Synchronize the data aquisition with an external clock signal

[jlorga]

Hello everybody,

I would like to synchronize the continuous multi-channels analog data acquisition from the DAQ-6036E card with an external digital clock signal that I receive from a GPS receiver. The signal is in accordance with TTL rules. If I understood correctly the DAQ card manual, connecting this external clock to any of the PFI and use it as the STARTSCAN signal would easily perform this task. Is correct that this simple step would immediately do the synchronization between the DAQ card and the GPS receiver? I cannot fully understand the relation between STARTSCAN, TRIG1/2 and CONVERT* signals so I maybe wrong in this evaluation.
Thank you for the help.

Cheers,

José

Note:
I�m using Borla
nd C++, and at the moment I can do continuous multi-channels analog data acquisition.

[JustinBritten]

José,

The 6036E User Manuals gives the best definition of the STARTSCAN, TRIG, and CONVERT* signals as well as their relationship to eachother. See 4-20 Connecting Timing Signals of the User Manual for this information as well as timing diagrams.

NI 6034E/6035E/6036E User Manual
http://digital.ni.com/manuals.nsf/websearch/B935FC073150374F86256BF10073995A?OpenDocument&node=132100_US

You are correct that configuring your board for external timing is just as simple as connecting your external clock to a PFI line and using it as the STARTSCAN signal. The clock output of your GPS receiver will now be defining when scans are perform on your 6036E due to the synchronization between the two devices. The only synchronization issue you may encounter is
propogation delay. This will be a factor of the cable length connecting your GPS clock to the 6036E.

Regards,
Justin Britten

Applications Engineer
National Instruments