Should Device Test find problem with counter?

[Baturin]

Hello!

I am have one problem with PCI 6251 board. It seems to me that something happening with counter 0. Several days ago everything was ok, but now any counter output does't appears on its terminal (on BNC 2120 block). When I see at the signal from it on the oscilloscope, I can see right shape of the pulses, but about 10 mV amplitude. Everyting is perfect with counter 1 output.

OK, I run the self-test and it is passed. I have tried to reset the devce and try again - the same result. Self-test is passed, but counter 0 seems to be not functioning.

Is it another possibility to check the device?

Thanks in advance!

[Baturin]

Already have written original message I found that routing the PFI12 (default ctr 0 out) to any other PFI 0,9,10, etc gives correct output from that teminal. Just now I am quite happy knowing that couter is OK 🙂
Also, sometimes the output from PFI 12 can vary from 10 mV to about volt or so.
So, inernal PFI12 and Internal counter output are OK. May be a problem with BNC block? Unfortunately, we don't have any other block to check.



Have somebody an idea about that?
Thank you!

P.S. For testing I use the same wire always connected to the USER 1 on te BNC2120 and it is always correct with any terminal except PFI12 😞

[Nathan]

Hi Baturin,

It is quite possible that your BNC connector has problems. If you were able to route the output of Counter 0 to a PFI line, and able to see a good signal, then your terminal block is at fault. The first things you should look for are the pins. Sometimes, the pins on the connectors are bent, and thus do not provide a reliable contact. Second thing you should look for is any external damage. Finally, use the test panel in Measurement and Automation Explorer (MAX), in the counter tab to test the card (which is probably what you are already doing).

If all of the above still seem to confirm your initial diagnostic of a bad BNC connector and a good M series card, then please call us. We would then do a final troubleshooting before sending your BNC connector back to be repaired.

Thank you and best regards,

Nathan
________________
Applications Engineer
National Instruments

[Baturin]

Thank you Nathan!

We'll try to check the BNC block.