National Instruments PXIe-4353 Manual

CALIBRATION PROCEDURE
NI PXIe-4353
This document contains information about verifying and adjusting National Instruments NI PXIe-4353
modules using NI-DAQmx 9.3 and later. It also contains information about verifying systems that
include both the NI PXIe-4353 and TB-4353. For more information about calibration, visit
ni.com/calibration.
Contents
Software ............................................................................................................................................... 1
Documentation..................................................................................................................................... 2
Calibration Interval .............................................................................................................................. 2
Test Equipment .................................................................................................................................... 2
Test Conditions .................................................................................................................................... 3
NI PXIe-4353 Calibration Procedure .................................................................................................. 3
Initial Setup for the NI PXIe-4353 .............................................................................................. 4
Verifying Module Operating Temperature Changes ................................................................... 4
Verification Procedure ................................................................................................................. 5
Analog Input Voltage Accuracy Verification...................................................................... 5
Analog Input Offset Verification......................................................................................... 7
CJC Resistance Accuracy Verification................................................................................ 8
Module Calibration Adjustment .................................................................................................. 10
Test Limits ........................................................................................................................................... 13
Module Verification Test Limit Tables ....................................................................................... 13
Where to Go for Support ..................................................................................................................... 15
Software
Install NI-DAQmx 9.3 or later on the calibration computer. NI-DAQmx includes high-level function
calls to simplify the task of writing software to calibrate modules. You must have the proper module
driver installed on the calibration system before calibrating the module.
Note NI recommends that you install the NI-DAQmx driver software before physically installing
the NI PXIe-4353. NI-DAQmx, available at ni.com/downloads, configures and controls the
NI PXIe-4353.
NI-DAQmx supports a number of programming languages, including LabVIEW, LabWindows™/CVI™,
C/C++, C#, and Visual Basic .NET.
You can access the NI-DAQmx header file, NIDAQmx.h, like any standard library. You can find
examples of how to use the NI-DAQmx driver by entering the Info Code NIDAQmxExLoc at
ni.com/info there you will find the topic Where Can I Find NI-DAQmx Examples?
ni.com/manuals
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NI PXIe-4353 Calibration Procedure 2 ni.com
Documentation
The following documents are your primary references for writing your calibration utility with
NI-DAQmx. You can download the latest version of these documents from the NI Web site at
ni.com/manuals.
• The NI SC Express 4353 Installation Guide and Terminal Block Specifications provides
instructions for installing and configuring the NI PXIe-4353 module and TB-4353 accessory.
• The NI PXIe-4353 User Manual describes how to use the NI PXIe-4353.
• The NI PXIe-4353 Specifications lists the specifications for the NI PXIe-4353.
• The CAL-4353 Specifications lists the specifications for the CAL-4353.
• The NI-DAQmx Help includes information about creating applications that use the NI-DAQmx
driver.
• The NI-DAQmx C Reference Help includes information about the functions in the driver.
Calibration Interval
National Instruments recommends a calibration interval of one year for the NI PXIe-4353. You should
adjust the recommended calibration interval based on the measurement accuracy demands of your
application.
Test Equipment
National Instruments recommends that you use the instruments in Table 1 for calibrating an
NI PXIe-4353 module.
Table 1. Recommended Equipment
Equipment Recommended Model Requirements
Voltage calibrator Fluke 5520A If this instrument is unavailable for voltage accuracy verification and
adjustment, use a high-precision voltage source with an accuracy of at
least 70 ppm when sourcing up to 50 μA.
Resistance calibrator*Fluke 5520A If this instrument is unavailable for resistance accuracy verification and
adjustment, use a high-precision resistance source with an accuracy of
at least 150 ppm 2-wire compensation.
If the resistance source does not have 2-wire compensation, the lead
wire resistance must be included in the total resistance source accuracy.
PXI Express chassis NI PXIe-1062Q —
Calibration accessory CAL-4353 This accessory is used for module verification and adjustment.
Connecting wires Banana-jack
terminated copper wire
Copper wire is used for validating the voltage accuracy and adjustment
of the analog input channels. Copper wire is also used for validating the
resistance accuracy and calibration of the CJC resistance input
channels.
* When connecting the resistance calibrator, keep the lead wires 1.0 Ωless than the maximum lead compensation specification of the resistance
calibrator. When using the Fluke 5520A, keep the lead wires <1.1 Ω.

©National Instruments 3 NI PXIe-4353 Calibration Procedure
Test Conditions
The following setup and environmental conditions are required to ensure the module meets published
specifications.
• Keep connections to the module as short as possible. Long cables and wires act as antennas, picking
up extra noise that can affect measurements.
• Use shielded wire for all cable connections to the module. Use twisted-pair wire to eliminate noise.
• Maintain an ambient temperature of 23 °C ±5 °C. The module temperature will be greater than the
ambient temperature.
• Keep relative humidity below 80%.
• Allow a warm-up time of 15 minutes to ensure that the measurement circuitry of the NI PXIe-4353
and CAL-4353 are at a stable operating temperature.
Note If you are using the Fluke 5520A, allow the calibrator to warm up for 30 minutes and maintain
an ambient temperature of 23 °C ±3 °C.1
• Ensure that the PXI Express chassis fan speed is set to HIGH, that the fan filters are clean, and that
the empty slots contain filler panels. For more information, refer to the Maintain Forced-Air
Cooling Note to Users document available at ni.com/manuals.
NI PXIe-4353 Calibration Procedure
This section provides instructions for verifying the voltage accuracy performance of the NI PXIe-4353.
The calibration process consists of the following steps:
1. Initial Setup for the NI PXIe-4353—Install the module and configure it in Measurement &
Automation Explorer (MAX).
2. Verifying Module Operating Temperature Changes—Verify that the current module operating
temperature will not cause you to incorrectly calibrate your module.
3. Verification Procedure—Verify the existing operation of the module. This steps confirms whether
the module is operating within its specified range and whether it needs adjustment.
4. Adjustment—If the module does not fall within the desired specifications, perform the adjustment
procedure. This will adjust the module calibration constants. If the module does fall within the
desired specifications, but the module has reached its calibration time interval since the last
calibration adjustment, perform the adjustment procedure. Otherwise, performing the adjustment
procedure is optional.
5. Reverification—Repeat the verification procedure to ensure that the module is operating within the
published specifications after adjustment.
The first four steps are explained in the following sections.
1 Refer to the Fluke 5520A user manual for the latest set up requirements and recommendations to achieve the best accuracy.

NI PXIe-4353 Calibration Procedure 4 ni.com
Initial Setup for the NI PXIe-4353
You must configure the module in Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) to communicate with
NI-DAQmx.
Complete the following steps to configure a module in MAX. Refer to the NI SC Express 4353
Installation Guide and Terminal Block Specifications for complete installation instructions.
1. Install the NI-DAQmx driver software.
Caution Always have the PXI Express chassis powered off when inserting a module.
2. Insert the module into an available slot in the PXI Express chassis.
3. Attach the CAL-4353 to the NI PXIe-4353.
Note The CAL-4353 must be within its calibration interval and if it is not, you must calibrate the
CAL-4353 before calibrating the NI PXIe-4353 module.
4. Power on the chassis.
5. Launch MAX.
6. Expand Devices and Interfaces to confirm that MAX detects the module and terminal block.
The terminal block should appear beneath its associated module.
7. Right-click NI PXIe-4353 and select Self-Test to ensure that the module is working properly.
Note You can also perform the self-test operation programmatically, using the DAQmx Self-Test
Device VI or the equivalent C/.NET functionality.
Verifying Module Operating Temperature Changes
A module operating temperature greater than ±10 °C since the previous calibration adjustment can
cause you to incorrectly calibrate your module. The onboard temperature sensor on the module can be
used to verify that this condition does not exist. Complete the following steps to compare the current
module temperature to the temperature measured during the last calibration.
1. Launch MAX.
2. Select My System»Devices and Interfaces»Chassis 1»NI PXIe-4353.
Note MAX assigns a chassis name for each chassis in an application. This document uses Chassis 1.
In your application, use the appropriate name assigned to your chassis by MAX.
3. Click the Calibration tab.
If the difference between the current operating temperature and the operating temperature from the
last calibration adjustment is greater than 10 °C, the limits in the calibration tables are not valid.
Note You can also query the temperatures programmatically, using the DAQmx Calibration Info
property node or the equivalent C/.NET functionality.
Note The temperature reading returned by the module is an internal temperature. Typically, the
internal temperature is approximately 10 °C warmer than the ambient temperature.
If the module temperature difference is outside the maximum range, you should choose one of the
following options:
• Recalculate the test limits to include the additional error due to temperature drift. Refer to the
NI PXIe-4353 Specifications for more information.
• Change the system so that the operating temperature will be closer to the temperature recorded
during the last calibration adjustment.

©National Instruments 5 NI PXIe-4353 Calibration Procedure
Verification Procedure
This section provides instructions for verifying the NI PXIe-4353 specifications.
Tables 4 through 7 in the Test Limits section show all acceptable settings for the module. Throughout
the verification process, use Tables 4 through 7 to determine if the module is operating within its
specified range. Perform verification on all analog input and CJC channels.
Analog Input Voltage Accuracy Verification
Complete the following steps to test the voltage accuracy performance of the module.
1. Using banana-jack terminated copper wire, connect the positive and negative terminals of the
voltage calibrator to the terminals labeled INPUT V ΩHI and LO of the CAL-4353 while referring
to Figure 1.
Figure 1. CAL-4353 to Fluke 5520A Calibrator Connections
2. Open a DAQmx calibration session on your device.
3. Call the DAQmx Connect SC Express Calibration Accessory Channels VI. Configure the
CAL-4353 by setting the connection to _tc_calibration and the physical channels
to Dev1/ai0:31.
Note When MAX configures a module, it is assigned a module name. Each function call uses this
module name to determine the correct module to adjust. This document uses Dev1 when referring to
the module name. When you calibrate your module, use the module name assigned to it by MAX.
4. If you are not using a Fluke 5520A, set the calibrator voltage to a Test Point value indicated in
Table 4.
HI
LO
TRIG
GUARD
TC
20A
NORMAL AUX SCOPE
OUT
V, , ,RTD A, -SENSE, AUX V
20V PK MAX
20V PK MAX
5520A
CALIBRATOR
INPUT
V Ω
30 VDC
MAX
HI
LO
SENSE
Ω
HI
LO
30 VDC
MAX
SHELLS
NOT
GROUNDED
20V
PK
MAX
150V
PK
MAX
20V
RMS
MAX
20V
RMS
MAX
1V PK
MAX

NI PXIe-4353 Calibration Procedure 6 ni.com
5. To reduce the loading error when using a Fluke 5520A, set the voltage range to 3.3 V as follows:
a. On the front panel, set the output voltage to 2.0 V.
b. Press the 3.3 V Auto button, which will display 3.3 V locked. The output will no longer
auto-range.
c. Set the output to the desired voltage level using Table 4.
6. Create and configure AI voltage channels you want to verify.
7. Set the autozero mode to Every Sample and disable open thermocouple detection.
8. On the DAQmx Channel property node, set the DAQmx ADC timing mode property to Custom and
set the ADC custom timing mode property to a value from the first column of Table 4. To determine
which timing mode to select, use Table 4.
9. Configure the timing properties for a finite voltage acquisition. Refer to Table 2.
10. Start the acquisition.
Table 2. DAQmx Timing Function Rate and Samples per Channel
Timing Mode Rate (S/s) Samples per Channel
1 1 16
2 2 16
3 4 20
4 8 40
516 80
632 120
790 300

©National Instruments 7 NI PXIe-4353 Calibration Procedure
11. Acquire the voltage data.
Note Make sure the calibrator and the NI PXIe-4353 are completely settled at the desired voltage
before acquiring data. When using the Fluke 5520A, wait at least 5000 ms for the system to settle
before issuing the start task command to the NI PXIe-4353.
Note You must set the read timeout value to something larger than the default, such as 20.0 seconds,
or you will get a timeout error.
12. Average the voltage values for each channel that you acquired. Compare the resulting average to
the Upper Limit and Lower Limit values in Table 4. If the result is between these values, the module
passes the test.
13. Clear the acquisition.
14. Repeat steps 4 through 13 for all test point values in Table 4. NI recommends that you verify all
values, although you can save time by verifying only the values used in your application.
15. Close the DAQmx calibration session with the action Cancel.
16. Disable the calibrator output and disconnect the calibrator from the module.
Analog Input Offset Verification
Complete the following steps to test the performance of the analog input offset of the module.
1. Open a DAQmx calibration session on your device.
2. Call the DAQmx Connect SC Express Calibration Accessory Channels VI. Configure the
CAL-4353 by setting the connection to _short_tc_terminals and the physical channels to
Dev1/ai0:31.
3. Set voltage calibrator output to 0 V.
4. Complete steps 6 through 13 of the Analog Input Voltage Accuracy Verification section to test the
performance of analog input offset of the module. Repeat these steps for all timing modes.
5. Compare the resulting average to the Upper Limit and Lower Limit offset values in Table 5.
NI recommends that you verify all values, although you can save time by verifying only the values
used in your application.
6. Repeat steps 6 through 13 of the Analog Input Voltage Accuracy Verification section with autozero
mode set to None in step 7. Repeat these steps for all timing modes.
7. Compare the resulting average to the Upper Limit and Lower Limit offset values in Table 6.
NI recommends that you verify all values, although you can save time by verifying only the values
used in your application.
8. Close the DAQmx calibration session with the action Cancel.
Note After verifying your module, you can update the last calibration date by opening a DAQmx
external calibration session and closing it with the action Commit.

NI PXIe-4353 Calibration Procedure 8 ni.com
CJC Resistance Accuracy Verification
Complete the following steps to test the CJC resistance accuracy performance of the module.
1. Using banana-jack terminated copper wire, connect the positive and negative terminals of the
resistance calibrator to the INPUT V ΩHI and LO inputs of the CAL-4353. Also connect the
SENSE ΩHI and LO terminals of the CAL-4353 to the Sense HI and LO terminals of the
resistance calibrator while referring to Figure 2.
2. Set the resistance calibrator to 2-wire compensation mode.
Note When using the Fluke 5520A, set the calibrator to 2-WIRE COMP mode.
Figure 2. CAL-4353 to Fluke 5520A Calibrator Connections
3. Open a DAQmx calibration session on your device.
4. Call the DAQmx Connect SC Express Calibration Accessory Channels VI. Configure the
CAL-4353 by setting the connection to _cjc_calibration and the physical channels to the
CJC channel you want to verify.
Note Qualify the CJC channel name by the device name. For example, the physical channel name
must have the format Dev1/_cjtemp0.
5. Set the calibrator resistance to a Test Point value indicated in Table 7.
6. Create and configure the CJC channel for voltage acquisition.
7. Set the ADC timing mode property to Custom and set the ADC custom timing mode property to a
value from the first column of Table 3. Use Table 3 to determine which timing mode to select.
HI
LO
TRIG
GUARD
TC
20A
NORMAL AUX SCOPE
OUT
V, , ,RTD A, -SENSE, AUX V
20V PK MAX
20V PK MAX
5520A
CALIBRATOR
INPUT
V Ω
30 VDC
MAX
HI
LO
SENSE
Ω
HI
LO
SHELLS
NOT
GROUNDED
20V
PK
MAX
150V
PK
MAX
20V
RMS
MAX
20V
RMS
MAX

©National Instruments 9 NI PXIe-4353 Calibration Procedure
8. Configure the timing properties for the voltage acquisition. Refer to Table 3.
9. Start the acquisition.
10. Acquire the voltage data.
Note Make sure that the calibrator and the NI PXIe-4353 are completely settled on the desired
resistance before acquiring data. When using the Fluke 5520A, wait at least 5000 ms for the system
to settle before issuing the start task function to the NI PXIe-4353.
11. Calculate the equivalent resistance using the following equation:
where VCJC_ave is the average of the voltage values for the channel you acquired.
12. Compare the resulting average to the Upper Limit and Lower Limit values in Table 7. If the result
is between these values, the channel passes the test.
13. Clear the acquisition.
14. Repeat steps 5 through 12 for all CJC channels and test point values in Table 7. NI recommends
that you verify all values, although you can save time by verifying only the values used in your
application.
15. Close the DAQmx calibration session with the action Cancel.
16. Disable the calibrator output and disconnect the calibrator from the CAL-4353.
Note After verifying your module, you can update the last calibration date by opening a DAQmx
external calibration session and closing it with the action Commit.
Table 3. DAQmx Timing Function Rate and Samples per Channel for CJC Verification
Timing Mode Rate (S/s) Samples per Channel
117 10
234 10
368 20
490 35
590 50
690 80
790 150
RCJC
40 kΩ
2.048 V
VCJC_ave
-------------------1–
----------------------------=

NI PXIe-4353 Calibration Procedure 10 ni.com
Module Calibration Adjustment
Complete the following steps to adjust the input voltage and CJC resistance calibration constants of the
module.
1. Using banana-jack terminated copper wire, connect the positive and negative terminals of the
INPUT V ΩHI and LO terminals of the CAL-4353 to the Fluke 5520A or equivalent calibrator.
Connect the SENSE ΩHI and LO terminals of the CAL-4353 to the calibrator Sense HI and LO
terminals while referring to Figure 2.
2. Open a calibration session on your module using the DAQmx Initialize External Calibration VI.
The default password is NI.
3. Configure the CAL-4353 using the DAQmx Connect SC Express Calibration Accessory
Channels VI. Set the connection to _tc_calibration and the physical channels
to Dev1/ai0:31.
4. Set the calibrator to output +70 mV and wait for the calibrator output to settle.
5. To reduce the loading error when using a Fluke 5520A, set the voltage range to 3.3 V as follows:
a. On the front panel, set the output voltage to 2.0 V.
b. Press the 3.3 V Auto button, which will display 3.3 V locked. The output will no longer
auto-range.
c. Set the output to the desired voltage level using Table 4.
LabVIEW Block Diagram NI-DAQmx Function Call
Call DAQmxInitExtCal with the following parameters:
deviceName: Dev1
password: NI
calHandle: &calHandle
LabVIEW Block Diagram NI-DAQmx Function Call
Call DAQmxConnectSCExpressCalAccChans with the
following parameters:
calHandle: calHandle
channelNames: Dev1/ai0:31
connection: _tc_calibration