Synchronizing DSA and SMIO Devices With a Single NI-DAQmx Task
Primary Software: LabVIEW Development Systems
Primary Software Version: N/A
Primary Software Fixed Version: N/A
Secondary Software: Driver Software>>NI-DAQmx
Hardware: Modular Instruments>>Dynamic Signal Acquisition and Analysis (DSA)
Problem: I'm using several DSA cards for an application which requires them to be synchronized. What is the easiest and most efficient way to accomplish this?
Solution: Multidevice task support for DSA devices began with NI-DAQmx 8.0 and for S Series MIO devices beginning with NI-DAQmx 8.1. The multidevice task provides a very easy and efficient way to synchronize multiple devices, since NI-DAQmx handles all of the signal routing for you. It consists of simply adding multiple devices, separated by a comma, to the same task.
General Rules and Conditions:
DSA and SMIO Boards
- All channels in the task must be analog input channels.
DSA Boards Only
- If the task includes channels from both 446X and 447X devices, you must account for filter delay differences between the devices.
PCI Devices
- You must use a RTSI cable to connect the devices, and you must identify the cable in MAX.
PXI Devices
- The devices must all be in a single chassis, and you must identify the chassis in MAX (Measurement & Automation Explorer).
- If the task includes channels from 447X devices, one of the 447X devices must be in PXI slot 2.
- If the task includes channels from both 446X and 447X devices, a 446X device must be in PXI slot 2.
LabVIEW Code Architecture:
- Multidevice Tasks allow users to avoid having to program the synchronization of Sample Clock Timebase, Sync Pulse and Start triggers across multiple DSA devices.
Traditional DAQ Users:
- If you are using an NI 4472 revision H or later with Traditional NI-DAQ (Legacy), you must use a version of Traditional NI-DAQ (Legacy) later than version 7.1. A feature added to the NI 4472 in revision H, low frequency alias rejection, requires the later version of the Traditional NI-DAQ (Legacy) driver.
- If your NI 4472 does not appear in MAX and you are using an older version of NI-DAQ, install the latest version of NI-DAQ from the Drivers and Updates page on ni.com (linked below).
Related Links: Drivers and Updates KnowledgeBase 3YRERHJQ: NI Measurement & Automation Explorer Does Not Detect the NI 4472KnowledgeBase 3EE7N2NQ: Synchronization with Dynamic Signal Acquisition (DSA) Products with NI-DAQmx
Attachments: 
Report Date: 02/01/2006
Last Updated: 01/21/2008
Document ID: 3U0G7O9N
