DAQ DAQCard-1200 User manual

DAQ
DAQCard™-1200
User Manual
Multifunction I/O Card for
the PCMCIA Bus
DAQCard-1200 User Manual
December 2001 Edition
Part Number 320936C-01

Support
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For further support information, see the Technical Support Resources appendix. To comment on the
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©1995, 2001 National Instruments Corporation. All rights reserved.

Important Information
Warranty
The DAQCard-1200 is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of shipment, as evidenced
by receipts or other documentation. National Instruments will, at its option, repair or replace equipment that proves to be defective during the
warranty period. This warranty includes parts and labor.
The media on which you receive National Instruments software are warranted not to fail to execute programming instructions, due to defects
in materials and workmanship, for a period of 90 days from date of shipment, as evidenced by receipts or other documentation. National
Instruments will, at its option, repair or replace software media that do not execute programming instructions if National Instruments receives
notice of such defects during the warranty period. National Instruments does not warrant that the operation of the software shall be
uninterrupted or error free.
A Return Material Authorization (RMA) number must be obtained from the factory and clearly marked on the outside of the package before
any equipment will be accepted for warranty work. National Instruments will pay the shipping costs of returning to the owner parts which are
covered by warranty.
National Instruments believes that the information in this document is accurate. The document has been carefully reviewed for technical
accuracy. In the event that technical or typographical errors exist, National Instruments reserves the right to make changes to subsequent
editions of this document without prior notice to holders of this edition. The reader should consult National Instruments if errors are suspected.
In no event shall National Instruments be liable for any damages arising out of or related to this document or the information contained in it.
EXCEPT AS SPECIFIED HEREIN,NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS MAKES NO WARRANTIES,EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY WARRANTY OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.CUSTOMER’S RIGHT TO RECOVER DAMAGES CAUSED BY FAULT OR NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF
NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE AMOUNT THERETOFORE PAID BY THE CUSTOMER.NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR
DAMAGES RESULTING FROM LOSS OF DATA,PROFITS,USE OF PRODUCTS,OR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES,EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY
THEREOF. This limitation of the liability of National Instruments will apply regardless of the form of action, whether in contract or tort, including
negligence. Any action against National Instruments must be brought within one year after the cause of action accrues. National Instruments
shall not be liable for any delay in performance due to causes beyond its reasonable control. The warranty provided herein does not cover
damages, defects, malfunctions, or service failures caused by owner’s failure to follow the National Instruments installation, operation, or
maintenance instructions; owner’s modification of the product; owner’s abuse, misuse, or negligent acts; and power failure or surges, fire,
flood, accident, actions of third parties, or other events outside reasonable control.
Copyright
Under the copyright laws, this publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying,
recording, storing in an information retrieval system, or translating, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of National
Instruments Corporation.
Trademarks
CVI™, DAQCard™, DAQPad™,LabVIEW
™, Measurement Studio™, National Instruments™,NI ™,ni.com ™, and NI-DAQ™are trademarks of
National Instruments Corporation.
Product and company names mentioned herein are trademarks or trade names of their respective companies.
Patents
For patents covering National Instruments products, refer to the appropriate location: Help»Patents in your software, the patents.txt file
on your CD, or ni.com/patents.
WARNING REGARDING USE OF NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS
(1) NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS ARE NOT DESIGNED WITH COMPONENTS AND TESTING FOR A LEVEL OF
RELIABILITY SUITABLE FOR USE IN OR IN CONNECTION WITH SURGICAL IMPLANTS OR AS CRITICAL COMPONENTS IN
ANY LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEMS WHOSE FAILURE TO PERFORM CAN REASONABLY BE EXPECTED TO CAUSE SIGNIFICANT
INJURY TO A HUMAN.
(2) IN ANY APPLICATION, INCLUDING THE ABOVE, RELIABILITY OF OPERATION OF THE SOFTWARE PRODUCTS CAN BE
IMPAIRED BY ADVERSE FACTORS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO FLUCTUATIONS IN ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY,
COMPUTER HARDWARE MALFUNCTIONS, COMPUTER OPERATING SYSTEM SOFTWARE FITNESS, FITNESS OF COMPILERS
AND DEVELOPMENT SOFTWARE USED TO DEVELOP AN APPLICATION, INSTALLATION ERRORS, SOFTWARE AND
HARDWARE COMPATIBILITY PROBLEMS, MALFUNCTIONS OR FAILURES OF ELECTRONIC MONITORING OR CONTROL
DEVICES, TRANSIENT FAILURES OF ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS (HARDWARE AND/OR SOFTWARE), UNANTICIPATED USES OR
MISUSES, OR ERRORS ON THE PART OF THE USER OR APPLICATIONS DESIGNER (ADVERSE FACTORS SUCH AS THESE ARE
HEREAFTER COLLECTIVELY TERMED “SYSTEM FAILURES”). ANY APPLICATION WHERE A SYSTEM FAILURE WOULD
CREATE A RISK OF HARM TO PROPERTY OR PERSONS (INCLUDING THE RISK OF BODILY INJURY AND DEATH) SHOULD
NOT BE RELIANT SOLELY UPON ONE FORM OF ELECTRONIC SYSTEM DUE TO THE RISK OF SYSTEM FAILURE. TO AVOID
DAMAGE, INJURY, OR DEATH, THE USER OR APPLICATION DESIGNER MUST TAKE REASONABLY PRUDENT STEPS TO
PROTECT AGAINST SYSTEM FAILURES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO BACK-UP OR SHUT DOWN MECHANISMS.
BECAUSE EACH END-USER SYSTEM IS CUSTOMIZED AND DIFFERS FROM NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS' TESTING
PLATFORMS AND BECAUSE A USER OR APPLICATION DESIGNER MAY USE NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS IN
COMBINATION WITH OTHER PRODUCTS IN A MANNER NOT EVALUATED OR CONTEMPLATED BY NATIONAL
INSTRUMENTS, THE USER OR APPLICATION DESIGNER IS ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE FOR VERIFYING AND VALIDATING
THE SUITABILITY OF NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS WHENEVER NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS ARE
INCORPORATED IN A SYSTEM OR APPLICATION, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE APPROPRIATE DESIGN,
PROCESS AND SAFETY LEVEL OF SUCH SYSTEM OR APPLICATION.

Compliance
FCC/Canada Radio Frequency Interference Compliance*
Determining FCC Class
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has rules to protect wireless communications from interference. The FCC
places digital electronics into two classes. These classes are known as Class A (for use in industrial-commercial locations only)
or Class B (for use in residential or commercial locations). Depending on where it is operated, this product could be subject to
restrictions in the FCC rules. (In Canada, the Department of Communications (DOC), of Industry Canada, regulates wireless
interference in much the same way.)
Digital electronics emit weak signals during normal operation that can affect radio, television, or other wireless products. By
examining the product you purchased, you can determine the FCC Class and therefore which of the two FCC/DOC Warnings
apply in the following sections. (Some products may not be labeled at all for FCC; if so, the reader should then assume these are
Class A devices.)
FCC Class A products only display a simple warning statement of one paragraph in length regarding interference and undesired
operation. Most of our products are FCC Class A. The FCC rules have restrictions regarding the locations where FCC Class A
products can be operated.
FCC Class B products display either a FCC ID code, starting with the letters EXN,
or the FCC Class B compliance mark that appears as shown here on the right.
Consult the FCC Web site at fcc.gov for more information.
FCC/DOC Warnings
This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in strict accordance with the instructions
in this manual and the CE Mark Declaration of Conformity**, may cause interference to radio and television reception.
Classification requirements are the same for the FCC and the DOC.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by National Instruments could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment under the FCC Rules.
Class A
Federal Communications Commission
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC
Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated
in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this
equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct
the interference at his own expense.
Canadian Department of Communications
This Class A digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe A respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.
Class B
Federal Communications Commission
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the
FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can
be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of
the following measures:
•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
•Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
•Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Canadian Department of Communications
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.
Compliance to EU Directives
Readers in the European Union (EU) must refer to the Manufacturer’s Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for information**
pertaining to the CE Mark compliance scheme. The Manufacturer includes a DoC for most every hardware product except for
those bought for OEMs, if also available from an original manufacturer that also markets in the EU, or where compliance is not
required as for electrically benign apparatus or cables.
To obtain the DoC for this product, click Declaration of Conformity at ni.com/hardref.nsf/. This Web site lists the DoCs
by product family. Select the appropriate product family, followed by your product, and a link to the DoC appears in Adobe
Acrobat format. Click the Acrobat icon to download or read the DoC.
* Certain exemptions may apply in the USA, see FCC Rules §15.103 Exempted devices,and§15.105(c). Also available in
sections of CFR 47.
** The CE Mark Declaration of Conformity will contain important supplementary information and instructions for the user or
installer.

©National Instruments Corporation vii DAQCard-1200 User Manual
Contents
About This Manual
Conventions ...................................................................................................................xi
National Instruments Documentation ............................................................................xii
Chapter 1
Introduction
About the DAQCard-1200.............................................................................................1-1
What You Need to Get Started ......................................................................................1-2
Software Programming Choices ....................................................................................1-2
NI-DAQ...........................................................................................................1-2
National Instruments ADE Software...............................................................1-4
Optional Equipment.......................................................................................................1-4
Unpacking......................................................................................................................1-5
Safety Information .........................................................................................................1-5
Chapter 2
Installing and Configuring the DAQCard-1200
Installing the Software ...................................................................................................2-1
Installing the Hardware..................................................................................................2-1
Configuring the DAQCard-1200 ...................................................................................2-3
Configuring Analog Input ...............................................................................2-3
Analog Input Polarity........................................................................2-4
Analog Input Mode ...........................................................................2-4
DIFF Input Mode (Four Channels).....................................2-4
RSE Input Mode (Eight Channels, Default Setting)...........2-5
NRSE Input Mode (Eight Channels) ..................................2-5
Configuring Analog Output.............................................................................2-5
Analog Output Polarity .....................................................................2-6
Configuring Digital I/O ...................................................................................2-6
Configuring Counters ......................................................................................2-6

Contents
DAQCard-1200 User Manual viii ni.com
Chapter 3
Connecting the Signals
I/O Connector ................................................................................................................ 3-1
Signal Connection Descriptions .................................................................................... 3-3
Connecting Analog Input Signals ................................................................... 3-4
Types of Signal Sources ................................................................... 3-6
Floating Signal Sources...................................................... 3-6
Ground-Referenced Signal Sources ................................... 3-6
Input Configurations......................................................................... 3-7
Differential Connection Considerations
(DIFF Input Mode).......................................................... 3-7
Single-Ended Connection Considerations
(RSE and NRSE Input Modes)........................................ 3-11
Common-Mode Signal Rejection Considerations.............. 3-13
Connecting Analog Output Signals................................................................. 3-14
Connecting Digital I/O Signals ....................................................................... 3-15
Port C Pin Connections..................................................................... 3-17
Timing Specifications....................................................................... 3-18
Mode 1 Input Timing ......................................................... 3-19
Mode 1 Output Timing....................................................... 3-20
Mode 2 Bidirectional Timing............................................. 3-20
Connecting Analog I/O and General-Purpose Timing Signals....................... 3-22
Analog Input Timing Connections ................................................... 3-22
Analog Output Timing Connections................................................. 3-26
General-Purpose Timing Connections.............................................. 3-27
Connecting the Power ..................................................................................... 3-31
Chapter 4
Theory of Operation
Functional Overview ..................................................................................................... 4-1
PC Card I/O Channel Interface Circuitry ...................................................................... 4-2
Timing ........................................................................................................................... 4-3
Analog Input.................................................................................................................. 4-5
Analog Input Circuitry .................................................................................... 4-6
Data Acquisition Timing................................................................................. 4-8
Data Acquisition Operation .............................................................. 4-8
Round-Robin Data Acquisition ........................................................ 4-8
Interval Data Acquisition.................................................................. 4-8
Data Acquisition Rates.................................................................................... 4-9

Contents
©National Instruments Corporation ix DAQCard-1200 User Manual
Analog Output................................................................................................................4-10
Analog Output Circuitry..................................................................................4-10
Power-On State................................................................................................4-11
DAC Timing....................................................................................................4-11
Digital I/O ......................................................................................................................4-12
Chapter 5
Calibration
Loading Calibration Constants ......................................................................................5-1
Self-Calibration..............................................................................................................5-2
External Calibration.......................................................................................................5-2
Appendix A
Specifications
Appendix B
Differences among the Lab-PC+, the DAQPad-1200, and the DAQ-
Card-1200
Appendix C
Common Questions
Appendix D
Technical Support Resources
Glossary
Index

©National Instruments Corporation xi DAQCard-1200 User Manual
About This Manual
This manual describes the mechanical and electrical aspects of the National
Instruments (NI) DAQCard-1200 and contains information concerning its
installation and operation. The DAQCard-1200 is a compact, low-cost,
low-power analog input (AI), analog output (AO), digital I/O (DIO), and
timing I/O (TIO) card for IBM PC/XT, PC AT, and compatible computers
that are equipped with a PCMCIA Type II PC Card socket.
Conventions
The following conventions appear in this manual:
<> Angle brackets that contain numbers separated by an ellipsis represent a
range of values associated with a bit or signal name—for example,
DBIO<3..0>.
»The»symbolleadsyouthroughnestedmenuitemsanddialogboxoptions
to a final action. The sequence File»Page Setup»Options directs you to
pull down the File menu, select the Page Setup item, and select Options
from the last dialog box.
This icon denotes a note, which alerts you to important information.
This icon denotes a caution, which advises you of precautions to take to
avoid injury, data loss, or a system crash. When this symbol is marked on
the product, refer to the Safety Information section of Chapter 1,
Introduction, for precautions to take.
bold Bold text denotes items that you must select or click on in the software,
such as menu items and dialog box options. Bold text also denotes
parameter names.
italic Italic text denotes variables, emphasis, a cross reference, or an introduction
to a key concept. This font also denotes text that is a placeholder for a word
or value that you must supply.
monospace Text in this font denotes text or characters that you should enter from the
keyboard, sections of code, programming examples, and syntax examples.
This font is also used for the proper names of disk drives, paths, directories,
programs, subprograms, subroutines, device names, functions, operations,
variables, filenames and extensions, and code excerpts.

About This Manual
DAQCard-1200 User Manual xii ni.com
PC PC refers to all PC AT series computers with PCI or PXI bus unless
otherwise noted.
PCMCIA PCMCIA is an international standards body and trade association that
promotes the interoperability of PC cards.
Platform Text in this font denotes a specific platform and indicates that the text
following it applies only to that platform.
National Instruments Documentation
The DAQCard-1200 User Manual is one piece of the documentation set for
the data acquisition (DAQ) system. You could have any of several types of
documentation depending on the hardware and software in your system.
Use the documentation you have as follows:
•Hardware documentation—This documentation has detailed
information about the DAQ hardware that plugs into or is connected to
the computer. Use this documentation for hardware installation and
configuration instructions, specification information about DAQ
hardware, and application hints.
•Software documentation—You may have both application software
and NI-DAQ software documentation. NI application software
includes LabVIEW and Measurement Studio. After you set up your
hardware system, use either your application software documentation
or the NI-DAQ documentation to help you write your application. If
you have a large, complicated system, it is worthwhile to look through
the software documentation before you configure your hardware.
•Accessory installation guides or manuals—If you are using accessory
products, read the cable assembly installation guide. It explains how to
physically connect the relevant pieces of the system. Consult this guide
when you make the connections.

©National Instruments Corporation 1-1 DAQCard-1200 User Manual
1
Introduction
This chapter discusses what you need to get started, optional software,
optional equipment, how to unpack the DAQCard-1200, and safety
information for using the device.
About the DAQCard-1200
The DAQCard-1200 is a low-cost, low-power AI, AO, DIO, and TIO card
for computers equipped with a Type II PC Card slot. The card contains a
12-bit, successive-approximation A/D converter (ADC) with eight inputs,
which you can configure as eight single-ended or four differential channels.
The DAQCard-1200 also has two 12-bit D/A converters (DACs)
with voltage outputs, 24 lines of TTL-compatible DIO and three 16-bit
counter/timer channels for TIO. The specially designed standard 50-pin I/O
connector for the DAQCard-1200 enables you to connect all the analog,
digital, and timing signals to the card. The DAQCard-1200 is fully
software configurable and factory calibrated so that you can easily install
the card and begin acquiring data.
The low power consumption of the DAQCard-1200 makes this card ideal
for use in portable computers and makes portable data acquisition practical.
The card requires very little power when operating, thus extending the life
of your computer batteries.
In addition, the low-cost and multifunctional nature of a system based on
the DAQCard-1200 makes it ideal for laboratory work in industrial and
academic environments. The multiple channel analog input is useful in
signal analysis and data logging. The 12-bit ADC is useful in
high-resolution applications such as chromatography, temperature
measurement, and DC voltage measurement. You can use the AO channels
to generate experimental stimuli or for machine and process control and
analog function generation. You can use the 24 TTL-compatible DIO lines
for switching external devices such as transistors and solid-state relays, for
reading the status of external digital logic, and for generating interrupts.
You can use the counter/timers to synchronize events, generate pulses, and
measure frequency and time. The DAQCard-1200, used in conjunction

Chapter 1 Introduction
DAQCard-1200 User Manual 1-2 ni.com
with the PC, is a versatile, cost-effective and portable platform for
laboratory test, measurement, and control.
The DAQCard-1200 is shipped with NI-DAQ, the NI driver software that
handles every function listed on the data sheet for our hardware. Using
NI-DAQ, you can start your application quickly and easily without having
to program the card at the register level. Utilities shipped with NI-DAQ also
can help you conserve additional power by configuring the DAQCard-1200
in the power-down mode.
Detailed specifications of the DAQCard-1200 are in Appendix A,
Specifications.
What You Need to Get Started
To set up and use the DAQCard-1200, you need the following items:
❑DAQCard-1200
❑DAQCard-1200 I/O cable
❑DAQCard-1200 User Manual
❑One of the following software packages and documentation:
–LabVIEW (for Windows or Mac OS)
–Measurement Studio (for Windows)
❑NI-DAQ (for PC compatibles or Mac OS)
❑The computer
Software Programming Choices
When programming NI data acquisition (DAQ) hardware, you can use
NI application development environment (ADE) software or other ADEs.
In either case, you use NI-DAQ.
NI-DAQ
NI-DAQ, which shipped with the DAQCard-1200, has an extensive library
of functions that you can call from your ADE. These functions allow you
to use all the features of the DAQCard-1200.

Chapter 1 Introduction
©National Instruments Corporation 1-3 DAQCard-1200 User Manual
NI-DAQ carries out many of the complex interactions, such as
programming interrupts, between the computer and the DAQ hardware.
NI-DAQ maintains a consistent software interface among its different
versions so that you can change platforms with minimal modifications to
your code. Whether you use LabVIEW, Measurement Studio, or other
ADEs, your application uses NI-DAQ, as illustrated in Figure 1-1.
Figure 1-1. The Relationship Between the Programming Environment,
NI-DAQ, and the Hardware
To download a free copy of the most recent version of NI-DAQ, click
Download Software at ni.com.
NI-DAQ
Driver Software
DAQ Hardware
Personal
Computer or
Workstation
Conventional
Programming
Environment
LabVIEW or
Measurement Studio

Chapter 1 Introduction
DAQCard-1200 User Manual 1-4 ni.com
National Instruments ADE Software
LabVIEW features interactive graphics, a state-of-the-art interface, and
a powerful graphical programming language. The LabVIEW Data
Acquisition VI Library, a series of virtual instruments (VIs) for using
LabVIEW with National Instruments DAQ hardware, is included with
LabVIEW.
Measurement Studio, which includes LabWindows/CVI, tools for Visual
C++, and tools for Visual Basic, is a development suite that allows you to
use ANSI C, Visual C++, and Visual Basic to design your test and
measurement software. For C developers, Measurement Studio includes
LabWindows/CVI, a fully integrated ANSI C application development
environment that features interactive graphics and the LabWindows/CVI
Data Acquisition and Easy I/O libraries. For Visual Basic developers,
Measurement Studio features a set of ActiveX controls for using National
Instruments DAQ hardware. These ActiveX controls provide a high-level
programming interface for building virtual instruments. For Visual C++
developers, Measurement Studio offers a set of Visual C++ classes and
tools to integrate those classes into Visual C++ applications. The libraries,
ActiveX controls, and classes are available with Measurement Studio and
NI-DAQ.
Using LabVIEW or Measurement Studio greatly reduces the development
time for your data acquisition and control application.
Optional Equipment
NI offers a variety of products to use with the DAQCard-1200, including
cables, connector blocks, and other accessories, including the following
items:
•BNC-2081
•CB-50 or CB-50LP I/O connector block with a 0.5 or 1.0 m cable
•ER-8, ER-16 electromechanical relays
•PR50-50F or PR50-50M cables
•SC-2042, SC-2043 strain gauge and resistance-temperature detector
(RTD) accessories
•SCXI products
For more specific information about these products, refer to
ni.com/catalog or call the office nearest you.

Chapter 1 Introduction
©National Instruments Corporation 1-5 DAQCard-1200 User Manual
Unpacking
The DAQCard-1200 is shipped in an antistatic package to prevent
electrostatic damage to the device.
Caution Never touch the exposed pins of connectors.
Because the DAQCard-1200 is enclosed in a fully shielded case, no
additional electrostatic precautions are necessary.
Remove the DAQCard-1200 from the package and inspect the device for
loose components or any sign of damage. Notify NI if the DAQCard-1200
appears damaged in any way. Do not install a damaged device into your
computer.
Store the DAQCard-1200 in the antistatic envelope when not in use.
Safety Information
The following section contains important safety instructions that you must
follow when installing and using the product.
Do not operate the product in a manner not specified in this document.
Misuse of the product can result in a hazard. You can compromise the
safety protection built into the product if the product is damaged in any
way. If the product is damaged, return it to NI for repair.
Do not substitute parts or modify the product except as described in this
document. Use the product only with the chassis, modules, accessories, and
cables specified in the installation instructions. You must have all covers
and filler panels installed during operation of the product.
Do not operate the product in an explosive atmosphere or where there may
be flammable gases or fumes. Operate the product only at or below the
pollution degree stated in Appendix A, Specifications. Pollution is foreign
matter in a solid, liquid, or gaseous state that can reduce dielectric strength
or surface resistivity. The following is a description of pollution degrees:
•Pollution degree 1 means no pollution or only dry, nonconductive
pollution occurs. The pollution has no influence.
•Pollution degree 2 means that only nonconductive pollution occurs in
most cases. Occasionally, however, a temporary conductivity caused
by condensation must be expected.

Chapter 1 Introduction
DAQCard-1200 User Manual 1-6 ni.com
•Pollution degree 3 means that conductive pollution occurs, or dry,
nonconductive pollution occurs that becomes conductive due to
condensation.
Clean the product with a soft nonmetallic brush. Make sure that the product
is completely dry and free from contaminants before returning it to service.
Yo u must insulate signal connections for the maximum voltage for which
the product is rated. Do not exceed the maximum ratings for the product.
Remove power from signal lines before connecting them to or
disconnecting them from the product.
Operate this product only at or below the installation category stated in
Appendix A, Specifications.
The following is a description of installation categories:
•Installation category I is for measurements performed on circuits not
directly connected to MAINS1. This category is a signal level such as
voltages on a printed wire board (PWB) on the secondary of an
isolation transformer.
Examples of installation category I are measurements on circuits not
derived from MAINS and specially protected (internal)
MAINS-derived circuits.
•Installation category II is for measurements performed on circuits
directly connected to the low-voltage installation. This category refers
to local-level distribution such as that provided by a standard wall
outlet.
Examples of installation category II are measurements on household
appliances, portable tools, and similar equipment.
•Installation category III is for measurements performed in the building
installation. This category is a distribution level referring to hardwired
equipment that does not rely on standard building insulation.
Examples of installation category III include measurements on
distribution circuits and circuit breakers. Other examples of
installation category III are wiring including cables, bus-bars, junction
boxes, switches, socket outlets in the building/fixed installation, and
equipment for industrial use, such as stationary motors with a
permanent connection to the building/fixed installation.
1MAINS is defined as the electricity supply system to which the equipment concerned is designed to be connected either for
powering the equipment or for measurement purposes.

Chapter 1 Introduction
©National Instruments Corporation 1-7 DAQCard-1200 User Manual
•Installation category IV is for measurements performed at the source
of the low-voltage (<1,000 V) installation.
Examples of category IV are electric meters, and measurements on
primary overcurrent protection devices and ripple-control units.
Below is a diagram of a sample installation.

©National Instruments Corporation 2-1 DAQCard-1200 User Manual
2
Installing and Configuring
the DAQCard-1200
This chapter describes how to install and configure the DAQCard-1200.
Installing the Software
Install the software before you install the DAQCard-1200. Install the ADE,
such as LabVIEW or Measurement Studio, according to the instructions on
the CD and the release notes. After you have installed the ADE, install
NI-DAQ according to the instructions on the CD and the DAQ Quick Start
Guide included with the DAQCard-1200.
Note It is important to install NI-DAQ before installing the DAQCard-1200 to ensure that
the DAQCard-1200 is properly detected.
Installing the Hardware
The following are general installation instructions. Consult the computer
user manual or technical reference manual for specific instructions and
warnings about installing new devices. Refer to Figure 2-1 when installing
the DAQCard-1200.
1. Power off and unplug the computer.
Note You must have Card & Socket Services 2.0 or later on the computer.
2. Insert the PCMCIA bus connector of the DAQCard-1200 in any
available Type II PC Card slot until the connector is firmly seated.
The DAQCard-1200 has two connectors—a 68-pin PCMCIA bus
connector on one end and a 50-pin I/O connector on the other end.
Notice that the card is keyed so that it can be inserted only one way.
Note If the computer supports hot-swapping, you may insert or remove the
DAQCard-1200 at any time, whether the computer is powered on or off.

Chapter 2 Installing and Configuring the DAQCard-1200
DAQCard-1200 User Manual 2-2 ni.com
3. Visually verify the installation by making sure that the DAQCard-1200
isfullyinsertedintotheslot.
4. Attach the I/O cable. You can use either a 50-pin female or a 50-pin
male cable to plug into the DAQCard-1200. For more information on
these products, refer to the Optional Equipment section in Chapter 1,
Introduction. Notice that the cable is keyed so that you can insert it
only one way.
Note Be careful not to put strain on the I/O cable when inserting it into and removing it
from the DAQCard-1200. Always grasp the cable by the connector you are plugging or
unplugging. Never pull directly on the I/O cable to unplug it from the DAQCard-1200.
5. Plug in and power on the computer.
The DAQCard-1200 is now installed. You are now ready to configure the
hardware and software and to make the appropriate connections to the I/O
connector cable as described in Chapter 3, Connecting the Signals.
Figure 2-1 shows an example of a typical configuration.
Figure 2-1. A Typical Configuration for the DAQCard-1200
PCMCIA Socket
Portable
Computer
I/O Cable
®
CB-50
I/O Signals

Chapter 2 Installing and Configuring the DAQCard-1200
©National Instruments Corporation 2-3 DAQCard-1200 User Manual
Configuring the DAQCard-1200
Because of the NI standard architecture for data acquisition, the
DAQCard-1200 is completely software configurable.
Data acquisition-related configuration, which you must perform, includes
such settings as analog input coupling and range, and others. You can
modify these settings using NI-DAQ or application-level software, such as
LabVIEW and Measurement Studio.
To configure the device in Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX),
refer to either the DAQ Quick Start Guide or to the NI-DAQ User Manual
for PC Compatibles.
Configuring Analog Input
At startup, the DAQCard-1200 defaults to the following configuration:
•Referenced single-ended input mode
•±5 V AI range
Table 2-1 lists the available AI configurations for the DAQCard-1200 and
shows the default settings.
The analog input circuitry is software configurable.
Caution Connections, including power signals to ground and vice versa, that exceed any
of the maximum signal ratings on the DAQCard-1200 can damage the card and computer.
NI is not liable for any injuries or damage resulting from incorrect signal connections.
Table 2-1. Analog Input Settings
Parameter Configuration
Analog Input
Polarity
Bipolar—±5 V (default setting)
Unipolar—0–10 V
Analog Input Mode Referenced single-ended (RSE) (default setting)
Non-referenced single-ended (NRSE)
Differential (DIFF)