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Using the Internal Timebase as a Pulse Train on a DAQ Device

Hardware: Counter/Timers (TIO), Multifunction DAQ (MIO)

Problem: I would like to generate a pulse train with a higher frequency than what I can generate with my counters. I know that my device has a timebase of 20 MHz or 80 MHz. Can I access these signals to be used as a pulse train?

Solution:

 

It is possible to output the timebase clock signal of your device using the NI-DAQmx driver.  This signal can be used as a pulse train to control or synchronize exernal devices.

To output the timebase clock, use the DAQmx Connect Terminals VI in LabVIEW or with the DAQmxConnectTerms function  in C.

You must first make sure that there is a direct or indirect route available to connect the timebase to an external line (such as a PFI line) by checking the Device Routes table in Measurement and Automation Explorer (MAX). This is important especially if you are using an NI-TIO counter/timer device because the internal timebases have very few PFI lines available as routing destinations.

To find the Device Routes table:

  1. Open MAX.
  2. Expand Devices and Interfaces » NI-DAQmx Devices.
  3. Select your device.
  4. Click on the Device Routes tab at the bottom of the window.


Note: If you are using LabVIEW, you may need include advanced terminal names in your DAQmx Terminal Name constant or control if you do not see the timebase that you would like to use. To do this, right click on your terminal name constant and choose I/O Name Filtering... and check the box for  "Include Advanced Terminals."



Related Links:
Developer Zone Tutorial: Generating a Pulse Train with a Counter
KnowledgeBase 1TRA8L00: What is the Maximum Output Frequency I Can Obtain with the PCI-6601 or PCI-6602?

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Report Date: 11/02/2005
Last Updated: 08/01/2007
Document ID: 3R1F4C88

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