NI DAQ 6052E User manual

DAQ
NI 6052E User Manual
Multifunction I/O Devices for
PCI/PXI/1394 Bus Computers
NI 6052E User Manual
October 2002 Edition
Part Number 370477C-01

Support
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For further support information, see the Technical Support and Professional Services appendix. To comment on
the documentation, send email to [email protected].
©2001–2002 National Instruments Corporation. All rights reserved.

Important Information
Warranty
The DAQPad-6052E, NI PCI-6052E, and NI PXI-6052E are 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 document 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
CVI™, DAQPad™, DAQ-STC™,LabVIEW
™, Measurement Studio™,MITE ™,MXI ™, National Instruments™,NI ™,ni.com ™, NI-DAQ™,
RTSI™,andSCXI
™are trademarks of National Instruments Corporation.
FireWire is the registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. Other product and company names mentioned herein are trademarks or trade
names of their respective companies.
Patents
For patents covering National Instruments products, refer to the appropriate location: Help»Patents in your software, the patents.txt file
on your CD, or ni.com/patents.
WARNING REGARDING USE OF NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS
(1) NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS ARE NOT DESIGNED WITH COMPONENTS AND TESTING FOR A LEVEL OF
RELIABILITY SUITABLE FOR USE IN OR IN CONNECTION WITH SURGICAL IMPLANTS OR AS CRITICAL COMPONENTS IN
ANY LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEMS WHOSE FAILURE TO PERFORM CAN REASONABLY BE EXPECTED TO CAUSE SIGNIFICANT
INJURY TO A HUMAN.
(2) IN ANY APPLICATION, INCLUDING THE ABOVE, RELIABILITY OF OPERATION OF THE SOFTWARE PRODUCTS CAN BE
IMPAIRED BY ADVERSE FACTORS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO FLUCTUATIONS IN ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY,
COMPUTER HARDWARE MALFUNCTIONS, COMPUTER OPERATING SYSTEM SOFTWARE FITNESS, FITNESS OF COMPILERS
AND DEVELOPMENT SOFTWARE USED TO DEVELOP AN APPLICATION, INSTALLATION ERRORS, SOFTWARE AND
HARDWARE COMPATIBILITY PROBLEMS, MALFUNCTIONS OR FAILURES OF ELECTRONIC MONITORING OR CONTROL
DEVICES, TRANSIENT FAILURES OF ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS (HARDWARE AND/OR SOFTWARE), UNANTICIPATED USES OR
MISUSES, OR ERRORS ON THE PART OF THE USER OR APPLICATIONS DESIGNER (ADVERSE FACTORS SUCH AS THESE ARE
HEREAFTER COLLECTIVELY TERMED “SYSTEM FAILURES”). ANY APPLICATION WHERE A SYSTEM FAILURE WOULD
CREATE A RISK OF HARM TO PROPERTY OR PERSONS (INCLUDING THE RISK OF BODILY INJURY AND DEATH) SHOULD
NOT BE RELIANT SOLELY UPON ONE FORM OF ELECTRONIC SYSTEM DUE TO THE RISK OF SYSTEM FAILURE. TO AVOID
DAMAGE, INJURY, OR DEATH, THE USER OR APPLICATION DESIGNER MUST TAKE REASONABLY PRUDENT STEPS TO
PROTECT AGAINST SYSTEM FAILURES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO BACK-UP OR SHUT DOWN MECHANISMS.
BECAUSE EACH END-USER SYSTEM IS CUSTOMIZED AND DIFFERS FROM NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS' TESTING
PLATFORMS AND BECAUSE A USER OR APPLICATION DESIGNER MAY USE NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS IN
COMBINATION WITH OTHER PRODUCTS IN A MANNER NOT EVALUATED OR CONTEMPLATED BY NATIONAL
INSTRUMENTS, THE USER OR APPLICATION DESIGNER IS ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE FOR VERIFYING AND VALIDATING
THE SUITABILITY OF NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS WHENEVER NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS ARE
INCORPORATED IN A SYSTEM OR APPLICATION, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE APPROPRIATE DESIGN,
PROCESS AND SAFETY LEVEL OF SUCH SYSTEM OR APPLICATION.

Compliance
FCC/Canada Radio Frequency Interference Compliance
Determining FCC Class
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has rules to protect wireless communications from interference. The FCC
places digital electronics into two classes. These classes are known as Class A (for use in industrial-commercial locations only)
or Class B (for use in residential or commercial locations). Depending on where it is operated, this product could be subject to
restrictions in the FCC rules. (In Canada, the Department of Communications (DOC), of Industry Canada, regulates wireless
interference in much the same way.)
Digital electronics emit weak signals during normal operation that can affect radio, television, or other wireless products. By
examining the product you purchased, you can determine the FCC Class and therefore which of the two FCC/DOC Warnings
apply in the following sections. (Some products may not be labeled at all for FCC; if so, the reader should then assume these are
Class A devices.)
FCC Class A products only display a simple warning statement of one paragraph in length regarding interference and undesired
operation. Most of our products are FCC Class A. The FCC rules have restrictions regarding the locations where FCC Class A
products can be operated.
FCC Class B products display either a FCC ID code, starting with the letters EXN,
or the FCC Class B compliance mark that appears as shown here on the right.
Consult the FCC Web site at http://www.fcc.gov for more information.
FCC/DOC Warnings
This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in strict accordance with the instructions
in this manual and the CE Marking Declaration of Conformity*, may cause interference to radio and television reception.
Classification requirements are the same for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Canadian Department
of Communications (DOC).
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by National Instruments could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment under the FCC Rules.
Class A
Federal Communications Commission
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC
Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated
in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this
equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct
the interference at his own expense.
Canadian Department of Communications
This Class A digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe A respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.
Class B
Federal Communications Commission
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the
FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can
be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of
the following measures:
•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
•Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
•Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Canadian Department of Communications
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.
Compliance to EU Directives
Readers in the European Union (EU) must refer to the Manufacturer’s Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for information*
pertaining to the CE Marking compliance scheme. The Manufacturer includes a DoC for most every hardware product except
for those bought for OEMs, if also available from an original manufacturer that also markets in the EU, or where compliance is
not required as for electrically benign apparatus or cables.
To obtain the DoC for this product, click Declaration of Conformity at ni.com/hardref.nsf/. This Web site lists the DoCs
by product family. Select the appropriate product family, followed by your product, and a link to the DoC appears in Adobe
Acrobat format. Click the Acrobat icon to download or read the DoC.
* The CE Marking Declaration of Conformity will contain important supplementary information and instructions for the user
or installer.

©National Instruments Corporation vii NI 6052E User Manual
Contents
About This Manual
Conventions Used in This Manual.................................................................................xi
Related Documentation..................................................................................................xii
Chapter 1
Introduction
About the NI 6052E .......................................................................................................1-1
Using PXI with CompactPCI.........................................................................................1-3
What You Need to Get Started ......................................................................................1-4
Software Programming Choices ....................................................................................1-4
NI-DAQ...........................................................................................................1-4
National Instruments ADE Software...............................................................1-5
Optional Equipment.......................................................................................................1-6
Unpacking......................................................................................................................1-6
Safety Information .........................................................................................................1-7
Chapter 2
Installing and Configuring the NI 6052E
Installing the Software ...................................................................................................2-1
Installing the Hardware..................................................................................................2-1
Configuring the NI 6052E .............................................................................................2-3
Chapter 3
Hardware Overview
Analog Input ..................................................................................................................3-2
Input Mode ......................................................................................................3-3
Input Polarity and Input Range........................................................................3-3
Considerations for Selecting Input Ranges.......................................3-4
Multiple-Channel Scanning Considerations....................................................3-5
Analog Output ...............................................................................................................3-6
Analog Output Reference Selection ................................................................3-6
Analog Output Polarity Selection....................................................................3-6
Analog Output Reglitch...................................................................................3-6
Analog Trigger...............................................................................................................3-7
Digital I/O ......................................................................................................................3-10

Contents
NI 6052E User Manual viii ni.com
Timing Signal Routing .................................................................................................. 3-10
Programmable Function Inputs....................................................................... 3-11
Device and RTSI Clocks................................................................................. 3-12
RTSI Triggers ................................................................................................. 3-13
Chapter 4
Connecting the Signals
I/O Connector ................................................................................................................ 4-1
External Expansion Connector........................................................................ 4-6
Analog Input Signal Connections.................................................................................. 4-8
Types of Signal Sources ................................................................................................ 4-10
Floating Signal Sources .................................................................................. 4-10
Ground-Referenced Signal Sources ................................................................ 4-10
Input Configurations...................................................................................................... 4-11
Differential Connections (DIFF Input Mode)................................................. 4-13
Differential Connections for Nonreferenced or Floating
Signal Sources ............................................................................... 4-14
Differential Connections for Ground-Referenced Signal Sources ... 4-16
Single-Ended Connection Considerations ...................................................... 4-17
Single-Ended Connections for Floating Signal Sources
(RSE Configuration)...................................................................... 4-18
Single-Ended Connections for Grounded Signal Sources
(NRSE Configuration) ................................................................... 4-18
Common-Mode Signal Rejection Considerations........................................... 4-19
Measuring More than Eight Channels with the DAQPad-6052E for BNC................... 4-19
Connecting Analog Output Signals............................................................................... 4-20
Connecting Digital I/O Signals ..................................................................................... 4-22
Power Connections........................................................................................................ 4-23
Connecting Timing Signals ........................................................................................... 4-24
Programmable Function Input Connections ................................................... 4-25
Data Acquisition Timing Connections............................................................ 4-26
TRIG1 Signal.................................................................................... 4-27
TRIG2 Signal.................................................................................... 4-28
STARTSCAN Signal........................................................................ 4-30
CONVERT* Signal .......................................................................... 4-32
AIGATE Signal ................................................................................ 4-33
SISOURCE Signal............................................................................ 4-33
SCANCLK Signal ............................................................................ 4-34
EXTSTROBE* Signal...................................................................... 4-35
Waveform Generation Timing Connections ................................................... 4-35
WFTRIG Signal................................................................................ 4-35
UPDATE* Signal ............................................................................. 4-36
UISOURCE Signal ........................................................................... 4-38

Contents
©National Instruments Corporation ix NI 6052E User Manual
General-Purpose Timing Signal Connections .................................................4-38
GPCTR0_SOURCE Signal...............................................................4-39
GPCTR0_GATE Signal....................................................................4-39
GPCTR0_OUT Signal ......................................................................4-40
GPCTR0_UP_DOWN Signal ...........................................................4-40
GPCTR1_SOURCE Signal...............................................................4-41
GPCTR1_GATE Signal....................................................................4-41
GPCTR1_OUT Signal ......................................................................4-42
GPCTR1_UP_DOWN Signal ...........................................................4-43
FREQ_OUT Signal ...........................................................................4-44
Field Wiring Considerations..........................................................................................4-44
Chapter 5
Calibration
Loading Calibration Constants ......................................................................................5-1
Self-Calibration..............................................................................................................5-2
External Calibration.......................................................................................................5-2
Other Considerations .....................................................................................................5-3
Appendix A
Specifications
Appendix B
Custom Cabling and Optional Connectors
Appendix C
Common Questions
Appendix D
Technical Support and Professional Services
Glossary
Index

©National Instruments Corporation xi NI 6052E User Manual
About This Manual
This manual describes the electrical and mechanical aspects of the National
Instruments PCI/PXI-6052E and the DAQPad-6052E and contains
information about operation and programming.
The NI 6052E is a high-performance multifunction analog, digital, and
timing I/O device for PCI, PXI, or 1394 bus computers. Supported
functions include analog input (AI), analog output (AO), digital I/O (DIO),
and timing I/O (TIO).
Conventions Used in This Manual
The following conventions are used in this manual:
<> Angle brackets that contain numbers separated by an ellipsis represent a
range of values associated with a bit or signal name—for example,
DIO<3..0>. Angle brackets can also denote a variable in a channel
name—for example, ACH<i>andACH<i+8>.
»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.
♦The ♦symbol indicates that the following text applies only to a specific
product, a specific operating system, or a specific software version.
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.
1394 1394 refers to a high-speed external bus that implements the IEEE 1394
serial bus protocol.
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 and hardware labels.
CompactPCI CompactPCI refers to the core specification defined by the PCI Industrial
Computer Manufacturers Group (PICMG).

About This Manual
NI 6052E User Manual xii 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, and code excerpts.
NI 6052E Refers to either the NI PCI-6052E, the NI PXI-6052E or the
DAQPad-6052E, unless otherwise noted.
NI PCI/PXI-6052E Refers to either the NI PCI-6052E or the NI PXI-6052E.
Related Documentation
The following documents contain useful information related to the
NI 6052E:
• CompactPCI Specification, PICMG 2.0 R3.0
• DAQ-STC Technical Reference Manual
•DAQ Quick Start Guide, located at ni.com/manuals
•NI Developer Zone tutorial, Field Wiring and Noise Considerations
for Analog Signals, located at ni.com/zone
•NI-DAQ Function Reference Help, which you can access by clicking
Start»Programs»National Instruments»NI-DAQ»NI-DAQ Help
if you have NI-DAQ 6.7 or later installed
•NI-DAQ Function Reference Manual for PC Compatibles, located at
ni.com/manuals
•NI-DAQ User Manual for PC Compatibles, located at
ni.com/manuals
•PCI Local Bus Specification, Revision 2.2
•PXI Specification,Revision2.0

©National Instruments Corporation 1-1 NI 6052E User Manual
1
Introduction
This chapter describes the NI 6052E, lists what you need to get started,
describes optional software and equipment, and explains how to unpack the
device.
About the NI 6052E
Thank you for buying an NI 6052E. The device has the following features:
•Two 16-bit A/D converters (ADCs) with 16 analog inputs
•16-bit D/A converters (DACs) with voltage outputs
•Eight lines of transistor-transistor logic (TTL)-compatible DIO
•Two 24-bit counter/timers for TIO
The NI PCI/PXI-6052E is a switchless, jumperless data acquisition
(DAQ) device. This feature is made possible by the NI MXI Interface to
Everything (MITE), which is a bus interface chip that connects the device
to the PCI or PXI I/O bus. The MITE implements the PCI Local Bus
Specification so that you can configure all the interrupts and base memory
addresses with software. Because the device has no DIP switches, jumpers,
or potentiometers, you can easily software configure and calibrate the
device.
The DAQPad-6052E for 1394 is a high-performance, switchless,
jumperless, hot-pluggable DAQ device. 1394 automatically handles the
assignment of all host resources and allows you to install the device without
powering off the computer. You can plug up to 64 National Instruments
DAQ devices into a single computer using 1394, although you will run out
of bus bandwidth if all devices operate at full rate. In addition, the
DAQPad-6052E provides up to 250 V of DC functional isolation from
the computer.
There are two versions of the DAQPad-6052E. Table 1-1 illustrates the
different I/O connectivity and form factors of each version.

Chapter 1 Introduction
NI 6052E User Manual 1-2 ni.com
The NI 6052E uses the National Instruments DAQ system timing controller
(DAQ-STC) for time-related functions. The DAQ-STC consists of three
timing groups that control AI, AO, and general-purpose counter/timer
(GPCTR) functions. These groups have a total of seven 24-bit and three
16-bit counters and a maximum timing resolution of 50 ns. The DAQ-STC
makes possible applications such as buffered pulse generation, equivalent
time sampling, and seamless sampling rate change.
The NI 6052E uses the Real-Time System Integration (RTSI) bus to
synchronize multiple measurement functions to a common trigger or
timing event. The RTSI bus consists of the RTSI bus interface and a cable,
and it routes timing and trigger signals between several functions on as
many as five DAQ devices in the computer.
SCXI is the NI instrumentation front end for plug-in DAQ devices.
The NI 6052E interfaces to an SCXI system so that you can acquire over
3,000 analog signals from thermocouples, resistance temperature detectors
Table 1-1. DAQPad-6052E Models
Model I/O Connector
DAQPad-6052E 68-pin SCSI II male connector
DAQPad-6052E for BNC BNC and removable screw
terminals

Chapter 1 Introduction
©National Instruments Corporation 1-3 NI 6052E User Manual
(RTDs), strain gauges, voltage sources, and current sources.Youalsocan
acquire or generate digital signals for communication and control.
Refer to Appendix A, Specifications, for specifications of the NI 6052E.
Using PXI with CompactPCI
Using PXI-compatible products with standard CompactPCI products is an
important feature provided by PXI Specification, Revision 2.0. If you use a
PXI-compatible plug-in card in a standard CompactPCI chassis, you cannot
use PXI-specific functions, but you can still use the basic plug-in card
functions. For example, the RTSI bus on the NI PXI-6052E is available
in a PXI chassis, but not in a CompactPCI chassis.
The CompactPCI specification permits vendors to develop sub-buses that
coexist with the basic PCI interface on the CompactPCI bus. Compatible
operation is not guaranteed between CompactPCI devices with different
sub-buses nor between CompactPCI devices with sub-buses and PXI
because the standard implementation for CompactPCI does not include
these sub-buses. The NI PXI-6052E works in any standard CompactPCI
chassis adhering to CompactPCI Specifications, PICMG 2.0 R3.0.
PXI-specific features are implemented on the J2 connector of the
CompactPCI bus. Table 1-2 shows the J2 pins used by the NI PXI-6052E.
The device is compatible with any CompactPCI chassis with a sub-bus that
does not drive these lines. However, if the sub-bus is capable of driving
these lines, the device is only compatible if those pins on the sub-bus are
disabled by default and are never enabled. Damage can result if these lines
aredrivenbythesub-bus.
Table 1-2. Pins Used by the NI PXI-6052E
NI PXI-6052E Signal PXI Pin Name PXI J2 Pin Number
RTSI<0..5> PXI Trigger<0..5> B16, A16, A17, A18, B18, C18
RTSI 6 PXI Star D17
RTSI Clock PXITrigger7 E16
Reserved LBL<0..3> C20, E20, A19, C19
Reserved LBR<0..12> A21, C21, D21, E21, A20, B20, E15,
A3, C3, D3, E3, A2, B2

Chapter 1 Introduction
NI 6052E User Manual 1-4 ni.com
What You Need to Get Started
To install and use the NI 6052E, you need the following items:
❑One of the following devices:
–NI PCI-6052E
–NI PXI-6052E
–DAQPad-6052E
❑NI 6052E User Manual
❑NI-DAQ (PC compatibles and Mac OS1)
❑Optional: One of the following software packages and documentation:
–LabVIEW (PC compatibles and Mac OS1)
–Measurement Studio (Windows)
❑The computer
Software Programming Choices
When programming your National Instruments DAQ hardware, you can
use NI application development environment (ADE) software or other
ADEs. In either case, you use NI-DAQ.
NI-DAQ
NI-DAQ, which shipped with the NI 6052E, has an extensive library of
functions that you can call from the ADE. These functions allow you to use
all the features of the NI 6052E.
NI-DAQ carries out many of the complex interactions, such as
programming interrupts, between the computer and the DAQ hardware.
NI-DAQ maintains a consistent software interface among its different
versions so that you can change platforms with minimal modifications
to your code. Whether you use LabVIEW, Measurement Studio, VI Logger
or other ADEs, your application uses NI-DAQ, as illustrated in Figure 1-1.

Chapter 1 Introduction
©National Instruments Corporation 1-5 NI 6052E User Manual
Figure 1-1. The Relationship Among the Programming Environment,
NI-DAQ, and the Hardware
To download a free copy of the most recent version of NI-DAQ, click
Download Software at ni.com.
National Instruments ADE Software
LabVIEW features interactive graphics, a state-of-the-art interface,
and a powerful graphical programming language. The LabVIEW Data
Acquisition VI Library, a series of virtual instruments for using LabVIEW
with National Instruments DAQ hardware, is included with LabVIEW.
Measurement Studio, which includes LabWindows™/CVI™, tools for
Visual C++, and tools for Visual Basic, is a development suite that allows
you to use ANSI C, Visual C++, and Visual Basic to design your test and
measurement software. For C developers, Measurement Studio includes
LabWindows/CVI, a fully integrated ANSI C application development
environment that features interactive graphics and the LabWindows/CVI
Data Acquisition and Easy I/O libraries. For Visual Basic developers,
Measurement Studio features a set of ActiveX controls for using National
LabVIEW,
Measurement Studio,
or VI Logger
Conventional
Programming Environment
NI-DAQ
Driver Software
DAQ Hardware
Personal
Computer or
Workstation

Chapter 1 Introduction
NI 6052E User Manual 1-6 ni.com
Instruments DAQ hardware. These ActiveX controls provide a high-level
programming interface for building virtual instruments. For Visual C++
developers, Measurement Studio offers a set of Visual C++ classes and
tools to integrate those classes into Visual C++ applications. The libraries,
ActiveX controls, and classes are available with Measurement Studio and
NI-DAQ.
VI Logger is an easy-to-use yet flexible tool specifically designed for data
logging applications. Using dialog windows, you can configure data
logging tasks to easily acquire, log, view, and share your data. VI Logger
does not require any programming; it is a stand-alone, configuration-based
software.
Using LabVIEW, Measurement Studio, or VI Logger greatly reduces the
development time for your data acquisition and control application.
Optional Equipment
NI offers a variety of products to use with the NI 6052E, including the
following items:
•Cables and cable assemblies, shielded and ribbon
•Connector blocks, shielded and unshielded 50- and 68-pin screw
terminals
•RTSI bus cables
•SCXI modules and accessories for isolating, amplifying, exciting,
and multiplexing signals for relays and analog output
•Low channel count signal conditioning modules, devices, and
accessories, including conditioning for strain gauges and RTDs,
simultaneous sample and hold, and relays
For specific information about these products, refer to ni.com/catalog.
Unpacking
The NI 6052E ships in an antistatic package to prevent electrostatic damage
to the device. Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage several
components on the device.
Caution Never touch the exposed pins of connectors.

Chapter 1 Introduction
©National Instruments Corporation 1-7 NI 6052E User Manual
To avoid damage in handling the device, take the following precautions:
•Ground yourself using a grounding strap or by holding a grounded
object.
•Touch the antistatic package to a metal part of the computer chassis
before removing the device from the package.
Remove the device from the package and inspect the device for loose
components or any sign of damage. Notify NI if the device appears
damaged in any way. Do not install a damaged device into the computer.
Store the NI 6052E in the antistatic envelope when not in use.
Safety Information
The following section contains important safety information that you must
follow when installing and using the product.
Do not operate the product in a manner not specified in this document.
Misuse of the product can result in a hazard. You can compromise the
safety protection built into the product if the product is damaged in any
way. If the product is damaged, return it to National Instruments for repair.
Do not substitute parts or modify the product except as described in this
document. Use the product only with the chassis, modules, accessories, and
cables specified in the installation instructions. You must have all covers
and filler panels installed during operation of the product.
Do not operate the product in an explosive atmosphere or where there may
be flammable gases or fumes. Operate the product only at or below the
pollution degree stated in Appendix A, Specifications. Pollution is foreign
matter in a solid, liquid, or gaseous state that can reduce dielectric strength
or surface resistivity. The following is a description of pollution degrees:
•Pollution Degree 1 means no pollution or only dry, nonconductive
pollution occurs. The pollution has no influence.
•Pollution Degree 2 means that only nonconductive pollution occurs in
most cases. Occasionally, however, a temporary conductivity caused
by condensation must be expected.
•Pollution Degree 3 means that conductive pollution occurs, or dry,
nonconductive pollution occurs that becomes conductive due to
condensation.

Chapter 1 Introduction
NI 6052E User Manual 1-8 ni.com
Clean the product with a soft nonmetallic brush. Make sure that the product
is completely dry and free from contaminants before returning it to service.
Yo u must insulate signal connections for the maximum voltage for which
the product is rated. Do not exceed the maximum ratings for the product.
Remove power from signal lines before connecting them to or
disconnecting them from the product.
Operate this product only at or below the installation category stated in
Appendix A, Specifications.
The following is a description of installation categories:
•Installation Category I is for measurements performed on circuits not
directly connected to MAINS1. This category is a signal level such as
voltages on a printed wire board (PWB) on the secondary of an
isolation transformer.
Examples of Installation Category I are measurements on circuits not
derived from MAINS and specially protected (internal)
MAINS-derived circuits.
•Installation Category II is for measurements performed on circuits
directly connected to the low-voltage installation. This category refers
to local-level distribution such as that provided by a standard wall
outlet.
Examples of Installation Category II are measurements on household
appliances, portable tools, and similar equipment.
•Installation Category III is for measurements performed in the building
installation. This category is a distribution level referring to hardwired
equipment that does not rely on standard building insulation.
Examples of Installation Category III include measurements on
distribution circuits and circuit breakers. Other examples of
Installation Category III are wiring including cables, bus-bars, junction
boxes, switches, socket outlets in the building/fixed installation, and
equipment for industrial use, such as stationary motors with a
permanent connection to the building/fixed installation.
1MAINS is defined as the electricity supply system to which the equipment concerned is designed to be connected either for
powering the equipment or for measurement purposes.

Chapter 1 Introduction
©National Instruments Corporation 1-9 NI 6052E User Manual
•Installation Category IV is for measurements performed at the source
of the low-voltage (<1,000 V) installation.
Examples of Installation Category IV are electric meters, and
measurements on primary overcurrent protection devices and
ripple-control units.
Below is a diagram of a sample installation.

©National Instruments Corporation 2-1 NI 6052E User Manual
2
Installing and Configuring
the NI 6052E
This chapter explains how to install and configure the NI 6052E.
Installing the Software
Complete the following steps to install the software before installing the
NI 6052E.
1. Install the ADE, such as LabVIEW, Measurement Studio, or
VI Logger, according to the instructions on the CD and the release
notes.
2. Install NI-DAQ according to the instructions on the CD and the
DAQ Quick Start Guide included with the device.
Note It is important to install NI-DAQ before installing the NI 6052E to ensure that the
device is properly detected.
Installing the Hardware
You can install the NI PCI/PXI-6052E in any available PCI system or
5 V PXI slot, respectively, in the computer. However, to achieve best noise
performance, leave as much room as possible between the
NI PCI/PXI-6052E and other devices. You can connect the
DAQPad-6052E to any available 1394 port.
The following are general installation instructions. Consult the computer or
chassis user manual or technical reference manual for specific instructions
and warnings about installing new devices.
Note Follow the guidelines in the computer documentation for installing plug-in
hardware.