Always pair NI USB device with computer, not test fixture.

[astroboy]

I am asking for your opinion.

Which is more cost effective and more consistent connectivity?

I feel that every PC should be paired with NI USB device in the production line.

It makes no common sense to put NI USB device in each test fixture.

Instead it creates more registered devices uncecessary in NI MAX and can be more costly,

every time each paired NI USB device/test fixture is connected to each PC during swapping.

Since the PC and NI USB device can perform multiple tasks, unlike the test fixture and, as long as the NI USB device can meet the requirements of 3 or 4 different test fixtures, it makes sense to pair every NI USB device with PC, thus cost saving and consistent connectivity.

Don't you think so?

Clement

[SnowMule]

:huh:

For one ... I have more issues with serial ports/virtual COM ports and HID-driver units filling up the computer's registry than any NI hardware. 

Device Remover does a fantastic job of zapping all those old/disconnected devices, NI or not.

I've got test equipment on the floor with all sorts of configurations in them.

Some have a few NI DAQ's in them, others only have one.

I've got one system that has 5 serial ports, a 6008, and a 6501, all hooked up at the same time. 

Working on a system now that has 14 USB-6008's all plugged into one computer.

[AnalogKid2DigitalMan]

SnowMule:

Curious- may I ask as to what the 14 6008's are doing? PXI may be a better platform...

-AK2DM

[SnowMule]

---

@AnalogKid2DigitalMan wrote:

SnowMule:

Curious- may I ask as to what the 14 6008's are doing? PXI may be a better platform...

-AK2DM

---

Whole mess of battery conditioners. 

Each pack has 2 DI (using an AI for one of them), 2DO, 1AI

Charger outputs status (charging or complete), I can control charge-enable or send the current off to a load

Each charger has four packs on it.

7 chargers per panel (convenient with a 7-port USB hub and 8-outlet power strip)

Two panels going into a computer (for now, that number may grow as our needs change).

Easier to build a bunch of these, throw a cheap power supply in it, and have the capability to swap pieces out if something happens, rather than taking down the whole damn thing if one part fails.

Bottom board (mounted to the panel) is the charger, that can be configured to run standalone.  Manufacturing techs have a handful of these already.

The PCB has expansion on it to mate to the conditioner PCB (middle). 

6008 mates to the header/standoff on that conditioner PCB. 

PXI would be a wiring nightmare.   BTDT, and I don't miss that system one bit.

[AnalogKid2DigitalMan]

I like the header approach to terminating to the 6008, that makes things a whole lot simpler!

Charge on!

-AK2DM

[astroboy]

 NI USB device in each test fixture has become an white elephant! NI USB device in the PC can be connected to different test fixtures, makes NI USB device become more cost-efficient and the number of registereds are reduced, less confusion and become more useful logging elephant, though I do not support logging elephants. 

Clement

[SnowMule]

so... many... blinking... lights...

Computer took a while to figure everything out.