Position measurements with M-series

[MTS-Sys]

I have an encoder that provides a differential signal. (Channels A+ & A-   /   B+ & B-.

Can I use that with the PCI-M6280 to do position measurements?

[Brian_Beal]

Not without something like this: http://www.encoder.com/literature/datasheet-rxtxconverter.pdf .  If you wanted to save money, you can buy the driver chip by itself, but I wouldn't recommend it unless you had more time than money.  M series DAQ has only single-ended encoder inputs.  They cannot handle the differential inputs.

[Tom_W_[DE]]

Hi All-

NI does offer a solution for differential encoder measurements with the C Series NI 9411 module.  It's currently supported for the CompactRIO platform.

Hopefully this helps-

Message Edited by Tom W [DE] on 12-28-2006 04:41 PM

[Jochen]

As long as the A and B phases are 0 to 5 V signals you will be able to use the PCI-6280 together with your encoder. Simply connect A, B and GND to your board. Without the inverted signals the encoder signals will be more susceptible to noise so make sure that you minimize the cable length and that you use shielded cables.

Jochen Klier
National Instruments Germany