Synchronizing the USB-6210 and PCI-6143

[Validus]

Hi,

I would like to know if it is possible to synchronize the USB-6210 and PCI-6143. The USB 6210 has two counters and can do quadrature angle measurement with one of the counters and do pulse output with the other counter. PCI-6143 does simulataneuos analaog input measurements, but does not do quadrature angle measurement thought it has two counters. I would like to know if both of these guys can be somehow synchronized so that I could use the counters from USB-6210 and analog input measurement from PCI-6143. I am using LabView Signal Express for data aquisition.

I would really appreciate your replies.

Thanks

Bala

RF Design Engineer

Validus Technologies

Peoria, IL

[Ed W]

Hi Bala,

Thank you for posting to the NI forums.  The synchronization features of Signal Express are somewhat limited.  However, depending on what part of these devices’ functionality you need synchronized, you may be able to do this.  In Signal Express, you could add a quadrature encoder step that will be independent from the rest of the tasks.  After that, you could create a continuous pulse train output on the 6210 that is used as the external clock for the analog input on the 6143.  Unfortunately, the 6210’s quad encoder input will therefore be somewhat unrelated to the 6143’s analog input. 

Besides the synchronization limitations in Signal Express (programming in LabVIEW with the DAQmx API gives much more flexibility), keep in mind that the USB-6210 will have an undeterministic latency from when the data is acquired to when the PC receives it due to the nature of USB. 

Post back if you have more questions or if you could further clarify the nature of the synchronization between these two devices.

Best regards,

Ed W.

Applications Engineer

National Instruments