National Instruments PCI 6703, PXI 6704 User Guide

DAQ

PCI/PXI™-6703/6704 User Manual

DC Analog Output Devices
for PCI/PXI/CompactPCI Bus Computers

PCI/PXI-6703/6704 User Manual

March 1999 Edition

Part Number 322110B-01

Worldwide Technical Support and Product Information

www.natinst.com

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For further support information, see the Technical Support Resources appendix. To comment on the
documentation, send e-mail to [e-mail].

© Copyright 1998, 1999 National Instruments Corporation. All rights reserved.

Important Information

Warranty

The PCI-6703, PXI-6703, PCI-6704, and PXI-6704 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

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SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE
RIGHT TO RECOVER DAMAGES CAUSED BY FAULT OR NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS SHALL BE
LIMITED TO THE AMOUNT THERETOFORE PAID BY THE CUSTOMER
DAMAGES RESULTING FROM LOSS OF DATA, PROFITS, USE OF PRODUCTS, OR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY THEREOF

regardless of the form of action, whether in contract or tort, including negligence. Any action against National
Instruments must be brought within one year after the cause of action accrues. National Instruments shall not be liable for
any delay in performance due to causes beyond its reasonable control. The warranty provided herein does not 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.

ATIONAL INSTRUMENTS MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AND

, N

. This limitation of the liability of National Instruments will apply

USTOMER’S

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ATIONAL INSTRUMENTS WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR

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,

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

ComponentWorks™, CVI™, LabVIEW™, natinst.com™, NI-DAQ™, PXI™, RTSI™, SCXI™, and VirtualBench™ are
trademarks of National Instruments Corporation.

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

WARNING REGARDING MEDICAL AND CLINICAL USE OF NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS

National Instruments products are not designed with components and testing 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. Applications of National Instruments products
involving medical or clinical treatment can create a potential for death or bodily injury caused by product failure, or by
errors on the part of the user or application designer. 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.

Conventions

The following conventions are used 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,
DBIO<3..0>.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

monospace

NI-DAQ NI-DAQ refers to the NI-DAQ driver software.

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.

Abbreviations, acronyms, definitions, metric prefixes, mnemonics, and
symbols are listed in the Glossary.

Contents

Chapter 1
Introduction

About the PCI/PXI-6703/6704 ......................................................................................1-1

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

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

Software Programming Choices ....................................................................................1-3

National Instruments Application Software ....................................................1-3

NI-DAQ Driver Software ................................................................................1-4

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

Custom Cabling ...............................................................................................1-5

Chapter 2
Installation and Configuration

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

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

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

Chapter 3
Signal Connections

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

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

Analog Output Signal Connections ............................................................................... 3-4

Voltage Output ................................................................................................3-4

Power-up Condition ..........................................................................3-4

Current Output for the 6704 ............................................................................3-5

Power-up Condition ..........................................................................3-6

Digital I/O Signal Connections......................................................................................3-6

Power-up Condition.........................................................................................3-7

Power Connections ........................................................................................................3-7

Chapter 4
Hardware Overview

Bus Interface Circuitry...................................................................................................4-2

I/O Connector ................................................................................................................4-2

Nonvolatile RAM/DAC Control....................................................................................4-2

Digital I/O Control......................................................................................................... 4-2

Temperature Sensor ....................................................................................................... 4-2

© National Instruments Corporation v PCI/PXI-6703/6704 User Manual

Contents

Chapter 5
Calibration

Self-Calibration ............................................................................................................. 5-1

External Calibration....................................................................................................... 5-1

Voltage Output Calibration ........................................................................................... 5-3

Offset Adjustment ........................................................................................... 5-3

Gain Adjustment ............................................................................................. 5-3

Current Output Calibration for the 6704 ....................................................................... 5-3

Offset Adjustment ........................................................................................... 5-3

Gain Adjustment ............................................................................................. 5-4

Saving Calibration Values............................................................................................. 5-4

Appendix A
Specifications

Appendix B
Common Questions

Appendix C
Technical Support Resources

Glossary

Index

Figures

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

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

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

Figure 3-2. VCH Connection as a Voltage Output.................................................... 3-4

Figure 3-3. ICH Connection as a Current Output...................................................... 3-5

Figure 3-4. Example Digital I/O Connections........................................................... 3-6

Figure 4-1. PCI/PXI-6703/6704 Block Diagram....................................................... 4-1

Tables

Table 5-1. 6703 Calibration Channel Numbers........................................................ 5-2

Table 5-2. 6704 Calibration Channel Numbers........................................................ 5-2

PCI/PXI-6703/6704 User Manual vi www.natinst.com

Introduction

This manual describes the mechanical and electrical aspects of the 6703
and 6704 devices and contains information concerning their configuration,
installation, and operation. The 6703 and 6704 devices are designed for
precise DC setpoint applications and provide general-purpose digital I/O.
Unless otherwise noted, text applies to all 6703 and 6704 devices: the
PCI-6703, PXI-6703, PCI-6704 and PXI-6704.

This chapter describes the 6703/6704 devices, lists what you need to get
started, describes software programming choices, optional equipment, and
custom cables, and explains how to unpack your device.

About the PCI/PXI-6703/6704

Thank you for purchasing a National Instruments 6703/6704 device. The
6703/6704 devices are precise DC setpoint devices for PCI and PXI. The
6703 devices have 16 voltage output channels. The 6704 devices have
16 voltage output channels and 16 current output channels for a total of 32
analog output channels. Both 6703 and 6704 devices have eight digital I/O
lines.

1

You can use the 6703/6704 devices in a wide variety of DC setpoint and
digital I/O applications. With the 6703/6704 devices, your PC system can
serve as a digital I/O system controller for laboratory testing, production
testing, and industrial process monitoring and control. These devices can
do the following:

• Generate experimental stimuli

• Generate analog functions

• Connect to a variety of signal types, including:

– Electromechanical relays

– LEDs

– Optically isolated, solid-state relays and I/O module mounting

racks

– Voltage and current excitation for precision transducers

– Current excitation for precision transducers (6704 only)

© National Instruments Corporation 1-1 PCI/PXI-6703/6704 User Manual

Chapter 1 Introduction

Detailed specifications for the 6703/6704 devices are in Appendix A,

Specifications.

What You Need to Get Started

To set up and use your 6703/6704 device, you will need the following:

❑

One of the following devices:

• PCI-6703

• PXI-6703

• PCI-6704

• PXI-6704

PCI/PXI-6703/6704 User Manual

❑

❑

One of the following software packages and documentation:

• ComponentWorks

• LabVIEW for Windows

• LabWindows/CVI for Windows

• Measure

• NI-DAQ for PC compatibles

• VirtualBench

❑

PC with a free PCI slot or PXI chassis with a free slot

❑

68-pin cable (type SH68-68-D1)

❑

68-pin terminal block (type CB-68)

Unpacking

Your 6703/6704 device is shipped in an antistatic package to prevent
electrostatic damage to the device. Electrostatic discharge can damage
several components on the device. To avoid such damage in handling the
device, take the following precautions:

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

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

PCI/PXI-6703/6704 User Manual 1-2 www.natinst.com

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

• Never touch the exposed pins of connectors.

Software Programming Choices

There are several options to choose from when programming your National
Instruments DAQ hardware. You can use LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI,
ComponentWorks, VirtualBench, or other application development
environments in conjunction with NI-DAQ.

National Instruments Application Software

ComponentWorks contains tools for data acquisition and instrument
control built on NI-DAQ driver software. ComponentWorks provides a
higher-level programming interface for building virtual instruments
through standard OLE controls and DLLs. With ComponentWorks, you
can use all of the configuration tools, resource management utilities, and
interactive control utilities included with NI-DAQ.

Chapter 1 Introduction

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

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

VirtualBench features VIs that combine DAQ products, software, and your
computer to create a standalone instrument with the added benefit of the
processing, display, and storage capabilities of your computer.
VirtualBench instruments load and save waveform data to disk in the same
forms that can be used in popular spreadsheet programs and word
processors.

© National Instruments Corporation 1-3 PCI/PXI-6703/6704 User Manual

Chapter 1 Introduction

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

NI-DAQ Driver Software

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

NI-DAQ maintains a consistent software interface among its different
versions so that you can change platforms with minimal modifications to
your code. Whether you are using conventional programing languages or
National Instruments application software, your application uses the
NI-DAQ driver software, as illustrated in Figure 1-1.

Programming Environment

Figure 1-1.

Conventional

NI-DAQ

Driver Software

DAQ or

SCXI Hardware

The Relationship between the Programming Environment, NI-DAQ, and

Your Hardware

ComponentWorks,

LabVIEW,

LabWindows/CVI, or

VirtualBench

Personal

Computer or

Workstation

PCI/PXI-6703/6704 User Manual 1-4 www.natinst.com

Optional Equipment

National Instruments offers a variety of products to use with your
6703/6704 device, including cables, connector blocks, and other
accessories, as follows:

• Cables and cable assemblies, shielded and ribbon

• Connector blocks, shielded and unshielded screw terminals

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

Custom Cabling

National Instruments offers cables and accessories for you to prototype
your application or to use if you frequently change module
interconnections.

If you want to develop your own cable, mating connectors and a backshell
kit for making custom 68-pin cables are available from National
Instruments (part number 776832-01).

Chapter 1 Introduction

Refer to your National Instruments catalogue for specific information.

© National Instruments Corporation 1-5 PCI/PXI-6703/6704 User Manual

Installation and Configuration

This chapter explains how to install and configure your 6703/6704 device.

Software Installation

Install your software before you install your 6703/6704 device. Refer to the
appropriate release notes indicated below for specific instructions on the
software installation sequence.

1. Install your application software—If you are using LabVIEW,
LabWindows/CVI, or other National Instruments application software
packages, refer to the appropriate release notes.

2. Install the NI-DAQ driver software—Refer to your NI-DAQ release
notes and follow the instructions given there for your operating system
and application software package.

You can now install your hardware.

Hardware Installation

2

You can install your 6703/6704 device in any available expansion slot in
your computer. However, to achieve best noise performance, leave as much
room as possible between your 6703/6704 device and other boards and
hardware. The following are general installation instructions, but consult
your computer user manual or technical reference manual for specific
instructions and warnings.

♦ PCI-6703/6704

1. Turn off and unplug your 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. Touch any metal part of your computer chassis to discharge any static
electricity that might be on your clothes or body.

5. Insert the PCI-6703/6704 into a 5 V PCI slot. Gently rock the device
to ease it into place. Do not force the device into place.

© National Instruments Corporation 2-1 PCI/PXI-6703/6704 User Manual

Chapter 2 Installation and Configuration

6. Screw the mounting bracket of the PCI-6703/6704 device to the back
panel rail of the computer.

7. Visually verify the installation.

8. Replace the cover.

9. Plug in and turn on your computer.

Your PCI-6703/6704 is installed. You are now ready to configure your
hardware and software.

♦ PXI-6703/6704

1. Turn off and unplug your PXI controller.

2. Choose an unused PXI slot in your system.

3. Remove the filler panel for the slot you have chosen.

4. Touch any metal part of your computer chassis to discharge any static
electricity that might be on your clothes or body.

5. Insert the PXI-6703/6704 into a PXI chassis slot. Use the
injector/ejector handle to fully insert the device into the chassis.

6. Screw the front panel of the PXI-6703/6704 to the front panel
mounting rail of the system.

7. Visually verify the installation.

8. Plug in and turn on your computer.

Your PXI-6703/6704 is installed. You are now ready to configure your
hardware and software.

Device Configuration

Due to the National Instruments standard architecture for data acquisition
and the PCI and PXI bus specifications, all 6703 and 6704 devices are
completely software-configurable. Refer to your software documentation
for configuration instructions.

The PCI-6703/6704 are fully compatible with the industry-standard
Local Bus Specification Revision 2.0, and the PXI-6703/6704 are fully
compatible with the PXI Specification Revision 1.0.
allow the PCI and PXI systems to automatically perform all bus-related
configurations and require no user interaction. Bus-related configuration
includes setting the device base memory address and interrupt channel.

PCI/PXI-6703/6704 User Manual 2-2 www.natinst.com

These specifications

PCI

Signal Connections

This chapter provides connection instructions for the signals on your
6703/6704 device I/O connector.

3

Warning

on the 6703/6704 device can damage the device and the computer. Maximum input ratings
for each signal are given in this chapter under the discussion of that signal. National
Instruments is

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

liable for any damages resulting from any incorrect signal connections.

NOT

I/O Connector Pin Assignments

Figure 3-1 shows the I/O connector pin assignments for the
6703/6704 devices.

© National Instruments Corporation 3-1 PCI/PXI-6703/6704 User Manual