National Instruments SCXI-1161 User Manual

SCXI™-1161

User Manual

8-Channel Power Relay Module

SCXI-1161 User Manual

May 1997 Edition

Part Number 320514B-01

© Copyright 1993, 1997 National Instruments Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

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National Instruments Corporate Headquarters

6504 Bridge Point Parkway Austin, TX 78730-5039 Tel: [phone]

Important Information

Warranty

The SCXI-1161 is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of
shipment, as evidenced by receipts or other documentation. National Instruments will, at its option, repair or replace
equipment that proves to be defect ive du ring t he wa rranty period . Th is warranty incl udes parts and l abor.

The media on which you receive National Instruments software are warranted not to fail to execute programming
instructions, due to defects in materials and workm anship, f or a period of 90 days fr om date of ship ment, as evid enced
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 p arts whic h are co vered by w arran ty.

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

XCEPT AS SPECIFIED HEREIN

E

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

USTOMER’S RIGHT TO RECOVER DAMAGES CAUSED BY FAULT OR NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF NATIONAL

C

NSTRUMENTS SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE AMOUNT THERETOFORE PAID BY THE CUSTOMER

I

WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR DAMAGES RESULTING FROM LOSS OF DATA, PROFITS, USE OF PRODUCTS, OR INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY THEREOF

Instruments will apply 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

.

ATIONAL INSTRUMENTS

. N

. This limitation of the liability of National

Copyright

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

Trademarks

LabVIEW®, NI-DAQ®, ComponentWorks™, CVI™, NI-VISA™, NI-VXI™, SCXI™, and Virtua lBench™ are
trademarks of National Instruments Corporation. Product and company names listed are trademarks or trade names of
their respective companies.

WARNING REGARDING MEDICAL AND CLINICAL USE OF NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS

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

About This Manual

Organization of This Manual........................................................................................ix

Conventions Used in This Manual................................................................................x

National Instruments Documentation............................................................... ............xi

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

Customer Communication............................................................ ................................xii

Chapter 1
Introduction

About the SCXI-1161...................................................................................................1-1

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

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

National Instruments Application Software................................................... 1-2

NI-DAQ Driver Software...............................................................................1-3

Register-Level Programming ......................................... ................................1-4

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

Custom Cables..............................................................................................................1-5

Unpacking.....................................................................................................................1-6

Table

of

Contents

Chapter 2
Configuration and Installation

Module Configuration...................................................................................................2-1

Jumper Use.....................................................................................................2-5

Jumper Configuration.....................................................................................2-5

Jumper W1......................................................................................................2-5

Jumper W2......................................................................................................2-5

Using Jumpers W1 and W2 ............................................................................2-6

Jumpers W3, W4, and W5..............................................................................2-8

Hardware Installation....................................................................................................2-9

© National Instruments Corporation v SCXI-1161 User Manual

Table of Contents

Chapter 3
Signal Connections

Screw Terminal Connections.......................................................................................3-1

Contact Protection for Inductive Load Connections....................................................3-1

Signal Connection................................................................. .........................3-4

Rear Signal Connector..................................................................................................3-4

Rear Signal Connector Signal Descriptions.................................................................3-6

Digital I/O Signal Connections......................................................................3-7

Chapter 4
Theory of Operation

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

Digital Interface............................................................... .................................. ...........4-3

Digital Control Circuitry..............................................................................................4-4

Relay Channels.............................................................................................................4-5

Appendix A
Specifications

Appendix B
Contact Protection

Appendix C
Customer Communication

Glossary

Index

Figures

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

Your Hardware ..................................................................................... 1-4

Figure 2-1. SCXI-1161 General Parts Locator Diagram.........................................2-2

Figure 3-1. Contact Protection Using a Flyback Diode for DC Inductive Loads...3-2

Figure 3-2. Arc Suppressor Pad Locations..............................................................3-3

SCXI-1161 User Manual vi © National Instruments Corporation

Tables

Table of Contents

Figure 3-3. SCXI-1161 Rear Signal Connector Pin Assignment.............................3-5

Figure 4-1. SCXI-1161 Block Diagram...................................................................4-2

Figure 4-2. Digital Interface Circuitry Block Diagram............................................4-3

Figure 4-3. SCXI-1161 Digital Control....................................................................4-4

Table 2-1. Configuration of Jumpers W1 and W2.................................................2-7

Table 2-2. Configuration of Jumpers W3, W4, and W5 for DIO Type and MIO Type

Boards ................................................................................................... 2-8

Table 3-1. Arc Suppressor Placement, COM to NO...............................................3-2

Table 3-2. Arc Suppressor Placement, COM to NC...............................................3-3

Table 3-3. Rear Signal Connector Signal Descriptions...........................................3-6

Table 3-4. SCXIbus to SCXI-1161 Rear Signal Connector to Data Acquisition

Board Pin Equivalences.........................................................................3-8

© National Instruments Corporation vii SCXI-1161 User Manual

This manual describes the electrical and mechanical aspects of the
SCXI-1161 and contains information concerning its operation and
programming. The SCXI-1161 is a member of the National Instruments
Signal Conditioning eXtensions for Instrumentation (SCXI) Series
modules for the National Instruments data acquisition plug-in boards.
This module switches and controls power signals. The SCXI-1161
operates as eight relay channels. Each channel is isolated and
independently configurable.

This manual describes the installation, basic programming
considerations, and theory of operation for the SCXI-1161.

Organization of This Manual

SCXI-1161 User Manual

The

• Chapter 1,
contents of your SCXI-1161 kit; describes the optional software,
optional equipment, and custom cables; and explains how to
unpack the SCXI-1161 kit.

• Chapter 2,
SCXI-1161 jumper configurations, installation of the SCXI-1161
into the SCXI chassis, signal connections to the SCXI-1161, and
cable wiring.

• Chapter 3,
the SCXI-1161 board via the SCXI-1161 screw terminals and rear
signal connector, and includes specifications and connection
instructions for the SCXI-1161 connector signals.

• Chapter 4,
of the SCXI-1161 module and explains the operation of each
functional unit making up the SCXI-1161.

• Appendix A,
SCXI-1161.

• Appendix B,
protection when you are switching inductive loads.

Introduction

Configuration and Installation

Signal Connections

Theory of Operation

Specifications

Contact Protection,

About

This

Manual

is organized as follows:

, describes the SCXI-1161; lists the

, describes the

, describes the signal connections to

, contains a functional overview

, lists the specifications for the

contains technical data on contact

© National Instruments Corporation ix SCXI-1161 User Manual

About This Manual

• Appendix C,
use to request help from National Instruments or to comment on our
products.

•The

•The

Glossary

used in this manual, including abbreviations, acronyms, metric
prefixes, mnemonics, and symbols.

Index

this manual, including the page where you can find each one.

Customer Communication

contains an alphabetical list and description of terms

contains an alphabetical list of key terms and topics in

, contains forms you can

Conventions Used in This Manual

The following conventions are used in this manual.

DIO board DIO board refers to the National Instruments AT-DIO-32F,

MC-DIO-24, MC-DIO-32F, NB-DIO-24, NB-DIO-32F, NB-DIO-96,
PC-DIO-24, and PC-DIO-96/PnP digital I/O data acquisition boards
unless otherwise noted.

DIO-type board DIO-type board refers to National Instruments data acquisition boards

that have only digital inputs and outputs. These boards include the
DIO-24, DIO-32F, and DIO-96 boards unless otherwise noted.

italic

Lab board Lab board refers to the National Instruments Lab-LC, Lab-NB, Lab-PC,

MC MC refers to the Micro Channel series computers.

Italic text denotes emphasis, a cross reference, or an introduction to a
key concept.

and Lab-PC+ boards unless otherwise noted.

MIO board MIO board refers to the National Instruments AT-MIO-16,

AT-MIO-16D, AT-MIO-16F-5, AT-MIO-16X, AT-MIO-64F-5,
MC-MIO-16, NB-MIO-16, and NB-MIO-16X multichannel I/O data
acquisition boards unless otherwise noted.

MIO-type board MIO-type board refers to National Instruments data acquisition boards

that have at least analog and digital inputs and outputs. These boards
include the MIO boards, the Lab boards, and the PC-LPM-16/PnP board
unless otherwise noted.

monospace Lowercase text in this font denotes text or characters that are to be

literally input 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,

SCXI-1161 User Manual x © National Instruments Corporation

About This Manual

subroutines, device names, functions, variables, filenames, and

extensions, and for statements and comments taken from program code.
NB NB refers to the NuBus series computers.
PC PC refers to the IBM PC/XT, the IBM PC AT, and compatible

computers.
SCXIbus SCXIbus refers to the backplane in the chassis. A signal on the

backplane is referred to as the SCXIbus <signal name> line (or signal).

The SCXIbus descriptor may be omitted when the meaning is clear.
Slot 0 Slot 0 refers to the power supply and control circuitry in the SCXI

chassis.

Glossary

The

mnemonics, symbols, and terms.

lists abbreviations, acronyms, metric prefixes,

National Instruments Documentation

SCXI-1161 User Manual

The

your data acquisition (DAQ) and SCXI system. You could have any of

several types of manuals, depending on the hardware and software in

your system. Use the different types of manuals you have as follows:

Getting Started with SCXI

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

• You SCXI hardware user manuals—Read these manuals next
for detailed information about signal connections and module
configuration. They also explain in greater detail how the module
works and contain application hints.

• Your DAQ hardware user manuals—These manu als have detailed
information about DAQ hardware that plugs into or is connected
to your computer. Use these manuals for hardware installation and
configuration instructions, specification information about your
DAQ hardware, and application h ints.

• Software documentation—Examples of software documentation
you may have are the LabVIEW and LabWindows
documentation sets and the NI-DAQ documentation. After you
set up your hardware system, use either the application software
(LabVIEW or LabWindows/CVI) or the NI-DAQ documentation to
help you write your application. If you have a large, complicated

is one piece of the documentation set for

—This is the first manual you should

®

/CVI

© National Instruments Corporation xi SCXI-1161 User Manual

About This Manual

system, it is worthwhile to look through the software
documentation before you configure your hardware.

• Accessory installation guides or manuals—If you are using
accessory products, read the terminal block and cable assembly
installation guides or accessory board user manuals. They explain
how to physically connect the relevant pieces of the system.
Consult these guides when you are making your connections.

SCXI Chassis User Manual

•
information on the chassis and for installation instructions.

Related Documentation

The following National Instruments manual contains detailed
information for the register-level programmer:

• SCXI Register-Level Programmer Manual

This manual is available from National Instruments by request. Using
NI-DAQ, LabView, or LabWindows/CVI is as easy as using the
low-level programming described in the register-level programmer
manual. Refer to

Introduction

options.

, of this manual to learn more about your programming

—Read this manual for maintenance

Software Programming Choices

in Chapter 1,

If you are designing your own module, the

Specification

specification describes the physical, electrical, and timing requirements
for the SCXIbus.

is available from National Instruments upon request. The

SCXIbus System

Customer Communication

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

SCXI-1161 User Manual xii © National Instruments Corporation

Customer Communication

, at the end of this manual.

Chapter

Introduction

This chapter describes the SCXI-1161; lists the contents of your
SCXI-1161 kit; describes the optional software, optional equipment,
and custom cables; and explains how to unpack the SCXI-1161 kit.

About the SCXI-1161

The SCXI-1161 consists of eight isolated single-pole double-throw
(SPDT), or one form C, relay channel.

With the SCXI-1161, the SCXI chassis can serve as a controller
or switcher in laboratory testing, production testing, and
industrial-process monitoring.

The SCXI-1161 operates with full functionality with National
Instruments MIO boards; Lab-NB, Lab-PC, Lab-PC+, Lab-LC, and
PC-LPM-16/PnP boards; and with the DIO-24, DIO-32F, and DIO-96
boards. You can control several SCXI-1161s in a single chassis with
one data acquisition board, and in combination with other SCXI module
types.

1

The SCXI-1161 has on-board screw terminals for easy signal
attachment.

What You Need to Get Started

To set up and use your SCXI-1161, you will need the following items:

❑ SCXI-1161 module

SCXI-1161 User Manual

❑

© National Instruments Corporation 1-1 SCXI-1161 User Manual

Chapter 1 Introduction

Software Programming Choices

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

National Instruments Application Software

LabVIEW features interactive graphics, a state-of-the-art user
interface, and a powerful graphical programming language. The
LabVIEW Data Acquisition Virtual Instrument (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 softwar e.

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 Compon entWorks, you
can use all of the configuration tools, resource management utilities,
and interactive control utilities included with NI-DAQ.

VirtualBench features VIs that combine DAQ products, software, and
your computer to create a stand-alone 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.

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

SCXI-1161 User Manual 1-2 © National Instruments Corporation

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 SCXI or
accessory products, except for the SCXI-1200. NI-DAQ has an
extensive library of functions that you can call from your application
programming environment. These functions include routi nes for analog
input (A/D conversion), buffered data acquisition (high-speed A/D
conversion), analog output (D/A conversion), waveform generation
(timed D/A conversion), digital I/O, counter/timer operations, SCXI,
RTSI, self-calibration, messaging, and acquiring data to memory.

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

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

Chapter 1 Introduction

© National Instruments Corporation 1-3 SCXI-1161 User Manual

Chapter 1 Introduction

Programming Environment

SCXI Hardware

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

Register-Level Programming

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

Conventional

DAQ or

ComponentWorks,

LabVIEW,

LabWindows/CVI, or

VirtualBench

NI-DAQ

Driver Software

Personal

Computer or

Workstation

NI-DAQ, and Your Hardware

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

SCXI-1161 User Manual 1-4 © National Instruments Corporation

Optional Equipment

National Instruments offers a variety of products to use with your
SCXI-1611, including cables and other accessories as follows:

• Cables and cable assemblies

• Multichassis adapter

• One-slot cable extender
For more specific information about these products, refer to your

National Instruments catalogue or call the office nearest you.

Custom Cables

The SCXI-1161 rear signal connector is a 50-pin male ribbon-cable
header. The manufacturer part number National Instruments uses for
this header is as follows:

• AMP Inc. (part number 1-103310-0)
The mating connector for the SCXI-1161 rear signal connector is a

50-position polarized ribbon-socket connector with strain relief.
National Instruments uses a polarized or keyed connector to prevent
inadvertent upside-down connection to the SCXI-1161. Recomm ended
manufacturer part numbers for this mating connector are as follows:

• Electronic Products Division/3M (part number 3425-7650)

• T&B/Ansley Corporation (part number 609-5041CE)

Chapter 1 Introduction

Standard 50-conductor 28 AWG stranded ribbon cables that work with
these connectors are as follows:

• Electronic Products Division/3M (part number 3365/50)

• T&B/Ansley Corporation (part number 171-50)

© National Instruments Corporation 1-5 SCXI-1161 User Manual

Chapter 1 Introduction

Unpacking

Your SCXI-1161 module is shipped in an antistatic package to prevent
electrostatic damage to the module. Electrostatic discharge can damage
several components on the module. To avoid such damage in handling
the module, 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 SCXI chassis
before removing the module from the package.

• Remove the module from the package and inspect the module for
loose components or any other sign of damage. Notify National
Instruments if the module appears damaged in any way.
install a damaged module into your SCXI chassis.

• Never touch the exposed pins of the connectors.

Do not

SCXI-1161 User Manual 1-6 © National Instruments Corporation

Configuration and

Chapter

Installation

This chapter describes the SCXI-1161 jumper configurations,
installation of the SCXI-1161 into the SCXI chassis, signal connections
to the SCXI-1161, and cable wiring.

Module Configuration

The SCXI-1161 includes five jumpers, shown in Figure 2-1.

2

© National Instruments Corporation 2-1 SCXI-1161 User Manual

Chapter 2 Configuration and Installation

REAR

Rear

Signal

Assembly Number

W2

Product Name

Arc Suppressor

Pads

Thumbscrew

Connector

W1

Strain

W3

W4

Relief Bar

W5

Screws

Tightening

Strain Relief

Label

Warning

SCXIbus

Connector

Screw

Grounding

Serial

Number

Screw

Terminals

Thumbscrew

FRONT

Figure 2-1. SCXI-1161 General Parts Locator Diagram

SCXI-1161 User Manual 2-2 © National Instruments Corporation