National Instruments PXIe-4330, PXIe-4331 Calibration Procedure
CALIBRATION PROCEDURE
PXIe-4330/4331
This document contains information about verifying and adjusting National Instruments
PXIe-4330/4331 modules using NI-DAQmx 9.1 and later. For more information about
calibration, visit
Contents
Software.................................................................................................................................... 2
Documentation.......................................................................................................................... 2
Calibration Interval................................................................................................................... 2
Test Equipment......................................................................................................................... 3
Test Conditions......................................................................................................................... 4
Calibration Procedure ............................................................................................................... 4
Initial Setup....................................................................................................................... 5
Connecting the Equipment ............................................................................................... 5
Verification Procedures .................................................................................................... 11
Gain and Offset Adjustment Procedure............................................................................ 20
Test Limits................................................................................................................................ 24
Gain Accuracy Test Limits............................................................................................... 25
Input Offset Test Limits ................................................................................................... 31
Shunt Quarter-Bridge Calibration Test Limits ................................................................. 32
Shunt Calibration Resistance Test Limits ........................................................................ 32
Excitation Voltage Test Limits......................................................................................... 33
Appendix A: Connection Path Details...................................................................................... 34
Worldwide Support and Services ............................................................................................. 40
ni.com/calibration.
Install the CAL-4330 Into a Rack (Optional)........................................................... 7
Connect the Calibration and Switch Cables ............................................................. 8
Connect the DMM and Multifunction Calibrator Cables......................................... 10
Gain Accuracy Verification...................................................................................... 11
Input Offset Verification .......................................................................................... 14
Shunt Quarter-Bridge Calibration Accuracy Verification........................................ 15
Shunt Calibration Resistance Accuracy Verification ............................................... 17
Excitation Voltage Verification................................................................................ 18
Software
Install NI-DAQmx 9.1 or later on the calibration computer. NI-DAQmx includes high-level
function calls to simplify the task of writing software to calibrate modules. You must have the
proper module driver installed on the calibration system before calibrating the module.
Note NI recommends that you install the NI-DAQmx driver software before
physically installing the PXIe-4330/4331. NI-DAQmx, available at
downloads
, configures and controls the PXIe-4330/4331.
ni.com/
NI-DAQmx supports a number of programming languages, including LabVIEW,
LabWindows
™
/CVI™, C/C++, C#, and Visual Basic .NET.
Documentation
The following documents are your primary references for writing your calibration utility with
NI-DAQmx. You can download the latest version of these documents from the NI Web site at
ni.com/manuals.
•The NI SC Express 4330/4331 Installation Guide and Terminal Block Specifications
provides instructions for installing and configuring the NI PXIe-4330/4331 module.
•The NI PXIe-4330/4331 User Manual describes how to use the NI PXIe-4330/4331.
•The NI PXIe-4330/4331 Specifications lists the specifications for the NI PXIe-4330/4331.
•The NI-DAQmx Help includes information about creating applications that use the
NI-DAQmx driver.
•The NI-DAQmx C Reference Help includes information about the functions in the driver.
Calibration Interval
National Instruments recommends a calibration interval of one year for the PXIe-4330/4331.
Adjust and verify the PXIe-4330/4331 at the recommended calibration interval based on the
measurement accuracy demands of your application.
2 | ni.com | PXIe-4330/4331 Calibration Procedure
Test Equipment
National Instruments recommends that you use the equipment in Table 1 for calibrating an
PXIe-4330/4331 module.
Table 1. Recommended Equipment
Equipment Recommended Model(s) Requirements
Multifunction
calibrator
DMMs (x2) PXI-4071 If this instrument is unavailable, use
Chassis PXIe-1062Q If this chassis is unavailable, use another
Switch modules (x2) PXIe-2737 4x64 2-wire relay module
160-Pin DIN to
160-Pin DIN cable
for PXIe-2737 (x2)
CAL-4330 to
PXIe-4330/4331
calibration cable
Fluke 5520A If this instrument is unavailable, use a
calibrator that can provide resistance values
in the range of 120 Ω to 1 k Ω with 0.01 Ω
resolution, an accuracy of 90 ppm or better,
automatic lead wire compensation, and
2-wire output compensation.
multiranging 6 1/2 digit DMMs with a DC
voltage accuracy of 40 ppm or better of
reading +6 ppm of range for the 10 V and
1 V ranges, and 4-wire resistance
measurement capability with resistance
accuracy of 80 ppm or better of reading
+6 ppm range for the 100 k Ω range
PXIe chassis
NI Part Number: 782417-02 Cable for connecting the PXIe-2737s to the
CAL-4330
NI Part Number: 787003-01 Cable and included standoffs for connecting
the PXIe-4330/4331 DUT to the CAL-4330
Connection
accessory
Banana-to-banana
patch cables (x10)
CAL-4330, NI Part Number
786988-01
Five Pomona 1440-36-0 black
banana plug patch cords
(cables)
Five Pamona 1440-36-1 red
banana plug patch cords
(cables)
PXIe-4330/4331 Calibration Procedure | © National Instruments | 3
Calibration Fixture to enable automated
calibration of the PXIe-4330/4331
—
Test Conditions
The following setup and environmental conditions are required to ensure the NI device meets
published specifications.
• Keep connections to the module as short as possible. Long cables and wires act as antennae,
picking up extra noise that can affect measurements.
• Use shielded copper wire for all cable connections to the module. Use twisted-pair wire to
eliminate noise and thermal offsets.
• Maintain an ambient temperature of 23 °C ±5 °C.
• Keep relative humidity below 80%.
• Allow a warm-up time of at least 15 minutes to ensure that the measurement circuitry is at
a stable operating temperature.
• Ensure that the PXI Express chassis fan speed is set to HIGH, that the fan filters are clean,
and that the empty slots contain filler panels. For more information, refer to the Maintain
Forced-Air Cooling Note to Users document available at
• Warm-up time for test equipment may vary depending on the manufacturer. Please refer to
the equipment’s Operators Manual for specified warm-up time.
• To meet Fluke 5520A specifications, zero the Calibrator every 7 days, or when the
Calibrator ambient temperature changes by more than 5 °C. Warm-up time for Fluke 5520A
is 30 minutes.
ni.com/manuals.
Calibration Procedure
This section provides instructions for verifying the performance of the PXIe-4330/4331.
The calibration process consists of the following steps:
1. Initial Setup—Install the module and configure it in Measurement & Automation Explorer
(MAX).
2. Verification Procedures—Verify the existing operation of the module. This step confirms
whether the module is operating within the published specifications—gain accuracy, input
offset, shunt quarter-bridge calibration, shunt calibration resistance, and excitation—prior
to adjustment.
3. Gain and Offset Adjustment Procedure—If necessary, perform an external calibration that
adjusts the module calibration constants with respect to a known calibration source.
4. Reverification—Repeat the verification procedure to ensure that the module is operating
within the published specifications after adjustment.
4 | ni.com | PXIe-4330/4331 Calibration Procedure
Initial Setup
You must configure the module in MAX to communicate with NI-DAQmx.
Complete the following steps to configure a module in MAX. Refer to the
NI SC Express 4330/4331 Installation Guide and Terminal Block Specifications for complete
installation instructions.
1. Install the NI-DAQmx, 9.1 or later, driver software.
Caution Always have the PXI Express chassis turned off when inserting a module.
2. Insert the module into an available slot in the PXI Express chassis.
3. Power on the chassis.
4. Launch MAX.
5. Expand Devices and Interfaces to confirm that MAX detects the module.
6. Right-click the module name and select Self-Test to ensure that the module is working
properly.
Note When a module is configured with MAX, it is assigned a module name. Each
function call uses this module name to determine which DAQ module to calibrate.
This document uses
use the module name as it appears in MAX.
Dev1 to refer to the module name. In the following procedures,
Connecting the Equipment
The CAL-4330 and two switch modules provide the ability to programmatically connect the
required module connections as needed for the various verification and calibration steps.
Refer to the specific verification or calibration procedure section for information describing the
required switch connections. Detailed connection paths for each of the verification calibration
steps are shown in Appendix A: Connection Path Details. Before connecting or disconnecting
the calibrator from the module, always set the calibrator to standby mode (STBY).
PXIe-4330/4331 Calibration Procedure | © National Instruments | 5
Refer to Figure 1 for a block diagram of the equipment connections. Figure 2 and Figure 3 show
the front and rear connectors on the CAL-4330.
Figure 1. Block Diagram
CAL-4330
SWITCH 1
2-wire
4x64 Switch
SWITCH 2
2-wire
4x64 Switch
DUT
PXIe-4330 or
PXIe 4331
SWITCH 1
1
CAL-4330
Figure 2. Front Connectors
SWITCH 2
2
DMM 2
HI
LO
SENSE HI
SENSE LO
DMM 1
HI
LO
CALIBRATOR
VOLTS HI
VOLTS LO
AUX HI
AUX LO
DEVICE UNDER TEST
PXIe-4330/4331
3
1SWITCH 1 2SWITCH 2 3 DEVICE UNDER TEST
Figure 3. Rear Connectors
CAL-4330
LO HI
VOLTS
LO HI
DMM 2 DMM 1
1
VOLTS
LO HI
2
SENSE
1DMM 2 2DMM 1 3CALIBRATOR
6 | ni.com | PXIe-4330/4331 Calibration Procedure
AUX
LO HI
CALIBRATOR
3
VOLTS
LO HI
Install the CAL-4330 Into a Rack (Optional)
To install the CAL-4330 into a rack, complete the following steps:
1. Attach the two rack-mount brackets to the sides of the CAL-4330. The brackets and screws
are included with the CAL-4330.
Figure 4. Using the Rack-Mount Brackets
1
CAL-4330
SWITCH 1
S
2
WITCH 2
DEVI
C
E
PXI
UN
e-4330/4331
DE
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ES
T
3
2
4
1 CAL-4330
2 Rack-Mount Brackets (2)
3 Rack-Mount Bracket Mounting Screws (4)
4 Rack-Mounting Screws (4)
2. Place the CAL-4330 in the desired position in your rack.
3. Install and tighten the four rack-mounting screws that are included with the CAL-4330.
If the chassis is not already installed in the rack (optional), complete the following steps:
1. Attach the PXIe chassis rack-mount hardware to the PXIe chassis. Refer to your
rack-mount kit installation guide for more details.
2. Mount the PXIe chassis in the rack in the desired position. Refer to your rack-mount kit
installation guide for more details.
PXIe-4330/4331 Calibration Procedure | © National Instruments | 7
Connect the Calibration and Switch Cables
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Figure 5. Connecting the Calibration Cable
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1CAL-4330
2 PXI Chassis
3 PXIe-4330/4331 (DUT)
5 Jack Screws (2)
6 CAL-4330 to PXIe-4330/4331 Calibration Cable
7 Jack Screws (2)
4 Standoffs (2)
1. Screw the two standoffs into the PXIe-4330/4331 module and tighten the standoffs to
1.30 N · m (11.5 lb · in.), as shown in Figure 5.
2. Connect the male end of the calibration cable to the CAL-4330 and tighten the two jack
screws to 0.90 N · m (8.0 lb · in.), as shown in Figure 5.
3. Connect the female end of the calibration cable to the PXIe-4330/4331 and tighten the two
jack screws to 0.90 N · m (8.0 lb · in.), as shown in Figure 5.
8 | ni.com | PXIe-4330/4331 Calibration Procedure
4. Connect the two 160-Pin DIN to 160-Pin DIN cables from the CAL-4330 to the two
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PXIe-2737 modules and tighten all the jack screws to 0.56 N · m (5.0 lb · in.), as shown in
Figure 6 and Figure 7.
Figure 6. Connecting the Switch 2 Cable
1
5
0
V
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Figure 7. Connecting the Switch 1 Cable
PXIe-4330/4331 Calibration Procedure | © National Instruments | 9
Connect the DMM and Multifunction Calibrator Cables
HI
LO
300 V
MAX
CAT II
HI
LO
AUX I/O
1 A
250 V
MAX
300 V
MAX
CAT II
5 V
MAX
AMPS
INPUT
V
˖
SENSE
˖ 4W
NI PXI-4071
6½-Digit FlexDMM
SENSE
DMM 2
LO HI
VOLTS
LO HI
1
2
1. Connect DMM 1 on the back of the CAL-4330 to a PXI-4071 as shown in Figure 8.
Figure 8. DMM 1
VOLTS
LO HI
DMM 1
2
1
NI PXI-4071
6½-Digit FlexDMM
HI
INPUT
300 V
MAX
˖
V
CAT II
LO
1 A
AMPS
250 V
MAX
HI
300 V
SENSE
MAX
CAT II
˖ 4W
LO
AUX I/O
5 V
MAX
1CAL-4330 2PXI-4071
2. Connect DMM 2 on the back of the CAL-4330 to another PXI-4071 as shown in Figure 9.
Figure 9. DMM 2
1CAL-4330 2PXI-4071
10 | ni.com | PXIe-4330/4331 Calibration Procedure
3. Connect the CALIBRATOR on the back of the CAL-4330 to a Fluke 5520A multifunction
calibrator as shown in Figure 10.
Figure 10. CALIBRATOR
NORMAL
AUX
V, ˖, , RTD
A, ˖-SENSE, AUX V
HI
GUARD
20V
1V PK
RMS
MAX
MAX
LO
20V
RMS
MAX
20A
TC
1
AUX
LO HI
CALIBRATOR
VOLTS
LO HI
1000V
RMS
MAX
20 V PK MAX
2
1 CAL-4330 2 Fluke 5520A
Verification Procedures
This section provides instructions for verifying the PXIe-4330/4331 specifications. The
PXIe-4330/4331 has eight independent analog input channels. You can conduct verification on
any or all of them, depending upon your desired test coverage.
You can verify the following for PXIe-4330/4331 modules:
• Gain Accuracy Verification
• Input Offset Verification
• Shunt Quarter-Bridge Calibration Accuracy Verification
• Shunt Calibration Resistance Accuracy Verification
• Excitation Voltage Verification
Gain Accuracy Verification
This section provides instructions for verifying the PXIe-4330/4331 gain accuracy
specifications. Table 8 shows all the settings for the PXIe-4330/4331. Throughout the gain
accuracy verification, use Tables 12 through 23 to determine if the module is operating within
its specified range.
Complete the following steps to test the gain accuracy of the module.
1. Configure the switch modules to connect to the 350 Ω bridge completion resistor on the
CAL-4330. Refer to Table 2 for the specific switch column and row configuration. The
connection paths are shown in Figure 11 in Appendix A: Connection Path Details.
2. Measure the 350 Ω bridge completion resistor with DMM 2 configured for 4-wire
resistance with offset ohms compensation enabled. Divide the measured resistance by 350
and record the result as R
.
adj
PXIe-4330/4331 Calibration Procedure | © National Instruments | 11
3. Set the calibrator to standby mode (STBY).
4. Configure the switch modules to connect to the channel you want to verify. Refer to Table 3
for the specific switch column and row configuration. The connection paths are shown in
Figure 12 in Appendix A: Connection Path Details.
Note Only one channel can be connected to the calibrator at a time.
Table 2. Bridge Completion Resistor Measurement
Switch 1
r0->c2, r1->c55, r0->c8, r1->c9
Table 3. Gain Accuracy Verification Switch Settings
Channel Switch 1 Switch 2
0 r0->c0,r1->c1,r0->c2,r1->c3,
r3->c7,r3->c16
1 r0->c0,r1->c1,r0->c2,r1->c3,
r3->c7,r3->c21
2 r0->c0,r1->c1,r0->c2,r1->c3,
r3->c7,r3->c26
3 r0->c0,r1->c1,r0->c2,r1->c3,
r3->c7,r3->c31
4 r0->c0,r1->c1,r0->c2,r1->c3,
r3->c7,r3->c36
5 r0->c0,r1->c1,r0->c2,r1->c3,
r3->c7,r3->c41
6 r0->c0,r1->c1,r0->c2,r1->c3,
r3->c7,r3->c46
7 r0->c0,r1->c1,r0->c2,r1->c3,
r3->c7,r3->c51
r0->c0,r1->c1,r0->c2,r1->c3,
r0->c14,r1->c16
r0->c0,r1->c1,r0->c2,r1->c3,
r0->c19,r1->c21
r0->c0,r1->c1,r0->c2,r1->c3,
r0->c24,r1->c26
r0->c0,r1->c1,r0->c2,r1->c3,
r0->c29,r1->c31
r0->c0,r1->c1,r0->c2,r1->c3,
r0->c34,r1->c36
r0->c0,r1->c1,r0->c2,r1->c3,
r0->c39,r1->c41
r0->c0,r1->c1,r0->c2,r1->c3,
r0->c44,r1->c46
r0->c0,r1->c1,r0->c2,r1->c3,
r0->c49,r1->c51
5. Zero the calibrator with the ohms-only zero (OHMS ZERO) operation. Refer to the
calibrator documentation for more information about zeroing the calibrator.
6. Set the calibrator output for 2-wire compensation (COMP 2-wire). This automatically
compensates for the lead wire resistance in series with the HI and LO terminals of the
calibrator.
7. Set the calibrator resistance output to a Calibrator Output value for the appropriate range
beginning with the 0 V/V nominal value, 350 Ω, indicated in Table 12 for excitation
voltages >2.5 V or Table 13 for excitation voltages ≤2.5 V for f
through 23 for f
> 51.2 kHz and their specific excitation voltages.
s
≤ 51.2 kHz. Use Tables 14
s
12 | ni.com | PXIe-4330/4331 Calibration Procedure
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