National Instruments Corporation IMAQ PCI-1408 User manual

Getting Started with
Your IMAQ PCI/PXI-1408
and the NI-IMAQ Software
for Windows 95/NT
High-Quality Monochrome Image Acquisition Boards
for PCI, PXI, and CompactPCI Bus
PCI/PXI-1408 and NI-IMAQ for Win95/NT
October 1997 Edition
Part Number 321325B-01
© Copyright 1996, 1997 National Instruments Corporation. All rights reserved.

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Important Information
Warranty
The IMAQ PCI-1408 and PXI-1408 devices are 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 manual 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 APARTICULAR PURPOSE.
CUSTOMER’SRIGHT TO RECOVER DAMAGES CAUSED BY FAULT OR NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF NATIONAL
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Instruments will apply regardless of the form of action, whether in contract or tort, including negligence. Any action
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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.
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Corporation.
Product and company names listed are trademarks or trade names of their respective companies.
WARNING REGARDING MEDICAL AND CLINICAL USE OF NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS
National Instruments products are not designed with components and testing intended to ensure a level of reliability
suitable for use in treatment and diagnosis of humans. Applications of National Instruments products involving
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part of the user or application designer. Any use or application of National Instruments products for or involving
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or death should always continue to be used when National Instruments products are being used. National Instruments
products are NOT intended to be a substitute for any form of established process, procedure, or equipment used to
monitor or safeguard human health and safety in medical or clinical treatment.

FCC/DOC Radio Frequency Interference
Class A Compliance
This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in strict
accordance with the instructions in this manual, may cause interference to radio and television
reception. Classification requirements are the same for the Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) and the Canadian Department of Communications (DOC). This equipment has been tested and
found to comply with the following two regulatory agencies:
Federal Communications Commission
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device,
pursuant topart 15 of the FCCRules. 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.
Notices to User: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by National Instruments could void
the user’s authority to operate the equipment under the FCC Rules.
This device complies with the FCC rules only if used with shielded interface cables of
suitable quality and construction. National Instruments used such cables to test this
device and provides them for sale to the user. The use of inferior or nonshielded
interface cables could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment under the
FCC rules.
If necessary, consult National Instruments or an experienced radio/television technician for additional
suggestions. The following booklet prepared by the FCC may also be helpful: Interference to Home
Electronic Entertainment Equipment Handbook. This booklet is available from the U.S. Government
Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.
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.

© National Instruments Corporation v PCI/PXI-1408 and NI-IMAQ for Win95/NT
Table
of
Contents
About This Manual
Organization of This Manual........................................................................................ix
Conventions Used in This Manual................................................................................x
National Instruments Documentation...........................................................................xi
Related Documentation.................................................................................................xii
Customer Communication............................................................................................xii
Chapter 1
Introduction
About Your 1408 Device..............................................................................................1-1
Using PXI with CompactPCI........................................................................................1-2
What You Need to Get Started .....................................................................................1-3
Software Programming Choices...................................................................................1-4
National Instruments Application Software...................................................1-4
NI-IMAQ Driver Software.............................................................................1-5
Optional Equipment......................................................................................................1-6
Unpacking.....................................................................................................................1-7
How to Set up Your IMAQ System..............................................................................1-7
Chapter 2
Configuration and Installation
Board Configuration .....................................................................................................2-1
VIDEO0 Input Mode......................................................................................2-3
External CLK and Synchronization Input Mode............................................2-4
Switch S1........................................................................................................2-5
Installation ....................................................................................................................2-5
Chapter 3
Hardware Overview
Functional Overview.....................................................................................................3-1
Video Mux......................................................................................................3-2
Antichrominance Filter...................................................................................3-2
Programmable Gain and Offset......................................................................3-2

Table of Contents
PCI/PXI-1408 and NI-IMAQ for Win95/NT vi
© National Instruments Corporation
8-Bit ADC and LUT ...................................................................................... 3-3
CSYNC Mux.................................................................................................. 3-3
Genlock and Synchronization Circuitry......................................................... 3-3
VCO and PLL Circuitry................................................................................. 3-3
Pixel Aspect Ratio Circuitry.......................................................................... 3-3
PCLK, HSYNC, VSYNC Mux...................................................................... 3-4
RTSI Bus........................................................................................................ 3-4
Trigger Control and Mapping Circuitry......................................................... 3-4
Acquisition and Region-of-Interest Control .................................................. 3-4
FIFO Buffer.................................................................................................... 3-4
Scatter-Gather DMA Controllers................................................................... 3-5
PCI Interface .................................................................................................. 3-5
Board Configuration NVRAM....................................................................... 3-5
Video Acquisition......................................................................................................... 3-6
Start/Stop Conditions..................................................................................... 3-6
Acquisition Window Control......................................................................... 3-6
Programming Video Parameters.................................................................... 3-8
Acquisition Modes........................................................................................................ 3-10
Chapter 4
Signal Connections
BNC Connector............................................................................................................ 4-1
I/O Connector............................................................................................................... 4-1
I/O Connector Signal Connection Descriptions............................................. 4-2
Chapter 5
Configuration Utility
Introduction .................................................................................................................. 5-1
Using IMAQconf.......................................................................................................... 5-1
Description Tab.............................................................................................. 5-2
Camera Tab.................................................................................................... 5-4
Basic Camera Settings..................................................................... 5-7
Advanced Camera Settings.............................................................. 5-9
StillColor Settings.......................................................................................... 5-12
LUT Tab......................................................................................................... 5-15
Operating Mode Tab...................................................................................... 5-19
Saving Your Configuration .......................................................................................... 5-22
Testing Your Configuration ......................................................................................... 5-22
Image Storage............................................................................................................... 5-24

Table of Contents
© National Instruments Corporation vii PCI/PXI-1408 and NI-IMAQ for Win95/NT
Appendix A
Specifications
Appendix B
StillColor
Appendix C
Custom Cables
Appendix D
Customer Communication
Glossary
Index
Figures
Figure 1-1. The Relationship between the Programming Environment,
NI-IMAQ, and Your Hardware .............................................................1-6
Figure 1-2. How to Set up Your IMAQ System.......................................................1-8
Figure 2-1. PCI-1408 Parts Locator Diagram ..........................................................2-2
Figure 2-2. PXI-1408 Parts Locator Diagram ..........................................................2-3
Figure 2-3. Configuring VIDEO0 with Jumper W1.................................................2-4
Figure 2-4. Configuring PCLK, VSYNC, HSYNC, and CSYNC with
Jumper W3.............................................................................................2-4
Figure 2-5. Switch S1...............................................................................................2-5
Figure 3-1. 1408 Device Block Diagram..................................................................3-2
Figure 3-2. Video Line .............................................................................................3-7
Figure 3-3. Video Field ............................................................................................3-8
Figure 4-1. BNC Connector Pin Assignment...........................................................4-1
Figure 4-2. I/O Connector Pin Assignments ............................................................4-2
Figure 5-1. StillColor Modes Dialog Boxes.............................................................5-2
Figure 5-2. Description Tab......................................................................................5-3
Figure 5-3. Camera Tab............................................................................................5-4

Table of Contents
PCI/PXI-1408 and NI-IMAQ for Win95/NT viii
© National Instruments Corporation
Figure 5-4. Monochrome and Color Used as Monochrome Video Line ................. 5-5
Figure 5-5. Composite Color Video Line ................................................................ 5-6
Figure 5-6. Basic Camera Settings........................................................................... 5-7
Figure 5-7. Advanced Camera Settings ................................................................... 5-9
Figure 5-8. Basic StillColor Settings ....................................................................... 5-12
Figure 5-9. StillColor Advanced Settings................................................................ 5-13
Figure 5-10. LUT Tab Settings.................................................................................. 5-15
Figure 5-11. Normal LUT.......................................................................................... 5-16
Figure 5-12. Inverse LUT .......................................................................................... 5-16
Figure 5-13. Log LUT................................................................................................ 5-17
Figure 5-14. Exponential LUT................................................................................... 5-17
Figure 5-15. Binary LUT ........................................................................................... 5-18
Figure 5-16. Inverse Binary LUT............................................................................... 5-19
Figure 5-17. Operating Mode Tab ............................................................................. 5-20
Figure 5-18. Diagnostics Settings .............................................................................. 5-23
Figure B-1. Classical Decoding................................................................................ B-4
Figure B-2. StillColor Decoding............................................................................... B-4
Figure B-3. White Light and the Visible Spectrum.................................................. B-7
Figure C-1. 25-Pin DSUB Receptacle...................................................................... C-1
Tables
Table 1-1. Pins Used by the PXI-1408 Device....................................................... 1-2
Table 4-1. I/O Connector Signals ........................................................................... 4-2

© National Instruments Corporation ix PCI/PXI-1408 and NI-IMAQ for Win95/NT
About
This
Manual
Getting Started with Your IMAQ PCI/PXI-1408 and the NI-IMAQ
Software for Windows 95/NT describes the features, functions, and
operation of the IMAQ PCI-1408 and PXI-1408 devices.
The 1408 devices are high-accuracy, monochrome image acquisition
(IMAQ) boards for PCI, PXI, or CompactPCI that supports RS-170,
CCIR, NTSC, and PAL video standards from any of four inputs. Getting
Started with Your IMAQ PCI/PXI-1408 and the NI-IMAQ Software for
Windows 95/NT is intended for users with a basic knowledge of image
acquisition.
Organization of This Manual
Getting Started with Your IMAQ PCI/PXI-1408 and the NI-IMAQ
Software for Windows 95/NT is organized as follows:
• Chapter 1, Introduction, describes the PCI-1408 and PXI-1408
devices; lists what you need to get started; describes software
programming choices, optional equipment, and custom cables;
and explains how to unpack and set up your 1408 device.
• Chapter 2, Configuration and Installation, explains how to
configure and install your 1408 device.
• Chapter 3, Hardware Overview, presents an overview of the
hardware functions on your 1408 device and explains the operation
of each functional unit making up the 1408 device.
• Chapter 4, Signal Connections, describes cable connections for the
PCI-1408 and PXI-1408 devices.
• Chapter 5, Configuration Utility, describes the basic functions of
IMAQconf, the configuration and diagnostic utility included with
the 1408 device.
• Appendix A, Specifications, lists the specifications of the
PCI-1408 and PXI-1408 devices.

About This Manual
PCI/PXI-1408 and NI-IMAQ for Win95/NT x
© National Instruments Corporation
• Appendix B, StillColor, describes the different methods you can
use to acquire a color image using the IMAQ PCI/ PXI-1408 and
National Instruments StillColor technology, explains basic color
theories, and describes the different output options supported by
StillColor.
• Appendix C, Custom Cables, lists specifications for building
custom cabling for your 1408 device.
• Appendix D, Customer Communication, contains forms you can
use to request help from National Instruments or to comment on our
products and manuals.
•TheGlossary contains an alphabetical list and description of terms
used in this manual, including abbreviations, acronyms, metric
prefixes, mnemonics, and symbols.
•TheIndex contains an alphabetical list of key terms and topics in
this manual, including the page where you can find each one.
Conventions Used in This Manual
The following conventions are used in this manual:
<> Angle brackets containing numbers separated by an ellipses represent a
range of values associated with a bit or signal name (for example,
ACH<0..7>).
– A hyphen between two or more key names enclosed in angle brackets
denotes that you should simultaneously press the named keys—for
example, <Control–Alt–Delete>.
»The »symbol leads you through nested menu items and dialog box
options to a final action. The sequence
File»Page Setup»Options»Substitute Fonts directs you to pull down
the File menu, select the Page Setup item, select Options, and finally
select the Substitute Fonts options from the last dialog box.
This icon to the left of bold italicized text denotes a note, which alerts you
to important information.
This icon to the left of bold italicized text denotes a warning, whichadvises
you of precautions to take to avoid being electrically shocked.
1408 device 1408 device refers to the IMAQ PCI-1408 and PXI-1408 image
acquisition boards, unless otherwise noted.

About This Manual
© National Instruments Corporation xi PCI/PXI-1408 and NI-IMAQ for Win95/NT
bold Bold text denotes menus, menu items, or dialog box buttons or options.
italic Italic text denotes emphasis, a cross reference, or an introduction to a
key concept. This font also denotes text for which you supply the
appropriate word or value, such as in Windows 3.x.
bold italic Bold italic text denotes a note, caution, or warning.
monospace Lowercase text in this font denotes text or characters that are to be
literally input 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, variables, filenames and
extensions, and for statements and comments taken from programs.
National Instruments Documentation
Getting Started with Your IMAQ PCI/PXI-1408 and the NI-IMAQ
Software for Windows 95/NT is one piece of the documentation set for
your image acquisition system. You could have any of several types of
manuals, depending on the hardware and software in your system. Use
the different types of manuals you have as follows:
• Software documentation—You may haveboth application software
and NI-IMAQ software documentation. National Instruments
application software includes LabVIEW and LabWindows™/CVI.
After you set up your hardware system, use either the application
software (LabVIEW or LabWindows/CVI) documentation, or the
NI-IMAQ documentation to help you write your application. If you
have a large and 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 terminal block and cable assembly
installation guides or accessory board user manuals. They explain
how to physically connect the relevant pieces of the system.
Consult these guides when you are making your connections.

About This Manual
PCI/PXI-1408 and NI-IMAQ for Win95/NT xii
© National Instruments Corporation
Related Documentation
The following documents contain information that you may find helpful
as you read this manual:
• Your computer’s technical reference manual
• National Instruments PXI Specification, rev. 1.0
• PICMG CompactPCI 2.0 R2.1
Customer Communication
National Instruments wants to receive your comments on our products
and manuals. We are interested in the applications you develop with
our products, and we want to help if you have problems with them.
To make it easy for you to contact us, this manual contains comment
and configuration forms for you to complete. These forms are in
Appendix D, Customer Communication, at the end of this manual.

© National Instruments Corporation 1-1 PCI/PXI-1408 and NI-IMAQ for Win95/NT
Chapter
1
Introduction
This chapter describes the PCI-1408 and PXI-1408 devices; lists what
you need to get started; describes software programming choices,
optional equipment, and custom cables; and explains how to unpack and
set up your 1408 device.
About Your 1408 Device
The PCI-1408 and PXI-1408 devices are high-accuracy, monochrome,
IMAQ boards for PCI, PXI, or CompactPCI chassis that support
RS-170, CCIR, NTSC, and PAL video standards from any of four input
sources. The boards feature an 8-bit flash analog-to-digital converter
(ADC) that converts video signals to digital formats. The 1408 devices
acquire frames in real time and transfers them directly to system
memory.
The 1408 device is simple to configure and is factory calibrated so that
you can easily install the board and begin your image acquisition. The
1408 device ships with NI-IMAQ, the National Instruments complete
image acquisition driver software you can use to directly control your
1408 device. Using NI-IMAQ, you can quickly and easily start your
application without having to program the board at the register level.
Featuring low cost and high accuracy, the 1408 device is ideal for both
industrial and scientific environments. As a standalone board, the 1408
device supports four video sources and four external I/O lines that you
can use as triggers or digital I/O lines. If you require more advanced
triggering or additional I/O lines (either digital or analog), you can use
the 1408 device and NI-IMAQ with the National Instruments data
acquisition (DAQ) product line.
A common problem with image acquisition boards is that you cannot
easily synchronize several functions to a common trigger or timing
event. The 1408 device uses its Real-Time System Integration (RTSI)
bus to solve this problem. The RTSI bus consists of the National
Instruments RTSI bus interface and ribbon cable to route additional

Chapter 1 Introduction
PCI/PXI-1408 and NI-IMAQ for Win95/NT 1-2
© National Instruments Corporation
timing and trigger signals between the 1408 device and up to four
National Instruments DAQ boards in your computer. The RTSI bus
can even synchronize multiple 1408 device image captures.
Detailed specifications of the PCI-1408 and PXI-1408 are in
Appendix A, Specifications.
Using PXI with CompactPCI
Using PXI-compatible products with standard CompactPCI products is
an important feature provided by the PXI Specification, rev. 1.0. If you
use a PXI-compatible plug-in device in a standardCompactPCI chassis,
you will be unable to use PXI-specific functions, but you can still use
the basic plug-in device functions. For example, the RTSI bus on your
PXI-1408 device is available in a PXI chassis, but not in a CompactPCI
chassis.
The CompactPCI specification permits vendors to develop sub-buses
that coexist with the basic PCI interface on the CompactPCI bus.
Compatible operation is not guaranteed between CompactPCI devices
with different sub-buses nor between CompactPCI devices with
sub-buses and PXI. The standard implementation for CompactPCI does
not include these sub-buses. Your PXI-1408 device will work in any
standard CompactPCI chassis adhering to the PICMG
CompactPCI 2.0 R2.1 document.
PXI specific features are implemented on the J2 connector of the
CompactPCI bus. Table 1-1 lists the J2 pins your PXI-1408 device uses.
Your PXI device is compatible with any CompactPCI chassis with a
sub-bus that does not drive these lines. Even if the sub-bus is capable of
driving these lines, the PXI device is still compatible as long as those
pins on the sub-bus are disabled by default and not ever enabled.
Damage may result if these lines are driven by the sub-bus.
Table 1-1. Pins Used by the PXI-1408 Device
PXI-1408
Signal PXI Pin Name PXI J2 Pin Number
RTSI
Trigger
(0..6)
PXI Trigger (0..6) B16, A16, A17, A18, B18,
C18, E18

Chapter 1 Introduction
© National Instruments Corporation 1-3 PCI/PXI-1408 and NI-IMAQ for Win95/NT
What You Need to Get Started
To set up and use your 1408 device, you will need the following:
❑One of the following 1408 devices:
– PCI-1408
– PXI-1408
❑NI-IMAQ for Windows 95/NT Release Notes
❑Getting Started with Your IMAQ PCI/PXI-1408 and the NI-IMAQ
Software for Windows 95/NT
❑NI-IMAQ for Windows 95/NT and online documentation
❑Optional software packages and documentation:
–LabVIEW
–BridgeVIEW
– LabWindows/CVI
– IMAQ Vision for G
– IMAQ Vision for LabWindows/CVI
❑IMAQ BNC-1 shielded, 75 ΩBNC cable for VIDEO0 (included with
the 1408 device)
❑IMAQ A2504 video cable (optional—for trigger and additional
camera support)
❑IMAQ A2514 video cable (optional—for complete trigger, additional
camera, and external synchronization support)
❑BNC-to-RCA adapter (included with your 1408 device)
❑Your Pentium-based PCI, PXI, or CompactPCI computer running
Windows 95 or Windows NT
❑A video camera or other video source
Note: The IMAQ PCI-1408 and PXI-1408 devices rely on your computer’s PCI
interface chipset for the highest throughput to system memory. For the best
results, your computer should have a Pentium or better processor and an
Intel Triton I, Triton II, or compatible PCI interface chipset.

Chapter 1 Introduction
PCI/PXI-1408 and NI-IMAQ for Win95/NT 1-4
© National Instruments Corporation
Software Programming Choices
You have several options to choose from when programming your
National Instruments IMAQ hardware. You can use National
Instruments application software such as LabVIEW, BridgeVIEW, and
LabWindows/CVI, National Instruments image analysis software such
as IMAQ Vision, or the NI-IMAQ driver software.
National Instruments Application Software
LabVIEW and BridgeVIEW feature interactive graphics, a
state-of-the-art user interface, and a powerful graphical programming
language, G. The NI-IMAQ VI Library for G, a series of virtual
instruments (VIs) for using LabVIEW and BridgeVIEW with the 1408
device, is included with the NI-IMAQ software kit. The NI-IMAQ VI
Library for G is functionally equivalent to the NI-IMAQ software.
LabWindows/CVI features interactive graphics, a state-of-the-art user
interface, and uses the ANSI standard C programming language. The
LabWindows/CVI IMAQ Library, a series of functions for using
LabWindows/CVI with the 1408 device, is included with the NI-IMAQ
software kit. The LabWindows/CVI IMAQ Library is functionally
equivalent to the NI-IMAQ software.
IMAQ Vision for G is an image acquisition, processing, and analysis
library that consists of more than 400 VIs for using the PCI/PXI-1408
with LabVIEW and BridgeVIEW. You can use IMAQ Vision for G
functions directly or in combination for unique image processing. There
are two versions of IMAQ Vision for G. The Base version gives you the
ability to acquire, display, manipulate, and store images. The Advanced
version is a complete set of functions for image analysis, processing,
and interpretation. Using IMAQ Vision for G, an imaging novice or
expert can perform graphical programming of the most basic or
complicated image applications without knowledge of any algorithm
implementations.
IMAQ Vision for LabWindows/CVI is an image acquisition and
analysis library consisting of a series of routines for using the 1408
device with LabWindows/CVI. IMAQ Vision for LabWindows/CVI
brings the same functionality to LabWindows/CVI as IMAQ Vision
for G does for LabVIEW and BridgeVIEW.

Chapter 1 Introduction
© National Instruments Corporation 1-5 PCI/PXI-1408 and NI-IMAQ for Win95/NT
NI-IMAQ Driver Software
The NI-IMAQ driver software is included at no charge with the
PCI/PXI-1408. NI-IMAQ has an extensive library of functions that you
can call from your application programming environment. These
functions include routines for video configuration, image acquisition
(continuous and single-shot), memory buffer allocation, trigger control,
and board configuration. The NI-IMAQ driver software performs all
functions required for acquiring and saving images. The NI-IMAQ
software does not perform any image analysis. For image analysis
functionality, refer to the National Instruments Application Software
section earlier in this chapter.
NI-IMAQ has both high-level and low-level functions for maximum
flexibility and performance. Examples of high-level functions include
the functions to acquire images in single-shot or continuous mode. An
example of a low-level function is configuring an image sequence since
it requires advanced understanding of the 1408 device and image
acquisition.
NI-IMAQ also internally resolves many of the complex issues between
the computer and the 1408 device, such as programming interrupts and
DMA controllers. NI-IMAQ is the interface path between LabVIEW,
BridgeVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, or a conventional programming
environment and the 1408 device.
Any platform that supports NI-IMAQ also supports NI-DAQ and a
variety of National Instruments DAQ boards, so your 1408 device and
NI-IMAQ development can integrate with National Instruments DAQ
products.
Whether you are using conventional programming languages or
National Instruments software, your application uses the NI-IMAQ
driver software, as illustrated in Figure 1-1.

Chapter 1 Introduction
PCI/PXI-1408 and NI-IMAQ for Win95/NT 1-6
© National Instruments Corporation
Figure 1-1. The Relationship between the Programming Environment,
NI-IMAQ, and Your Hardware
Optional Equipment
National Instruments offers a variety of products for use with your
PCI/PXI-1408 board, including the following cables and other National
Instruments products:
• A four-pod BNC cable, which routes video and trigger signals to a
BNC connector block (IMAQ A2504)
• A 14-pod BNC cable, which routes all video, trigger, and
synchronization signals to a BNC connector block (IMAQ A2514)
• RTSI bus cables for connecting the 1408 device to other IMAQ or
DAQ hardware
• Other National Instruments DAQ devices for enhanced triggering,
timing, or input/output
For more specific information about these products, refer to your
National Instruments catalogue or call the office nearest you.
LabWindows/CVI
(Windows 95, NT)
LabVIEW or BridgeVIEW
(Windows 95, NT)
Conventional Programming
Environment (PC)
DAQ Hardware NI-IMAQ
Driver Software
IMAQ Hardware Personal
Computer or
Workstation

Chapter 1 Introduction
© National Instruments Corporation 1-7 PCI/PXI-1408 and NI-IMAQ for Win95/NT
Unpacking
Your 1408 device is shipped in an antistatic package to prevent
electrostatic damage to the board. Electrostatic discharge can damage
several componentson the board.To avoid suchdamagein handling the
board, take the following precautions:
• Ground yourself via a grounding strap or by holding a grounded
object.
• Touch the antistatic package to a metal part of your computer
chassis before removing the board from the package.
• Remove the boardfrom the package and inspect the board for loose
components or any other signs of damage. Notify National
Instruments if the board appears damaged in any way. Do not
install a damaged board in your computer.
•Never touch the exposed pins of connectors.
How to Set up Your IMAQ System
Use Figure 1-2 to install your software and hardware, configure your
hardware, and begin using NI-IMAQ in your application programs.
If you will be accessing the NI-IMAQ device drivers through LabVIEW
or BridgeVIEW, you should read the NI-IMAQ release notes and the
NI-IMAQ VIs for G Reference Manual to help you get started.

Chapter 1 Introduction
PCI/PXI-1408 and NI-IMAQ for Win95/NT 1-8
© National Instruments Corporation
Figure 1-2. How to Set up Your IMAQ System
LabWindows/CVI
Third-Party Compilers LabVIEW
BridgeVIEW
What
application software
are you using?
Read Chapter 2, Fundamentals of
Building Windows Applications with NI-IMAQ
, in the
NI-IMAQ User Manual .
Read the sections in Chapter 3, Software Overview ,
and Chapter 4,
Programming with NI-IMAQ,
in the
NI-IMAQ User Manual that apply to the NI-IMAQ
function groups you will use in your application.
Continue by reading:
Configure your hardware using the NI-IMAQ
configuration utility, IMAQconf, as described
in Chapter 5,
Configuration Utility , in
this document.
Look at the self-documented example source
code on your distribution diskettes for your
application language and environment.
Use the
NI-IMAQ Function Reference Manual
when you need specific information about
individual NI-IMAQ functions.
Read the NI-IMAQ release notes and follow the
instructions to install your NI-IMAQ software and
documentation.
Follow the hardware installation instructions in
Chapter 2,
Configuration and Installation ,
in this document.
•
NI-IMAQVIs for G Reference Manual ,
if you are using LabVIEW or
BridgeVIEW
• Your IMAQVision for G
documentation if you are using IMAQ
Vision for G
You no longer need the NI-IMAQ manual set.
Read your IMAQ Vision for LabWindows/CVI
documentation if you are using
IMAQVision for LabWindows/CVI.