National Instruments SCC-FV01 User manual

USER GUIDE
SCC-FV01 Frequency Input
Module
The SCC-FV01 frequency input module is a frequency-to-voltage
converter designed to measure signals from frequency-generating sensors
and other periodic signal sources. The DC output voltage of the module is
proportional to the input frequency.
Conventions
The following conventions are used in this guide:
<> Angle brackets that contain numbers separated by an ellipsis represent a
range of values associated with a bit or signal name—for example,
P1.<3..0>.
»The »symbol leads you through nested menu items and dialog box options
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 Read Me First: Safety and Radio-Frequency
Interference document, shipped with the product, for precautions to take.
When symbol is marked on a product, it denotes a warning advising you to
take precautions to avoid electrical shock.
When symbol is marked on a product, it denotes a component that may be
hot. Touching this component may result in bodily injury.
bold Bold text denotes items that you must select in software, such as menu
items and dialog box options. Bold text also denotes parameter names.

SCC-FV01 Frequency Input Module User Guide 2 ni.com
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.
SC-2345 SC-2345 refers to both the SC-2345 connector block and the SC-2345
configurable connector.
SCC SCC refers to any SCC Series signal conditioning module.
What You Need to Get Started
To set up and use the SCC-FV01, you need the following items:
❑SC-2345/2350 with one of the following:
–SCC-PWR01
– SCC-PWR02 and the PS01 power supply
– SCC-PWR03—requires a 7 to 42 VDC power supply
(not included)
❑One or more SCC-FV01
❑SCC-FV01 Frequency Input Module User Guide
❑SC-2345/2350 User Manual, available at ni.com
❑SCC Quick Start Guide, available at ni.com
❑Read Me First: Safety and Radio-Frequency Interference
❑SC-2345 Quick Reference Label
❑68-pin E Series DAQ device, documentation, and 68-pin cable
❑1/8 in. flathead screwdriver
❑Numbers 1 and 2 Phillips-head screwdrivers
❑Wire insulation strippers
❑NI-DAQ (current version) for Windows 2000/NT/XP/Me

©National Instruments Corporation 3 SCC-FV01 Frequency Input Module User Guide
Note Software scaling of measurements is not supported on the Macintosh operating
system. Refer to the SCC-FV01 Module Pin Assignments section for more information.
Device Specific Information
Note For general SCC module installation and signal connection information, and
information about the SC-2350 carrier, refer to the SCC Quick Start Guide, available for
download at ni.com/manuals.
Installing the Module
Caution Refer to the Read Me First: Safety and Radio-Frequency Interference document
before removing equipment covers or connecting/disconnecting any signal wires.
You can plug the SCC-FV01 into any analog input socket on the SC-2345.
It can function as a single-stage analog input or as the second stage of a
dual-stage analog input configuration. The socket you choose determines
which E Series DAQ device channels receive the SCC-FV01 signals, as
explained in the Connecting the Input Signals section.
For single-stage input conditioning, plug the SCC-FV01 into any socket
J(X+1), where Xis 0 to 7, and connect the input-signal wires to the module
as described in theConnectingthe Input Signalssection.
Note If you use the SCC-FV01 in a dual-stage configuration, you must use it as the second
stage. Plug the first-stage module into any socket J(X+9) and plug the SCC-FV01 into
socket J(X+1), where Xis 0 to 7.
Sockets J9 to J16 are also available for digital input/output conditioning
or control. Refer to the SC-2345 User Manual for more information on
configuring, connecting, and installing SCC modules.
Connecting the Input Signals
Note The signal names have changed. Refer to ni.com/info and enter rdtntg to
confirm the signal names.
❑Each screw terminal is labeled by pin number <1..4>. The SCC-FV01
has two referenced single-ended (RSE) input channels. Pins 1 and 2
form a channel routed to E Series DAQ device channel X+8, and pins
3 and 4 form a second channel routed to E Series DAQ device channel
X. The value of Xis determined by the number of the SC-2345 socket
where you plug in the module, J(X+1) or J(X+9). Both input channels
are referenced to AI GND of the E Series DAQ device.

SCC-FV01 Frequency Input Module User Guide 4 ni.com
Note If your application requires nonreferenced inputs, consider using an SCC-AI Series
module as the first stage in a dual-stage configuration.
For information about how to configure the SCC-FV01 module using
NI-DAQmx, refer to the SCC Quick Start Guide.
Using the SCC-FV01
Scaling Voltage Measurements
If you configured the SCC-FV01 using Measurement & Automation
Explorer (MAX) and you are using NI-DAQ, the reading you get from the
E Series DAQ device is properly scaled. Otherwise, you must scale your
readings by multiplying the measured DC voltage by 10 to get the input
frequency in hertz.
Measuring Frequencies Below 5 Hz
The output ripple of the SCC-FV01 increases as the input frequency
decreases, and it is significant for frequencies below 5 Hz. To overcome the
effect of output ripple, acquire and average at least 100 samples per period
for two periods of the input frequency. This gives you more accurate
measurements of frequencies below 5 Hz with the exception of 0 Hz.
At 0 Hz there is no ripple; therefore, there is no special need to acquire
and average your data.
Calibrating Offset Errors
The SCC-FV01 module is calibrated at the factory before shipment. If you
want to adjust for any errors in your system, you need a function generator
and an oscilloscope capable of measuring the frequency you are applying.
The oscilloscope must be several times more accurate than the SCC-FV01
itself.
To adjust the SCC-FV01 module, complete the following steps:
1. Connect the function generator and oscilloscope to the input of the
specific SCC-FV01 channel you are calibrating.
2. Adjust the function generator to output the maximum frequency and
amplitude you are measuring.
3. Using your software, have the E Series DAQ device read the
SCC-FV01 channel.
4. Adjust the potentiometer on top of the SCC-FV01 module that
corresponds to the channel you are calibrating. Turn the potentiometer
until your software measures the same frequency as that measured by
the oscilloscope at the input.

©National Instruments Corporation 5 SCC-FV01 Frequency Input Module User Guide
Specifications
These ratings are typical at 25 °C unless otherwise stated.
Input Characteristics
Number of input channels ...................... 2 RSE
Input signal amplitude............................ ±200 mV1to ±10 V
(zero crossing)
Input coupling ........................................ DC
Minimum input frequency ..................... 0 Hz
Maximum input frequency..................... 100 Hz
Minimum input pulse width
(5 V pulse train) ..................................... 1.5 µs
Input impedance
Signal ≥threshold (0 V).................. 400 kΩ
Signal <threshold (0 V).................. 10 MΩ
Threshold ............................................... 0 V
Hysteresis ............................................... 200 mV
Transfer Characteristics
Output response time following
a full-scale input change ........................ 80 ms at 63%
220 ms at 90%
360 ms at 99%
Output offset .......................................... 5 mV max
Output offset temperature coefficient .... 10 ppm/°C
Gain error ............................................... ±0.1% max
Gain error temperature coefficient......... 100 ppm/°C
Nonlinearity ........................................... 0.015% full-scale
1 Recommended; minimum ±100 mV.

SCC-FV01 Frequency Input Module User Guide 6 ni.com
Output ripple...........................................30 mVp-p at 10 Hz
(input signal frequency)
Output range ...........................................0 to +10 V (NRSE)
Recommended warm-up time.................5 min
Power Requirements
Analog power .........................................100 mW
+15 V ...............................................4.9 mA
–15 V ...............................................1.75 mA
Digital power ..........................................0 mW
+5 V .................................................0 mA
Operating voltage accuracy requirements
+15 V ...............................................±10%
–15 V ...............................................±10%
REF5V.............................................±0.05%
Physical
Dimensions .............................................8.89 cm ×2.92 cm ×1.85 cm
(3.5 in. ×1.15 in. ×0.73 in.)
I/O connectors.........................................One 20-pin right-angle male
connector,
one 4-pin screw terminal
(detachable)
Wire gauge range....................................28 to 16 AWG
Maximum Working Voltage
Maximum working voltage refers to the signal voltage plus the
common-mode voltage.
Channel-to-earth .....................................±10 V, Installation Category I
Channel-to-channel.................................±10 V, Installation Category I

©National Instruments Corporation 7 SCC-FV01 Frequency Input Module User Guide
Environmental
Operating temperature............................ 0 to 50 °C
Storage temperature ............................... –20 to 70 °C
Humidity ................................................ 10 to 90% RH, noncondensing
Maximum altitude .................................. 2,000 meters
Pollution Degree (indoor use only) ........ 2
Safety
The SCC-FV01 meets the requirements of the following standards
for safety and electrical equipment for measurement, control, and
laboratory use:
• IEC 61010-1, EN 61010-1
• UL 3111-1, UL 61010B-1
• CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 1010.1
Note For UL and other safety certifications, refer to the product level, or visit
ni.com/hardref.nsf, search by model number or product line, and click the
appropriate link in the Certification column.
Electromagnetic Compatibility
Emissions ............................................... EN 55011 Class A at 10 m
FCC Part 15A above 1 GHz
Immunity................................................ EN 61326:1997 + A2:2001,
Table 1
CE, C-Tick, and FCC Part 15 (Class A) Compliant
Note For EMC compliance, operate this device with shielded cabling.
CE Compliance
This product meets the essential requirements of applicable European
Directives, as amended for CE marking, as follows:
Low-Voltage Directive (safety) ............. 73/23/EEC
Electromagnetic Compatibility
Directive (EMC) .................................... 89/336/EEC

SCC-FV01 Frequency Input Module User Guide 8 ni.com
Note Refer to the Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for this product for any additional
regulatory compliance information. To obtain the DoC for this product, visit
ni.com/hardref.nsf, search by model number or product line, and click the
appropriate link in the Certification column.
SCC-FV01 Module Pin Assignments
Figure 1 shows the I/O connector pins on the bottom of the module.
Figure 1. SCC Module Bottom View
Table 1 lists the signal corresponding to each pin.
1Pin1 2Pin2 3PWBKey 4 Pin 19 5Pin20
Table 1. SCC-FV01 Pin Signal Assignments
Pin Number Signal
1E Series AI (X)
2E Series AI GND
3 —
4E Series AI (X+8)
5 —
6E Series AI GND
7 —
8E Series AI GND
5
4
2
1
3

©National Instruments Corporation 9 SCC-FV01 Frequency Input Module User Guide
AI (X) and AI (X+8) are the analog input signal channels of the E Series
DAQ device. AI GND is the analog input ground signal and is the reference
for AI (X) and AI (X+8). A GND is the reference for the ±15 V supplies and
REF 5 V. AI GND and A GND connect to the SC-2345 at the SCC-PWR
connector. Pins 17 to 20 accept inputs from a first-stage SCC module if you
are cascading two modules.
9 —
10 —
11 A GND
12 REF 5 V
13 +15 V
14 –15 V
15 —
16 —
17 AI (X)–(from first stage)
18 AI (X+8)+(from first stage)
19 AI (X)+(from first stage)
20 AI (X+8)–(from first stage)
Table 1. SCC-FV01 Pin Signal Assignments (Continued)
Pin Number Signal

SCC-FV01 Frequency Input Module User Guide 10 ni.com
Theory of Operation
Figure 2 illustrates the key functional components of the SCC-FV01.
Figure 2. SCC-FV01 Signal Connections
The SCC-FV01 has two input channels designed to measure 0 to 100 Hz
signals. The output voltage (0 to 10 VDC) varies linearly with respect to the
input frequency.
The frequency-to-voltage and analog circuitry for each channel consists of
a triggering stage, a frequency-to-voltage stage, and an output stage.
+
–
+
–Comparator
Comparator Frequency-
to-Voltage
3 Hz
Butterworth
Filter
Frequency-
to-Voltage
3 Hz
Butterworth
Filter
4
3
2
1
AI ( X )
AI SENSE
AI GND
AI (
X +8)
Signal
Source
Triggering
Stage
F-V
Stage
Output
Stage

©National Instruments Corporation 11 SCC-FV01 Frequency Input Module User Guide
Refer to Figure 3 as you read the following sections.
Figure 3. Input Channel Stages
Triggering Stage
This stage consists of a trigger circuit that compares the input waveform to
a fixed threshold and hysteresis to create a square-shaped pulse for the next
stage.
The purpose of hysteresis is to reduce the number of false triggers caused
by noise. In order to be measured and trigger the pulse generator, the
amplitude of the input signal must exceed VTHRESHOLD ±1/2 VHYSTERESIS,
and both the maximum and the minimum peaks must lie outside the
hysteresis range. The threshold for the SCC-FV01 is fixed at 0 V and the
hysteresis is fixed at 200 mV. This means the amplitude of the input signal
must be at least ±100 mVpk and the peaks must lie on each side of the
±100 mV hysteresis range in order for the signal to be measured (refer to
the first section of Figure 3). To ensure maximum accuracy, use an input
signal of amplitude 200 mVpk (400 mVp-p) or greater.
Note Input signals that do not pass through 0 V, such as digital pulse trains, do not meet
the triggering requirements and cannot be measured.
The maximum input range is ±10 V. You can extend the input range
by using an analog input module as the first stage of a dual-stage
configuration. For example, the SCC-AI02 module has a gain of 0.5
and isolation. If you use an SCC-AI02 as the first stage, you increase the
9 V
0 V
0 V
+100 mV
–100 mV
5 V
0 V
5 V
0 V
Input Signal
f = 90 Hz
Triggering Stage
Pulse Generator
Filtered Output
Threshold = 0 V
Hysteresis = 200 mV

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371069B-01 Mar04
*371069B-01*
effective input range from ±10 V to ±20 V, and you increase the hysteresis
range from ±100 mV to ±200 mV. The SCC-AI02 module also provides
isolation between the input signal and the DAQ device.
Frequency-to-Voltage Conversion Stage
This stage consists of the following:
• A pulse generator that produces one pulse per input cycle
• A charge pump stage that uses capacitors to convert the pulse
frequency to a proportional output voltage
Output Stage
This stage consists of a 3 Hz lowpass Butterworth filter, which averages
the output of the frequency-to-voltage conversion stage and produces a
DC voltage equal to 0.1 times the input frequency.