National Instruments NI PCI-6111, NI PCI-6110 User Manual

DAQ

NI PCI-6110/6111 User Manual

Mulitfunction I/O Devices for PCI Bus Computers

NI PCI-6110/6111 User Manual

July 2003 Edition

Part Number 321759E-01

Support

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For further support information, see the Technical Support and Professional Services appendix. To comment on
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Important Information

Warranty

The NI PCI-6110 and the NI PCI-6111 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.

E

XCEPT AS SPECIFIED HEREIN, NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AND S PECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY WARRANTY OF

MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. CUSTOMER’S RIGHT TO RECOVER DAMAGES CAUSED BY FAULT OR NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF

N

ATIONAL INSTRUMENTS SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE AMOUNT THERETOFORE PAID BY THE CUSTO MER. NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS WILL NOT BE LIA BLE FOR
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negligence. Any action against National Instruments must be brought within one year after the cause of action accrues. National Instruments
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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.

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

CVI™, DAQ-STC™, IMAQ™, IVI™, LabVIEW™, Measurement Studio™, MITE™, National Instruments™, NI™, ni.com™, NI Develper Zone™,
NI-DAQ™, and RTSI™ are trademarks of National Instruments Corporation.

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

Patents

For patents covering National Instruments products, refer to the appropriate location: Help»Patents in your software, the patents.txt file
on your CD, or

ni.com/paten ts.

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
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INCORPORATED IN A SYSTEM OR APPLICATION, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE APPROPRIATE DESIGN,
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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). All National Instruments (NI) products are FCC Class A products.

Depending on where it is operated, this Class A 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.

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

Consult the FCC Web site at

FCC/DOC Warnings

This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and, 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 NI could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment under the FCC
Rules.

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 harmfu l interference in which case the user is required to correct the interference
at their own expense.

www.fcc.gov for more information.

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.

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 hardware products except for those
bought from OEMs. In addition, DoCs are usually not provided if compliance is not required, for example electrically benign
apparatus or cables.

To obtain the DoC for this product, click Declarations of Conformity Information at
lists the DoCs 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 contains important supplementary information and instructions for the user or

installer.

ni.com/hardref.nsf/. This Web site

Contents

About This Manual

Conventions ...................................................................................................................ix

National Instruments Documentation ............................................................................x

Related Documentation..................................................................................................xi

Chapter 1
Introduction

About the NI PCI-6110/6111.........................................................................................1-1

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

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

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

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

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

Custom Cabling .............................................................................................................1-4

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

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

Chapter 2
Installing and Configuring the NI PCI-6110/6111

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

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

Configuring the Device..................................................................................................2-2

Chapter 3
Hardware Overview

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

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

Input Polarity and Input Range........................................................................3-3

Considerations for Selecting Input Ranges.......................................3-4

Input Coupling.................................................................................................3-4

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

Analog Trigger...............................................................................................................3-4

Digital I/O ......................................................................................................................3-8

Timing Signal Routing...................................................................................................3-8

Programmable Function Inputs .......................................................................3-10

Device and RTSI Clocks .................................................................................3-10

RTSI Triggers..................................................................................................3-11

© National Instruments Corporation v NI PCI-6110/6111 User Manual

Contents

Chapter 4
Connecting Signals

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

I/O Connector Signal Descriptions ................................................................. 4-3

Connecting Analog Input Signals.................................................................................. 4-8

Types of Signal Sources................................................................................................ 4-9

Floating Signal Sources .................................................................................. 4-9

Ground-Referenced Signal Sources................................................................ 4-9

Differential Measurements ............................................................................................ 4-10

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

Common-Mode Signal Rejection Considerations........................................... 4-12

Working Voltage Range................................................................................................ 4-13

Analog Output Signal Connections............................................................................... 4-14

Digital I/O Signal Connections ..................................................................................... 4-15

Power Connections........................................................................................................ 4-16

Timing Connections ...................................................................................................... 4-16

Programmable Function Input Connections ................................................... 4-17

DAQ Timing Connections .............................................................................. 4-18

Waveform Generation Timing Connections................................................... 4-27

General-Purpose Timing Signal Connections................................................. 4-30

Differential Connections for Ground-Referenced

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

Differential Connections for Nonreferenced or Floating

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

TRIG1 Signal.................................................................................... 4-19

TRIG2 Signal.................................................................................... 4-20

STARTSCAN Signal........................................................................ 4-22

CONVERT* Signal .......................................................................... 4-24

AIGATE Signal ................................................................................ 4-25

SISOURCE Signal............................................................................ 4-26

SCANCLK Signal ............................................................................ 4-26

EXTSTROBE* Signal...................................................................... 4-27

WFTRIG Signal................................................................................ 4-28

UPDATE* Signal ............................................................................. 4-29

UISOURCE Signal ........................................................................... 4-30

GPCTR0_SOURCE Signal .............................................................. 4-31

GPCTR0_GATE Signal ................................................................... 4-31

GPCTR0_OUT Signal......................................................................4-32

GPCTR0_UP_DOWN Signal........................................................... 4-33

GPCTR1_SOURCE Signal .............................................................. 4-33

GPCTR1_GATE Signal ................................................................... 4-34

NI PCI-6110/6111 User Manual vi ni.com

GPCTR1_OUT Signal ......................................................................4-35

GPCTR1_UP_DOWN Signal ...........................................................4-35

FREQ_OUT Signal ...........................................................................4-37

Field Wiring Considerations..........................................................................................4-37

Chapter 5
Calibration

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

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

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

Appendix A
Specifications

Appendix B
Cable Connector Descriptions

Appendix C
Common Questions

Contents

Appendix D
Technical Support and Professional Services

Glossary

Index

© National Instruments Corporation vii NI PCI-6110/6111 User Manual

About This Manual

This manual describes the electrical and mechanical aspects of the National
Instruments PCI-6110/6111 data acquisition (DAQ) device and contains
information concerning its operation and programming.

The device is a high-performance multifunction analog, digital, and timing
I/O device for PCI bus computers. Supported functions include analog
input (AI), analog output (AO), digital I/O (DIO), and timing I/O (TIO).

Conventions

The following conventions appear in this manual:

<> Angle brackets that contain numbers separated by an ellipsis represent a

range of values associated with a bit or signal name—for example,
DIO<3..0>.

» The » symbol leads you through nested menu items and dialog box options

to a final action. The sequence File»Page Setup»Options directs you to
pull down the File menu, select the Page Setup item, and select Options
from the last dialog box.

This icon denotes a note, which alerts you to important information.

This icon denotes a caution, which advises you of precautions to take to
avoid injury, data loss, or a system crash. When this symbol is marked on
the product, refer to the Unpacking section of Chapter 1, Introduction, for
precautions to take.

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.

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.

© National Instruments Corporation ix NI PCI-6110/6111 User Manual

About This Manual

NI-DAQ NI-DAQ refers to the NI-DAQ driver software for Macintosh or

PC compatible computers unless otherwise noted.

NI PCI-6110/6111 This phrase refers to either the NI PCI-6110 or NI PCI-6111 device.

PCI PCI stands for Peripheral Component Interconnect. PCI is a

high-performance expansion bus architecture originally developed by Intel
to replace ISA and EISA.

Platform Text in this font denotes a specific platform and indicates that the text

following it applies only to that platform.

National Instruments Documentation

The NI PCI-6110/6111 User Manual is one piece of the documentation set
for the DAQ system. You could have any of several types of documentation
depending on the hardware and software in the system. Refer to

ni.com/manuals to download the following documents:

• Accessory installation guides or manuals—If you use 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 make the connections.

• DAQ hardware documentation—This documentation has detailed
information about the DAQ hardware that plugs into or is connected to
the computer. Use this documentation for hardware installation and
configuration instructions, specification information about the DAQ
hardware, and application hints.

• Software documentation—You may have both application software
and NI-DAQ documentation. NI application software includes
LabVIEW, Measurement Studio, and others. After you set up the
hardware system, use either the application software documentation or
the NI-DAQ documentation to help you write your application. If you
have a large, complicated system, it is worthwhile to look through the
software documentation before you configure the hardware.

NI PCI-6110/6111 User Manual x ni.com

Related Documentation

The following documents contain information that you might find helpful:

• The NI Developer Zone tutorial, Field Wiring and Noise
Considerations for Analog Signals, located at

• PCI Local Bus Specification Revision 2.2

• DAQ Quick Start Guide, located at

• DAQ-STC Technical Reference Manual, located at ni.com/manuals

• NI-DAQ User Manual for PC Compatibles, located at

ni.com/manuals

• NI-DAQ Function Reference Manual (for NI-DAQ versions 6.6 or
earlier), located at

• NI-DAQ Function Reference Help (for NI-DAQ versions 6.7 or later),
which is accessible from Start»Programs»National Instruments»

NI-DAQ»NI-DAQ Help

About This Manual

ni.com/zone

ni.com/manuals

ni.com/manuals

© National Instruments Corporation xi NI PCI-6110/6111 User Manual

Introduction

This chapter describes the NI PCI-6110/6111, lists what you need to get
started, describes the optional software and optional equipment, and
explains how to unpack the device.

About the NI PCI-6110/6111

Thank you for buying an NI PCI-6110/6111. The NI PCI-6110/6111 is a
Plug and Play, multifunction analog, digital, and timing I/O device for PCI
bus computers. The NI PCI-6110/6111 features a 12-bit A/D converter
(ADC) per channel with four or two simultaneously sampling analog
inputs, 16-bit D/A converters (DACs) with voltage outputs, eight lines of
TTL-compatible DIO, and two 24-bit counter/timers for TIO. Because the
NI PCI-6110/6111 has no DIP switches, jumpers, or potentiometers, it is
easily software-configured and calibrated.

The NI PCI-6110/6111 is a completely switchless and jumperless DAQ
device for the PCI bus. This feature is made possible by the NI MITE bus
interface chip that connects the device to the PCI I/O bus. The MITE
implements the PCI Local Bus Specification so that the interrupts and base
memory addresses are all software configured.

1

The NI PCI-6110/6111 uses the National Instruments DAQ-STC system
timing controller 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 changes to the sampling rate.

The NI PCI-6110/6111 uses the Real-Time System Integration (RTSI) bus
to easily synchronize several measurement functions to a common trigger
or timing event. The RTSI bus consists of the RTSI bus interface and a
ribbon cable to route timing and trigger signals between several functions
on as many as five DAQ devices in the computer.

Detailed specifications of the NI PCI-6110/6111 are in Appendix A,

Specifications.

© National Instruments Corporation 1-1 NI PCI-6110/6111 User Manual

Chapter 1 Introduction

What You Need to Get Started

To set up and use the NI PCI-6110/6111, you will need the following items:

❑ NI PCI-6110/6111

❑ NI PCI-6110/6111 User Manual

❑ NI-DAQ

❑ The computer

❑ (Optional) One of the following software packages and

documentation:

–LabVIEW

– Measurement Studio (Windows)

– VI Logger (Windows)

(Windows or Mac OS)

Software Programming Choices

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

NI-DAQ

NI-DAQ, which ships with the NI PCI-6110/6111, 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 PCI-6110/6111.

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 use LabVIEW, Measurement Studio, or other
ADEs, your application uses NI-DAQ, as illustrated in Figure 1-1.

NI PCI-6110/6111 User Manual 1-2 ni.com

Chapter 1 Introduction

Conventional
Programming

Environment

NI-DAQ

DAQ Hardware

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

NI-DAQ, and the Hardware

LabVIEW,

Measurement Studio,

or VI Logger

Personal

Computer or

Workstation

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

ni.com.

National Instruments ADE Software

LabVIEW features interactive graphics, a state-of-the-art interface, and
a powerful graphical programming language. The LabVIEW Data
Acquisition VI Library, a series of virtual instruments for using LabVIEW
with National Instruments DAQ hardware, is included with LabVIEW.

Measurement Studio, which includes LabWindows
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 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++

© National Instruments Corporation 1-3 NI PCI-6110/6111 User Manual

™

/CVI™, tools for

Chapter 1 Introduction

developers, Measurement Studio offers a set of Visual C++ classes and
tools to integrate those classes into Visual C++ applications. The libraries,
ActiveX controls, and classes are available with Measurement Studio and
NI-DAQ.

VI Logger is an easy-to-use yet flexible tool specifically designed for data
logging applications. Using dialog windows, you can configure data
logging tasks to easily acquire, log, view, and share your data. VI Logger
does not require any programming; it is a stand-alone, configuration-based
software.

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 NI PCI-6110/6111, including
the following cables, connector blocks, and other accessories:

• Shielded cables and cable assemblies

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

• RTSI bus cables

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

ni.com/catalog.

Custom Cabling

NI offers cables and accessories for you to prototype your application or to
use if you frequently change device interconnections.

When developing custom cabling, refer to the following guidelines:

• For the AI signals, shielded twisted-pair wires for each AI pair yield
the best results, assuming that you use differential inputs. Tie the shield
for each signal pair to the ground reference at the source.

• Route the analog lines separately from the digital lines.

• When using a cable shield, use separate shields for the analog and
digital halves of the cable. Failure to do so results in noise coupling
into the analog signals from transient digital signals.

Mating connectors and a backshell kit for making custom 68-pin cables are
available from NI.

NI PCI-6110/6111 User Manual 1-4 ni.com

Unpacking

Caution Never touch the exposed pins of connectors.

Chapter 1 Introduction

The following list gives recommended part numbers for connectors that
mate to the I/O connector on the NI PCI-6110/6111:

• Honda 68-position, solder cup, female connector

• Honda backshell

The NI PCI-6110/6111 is shipped in an antistatic package to prevent
electrostatic damage to the device. Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can
damage several components on the device.

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 PCI-6110/6111 in the antistatic envelope when not in use.

Safety Information

This section contains important safety information that you must follow
when installing and using the product.

Do not operate the product in a manner not specified in this document.
Misuse of the product can result in a hazard. You can compromise the
safety protection built into the product if the product is damaged in any
way. If the product is damaged, return it to NI for repair.

Do not substitute parts or modify the product except as described in this
document. Use the product only with the chassis, modules, accessories, and
cables specified in the installation instructions. You must have all covers
and filler panels installed during operation of the product.

© National Instruments Corporation 1-5 NI PCI-6110/6111 User Manual

Chapter 1 Introduction

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 the Appendix A, Specifications. Pollution is
foreign matter in a solid, liquid, or gaseous state that can reduce dielectric
strength or surface resistivity. The following is a description of pollution
degrees:

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

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

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

Clean the product with a soft nonmetallic brush. Make sure that the product
is completely dry and free from contaminants before returning it to service.

Yo u must insulate signal connections for the maximum voltage for which
the product is rated. Do not exceed the maximum ratings for the product.
Remove power from signal lines before connecting them to or
disconnecting them from the product.

Operate this product only at or below the installation category stated in
Appendix A, Specifications.

The following is a description of installation categories:

• Installation Category I is for measurements performed on circuits not
directly connected to MAINS

1

. This category is a signal level such as
voltages on a printed wire board (PWB) on the secondary of an
isolation transformer.

Examples of Installation Category I are measurements on circuits not
derived from MAINS and specially protected (internal)
MAINS-derived circuits.

• Installation Category II is for measurements performed on circuits
directly connected to the low-voltage installation. This category refers
to local-level distribution such as that provided by a standard wall
outlet.

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 PCI-6110/6111 User Manual 1-6 ni.com

Chapter 1 Introduction

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.

Below is a diagram of a sample installation.

© National Instruments Corporation 1-7 NI PCI-6110/6111 User Manual

Installing and Configuring the
NI PCI-6110/6111

This chapter explains how to install and configure the NI PCI-6110/6111.

Installing the Software

Note It is important to install the software before installing the NI PCI-6110/6111 to

ensure that the device is properly detected.

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

2. Install NI-DAQ according to the instructions on the CD and in the
DAQ Quick Start Guide included with the device.

Installing the Hardware

2

The following are general installation instructions. Consult the computer or
chassis user manual or technical reference manual for specific instructions
and warnings about installing new devices.

You can install the NI PCI-6110/6111 in any available expansion slot in the
computer. However, to achieve best noise performance, leave as much room
as possible between the NI PCI-6110/6111 and other devices and hardware.

1. Power off and unplug the computer.

2. Remove the top cover or access port to the I/O channel.

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

4. 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.

5. Insert the NI PCI-6110/6111 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.

© National Instruments Corporation 2-1 NI PCI-6110/6111 User Manual

Chapter 2 Installing and Configuring the NI PCI-6110/6111

6. If required, screw the mounting bracket of the NI PCI-6110/6111 to the
back panel rail of the computer.

7. Visually verify the installation by making sure the device is not
touching other devices or components and is fully inserted into the slot.

8. Replace the cover.

9. Plug in and power on the computer.

The NI PCI-6110/6111 is now installed. You are now ready to configure the
device. Refer to the software documentation for configuration instructions.

Configuring the Device

The NI standard architecture for data acquisition and the PCI bus
specification make the NI PCI-6110/6111 completely software
configurable. You must perform two types of configuration on the
NI PCI-6110/6111—bus-related and data acquisition-related
configuration.

The NI PCI-6110/6111 is fully compatible with the industry standard
PCI Local Bus Specification Revision 2.2. This allows the PCI system
to automatically perform all bus-related configurations. 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 application level software, such as LabVIEW,
Measurement Studio, and VI Logger.

To configure the device using Measurement & Automation Explorer
(MAX), refer to either the DAQ Quick Start Guide or to the NI-DAQ User
Manual for PC Compatibles. For operating system-specific installation and
troubleshooting instructions, refer to

NI PCI-6110/6111 User Manual 2-2 ni.com

ni.com/support/daq.

Hardware Overview

This chapter presents an overview of the hardware functions on the
NI PCI-6110/6111. Figures 3-1 and 3-2 show block diagrams for the
NI PCI-6110 and the NI PCI-6111, respectively.

3

CH0+

AI CH0

Mux

CH0–

CH1+

AI CH1

Mux

CH1–

CH2+

AI CH2

Mux

CH2–

CH3+

AI CH3

Mux

CH3–

Calibration

Mux

Trigger Level

Trigger

I/O Connector

DACs

PFI / Trigger

Timing

Digital I/O (8)

DAC0

DAC1

+

CH0
Amplifier
–

+

CH1
Amplifier
–

+

CH2
Amplifier
–

+

CH3
Amplifier
–

2

Data (16)

4

Analog
Trigger

Circuitry

Calibration

DACs

CH0
12-Bit ADC

CH1
12-Bit ADC

CH2
12-Bit ADC

CH3
12-Bit ADC

DAC
FIFO

Trigger

Counter/

Timing I/O

Digital I/O

12

12

12

12

CH0

Data (16)

Latch

CH1

Data (16)

Latch

CH2

Data (16)

Latch

CH3

Data (16)

Latch

AI Control

Analog Input

Timing/Control

DAQ - STC

Analog Output
Timing/Control

AO Control

Data (32)

DMA/IRQ

Bus

Interface

RTSI Bus

Interface

RTSI Bus

ADC
FIFO

IRQ
DMA

Data (32)

Analog

Input

Control

DAQ-STC

Bus

Interface

Analog
Output
Control

Generic

Bus

Interface

EEPROM

EEPROM

Control

FPGA

Mini

MITE

Interface

DMA

Interface

I/O

Bus

Interface

PCI
Bus

Control

Address/Data

PCI Bus

Figure 3-1. NI PCI-6110 Block Diagram

© National Instruments Corporation 3-1 NI PCI-6110/6111 User Manual

Chapter 3 Hardware Overview

CH0+

AI CH0

Mux

CH0-

CH1+

AI CH1

Mux

CH1-

Calibration

Mux

Trigger Level

Trigger

I/O Connector

DACs

PFI / Trigger

Timing

Digital I/O (8)

DAC0

DAC1

Analog Input

+

CH0
Amplifier
–

+

CH1
Amplifier
–

2

4

Analog
Trigger

Circuitry

Calibration

DACs

CH0
12-Bit ADC

CH1
12-Bit ADC

DAC
FIFO

CH0

Trigger

Counter/

Timing I/O

Digital I/O

12

12

Data (16)

Latch

CH1

Data (16)

Latch

AI Control

Analog Input

Timing/Control

DAQ - STC

Analog Output
Timing/Control

AO Control

Data (32)

DMA/IRQ

Bus

Interface

RTSI Bus

Interface

ADC
FIFO

IRQ
DMA

RTSI Bus

Figure 3-2. NI PCI-6111 Block Diagram

Data (32)

Analog

Input

Control

DAQ-STC

Bus

Interface

Analog
Output
Control

Generic

Bus

Interface

EEPROM

EEPROM

Control

FPGA

Mini

MITE

Interface

DMA

Interface

I/O

Bus

Interface

PCI
Bus

Control

Address/Data

PCI Bus

The AI section for the NI PCI-6110/6111 is software configurable. You can
select different AI configurations through application software. The
following sections describe in detail each AI setting.

Input Mode

The NI PCI-6110/6111 supports only differential (DIFF) inputs. DIFF
input mode provides up to four channels on the NI PCI-6110 and up to
two channels on the NI PCI-6111.

Note The inputs are differential only in the sense that the ground loops are broken. The

negative input is not intended to carry signals of interest, rather it provides a DC reference
point for the positive input, which may be different than ground.

A channel configured in DIFF input mode uses two AI channel lines.
One line connects to the positive input of the device programmable gain
instrumentation amplifier (PGIA), and the other connects to the negative

NI PCI-6110/6111 User Manual 3-2 ni.com

input of the PGIA. For more information about DIFF input mode, refer to
the Connecting Analog Input Signals section of Chapter 4, Connecting

Signals, which contains diagrams showing the signal paths for DIFF input

mode.

Input Polarity and Input Range

The NI PCI-6110/6111 has bipolar inputs only. Bipolar input means that
the input voltage range is between –V
have a bipolar input range of 20 V (±10 V).

You can program range settings on a per channel basis so that you can
uniquely configure each AI channel.

The software-programmable gain on these devices increases flexibility by
matching the input signal ranges to those that the ADC can accommodate.
The NI PCI-6110/6111 has gains of 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50, and it
is suited for a wide variety of signal levels. With the proper gain setting,
you can use the full resolution of the ADC to measure the input signal.
Table 3-1 shows the overall input range and precision according to the
chosen gain.

Table 3-1. Actual Range and Measurement Precision

/2 and +V

ref

Chapter 3 Hardware Overview

/2. These devices

ref

Range

Configuration

–10 to +10 V 0.2

1

Caution: The NI PCI-6110/6111 is not designed for input voltages greater than 42 V,

even if a user-installed voltage divider reduces the voltage to within the input range of the
device. Input voltages greater than 42 V can damage the NI PCI-6110/6111, any device
connected to it, and the host computer. Overvoltage can also cause an electric shock hazard
for the operator. NI is not liable for damage or injury resulting from such misuse.

2

The value of 1 least significant bit (LSB) of the 12-bit ADC; that is, the voltage increment

corresponding to a change of one count in the ADC 12-bit count.

Note: Refer to Appendix A, Specifications, for absolute maximum ratings.

© National Instruments Corporation 3-3 NI PCI-6110/6111 User Manual

Gain Actual Input Range

–50 to +50 V

0.5

1.0

2.0

5.0

10.0

20.0

50.0

–20 to +20 V
–10 to +10 V

–5 to +5 V
–2 to +2 V

–1 to +1 V
–500 to +500 mV
–200 to +200 mV

1

Precision

24.41 mV

976.56 µV

488.28 µV

244.14 µV

97.66 µV

2

9.77 mV

4.88 mV

2.44 mV

Chapter 3 Hardware Overview

Input Coupling

Analog Output

Considerations for Selecting Input Ranges

The range you select depends on the expected range of the incoming signal.
A large input range can accommodate a large signal variation but reduces
the voltage resolution. Choosing a smaller input range improves the voltage
resolution but may result in the input signal going out of range. For best
results, match the input range as closely as possible to the expected range
of the input signal.

You can configure the NI PCI-6110/6111 for either AC or DC input
coupling on a per channel basis. Use AC coupling when the AC signal
contains a large DC component. If you enable AC coupling, you remove
the large DC offset for the input amplifier and amplify only the AC
component. This configuration makes effective use of the ADC dynamic
range.

The NI PCI-6110/6111 supplies two channels of AO voltage at the
I/O connector. The range is fixed at bipolar ±10 V.

Analog Trigger

In addition to supporting internal software triggering and external digital
triggering to initiate a DAQ sequence, these devices also support analog
triggering. You can configure the analog trigger circuitry to accept either
a direct analog input from the PFI0/TRIG1 pin on the I/O connector or a
postgain signal from the output of the PGIA on any of the channels, as
shown in Figures 3-3 and 3-4. The trigger-level range for the direct analog
channel is ±10 V in 78 mV steps for the NI PCI-6110/6111. The range for
the post-PGIA trigger selection is simply the full-scale range of the selected
channel, and the resolution is that range divided by 256.

Note PFI0/TRIG1 pin is an analog input when configured as an analog trigger. Therefore,

it is susceptible to crosstalk from adjacent pins, which can result in false triggering when
the pin is unconnected. To avoid false triggering, make sure this pin is connected to a
low-impedance signal source (less than 1 kΩ source impedance) if you plan to enable this
input using software.

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Chapter 3 Hardware Overview

Analog

Input

CH0

Analog

Input

CH1

Analog

Input

CH2

Analog

Input

CH3

Analog

Input

CH0

Analog

Input

CH1

+

PGIA

–

+

PGIA

–

+

PGIA

–

+

PGIA

–

PFI0/TRIG1

+

PGIA

–

+

PGIA

–

ADC

ADC

ADC

Mux

ADC

Analog
Trigger
Circuit

DAQ-STC

Figure 3-3. Analog Trigger Block Diagram for the NI PCI-6110

ADC

ADC

Mux

Analog
Trigger
Circuit

DAQ-STC

PFI0/TRIG1

Figure 3-4. Analog Trigger Block Diagram for the NI PCI-6111

Five analog triggering modes are available, as shown in Figures 3-5
through 3-9. You can independently set lowValue and highValue in
software.

© National Instruments Corporation 3-5 NI PCI-6110/6111 User Manual

Chapter 3 Hardware Overview

In below-low-level analog triggering mode, the trigger is generated when
the signal value is less than lowValue, as shown in Figure 3-5. HighValue
is unused.

lowValue

Trigger

Figure 3-5. Below-Low-Level Analog Triggering Mode

In above-high-level analog triggering mode, the trigger is generated when
the signal value is greater than highValue, as shown in Figure 3-6.
LowValue is unused.

highValue

Trigger

Figure 3-6. Above-High-Level Analog Triggering Mode

In inside-region analog triggering mode, the trigger is generated when the
signal value is between the lowValue and the highValue, as shown in
Figure 3-7.

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Chapter 3 Hardware Overview

highValue

lowValue

Trigger

Figure 3-7. Inside-Region Analog Triggering Mode

In high-hysteresis analog triggering mode, the trigger is generated when the
signal value is greater than highValue, with the hysteresis specified by
lowValue, as shown in Figure 3-8.

highValue

lowValue

Trigger

Figure 3-8. High-Hysteresis Analog Triggering Mode

In low-hysteresis analog triggering mode, the trigger is generated when the
signal value is less than lowValue, with the hysteresis specified by
highValue, as shown in Figure 3-9.

highValue

lowValue

Trigger

Figure 3-9. Low-Hysteresis Analog Triggering Mode

© National Instruments Corporation 3-7 NI PCI-6110/6111 User Manual

Chapter 3 Hardware Overview

The analog trigger circuit generates an internal digital trigger based on the
AI signal and user-defined trigger levels. This digital trigger can be used by
any DAQ-STC timing section, including the AI, AO, and general-purpose
counter/timer sections. For example, the AI section can be configured to
acquire n scans after the AI signal crosses a specific threshold. As another
example, the AO section can be configured to update its outputs whenever
the AI signal crosses a specific threshold.

Digital I/O

The NI PCI-6110/6111 contains eight lines of DIO 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 those counters. The up/down 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 provides a flexible interface for connecting timing signals
to other devices or external circuitry. The NI PCI-6110/6111 uses the
RTSI bus to connect timing signals between devices and the Programmable
Function Input (PFI) pins on the I/O connector to external circuitry. These
connections enable the NI PCI-6110/6111 to both control and be controlled
by other devices and circuits.

You can control 13 timing signals internal to the DAQ-STC with 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. For example, the signal routing multiplexer for controlling
the STARTSCAN signal is shown in Figure 3-10.

NI PCI-6110/6111 User Manual 3-8 ni.com

RTSI Trigger <0..6>

PFI<0..9>

Scan Interval Counter TC

GPCTR0_OUT

Chapter 3 Hardware Overview

STARTSCAN

Figure 3-10. STARTSCAN Signal Routing

This figure shows that STARTSCAN can be generated from a number of
sources, including the external signals RTSI<0..6> and PFI<0..9> and the
internal signals Sample Interval Counter TC and GPCTR0_OUT.

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

© National Instruments Corporation 3-9 NI PCI-6110/6111 User Manual

Chapter 3 Hardware Overview

Programmable Function Inputs

The 10 PFIs are connected to the signal routing multiplexer for each timing
signal, and software can select a PFI as the external source for a given
timing signal. Any PFI can be used as an input by any timing signal, and
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. You can also individually enable
each PFI pin to output a specific internal timing signal. For example, if you
need the UPDATE* signal as an output on the I/O connector, software can
turn on the output driver for the PFI5/UPDATE* pin.

Device and RTSI Clocks

Many functions performed by the NI PCI-6110/6111 require a frequency
timebase to generate the necessary timing signals for controlling A/D
conversions, DAC updates, or general-purpose signals at the I/O connector.

The NI PCI-6110/6111 can use either its internal 20 MHz timebase or a
timebase received over the RTSI bus. In addition, if you configure the
device to use the internal timebase, you can program the device to drive its
internal timebase over the RTSI bus to another device that is programmed
to receive this timebase signal. This clock source, whether local or from the
RTSI bus, is used directly by the device as the primary frequency source.
The default configuration at startup is to use the internal timebase without
driving the RTSI bus timebase signal. This timebase is software-selectable.

NI PCI-6110/6111 User Manual 3-10 ni.com

RTSI Triggers

Chapter 3 Hardware Overview

The seven RTSI trigger lines on the RTSI bus provide a flexible
interconnection scheme for the device sharing the RTSI bus. These
bidirectional lines can drive any of eight timing signals onto the RTSI bus
and can receive any of these timing signals. This signal connection scheme
is shown in Figure 3-11.

DAQ-STC

TRIG1

TRIG2

CONVERT*

UPDATE*

WFTRIG

GPCTR0_SOURCE

Trigger

7

RTSI Bus Connector

Clock

RTSI Switch

switch

GPCTR0_GATE

GPCTR0_OUT

STARTSCAN

AIGATE

SISOURCE

UISOURCE

GPCTR1_SOURCE

GPCTR1_GATE

RTSI_OSC (20 MHz)

Figure 3-11. RTSI Bus Signal Connection

Refer to the Timing Connections section of Chapter 4, Connecting Signals,
for a description of the signals shown in Figure 3-11.

© National Instruments Corporation 3-11 NI PCI-6110/6111 User Manual