NI PC-LPM-16/PnP Driver Software Multifunction I/O Board for the PC

NI-DAQ Driver Software

The NI-DAQ driver software is included at no charge with all National

Instruments DAQ hardware. NI-DAQ is not packaged with signal

conditioning or accessory products. NI-DAQ has an extensive library of

functions that you can call from your application programming

environment. These functions include routines for analog input (A/D

conversion), buffered data acquisition (high-speed A/D conversion),

analog output (D/A conversion), waveform generation (timed D/A

conversion), digital I/O, counter/timer operations, SCXI, RTSI,

calibration, messaging, and acquiring data to extended memory.

NI-DAQ has both high-level DAQ I/O functions for maximum ease of

use and low-level DAQ I/O functions for maximum flexibility and

performance. Examples of high-level functions are streaming data to

disk or acquiring a certain number of data points. An example of a

low-level function is writing directly to registers on the DAQ device.

NI-DAQ does not sacrifice the performance of National Instruments

DAQ devices because it lets multiple devices operate at their peak performance.

NI-DAQ also internally addresses many of the complex issues between

the computer and the DAQ hardware such as programming interrupts

and DMA controllers. 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 are using

conventional programming languages, LabVIEW, or LabWindows/CVI, 

your application uses the NI-DAQ driver software,

as illustrated in Figure 1-1.

Register-Level Programming

The final option for programming any National Instruments DAQ

hardware is to write register-level software. Writing register-level

programming software can be very time-consuming and inefficient and

is not recommended for most users.

Even if you are an experienced register-level programmer, consider

using NI-DAQ, LabVIEW, or LabWindows/CVI to program your

National Instruments DAQ hardware. Using the NI-DAQ, LabVIEW, or

LabWindows/CVI software is as easy and as flexible as register-level

programming and can save weeks of development time.

Optional Equipment

National Instruments offers a variety of products to use with your

PC-LPM-16/PnP board, including cables, connector blocks, and other

accessories, as follows:

• Cables and cable assemblies, shielded and ribbon

• Connector blocks, shielded and unshielded with 50-pin screw terminals

• SCXI modules and accessories for isolating, amplifying, exciting,

and multiplexing signals for relays and analog output. With SCXI

you can condition and acquire up to 3,072 channels.

• Low channel-count signal conditioning modules, boards, and

accessories, including conditioning for strain gauges and RTDs,

simultaneous sample-and-hold circuitry, and relays

For more specific information about these products, refer to your

National Instruments catalogue or call the office nearest you.

Custom Cables

National Instruments currently offers a cable termination accessory, the

CB-50, for use with the PC-LPM-16/PnP. This kit includes a

terminated, 50-conductor, flat ribbon cable and a connector block.

Signal input and output wires can be attached to screw terminals on the

connector block and connected to the PC-LPM-16/PnP I/O connector.

The CB-50 is useful for the initial prototyping of an application or in

situations where PC-LPM-16/PnP interconnections are frequently

changed. Once you develop a final field wiring scheme, however, you

may want to develop your own cable. This section contains information

and guidelines for the design of custom cables.

The PC-LPM-16/PnP I/O connector is a 50-pin, male, ribbon cable

header connector. The following list gives recommended part numbers

for use with your PC-LPM-16/PnP board:

• Electronic Products Division/3M (part number 3596-5002)

• T&B/Ansley Corporation (part number 609-5007)

The mating connector for the PC-LPM-16/PnP is a 50-position,

polarized, ribbon socket connector with strain relief. National

Instruments uses a polarized (keyed) connector to prevent inadvertent

upside-down connection to the PC-LPM-16/PnP. Recommended

manufacturer part numbers for this mating connector are as follows: