How Do I Configure the DAQ Channel Wizard with 5B32 Modules?
Primary Software: Driver Software>>NI-DAQ
Primary Software Version: 6.5.2
Primary Software Fixed Version: N/A
Secondary Software: N/A
Hardware: Signal Conditioning Other>>5B Series>>5B32
Problem: How do I configure virtual channels in Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) to acquire current readings from 5B32 signal conditioning modules?
Solution: The 5B32 is a single-channel signal conditioning module that amplifies, protects, filters and isolates its analog input. The module measures a process-current input signal of 4-20mA or 0-20mA by reading the voltage across an external precision 20 Ohms resistor (supplied) and generating an output of 0 to +5V. You can use a 5B32 to read current input through the Channel Wizard by following these steps:
- Click on Measurement & Automation Explorer, under Devices & Interfaces, make sure your DAQ board is functioning properly by testing and troubleshooting it. Help can be found by going to the DAQ Troubleshooting Wizard on our webpage(see link below).
- Next, right-click on Data Neighborhood >> insert to create a virtual channel. On Create New Channel window, select "Analog Input". The next window is going to ask you to Enter Channel Name and Description. Fill it out and click on Next.
- Now it will ask you to select a sensor type or measurement type. Select "Voltage" measurement since 5B Series modules deal exclusively with voltage mapping.
- Put mA (milliamperes) as the unit and enter the input range found on the module as your measurement range. e.g. +4mA to +20mA.
- The next screen will prompt you for scaling method and module output. Because 5B modules automatically map input values to output values linearly, choose the Map Ranges option from the list. From the table on the side of the module, enter the output range of the module. For 5B32, it's always 0V to +5V.
- The next screen will ask you for information about your DAQ hardware. Choose your DAQ board from the list and choose the channel to which the module is connected. In most cases, this channel will correspond directly to the 5B backplane slot where the 5B32 module is installed. Select the type of input mode you will be using for that channel. Your Data Acquisition board should always be configured in Non-Referenced Single Ended (NRSE) mode for use with 5B Series backplanes. If you are using a board that does not function in NRSE mode, configure it to Referenced Single Ended (RSE) mode and configure your 5B backplane accordingly.
NOTE: Depending on the type of DAQ board you are using, you may not be able to change the input mode from within the Channel Wizard. If this is the case, cancel the Virtual Channel configuration. Go back to Devices and Interfaces or NI-DAQ Configuration Utility, select the DAQ board used for this measurement and configure it to the proper input mode. You may have to shut down the system and reconfigure jumpers located on your board.
- Press the Finish button to complete the channel setup. You will be taken back to the main Measurement & Automation window. Under Data Neighborhood, you should be able to see the virtual channel you just configured shown up. You can double-click on the channel name to verify all the information entered. Right-click on the channel and select the test button, you should see the appropriate current readings displayed in a graph format. If this is not the case, it might be that you either selected the wrong current input range or voltage output range. In this case, you can right-click on the channel name and select properties, make all the necessary changes and test again.
Related Links: Hardware Installation/Configuration Troubleshooter
Attachments:
Report Date: 08/11/1999
Last Updated: 05/12/2004
Document ID: 1OA8ECMG
