Device Calibration Signal Connections for E Series Devices

Self-Calibration

When you self-calibrate your E Series device, no signal connections are necessary. However, values generated on the analog output channels change during the calibration process. If you have external circuitry connected to the analog output channels and you do not want changes on these channels, you should disconnect the circuitry before beginning the self-calibration.

External Calibration

When externally calibrating your E Series device, connect the signals as described below for the type of E Series device you are calibrating. Set the reference voltage between +6.000 V and +9.999 V. Typically, you use a calibrator or other stable voltage source for the reference voltage. Do not use a power supply as its signals are not very stable.

12-Bit E Series Devices

Follow these steps for 12-bit E Series devices:

1. Connect the positive output of your reference voltage source to physical channel ai8.
2. Connect the negative output of your reference voltage source to the AI SENSE terminal.
3. Connect physical channel ao0 to physical channel ai0.
4. If your reference voltage source and your computer are floating with respect to each other, connect the AI SENSE terminal to the AI GND terminal as well as to the negative output of your reference voltage source.

16-Bit E Series Devices

Follow these steps for 16-bit E Series devices:

1. Connect the positive output of your reference voltage source to physical channel ai0.
2. Connect the negative output of your reference voltage source to physical channel ai8.
3. If your reference voltage source and your computer are floating with respect to each other, connect the negative output of your reference voltage source to the AI GND terminal as well as to physical channel ai8.

How Does Calibration in NI-DAQmx Differ from Calibration in Traditional NI-DAQ (Legacy)?

In Traditional NI-DAQ (Legacy), several 16-bit devices use the 12-bit signal connection scheme (the NI PCI-6034, NI PCI-6035, NI 6036 and NI PCI/PXI 6052). In NI-DAQmx, all of these devices now use the 16-bit E Series connections.