What Do All of the Pinout Terms Mean? Hardware: Signal Sources (AWG/FG/AO)>>Analog Output Devices>>PXI-6711
Problem: I'm looking at the pinout diagram for my DAQ card and I do not understand what it's talking about. What does all this mean? Solution: The pinout diagram for your DAQ card describes what pins should be used for what operations. Below is a listing of the standard terminology used and a brief description of how it can be used. This is by no means an exhaustive collaboration of all terms. This document should provide a brief introduction to the terminology. For more information, see the related links below or consult your manual. Note: "#" refers to an integer value typically starting at 0. AI #(+-) Analog Input: This is usually followed by a number corresponding to a channel number. For instance, if your DAQ card has 16 analog input channels, your pinout diagram probably shows positive and negative terminals for AI 0 through AI 15 located throughout the connector. AO #(+-) Analog Output: Same description as analog input, but for analog output instead of analog input. Never try to send a signal in on an analog output line as this might damage the card. DIO #/ P#.# (ex: P0.0) DIO refers to digital input and output. These lines are used for both input and output of digital signals. When it says P#.#, the first number refers to the port and the second refers to the line. For instance, P1.2 means Port 1 Line 2. Each port has eight lines. So, if your DAQ card has 24 digital I/O lines, it would contain P0.0 through P3.7. AI GND / AO GND / D GND These refer to the corresponding operation's ground terminal. AI SENSE The AI SENSE is a common reference point for certain input terminal configurations. For instance, the negative terminal might connect to this pin in a Nonreferenced Single-Ended input terminal configuration. AO EXT REF This pin is used for an external clock for analog output. +5 V This pin provides a constant 5 Volt signal typically used for excitation. PFI # PFI lines are programmable function interfaces. For a detailed description about what you can do with PFI lines, consult this KB article. These pins usually have a counter associated with them as well. Ctr # Source The source counter is normally used for a digital trigger or a timing source. The number refers to the counter number. Typically, counters have a counter source, counter gate, and counter out. Ctr # Gate The gate counter is used to control the counter input. The counter gate is often used for frequency and period measurement. Ctr # Out The out counter is used for counter output. If you want to generate a digital pulse train, a Ctr # out would probably be the best option for you. EXT STROBE This line is used for an external strobe. For instance, a microprocessor might output a strobe signal that you might want to use as an external clock. NC Not Connected. Some of our cards might use connectors that are larger than their inputs/outputs for standardization. These pins have no functionality. COM These pins are used for common references. Note that this can also be tied to ground. Related Links: PFI Lines (M Series versus E Series) - A brief description of the use of PFI lines in M series and E series DAQ cards Field Wiring and Noise Considerations - Great resource for how to set up your system KB 1SDDOSPH: Cable Mapping for a 68-pin Connector to a 50-pin Connector KB 2UIGQ37N: Why is There an Asterick Next to Some of My Data Acquisition Hardware Pins? KB 3MSHOLO8: What is the Pinout of a 50 Pin Connector? Attachments:
Report Date: 08/04/2006 Last Updated: 02/07/2007 Document ID: 403H05GJ |
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