National Instruments ER-8 User manual

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© Copyright 1995, 1996 National Instruments Corporation.
All Rights Reserved.
ER-8/16
User Manual
An 8-Channel or 16-Channel SPDT Relay Accessory
for Data Acquisition Boards
December 1996 Edition
Part Number 371197A-01

National Instruments Corporate Headquarters
6504 Bridge Point Parkway
Austin, TX 78730-5039
[phone]
Technical support fax: [phone]
[phone]
Branch Offices:
Australia 03 9879 5166, Austria 0662 45 79 90 0, Belgium 02 757 00 20, Canada (Ontario) 905 785 0085,
Canada (Québec) 514 694 8521, Denmark 45 76 26 00, Finland 09 527 2321, France 01 48 14 24 24,
Germany 089 741 31 30, Hong Kong 2645 3186, Israel 03 5734815, Italy 02 413091, Japan 03 5472 2970,
Korea 02 596 7456, Mexico 5 520 2635, Netherlands 0348 433466, Norway 32 84 84 00, Singapore 2265886,
Spain 91 640 0085, Sweden 08 730 49 70, Switzerland 056 200 51 51, Taiwan 02 377 1200, U.K. 01635 523545

Limited Warranty
The ER-8 or ER-16 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 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 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
LabVIEW®, NI-DAQ®, DAQCardTM,DAQPadTM, and SCXITM are trademarks of National Instruments
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
medical or clinical treatment can create a potential for accidental injury caused by product failure, or by errors on the
part of the user or application designer. Any use or application of National Instruments products for or involving
medical or clinical treatment must be performed by properly trained and qualified medical personnel, and all
traditional medical safeguards, equipment, and procedures that are appropriate in the particular situation to prevent
serious injury 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.

© National Instruments Corporation v ER-8/16 User Manual
Contents
About This Manual ............................................................................................................ix
Organization of This Manual.........................................................................................ix
Conventions Used in This Manual.................................................................................x
National Instruments Documentation ............................................................................xi
Customer Communication .............................................................................................xii
Chapter 1
Introduction..........................................................................................................................1-1
About the ER-8/16.........................................................................................................1-1
What You Need to Get Started ......................................................................................1-1
Optional Equipment.......................................................................................................1-2
Software .........................................................................................................................1-2
Unpacking......................................................................................................................1-2
Chapter 2
Setup........................................................................................................................................2-1
Safety Information .........................................................................................................2-4
Connecting the ER-8/16 to Your DAQ Device .............................................................2-5
Chapter 3
Signal Connections .............................................................................................................3-1
Front Connectors............................................................................................................3-1
Using DIO-24 Devices.......................................................................................3-1
Using DIO-32 Boards ........................................................................................3-2
Power Supply.................................................................................................................3-2
Channel Connections .....................................................................................................3-3
Power-up Conditions..........................................................................................3-4
Wire Gauge ........................................................................................................3-4
Channel Isolation ...............................................................................................3-4
Contact Protection for Inductive Loads .............................................................3-4
Connecting Your Signal Lines.......................................................................................3-6
Internal Connectors........................................................................................................3-7
Daisy Chaining the ER-8/16..............................................................................3-8
Using the SC-205X Series with the ER-8......................................................................3-8
DAQ System Configurations with the ER-8/16.............................................................3-9
Chapter 4
Theory of Operation ..........................................................................................................4-1
Functional Overview......................................................................................................4-1
Digital Interface .............................................................................................................4-3
Relay Channels ..............................................................................................................4-3

Contents
ER-8/16 User Manual vi © National Instruments Corporation
Appendix A
Specifications........................................................................................................................A-1
Appendix B
I/O Connectors.....................................................................................................................B-1
Appendix C
Contact Protection..............................................................................................................C-1
Appendix D
Takamisawa VE Series Relay Technical Data .........................................................D-1
Appendix E
Customer Communication...............................................................................................E-1
Glossary...................................................................................................................... Glossary-1
Index..................................................................................................................................Index-1

Contents
© National Instruments Corporation vii ER-8/16 User Manual
Figures
Figure 2-1. ER-8/16 Parts Locator Diagram.........................................................................2-2
Figure 2-2. The ER-8/16 Front Connector............................................................................2-7
Figure 3-1. Contact Protection Using a Flyback Diode for DC Loads.................................3-5
Figure 3-2. Arc Suppressor Pad Locations for Channel 1....................................................3-6
Figure 3-3. ER-8/16 Configurations with DIO Devices.......................................................3-9
Figure 3-4. ER-8/16 Configurations with Multifunction DAQ Devices ..............................3-10
Figure 4-1. ER-8/16 Block Diagram.....................................................................................4-2
Figure 4-2. ER-8/16 Onboard Equivalent Circuit.................................................................4-3
Figure B-1. The DIO-24 Connector ......................................................................................B-1
Figure B-2. The DIO-32 Connector ......................................................................................B-3
Figure B-3. 26-Pin Internal Connectors ................................................................................B-5
Tables
Table 2-1. Parts Locator Diagram Descriptions..................................................................2-3
Table 3-1. Arc Suppressor Placement, COM to NO ...........................................................3-5
Table 3-2. Arc Suppressor Placement, COM to NC ...........................................................3-6
Table B-1. DIO-24 Connector Pin Descriptions..................................................................B-2
Table B-2. DIO-32 Connector Pin Descriptions..................................................................B-4
Table B-3. 26-Pin IN Connector Pin Descriptions...............................................................B-5
Table B-4. 26-Pin OUT Connector Pin Descriptions...........................................................B-6

© National Instruments Corporation ix ER-8/16 User Manual
About This Manual
This manual describes the electrical and mechanical aspects of the ER-8 and ER-16 and contains
information concerning their setup, operation, and safety. Both the ER-8 and ER-16 are single-
pole double-throw (SPDT) relay accessories for use with other data acquisition (DAQ) products.
The ER-8 has eight channels; the ER-16 has 16 channels.
Throughout this manual, ER-8/16 refers to either the ER-8 or ER-16, unless otherwise noted.
The ER-8/16 interfaces to any National Instruments DAQ device with digital I/O capabilities for
the Macintosh and PC/XT/AT (AT Series, Lab) computers. More specifically, the National
Instruments product families that interface with the ER-8/16 are the DIO-24, DIO-32, Lab,
E Series, MIO, DAQCards, and 1200 Series devices.
This accessory is designed for low-cost control applications in laboratory testing, production
testing, and industrial process monitoring and control.
Organization of This Manual
The ER-8/16 User Manual is organized as follows:
• Chapter 1, Introduction, describes the ER-8/16; lists what you need to get started and
optional equipment; describes software support; and explains how to unpack the ER-8/16.
• Chapter 2, Setup, describes how to set up the ER-8/16.
• Chapter 3, Signal Connections, describes the signal connections, channel connections, and
digital interface to the ER-8/16.
• Chapter 4, Theory of Operation, contains a functional overview of the ER-8/16 and explains
the operation of each functional unit making up the ER-8/16.
• Appendix A, Specifications, lists the specifications of the ER-8/16.
• Appendix B, I/O Connectors, contains the connector pinouts and pin descriptions for the
ER-8/16.
• Appendix C, Contact Protection, contains technical data on contact protection when you are
switching inductive loads.
• Appendix D, Takamisawa VE Series Relay Technical Data, contains a manufacturer data
sheet for the relay used on the ER-8/16.
• Appendix E, Customer Communication, contains forms you can use to request help from
National Instruments or to comment on our products.
• The Glossary contains an alphabetical list and description of terms used in this manual,
including abbreviations, acronyms, metric prefixes, mnemonics, symbols, and terms.

About This Manual
ER-8/16 User Manual x © National Instruments Corporation
• The Index contains an alphabetical list of key terms and topics used in this manual, including
the page where each one can be found.
Conventions Used in This Manual
The following conventions are used in this manual:
bold Bold text denotes menu items, function panel items, and dialog box
buttons or options.
italic Italic text denotes emphasis, a cross reference, or an introduction to a
key concept.
bold italic Bold italic text denotes a note, caution, or warning.
< > Angle brackets containing numbers separated by an ellipsis represent a
range of values associated with a bit, signal name, or port (for example,
ACH<0..7> stands for ACH0 through ACH7).
device Device refers generically to National Instruments boards, cards, or
modules.
ER-8/16 ER-8/16 refers to the ER-8 or ER-16 unless otherwise noted.
DIO device DIO device refers to National Instruments digital I/O devices such as the
AT-DIO-32F, NB-DIO-24, NB-DIO-96, NB-DIO-32F, PC-DIO-24,
DAQCard-DIO-24, and PC-DIO-96, unless otherwise noted.
DIO-24 device DIO-24 device refers to the National Instruments NB-DIO-24,
DAQCard-DIO-24, and PC-DIO-24 digital I/O devices unless otherwise
noted.
DIO-32 board DIO-32 board refers to the National Instruments AT-DIO-32F and
NB-DIO-32F digital I/O boards unless otherwise noted.
DIO-type board DIO-type board refers to the National Instruments DIO boards with only
digital I/O capabilities. These boards include the DIO-24, DIO-32F, and
DIO-96 boards unless otherwise noted.
Lab board Lab board refers to the National Instruments Lab-LC, Lab-NB, Lab-PC,
and Lab-PC+ boards unless otherwise noted.
E Series device E Series device refers to National Instruments digital I/O devices such as
the AT-MIO-16E-2, AT-MIO-64E-3, AT-MIO-16E-10,
AT-MIO-16DE-10, AT-MIO-16XE-50, NEC-MIO-16E-4, and
NEC-AI-16XE-50, unless otherwise noted.
MIO board MIO board refers to National Instruments boards such as the
AT-MIO-16F-5, AT-MIO-16D, AT-MIO-64F-5, AT-MIO-16, and
AT-MIO-16X unless otherwise noted.

About this Manual
© National Instruments Corporation xi ER-8/16 User Manual
DAQCard DAQCard refers to National Instruments cards such as the
DAQCard-500 and DAQCard-700 unless otherwise noted.
1200 Series 1200 Series refers to the National Instruments DAQPad-1200 and
DAQCard-1200 unless otherwise noted.
NB NB refers to the NuBus Series computers.
NI-DAQ NI-DAQ is used in this manual to refer to the NI-DAQ software for
Macintosh and PC compatibles unless otherwise noted.
Macintosh Macintosh refers to all Macintosh II, Macintosh Quadra, and Macintosh
Centris computers except the Centris 610 unless otherwise noted.
PC PC refers to PC/XT/AT and IBM PS/2, models 25 and 30, computers.
Port A Port A is used in this manual to refer to port A or port 0 (as in your
NI-DAQ manuals).
Port B Port B is used in this manual to refer to port B or port 1 (as in your
NI-DAQ manuals).
Port C Port C is used in this manual to refer to port C or port 2 (as in your
NI-DAQ manuals).
Port D Port D is used in this manual to refer to port D or port 3 (as in your
NI-DAQ manuals).
Abbreviations, acronyms, metric prefixes, mnemonics, symbols, and terms are listed in the
Glossary.
National Instruments Documentation
The ER-8/16 User Manual is one piece of the documentation set for your DAQ 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:
• Your DAQ hardware user manuals—These manuals have detailed information about the
DAQ hardware that plugs into or is connected to your computer. Use these manuals for
hardware installation and configuration instructions, specification information about your
DAQ hardware, and application hints.
• Software manuals—Examples of software manuals you may have are the LabVIEW and
LabWindows/CVI manual sets and the NI-DAQ manuals. After you set up your hardware
system, use either the application software (LabVIEW or LabWindows/CVI) manuals or the
NI-DAQ manuals to help you write your application. If you have a large and complicated
system, it is worthwhile to look through the software manuals before you configure your
hardware.

About This Manual
ER-8/16 User Manual xii © National Instruments Corporation
• Accessory installation guides or manuals—If you are using accessory products, read the
terminal block and cable assembly installation guides or accessory device user manuals.
They explain how to physically connect the relevant pieces of the system. Consult these
guides when you are making your connections.
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 E, Customer
Communication, at the end of this manual.

© National Instruments Corporation 1-1 ER-8/16 User Manual
Chapter 1
Introduction
This chapter describes the ER-8/16; lists what you need to get started and optional equipment;
describes software support; and explains how to unpack the ER-8/16.
About the ER-8/16
Thank you for buying the National Instruments ER-8/16. The ER-8 consists of eight isolated
single-pole double-throw (SPDT) or form C relay channels. The ER-16 consists of 16 isolated
SPDT or form C relay channels. The ER-8/16 can serve as a controller or switcher in laboratory
testing, production testing, and industrial-process monitoring and control applications. The
ER-8/16 operates with full functionality with most National Instruments digital I/O products. It
also interfaces with the Lab and MIO boards using the SC-205X Series cable adapters. The
ER-8/16 has onboard screw terminals for easy wire attachment. You can also build a 32-channel
ER system by daisy-chaining two ER-16s.
Detailed ER-8/16 specifications are in Appendix A, Specifications.
What You Need to Get Started
To set up and use your ER-8/16, you will need the following:
ER-8 or ER-16
ER-8/16 User Manual
Your DIO-24, DIO-32, Lab, E Series, MIO, DAQCard, or 1200 Series device and
documentation
SC-205X Series cable adapter if you are using a Lab or MIO board
Interface cable (different for DIO-24 and DIO-32 devices, DAQCards, and SC-205X Series
adapters)
Your computer

Introduction Chapter 1
ER-8/16 User Manual 1-2 © National Instruments Corporation
Optional Equipment
You can use the following National Instruments products with your ER-8/16.
• Any National Instruments DAQ device with digital I/O capability
• SC-2050 cable adapter with NB1 cable
• SC-2051 cable adapter with NB1 cable
• SC-2052 cable adapter with NB1 cable
• SC-2053 cable adapter with NB1 cable
• SC-2054 48-channel kit with NB5 cable
• SC-2054 96-channel kit with NB5 cable
• SC-2055 cable adapter with NB1 cable
• NB7 cable assembly
• SH6850 shielded cable
• R6850 ribbon cable
• R1005050 ribbon cable
• Type NB5 cable
For more information about optional equipment available from National Instruments, refer to
your National Instruments catalog or call the office nearest you.
Refer to Chapter 3, Signal Connections, for additional information on cabling, connectors, and
adapters.
Software
The ER-8/16 requires no additional software beyond what you are using for your DAQ device.
Unpacking
Your ER-8/16 is shipped in an antistatic package to prevent electrostatic damage to the unit.
Electrostatic discharge can damage several components on the ER-8/16. To avoid such damage
in handling the unit, 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
ER-8/16 from the package.
• Remove the unit from the package and inspect it for loose components or any other sign of
damage. Notify National Instruments if the ER-8/16 appears damaged in any way. Do not
install a damaged unit.
•Never touch the exposed pins of connectors.

© National Instruments Corporation 2-1 ER-8/16 User Manual
Chapter 2
Setup
This chapter describes how to set up the ER-8/16.
The ER-8 has eight SPDT relays controlled by eight digital lines. Each of these relays has a
normally closed (NC) contact that connects to the common (COM) contact when the
corresponding digital output line is low, and a normally open (NO) contact that connects to the
COM contact when the digital line is high. The contacts are break-before-make so that all three
contacts are never shorted.
The ER-8/16 is an accessory to National Instruments DAQ devices with digital I/O. No
hardware or software configuration is necessary. To configure the DAQ device driving the
ER-8/16, refer to your DAQ hardware user manual.
Figure 2-1 shows the parts locator diagram for the ER-8/16. See Table 2-1 for detailed
descriptions of the parts called out on the parts locator diagram.

Setup Chapter 2
ER-8/16 User Manual 2-2 © National Instruments Corporation
1
7
89
2
3
4
5 6
11 10
1 Power LED 4 Channel 1 Relay 7 J8—EXT power supply conn. 10 J2—26-pin IN conn.
2 SW1—power supply switch 5 Screw Terminals 8 J3—26-pin OUT conn. 11 J1—DIO-24 and
3 Channel 1 LED 6 Surge Protector Pads 9 Fuses DIO-32 conn.
Figure 2-1. ER-8/16 Parts Locator Diagram

Chapter 2 Setup
© National Instruments Corporation 2-3 ER-8/16 User Manual
Table 2-1. Parts Locator Diagram Descriptions
Callout Name Description
1 Power LED When illuminated red, this LED indicates that the ER-8/16
is receiving power.
2 SW1 This is the main +5 V power supply switch for selecting
external or internal supply. Move the switch to EXT if
using external supply and to INT if using internal (driving
device or ER-16) supply. By default, your ER-8/16 is
shipped with SW1 in the EXT position.
3 Channel 1 LED These DS<1..16> LEDs are illuminated green when the NO
contact is shorted to the COM contact for the respective
channel. Otherwise the LED is shut off.
4 Channel 1 Relay These K<1..16> relays are controlled digitally on the
ER-8/16.
5 Screw Terminals The NC<1..16> screw terminals are for the NC contact for
channels 1 through 16.
The NO<1..16> screw terminals are for the NO contact for
channels 1 through 16.
The COM<1..16> screw terminals are for the COM contact
for the channels 1 through 16.
6 Surge Protector Pads The M<1..16> pads across NC and COM contacts are for
protecting the relay contacts from inductive loads. A
resistor and capacitor combination can be placed across
these pads to suppress sparking on the relay contacts due to
inductive loads.
The N<1..16> pads across NO and COM contacts are for
protecting the relay contacts from inductive loads. A
resistor and capacitor combination can be placed across
these pads to suppress sparking on the relay contacts due to
inductive loads.
7 J8 This external power-supply connector, EXT +5 V, is for
external +5 V supply. EXT GND is the reference for the
external +5 V supply, and is connected to the ER-8/16
ground.
8 J3 This 26-pin OUT connector sends the 26-pin daisy-chain
cable to the ER-8 or the ER-16.
9 Fuses F1 and F2 are socketed power supply fuses. You may
replace these fuses if they are blown. The fuse is
LIT-PICOII, 2 A, 125 V, fast.
10 J2 This 26-pin IN connector receives the 26-pin daisy-chain
cable from the ER-16 or SC-205X cable adapter.
11 J1 This 50-pin dual connector has the top connector for DIO-32
boards, and the bottom connector for DIO-24 devices.

Setup Chapter 2
ER-8/16 User Manual 2-4 © National Instruments Corporation
Safety Information
The following warnings contain important safety information concerning hazardous voltages.
!Warning: Connections that exceed any of the maximum input signal ratings on the
ER-8/16 can create a shock or a fire hazard, or damage the ER-8/16, your
computer, and the DAQ device. Maximum input ratings for each signal are
given in Appendix A, Specifications. National Instruments is NOT liable for
any damages resulting from signal connections that exceed any of these
ratings.
Do not operate your ER-8/16 in an explosive atmosphere or where there may
be flammable gases or fumes.
KEEP AWAY FROM LIVE CIRCUITS. DO NOT REMOVE THE TOP COVER of the
ER-8/16 when it is operating or is powered on. If signal wires are connected
to the unit, dangerous voltages may exist even when the equipment is turned
off. To avoid dangerous electrical shock, do not perform procedures
involving cover removal unless you are qualified to do so. Before removing
the cover make sure that the computer and the power supply are turned off
and that the signal wires connected to the screw terminals do not contain live
voltages.
DO NOT OPERATE DAMAGED EQUIPMENT. The safety protection features built
into your ER-8/16 can become impaired if it is damaged in any way. If
necessary, return the unit to National Instruments for service and repair to
ensure that safety is not compromised.
DO NOT SUBSTITUTE PARTS OR MODIFY EQUIPMENT. To avoid introducing
additional hazards, do not install unauthorized parts or modify your ER-8/16.
If necessary, return the unit to National Instruments for service and repair to
ensure that safety is not compromised.
When using the unit with high common mode voltages, you must insulate
your signal wires appropriately. National Instruments is NOT liable for any
damages or injuries resulting from inadequate signal wire insulation.
When connecting or disconnecting signal lines to the ER-8/16 screw terminal,
verify that the lines are powered off. Potential differences between the lines
and the ER-8/16 ground create a shock hazard while you connect the lines.
Connections, including power signals to ground and vice versa, that exceed
any of the maximum signal ratings on the ER-8/16 can create a shock or a
fire hazard, or can damage any or all of the devices connected to the ER-8/16,
the host computer, and the ER-8/16. National Instruments is NOT liable for
any damages or injuries resulting from incorrect signal connections.

Chapter 2 Setup
© National Instruments Corporation 2-5 ER-8/16 User Manual
Use and connect to only one of the following connectors when operating the
ER-8/16: the DIO-24, DIO-32, or IN connector. National Instruments is NOT
liable for any damages resulting from incorrect connections.
Equipment described in this document must be used in an Installation
Category II environment per IEC 664. This category requires local level
supply mains-connected installation.
Do not operate this equipment in a manner that contradicts the information
specified in this document. Misuse of this equipment could result in a shock
hazard.
Terminals are for use only with equipment that has no accessible live parts.
Use only 26-16 AWG wire with a voltage rating of 300 V and 60° C for
controlling 250 V. Prepare your signal wire by stripping the insulation no
more than 7 mm.
Connect the signal wires to the screw terminals by inserting the stripped end
of the wire fully into the terminals. Tighten the terminals to a torque of 5-
7 in.-lb.
Clean devices and terminal blocks by brushing off light dust with a soft,
nonmetallic brush. Remove other contaminants with deionized water and a
stiff nonmetallic brush. The unit must be completely dry and free from
contaminants before returning to service.
Connecting the ER-8/16 to Your DAQ Device
The following are general instructions for setting up your ER-8/16. Consult your computer user
manual or technical reference manual for specific instructions and warnings.
Warning: Connections that exceed any of the maximum rating of the input signals on the
ER-8/16 can damage the ER-8/16, your computer, and the DAQ device.
Maximum input ratings for each signal are given in Appendix A, Specifications.
National Instruments is NOT liable for any damages resulting from signal
connections that exceed any of these ratings.
1. Turn off the host computer power before making any connections.
Warning: Keep away from live circuits. DO NOT REMOVE THE TOP COVER of the
ER-8/16 when it is operating or is powered on. If signal wires are
connected to the unit, dangerous voltages may exist even when the
equipment is turned off. To avoid dangerous electrical shock, do not
perform procedures involving cover removal unless you are qualified to do
so. Before removing the cover make sure that the computer and the power
supply are turned off and that the signal wires connected to the screw
terminals do not contain live voltages.

Setup Chapter 2
ER-8/16 User Manual 2-6 © National Instruments Corporation
2. Remove the top cover of your ER-8/16 by removing the four screws located on the bottom
of your unit.
3. Connect the 50-pin interfacing cable to the appropriate 50-pin connector located on the
front end of the ER-8/16 as shown in Figure 2-2.
• If you are connecting a DIO-24 device to the ER-8/16, use the DIO-24 50-pin
connector. This is the bottom connector.
• If you are connecting a DIO-32 board to the ER-8/16, use the DIO-32 50-pin connector.
This is the top connector.
Warning: Connecting the cable to the wrong connector can damage the ER-8/16 or
your DAQ device. National Instruments is NOT liable for any damages
resulting from such connections.
Only one of the following connectors should be used and connected when
operating the ER-8/16: the DIO-24, DIO-32, or IN connector. National
Instruments is NOT liable for any damages resulting from any other
connections.
• If you are daisy chaining the ER-8/16 or using the SC-205X Series cable adapter,
connect the 26-pin cable to the correct 26-pin connector, either IN or OUT. For
additional information on signal connections and cabling refer to Chapter 3, Signal
Connections.
4. Switch the +5 V power supply switch (SW1) to the correct position, either INT or EXT.
The switch position depends on the number of channels and the type of DAQ device you
are using with the ER-8/16. Set the switch to INT if you are using your DAQ device’s
internal +5 V supply. Set the switch to EXT if you are using an external +5 supply. For
additional information on power supply connections, refer to the Power Supply section in
Chapter 3, Signal Connections.
Note: By default, your ER-8/16 is shipped with SW1 set to the EXT position.
5. Verify the connections and setup.
6. Turn on the external power supply, if necessary, then turn on your computer. The red
Power LED should light up indicating that the ER-8/16 is receiving power. If the red
Power LED does not light up, verify that the power supply connections and electrical
power supply are switched ON. If the connections and external power supply are working,
check the electrical continuity on fuses F1 and F2. If the continuity test fails on these
fuses, a fuse is blown. You can either replace the fuse yourself or send it to National
Instruments for replacement.
Note: The fuses are socketed. If you choose to replace them yourself, the fuse
specification is LIT-PICOII, 2 A, 125 V, fast. The manufacturer is Littelfuse,
and the manufacturer part number is R251002T1.