This guide describes how to use the National Instruments USB-6008/6009
data acquisition (DAQ) devices and lists specifications.
Introduction
The NI USB-6008/6009 provides connection to eight analog input (AI)
channels, two analog output (AO) channels, 12 digital input/output (DIO)
channels, and a 32-bit counter with a full-speed USB interface.
Note This manual revision updates naming conventions to reflect the conventions used in
NI-DAQmx. Table 1 notes the correlation between the old and updated names.
Table 1. Digital Output Driver Type Naming Conventions
Hardware FunctionalityNI-DAQmx Terminology
Open-drainOpen collector
Push-pullActive drive
Table 2. Differences Between the USB-6008 and USB-6009
FeatureUSB-6008USB-6009
AI Resolution12 bits differential,
11 bits single-ended
Maximum AI Sample Rate,
Single Channel
Maximum AI Sample Rate,
Multiple Channels (Aggregate)
DIO ConfigurationOpen collectorOpen collector or active drive
*
Might be system dependent.
*
*
10 kS/s48 kS/s
10 kS/s42 kS/s
14 bits differential,
13 bits single-ended
1
1 USB Cable Strain Relief
Figure 2. USB-6008/6009 Back View
1Analog16
NI USB-6009
8 Inputs, 14-bit, Multifunction I/O
Figure 1. USB-6008/6009
32Digital17
Safety Guidelines
Caution Operate the hardware only as described in these operating instructions.
The following section contains important safety information that you must
follow when installing and using the USB-6008/6009.
Do not operate the USB-6008/6009 in a manner not specified in this
document. Misuse of the device can result in a hazard. You can compromise
the safety protection built into the device if the device is damaged in any
way. If the device is damaged, contact National Instruments for repair.
Do not substitute parts or modify the device except as described in this
document. Use the device 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 device.
USB-6008/6009 User Guide and Specifications2ni.com
Do not operate the device in an explosive atmosphere or where there may
be flammable gases or fumes. If you must operate the device in such an
environment, it must be in a suitably rated enclosure.
If you need to clean the device, use a dry cloth. Make sure that the device
is completely dry and free from contaminants before returning it to service.
Operate the device only at or below Pollution Degree 2. 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.
You must insulate signal connections for the maximum voltage for which
the device is rated. Do not exceed the maximum ratings for the device. Do
not install wiring while the device is live with electrical signals. Do not
remove or add connector blocks when power is connected to the system.
Avoid contact between your body and the connector block signal when hot
swapping modules. Remove power from signal lines before connecting
them to or disconnecting them from the device.
Operate the device at or below the Measurement Category I
circuits are subjected to working voltages
2
and transient stresses
1
. Measurement
(overvoltage) from the circuit to which they are connected during
measurement or test. Measurement categories establish standard impulse
withstand voltage levels that commonly occur in electrical distribution
systems. The following is a description of measurement categories:
•Measurement Category I is for measurements performed on circuits
not directly connected to the electrical distribution system referred to
as MAINS
3
voltage. This category is for measurements of voltages
from specially protected secondary circuits. Such voltage
measurements include signal levels, special equipment, limited-energy
parts of equipment, circuits powered by regulated low-voltage sources,
and electronics.
1
Measurement Category as defined in electrical safety standard IEC 61010-1. Measurement Category is also referred to as
Installation Category.
2
Working Voltage is the highest rms value of an AC or DC voltage that can occur across any particular insulation.
3
MAINS is defined as a hazardous live electrical supply system that powers equipment. Suitably rated measuring circuits may
be connected to the MAINS for measuring purposes.
•Measurement Category II is for measurements performed on circuits
directly connected to the electrical distribution system. This category
refers to local-level electrical distribution, such as that provided by a
standard wall outlet (for example, 115 V for U.S. or 230 V for Europe).
Examples of Measurement Category II are measurements performed
on household appliances, portable tools, and similar E Series devices.
•Measurement Category III is for measurements performed in the
building installation at the distribution level. This category refers to
measurements on hard-wired equipment such as equipment in fixed
installations, distribution boards, and circuit breakers. Other examples
are wiring, including cables, bus-bars, junction boxes, switches,
socket-outlets in the fixed installation, and stationary motors with
permanent connections to fixed installations.
•Measurement Category IV is for measurements performed at the
primary electrical supply installation (<1,000 V). Examples include
electricity meters and measurements on primary overcurrent
protection devices and on ripple control units.
Software support for the USB-6008/6009 for Windows 2000/XP is
provided by NI-DAQmx.
Note For information about non-Windows operating system support, refer to
ni.com/info and enter rddqld.
VI Logger
The NI-DAQmx CD contains example programs that you can use to get
started programming with the USB-6008/6009. Refer to the NI-DAQmx for USB Devices Getting Started Guide, that shipped with your device and is
also accessible from Start»All Programs»National Instruments»NI-DAQ for more information.
The NI-DAQmx CD includes VI Logger Lite which is an easy-to-use
configuration-based tool specifically designed for data logging
applications. The application is available at Start»All Programs»National Instruments»VI Logger.
USB-6008/6009 User Guide and Specifications4ni.com
Hardware
The following block diagram shows key functional components of the
USB-6008/6009.
Complete the following steps to set up the hardware:
1.Install combicon screw terminal blocks by inserting them into the
combicon jacks.
Note The USB-6008/6009 kit ships with signal labels. You can apply the signal labels to
the screw terminal blocks for easy signal identification.
2.Refer to Table 3 and Figure 4 for label orientation and affix the
provided signal labels to the screw terminal blocks. Until the signal
labels are applied, you can insert the screw terminal blocks into either
of the combicon jacks. Refer to Figure 4 for more information about
signal label orientation.
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1 Overlay Label with Pin Orientation Guides
2 Combicon Jack
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3 Signal Labels
4 USB Cable
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Figure 4. Signal Label Application Diagram
Note
Once you label the screw terminal blocks, you must only insert them into the
matching combicon jack, as indicated by the overlay label on the USB-6008/6009 device.
3.Connect the wiring to the appropriate screw terminals.
USB-6008/6009 User Guide and Specifications6ni.com
I/O Connector
The USB-6008/6009 ships with one detachable screw terminal block for
analog signals and one detachable screw terminal block for digital signals.
These terminal blocks provide 16 connections that use 16 AWG to
28 AWG wire.
Table 3 lists the analog terminal assignments, and Table 4 lists the digital
terminal assignments.