National Instruments BNC-2120 User manual

INSTALLATION GUIDE
BNC-2120
Connector Accessory for E/M/S Series Devices
This installation guide describes how to install, configure, and use your BNC-2120 accessory with
68-pin or 100-pin E/M/S Series multifunction data acquisition (DAQ) devices. This document also
contains accessory specifications.
The BNC-2120 has the following features:
• Eight BNC connectors for analog input (AI) connection
• Onboard temperature reference
• Thermocouple connector
• Resistor measurement screw terminals
• Two BNC connectors for analog output (AO) connection
• Screw terminals for digital I/O (DIO) connection with state indicators
• Screw terminals for timing I/O (TIO) connection
• Two user-defined BNC connectors
• A function generator with the following outputs:
– Frequency-adjustable, TTL-compatible square wave
– Frequency- and amplitude-adjustable sine wave or triangle wave
• Quadrature encoder
• A 68-pin I/O connector that connects to multifunction DAQ devices
• Can be used on a desktop or mounted on a DIN rail
Contents
Conventions ......................................................................................................................................... 2
What You Need to Get Started ............................................................................................................ 2
Installing the BNC-2120...................................................................................................................... 2
Connecting Analog Input Signals ........................................................................................................ 5
Connecting Differential Analog Input Signals ............................................................................ 5
Measuring Floating Signals ................................................................................................. 5
Measuring Ground-Referenced Signals............................................................................... 6
Measuring Temperature............................................................................................................... 6
Measuring Resistance .................................................................................................................. 7
Connecting Analog Output Signals ..................................................................................................... 7
Using the Function Generator.............................................................................................................. 8
Connecting Timing I/O Signals ........................................................................................................... 8
Using the Quadrature Encoder..................................................................................................... 10
Connecting User-Defined Signals ....................................................................................................... 10
Connecting Digital I/O Signals............................................................................................................ 11
Specifications....................................................................................................................................... 11

BNC-2120 Installation Guide 2 ni.com
Conventions
The following conventions are used in this document:
<> Angle brackets that contain numbers separated by an ellipsis represent a range of values
associated with a bit or signal name—for example, AO <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 a product, refer to the Read Me First: Safety
and Radio-Frequency Interference document for information about precautions to take.
bold Bold text denotes items that you must select or click in the software, such as menu items and
dialog box options. Bold text also denotes parameter names.
italic Italic text denotes variables, emphasis, a cross-reference, or an introduction to a key concept.
Italic text 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.
What You Need to Get Started
To set up and use your BNC-2120 accessory, you need the following:
❑BNC-2120 accessory/accessories1
❑BNC-2120 Installation Guide
❑One of the following DAQ devices:
– 68-pin E/M/S Series device (with one or two I/O connectors)2
– 100-pin E Series device
❑Cable(s) for DAQ device(s), as listed in Table 1
❑The E Series User Manual, the M Series User Manual, or the S Series User Manual
❑BNC cables
❑28–16 AWG wire
❑Wire strippers
❑Flathead screwdriver
Installing the BNC-2120
Figure 1 shows the front panel of the BNC-2120.
1 You can use two BNC-2120 accessories with both connectors of NI 6224/6229/6254/6259/6284/6289 M Series devices.
2 You cannot use the BNC-2120 with Connector 1 of NI 6225/6255 devices.

©National Instruments Corporation 3 BNC-2120 Installation Guide
Figure 1. BNC-2120 Front Panel
1 RES/BNC Switch (AI 3)
2 Resistor Measurement Screw
Terminals
3 Thermocouple Input Connector
4 Temperature Reference
5 BNC/Temp. Ref. Switch (AI 0)
6 BNC/Thermocouple Switch (AI 1)
7 Analog Input BNC Connectors
8 FS/GS Switches
9 Analog Output BNC Connector
10 Frequency Range Selection Switch
11 Sine/Triangle BNC Connector
12 TTL Square Wave BNC Connector
13 Sine/Triangle Waveform Switch
14 Frequency Adjust Knob
15 Amplitude Adjust Knob
16 Digital I/O Screw Terminals
17 Digital I/O LEDs
18 User-Defined Screw Terminals
19 User-Defined BNC Connectors
20 Timing I/O Screw Terminals
21 Quadrature Encoder Screw
Terminals
22 Quadrature Encoder Knob
23 Timing I/O BNC Connector
24 Power Indicator LED
E
L
R
T
T
S
NI
NA
M
U
N
O
IA
S
TN
_
+
Floating
Source (FS)
_
+
Ground Ref.
Source (GS)
AO
ANALOG OUTPUTS
ANALOG INPUTS
DIGITAL I/O
FUNCTION GENERATOR
Frequency Selection
Amplitude Adjust
Sine /Triangle TTL Square Wave
Frequency Adjust
GSFS GSFS
GSFS GSFS
GSFS GSFS
GSFS GSFS
AI 0 AI 1
USER 1
USER 2
P0.7
P0.6
P0.5
P0.4
P0.3
P0.2
P0.1
P0.0
D GND
AI 2
BNC
RES+
AI GND
AI SENSE
RES-
1
2
3
4
Temp.
Ref.
0.1-10 kHz
LO HI LO HI
1-100 kHz 13-1000 kHz
Thermo
couple
BNC
RES
AI 3
BNC
AI 3
AI 4 AI 5
AI 6 AI 7
AO 0 AO 1
USER-DEFINED
SIGNALS*
*For BNC connections, wire
anyTiming I/O or Digital I/O
screw terminals here.
PWR
BNC-2120
TIMING I/O
PFI 0 / P1.0
96 Puls es / Rev
Quadrature
Encoder
PFI 1 / P1.1
PFI 2 / P1.2
PFI 3 / P1.3
PFI 4 / P1.4
PFI 5 / P1.5
PFI 6 / P1.6
PFI 7 / P1.7
PFI 8 / P2.0
PFI 9 / P2.1
PFI 12 / P2.4
PFI 13 / P2.5
PFI 14 / P2.6
+5 V
PULSES
UP / DN
D GND
1.
2.
3.
4.
!
10
16
17
1
5
7
9
8
4
6
2
12
14
13
11
15
19
20
23
22
24
21
3
18

BNC-2120 Installation Guide 4 ni.com
To connect the BNC-2120 to your DAQ device, complete the following steps. Consult your computer or
PXI/PXI Express chassis user manual for specific instructions and warnings.
Note If you have not already installed your DAQ device, refer to the DAQ Getting Started Guide for
instructions.
Caution Do not connect the BNC-2120 to any device other than National Instruments E/M/S Series
multifunction DAQ devices. Doing so can damage the BNC-2120, the DAQ device, or the host
computer. National Instruments is not liable for damage resulting from these connections.
1. Place the BNC-2120 near the host computer or PXI/PXI Express chassis or use the optional DIN
Rail Mounting kit for UMI-FLEX-6 and BNC boxes (part number 777972-01), which you can
order from National Instruments at ni.com.
Caution Do not connect input voltages greater than 42.4 Vpk/60 VDC to the BNC-2120. The
BNC-2120 is not designed for any input voltages greater than 42.4 Vpk/60 VDC, even if a
user-installed voltage divider reduces the voltage to within the input range of the DAQ device. Input
voltages greater than 42.4 Vpk/60 VDC can damage the BNC-2120, all devices connected to it, and
the host computer. Overvoltage can also cause an electric shock hazard for the operator. National
Instruments is not liable for damage or injury resulting from such misuse.
2. Connect the BNC-2120 to the DAQ device using the appropriate cable for your DAQ device,
as listed in Table 1.
The power indicator LED, shown in Figure 1, lights. If it does not light, check the cable
connections.
3. Launch Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX), confirm that your DAQ device is
recognized, and configure your device settings. Refer to the DAQ Getting Started Guide for more
information.
4. Connect signals to the BNC connectors and screw terminal block as described in the following
sections.
Note With NI-DAQmx, National Instruments has revised its terminal names so they are easier to
understand and more consistent among NI hardware and software products. The revised terminal
names used in this document are usually similar to the names they replace. For a complete list of
Traditional NI-DAQ (Legacy) terminal names and their NI-DAQmx equivalents, refer to the
Terminal Name Equivalents table in the NI-DAQmx Help.
Table 1. BNC-2120 Cabling Options
Number of Pins DAQ Device Recommended Cable(s)
68-pin DAQCard E Series,
NI PCI/PCIe/PXI/PXIe M Series*
NI 6143 S Series
SHC68-68-EPM or RC68-68
PCI/PXI E Series,
USB Mass Termination M Series*,
NI 611x/612x/613xS Series†
SH68-68-EPM or R6868†
100-pin PCI/PXI E Series SH1006868
*You cannot connect the BNC-2120 to Connector 1 of NI 6225/6255 devices.
†Do not use the R6868 cable with NI 6115/6120 S Series devices; use only the SH68-68-EPM cable.

©National Instruments Corporation 5 BNC-2120 Installation Guide
5. Test specific device functionality, such as the ability to send and receive data with MAX test panels.
Refer to the DAQ Getting Started Guide for detailed information about running test panels in
MAX.
When you have finished using the BNC-2120, power off any external signals connected to the
BNC-2120 before you power off your computer.
Connecting Analog Input Signals
You can use the analog input BNCs on the BNC-2120 in the following ways:
• Measure differential AI signals, as described in the Connecting Differential Analog Input Signals
section
• Measure temperature, as described in the Measuring Temperature section
• Measure resistance, as described in the Measuring Resistance section
Connecting Differential Analog Input Signals
Use the BNC-2120 BNC connectors on the front panel to connect AI <0..7> signals to your DAQ device.
The BNC-2120 is only intended for differential analog input signals. The number of connectors you use
depends on your DAQ device and application. Complete the following steps to measure a differential
(DIFF) analog input signal.
1. Connect the BNC cable to one of the AI <0..7> BNC connectors on the front panel.1
2. If you are using AI 0, move the BNC/Temp. Ref. switch to the BNC position.
If you are using AI 1, move the BNC/Thermocouple switch to the BNC position.
If you are using AI 3, move the RES/BNC switch to the BNC position.
3. Configure your software to measure the channel differentially.
4. Move the FS/GS switch to the applicable position, depending on whether you are measuring a
floating source (FS) or ground-referenced source (GS) analog input signal. Refer to the Measuring
Floating Signals and Measuring Ground-Referenced Signals sections for more information about
these signal sources.
Measuring Floating Signals
To measure floating signal sources, move the corresponding switch below the BNC connector to the FS
position. In the floating source switch position, the DAQ device’s amplifier negative terminal connects
to ground through a 4.99 kΩresistor, as shown in Figure 2. Refer to your DAQ device documentation
for more information about measuring floating signals.
1 When using the BNC-2120 with Connector 1 of NI 6224/6229/6254/6259/6284/6289 devices, the AI <0..7> BNCs on the
BNC-2120 map to the AI <16..23> channels on the M Series device.

BNC-2120 Installation Guide 6 ni.com
Figure 2. Measuring a Floating Signal Source
Measuring Ground-Referenced Signals
To measure ground-referenced signals, move the switch below the BNC connector for the AI channel
you are using to the GS position. Using the ground-referenced source switch position avoids ground
loops, as shown in Figure 3. Refer to your DAQ device documentation for more information about
measuring ground-referenced signals.
Figure 3. Measuring a Ground-Referenced Signal Source
AI GND and AI SENSE signals are located at the analog input screw terminals of the BNC-2120. When
connecting signals to the screw terminals, use 28–16 AWG wire with the insulation stripped to 0.28 in.
Measuring Temperature
You can measure temperature on the BNC-2120 with the temperature reference and thermocouple
connector.
To use the integrated circuit (IC) temperature reference on the BNC-2120, move the BNC/Temp. Ref.
switch above the AI 0 BNC to Temp. Ref. The integrated circuit (IC) temperature reference provides
built-in cold-junction compensation (CJC) through software. The IC sensor voltage is linearly
proportional to the sensor temperature where:
°C = Volts ×100
The sensor is accurate to ±1.5 °C.
To use the thermocouple on the BNC-2120, move the BNC/Thermocouple switch above the AI 1 BNC
to Thermocouple. You can connect any type of thermocouple with a two-prong miniature or
subminiature male connector to the thermocouple connector.
+
–
Signal
Source BNC-2120
DAQ Device
(Differential Input Mode)
AI GND
+
–
4.99 kΩ
FS
FSMode
0.1 μF
+
–
Signal
Source BNC-2120
DAQ Device
(Differential Input Mode)
AI GND
+
–
4.99 kΩ
GS
GSMode
0.1 μF

©National Instruments Corporation 7 BNC-2120 Installation Guide
For more information on thermocouples and CJC, refer to the Developer Zone document, Taking
Thermocouple Temperature Measurements, by going to ni.com/info and entering the info code
rdtttm.
Measuring Resistance
You can measure resistance with the analog input screw terminals on the BNC-2120. Figure 4 is a
schematic representation of how the BNC-2120 measures resistance.
Figure 4. Measuring Resistance on the BNC-2120
RES+ is internally connected to AI 3 and VCC. RES– is internally connected to AI 11. There is also a
10 kΩresistor between AI 11 and AI GND.
When connecting signals to the screw terminals, use 28–16 AWG wire with the insulation stripped
to 0.28 in.
Complete the following steps to measure resistance.
1. Move the RES/BNC switch above the AI 3 BNC to the RES position.
2. Configure your software to measure AI 3 and AI 11 in referenced single-ended (RSE) mode.
3. Connect the resistor to the RES+ and RES– screw terminals.
You can measure resistors with values ranging from 100 Ωto 1 MΩ.
4. Measure VCC on AI 3 and the voltage drop across the internal 10 kΩresistor on AI 11.
5. With these measurements, calculate the resistor value using the following formula:
Connecting Analog Output Signals
Use the AO <0..1> BNC connectors on the BNC-2120 front panel to connect analog output signals to
your DAQ device.1The number of connectors you use depends on your DAQ device and application.
Refer to your DAQ device documentation for information about the use of these signals.
1 When using the BNC-2120 with Connector 1 of NI 6229/6259/6289 devices, the AO <0..1> BNCs on the BNC-2120 map to
the AO <2..3> channels on the M Series device.
RES+ AI 3
BNC-2120
VCC
User Resistor
Screw
Terminals
AI 11
AI GND
AI SENSE
RES–
AI
10 kΩ
0.5%
Resistor Value
VAI 3 VAI 11
–
VAI 11 10 kΩ()⁄
---------------------------------------=

BNC-2120 Installation Guide 8 ni.com
Using the Function Generator
The BNC-2120 has a function generator that produces sine or triangle waveforms and TTL-compatible
square waveforms. Use the switch below the Sine/Triangle BNC to select a sine wave or triangle wave
output for the connector. A TTL-compatible square wave is always present at the TTL Square Wave
BNC.
To adjust the frequency of the function generator, select your frequency range using the Frequency
Selection switch. You can select 0.1–10 kHz, 1–100 kHz, or 13–1000 kHz. The Frequency Adjust knob
adjusts the frequency within the preselected range for the sine or triangle wave and the TTL square wave
outputs.
The Amplitude Adjust knob adjusts the amplitude of the sine or triangle wave output up to 4.4 Vp-p.
Connecting Timing I/O Signals
Connect the timing I/O signals of your DAQ device to the PFI 0/P1.0 (AI START TRIG) BNC or the
timing I/O screw terminals on the BNC-2120. When connecting signals to the screw terminals, use
28–16 AWG wire with the insulation stripped to 0.28 in.
Table 2 describes the timing I/O BNC and terminal signals on the BNC-2120.
Table 2. BNC-2120 Timing I/O BNC/Terminal Descriptions
BNC/Terminal Description
PFI 0/P1.0 Programmable Function Input channel 0 or Port 1 Digital Input/Output channel 0
AI START TRIG (AI Start Trigger Signal)—As an output, this pin is the ai/StartTrigger
signal. In post-trigger DAQ sequences, a low-to-high transition indicates the initiation of
the acquisition sequence. In applications with pre-trigger samples, a low-to-high transition
indicates the initiation of the pre-trigger samples.
PULSES Refer to the Using the Quadrature Encoder section for information about using these
terminals.
UP/DN
PFI 1/P1.1 Programmable Function Input channel 1 or Port 1 Digital Input/Output channel 1
AI REF TRIG (AI Reference Trigger Signal)—As an output, this pin is the
ai/ReferenceTrigger signal. In applications with pretrigger samples, a low-to-high
transition indicates the initiation of the post-trigger samples. AI Reference Trigger
is not used in applications with posttrigger samples.
PFI 2/P1.2 Programmable Function Input channel 2 or Port 1 Digital Input/Output channel 2
AI CONV CLK (AI Convert Clock Signal)—As an output, this pin is the ai/ConvertClock
signal. A high-to-low edge on AI CONV indicates that an A/D conversion is occurring.
PFI 3/P1.3 Programmable Function Input channel 3 or Port 1 Digital Input/Output channel 3
CTR 1 SOURCE (Counter 1 Source Signal)—As an output, this pin is the Ctr1Source
signal. This signal reflects the actual source connected to the general-purpose counter 1.

©National Instruments Corporation 9 BNC-2120 Installation Guide
PFI 4/P1.4 Programmable Function Input channel 4 or Port 1 Digital Input/Output channel 4
CTR 1 GATE (Counter 1 Gate Signal)—As an output, this pin is the Ctr1Gate signal.
This signal reflects the actual gate signal connected to the general-purpose counter 1.
PFI 5/P1.5 Programmable Function Input channel 5 or Port 1 Digital Input/Output channel 5
AO SAMP CLK (AO Sample Clock Signal)—As an output, this pin is the ao/SampleClock
signal. A high-to-low edge on AO SAMP indicates that the AO primary group is being
updated.
PFI 6/P1.6 Programmable Function Input channel 6 or Port 1 Digital Input/Output channel 6
AO START TRIG (AO Start Trigger Signal)—As an output, this pin is the ao/StartTrigger
signal. In timed AO sequences, a low-to-high transition indicates the initiation of the
waveform generation.
PFI 7/P1.7 Programmable Function Input channel 7 or Port 1 Digital Input/Output channel 7
AI SAMP CLK (AI Sample Clock Signal)—As an output, this pin is the ai/SampleClock
signal. This pin pulses once at the start of each AI sample in the interval sample.
A low-to-high transition indicates the start of the sample.
PFI 8/P2.0 Programmable Function Input channel 8 or Port 2 Digital Input/Output channel 0
CTR 0 SOURCE (Counter 0 Source Signal)—As an output, this pin is the Ctr0Source
signal. This signal reflects the actual source connected to the general-purpose counter 0.
PFI 9/P2.1 Programmable Function Input channel 9 or Port 2 Digital Input/Output channel 1
CTR 0 GATE (Counter 0 Gate Signal)—As an output, this pin is the Ctr0Gate signal.
This signal reflects the actual gate signal connected to the general-purpose counter 0.
PFI 12/P2.4 Programmable Function Input channel 12 or Port 2 Digital Input/Output channel 4
CTR 0 OUT (Counter 0 Output Signal)—As an input, this pin can be used to route signals
directly to the RTSI bus. As an output, this pin emits the Ctr0InternalOutput signal.
PFI 13/P2.5 Programmable Function Input channel 13 or Port 2 Digital Input/Output channel 5
CTR 1 OUT (Counter 1 Output Signal)—As an input, this pin can be used to route signals
directly to the RTSI bus. As an output, this pin emits the Ctr1InternalOutput signal.
PFI 14/P2.6 Programmable Function Input channel 14 or Port 2 Digital Input/Output channel 6
FREQ OUT (Frequency Output)—This output is from the frequency generator.
+5 V +5 V Power—These terminals are fused on the DAQ device and are self-resetting.
The current available depends on the product to which it is connected.
D GND Digital Ground—This terminal supplies the reference for the digital signals at the
I/O connector as well as the +5 VDC supply.
Table 2. BNC-2120 Timing I/O BNC/Terminal Descriptions (Continued)
BNC/Terminal Description

BNC-2120 Installation Guide 10 ni.com
Using the Quadrature Encoder
The BNC-2120 contains a mechanical quadrature encoder circuit that produces 96 pulses per encoder
revolution. Two outputs, PULSES and UP/DN, are at the screw terminals located below the quadrature
encoder knob.
PULSES outputs a pulse train generated by rotating the encoder shaft. It provides four pulses per one
mechanical click of the encoder. UP/DN outputs a high or a low signal indicating rotation direction.
When the direction is counterclockwise, UP/DN is low. When the direction is clockwise, UP/DN is high.
To use the quadrature encoder with counter 0 of the DAQ device, connect the PULSES terminal to PFI 8
and connect the UP/DN terminal to the P0.6 digital I/O terminal, the up/down pin of counter 0. To use
the quadrature encoder with counter 1, connect the PULSES terminal to PFI 3 and connect the UP/DN
terminal to the P0.7 digital I/O terminal, the up/down pin of counter 1. Refer to Table 2 for more
information about PFI 3 and PFI 8. Refer to the Connecting Digital I/O Signals section for more
information about the digital I/O terminals and LEDs.
You can use the Count Digital Events VI from the LabVIEW Example Finder (Hardware Input and
Output»DAQmx»Counter Measurements»Count Digital Events) with the BNC-2120 quadrature
encoder. After opening the VI, select Externally Controlled in the Count Direction control. The VI
retrieves the count from the counter. You can convert the count into total degrees rotated using the
following formula:
Total Degrees Rotated = PULSES ×3.75°/pulse
where
3.75°/pulse = 360°/96 pulses
Calculate the number of revolutions and remaining degrees by dividing the total degrees rotated by 360°.
The calculated quotient is equal to the number of revolutions and the remainder is equal to the remaining
degrees.
Connecting User-Defined Signals
The USER 1 and USER 2 BNC connectors allow you to use a BNC connector for a digital I/O or
timing I/O signal of your choice. The USER 1 and USER 2 BNC connectors are routed (internal to
the BNC-2120) to the USER 1 and USER 2 screw terminals, as shown in Figure 5.
Figure 5. USER <1..2> BNC Connections
Figure 5 shows an example of how to use the USER 1 and USER 2 BNCs. To access the PFI 8/P2.0
(CTR 0 SOURCE) signal from a BNC, connect USER 1 on the screw terminal block to PFI 8/P2.0 with
a 28–16 AWG wire.
USER 2 BNC
Internal
Connection
USER 1 BNC
D GND
USER 2
USER 1
D GND
Internal
Connection