National Instruments USB-6001 User manual

USER GUIDE
NI USB-6001/6002/6003
Low-Cost DAQ USB Device
This user guide describes how to use the National Instruments USB-6001/6002/6003 data
acquisition (DAQ) devices. For device specifications, go to ni.com/manuals and search by
device name.
The NI USB-6001/6002/6003 is a full-speed USB device that provides eight single-ended
analog input (AI) channels, which may also be configured as four differential channels. It also
includes two analog output (AO) channels, 13 digital input/output (DIO) channels, and a 32-bit
counter.
Table 1. Differences Between the NI USB-6001, NI USB-6002, and NI USB-6003
Feature NI USB-6001 NI USB-6002 NI USB-6003
Analog Input
Analog-to-digital
converter (ADC)
Resolution
14-bit 16-bit 16-bit
Maximum Sample
Rate (aggregate)
20 kS/s 50 kS/s 100 kS/s
Analog Output
DAC Resolution 14-bit 16-bit 16-bit
Absolute Accuracy,
Typical, at full scale
9.1 mV 8.6 mV 8.6 mV
ni.com/manuals
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2|ni.com |NI USB-6001/6002/6003 User Guide
Figure 1. NI USB-6001/6002/6003 Top and Side Views
Safety Guidelines
Operate the NI DAQ device only as described in this document.
Caution Refer to the NI USB-6001/6002/6003 Safety, Environmental, and
Regulatory Information document included with your kit for important safety and
electromagnetic compatibility information. To obtain a copy of this document online,
visit ni.com/manuals and search for the document title.
Caution Do not operate the device in a manner not specified in this document.
Misuse of the device can result in a hazard. You can compromise the safety protection
built into the device if the device is damaged in any way. If the device is damaged,
contact National Instruments for repair.
Caution Do not substitute parts or modify the device except as described in this
document. Use the device only with the chassis, modules, accessories, and cables
specified in the installation instructions.
Caution Do not operate the device in an explosive atmosphere or where there may
be flammable gases or fumes. If you must operate the device in such an environment,
it must be in a suitably rated enclosure.
Caution You must have all covers and filler panels installed during operation of the
device. Do not operate the device without verifying that the cover is correctly
attached and the device is completely closed.
1 Screw Terminal Connector Plug 2 LED Indicator 3 Micro-B USB Connector
23
1

NI USB-6001/6002/6003 User Guide |© National Instruments |3
Electromagnetic Compatibility Guidelines
This product was tested and complies with the regulatory requirements and limits for
electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) stated in the product specifications. These requirements
and limits provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the product is
operated in the intended operational electromagnetic environment.
This product is intended for use in industrial locations. However, harmful interference may
occur in some installations, when the product is connected to a peripheral device or test object,
or if the product is used in residential or commercial areas. To minimize interference with radio
and television reception and prevent unacceptable performance degradation, install and use this
product in strict accordance with the instructions in the product documentation.
Furthermore, any modifications to the product not expressly approved by National Instruments
could void your authority to operate it under your local regulatory rules.
Caution To ensure the specified EMC performance, the length of any wire or cable
connected to the screw terminal connector must be no longer than 0.5 m (20 in.).
Unpacking
The NI DAQ device ships in an antistatic package to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD). ESD
can damage several components on the device.
Caution Never touch the exposed pins of the connectors.
To avoid ESD damage in handling the device, take the following precautions:
• Ground yourself with a grounding strap or by touching a grounded object.
• Touch the antistatic package to a metal part of your computer chassis before removing the
device from the package.
Remove the device from the package and inspect it for loose components or any other signs of
damage. Notify NI if the device appears damaged in any way. Do not install a damaged device
in your computer.
Store the device in the antistatic package when the device is not in use.
Packing List
The NI DAQ device is shipped in a box that contains:
• NI USB-6001/6002/6003
• Two screw terminal connector plugs
• Hi-Speed Micro USB cable
• NI-DAQmx DVD
• NI USB-6001/6002/6003 Quick Start document
• NI USB-6001/6002/6003 Safety, Environmental, and Regulatory Information document

4|ni.com |NI USB-6001/6002/6003 User Guide
Setting Up the NI USB-6001/6002/6003
Complete the following steps to get started with the NI USB-6001/6002/6003.
Installing the Software
1. Install the application software (if applicable), as described in the installation instructions
that accompany your software.
2. Install NI-DAQmx. NI USB-6001/6002/6003 devices are supported by NI-DAQmx 9.9 and
later.
Note The NI-DAQmx software is included on the disk shipped with your kit and is
available for download at ni.com/support. The documentation for NI-DAQmx is
available after installation from Start»All Programs»National Instruments»
NI-DAQmx. Other NI documentation is available at ni.com/manuals.
3. Register your products when the NI Product Registration Wizard appears.
Preparing the Hardware
1. Insert the screw terminal connector plugs into the connector jacks on the device. Refer to
Figure 2.
2. The Hi-Speed Micro USB cable has two different connectors. Plug the smaller connector
into the device, and plug the larger connector into the USB port on the computer where
NI-DAQmx is installed.
Figure 2. Hardware Setup for NI USB-6001/6002/6003
1 Screw Terminal Connector Plugs 2 Hi-Speed Micro USB Cable
1
1
2

NI USB-6001/6002/6003 User Guide |© National Instruments |5
Verifying the Installation
1. Complete the following to launch NI Measurement and & Automation Explorer (NI MAX):
•(Windows 7/Vista)—Double-click the NI MAX icon on the desktop.
•(Windows 8)—Click NI Measurement & Automation Explorer from NI Launcher.
2. Expand My System»Devices and Interfaces and verify that the NI USB-6001/6002/6003
is listed. If your device does not appear, press <F5> to refresh the view in NI MAX. If your
device is still not recognized, refer to ni.com/support/daqmx for troubleshooting
information.
3. To self-test your device in NI MAX, right-click your device and select Self-Test. Self-test
performs a brief test to determine successful device installation. When the self-test finishes,
a message indicates successful verification. If an error occurs, refer to ni.com/support/
daqmx.
Caution To ensure the specified EMC performance, operate this product only with
shielded cables and accessories.
4. Connect the wires (0.08 to 1.31 mm2[28 to 16 AWG]) of a shielded, multiconductor cable
to the screw terminals by stripping 6 mm (0.25 in.) of the insulation, inserting the stripped
wires into the screw terminals, and securely tightening the screws with a flathead
screwdriver to a torque of 0.22 to 0.25 N · m (2.0 to 2.2 lb · in.). Refer to Figure 4 for the
NI USB-6001/6002/6003 pinout.
If using a shielded cable, connect the cable shield to a nearby GND terminal.
5. Run a test panel in NI MAX by right-clicking your device and selecting Test Panels.
Click Start to test the device functions, or Help for operating instructions. If an error
message occurs refer to ni.com/support/daqmx. Click Close to exit the test panel.
Using the NI USB-6001/6002/6003 in an
Application
Example Programs
NI-DAQmx driver software includes example programs to help you get started programming
with the NI USB-6001/6002/6003. You can modify example code and save it in an application,
use examples to develop a new application, or add example code to an existing application.
To locate NI software examples, go to ni.com/info and enter the Info Code daqmxexp.
To run examples without the device installed, use an NI-DAQmx simulated device. For more
information, open NI Measurement & Automation Explorer (NI MAX), select Help»Help
Topics»NI-DAQmx»MAX Help for NI-DAQmx, and search for simulated devices.

6|ni.com |NI USB-6001/6002/6003 User Guide
NI-DAQ Assistant
You can use the NI-DAQ Assistant through many NI application software programs to configure
virtual and measurement channels. Table 2 lists NI-DAQ Assistant tutorial locations for
NI applications.
ANSI C without NI Application Software
The NI-DAQmx Help contains API overviews and general information about measurement
concepts. Select Start»All Programs»National Instruments»NI-DAQmx»NI-DAQmx Help.
The NI-DAQmx C Reference Help describes the NI-DAQmx Library functions. Select Start»
All Programs»National Instruments»NI-DAQmx» Text-Based Code Support»NI-DAQmx
C Reference Help.
.NET Languages without NI Application Software
With the Microsoft .NET Framework version 2.0 or later, you can use NI-DAQmx to create
applications using Visual C# and Visual Basic .NET without Measurement Studio. You need
Microsoft Visual Studio .NET 2005 or later for the API documentation to be installed.
The installed documentation contains the NI-DAQmx API overview, measurement tasks and
concepts, and function reference. To view the NI-DAQmx .NET documentation, go to Start»
All Programs»National Instruments»NI-DAQmx»Text-Based Code Support. For function
reference, refer to the NationalInstruments.DAQmx Namespace and NationalInstruments.
DAQmx.ComponentModel Namespace topics. For conceptual help, refer to the Using the
Measurement Studio NI-DAQmx .NET Library and Developing with Measurement Studio
NI-DAQmx sections.
To get to the same help topics from within Visual Studio 2005 or 2008, go to Help»Contents
and select Measurement Studio from the Filtered By drop-down list. To get to the same help
topics from within Visual Studio 2010, go to Help»View Help and select NI Measurement
Studio Help from the Related Links section.
Table 2. NI-DAQ Assistant Tutorial Locations
NI Application
Software Tutorial Location
LabVIEW Go to Start»All Programs»National Instruments»
NI-DAQmx»NI-DAQmx Help»Getting Started.
LabWindows™/CVI™Go to Help»Contents. Next, go to Using LabWindows/CVI»
Data Acquisition»Taking an NI-DAQmx Measurement in
LabWindows/CVI.
Measurement Studio Go to NI Measurement Studio Help»Getting Started with the
Measurement Studio Class Libraries»Measurement Studio
Walkthroughs»Walkthrough: Creating a Measurement Studio
NI-DAQmx Application.
SignalExpress Go to Help»Taking an NI-DAQmx Measurement in
SignalExpress.

NI USB-6001/6002/6003 User Guide |© National Instruments |7
Features
Block Diagram
Figure 3 shows key functional components of the NI DAQ device.
Figure 3. NI USB-6001/6002/6003 Block Diagram
USB
Connector
(Micro-B)
80 MHz Clock
5 V Supply
Analog Input
Analog Output
Digital I/O
Control
Logic
16-Position
Screw Terminal
Plug
I/O Connector
AI 7
AO 0
AO 1
AI GND
AI 0
AO GND
I/O Connector
P2.0
PFI 1
PFI 0
5 V
D GND
P0.0
USB 2.0
Full
Speed
Interface
Counters
& PFI

8|ni.com |NI USB-6001/6002/6003 User Guide
LED Indicator
The NI DAQ device has a blue LED that indicates device status, as listed in Table 3.
Screw Terminal Connector Plugs
The NI USB-6001/6002/6003 ships with two detachable screw terminal connector plugs: one for
analog signals and one for digital signals. These screw terminal connectors provide
16 connections that use 0.08 to 1.31 mm2(28 to 16 AWG). Refer to the Pinout and Signal
Descriptions section for the device pinout and signal descriptions.
Cables and Accessories
Table 4 contains information about cables and accessories available for the
NI USB-6001/6002/6003. For a complete list of accessories and ordering information, refer to
the pricing section of the NI DAQ device product page at ni.com.
Table 3. LED State/Device Status
LED State Device Status
Off Device is not connected or is in suspend mode.
On, not blinking Device is connected and functioning normally.
Blinking Device has encountered an error. Wait 10 seconds to allow the
device to attempt to recover from the error. If the LED
continues blinking, disconnect and reconnect the device. If
the error persists, contact National Instruments. Refer to the
Worldwide Support and Services section for contact
information.
Table 4. NI USB-6001/6002/6003 Cables and Accessories
Accessory Part Number Description
USB-600xAccessories 782703-01 Four additional screw-terminal connectors
and a screwdriver.
USB-600xSeries
Prototyping Accessories
779511-01 Unshielded breadboarding accessory for
custom-defined signal conditioning and
prototyping. You can use up to
two accessories per device.
Hi-Speed Micro USB
Cable, A to Micro-B
782909-01,
782909-02
1 m and 2 m lengths
Caution: To ensure the specified EMC performance, the length of any wire or cable
connected to the screw terminal connector must be no longer than 0.5 m (20 in.).

NI USB-6001/6002/6003 User Guide |© National Instruments |9
Pinout and Signal Descriptions
Figure 4 shows the NI DAQ device pinout. Analog input signal names are listed as single-ended
analog input name, AI x, and then the differential analog input name, (AI x+/-). Refer to Table 5
for a detailed description of each signal.
Figure 4. NI USB-6001/6002/6003 Pinout
Table 5. Signal Descriptions
Signal
Name Reference Direction Description
AI GND — — Analog Input Ground—The reference point
for single-ended analog input measurements.
AI <0..7> AI GND Input Analog Input Channels 0 to 7—For
single-ended measurements, each signal
corresponds to one analog input voltage channel.
For differential measurements, AI 0 and AI 4 are
the positive and negative inputs of differential
analog input channel 0. The following signal
pairs also form differential input channels:
AI <1,5>, AI <2, 6>, and AI <3, 7>. Refer to the
Analog Input section for more information.
LEFT VIEW RIGHT VIEW
AI AO
041 5 2 6 3 0 17
+ 0 – + 1 – + 2 – + 3 –
AO GND
AO 0
AO 1
AI GND
AI 7 (AI 3–)
AI 3(AI 3+)
AI GND
AI 2 (AI 2+)
AI 6 (AI 2–)
AI GND
AI 5 (AI 1–)
AI 1 (AI 1+)
AI GND
AI 4 (AI 0–)
AI 0 (AI 0+)
AI GND
PFI 5V 03 2 10 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
P2.x P1.x P0.x
DIO
x
P0.0
P0.3
P0.2
P0.1
P0.4
P0.5
P0.6
P0.7
P1.1/PFI 1
P1.0
P1.2
P1.3
P2.0/PFI 0
D GND
+ 5 V
D GND

10 |ni.com |NI USB-6001/6002/6003 User Guide
AO GND — — Analog Output Ground—The reference point
for analog output.
AO <0, 1> AO GND Output Analog Output Channels 0 and 1—Supplies
the voltage output of the AO channels. Refer to
the Analog Output section for more information.
P0.<0..7> D GND Input or
Output
Port 0 Digital I/O Channels 0 to 7—You can
configure each signal individually as an input or
output. Refer to the Digital I/O section for more
information.
P1.<0..3> D GND Input or
Output
Port 1 Digital I/O Channels 0 to 3—You can
configure each signal individually as an input or
output. Refer to the Digital I/O section for more
information.
P2.0 D GND Input or
Output
Port 2 Digital I/O Channel 0—You can
configure each signal individually as an input or
output. Refer to the Digital I/O section for more
information.
PFI 0, 1 D GND Input Programmable Function Interface or Digital
I/O Channels—An edge counter input or digital
trigger input. Refer to the PFI 0 and PFI 1
section for more information.
D GND — — Digital Ground—The reference point for digital
signals.
+5 V D GND Output +5 V Power Source—Provides +5 V power up
to 150 mA. Refer to the +5 V Power Source
section for more information.
Table 5. Signal Descriptions (Continued)
Signal
Name Reference Direction Description