National Instruments NI 6014, NI 6013 User Manual

DAQ

NI 6013/6014 User Manual

Multifunction I/O Devices for PCI Bus Computers

NI 6013/6014 User Manual

October 2002 Edition

Part Number 370636A-01

Support

Worldwide Technical Support and Product Information

ni.com

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11500 North Mopac Expressway Austin, Texas 78759-3504 USA Tel: [phone]

Worldwide Offices

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Germany 089 741 31 30, Greece 01 42 96 427, Hong Kong 2645 3186, India 91 80 4190000,
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For further support information, see the Technical Support and Professional Services appendix. To comment on
the documentation, send email to [e-mail].

© 2002 National Instruments Corporation. All rights reserved.

Important Information

Warranty

The NI 6013 and NI 6014 devices are 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 B Y THE CUSTOMER.NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR

DAMAGES RESULTING FROM LOSS OF DATA

. This limitation of the liability of National Instruments will applyregardless 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; owner’s modification of the product; owner’s abuse, misuse, or negligent acts; and power failure or surges, fire,
flood, accident, actions of third parties, or other events outside reasonable control.

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

Copyright

Under the copyright laws, this publication may not be reproduced ortransmitted 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

CVI™, DAQ-STC™,LabVIEW™, Measurement Studio™,MITE™,MXI™, National Instruments™,NI™, NI Developer Zone™,ni.com™,and

™

NI-DAQ

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

are trademarks of National Instruments Corporation.

Patents

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

ni.com/patents

CD, or

.

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

patents.txt

file on the

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.

Compliance

FCC/Canada Radio Frequency Interference Compliance

Determining FCC Class

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

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

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

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

Consult the FCC Web site at

http://www.fcc.gov

FCC/DOC Warnings

This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energyand, if not installed and used in strict accordance with the instructions
in this manual and the CE Marking Declaration of Conformity*, may cause interference to radio and television reception.
Classification requirements are the same for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Canadian Department
of Communications (DOC).

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

for more information.

Class A

Federal Communications Commission

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

Canadian Department of Communications

This Class A digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.

Cet appareil numérique de la classe A respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.

Class B

Federal Communications Commission

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

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

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

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

Canadian Department of Communications

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

Compliance to EU Directives

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

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

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

or installer.

ni.com/hardref.nsf/

. This Web site lists the DoCs

Contents

About This Manual

Conventions Used in This Manual.................................................................................xi

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

Chapter 1
Introduction

About the NI 6013/6014 Device ....................................................................................1-1

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

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

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

National Instruments ADE Software............................................................... 1-3

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

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

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

Chapter 2
Installing and Configuring the NI 6013/6014

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

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

Configuring the Hardware .............................................................................................2-2

Chapter 3
Hardware Overview

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

Input Mode ......................................................................................................3-2

Input Range .....................................................................................................3-3

Scanning Multiple Channels............................................................................3-3

Analog Output................................................................................................................3-4

Analog Output Glitch ......................................................................................3-4

Digital I/O ......................................................................................................................3-4

Timing Signal Routing...................................................................................................3-5

Programmable Function Inputs .......................................................................3-6

© National Instruments Corporation vii NI 6013/6014 User Manual

Contents

Chapter 4
Connecting Signals

I/O Connector ................................................................................................................ 4-1

Analog Input Signal Overview...................................................................................... 4-6

Types of Signal Sources.................................................................................. 4-7

Analog Input Modes........................................................................................ 4-7

Connecting Analog Input Signals.................................................................................. 4-9

Differential Connection Considerations.......................................................... 4-10

Single-Ended Connection Considerations ...................................................... 4-14

Common-Mode Signal Rejection Considerations........................................... 4-16

Connecting Analog Output Signals............................................................................... 4-17

Connecting Digital I/O Signals ..................................................................................... 4-18

Power Connections........................................................................................................ 4-19

Connecting Timing Signals ........................................................................................... 4-19

Programmable Function Input Connections ................................................... 4-20

DAQ Timing Connections .............................................................................. 4-21

Waveform Generation Timing Connections................................................... 4-31

General-Purpose Timing Signal Connections................................................. 4-34

Floating Signal Sources .................................................................... 4-7

Ground-Referenced Signal Sources.................................................. 4-7

Differential Connections for Ground-Referenced

Signal Sources .................................................................................. 4-11

Differential Connections for Nonreferenced or Floating

Signal Sources .................................................................................. 4-12

Single-Ended Connections for Floating Signal Sources................... 4-15

Single-Ended Connections for Grounded Signal Sources ................ 4-15

TRIG1 Signal.................................................................................... 4-22

TRIG2 Signal.................................................................................... 4-23

STARTSCAN Signal........................................................................ 4-25

CONVERT* Signal .......................................................................... 4-27

AIGATE Signal ................................................................................ 4-28

SISOURCE Signal............................................................................ 4-29

SCANCLK Signal ............................................................................ 4-29

EXTSTROBE* Signal...................................................................... 4-30

WFTRIG Signal................................................................................ 4-31

UPDATE* Signal ............................................................................. 4-32

UISOURCE Signal ........................................................................... 4-33

GPCTR0_SOURCE Signal .............................................................. 4-34

GPCTR0_GATE Signal ................................................................... 4-35

GPCTR0_OUT Signal...................................................................... 4-35

GPCTR0_UP_DOWN Signal........................................................... 4-36

GPCTR1_SOURCE Signal .............................................................. 4-36

GPCTR1_GATE Signal ................................................................... 4-37

NI 6013/6014 User Manual viii ni.com

GPCTR1_OUT Signal ......................................................................4-38

GPCTR1_UP_DOWN Signal ...........................................................4-38

FREQ_OUT Signal ...........................................................................4-40

Field Wiring Considerations..........................................................................................4-40

Chapter 5
Calibration

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

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

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

Appendix A
Specifications

Appendix B
Custom Cabling and Optional Connectors

Appendix C
Common Questions

Contents

Appendix D
Technical Support and Professional Services

Glossary

Index

© National Instruments Corporation ix NI 6013/6014 User Manual

About This Manual

The National Instruments 6013/6014 devices are high-performance
multifunction analog, digital, and timing I/O devices for PCI. The NI 6014
features 16 channels (eight differential) of 16-bit analog input (AI),
two channels of 16-bit analog output (AO), a 68-pin connector, and
eight lines of digital I/O (DIO). The NI 6013 is identical to the NI 6014,
except that it does not have AO channels.

This manual describes the electrical and mechanical aspects of the
NI 6013/6014 and contains information concerning their operation and
programming.

Conventions Used in This Manual

The following conventions are used in this manual:

<> Angle brackets containing numbers separated by an ellipsis represent

a range of values associated with a bit or signal name—for example,
DIO<3..0>. Angle brackets can also denote a variable in a channel
name—for example, ACH<i>andACH<i+8>.

♦ The ♦ symbol indicates that the text following it applies only to a specific

product, a specific operating system, or a specific software version.

» 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 device, refer to Appendix A, Specifications, for precautions to take.

6013/6014 This phrase denotes the NI PCI-6013 and NI PCI-6014 devices.

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

as menu items and dialog box options. Bold text also denotes parameter
names and hardware labels.

© National Instruments Corporation xi NI 6013/6014 User Manual

About This Manual

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

to a key concept. This font also denotes text that is a placeholder for a word
or value that you must supply.

monospace

Text in this font denotes text or characters that you should enter from the
keyboard, sections of code, programming examples, and syntax examples.
This font is also used for the proper names of disk drives, paths, directories,
programs, subprograms, subroutines, device names, functions, operations,
variables, filenames and extensions, and code excerpts.

NI-DAQ NI-DAQ refers to the NI-DAQ driver software for PC compatible

computers unless otherwise noted.

PC PC refers to all PC AT series computers with PCI bus unless otherwise

noted.

Related Documentation

The following documents contain information you may find helpful:

• DAQ Quick Start Guide,at

• DAQ-STC Technical Reference Manual,at

• NI Developer Zone tutorial, Field Wiring and Noise Considerations

for Analog Signals,at

• NI-DAQ User Manual for PC Compatibles,at

• PCI Local Bus Specification Revision 2.3,at

ni.com/manuals

ni.com/manuals

ni.com/zone

ni.com/manuals

pcisig.com

NI 6013/6014 User Manual xii ni.com

Introduction

This chapter describes the NI 6013/6014, lists what you need to get started,
describes the optional software and equipment, and explains how to unpack
the NI 6013/6014.

About the NI 6013/6014 Device

Thank you for buying an NI 6013/6014. The NI 6014 features 16 channels
(eight differential) of 16-bit analog input, two channels of 16-bit analog
output, a 68-pin connector, and eight lines of digital I/O. The NI 6013 is
identical to the NI 6014, except that it does not have AO channels.

The NI 6013/6014 uses the NI data acquisition system timing controller
(DAQ-STC) for time-related functions. The DAQ-STC consists of three
timing groups that control AI, AO, and general-purpose counter/timer
functions. These groups include a total of seven 24-bit and three 16-bit
counters and a maximum timing resolution of 50 ns. The DAQ-STC makes
possible such applications as buffered pulse generation, equivalent time
sampling, and seamless changing of the sampling rate.

1

What You Need to Get Started

To set up and use the device, you need the following items:

❑

At least one of the following devices:

– NI 6013 for PCI

– NI 6014 for PCI

NI 6013/6014 User Manual

❑

❑

NI-DAQ (for PC Compatibles)

© National Instruments Corporation 1-1 NI 6013/6014 User Manual

Chapter 1 Introduction

❑

One of the following software packages and documentation:

– LabVIEW (for Windows)

– Measurement Studio (for Windows)

– VI Logger

❑

A PCI-bus computer

Software Programming Choices

When programming National Instruments DAQ hardware, you can use an
NI application development environment (ADE) or other ADEs. In either
case, you use NI-DAQ.

NI-DAQ

NI-DAQ, which ships with the NI 6013/6014, has an extensive library of
functions that you can call from the ADE. These functions allow you to use
all the features of the NI 6013/6014.

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 the code. Whether you are using LabVIEW, Measurement Studio,
VI Logger, or other ADEs, your application uses NI-DAQ, as illustrated
in Figure 1-1.

NI 6013/6014 User Manual 1-2 ni.com

Chapter 1 Introduction

Conventional
Programming

Environment

DAQ Hardware

Figure 1-1.

The Relationship Among the Programming Environment,

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

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 for using LabVIEW
with National Instruments DAQ hardware, is included with LabVIEW.

NI-DAQ

NI-DAQ, and the Hardware

ni.com

.

LabVIEW,

Measurement Studio,

or VI Logger

Personal

Computer or

Workstation

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

© National Instruments Corporation 1-3 NI 6013/6014 User Manual

Chapter 1 Introduction

ActiveX controls, and classes are available with Measurement Studio and
NI-DAQ.

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

Optional Equipment

NI offers a variety of products to use with the device, including cables,
connector blocks, and other accessories, as follows:

• Cables and cable assemblies, shielded and ribbon

• Connector blocks, shielded and unshielded screw terminals

• Low channel-count signal conditioning modules, devices, and

accessories, including conditioning for strain gauges and resistance
temperature detectors (RTDs), simultaneous sample and hold, and
relays

For more information about these products, refer to the NI catalog at

ni.com/catalog

.

Unpacking

The NI 6013/6014 is shipped in an antistatic package to prevent
electrostatic damage to the device. Electrostatic discharge (ESD)
can damage several components on the device.

Caution

NI 6013/6014 User Manual 1-4 ni.com

Never touch the exposed pins of connectors.

To avoid such damage in handling the device, take the following
precautions:

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

• Touch the antistatic package to a metal part of the computer chassis
before removing the device from the package.

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

Store the NI 6013/6014 in the antistatic envelope when not in use.

Safety Information

The following section contains important safety information that you must
follow during installation and use of 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.

Chapter 1 Introduction

If the product is rated for use with hazardous voltages (>30 V
or 60 V

), you may need to connect a safety earth-ground wire according

DC

,42.4Vpk,

rms

to the installation instructions. Refer to Appendix A, Specifications,for
maximum voltage ratings.

Do not substitute parts or modify the product. 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 produce a reduction of
dielectric strength or surface resistivity. The following is a description of
pollution degrees:

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

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

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

Clean the product with a soft nonmetallic brush. The product must be
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 connection to or disconnection
from the product.

© National Instruments Corporation 1-5 NI 6013/6014 User Manual

Chapter 1 Introduction

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, 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 Installation Category IV are electric meters, and
measurements on primary overcurrent protection devices and
ripple-control units.

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.

NI 6013/6014 User Manual 1-6 ni.com

Below is a diagram of a sample installation.

Chapter 1 Introduction

© National Instruments Corporation 1-7 NI 6013/6014 User Manual

Installing and Configuring
the NI 6013/6014

This chapter explains how to install and configure the NI 6013/6014.

Installing the Software

Complete the following steps to install the software before installing the
NI 6013/6014.

1. Install the ADE, such as LabVIEW, Measurement Studio, or
VI Logger, according to the instructions on the CD and the release
notes.

2. Install NI-DAQ according to the instructions on the CD and the
DAQ Quick Start Guide included with the NI 6013/6014.

Note

It is important to install NI-DAQ before installing the NI 6013/6014 to ensure that

the NI 6013/6014 is properly detected.

2

Installing the Hardware

The NI 6013/6014 fits in any PCI system slot in the computer. However, to
achieve best noise performance, leave as much room as possible between
the NI 6013/6014 and other devices.

The following are general installation instructions, but consult the
computer user manual or technical reference manual for specific
instructions and warnings.

Note

Follow the guidelines in the computer documentation for installing plug-in

hardware.

1. Power off and unplug the computer.

2. Remove the cover.

© National Instruments Corporation 2-1 NI 6013/6014 User Manual

Chapter 2 Installing and Configuring the NI 6013/6014

3. Make sure there are no lighted LEDs on the motherboard. If any are lit,
wait until they go out before continuing the installation.

4. Remove the expansion slot cover on the back panel of the computer.

5. Ground yourself using a grounding strap or by holding a grounded
object. Follow the ESD protection precautions described in the

Unpacking section of Chapter 1, Introduction.

6. Insert the NI 6013/6014 into a PCI system slot. Gently rock the device
to ease it into place. It may be a tight fit, but do not force the device
into place.

7. If required, screw the mounting bracket of the device to the back panel
rail of the computer.

8. Visually verify the installation. Make sure the device is not touching
other devices or components and is fully inserted into the slot.

9. Replace the cover.

10. Plug in and power on the computer.

Note

For proper cooling, all covers and filler panels must be installed when operating the

device.

The NI 6013/6014 is now installed. You are now ready to configure the
device.

Configuring the Hardware

Because of the NI standard architecture for data acquisition and standard
bus specifications, the NI 6013/6014 is completely software configurable.
Two types of configuration are performed on the NI 6013/6014:
bus-related and data acquisition-related.

The NI 6013/6014 device is fully compatible with the industry-standard
PCI Local Bus Specification Revision 2.3. This specification allows the PCI
system to automatically perform all bus-related configurations with no user
interaction. Bus-related configuration includes setting the device base
memory address and interrupt channel.

Data acquisition-related configuration, which you must perform, includes
such settings as AI coupling and range, and others. You can modify these
settings using NI-DAQ or ADE software, such as LabVIEW and
Measurement Studio. Refer to the software documentation for
configuration instructions. Refer to Chapter 3, Hardware Overview,
for more information about the various settings available for the device.

NI 6013/6014 User Manual 2-2 ni.com

Chapter 2 Installing and Configuring the NI 6013/6014

To configure the NI 6013/6014 in Measurement & Automation Explorer
(MAX), refer to

ni.com/manuals

to view either the DAQ Quick Start

Guide or the NI-DAQ User Manual for PC Compatibles,orlaunchMAX

to access the Measurement & Automation Explorer Help for DAQ
(Help»Help Topics»NI-DAQ).

© National Instruments Corporation 2-3 NI 6013/6014 User Manual

Hardware Overview

This chapter presents an overview of the hardware functions on the
NI 6013/6014.

3

(8)

Analog

Input

Muxes

(8)

I/O Connector

Voltage

REF

Analog Mode

PFI / Trigger

Timing

Digital I/O

DAC0

DAC1

Not On NI 6013

Analog Output

Multiplexer

AO Control

Calibration

DACs

PGIA

Calibration DACs

EEPROM

AI Control

DMA/
Interrupt
Request

Bus

Interface

ADC
FIFO

IRQ
DMA

Data

Trigger

Interface

Counter/

Timing I/O

Digital I/O

Configuration

Memory

Analog Input

Timing/Control

DAQ - STC

Analog Output
Timing/Control

A/D

Converter

Figure 3-1. NI 6013/6014 Block Diagram

Analog

Input

Control

DAQ-STC

Bus

Interface

Analog
Output

Control

Generic

Bus

Interface

EEPROM

EEPROM

Control

DAQ - APE

Interface

Control

PCI/PXI

MINI-

Bus

MITE

Interface

Address/Data

DMA

Interface

Plug
and
Play

82C55

Bus

DIO

Control

Address

PCI Connector

© National Instruments Corporation 3-1 NI 6013/6014 User Manual

Chapter 3 Hardware Overview

Analog Input

Input Mode

The AI section of the NI 6013/6014 is software configurable.
The following sections describe in detail each AI setting.

The NI 6013/6014 has two input modes—nonreferenced single-ended
(NRSE) mode and differential (DIFF) mode. NRSE mode provides up to
16 channels. DIFF input mode provides up to eight channels. Input modes
are programmed on a per channel basis for multimode scanning.
For example, you can configure the circuitry to scan 12 channels—four
differentially configured channels and eight single-ended channels.
Table 3-1 describes the two input modes.

Table 3-1. Available Input Modes

Mode Description

DIFF A channel configured in DIFF mode uses two AI

lines. One line connects to the positive input of
the programmable gain instrumentation amplifier
(PGIA) on the device, and the other connects to
the negative input of the PGIA.

NRSE A channel configured in NRSE mode uses one AI

line, which connects to the positive input of the
PGIA. The negative input of the PGIA connects to
AI sense (AISENSE).

For diagrams showing the signal paths of the two configurations, refer to
the Connecting Analog Input Signals section of Chapter 4, Connecting

Signals.

NI 6013/6014 User Manual 3-2 ni.com

Input Range

Chapter 3 Hardware Overview

The NI 6013/6014 has a bipolar input range that changes with the
programmed gain. Each channel may be programmed with a unique gain
of 0.5, 1.0, 10, or 100 to maximize the A/D converter (ADC) resolution.
With the proper gain setting, you can use the full resolution of the ADC
to measure the input signal. Table 3-2 shows the input range and precision
according to the gain used.

Table 3-2. Measurement Precision

Gain Input Range Precision

0.5

1.0

10.0

100.0

1

The valueof 1 least significant bit (LSB) of the 16-bit ADC; that is, the voltage increment

corresponding to a change of one count in the ADC 16-bit count.

Note: RefertoAppendixA,Specifications, for absolute maximum ratings.

Scanning Multiple Channels

The devices can scan multiple channels at the same maximum rate as their
single-channel rate; however, pay careful attention to the settling times for
each device. No extra settling time is necessary between channels as long
as the gain is constant and source impedances are low. Refer to
Appendix A, Specifications, for a complete listing of settling times for each
of the devices.

When scanning among channels at various gains, the settling times may
increase. When the PGIA switches to a higher gain, the signal on the
previous channel may be well outside the new, smaller range. For instance,
suppose a 4 V signal is connected to channel 0 and a 1 mV signal is
connected to channel 1, and suppose the PGIA is programmed to apply
a gain of one to channel 0 and a gain of 100 to channel 1. When the
multiplexer switches to channel 1 and the PGIA switches to a gain of 100,
the new full-scale range is ±50 mV.

–

10 to +10 V 305.2 µV

–

5to+5V 152.6 µV

–

500 to +500 mV 15.3 µV

–

50 to +50 mV 1.53 µV

1

The approximately 4 V step from 4 V to 1 mV is 4,000% of the new
full-scale range. It may take as long as 100 µs for the circuitry to settle to
1 LSB after such a large transition. In general, this extra settling time is not
needed when the PGIA is switching to a lower gain.

© National Instruments Corporation 3-3 NI 6013/6014 User Manual

Chapter 3 Hardware Overview

Analog Output

♦ NI 6014 only

Settling times can also increase when scanning high-impedance signals
because of a phenomenon called charge injection, where the AI multiplexer
injects a small amount of charge into each signal source when that source
is selected. If the impedance of the source is not low enough, the effect of
the charge—a voltage error—does not decay by the time the ADC samples
the signal. For this reason, keep source impedances under 1 kΩ to perform
high-speed scanning.

Due to the previously described limitations of settling times resulting from
these conditions, multiple-channel scanning is not recommended unless
sampling rates are low enough or it is necessary to sample several signals
as nearly simultaneously as possible. The data is much more accurate and
channel-to-channel independent if you acquire data from each channel
independently (for example, 100 points from channel 0, then 100 points
from channel 1, then 100 points from channel 2, and so on.)

The NI 6014 supplies two channels of 16-bit AO voltage at the I/O
connector. Each device has a fixed bipolar output range of ±10 V. Data
written to the D/A converter (DAC) is interpreted in two’s complement
format, where for a number x expressedinbase2withn digits to the left
of the radix point, the (base 2) number is 2n – x.

Analog Output Glitch

In normal operation, a DAC output glitches whenever it is updated with
a new value. The glitch energy differs from code to code and appears as
distortion in the frequency spectrum.

Digital I/O

The NI 6013/6014 contains eight lines of digital I/O (DIO<0..7>) for
general-purpose use. You can individually software-configure each line for
either input or output. At system startup and reset, the DIO ports are all
high-impedance.

The hardware up/down control for general-purpose counters 0 and 1 are
connected onboard to DIO6 and DIO7, respectively. Thus, you can use
DIO6 and DIO7 to control the general-purpose counters. The up/down

NI 6013/6014 User Manual 3-4 ni.com

control signals, GPCTR0_UP_DOWN and GPCTR1_UP_DOWN,
are input only and do not affect the operation of the DIO lines.

Timing Signal Routing

The DAQ-STC chip provides a flexible interface for connecting timing
signals to other devices or external circuitry. The NI 6013/6014 uses the
Programmable Function Input (PFI) pins on the I/O connector to connect
the device to external circuitry. These connections are designed to enable
the NI 6013/6014 to both control and be controlled by other devices and
circuits.

The DAQ-STC has 13 internal timing signals that can be controlled by
an external source. These timing signals can also be controlled by signals
generated internally to the DAQ-STC, and these selections are fully
software configurable. Figure 3-2 shows an example of the signal routing
multiplexer controlling the CONVERT* signal.

Chapter 3 Hardware Overview

CONVERT*

PFI<0..9>

Sample Interval Counter TC

GPCTR0_OUT

Figure 3-2. CONVERT* Signal Routing

Figure 3-2 shows that CONVERT* can be generated from a number
of sources, including the external signals PFI<0..9> and the internal signals
Sample Interval Counter TC and GPCTR0_OUT.

Many of these timing signals are also available on the PFI pins, as indicated
in Chapter 4, Connecting Signals.

© National Instruments Corporation 3-5 NI 6013/6014 User Manual

Chapter 3 Hardware Overview

Programmable Function Inputs

The 10 PFI pins are connected to the signal routing multiplexer for each
timing signal, and software can select any PFI pin as the external source for
a given timing signal. It is important to note that any of the PFI pins can be
used as an input by any of the timing signals and that multiple timing
signals can simultaneously use the same PFI. This flexible routing scheme
reduces the need to change physical connections to the I/O connector for
different applications.

To use the PFI pins as outputs, you must use the Route Signal VI or the
Select Signal VI to individually enable each of the PFI pins to output a
specific internal timing signal. For example, if you need the UPDATE*
signal as an output on the I/O connector, software must turn on the output
driver for the PFI5/UPDATE* pin.

NI 6013/6014 User Manual 3-6 ni.com

Connecting Signals

This chapter describes how to make input and output signal connections
to the NI 6013/6014 using the I/O connector. Table 4-1 shows the cables
that can be used with the I/O connectors to connect to different accessories.

Table 4-1. I/O Connector Details

4

Cable for

Connecting

Device with I/O

Connector

PCI-6013/6014 68 N/A SH6868 Shielded

Caution

on the NI 6013/6014 can damage the device and the computer. NI is not liable for any
damage resulting from such signal connections. The Protection column of Table 4-3 shows
the maximum input ratings for each signal.

Number of

Pins

Connections that exceed any of the maximum ratings of input or output signals

to 100-pin

Accessories

Cable for

Connecting

to 68-pin

Accessories

Cable,
SH68-68R1-EP
Shielded Cable,
R6868 Ribbon
Cable

I/O Connector

Figure 4-1 shows the pin assignments for the 68-pin I/O connector.
Refer to Appendix B, Custom Cabling and Optional Connectors, for pin
assignments ofthe optional 50- and 68-pin connectors. A signal description
follows the figures.

Cable for

Connecting to

50-pin Signal

Accessories

SH6850 Shielded
Cable,
R6850 Ribbon
Cable

© National Instruments Corporation 4-1 NI 6013/6014 User Manual

Chapter 4 Connecting Signals

ACH8

ACH1

AIGND

ACH10

ACH3

AIGND

ACH4

AIGND

ACH13

ACH6

AIGND
ACH15

DAC0OUT
DAC1OUT

RESERVED

DIO4

DGND

DIO1

DIO6

DGND

+5V

DGND

DGND

PFI0/TRIG1

PFI1/TRIG2

DGND

+5V

DGND

PFI5/UPDATE*

PFI6/WFTRIG

DGND

PFI9/GPCTR0_GATE

GPCTR0_OUT

FREQ_OUT

1

1

34 68

33 67

32 66

31 65

30 64

29 63

28 62

27 61

26 60

25 59

24 58

23 57

22 56

21 55

20 54

19 53

18 52

17 51

16 50

15 49

14 48

13 47

12 46

11 45

10 44

943

842

741

640

539

438

337

236

135

ACH0
AIGND

ACH9

ACH2

AIGND

ACH11

AISENSE

ACH12

ACH5
AIGND
ACH14

ACH7

AIGND

AOGND

AOGND

DGND

DIO0

DIO5

DGND
DIO2

DIO7

DIO3

SCANCLK

EXTSTROBE*

DGND

PFI2/CONVERT*

PFI3/GPCTR1_SOURCE

PFI4/GPCTR1_GATE

GPCTR1_OUT
DGND

PFI7/STARTSCAN

PFI8/GPCTR0_SOURCE

DGND

DGND

1

Not available on the NI 6013

Figure 4-1. I/O Connector Pin Assignment for the NI 6013/6014

NI 6013/6014 User Manual 4-2 ni.com

Chapter 4 Connecting Signals

Table 4-2.

Signal Descriptions for I/O Connector Pins

Signal Name Reference Direction Description

AIGND — — Analog Input Ground—These pins are the bias current

return point for AI measurements. Refer to Figure 4-3
for recommended connections. All three ground
references—AIGND, AOGND, andDGND—areconnected
on the device.

ACH<0..15> AIGND Input Analog Input Channels 0 through 15—Each channel pair,

ACH<i, i+8> (i = 0..7), can be configured as either one
differential input or two single-ended inputs.

AISENSE AIGND Input Analog Input Sense—This pin serves as the reference node

for any of channels ACH<0..15> in NRSE configuration.
AISENSE must be connected to AIGND directly or to an
external ground reference for single-ended measurements.
Invalid random readings result if AISENSE is left
unconnected when using NRSE mode. Refer to Figure 4-3
for recommended connections.

DAC0OUT

1

AOGND Output Analog Channel 0 Output—This pin supplies the voltage

output of AO channel 0.

DAC1OUT

1

AOGND Output Analog Channel 1 Output—This pin supplies the voltage

output of AO channel 1.

AOGND — — Analog OutputGround—The AO voltages are referenced to

this node. All three ground references—AIGND, AOGND,
and DGND—are connected on the device.

DGND — — Digital Ground—This pin supplies the reference for the

digital signals at the I/O connector as well as the +5 VDC
supply. All three ground references—AIGND, AOGND,
and DGND—are connected together on the device.

DIO<0..7> DGND Input

Output

Digital I/O Signals—DIO6 and 7 can control the up/down
signal of general-purpose counters 0 and 1, respectively.

+5V DGND Output +5 VDC Source—Thesepinsarefusedforupto1Aof

+5 V supply. The fuse is self-resetting.

SCANCLK DGND Output Scan Clock—This pin pulses once for each A/D conversion

in scanning mode when enabled. The low-to-high edge
indicates when the input signal can be removed from the
input or switched to another signal.

EXTSTROBE* DGND Output External Strobe—This output can be toggled under software

control to latch signals or trigger events on external devices.

© National Instruments Corporation 4-3 NI 6013/6014 User Manual

Chapter 4 Connecting Signals

Table 4-2. Signal Descriptions for I/O Connector Pins (Continued)

Signal Name Reference Direction Description

PFI0/TRIG1 DGND Input

Output

PFI1/TRIG2 DGND Input

Output

PFI2/CONVERT* DGND Input

Output

PFI3/GPCTR1_SOURCE DGND Input

Output

PFI4/GPCTR1_GATE DGND Input

Output

PFI0/Trigger 1—As an input, this signal is a Programmable
PFI. PFI signals are explained in the Connecting Timing

Signals section. As an output, this signal is the TRIG1

(AI Start Trigger) signal. In posttriggered DAQ sequences,
a low-to-high transition indicates the initiation of the
acquisition sequence. In pretriggered applications,
a low-to-high transition indicates the initiation of
the pretrigger conversions.

PFI1/Trigger 2—As an input, this signal is a PFI. As an
output, this signal is the TRIG2 (AI Stop Trigger) signal.
In pretrigger applications, a low-to-high transition indicates
the initiation of the posttrigger conversions. TRIG2 is not
used in posttrigger applications.

PFI2/Convert—As an input, this signal is a PFI. As an
output, this signal is the CONVERT* (AI Convert) signal.
A high-to-low edge on CONVERT* indicates that an A/D
conversion is occurring.

PFI3/Counter 1 Source—As an input, this signal is a PFI.
As an output, this signal is the GPCTR1_SOURCE signal.
This signal reflects the actual source connected to the
general-purpose counter 1.

PFI4/Counter 1 Gate—As an input, this signal is a PFI.
As an output, this signal is the GPCTR1_GATE signal.
This signal reflects the actual gate signal connected to the
general-purpose counter 1.

GPCTR1_OUT DGND Output Counter 1 Output—This output is from the general-purpose

PFI5/UPDATE* DGND Input

Output

PFI6/WFTRIG DGND Input

Output

PFI7/STARTSCAN DGND Input

Output

NI 6013/6014 User Manual 4-4 ni.com

counter 1 output.

PFI5/Update—As an input, this signal is a PFI. As an
output, this signal is the UPDATE* (AO Update) signal.
A high-to-low edge on UPDATE* indicates that the AO
primary group is being updated for the NI 6014.

PFI6/Waveform Trigger—As an input, this signal is a PFI.
As an output, this signal is the WFTRIG (AO Start Trigger)
signal. In timed AO sequences, a low-to-high transition
indicates the initiation of the waveform generation.

PFI7/Start of Scan—As an input, this signal is a PFI. As an
output, this signal is the STARTSCAN (AI Scan Start)
signal. This pin pulses once at the start of each AI scan in
the interval scan. A low-to-high transition indicates the start
of the scan.