cDAQ module for Counter Output

[laz_2331]

Hi,

I am trying to put together a cDAQ system for my experiments. I read that the NI-9178 Chassis has four onboard counters (https://www.ni.com/en-us/support/model.cdaq-9178.html). These counters can be accessed through a Digital I/O module (https://www.ni.com/en-us/support/documentation/supplemental/18/cdaq-module-support-for-accessing-on-....

My setup requires three Counter Outputs (as PWM signal) and three Counter Inputs (from angle encoders). I could only find a Counter Input module (NI-9361) but not a module for Counter Output. I have thought about using the Digital I/O module NI-9401 to access the four onboard counters but that still leaves me with two counter inputs/outputs. Also, NI-9401 can only access two of the onboard counters. So I need two of these for the counters and then an additional one for the usual Digital I/O. What is the right choice of modules here? What are the pertinent questions to ask?

P.S. I have also looked at NI-6343 that fulfills all my other requirements except for the counters (it comes with four counters).

Thanks.

[Kevin_Price]

I'm only moderately knowledgeable about cDAQ systems, but I *think* the following would be true.

- You should be able to use 3 internal chassis counters and a 9401 module for your outputs.

- I'd expect you can then also use 3 counters from the 9361 for your inputs.  But I'm less certain about this part as I have no personal experience with the 9361.  I know it has some unique abilities and also some unique limitations, but don't know for sure what all of them are.

-Kevin P