bold italic Bold italic text denotes a note, caution, or warning.
italic Italic text denotes emphasis, a cross reference, or an introduction to a key

concept. This text denotes text for which you supply the appropriate word
or value, such as in Windows 3.x.

italic monospace

monospace Bold text in this font denotes the messages and responses that the

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

NI-DAQ NI-DAQ refers to the NI-DAQ software for PC compatibles unless

paths Paths are denoted using backslashes (\) to separate drive names,

Italic text in this font denotes that you must supply the appropriate words
or values in the place of these items.

computer automatically prints to the screen. This font also emphasizes
lines of code that are unique from the other examples.

from the keyboard, sections of code, programming examples, and syntax
examples. This font also is used for the proper names of disk drives,
paths, directories, programs, subprograms, subroutines, device names,
functions, operations, variables, filenames, and extensions, and for
statements and comments taken from program code.

otherwise noted.

directories, folders, and files.
[ ] Square brackets enclose optional items (for example, [response]).
The Glossary lists abbreviations, acronyms, metric prefixes, mnemonics, symbols, and terms.

Lab-PC+ User Manual xii © National Instruments Corporation

About this Manual

National Instruments Documentation

The Lab-PC+ User Manual is one piece of the documentation set for your DAQ system. You
could have any of several types of manuals depending on the hardware and software in your
system. Use the manuals you have as follows:

• Getting Started with SCXI—If you are using SCXI, this is the first manual you should read.

It gives an overview of the SCXI system and contains the most commonly needed
information for the modules, chassis, and software.

• Your SCXI hardware user manuals—If you are using SCXI, read these manuals next for

detailed information about signal connections and module configuration. They also explain
in greater detail how the module works and contain application hints.

• Your DAQ hardware user manuals—These manuals have detailed information about the

DAQ hardware that plugs into or is connected to your computer. Use these manuals for
hardware installation and configuration instructions, specification information about your
DAQ hardware, and application hints.

• Software documentation—Examples of software documentation you may have are the

LabVIEW and LabWindows
After you set up your hardware system, use either the application software (LabVIEW or
LabWindows/CVI) or the NI-DAQ documentation to help you write your application. If you
have a large and complicated system, it is worthwhile to look through the software
documentation before you configure your hardware.

®

/CVI documentation sets and the NI-DAQ documentation.

• Accessory installation guides or manuals—If you are using accessory products, read the

terminal block and cable assembly installation guides. They explain how to physically
connect the relevant pieces of the system. Consult these guides when you are making your
connections.

• SCXI chassis manuals—If you are using SCXI, read these manuals for maintenance

information on the chassis and installation instructions.

Customer Communication

National Instruments wants to receive your comments on our products and manuals. We are
interested in the applications you develop with our products, and we want to help if you have
problems with them. To make it easy for you to contact us, this manual contains comment and
configuration forms for you to complete. These forms are in Appendix F, Customer

Communication, at the end of this manual.

© National Instruments Corporation xiii Lab-PC+ User Manual

Chapter 1 Introduction

This chapter describes the Lab-PC+; lists what you need to get started; describes the optional
software and optional equipment; and explains how to unpack the Lab-PC+.

About the Lab-PC+

The Lab-PC+ is a low-cost multifunction analog, digital, and timing I/O board for the PC. The
Lab-PC+ contains a 12-bit successive-approximation ADC with eight analog inputs, which can
be configured as eight single-ended or four differential channels. The Lab-PC+ also has
two12-bit DACs with voltage outputs, 24 lines of TTL-compatible digital I/O, and six 16-bit
counter/timer channels for timing I/O.

The low cost of a system based on the Lab-PC+ makes it ideal for laboratory work in industrial
and academic environments. The multichannel analog input is useful in signal analysis and data
logging. The 12-bit ADC is useful in high-resolution applications such as chromatography,
temperature measurement, and DC voltage measurement. The analog output channels can be
used to generate experiment stimuli and are also useful for machine and process control and
analog function generation. The 24 TTL-compatible digital I/O 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. The Lab-PC+, used in conjunction with the
PC, is a versatile, cost-effective platform for laboratory test, measurement, and control.

Detailed specifications of the Lab-PC+ are in Appendix A, Specifications.

What You Need to Get Started

To set up and use your Lab-PC+ board, you will need the following:

Lab-PC+ board

Lab-PC+ User Manual

One of the following software packages and documentation:

NI-DAQ for PC compatibles
LabVIEW
LabWindows/CVI

Your computer

© National Instruments Corporation 1-1 Lab-PC+ User Manual

Introduction Chapter 1

Software Programming Choices

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

LabVIEW and LabWindows/CVI Application Software

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

LabVIEW features interactive graphics, a state-of-the-art user interface, and a powerful graphical
programming language. The LabVIEW Data Acquisition VI Library, a series of VIs for using
LabVIEW with National Instruments DAQ hardware, is included with LabVIEW. The LabVIEW
Data Acquisition VI Libraries are functionally equivalent to the NI-DAQ software.

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

Using LabVIEW or LabWindows/CVI software will greatly reduce the development time for
your data acquisition and control application.

NI-DAQ Driver Software

The NI-DAQ driver software is included at no charge with all National Instruments DAQ
hardware. NI-DAQ is not packaged with signal conditioning or accessory products. NI-DAQ has
an extensive library of functions that you can call from your application programming
environment. These functions include routines for analog input (A/D conversion), buffered data
acquisition (high-speed A/D conversion), analog output (D/A conversion), waveform generation
(timed D/A conversion), digital I/O, counter/timer operations, SCXI, RTSI, calibration,
messaging, and acquiring data to extended memory.

NI-DAQ has both high-level DAQ I/O functions for maximum ease of use and low-level DAQ
I/O functions for maximum flexibility and performance. Examples of high-level functions are
streaming data to disk or acquiring a certain number of data points. An example of a low-level
function is writing directly to registers on the DAQ device. NI-DAQ does not sacrifice the
performance of National Instruments DAQ devices because it lets multiple devices operate at
their peak performance.

Lab-PC+ User Manual 1-2 © National Instruments Corporation

Chapter 1 Introduction

NI-DAQ also internally addresses many of the complex issues between the computer and the
DAQ hardware such as programming interrupts and DMA controllers. NI-DAQ maintains a
consistent software interface among its different versions so that you can change platforms with
minimal modifications to your code. Whether you are using conventional programming
languages, LabVIEW, or LabWindows/CVI, your application uses the NI-DAQ driver software,
as illustrated in Figure 1-1.

Conventional 

Programming Environment

(PC, Macintosh, or 

Sun SPARCstation)



DAQ or

SCXI Hardware

LabVIEW 

(PC, Macintosh, or 

Sun SPARCstation)

NI-DAQ

Driver Software

LabWindows/CVI

(PC or Sun 

SPARCstation)

Personal 

Computer or 

Workstation

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

and Your Hardware

You can use your Lab-PC+ board, together with other PC, AT, EISA, DAQCard, and DAQPad
Series DAQ and SCXI hardware, with NI-DAQ software for PC compatibles.

Register-Level Programming

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

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

© National Instruments Corporation 1-3 Lab-PC+ User Manual

Introduction Chapter 1

Optional Equipment

National Instruments offers a variety of products to use with your Lab-PC+ board, including
cables, connector blocks, and other accessories, as follows:

• Cables and cable assemblies, shielded and ribbon

• Connector blocks, shielded and unshielded 50, 68, and 100-pin screw terminals

• Real Time System Integration (RTSI) bus cables

• Signal Condition eXtension for Instrumentation (SCXI) modules and accessories for

isolating, amplifying, exciting, and multiplexing signals for relays and analog output. With
SCXI you can condition and acquire up to 3072 channels.

• Low channel count signal conditioning modules, boards, and accessories, including

conditioning for strain gauges and RTDs, simultaneous sample and hold, and relays

For more specific information about these products, refer to your National Instruments catalogue
or call the office nearest you.

Unpacking

Your Lab-PC+ board is shipped in an antistatic package to prevent electrostatic damage to the
board. Electrostatic discharge can damage several components on the board. To avoid such
damage in handling the board, take the following precautions:

• Ground yourself via a grounding strap or by holding a grounded object.

• Touch the antistatic package to a metal part of your computer chassis before removing the

board from the package.

• Remove the board from the package and inspect the board for loose components or any other

sign of damage. Notify National Instruments if the board appears damaged in any way. Do

not install a damaged board into your computer.

Lab-PC+ User Manual 1-4 © National Instruments Corporation

Chapter 2 Configuration and Installation

This chapter describes the Lab-PC+ jumper configuration and installation of the Lab-PC+ board
in your computer.

Board Configuration

The Lab-PC+ contains six jumpers and one DIP switch to configure the PC bus interface and
analog I/O settings. The DIP switch is used to set the base I/O address. Two jumpers are used as
interrupt channel and DMA selectors. The remaining four jumpers are used to change the analog
input and analog output circuitry. The parts locator diagram in Figure 2-1 shows the Lab-PC+
jumper settings. Jumpers W3 and W4 configure the analog input circuitry. Jumpers W1 and W2
configure the analog output circuitry. Jumpers W6 and W5 select the DMA channel and the
interrupt level, respectively.

PC Bus Interface

The Lab-PC+ is configured at the factory to a base I/O address of hex 260, to use DMA
Channel 3, and to use interrupt level 5. These settings (shown in Table 2-1) are suitable for most
systems. If your system, however, has other hardware at this base I/O address, DMA channel, or
interrupt level, you will need to change these settings on the other hardware or on the Lab-PC+
as described in the following pages. Record your settings in the Lab-PC+ Hardware and

Software Configuration Form in Appendix F.

© National Instruments Corporation 2-1 Lab-PC+ User Manual

Configuration and Installation Chapter 2

3 4 7

2

1

13 12 11 10

5 6

8

9



1 Assembly Number 5 W2 8 Serial Number 11 W6
2 Spare Fuse 6 W3 9 J1 12 W5
3 U1 7 W4 10 Fuse 13 Product Name
4W1

Figure 2-1. Parts Locator Diagram

Lab-PC+ User Manual 2-2 © National Instruments Corporation

Chapter 2 Configuration and Installation

Table 2-1. PC Bus Interface Factory Settings

Lab-PC+ Board Default Settings Hardware Implementation

Base I/O Address Hex 260

DMA Channel DMA Channel 3

A9A8A7

1 2 3 4 5

O
N

O
F
F

W6: DRQ3, DACK*3

A6

A5

U1

(factory setting)

Interrupt Level Interrupt level 5 selected

W5: Row 5

(factory setting)

Note: The shaded portion indicates the side of the switch that is pressed down.

Base I/O Address Selection

The base I/O address for the Lab-PC+ is determined by the switches at position U1 (see
Figure 2-1). The switches are set at the factory for the base I/O address hex 260. This factory
setting is used as the default base I/O address value by National Instruments software packages
for use with the Lab-PC+. The Lab-PC+ uses the base I/O address space hex 260 through 27F
with the factory setting.

Note: Verify that this space is not already used by other equipment installed in your

computer. If any equipment in your computer uses this base I/O address space, you
must change the base I/O address of the Lab-PC+ or of the other device. If you change
the Lab-PC+ base I/O address, you must make a corresponding change to any software
packages you use with the Lab-PC+. For more information about your computer’s
I/O, refer to your computer’s technical reference manual.

Each switch in U1 corresponds to one of the address lines A9 through A5. Press the side marked
OFF to select a binary value of 1 for the corresponding address bit. Press the other side of the
switch to select a binary value of 0 for the corresponding address bit. Figure 2-2 shows two
possible switch settings.

© National Instruments Corporation 2-3 Lab-PC+ User Manual

Configuration and Installation Chapter 2

A9

A8

A7

A6

A5

1 2 3 4 5

This side down for 0 —
This side down for 1 —

O
N

O
F
F

U1

A. Switches Set to Base I/O Address of Hex 000

A9

A8

A7

A6

A5

1 2 3 4 5

This side down for 0 —
This side down for 1 —

O
N

O
F
F

U1

B. Switches Set to Base I/O Address of Hex 260 (Factory Setting)

Figure 2-2. Example Base I/O Address Switch Settings

The five least significant bits of the address (A4 through A0) are decoded by the Lab-PC+ to
select the appropriate Lab-PC+ register. To change the base I/O address, remove the plastic
cover on U1; press each switch to the desired position; check each switch to make sure the
switch is pressed down all the way; and replace the plastic cover. Record the new Lab-PC+ base
I/O address in Appendix F, Customer Communication, for use when configuring the Lab-PC+
software.

Table 2-2 lists the possible switch settings, the corresponding base I/O address, and the base I/O
address space used for that setting.

Lab-PC+ User Manual 2-4 © National Instruments Corporation

Chapter 2 Configuration and Installation

Table 2-2. Switch Settings with Corresponding Base I/O Address

and Base I/O Address Space

Switch Setting

A9 A8 A7 A6 A5

Base I/O Address

(hex)

Base I/O Address

Space Used (hex)

0 0 0 0 0 000 000 - 01F
0 0 0 0 1 020 020 - 03F

0 0 0 1 0 040 040 - 05F
0 0 0 1 1 060 060 - 07F
0 0 1 0 0 080 080 - 09F
0 0 1 0 1 0A0 0A0 - 0BF
0 0 1 1 0 0C0 0C0 - 0DF
0 0 1 1 1 0E0 0E0 - 0FF
0 1 0 0 0 100 100 - 11F
0 1 0 0 1 120 120 - 13F
0 1 0 1 0 140 140 - 15F
0 1 0 1 1 160 160 - 17F
0 1 1 0 0 180 180 - 19F
0 1 1 0 1 1A0 1A0 - 1BF
0 1 1 1 0 1C0 1C0 - 1DF
0 1 1 1 1 1E0 1E0 - 1FF
1 0 0 0 0 200 200 - 21F
1 0 0 0 1 220 220 - 23F
1 0 0 1 0 240 240 - 25F
1 0 0 1 1 260 260 - 27F
1 0 1 0 0 280 280 - 29F
1 0 1 0 1 2A0 2A0 - 2BF
1 0 1 1 0 2C0 2C0 - 2DF
1 0 1 1 1 2E0 2E0 - 2FF
1 1 0 0 0 300 300 - 31F
1 1 0 0 1 320 320 - 33F
1 1 0 1 0 340 340 - 35F
1 1 0 1 1 360 360 - 37F
1 1 1 0 0 380 380 - 39F
1 1 1 0 1 3A0 3A0 - 3BF
1 1 1 1 0 3C0 3C0 - 3DF

1 1 1 1 1 3E0 3E0 - 3FF

Note:Base I/O address values hex 000 through 0FF are reserved for system use.
Base I/O address values hex 100 through 3FF are available on the I/O channel.

© National Instruments Corporation 2-5 Lab-PC+ User Manual

Configuration and Installation Chapter 2

DMA Channel Selection

The Lab-PC+ uses the DMA channel selected by jumpers on W6 (see Figure 2-1). The Lab-PC+
is set at the factory to use DMA Channel 3. This is the default DMA channel used by the
Lab-PC+ software handler. Verify that other equipment already installed in your computer does
not use this DMA channel. If any device uses DMA Channel 3, change the DMA channel used
by either the Lab-PC+ or the other device. The Lab-PC+ hardware can use DMA Channels 1, 2,
and 3. Notice that these are the three 8-bit channels on the PC I/O channel. The Lab-PC+ does
not use and cannot be configured to use the 16-bit DMA channels on the PC AT I/O channel.

Each DMA channel consists of two signal lines as shown in Table 2-3.

Table 2-3. DMA Channels for the Lab-PC+

DMA

Channel

DMA

Acknowledge

DMA

Request

1 DACK1 DRQ1
2 DACK2 DRQ2
3 DACK3 DRQ3

Note: In most personal computers DMA Channel 2 is

reserved for the disk drives. Therefore, you should
avoid using this channel.

Two jumpers must be installed to select a DMA channel. The DMA Acknowledge and DMA
Request lines selected must have the same number suffix for proper operation. Figure 2-3
displays the jumper positions for selecting DMA Channel 3.

DACK*

DRQ

•••••••••••••••

W6

•

12

3

Figure 2-3. DMA Jumper Settings for DMA Channel 3 (Factory Setting)

If you do not want to use DMA for Lab-PC+ transfers, then place the configuration jumpers on
W6 in the position shown in Figure 2-4.

Lab-PC+ User Manual 2-6 © National Instruments Corporation

Chapter 2 Configuration and Installation

DACK*

DRQ

•••••••••••••••

W6

•

12

3

Figure 2-4. DMA Jumper Settings for Disabling DMA Transfers

Interrupt Selection

The Lab-PC+ board can connect to any one of the six interrupt lines of the PC I/O channel. The
interrupt line is selected by a jumper on one of the double rows of pins located above the I/O slot
edge connector on the Lab-PC+ (refer to Figure 2-1). To use the interrupt capability of the
Lab-PC+, you must select an interrupt line and place the jumper in the appropriate position to
enable that particular interrupt line.

The Lab-PC+ can share interrupt lines with other devices by using a tristate driver to drive its
selected interrupt line. The Lab-PC+ hardware supports interrupt lines IRQ3, IRQ4, IRQ5,
IRQ6, IRQ7, and IRQ9.

Note: Do not use interrupt line 6. Interrupt line 6 is used by the diskette drive controller on

most IBM PC and compatible computers.

Once you have selected an interrupt level, place the interrupt jumper on the appropriate pins to
enable the interrupt line.

The interrupt jumper set is W5. The default interrupt line is IRQ5, which you select by placing
the jumper on the pins in row 5. Figure 2-5 shows the default interrupt jumper setting IRQ5. To
change to another line, remove the jumper from IRQ5 and place it on the new pins.

•••••••••••

W5

•

3 4 5 6 7 9

IRQ

Figure 2-5. Interrupt Jumper Setting IRQ5 (Factory Setting)

© National Instruments Corporation 2-7 Lab-PC+ User Manual

Configuration and Installation Chapter 2

If you do not want to use interrupts, place the jumper on W5 in the position shown in Figure 2-6.
This setting disables the Lab-PC+ from asserting an interrupt line on the PC I/O channel.

•••••••••••

W5

•

3 4 5 6 7 9

IRQ

Figure 2-6. Interrupt Jumper Setting for Disabling Interrupts

Analog I/O Configuration

The Lab-PC+ is shipped from the factory with the following configuration:

• Referenced single-ended input mode

• ±5 V input range

• Bipolar analog output

• ±5 V output range
Table 2-4 lists all the available analog I/O jumper configurations for the Lab-PC+ with the

factory settings noted.

Lab-PC+ User Manual 2-8 © National Instruments Corporation

Chapter 2 Configuration and Installation

Table 2-4. Analog I/O Jumper Settings

Parameter Configuration Jumper Settings

Output CH0 Polarity Bipolar: ±5 V (factory setting)

Unipolar: 0 to 10 V

Output CH1 Polarity Bipolar: ±5 V (factory setting)

Unipolar: 0 to 10 V

Input Range Bipolar: ±5 V (factory setting)

Unipolar: 0 to 10 V

Input Mode Referenced single-ended (RSE)

W1: A-B
W1: B-C

W2: A-B
W2: B-C

W3: A-B
W3: B-C

W4: A-B

(factory setting)
Nonreferenced single-ended (NRSE)
Differential (DIFF)

W4: B-C
W4: B-C

Analog Output Configuration

Two ranges are available for the analog outputs–bipolar: ±5 V and unipolar: 0 to 10 V. Jumper
W1 controls output Channel 0, and W2 controls output Channel 1.

Bipolar Output Selection

You can select the bipolar (±5 V) output configuration for either analog output channel by setting
the following jumpers:

Analog Output Channel 0 W1 A-B
Analog Output Channel 1 W2 A-B

This configuration is shown in Figure 2-7.

W1

•

A

B

•

B

•

C

Channel 0

Figure 2-7. Bipolar Output Jumper Configuration (Factory Setting)

U

W2

•

A

•

B

•

C

Channel 1

B

U

© National Instruments Corporation 2-9 Lab-PC+ User Manual

Configuration and Installation Chapter 2

Unipolar Output Selection

You can select the unipolar (0 V to 10 V) output configuration for either analog output channel
by setting the following jumpers:

Analog Output Channel 0 W1 B-C
Analog Output Channel 1 W2 B-C

This configuration is shown in Figure 2-8.

A
B
C

Channel 0

W1

•

B

•

•

U

A
B
C

Channel 1

W2

•

B

•

•

U

Figure 2-8. Unipolar Output Jumper Configuration

Analog Input Configuration

You can select different analog input configurations by using the jumper and register bit
(software) settings as shown in Table 2-4. The following sections describe each of the analog
input categories in detail.

Input Mode

The Lab-PC+ features three different input modes–referenced single-ended (RSE) input, non­referenced single-ended (NRSE) input, and differential (DIFF) input. The single-ended input
configurations use eight channels. The DIFF input configuration uses four channels. These
configurations are described in Table 2-5.

Lab-PC+ User Manual 2-10 © National Instruments Corporation

Chapter 2 Configuration and Installation

Table 2-5. Input Configurations Available for the Lab-PC+

Configuration Description

DIFF Differential configuration provides four differential inputs with the

positive (+) input of the instrumentation amplifier tied to Channels 0,
2, 4, or 6 and the negative (-) input tied to Channels 1, 3, 5, or 7
respectively, thus choosing channel pairs (0,1), (2,3), (4,5), or (6,7).

NRSE Non-referenced single-ended configuration provides eight single-ended

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

RSE Referenced single-ended configuration provides eight single-ended

inputs with the negative input of the instrumentation amplifier
referenced to analog ground.

While reading the following paragraphs, you may find it helpful to refer to Analog Input Signal
Connections in Chapter 3, Signal Connections, which contains diagrams showing the signal
paths for the three configurations.

DIFF Input (Four Channels)

DIFF input means that each input signal has its own reference, and the difference between each
signal and its reference is measured. The signal and its reference are each assigned an input
channel. With this input configuration, the Lab-PC+ can monitor four differential analog input
signals. To select the DIFF mode, you must set the SE__/D bit as described in the Command
Register 4 bit description in Appendix D, Register Map and Descriptions. You must also set the
following jumper.

W4: B-C Jumper is in stand-by position, and negative input of instrumentation amplifier

is tied to multiplexer output.

© National Instruments Corporation 2-11 Lab-PC+ User Manual

Configuration and Installation Chapter 2

This configuration is shown in Figure 2-9.

W4

A
B
C

•

RSE

NRSE/DIFF

Figure 2-9. DIFF Input Configuration

Considerations in using the DIFF configuration are discussed in Chapter 3, Signal Connections.
Note that the signal return path is through the negative terminal of the amplifier and through
Channels 1, 3, 5, or 7, depending on which channel pair was selected.

RSE Input (Eight Channels, Factory Setting)

RSE input means that all input signals are referenced to a common ground point that is also tied
to the analog input ground of the Lab-PC+. The negative input of the differential amplifier is
tied to analog ground. This configuration is useful when measuring floating signal sources.
See Types of Signal Sources in Chapter 3, Signal Connections. With this input configuration, the
Lab-PC+ can monitor eight different analog input channels. To select the RSE input
configuration, clear the SE__/D bit as described in the Command Register 4 bit description in
Appendix D, Register Map and Descriptions. You must also set the following jumper.

W4: A-B Jumper connects the negative input of the instrumentation amplifier to analog

ground.

This configuration is shown in Figure 2-10.

W4

A
B
C

RSE

NRSE/DIFF

•

Figure 2-10. RSE Input Configuration

Considerations in using the RSE configuration are discussed in Chapter 3, Signal Connections.
Note that in this mode, the return path of the signal is analog ground, available at the connector
through pin AISENSE/AIGND.

Lab-PC+ User Manual 2-12 © National Instruments Corporation

Chapter 2 Configuration and Installation

NRSE Input (Eight Channels)

NRSE input means that all input signals are referenced to the same common mode voltage,
which is allowed to float with respect to the analog ground of the Lab-PC+ board. This common
mode voltage is subsequently subtracted out by the input instrumentation amplifier. This
configuration is useful when measuring ground-referenced signal sources. To select the NRSE
input configuration, clear the SE__/D bit as described in the Command Register 4 bit description in
Appendix D, Register Map and Descriptions. You must also set the following jumper.

W4: B-C Jumper is in standby position, and negative input of instrumentation amplifier

is tied to multiplexed output.

This configuration is shown in Figure 2-11.

W4

A
B
C

•

RSE

NRSE/DIFF

Figure 2-11. NRSE Input Configuration

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

Analog Input Polarity Configuration

Two ranges are available for the analog inputs–bipolar ±5 V and unipolar 0 to 10 V. Jumper W3
controls the input range for all eight analog input channels.

Bipolar Input Selection

You can select the bipolar (±5 V) input configuration by setting the following jumper:
Analog Input W3 A-B
This configuration is shown in Figure 2-12.

© National Instruments Corporation 2-13 Lab-PC+ User Manual

Configuration and Installation Chapter 2

W3

•

B

A

•

B

•

U

Figure 2-12. Bipolar Input Jumper Configuration (Factory Setting)

Unipolar Input Selection

You can select the unipolar (0 to 10 V) input configuration by setting the following jumper:
Analog Input W3 B-C
This configuration is shown in Figure 2-13.

C

W3

•

B

A

•

B

•

U

Figure 2-13. Unipolar Input Jumper Configuration

Note: If you are using a software package such as NI-DAQ or LabWindows/CVI, you may

need to reconfigure your software to reflect any changes in jumper or switch settings.

C

Lab-PC+ User Manual 2-14 © National Instruments Corporation