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:

• Electronic Products Division/3M (part number 3425-7650)

• T&B/Ansley Corporation (part number 609-5041CE)

The following are the standard ribbon cables (50-conductor, 28 AWG,

stranded) that can be used with these connectors:

• Electronic Products Division/3M (part number 3365/50)

• T&B/Ansley Corporation (part number 171-50)

Unpacking

Your PC-LPM-16/PnP board is shipped in an antistatic package to

prevent electrostatic damage to the board. Electrostatic discharge can

damage several components on the board. To avoid such damage in

handling the board, take the following precautions:

• Ground yourself via a grounding strap or by holding a grounded object.

• Touch the antistatic package to a metal part of your computer

chassis before removing the board from the package.

• Remove the board from the package and inspect the board for loose

components or any other sign of damage. Notify National

Instruments if the board appears damaged in any way. Do not

install a damaged board into your computer.

• Never touch the exposed pins of connectors.