NI DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50 User manual

DAQ
DAQPadTM-MIO-16XE-50
User Manual
16-Bit Data Acquisition and Control for the Parallel Port
DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50 User Manual
June 2002 Edition
Part Number 370511A-01

Support
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For further support information, see the Technical Support and Professional Services appendix. To comment on
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©2002 National Instruments Corporation. All rights reserved.

Important Information
Warranty
The DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50 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 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™, DAQ-STC™, DAQPad™,LabVIEW
™, Measurement Studio™, National Instruments™,NI ™,ni.com ™, and NI-DAQ™are trademarks of
National Instruments Corporation.
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 Mark 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 Mark 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.
* Certain exemptions may apply in the USA, see FCC Rules §15.103 Exempted devices,and§15.105(c). Also available in
sections of CFR 47.
** The CE Mark Declaration of Conformity will contain important supplementary information and instructions for the user or
installer.

©National Instruments Corporation vii DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50 User Manual
Contents
About This Manual
Conventions ...................................................................................................................xi
NI Documentation..........................................................................................................xii
Related Documentation..................................................................................................xii
Chapter 1
Introduction
About the DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50...............................................................................1-1
What You Need to Get Started ......................................................................................1-2
Software Programming Choices ....................................................................................1-3
NI-DAQ...........................................................................................................1-3
National Instruments ADE Software...............................................................1-4
Optional Equipment.......................................................................................................1-4
BP-1 Battery Pack ...........................................................................................1-4
Adding an Enhanced Parallel Port...................................................................1-5
Parallel Port Cables .........................................................................................1-5
Unpacking......................................................................................................................1-5
Safety Information .........................................................................................................1-6
Chapter 2
Installing and Configuring the DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50
Installing the Software ...................................................................................................2-1
Hardware Installation.....................................................................................................2-2
Configuring the DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50 .....................................................................2-4
Parallel Port .....................................................................................................2-4
Analog Input....................................................................................................2-4
Input Mode........................................................................................2-4
Input Polarity and Input Range .........................................................2-5
Considerations for Selecting Input Ranges ........................2-6
Dither ................................................................................................2-6
Multiple-Channel Scanning Considerations .....................................2-8
Analog Output .................................................................................................2-9
Cold-Junction Sensing.....................................................................................2-9
Digital I/O........................................................................................................2-10
Programmable Function Inputs .......................................................................2-10

Contents
DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50 User Manual viii ni.com
Chapter 3
Connecting the Signals
DAQPad-TB-52 Terminal Block .................................................................................. 3-1
DAQPad-TB-52 Signal Connections .............................................................. 3-7
Analog Input Signal Connections.................................................................................. 3-8
Types of Signal Sources.................................................................................. 3-9
Floating Signal Sources .................................................................... 3-10
Ground-Referenced Signal Sources.................................................. 3-10
Input Configurations ....................................................................................... 3-10
Differential Connection Considerations ........................................... 3-12
Differential Connections for Ground-Referenced
Signal Sources ................................................................. 3-13
Differential Connections for Nonreferenced or Floating
Signal Sources ................................................................. 3-14
Single-Ended Connection Considerations ........................................ 3-16
Single-Ended Connections for Floating Signal Sources
(RSE Configuration)........................................................ 3-17
Single-Ended Connections for Grounded Signal Sources
(NRSE Configuration)..................................................... 3-17
Common-Mode Signal Rejection Considerations........................................... 3-18
External Current Excitation........................................................................................... 3-19
Analog Output Signal Connections ............................................................................... 3-21
Digital I/O Signal Connections ..................................................................................... 3-22
Power Connections........................................................................................................ 3-23
Timing Connections ...................................................................................................... 3-23
Programmable Function Input Connections ................................................... 3-24
DAQ Timing Connections .............................................................................. 3-25
TRIG1 Signal.................................................................................... 3-26
TRIG2 Signal.................................................................................... 3-27
STARTSCAN Signal........................................................................ 3-28
CONVERT* Signal .......................................................................... 3-30
AIGATE Signal ................................................................................ 3-31
SISOURCE Signal............................................................................ 3-32
SCANCLK Signal ............................................................................ 3-32
EXTSTROBE* Signal...................................................................... 3-33
Waveform Generation Timing Connections ................................................... 3-34
WFTRIG Signal................................................................................ 3-34
UPDATE* Signal ............................................................................. 3-35
UISOURCE Signal ........................................................................... 3-36
General-Purpose Timing Signal Connections................................................. 3-37
GPCTR0_SOURCE Signal .............................................................. 3-37
GPCTR0_GATE Signal ................................................................... 3-38
GPCTR0_OUT Signal...................................................................... 3-38

Contents
©National Instruments Corporation ix DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50 User Manual
GPCTR0_UP_DOWN Signal ...........................................................3-39
GPCTR1_SOURCE Signal...............................................................3-39
GPCTR1_GATE Signal....................................................................3-40
GPCTR1_OUT Signal ......................................................................3-41
GPCTR1_UP_DOWN Signal ...........................................................3-41
FREQ_OUT Signal ...........................................................................3-43
Field Wiring Considerations..........................................................................................3-43
Chapter 4
Calibration
Loading Calibration Constants ......................................................................................4-1
Self-Calibration..............................................................................................................4-2
External Calibration.......................................................................................................4-2
Appendix A
Specifications
Appendix B
Troubleshooting for Configuring Parallel Ports
Appendix C
Common Questions
Appendix D
Technical Support and Professional Services
Glossary

©National Instruments Corporation xi DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50 User Manual
About This Manual
This manual describes the electrical and mechanical aspects of the
DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50 and contains information concerning its operation
and programming. The DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50 is a high-resolution,
multifunction, portable data acquisition (DAQ) system that communicates
with IBM PC/XT/AT and compatibles through the parallel port. The
DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50 includes the DAQPad-TB-52, a detachable
terminal block with screw terminals for convenient, compact signal
connections.
Conventions
The following conventions appear 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>.
»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
thedevice,seetheSafety Information section ofChapter 1, Introduction,
for precautions to take.
bold Bold text denotes items that you must select or click on 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. 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,

About This Manual
DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50 User Manual xii ni.com
programs, subprograms, subroutines, device names, functions, operations,
variables, filenames and extensions, and code excerpts.
NI-DAQ NI-DAQ is used throughout this manual to refer to the NI-DAQ software for
PC compatibles, unless otherwise noted.
PC PC refers to the IBM PC/XT, the IBM PC AT, and compatible computers.
NI Documentation
The DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50 User Manual is one piece of the
documentation set for the system. You could have any of several types of
manuals, depending on the hardware and software in the system. Use the
different types of manuals you have as follows:
•The DAQ hardware user manuals—These manuals have detailed
information about the DAQ hardware that plugs into or is connected
to the computer. Use these manuals for hardware installation and
configuration instructions, specification information about the DAQ
hardware, and application hints.
•Software manuals—Examples of software manuals you may have are
the LabVIEW and Measurement Studio manual sets and the NI-DAQ
manuals. After you set up the hardware system, use either the
application software (LabVIEW or Measurement Studio) 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 the hardware.
•Accessory installation guides or manuals—If you are using accessory
products, read the terminal block and cable assembly installation
guides or accessory board user manuals. They explain how to
physically connect the relevant pieces of the system. Consult these
guides when you are making your connections.
Related Documentation
The following National Instruments document contains information that
you may find helpful as you read this manual:
•NI Developer Zone tutorial, Field Wiring and Noise Considerations
for Analog Signals,atni.com/zone.
•NI Developer Zone tutorial, Measuring Temperature with
Thermocouples,atni.com/zone.

©National Instruments Corporation 1-1 DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50 User Manual
1
Introduction
This chapter describes the DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50, lists what you need to
get started with the DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50, and describes the software
programming choices and optional equipment.
About the DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50
The DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50 is a high-resolution, multifunction, portable
DAQ system that communicates through the parallel port on IBM
PC/XT/AT and compatible computers. The DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50
features 16 analog input (AI) channels that you can configure as 16
single-ended or eight differential inputs, a 16-bit successive-approximation
ADC, two 12-bit DACs with voltage outputs, one constant current source
for powering RTDs or thermistors, eight lines of TTL-compatible digital
I/O (DIO), and two 24-bit counter/timers for timing I/O (TIO). The
DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50 analog I/O circuitry is completely
software-configurable and self-calibrated.
The DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50 uses the National Instruments DAQ-STC
system timing controller for time-related functions. The DAQ-STC consists
of three timing groups that control AI, AO, and general-purpose
counter/timer functions. These groups include a total of seven 24-bit
and three 16-bit counters and a maximum timing resolution of 50 ns.
The DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50 includes the DAQPad-TB-52, a detachable
terminal block with screw terminals for convenient, compact signal
connections. Because the DAQPad-TB-52 is built into the enclosure of the
DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50, you do not need additional cables or external
termination accessories. The terminal block includes screw terminals for all
I/O signals, strain-relief for reliable wiring, and a temperature sensor for
cold-junction compensation with thermocouples.
The DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50 is Enhanced Parallel Port (EPP) compatible
with IEEE 1284, a standard for high-performance PC parallel ports.
The DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50 has two parallel port connectors. The first
parallel port connector communicates with two different computer parallel
port types—the original Centronics or unidirectional port for printers and

Chapter 1 Introduction
DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50 User Manual 1-2 ni.com
the EPP. The DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50 has a second parallel port connector
for transparent pass-through connection to a standard parallel port device.
You can power the DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50 from the included AC adapter,
the optional BP-1 rechargeable DAQPad battery pack, or any 9 to 42 VDC
source, such as a standard 12 V car battery.
By combining multifunction analog, digital, and timing I/O capabilities in a
compact, lightweight unit, the DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50 is ideal for portable
applications using notebook computers or any PC with a parallel printer
port. Because the DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50 can take advantage of the high
throughput capabilities of the PC parallel port, the unit delivers
high-performance data acquisition and control for any application.
Detailed specifications of the DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50 are in Appendix A,
Specifications.
What You Need to Get Started
To set up and use the DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50, you need the following:
❑DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50
❑DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50 User Manual
❑One of the following software packages and documentation:
–LabVIEW for Windows
–NI-DAQ for PC compatibles (Windows XP not supported)
–Measurement Studio
–VI Logger
❑A parallel port cable
❑120 or 230 VAC wall-mount power supply adapter, the BP-1 battery
power supply, or any 9 to 42 VDC power supply
❑An IBM PC/XT/AT or compatible computer

Chapter 1 Introduction
©National Instruments Corporation 1-3 DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50 User Manual
Software Programming Choices
When programming National Instruments DAQ hardware, you can use an
NI application development environment (ADE) or other ADEs. In either
case, you use NI-DAQ.
NI-DAQ
NI-DAQ, which shipped with the AT E Series device, has an extensive
library of functions that you can call from the ADE. These functions allow
you to use all the features of the AT E Series device.
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 the code. Whether you are using LabVIEW, Measurement Studio,
VI Logger, or other ADEs, your application uses NI-DAQ, as illustrated
in Figure 1-1.
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.
LabVIEW,
Measurement Studio,
or VI Logger
Conventional
Programming
Environment
NI-DAQ
DAQ Hardware
Personal
Computer or
Workstation

Chapter 1 Introduction
DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50 User Manual 1-4 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 the 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
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.
Using LabVIEW, Measurement Studio, or VI Logger greatly reduces the
development time for your data acquisition and control application.
Optional Equipment
You can use the following NI products with the DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50:
•BP-1 battery pack with a 110 or 230 VAC charger
•6 ft parallel port cable
•6 in. adapter parallel port cable
For more information about optional equipment available from NI, refer to
the NI catalog at ni.com/catalog or call the office nearest you.
BP-1 Battery Pack
For total portability, you can power the DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50 with the
optional BP-1 battery pack. The BP-1 includes a 12 V, 3.2 Ahr battery
packaged in an enclosure with the same dimensions as the
DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50. A fully charged BP-1 typically powers the
DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50 for 9 hours. A charger unit is included with
the BP-1.

Chapter 1 Introduction
©National Instruments Corporation 1-5 DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50 User Manual
Adding an Enhanced Parallel Port
If you have a slot available in your PC, you can add an EPP card to achieve
higher DAQ rates. You can order one such card, the F/Port Enhanced
Parallel Port Card, from Far Point Communications. You can use the card
in a PC/AT 386, 486, or compatible computer.
If you have a PCMCIA type II slot available in your PC, you can add a
PCMCIA to an EPP card to achieve higher DAQ rates. Two options are the
SPP-100 from Quatech and the ExpressPort from Far Point. Both cards
comply with the PCMCIA PC Standard Specification 2.1.
Parallel Port Cables
The DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50 two rear connectors (the parallel and
transparent parallel port connectors) are 36-pin MDR 1284-C female
connectors.
You can use 36-pin MDR 1284-C male connectors as mating connectors for
the DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50 rear connector, or you can use the NI adapter
parallel port cable, which allows you to use a standard DB-25-style male
connector as a mating connector.
Unpacking
The DAQ device is shipped in an antistatic package to prevent electrostatic
damage to the device. Electrostatic discharge can damage several
components on the device.
Caution Never touch the exposed pins of connectors.
To avoid such 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 DAQ device in the antistatic envelope when not in use.

Chapter 1 Introduction
DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50 User Manual 1-6 ni.com
Safety Information
The following section contains important safety information that you must
follow during installation and use of 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 NI for repair.
If the product is rated for use with hazardous voltages (>30 Vrms,42.4V
pk,
or 60 Vdc), you may need to connect a safety earth-ground wire according
to the installation instructions. Refer to Appendix A, Specifications,for
maximum voltage ratings.
Do not substitute parts or modify the product. 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 produce a reduction of
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, which becomes conductive due to
condensation.
Clean the product with a soft nonmetallic brush. The product must be
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 connection to or disconnection
from the product.

Chapter 1 Introduction
©National Instruments Corporation 1-7 DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50 User Manual
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.
•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.
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
DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50 User Manual 1-8 ni.com
Below is a diagram of a sample installation

©National Instruments Corporation 2-1 DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50 User Manual
2
Installing and Configuring the
DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50
This chapter describes how to install and configure the
DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50.
Installing the Software
Complete the following steps to install the software before installing the
DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50.
1. Install the application development environment (ADE), such as
LabVIEW or Measurement Studio, 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 DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50 to
ensure that the device is properly detected.

Chapter 2 Installing and Configuring the DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50
DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50 User Manual 2-2 ni.com
Hardware Installation
There are five basic steps to installing the DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50. Refer
to Figure 2-1 as you perform the following steps.
Figure 2-1. Front and Rear View of a DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50
Note If you are using the BP-1 battery pack, follow the installation instructions in the
BP-1 installation guide instead of steps 1 and 2. The maximum recommended discharge
time for a fully charged battery pack is nine hours for an unloaded
DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50.
DAQPad-MIO-16XE-50
DAQPad-TB-52
Front Panel
Rear Panel