PCI 6602 : synchronization of multi-cards and multi-counters

[yvan1007]

Hello,

I am using 2 PCI 6602 boards. I am using 9 counters to count signals which are TTL signals. Morever I am using a start and stop signal. For each of the 9 nine counters, I use the vi in LabVIEW : "Setup Two Edge separation measurement.vi "

The 9 counters start to count when then receive the "start signal" provided by another counter on one of the PCI 6602 boards. For the start signal I use the vi "Single pulse (NI-TIO.vi)" and it is connected the AUX-line of each counter. 

The 9 counters stop to count when then receive the "stop signal" connected on their gate and provided by another counter(=stop counter). For the stop signal, the vi : pulse late function is used. When the stop counter recorded N pulses from an external clock, a signal is generated and stops the 9 counters.

After reading a lot of documentations on the topic (I am a beginer...), some points stay still not obvious :

1) How to synchronize both PCI 6602 boards ? I must define a master baord and slave board and link them by a ribbon cable. But "who" generate the signal to define a basetime (counter? master clock?...) and "who" is the receiver (counter ?...) ?

2) How to synchronize the 9 counters ? The start and stop signals are generated at the same time but they don't reach the gate and AUX_line at the same time. Do I need to use the Pad Synchronization, if yes, How? How to define the Arm Start Trigger ? 

Thanks in advance,

yvan.

[Ken_Tobler]

Hello!

To synchronize multiple counter cards you can use the Master Timebase. You can route from the "Master Card" the Timebase and use it for all other cards (the slaves).

You can use the DAQmx Channel Property Node to set the Timebase for your cards.

Here an example for synchronising and using the timebase:

http://zone.ni.com/devzone/cda/epd/p/id/847

Here an example for the synchronisation with the Arm trigger:

http://zone.ni.com/devzone/cda/epd/p/id/6081

Best regards

Ken