DAQ Devices Transmit & Receive Pinout Allocation

[dan_tuq]

Hello!

I don't have experience with data generation & acquisition devices, so this might seem like a simple question. I am specifically working with the PCI-6541, but this I believe could be applicable to most DAQ devices.

After looking at some LV examples (Static Generation.vi & Static Acquisition.vi), it appears as though the pin allocation (channel list parameter) for the Generation and Acquisition VIs are bunched together (i.e.: 0-7 for generation, 8-15 for acquisition). I would think that the pin allocation can be allocated discretely (i.e.: 8, 10, 12 for generation; 1, 3, 5 for acquisition say)? Maybe not? The channel list parameter never seems to identify this fact for any static or dynamic generation/acquistion VI.

Thanks in advance for your time!

Sincerely,

dan 

[Dennis_Knutson]

If your card supports assigning inputs/outputs on a per channel basis, then you can use whatever channels you want and in any order. Some cards do not and you do the assignment on a port basis. The examples just reflect a simple scheme where it would work for both types of cards.

[dan_tuq]

I haven't come across in the documentation specifically for the 6541 that it does support discrete pin assignment. I appreciate your feedback.

Thanks Dennis! 

[Ryan_M]

Dan,

It absolutely does support discrete channel selection.  The user documentation and specs call out independent direction control for each IO which means your channel list can include or exclude any of the 32 channels.  

[DJ_L.]

Hey Dan,

Here is a link to the download page for the NI Digital Waveform Generator/Analyzer Help file that you can use as a reference with your 6541. If you already have the NI-HSDIO driver installed, which it sounds like you do, then you should be able to find the (.chm) Help file if you go to Start -> Programs -> National Instruments -> NI-HSDIO -> Documentation. Here is an HTML version of the help file. Here is a link to the "Channel Interface" page that states the following:

"The NI 6541/6542 has 32 channels. Each channel is independently configurable for generation, acquisition, or simultaneous generation and acquisition operations. Generation and acquisition logic families on the NI 6541/6542 are independently selectable—you can select one logic family for all generation channels and a different logic family for all acquisition channels."

There is a lot of great information about your HSDIO device in the help file, especially on how the hardware works, and even more importantly how to program your device. I hope this helps, and hopefully you can quickly find answers to some of your future questions in the HSDIO Help file.

Regards,

DJ L.

[dan_tuq]

Thanks for your feedback guys!