Multifunction RIO

NI R Series Multifunction RIO User Manual

NI 781xR, NI 783xR, NI 784xR, and NI 785xR Devices

R Series Multifunction RIO User Manual

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June 2009
370489G-01
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The NI 7811R/7813R/7830R/7831R/7833R/7841R/7842R/7851R/7852R/7853R/7854R is warranted against defects in materials and
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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
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during the warranty period. National Instruments does not warrant that the operation of the software shall be uninterrupted or error free.
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Contents

About This Manual

Conventions ...................................................................................................................ix
Related Documentation..................................................................................................ix
Software Documentation .................................................................................x
Device-Specific Documentation......................................................................xi
Additional Resources.......................................................................................xi

Chapter 1
Introduction
About the Reconfigurable I/O Device ...........................................................................1-1
Using PXI with CompactPCI.........................................................................................1-2
Overview of Reconfigurable I/O ...................................................................................1-3
Reconfigurable I/O Concept............................................................................1-3
Flexible Functionality .......................................................................1-4
User-Defined I/O Resources .............................................................1-4
Device-Embedded Logic and Processing .........................................1-4
Reconfigurable I/O Architecture .....................................................................1-5
Reconfigurable I/O Applications.....................................................................1-6
Software Development ..................................................................................................1-6
LabVIEW FPGA Module................................................................................1-6
LabVIEW Real-Time Module.........................................................................1-7
Cables and Accessories..................................................................................................1-8
Custom Cabling .............................................................................................................1-9

Chapter 2
Hardware Overview of the NI 78xxR
NI 7811R Overview.......................................................................................................2-3
NI 7813R Overview.......................................................................................................2-3
NI 7830R Overview.......................................................................................................2-3
NI 7831R/7833R Overview ...........................................................................................2-4
NI 784xR Overview.......................................................................................................2-4
NI 785xR Overview.......................................................................................................2-4
Analog Input (NI 783xR/784xR/785xR Only)..............................................................2-4
Input Modes.....................................................................................................2-5
Input Range .....................................................................................................2-5
Connecting Analog Input Signals ..................................................................................2-6

© National Instruments Corporation v R Series Multifunction RIO User Manual

Contents

Types of Signal Sources ................................................................................................ 2-8

Floating Signal Sources .................................................................................. 2-8
Ground-Referenced Signal Sources ................................................................ 2-8
Input Modes................................................................................................................... 2-8
Differential Connection Considerations (DIFF Input Mode) ......................... 2-10
Differential Connections for Ground-Referenced Signal Sources ... 2-11
Differential Connections for Nonreferenced or
Floating Signal Sources ................................................................. 2-12
Single-Ended Connection Considerations ...................................................... 2-13
Single-Ended Connections for Floating Signal Sources
(RSE Input Mode).......................................................................... 2-14
Single-Ended Connections for Grounded Signal Sources
(NRSE Input Mode)....................................................................... 2-15
Common-Mode Signal Rejection Considerations........................................... 2-16
Analog Output ............................................................................................................... 2-16
Connecting Analog Output Signals ............................................................................... 2-17
Digital I/O...................................................................................................................... 2-17
Connecting Digital I/O Signals ..................................................................................... 2-17
RTSI Trigger Bus .......................................................................................................... 2-21
PXI Local Bus (NI PXI-781xR/783xR Only) ............................................................... 2-21
Switch Settings (NI 781xR/783xR Only)...................................................................... 2-23
+5 V Power Source........................................................................................................ 2-26
Device Fuse Replacement (NI 784xR/785xR Only) ...................................... 2-27
PCI Express Device Disk Drive Power Connector ....................................................... 2-28
When to Use the Disk Drive Power Connector .............................................. 2-28
Disk Drive Power Connector Installation ....................................................... 2-29
Field Wiring Considerations (NI 783xR/784xR/785xR Only) ..................................... 2-30

Chapter 3
Calibration (NI 783xR/784xR/785xR Only)
Loading Calibration Constants ...................................................................................... 3-1
Self-Calibration ............................................................................................................. 3-1
External Calibration....................................................................................................... 3-2

Appendix A
Connecting I/O Signals
Appendix B
Using the SCB-68 Shielded Connector Block

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 Contents

Appendix C
Technical Support and Professional Services

Glossary

© National Instruments Corporation vii R Series Multifunction RIO User Manual

About This Manual

This manual describes the electrical and mechanical aspects of the

National Instruments 781xR/783xR/784xR/785xR devices and contains
information about programming and using the devices.

Conventions
The following conventions appear in this manual:

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 a
product, refer to the Read Me First: Safety and Electromagnetic
Compatibility document for information about precautions to take.

When symbol is marked on a product, it denotes a warning advising you to

take precautions to avoid electrical shock.

When symbol is marked on a product, it denotes a component that may be

hot. Touching this component may result in bodily injury.

NI 78xxR NI 781xR, 783xR, NI 784xR, and NI 785xR refer to all PCI, PCI Express,
and PXI R Series devices.

Related Documentation
The following documents contain information that you may find helpful as
you use this help file. Your documentation needs may vary depending on
the hardware and software you use for your application.

Note Most R Series manuals are available as PDFs. You must have Adobe Reader with
Search and Accessibility 5.0.5 or later installed to view the PDFs. Refer to the Adobe
Systems Incorporated Web site at www.adobe.com to download Adobe Reader. Refer to
ni.com/manuals for updated documentation resources.

© National Instruments Corporation ix R Series Multifunction RIO User Manual

About This Manual

Software Documentation
• LabVIEW FPGA documentation
– Getting Started with LabVIEW FPGA 8.x—This KnowledgeBase,
available at ni.com/kb, provides links to the top resources that
can be used to assist in getting started with programming in
LabVIEW FPGA.
– FPGA Module book in the LabVIEW Help—Select Help»Search
the LabVIEW Help in LabVIEW to view the LabVIEW Help.
Browse the FPGA Module book in the Contents tab for
information about using the FPGA Module to create VIs that run
on the NI 78xxR device.
– LabVIEW FPGA Module Release and Upgrade Notes—Contains
information about installing the LabVIEW FPGA Module,
describes new features, and provides upgrade information.
To access this document, refer to ni.com/manuals. In
LabVIEW 8.0 or later, you can also view the LabVIEW Manuals
directory that contains this document by selecting Start»
All Programs»National Instruments»LabVIEW»LabVIEW
Manuals.
• LabVIEW Real-Time documentation
– Getting Started with the LabVIEW Real-Time Module—Provides
exercises to teach you how to develop a real-time project and VIs,
from setting up RT targets to building, debugging, and deploying
real-time applications. This document provides references to the
LabVIEW Help and other Real-Time Module documents for more
information as you create the real-time application. To access this
document, refer to ni.com/manuals. In LabVIEW 8.0 or later,
you can also view the LabVIEW Manuals directory that contains
this document by selecting Start»All Programs»National
Instruments»LabVIEW»LabVIEW Manuals.
– Real-Time Module book in the LabVIEW Help—Select Help»
Search the LabVIEW Help in LabVIEW to view the LabVIEW
Help. Browse the Real-Time Module book in the Contents tab
for information about how to build deterministic applications
using the LabVIEW Real-Time Module.
– LabVIEW Real-Time Module Release and Upgrade
Notes—Includes information about system requirements,
installation, configuration, new features and changes, and
compatibility issues for the LabVIEW Real-Time Module.
To access this document, refer to ni.com/manuals. In
LabVIEW 8.0 or later, you can also view the LabVIEW Manuals

R Series Multifunction RIO User Manual x ni.com

 About This Manual

directory that contains this document by selecting Start»

All Programs»National Instruments»LabVIEW»LabVIEW
Manuals.

Device-Specific Documentation
• Getting Started with R Series Multifunction RIO—This document
explains how to install and configure NI 781xR/783xR/784xR/785xR,
and contains a tutorial that demonstrates how to begin taking a
measurement using LabVIEW FPGA. This document is available at
ni.com/manuals.
• NI R Series Multifunction RIO Specifications—Lists the specifications
of the NI 781xR/783xR/784xR/785xR R Series devices. This
document is available at ni.com/manuals.

Additional Resources
The following documents contain information you might find helpful:
• NI Developer Zone tutorial, Field Wiring and Noise Considerations
for Analog Signals, at ni.com/zone
• PICMG CompactPCI 2.0 R3.0
• PXI Hardware Specification Revision 2.1
• PXI Software Specification Revision 2.1
• National Instruments Example Finder—LabVIEW contains an
extensive library of VIs and example programs for use with R Series
devices. To access the NI Example Finder, open LabVIEW and select
Help»Find Examples, then select Hardware Input and Output»
R Series.
• LabVIEW FPGA IPNet—Offers resources for browsing,
understanding, and downloading LabVIEW FPGA functions or IP
(Intellectual Property). Use this resource to acquire IP that you need
for your application, download examples to help learn programming
techniques, and explore the depth of IP offered by the LabVIEW
FPGA platform. To access the LabVIEW FPGA IPNet, visit
ni.com/ipnet.

© National Instruments Corporation xi R Series Multifunction RIO User Manual

Introduction
1
This chapter describes the NI 781xR/783xR/784xR/785xR, the concept of
the Reconfigurable I/O (RIO) device, optional software and equipment for
using the NI 78xxR, and safety information about the NI 78xxR.

About the Reconfigurable I/O Device

Table 1-1 lists an overview of the NI 78xxR R Series Multifunction RIO
devices.

Table 1-1. NI 78xxR R Series Multifunction RIO Device Overview

Device I/O Channels FPGA AI Sample Rate

NI PCI/PXI-7811R 160 DIO Virtex-II XC2V1000 —
NI PCI/PXI-7813R 160 DIO Virtex-II XC2V3000 —
NI PCI/PXI-7830R 4 AI, 4 AO, 56 DIO Virtex-II XC2V1000 200 kS/s
NI PCI/PXI-7831R 8 AI, 8 AO, 96 DIO Virtex-II XC2V1000 200 kS/s
NI PCI/PXI-7833R 8 AI, 8 AO, 96 DIO Virtex-II XC2V3000 200 kS/s
NI PCIe/PXI-7841R 8 AI, 8 AO, 96 DIO Virtex-5 LX30 200 kS/s
NI PCIe/PXI-7842R 8 AI, 8 AO, 96 DIO Virtex-5 LX50 200 kS/s
NI PCIe/PXI-7851R 8 AI, 8 AO, 96 DIO Virtex-5 LX30 750 kS/s
NI PCIe/PXI-7852R 8 AI, 8 AO, 96 DIO Virtex-5 LX50 750 kS/s
NI PXI-7853R 8 AI, 8 AO, 96 DIO Virtex-5 LX85 750 kS/s
NI PXI-7854R 8 AI, 8 AO, 96 DIO Virtex-5 LX110 750 kS/s

A user-reconfigurable FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) controls

the digital I/O lines on the NI 781xR, and the digital and analog I/O lines
on the NI 783xR/784xR/785xR. The FPGA on the R Series device allows
you to define the functionality and timing of the device. You can change the
functionality of the FPGA on the R Series device in LabVIEW using the
LabVIEW FPGA Module to create and download a custom virtual

© National Instruments Corporation 1-1 R Series Multifunction RIO User Manual

Chapter 1 Introduction

instrument (VI) to the FPGA. Using the FPGA Module, you can
graphically design the timing and functionality of the R Series device.
If you only have LabVIEW but not the FPGA Module, you cannot create
new FPGA VIs, but you can create VIs that run on Windows or a LabVIEW
Real-Time (RT) target to control existing FPGA VIs.

Some applications require tasks such as real-time, floating-point

processing or datalogging while performing I/O and logic on the R Series
device. You can use the LabVIEW Real-Time Module to perform these
additional applications while communicating with and controlling the
R Series device.

The R Series device contains Flash memory to store a startup VI for

automatic loading of the FPGA when the system is powered on.

The NI 78xxR uses the Real-Time System Integration (RTSI) bus to easily
synchronize several measurement functions to a common trigger or timing
event. R Series PCI devices access the RTSI bus through a RTSI cable
connected between devices. R Series PXI devices access the RTSI bus
through the PXI trigger lines implemented on the PXI backplane.

Refer to the NI R Series Multifunction RIO Specifications, available at

ni.com/manuals, for detailed device specifications.

Using PXI with CompactPCI

Using PXI-compatible products with standard CompactPCI products is an
important feature provided by PXI Hardware Specification Revision 2.1
and PXI Software Specification Revision 2.1. If you use a PXI-compatible
plug-in card in a standard CompactPCI chassis, you cannot use
PXI-specific functions, but you still can use the basic plug-in card
functions. For example, the RTSI bus on the R Series device 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.
The standard implementation for CompactPCI does not include these
sub-buses. The R Series device works in any standard CompactPCI chassis
adhering to the PICMG CompactPCI 2.0 R3.0 core specification.

R Series Multifunction RIO User Manual 1-2 ni.com

 Chapter 1 Introduction

PXI-specific features are implemented on the J2 connector of the

CompactPCI bus. Table 1-2 lists the J2 pins used by the NI PXI-78xxR.
The NI 78xxR is compatible with any CompactPCI chassis with a sub-bus
that does not drive these lines. Even if the sub-bus is capable of driving
these lines, the R Series device is still compatible as long as those pins on
the sub-bus are disabled by default and are never enabled.

Caution Damage can result if the J2 lines are driven by the sub-bus.

Table 1-2. Pins Used by the NI PXI-78xxR

NI PXI-78xxR Signal PXI Pin Name PXI J2 Pin Number

PXI_Trig<0..7> PXI Trigger<0..7> A16, A17, A18, B16, B18, C18, E16, E18
PXI_Clk10 PXI Clock 10 MHz E17
PXI_Star PXI Star Trigger D17
PXI_Lbl<0..12>* LBL<0..12> A1, A19, C1, C19, C20, D1, D2, D15, D19,
E1, E2, E19, E20
PXI_Lbr<0..12>* LBR<0..12> A2, A3, A20, A21, B2, B20, C3, C21,
D3, D21, E3, E15, E21
* NI PXI-781xR/783xR only

Overview of Reconfigurable I/O

This section explains reconfigurable I/O and describes how to use the
LabVIEW FPGA Module to build high-level functions in hardware.

Refer to Chapter 2, Hardware Overview of the NI 78xxR, for descriptions

of the I/O resources on the NI 78xxR.

Reconfigurable I/O Concept

R Series Multifunction RIO devices are based on a reconfigurable FPGA
core surrounded by fixed I/O resources for analog and digital input and
output. You can configure the behavior of the reconfigurable FPGA to
match the requirements of the measurement and control system. You can
implement this user-defined behavior as an FPGA VI to create an
application-specific I/O device.

© National Instruments Corporation 1-3 R Series Multifunction RIO User Manual

Chapter 1 Introduction

Flexible Functionality
Flexible functionality allows the NI 78xxR to match individual application
requirements and to mimic the functionality of fixed I/O devices. For
example, you can configure an R Series device in one application for
three 32-bit quadrature encoders and then reconfigure the R Series device
in another application for eight 16-bit event counters.

You also can use the R Series device with the LabVIEW Real-Time
Module in timing and triggering applications, such as control and
hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulations. For example, you can configure
the R Series device for a single timed loop in one application and then
reconfigure the device in another application for four independent timed
loops with separate I/O resources.

User-Defined I/O Resources

You can create your own custom measurements using the fixed I/O
resources. For example, one application might require an event counter that
increments when a rising edge appears on any of three digital input lines.
With an NI 783xR/784xR/785xR R Series device, another application
might require a digital line to be asserted after an analog input exceeds a
programmable threshold. You can implement these behaviors in the
hardware for fast, deterministic performance.

Device-Embedded Logic and Processing

You can implement LabVIEW logic and processing in the FPGA of the
R Series device. Typical logic functions include Boolean operations,
comparisons, and basic mathematical operations. You can implement
multiple functions efficiently in the same design, operating sequentially or
in parallel. You also can implement more complex algorithms such as
control loops. You are limited only by the size of the FPGA.

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 Chapter 1 Introduction

Reconfigurable I/O Architecture

Figure 1-1 shows an FPGA connected to fixed I/O resources and a bus
interface. The fixed I/O resources include A/D converters (ADCs),
D/A converters (DACs), and digital I/O lines.

Fixed I/O Resource

Fixed I/O Resource

FPGA Fixed I/O Resource

Fixed I/O Resource

Bus Interface

Figure 1-1. High-Level FPGA Functional Overview

Software accesses the R Series device through the bus interface, and the
FPGA connects the bus interface and the fixed I/O to make possible timing,
triggering, processing, and custom I/O measurements using the LabVIEW
FPGA Module.

The FPGA logic provides timing, triggering, processing, and custom I/O
measurements. Each fixed I/O resource used by the application uses a small
portion of the FPGA logic that controls the fixed I/O resource. The bus
interface also uses a small portion of the FPGA logic to provide software
access to the device.

The remaining FPGA logic is available for higher-level functions such as

timing, triggering, and counting. The functions use varied amounts of logic.

You can place useful applications in the FPGA. How much FPGA space
your application requires depends on your need for I/O recovery, I/O, and
logic algorithms.

© National Instruments Corporation 1-5 R Series Multifunction RIO User Manual

Chapter 1 Introduction

The FPGA does not retain the VI when the R Series device is powered off,
so you must reload the VI each time you power on the device. You can load
the VI from onboard Flash memory or from software over the bus interface.
One advantage to using Flash memory is that the VI can start executing
almost immediately after power up, instead of waiting for the computer to
completely boot and load the FPGA VI. Refer to the LabVIEW Help for
more information about how to store your VI in Flash memory.

Reconfigurable I/O Applications

You can use the LabVIEW FPGA Module to create or acquire new VIs
for your application. The FPGA Module allows you to define custom
functionality for the R Series device using a subset of LabVIEW
functionality. Refer to the R Series examples, available in LabVIEW by
selecting Help»Find Examples, and then selecting Hardware Input and
Output»R Series, for examples of FPGA VIs.

Software Development
You can use LabVIEW with the LabVIEW FPGA Module to program the
NI 78xxR. To develop real-time applications that control the NI 78xxR, use
LabVIEW with the LabVIEW Real-Time Module.

LabVIEW FPGA Module

The LabVIEW FPGA Module enables you to use LabVIEW to create VIs
that run on the FPGA of the R Series target device. Use the FPGA Module
VIs and functions to control the I/O, timing, and logic of the R Series
device and to generate interrupts for synchronization. Select Help»Search
the LabVIEW Help to view the LabVIEW Help. In the LabVIEW Help,
use the Contents tab to browse to the FPGA Interface book for more
information about the FPGA Interface functions.

You can use Interactive Front Panel Communication to communicate

directly with the FPGA VI running on the FPGA target. You can use
Programmatic FPGA Interface Communication to programmatically
control and communicate with FPGA VIs from host VIs.

Use the FPGA Interface functions when you target LabVIEW for Windows
or an RT target to create host VIs that wait for interrupts and control the
FPGA by reading and writing the FPGA VI running on the R Series device.

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 Chapter 1 Introduction

Note If you use the R Series device without the FPGA Module, you can use the RIO
Device Setup utility, available by selecting Start»All Programs»National Instruments»
NI-RIO»RIO Device Setup to download precomplied FPGA VIs to the Flash memory of
the R Series device. This utility installs with NI-RIO. You also can use the utility to
configure the analog input mode, to synchronize the clock on the R Series device to the
PXI clock (for NI PXI-78xxR only), and to configure when the VI loads from Flash
memory. For more information about using the RIO Device Setup utility, refer to the
RIO Device Setup Help, found at Start»All Programs»National Instruments»NI-RIO»
RIO Device Setup Help.

LabVIEW Real-Time Module

The LabVIEW Real-Time Module extends the LabVIEW development
environment to deliver deterministic, real-time performance.

You can write host VIs that run in Windows or on RT targets to

communicate with FPGA VIs that run on the NI 78xxR. You can develop
real-time VIs with LabVIEW and the LabVIEW Real-Time Module, and
then download the VIs to run on a hardware target with a real-time
operating system. The LabVIEW Real-Time Module allows you to use the
NI 78xxR in RT Series PXI systems being controlled in real time by a VI.

The NI 781xR is designed as a single-point DIO complement to the

LabVIEW Real-Time Module. The NI 783xR/784xR/785xR is designed as
a single-point AI, AO, and DIO complement to the LabVIEW Real-Time
Module. Refer to the LabVIEW Help, available by selecting Help»Search
the LabVIEW Help, for more information about the LabVIEW
Real-Time Module.

© National Instruments Corporation 1-7 R Series Multifunction RIO User Manual

Chapter 1 Introduction

Cables and Accessories

National Instruments offers a variety of products you can use with R Series
devices, including cables, connector blocks, and other accessories,
as shown in Table 1-3.

Table 1-3. R Series Connectivity Options

Connector
NI 783xR/
Cable NI 781xR 784xR/785xR Accessory Description
SHC68-68-RMIO — 0 NI SCB-68 High-performance shielded cable
(NI Recommended) wired specifically for signal
connection from the RMIO
connector* to the NI SCB-68
terminal block to provide higher
signal integrity and noise immunity.
SHC68-68-RDIO 0, 1, 2, 3 1, 2† NI SCB-68 High-performance shielded cable
(NI Recommended) wired specifically for signal
connection from the
RDIO connector* to the NI SCB-68
terminal block to provide higher
signal integrity and noise immunity.
SH68-C68-S 0, 1, 2, 3 1, 2† NI SCB-68 Basic shielded cable for signal
connection from the RMIO or
RDIO connector to the NI SCB-68
terminal block for noise reduction.
*For a diagram of the twisted pairs in the SHC68-68-RMIO and SHC68-68-RDIO cables and the signals to which they
correspond, go to ni.com/info and enter the info code rdrmio.
† NI 7830R does not have Connector 2.

Refer to Appendix A, Connecting I/O Signals, for more information

about using these cables and accessories to connect I/O signals to the
NI 78xxR. Refer to ni.com/products or contact the sales office nearest
to you for the most current cabling options.

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 Chapter 1 Introduction

Custom Cabling
NI offers a variety of cables for connecting signals to the NI 78xxR. If you
need to develop a custom cable, a nonterminated shielded cable is available
from NI. The SHC68-NT-S connects to the NI 78xxR VHDCI connectors
on one end of the cable. The other end of the cable is not terminated. This
cable ships with a wire list identifying the wires that correspond to each
NI 78xxR pin. You can use this cable to quickly connect the NI 78xxR
signals that you need to the connector of your choice. Refer to Appendix A,
Connecting I/O Signals, for the NI 78xxR connector pinouts.

© National Instruments Corporation 1-9 R Series Multifunction RIO User Manual

Hardware Overview
2
of the NI 78xxR
This chapter presents an overview of the hardware functions and
I/O connectors on the NI 78xxR.

Figure 2-1 shows a block diagram for the NI 781xR. Figure 2-2 shows a
block diagram for the NI 7830R. Figure 2-3 shows a block diagram for the
NI 7831R/7833R/784xR/785xR.

Configuration Control Flash Memory

Configuration

PCI/PXI/CompactPCI Bus
Connector 0 (DIO)

User-Configurable Control
Bus
Digital I/O (40) FPGA on Data/Address/Control
Interface
RIO Devices Address/Data
Connector 1 (DIO)

Digital I/O (40) PXI Local Bus (NI PXI-781x R Only)

Connector 2 (DIO)

Digital I/O (40)

RTSI/PXI Triggers
Connector 3 (DIO)

RTSI Bus

Digital I/O (40)

Figure 2-1. NI 781xR Block Diagram

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Chapter 2 Hardware Overview of the NI 78xxR

Calibration
Input Mux DACs Configuration Flash
AI+ +
Control Memory
16-Bit

Configuration
Instrumentation
AI– Ampliflier ADC
–

PCI/PXI/CompactPCI Bus
x4 Channels
Connector 0 (MIO)

Input Mode Mux

AISENSE
AIGND Voltage Temperature User-
Reference Sensor Configurable Data/Address/
Bus Control

Calibration FPGA on RIO Control Interface

Mux Address/Data
2 Calibration Devices
16-Bit DACs
DAC
x4 Channels
Digital I/O (16)
Connector 1 (DIO)

RTSI/PXI Triggers
Digital I/O (40)
PXI Local Bus (NI PXI-7830R only)

RTSI Bus

Figure 2-2. NI 7830R Block Diagram

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 Chapter 2 Hardware Overview of the NI 78xxR

Calibration
Input Mux DACs Configuration Flash
AI+ Control Memory
+

Configuration
Instrumentation 16-Bit
AI– Amplifier ADC

PCI/PXI/CompactPCI Bus
–
x8 Channels
Connector 0 (MIO)

Input Mode Mux

AISENSE
AIGND Voltage Temperature User-
Reference Sensor Bus Control
Configurable Data/Address/
Calibration FPGA on RIO Control Interface
Mux Address/Data
2 Calibration Devices
16-Bit DACs
DAC
x8 Channels
Digital I/O (16)
Connector 1 (DIO)

RTSI/PXI Triggers
Digital I/O (40)

PXI Local Bus (NI PXI-783xR only)

RTSI Bus
Connector 2 (DIO)

Digital I/O (40)

Figure 2-3. NI 7831R/7833R/784xR/785xR Block Diagram

NI 7811R Overview
The NI 7811R has 160 bidirectional DIO lines and a Virtex-II XC2V1000
FPGA.

NI 7813R Overview
The NI 7813R has 160 bidirectional DIO lines and a Virtex-II XC2V3000
FPGA.

NI 7830R Overview
The NI 7830R has four independent, 16-bit AI channels; four independent,
16-bit AO channels; 56 bidirectional DIO lines that you can configure
individually for input or output; and a Virtex-II XC2V1000 FPGA.

© National Instruments Corporation 2-3 R Series Multifunction RIO User Manual

Chapter 2 Hardware Overview of the NI 78xxR

NI 7831R/7833R Overview
The NI 7831R/7833R each have eight independent, 16-bit AI channels;
eight independent, 16-bit AO channels; 96 bidirectional DIO lines that you
can configure individually for input or output; and a Virtex-II XC2V3000
FPGA.

NI 784xR Overview
The NI 784xR each have eight independent, 16-bit AI channels;
eight independent, 16-bit AO channels; and 96 bidirectional DIO lines that
you can configure individually for input or output. The NI PXI-7841R has
a Virtex-5 LX30 FPGA, and the NI PXI-7842R has a Virtex-5 LX50
FPGA.

NI 785xR Overview
The NI 785xR each have eight independent, 16-bit AI channels;
eight independent, 16-bit AO channels; and 96 bidirectional DIO lines that
you can configure individually for input or output. The NI PXI-7851R has
a Virtex-5 LX30 FPGA, the NI PXI-7852R has a Virtex-5 LX50 FPGA,
the NI PXI-7853R has a Virtex-5 LX85 FPGA, and the NI PXI-7854R has
a Virtex-5 LX110 FPGA.

Analog Input (NI 783xR/784xR/785xR Only)

You can sample NI 783xR/784xR/785xR AI channels simultaneously or at
different rates. The input mode is software configurable, and the input
range is fixed at ±10 V. The converters return data in two’s complement
format. Table 2-1 shows the ideal output code returned for a given AI
voltage.

Table 2-1. Ideal Output Code and AI Voltage Mapping

Output Code (Hex)

Input Description AI Voltage (Two’s Complement)
Full-scale range –1 LSB 9.999695 7FFF
Full-scale range –2 LSB 9.999390 7FFE
Midscale 0.000000 0000

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 Chapter 2 Hardware Overview of the NI 78xxR

Table 2-1. Ideal Output Code and AI Voltage Mapping (Continued)

Output Code (Hex)

Input Description AI Voltage (Two’s Complement)
Negative full-scale range +1 LSB –9.999695 8001
Negative full-scale range –10.000000 8000
Any input voltage Output Code —
---------------------------------- × 10.0 V
32,768

Input Modes
The NI 783xR/784xR/785xR input mode is software configurable. The
input channels support three input modes—differential (DIFF), referenced
single ended (RSE), and nonreferenced single ended (NRSE). The selected
input mode applies to all the input channels. Table 2-2 describes the three
input modes.

Table 2-2. Available Input Modes for the NI 783xR/784xR/785xR

Input Mode Description

DIFF When the NI 783xR/784xR/785xR is configured in DIFF input mode, each
channel uses two AI lines. The positive input pin connects to the positive terminal
of the onboard instrumentation amplifier. The negative input pin connects to the
negative input of the instrumentation amplifier.
RSE When the NI 783xR/784xR/785xR is configured in RSE input mode, each
channel uses only its positive AI pin. This pin connects to the positive terminal
of the onboard instrumentation amplifier. The negative input of the
instrumentation amplifier connects internally to the AI ground (AIGND).
NRSE When the NI 783xR/784xR/785xR is configured in NRSE input mode, each
channel uses only its positive AI pin. This pin connects to the positive terminal
of the onboard instrumentation amplifier. The negative input of the
instrumentation amplifier on each AI channel connects internally to the
AISENSE input pin.

Input Range
The NI 783xR/784xR/785xR AI range is fixed at ±10 V.

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Chapter 2 Hardware Overview of the NI 78xxR

Connecting Analog Input Signals

The AI signals for the NI 783xR/784xR/785xR are AI<0..n>+, AI<0..n>–,
AIGND, and AISENSE. For the NI 7830R, n=4. For the NI 7831R/7833R/
784xR/785xR, n=8. The AI<0..n>+ and AI<0..n>– signals are connected to
the eight AI channels of the NI 783xR/784xR/785xR. For all input modes,
the AI<0..n>+ signals are connected to the positive input of the
instrumentation amplifier on each channel. The signal connected to the
negative input of the instrumentation amplifier depends on how you
configure the input mode of the device.

In differential input mode, signals connected to AI<0..n>– are routed to the

negative input of the instrumentation amplifier for each channel. In RSE
input mode, the negative input of the instrumentation amplifier for each
channel is internally connected to AIGND. In NRSE input mode, the
AISENSE signal is connected internally to the negative input of the
instrumentation amplifier for each channel. In DIFF and RSE input modes,
AISENSE is not used.

Caution Exceeding the differential and common-mode input ranges distorts the
input signals. Exceeding the maximum input voltage rating can damage the
NI 783xR/784xR/785xR and the computer. NI is not liable for any damage resulting from
such signal connections. The maximum input voltage ratings are listed in Table A-2,
NI 78xxR I/O Signal Summary.

AIGND is a common AI signal that is routed directly to the ground tie point
on the NI 783xR/784xR/785xR. You can use this signal for a general analog
ground tie point to the NI 783xR/784xR/785xR if necessary.

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 Chapter 2 Hardware Overview of the NI 78xxR

Connection of AI signals to the NI 783xR/784xR/785xR depends on the

input mode of the AI channels you are using and the type of input signal
source. With different input modes, you can use the instrumentation
amplifier in different ways. Figure 2-4 shows a diagram of the
NI 783xR/784xR/785xR instrumentation amplifier.

Vin+ +

Instrumentation
+
Amplifier
Vm Measured
Voltage
–
Vin– –

Vm = [Vin+ – Vin–]

Figure 2-4. NI 783xR/784xR/785xR Instrumentation Amplifier

The instrumentation amplifier applies common-mode voltage rejection

and presents high input impedance to the AI signals connected to the
NI 783xR/784xR/785xR. Input multiplexers on the device route signals to
the positive and negative inputs of the instrumentation amplifier. The
instrumentation amplifier converts two input signals to a signal that is the
difference between the two input signals. The amplifier output voltage is
referenced to the device ground. The NI 783xR/784xR/785xR ADC
measures this output voltage when it performs A/D conversions.

You must reference all signals to ground either at the source device or at the
NI 783xR/784xR/785xR. If you have a floating source, reference the signal
to ground by using RSE input mode or the DIFF input mode with bias
resistors. Refer to the Differential Connections for Nonreferenced or
Floating Signal Sources section of this chapter for more information about
these input modes. If you have a grounded source, do not reference the
signal to AIGND. You can avoid this reference by using DIFF or NRSE
input modes.

© National Instruments Corporation 2-7 R Series Multifunction RIO User Manual

Chapter 2 Hardware Overview of the NI 78xxR

Types of Signal Sources

When configuring the input channels and making signal connections,
you must first determine whether the signal sources are floating or ground
referenced. The following sections describe these two signal types.

Floating Signal Sources

A floating signal source is not connected to the building ground system but
instead has an isolated ground-reference point. Some examples of floating
signal sources are outputs of transformers, thermocouples, battery-powered
devices, optical isolator outputs, and isolation amplifiers. An instrument
or device that has an isolated output is a floating signal source.
You must connect the ground reference of a floating signal to the
NI 783xR/784xR/785xR AIGND through a bias resistor to establish a local
or onboard reference for the signal. Otherwise, the measured input signal
varies as the source floats out of the common-mode input range.

Ground-Referenced Signal Sources

A ground-referenced signal source is connected to the building system
ground, so it is already connected to a common ground point with respect
to the NI 783xR/784xR/785xR, assuming that the computer is plugged into
the same power system. Instruments or devices with nonisolated outputs
that plug into the building power system are ground referenced signal
sources.

The difference in ground potential between two instruments connected to

the same building power system is typically between 1 and 100 mV. This
difference can be much higher if power distribution circuits are improperly
connected. If a grounded signal source is improperly measured, this
difference might appear as a measurement error. The connection
instructions for grounded signal sources are designed to eliminate this
ground potential difference from the measured signal.

Input Modes
The following sections discuss single-ended and differential measurements
and considerations for measuring both floating and ground-referenced
signal sources.

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 Chapter 2 Hardware Overview of the NI 78xxR

Figure 2-5 summarizes the recommended input mode for both types of
signal sources.

Signal Source Type

Floating Signal Source Grounded Signal Source

(Not Connected to Building Ground)

Examples Examples
• Ungrounded Thermocouples • Plug-in Instruments with
Input • Signal Conditioning with Nonisolated Outputs
Isolated Outputs
• Battery Devices

AI<i>(+) AI<i>(+)
+ +
+ V + V
– 1 AI<i>(–) – 1 AI<i>(–)
– –
Differential
(DIFF)
AIGND<i> AIGND<i>

See text for information on bias resistors.

NOT RECOMMENDED

AI<i> AI
+ +
+ V + V
– 1 AIGND<i> – 1
Single-Ended— – –
+ Vg –
Ground
Referenced
(RSE) AIGND

Ground-loop losses, Vg, are added to

measured signal.

AI<i> AI<i>
+ +
+ V + V
– 1 AISENSE – 1 AISENSE
– –
Single-Ended—
Nonreferenced
AIGND<i>
(NRSE)
AIGND<i>

See text for information on bias resistors.

Figure 2-5. Summary of Analog Input Connections

© National Instruments Corporation 2-9 R Series Multifunction RIO User Manual

Chapter 2 Hardware Overview of the NI 78xxR

Differential Connection Considerations (DIFF Input Mode)

In DIFF input mode, the NI 783xR/784xR/785xR measures the difference
between the positive and negative inputs. DIFF input mode is ideal for
measuring ground-referenced signals from other devices. When using
DIFF input mode, the input signal connects to the positive input of the
instrumentation amplifier and its reference signal, or return, connects to the
negative input of the instrumentation amplifier.

Use differential input connections for any channel that meets any of the
following conditions:
• The input signal is low level (less than 1 V).
• The leads connecting the signal to the NI 783xR/784xR/785xR are
greater than 3 m (10 ft).
• The input signal requires a separate ground-reference point or return
signal.
• The signal leads travel through noisy environments.

Differential signal connections reduce noise pickup and increase

common-mode noise rejection. Differential signal connections also
allow input signals to float within the common-mode limits of the
instrumentation amplifier.

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 Chapter 2 Hardware Overview of the NI 78xxR

Differential Connections for Ground-Referenced

Signal Sources
Figure 2-6 shows how to connect a ground-referenced signal source to a
channel on the NI 783xR/784xR/785xR configured in DIFF input mode.

AI+ +
Ground- + AI–
Referenced Instrumentation
Signal Vs Amplifier +
Source – Measured
– Vm
Voltage
–
Common-
Mode +
Noise and Vcm
Ground – AISENSE
Potential
AIGND

I/O Connector

DIFF Input Mode Selected

Figure 2-6. Differential Input Connections for Ground-Referenced Signals

With this connection type, the instrumentation amplifier rejects both the
common-mode noise in the signal and the ground potential difference
between the signal source and the NI 783xR/784xR/785xR ground, shown
as Vcm in Figure 2-6. In addition, the instrumentation amplifier can reject
common-mode noise pickup in the leads connecting the signal sources to
the device. The instrumentation amplifier can reject common-mode signals
when V+in and V– in (input signals) are both within their specified input
ranges. Refer to the NI R Series Multifunction RIO Specifications, available
at ni.com/manuals, for more information about input ranges.

© National Instruments Corporation 2-11 R Series Multifunction RIO User Manual

Chapter 2 Hardware Overview of the NI 78xxR

Differential Connections for Nonreferenced or

Floating Signal Sources
Figure 2-7 shows how to connect a floating signal source to a channel on
the NI 783xR/784xR/785xR configured in DIFF input mode.

AI+ +
Bias
Floating + Resistors AI–
(see text) Instrumentation
Signal Vs Amplifier +
Source – Measured
– Vm
Voltage
–
Bias
Current
Return
Paths
AISENSE
AIGND

I/O Connector

DIFF Input Mode Selected

Figure 2-7. Differential Input Connections for Nonreferenced Signals

Figure 2-7 shows two bias resistors connected in parallel with the signal
leads of a floating signal source. If you do not use the resistors and the
source is truly floating, the source might not remain within the
common-mode signal range of the instrumentation amplifier, causing
erroneous readings. You must reference the source to AIGND by
connecting the positive side of the signal to the positive input of the
instrumentation amplifier and connecting the negative side of the signal to
AIGND and to the negative input of the instrumentation amplifier without
resistors. This connection works well for DC-coupled sources with low
source impedance, less than 100 Ω.

For larger source impedances, this connection leaves the differential signal
path significantly out of balance. Noise that couples electrostatically onto
the positive line does not couple onto the negative line because it is
connected to ground. Hence, this noise appears as a differential-mode
signal instead of a common-mode signal, and the instrumentation amplifier
does not reject it. In this case, instead of directly connecting the negative

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 Chapter 2 Hardware Overview of the NI 78xxR

line to AIGND, connect it to AIGND through a resistor that is about

100 times the equivalent source impedance. The resistor puts the signal
path nearly in balance. About the same amount of noise couples onto both
connections, which yields better rejection of electrostatically coupled
noise. Also, this input mode does not load down the source, other than the
very high-input impedance of the instrumentation amplifier.

You can fully balance the signal path by connecting another resistor of the
same value between the positive input and AIGND, as shown in Figure 2-7.
This fully balanced input mode offers slightly better noise rejection but has
the disadvantage of loading down the source with the series combination
(sum) of the two resistors. If, for example, the source impedance is 2 kΩ
and each of the two resistors is 100 kΩ, the resistors load down the source
with 200 kΩ and produce a –1% gain error.

Both inputs of the instrumentation amplifier require a DC path to ground

for the instrumentation amplifier to work. If the source is AC coupled
(capacitively coupled), the instrumentation amplifier needs a resistor
between the positive input and AIGND. If the source has low-impedance,
choose a resistor that is large enough not to significantly load the source but
small enough not to produce significant input offset voltage as a result of
input bias current, typically 100 kΩ to 1 MΩ. In this case, connect the
negative input directly to AIGND. If the source has high output impedance,
balance the signal path as previously described using the same value
resistor on both the positive and negative inputs. Loading down the source
causes some gain error.

Single-Ended Connection Considerations

When an NI 783xR/784xR/785xR AI signal is referenced to a ground that
can be shared with other input signals, it forms a single-ended connection.
The input signal connects to the positive input of the instrumentation
amplifier and the ground connects to the negative input of the
instrumentation amplifier.

You can use single-ended input connections for any input signal that meets
the following conditions:
• The input signal is high-level (>1 V).
• The leads connecting the signal to the NI 783xR/784xR/785xR are less
than 3 m (10 ft).
• The input signal can share a common reference point with other
signals.

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Chapter 2 Hardware Overview of the NI 78xxR

Use DIFF input connections for greater signal integrity for any input signal
that does not meet the preceding conditions.

You can configure the NI 783xR/784xR/785xR channels in software for

RSE or NRSE input modes. Use the RSE input mode for floating signal
sources. In this case, the NI 783xR/784xR/785xR provides the reference
ground point for the external signal. Use the NRSE input mode for
ground-referenced signal sources. In this case, the external signal supplies
its own reference ground point and the NI 783xR/784xR/785xR should not
supply one.

In single-ended input modes, electrostatic and magnetic noise couples into

the signal connections more than in differential input modes. The coupling
is the result of differences in the signal path. Magnetic coupling
is proportional to the area between the two signal conductors. Electrical
coupling is a function of how much the electric field differs between the
two conductors.

Single-Ended Connections for Floating Signal

Sources (RSE Input Mode)
Figure 2-8 shows how to connect a floating signal source to a channel on
the NI 783xR/784xR/785xR configured for RSE input mode.

AI+ +
AI– Instrumentation
Amplifier +
– Vm Measured
Floating + Voltage
–
Signal Vs
Source –

AISENSE

AIGND

I/O Connector

RSE Input Mode Selected

Figure 2-8. Single-Ended Input Connections for Nonreferenced or Floating Signals

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 Chapter 2 Hardware Overview of the NI 78xxR

Single-Ended Connections for Grounded Signal

Sources (NRSE Input Mode)
To measure a grounded signal source with a single-ended input mode, you
must configure the NI 783xR/784xR/785xR in the NRSE input mode. Then
connect the signal to the positive input of the NI 783xR/784xR/785xR
instrumentation amplifier and connect the signal local ground reference to
the negative input of the instrumentation amplifier. The ground point of the
signal should be connected to AISENSE. Any potential difference between
the NI 783xR/784xR/785xR ground and the signal ground appears as a
common-mode signal at both the positive and negative inputs of the
instrumentation amplifier. The instrumentation amplifier rejects this
difference. If the input circuitry of a NI 783xR/784xR/785xR is referenced
to ground in RSE input mode, this difference in ground potentials appears
as an error in the measured voltage.

Figure 2-9 shows how to connect a grounded signal source to a channel on

the NI 783xR/784xR/785xR configured for NRSE input mode.

AI+ +
Ground- + AI–
Referenced Instrumentation
Vs Amplifier +
Signal
Source – Measured
– Vm
Voltage
–
Common-
Mode +
Noise and Vcm
Ground – AISENSE
Potential
AIGND

I/O Connector
NRSE Input Mode Selected

Figure 2-9. Single-Ended Input Connections for Ground-Referenced Signals

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Chapter 2 Hardware Overview of the NI 78xxR

Common-Mode Signal Rejection Considerations

Figure 2-6 and Figure 2-9 show connections for signal sources that
are already referenced to some ground point with respect to the
NI 783xR/784xR/785xR. In these cases, the instrumentation amplifier can
reject any voltage caused by ground potential differences between the
signal source and the device. With differential input connections, the
instrumentation amplifier can reject common-mode noise pickup in the
leads connecting the signal sources to the device. The instrumentation
amplifier can reject common-mode signals when V+in and V– in
(input signals) are both within their specified input ranges. Refer to
the NI R Series Multifunction RIO Specifications, available at ni.com/
manuals, for more information about input ranges.

Analog Output
The bipolar output range of the NI 783xR/784xR/785xR AO channels is
fixed at ±10 V. Some applications require that the AO channels power on
to known voltage levels. To set the power-on levels, you can configure the
NI 783xR/784xR/785xR to load and run a VI when the system powers on.
The VI can set the AO channels to the desired voltage levels. The VI
interprets data written to the DAC in two’s complement format. Table 2-3
shows the ideal AO voltage generated for a given input code.

Table 2-3. Ideal Output Voltage and Input Code Mapping

Input Code (Hex)

Output Description AO Voltage (Two’s Complement)
Full-scale range –1 LSB 9.999695 7FFF
Full-scale range –2 LSB 9.999390 7FFE
Midscale 0.000000 0000
Negative full-scale range, +1 LSB –9.999695 8001
Negative full-scale range –10.000000 8000
Any output voltage — AO Voltage
------------------------------- × 32,768
10.0 V

Note If your VI does not set the output value for an AO channel, then the AO channel
voltage output will be undefined.

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 Chapter 2 Hardware Overview of the NI 78xxR

Connecting Analog Output Signals

The AO signals are AO <0..n> and AOGND.

AO <0..n> are the AO channels. AOGND is the ground reference signal for
the AO channels.

Figure 2-10 shows how to make AO connections to the

NI 783xR/784xR/785xR.

AO0
Channel 0
+

Load
VOUT 0
– AOGND0

NI 783xR/784xR/785xR

Figure 2-10. Analog Output Connections

Digital I/O
You can configure the NI 78xxR DIO lines individually for either input or
output. When the system powers on, the DIO lines are at high impedance.
To set another power-on state, you can configure the NI 78xxR to load a VI
when the system powers on. The VI can then set the DIO lines to any
power-on state.

Connecting Digital I/O Signals

The DIO signals on the NI 78xxR RDIO connectors are DGND and
DIO<0..39>. The DIO signals on the NI 783xR/784xR/785xR RMIO
connector are DGND and DIO<0..15>. The DIO<0..n> signals make up the
DIO port and DGND is the ground reference signal for the DIO port. The
NI 781xR has four RDIO connectors for a total of 160 DIO lines. The

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Chapter 2 Hardware Overview of the NI 78xxR

NI 7830R has one RMIO and one RDIO connector for a total of 56 DIO
lines. The NI 7831R/7833R/784xR/785xR has one RMIO and two RDIO
connectors for a total of 96 DIO lines.

Refer to Figure A-1, NI 781xR Connector Pin Assignments and Locations,

for the connector locations and the I/O connector pin assignments on the
NI 781xR. Refer to Figure A-2, NI 783xR/784xR/785xR Connector Pin
Assignments and Locations, for the connector locations and the I/O
connector pin assignments on the NI 783xR/784xR/785xR.

The DIO lines on the NI 78xxR are TTL-compatible. When configured as

inputs, they can receive signals from 5 V TTL, 3.3 V LVTTL, 5 V CMOS,
and 3.3 V LVCMOS devices. When configured as outputs, they can send
signals to 5 V TTL, 3.3 V LVTTL, and 3.3 V LVCMOS devices. Because
the digital outputs provide a nominal output swing of 0 to 3.3 V
(3.3 V TTL), the DIO lines cannot drive 5 V CMOS logic levels.
To interface to 5 V CMOS devices, you must provide an external pull-up
resistor to 5 V. This resistor pulls up the 3.3 V digital output from the
NI 78xxR to 5 V CMOS logic levels. Refer to the NI R Series Multifunction
RIO Specifications, available at ni.com/manuals, for detailed DIO
specifications.

Caution Exceeding the maximum input voltage ratings, listed in Table A-2, NI 78xxR I/O
Signal Summary, can damage the NI 78xxR and the computer. NI is not liable for any
damage resulting from such signal connections.

Caution Do not short the DIO lines of the NI 78xxR directly to power or to ground. Doing
so can damage the NI 78xxR by causing excessive current to flow through the DIO lines.

You can connect multiple NI 78xxR digital output lines in parallel to

provide higher current sourcing or sinking capability. If you connect
multiple digital output lines in parallel, your application must drive all of
these lines simultaneously to the same value. If you connect digital lines
together and drive them to different values, excessive current can flow
through the DIO lines and damage the NI 78xxR. Refer to the NI R Series
Multifunction RIO Specifications, available at ni.com/manuals, for more
information about DIO specifications. Figure 2-11 shows signal
connections for three typical DIO applications.

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 Chapter 2 Hardware Overview of the NI 78xxR

LED

TTL or
DGND +5 V
LVCMOS*
Compatible
Devices
DIO<4..7>
5 V CMOS †

TTL, LVTTL, CMOS, or LVCMOS Signal

DIO<0..3>

+5 V

Switch

DGND

I/O Connector

NI 783xR/784xR/785xR

*3.3 V CMOS
†Use a pull-up resistor when driving 5 V CMOS devices.

Figure 2-11. Example Digital I/O Connections

Figure 2-11 shows DIO<0..3> configured for digital input and DIO<4..7>
configured for digital output. Digital input applications include receiving
TTL, LVTTL, CMOS, or LVCMOS signals and sensing external device
states, such as the state of the switch shown in Figure 2-11. Digital output
applications include sending TTL or LVCMOS signals and driving external
devices, such as the LED shown in Figure 2-11.

The NI 78xxR SHC68-68-RDIO cable contains individually shielded

bundles that route each digital signal on an individually shielded pair of
wires, and each signal is twisted with its own wire to digital ground.

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Chapter 2 Hardware Overview of the NI 78xxR

The SHC68-68-RDIO was designed specifically for R Series devices and is

the NI-recommended cable for digital applications. If you are using the
SH68-C68-S cable, however, please note the following considerations.

The SH68-C68-S shielded cable contains 34 twisted pairs of conductors. To

maximize the digital I/O available on the NI 78xxR, some of the DIO lines
are twisted with power or ground and some DIO lines are twisted with other
DIO lines. To obtain maximum signal integrity, place edge-sensitive or
high-frequency digital signals on the DIO lines that are paired with power
or ground. Because the DIO lines that are twisted with other DIO lines can
couple noise onto each other, use these lines for static signals or
non-edge-sensitive, low-frequency digital signals. Examples of
high-frequency or edge-sensitive signals include clock, trigger, pulse-width
modulation (PWM), encoder, and counter signals. Examples of static
signals or non-edge-sensitive, low-frequency signals include LEDs,
switches, and relays. Table 2-4 summarizes these guidelines.

Table 2-4. DIO Signal Guidelines for the NI 78xxR

SH68-C68-S
Shielded Cable Recommended Types
Device Digital Lines Signal Pairing of Digital Signals
NI 781xR DIO<0..27> DIO line paired All types—high-frequency or
with power low-frequency signals,
or ground edge-sensitive or
non-edge-sensitive signals
DIO<28..39> DIO line paired Static signals or
with another non-edge-sensitive,
DIO line low-frequency signals
NI 783xR, Connector 0, DIO<0..7>; DIO line paired All types—high-frequency or
NI 784xR, Connector 1, DIO<0..27>; with power low-frequency signals,
NI 785xR Connector 2, DIO<0..27> or ground edge-sensitive or
non-edge-sensitive signals
Connector 0, DIO<8..15>; DIO line paired Static signals or
Connector 1, DIO<28..39>; with another non-edge-sensitive,
Connector 2, DIO<28..39> DIO line low-frequency signals

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 Chapter 2 Hardware Overview of the NI 78xxR

RTSI Trigger Bus

The NI 78xxR can send and receive triggers through the RTSI trigger bus.
The RTSI bus provides eight shared trigger lines that connect to all the
devices on the bus. In PXI, the trigger lines are shared between all the PXI
slots in a bus segment. In PCI, the RTSI bus is implemented through a
ribbon cable connected to the RTSI connector on each device that needs to
access the RTSI bus.

You can use the RTSI trigger lines to synchronize the NI 78xxR to any other
device that supports RTSI triggers. On the NI PCI-781xR/783xR and
NI PCIe-784xR/785xR, the RTSI trigger lines are labeled
RTSI/RTSI<0..6> and RTSI/RTSI7. On the NI PXI-78xxR, the RTSI
trigger lines are labeled PXI/PXI_Trig<0..7>. In addition, the
NI PXI-78xxR can use the PXI star trigger line to send or receive triggers
from a device plugged into Slot 2 of the PXI chassis. The PXI star trigger
line on the NI PXI-78xxR is PXI/PXI_Star.

The NI 78xxR can configure each RTSI trigger line either as an input or an
output signal. Because each trigger line on the RTSI bus is connected in
parallel to all the other RTSI devices on the bus, only one device
should drive a particular RTSI trigger line at a time. For example, if
one NI PXI-78xxR is configured to send out a trigger pulse on
PXI/PXI_Trig0, the remaining devices on that PXI bus segment must have
PXI/PXI_Trig0 configured as an input.

Caution Do not drive the same RTSI trigger bus line with the NI 78xxR and another device
simultaneously. Such signal driving can damage both devices. NI is not liable for any
damage resulting from such signal driving.

For more information on using and configuring triggers, select Help»

Search the LabVIEW Help in LabVIEW to view the LabVIEW Help.
Refer to the PXI Hardware Specification Revision 2.1 and PXI Software
Specification Revision 2.1 at www.pxisa.org for more information about
PXI triggers.

PXI Local Bus (NI PXI-781xR/783xR Only)

The NI PXI-781xR/783xR can communicate with other PXI devices using
the PXI local bus. The PXI local bus is a daisy-chained bus that connects
each PXI peripheral slot with its adjacent peripheral slot on either side. For
example, the right local bus lines from a PXI peripheral slot connect to the
left local bus lines of the adjacent slot on the right. Each local bus is 13 lines

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Chapter 2 Hardware Overview of the NI 78xxR

wide. All of these lines connect to the FPGA on the NI PXI-781xR/783xR.

The PXI local bus right lines on the NI PXI-781xR/783xR are
PXI/PXI_Lbr<0..12>. The PXI local bus left lines on the
NI PXI-781xR/783xR are PXI/PXI_Lbl<0..12>.

The NI PXI-781xR/783xR can configure each PXI local bus line either as
an input or an output signal. Only one device can drive the same physical
local bus line at a time. For example, if the NI PXI-781xR/783xR is
configured to drive a signal on PXI/PXI_Lbr 0, the device in the slot
immediately to the right must have its PXI/PXI_Lbl 0 line configured as an
input.

Caution Do not drive the same PXI local bus line with the NI PXI-781xR/783xR and
another device simultaneously. Such signal driving can damage both devices. NI is not
liable for any damage resulting from such signal driving.

The NI PXI-781xR/783xR local bus lines are only compatible with 3.3 V
signaling LVTTL and LVCMOS levels.

Caution Do not enable the local bus lines on an adjacent device if the device drives
anything other than 0–3.3V LVTTL signal levels on the NI PXI-781xR/783xR. Enabling
the lines in this way can damage the NI PXI-781xR/783xR. NI is not liable for any damage
resulting from enabling such lines.

The left local bus lines from the left peripheral slot of a PXI backplane
(Slot 2) are routed to the star trigger lines of up to 13 other peripheral slots
in a two-segment PXI system. This configuration provides a dedicated,
delay-matched trigger signal between the first peripheral slot and the
other peripheral slots for precise trigger timing signals. For example—as
shown in Figure 2-12—an NI PXI-781xR/783xR in Slot 2 can send an
independent trigger signal to each device plugged into Slots <3..15> using
the PXI/PXI_Lbl<0..12>. Each device receives its trigger signal on its own
dedicated star trigger line.

Caution Do not configure the NI 781xR/783xR and another device to drive the same
physical star trigger line simultaneously. Such signal driving can damage the
NI 781xR/783xR and the other device. NI is not liable for any damage resulting from
such signal driving.

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 Chapter 2 Hardware Overview of the NI 78xxR

Trigger 0
Trigger 1
Trigger 2
Trigger 3

Trigger 0
Trigger 1
Trigger 2
Trigger 3

Trigger 0
Trigger 1
Trigger 2
Trigger 3
PXI_Star* PXI_Star PXI_Star

Lbl0 Lbr0 Lbl0 Lbr0 Lbl0 Lbr0

Lbl1 Lbr1 Lbl1 Lbr1 Lbl1 Lbr1
Lbl2 Lbr2 Lbl2 Lbr2 Lbl2 Lbr2
Lbl3 Lbr3 Lbl3 Lbr3 Lbl3 Lbr3

Slot 2 Slot 3 Slot 4

1 3

* A Slot 2 device ties the PXI_Star Line to the PXI 10 MHz clock

1 Shared Local Bus Lines between Slot 2 and Slot 3

2 Shared Trigger Lines between Slot 2, Slot 3, and Slot 4
3 Shared Local Bus Lines between Slot 3 and Slot 4

Figure 2-12. PXI Star Trigger Connections in a PXI Chassis

Refer to the PXI Hardware Specification Revision 2.1 and PXI Software
Specification Revision 2.1 at www.pxisa.org for more information about
PXI triggers.

Switch Settings (NI 781xR/783xR Only)

Refer to Figure 2-13 for the location of switches on the NI PCI-781xR and
Figure 2-14 for the location of switches on the NI PXI-781xR. Refer
to Figure 2-15 for the location of switches on the NI PCI-783xR and
Figure 2-16 for the location of switches on the NI PXI-783xR. For normal
operation, SW1 is in the OFF position. To prevent a VI stored in Flash
memory from loading to the FPGA at power up, move SW1 to the
ON position, as shown in Figure 2-17.

Note SW2 and SW3 are not connected.

© National Instruments Corporation 2-23 R Series Multifunction RIO User Manual

Chapter 2 Hardware Overview of the NI 78xxR

SW1, SW2, SW3

Figure 2-13. Switch Location on the NI PCI-781xR

SW1, SW2, SW3

NI PX
Recon I-7811R
figurab
le I/O
CONNECTOR 3 (DIO)
CONNECTOR 2 (DIO)

Figure 2-14. Switch Location on the NI PXI-781xR

R Series Multifunction RIO User Manual 2-24 ni.com

 Chapter 2 Hardware Overview of the NI 78xxR

SW1, SW2, SW3

Figure 2-15. Switch Location on the NI PCI-783xR

NI PX
ReconfiI-7831R
gurab
le I/O
CONNECTOR 2 (DIO)

SW1, SW2, SW3

Figure 2-16. Switch Location on the NI PXI-783xR

© National Instruments Corporation 2-25 R Series Multifunction RIO User Manual

Chapter 2 Hardware Overview of the NI 78xxR

ON ON

1 2 3 1 2 3

a. Normal Operation (Default) b. Prevent VI From Loading

Figure 2-17. Switch Settings

Complete the following steps to prevent a VI stored in Flash memory from

loading to the FPGA:
1. Power off and unplug the PXI/CompactPCI chassis or PCI computer.
2. Remove the NI 781xR/783xR from the PXI/CompactPCI chassis or
PCI computer.
3. Move SW1 to the ON position, as shown in Figure 2-17b.
4. Reinsert the NI 781xR/783xR into the PXI/CompactPCI chassis or
PCI computer. Refer to the Installing the Hardware section of the
Getting Started with R Series Multifunction RIO document for
installation instructions.
5. Plug in and power on the PXI/CompactPCI chassis or PCI computer.

After completing this procedure, a VI stored in Flash memory does not load
to the FPGA at power-on. You can use software to configure the NI 78xxR,
if necessary. To return to the defaults of loading from Flash memory, repeat
the previous procedure but return SW1 to the OFF position in step 3. You
can use this switch to enable/disable the ability to load from Flash memory.
In addition to this switch, you must configure the NI 78xxR with the
software to autoload an FPGA VI.

Note When the NI 781xR/783xR is powered on with SW1 in the ON position, the analog
circuitry does not return properly calibrated data. Move the switch to the ON position only
while you are using software to reconfigure the NI 781xR/783xR for the desired power-up
behavior. Afterward, return SW1 to the OFF position.

+5 V Power Source
The +5 V terminals on the I/O connector supply +5 V referenced to DGND.
Use these terminals to power external circuitry.

Newer revision NI 781xR/783xR devices have a traditional fuse to

protect the supply from overcurrent conditions. This fuse is not
customer-replaceable; if the fuse permanently opens, return the device
to NI for repair.

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 Chapter 2 Hardware Overview of the NI 78xxR

Older revision NI 781xR/783xR devices have a self-resetting fuse to protect

the supply from overcurrent conditions. This fuse resets automatically
within a few seconds after the overcurrent condition is removed. For more
information about the self-resetting fuse and precautions to take to
avoid improper connection of +5 V and ground terminals, refer to the
KnowledgeBase document, Self-Resetting Fuse Additional Information,
by going to ni.com/info and entering the info code pptc.

(NI 784xR/785xR Devices) All NI 784xR/785xR devices have a

user-replaceable socketed fuse to protect the supply from overcurrent
conditions. When an overcurrent condition occurs, check your cabling to
the +5 V terminals and replace the fuse as described in the Device Fuse
Replacement (NI 784xR/785xR Only) section.

Caution Never connect the +5 V power terminals to analog or digital ground or to any
other voltage source on the NI 78xxR device or any other device. Doing so can damage the
device and the computer. NI is not liable for damage resulting from such a connection.

The power rating on most devices is +4.75 to +5.25 VDC at 1 A.

Refer to the NI R Series Multifunction RIO Specifications document,

available at ni.com/manuals, to obtain the power rating for your device.

Device Fuse Replacement (NI 784xR/785xR Only)

NI 784xR/785xR devices have a replaceable fuse, Littelfuse part
number 0453004, that protects the device from overcurrent through
the power connector.

To replace a blown fuse in the NI 784xR/785xR, complete the following

steps:
1. Power down and unplug the computer or PXI chassis.
2. Remove the PCI/PCI Express device from the expansion slot on the
computer, or the PXI device from the PXI slot in the PXI chassis.

© National Instruments Corporation 2-27 R Series Multifunction RIO User Manual

Chapter 2 Hardware Overview of the NI 78xxR

3. Replace the blown fuse while referring to Figure 2-18 for the fuse
locations.

1 NI PCIe-784xR/785xR Fuse Location 2 NI PXI-784xR/785xR Fuse Location

Figure 2-18. NI 784xR/785xR Replacement Fuse Location

(Littelfuse Part Number 0453004)

4. Reinstall the PCI, PCI Express, or PXI device into the computer or PXI
chassis.

PCI Express Device Disk Drive Power Connector

(NI PCIe-784xR/785xR Devices) The disk drive power connector is a four-pin
hard drive connector on PCI Express devices that, when connected,
increases the current the device can supply on the +5 V terminal.

When to Use the Disk Drive Power Connector

PCI Express R Series devices without the disk drive power connector
installed perform identically to other R Series devices for most applications
and with most accessories. For most applications, it is not necessary to
install the disk drive power connector.

However, you should install the disk drive power connector in either of the
following situations:
• You need more power than listed in the device specifications
• You are using an R Series accessory with no external power supply,
such as the cRIO-9151

Refer to the specifications document for your device for more information
about PCI Express power requirements and power limits.

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 Chapter 2 Hardware Overview of the NI 78xxR

Disk Drive Power Connector Installation

Before installing the disk drive power connector, you must install and set
up the R Series PCI Express device as described in the Getting Started with
R Series Multifunction RIO document. Complete the following steps to
install the disk drive power connector.
1. Power off and unplug the computer.
2. Remove the computer cover.
3. Attach the PC disk drive power connector to the disk drive power
connector on the device, as shown in Figure 2-19.

Note The power available on the disk drive power connectors in a computer can vary. For
example, consider using a disk drive power connector that is not in the same power chain
as the hard drive.

2
1

1 Device Disk Drive Power Connector 2 PC Disk Drive Power Connector

Figure 2-19. Connecting to the Disk Drive Power Connector

4. Replace the computer cover, and plug in and power on the computer.
5. Use the NI 78xxR Calibration Utility to run a self-calibration on the
NI PCIe-784xR/785xR device. Refer to the Self-Calibration section of
Chapter 3, Calibration (NI 783xR/784xR/785xR Only), for more
information.

Note Connecting or disconnecting the disk drive power connector can affect the analog
performance of your device. To compensate for this, NI recommends that you
self-calibrate after connecting or disconnecting the disk drive power connector.

© National Instruments Corporation 2-29 R Series Multifunction RIO User Manual

Chapter 2 Hardware Overview of the NI 78xxR

Field Wiring Considerations

(NI 783xR/784xR/785xR Only)
Environmental noise can seriously affect the measurement accuracy of the
device if you do not take proper care when running signal wires between
signal sources and the device. The following recommendations mainly
apply to AI signal routing to the device, as well as signal routing in general.

Take the following precautions to minimize noise pickup and maximize

measurement accuracy:
• Use differential AI connections to reject common-mode noise.
• Use individually shielded, twisted-pair wires to connect AI signals to
the device. With this type of wire, the signals attached to the positive
and negative inputs are twisted together and then covered with a shield.
You then connect this shield only at one point to the signal source
ground. This kind of connection is required for signals traveling
through areas with large magnetic fields or high electromagnetic
interference.
• Route signals to the device carefully. Keep cabling away from noise
sources. The most common noise source in a PXI DAQ system is the
video monitor. Keep the monitor and the analog signals as far apart as
possible.

Use the following recommendations for all signal connections to the

NI 783xR/784xR/785xR:
• Separate NI 783xR/784xR/785xR signal lines from high-current or
high-voltage lines. These lines can induce currents in or voltages on
the NI 783xR/784xR/785xR signal lines if they run in parallel paths at
a close distance. To reduce the magnetic coupling between lines,
separate them by a reasonable distance if they run in parallel or run the
lines at right angles to each other.
• Do not run signal lines through conduits that also contain power lines.
• Protect signal lines from magnetic fields caused by electric motors,
welding equipment, breakers, or transformers by running them
through special metal conduits.

Refer to the NI Developer Zone tutorial, Field Wiring and Noise

Considerations for Analog Signals, at ni.com/zone for more information.

R Series Multifunction RIO User Manual 2-30 ni.com

Calibration
3
(NI 783xR/784xR/785xR Only)
Calibration is the process of determining and/or adjusting the accuracy of
an instrument to minimize measurement and output voltage errors. On the
NI 783xR/784xR/785xR, onboard calibration DACs (CalDACs) correct
these errors. Because the analog circuitry handles calibration, the data read
from the AI channels or written to the AO channels in the FPGA VI is
already calibrated.

Three levels of calibration are available for the NI 783xR/784xR/785xR

to ensure the accuracy of its analog circuitry. The first level, loading
calibration constants, is the fastest, easiest, and least accurate. The
intermediate level, internal self-calibration, is the preferred method of
assuring accuracy in your application. The last level, external calibration, is
the slowest, most difficult, and most accurate.

Loading Calibration Constants

The NI 783xR/784xR/785xR is factory calibrated before shipment at
approximately 25 °C to the levels indicated in the device specifications.
Refer to the NI R Series Multifunction RIO Specifications, available at
ni.com/manuals, for more information calibration levels. The onboard
nonvolatile Flash memory stores the calibration constants for the device.
Calibration constants are the values that were written to the CalDACs to
achieve calibration in the factory. The NI 783xR/784xR/785xR hardware
reads these constants from the Flash memory and loads them into the
CalDACs at power-on. This occurs before you load a VI into the FPGA.

Self-Calibration
With self-calibration, the NI 783xR/784xR/785xR can internally measure
and correct almost all of its calibration-related errors without any external
signal connections. NI provides software to perform an self-calibration.
This internal self-calibration process, which generally takes less than
two minutes, is the preferred method of assuring accuracy in your

© National Instruments Corporation 3-1 R Series Multifunction RIO User Manual

Chapter 3 Calibration (NI 783xR/784xR/785xR Only)

application. Self-calibration minimizes the effects of any offset and gain

drifts, particularly those due to changes in temperature. During the
self-calibration process, the AI and AO channels are compared to the
NI 783xR/784xR/785xR onboard voltage reference. The offset and gain
errors in the analog circuitry are calibrated out by adjusting the CalDACs
to minimize these errors.

Note The NI 78xxR Calibration Utility does not support NI 781xR devices.

If you have NI-RIO installed, you can find the self-calibration utility at
Start»All Programs»National Instruments»NI-RIO»Calibrate 78xxR
Device. Device is the NI PXI-783xR/784xR/785xR or NI PCI-783xR
device.

Immediately after self-calibration, the only significant residual calibration

error is gain error due to time and temperature drift of the onboard voltage
reference. You can minimize gain errors by performing an external
calibration. If you are primarily taking relative measurements, then you can
ignore a small amount of gain error and self-calibration is sufficient.

The Flash memory on the NI 783xR/784xR/785xR stores the results

of a self-calibration so the CalDACs automatically load with the newly
calculated calibration constants the next time the NI 783xR/784xR/785xR
is powered on.

External Calibration
An external calibration refers to calibrating your device with a known
external reference rather than relying on the onboard reference. The
NI 783xR/784xR/785xR has an onboard calibration reference to ensure
the accuracy of self-calibration. The reference voltage is measured at the
factory and stored in the Flash memory for subsequent self-calibrations.
Externally calibrate the device annually or more often if you use it at
extreme temperatures.

During the external calibration process, the onboard reference value is

re-calculated. This compensates for any time or temperature drift-related
errors in the onboard reference that might have occurred since the last
calibration. You can save the results of the external calibration process to
Flash memory so that the NI 783xR/784xR/785xR loads the new calibration
constants the next time it is powered on. The device uses the newly
measured onboard reference level for subsequent self-calibrations.

R Series Multifunction RIO User Manual 3-2 ni.com

 Chapter 3 Calibration (NI 783xR/784xR/785xR Only)

To externally calibrate your device, use an external reference several times

more accurate than the device itself. For more information on externally
calibrating your NI 783xR/784xR/785xR device, refer to the
NI 783xR/784xR/785xR Calibration Procedure for NI-RIO, found on
ni.com/manuals.

© National Instruments Corporation 3-3 R Series Multifunction RIO User Manual

Connecting I/O Signals
A
This appendix describes how to make input and output signal connections
to the NI 78xxR I/O connectors.

Figure A-1 shows the I/O connector pin assignments and locations for
NI PCI-7811R/7813R and NI PXI-7811R/7813R.

Figure A-2 shows the I/O connector pin assignments and locations
for NI PCI-7830R/7831R/7833R, NI PCIe-7841R/7842R/7851R/7852R,
and the NI PXI-7830R/7831R/7833R/7841R/7842R/7851R/7852R/
7853R/7854R.

Note The NI PXI-7830R and NI PCI-7830R do not have Connector 2 (RDIO).

© National Instruments Corporation A-1 R Series Multifunction RIO User Manual

Appendix A Connecting I/O Signals

CONNECTOR 3
CONNECTOR 0

(RDIO)
(RDIO)
DIO39 68 34 DIO38
DIO37 67 33 DIO36
66 32 DIO34 TERMINAL 68 TERMINAL 35
DIO35
DIO33 65 31 DIO32 TERMINAL 34 TERMINAL 1
DIO31 64 30 DIO30
DIO29 63 29 DIO28
DIO27 62 28 +5V
DIO26 61 27 +5V
DIO25 60 26 DGND
DIO24 59 25 DGND
DIO23 58 24 DGND
DIO22 57 23 DGND TERMINAL 1 TERMINAL 34
DIO21 56 22 DGND TERMINAL 35 TERMINAL 68
DIO20 55 21 DGND
DIO19 54 20 DGND
DIO18 53 19 DGND
DIO17 52 18 DGND
DIO16 51 17 DGND
DIO15 50 16 DGND
DIO14 49 15 DGND
DIO13 48 14 DGND TERMINAL 68 TERMINAL 35
DIO12 47 13 DGND
46 12 DGND TERMINAL 34 TERMINAL 1
DIO11
DIO10 45 11 DGND
DIO9 44 10 DGND
DIO8 43 9 DGND
DIO7 42 8 DGND
DIO6 41 7 DGND
DIO5 40 6 DGND
DIO4 39 5 DGND
TERMINAL 1 TERMINAL 34
DIO3 38 4 DGND
DIO2 37 3 DGND TERMINAL 35 TERMINAL 68
DIO1 36 2 DGND
DIO0 35 1 DGND
CONNECTOR 1

CONNECTOR 2
(RDIO)

(RDIO)

Figure A-1. NI 781xR Connector Pin Assignments and Locations

R Series Multifunction RIO User Manual A-2 ni.com

 Appendix A Connecting I/O Signals

CONNECTOR 0
(RMIO)
DIO39 68 34 DIO38 AI0+ 68 34 AI0–
DIO37 67 33 DIO36 AIGND0 67 33 AIGND1
66 32 DIO34 TERMINAL 68
DIO35 AI1+ 66 32 AI1–
DIO33 65 31 DIO32 TERMINAL 34 AI2+ 65 31 AI2–
DIO31 64 30 DIO30 AIGND2 64 30 AIGND3
DIO29 63 29 DIO28 AI3+ 63 29 AI3–
DIO27 62 28 +5V AI4+1 62 28 AI4–1
DIO26 61 27 +5V AIGND4 61 27 AIGND5
DIO25 60 26 DGND AI5+1 60 26 AI5–1
DIO24 59 25 DGND AI6+1 59 25 AI6–1
DIO23 58 24 DGND AIGND6 58 24 AIGND7
DIO22 57 23 DGND TERMINAL 1 AI7+1 57 23 AI7–1
DIO21 56 22 DGND TERMINAL 35 AISENSE 56 22 No Connect
DIO20 55 21 DGND AO0 55 21 AOGND0
DIO19 54 20 DGND AO1 54 20 AOGND1
DIO18 53 19 DGND AO2 53 19 AOGND2
DIO17 52 18 DGND AO3 52 18 AOGND3
DIO16 51 17 DGND AO41 51 17 AOGND4
DIO15 50 16 DGND AO51 50 16 AOGND5
DIO14 49 15 DGND AO61 49 15 AOGND6
DIO13 48 14 DGND TERMINAL 68 TERMINAL 35 AO71 48 14 AOGND7
DIO12 47 13 DGND DIO15 47 13 DIO14
46 12 DGND TERMINAL 34 TERMINAL 1
DIO11 DIO13 46 12 DIO12
DIO10 45 11 DGND DIO11 45 11 DIO10
DIO9 44 10 DGND DIO9 44 10 DIO8
DIO8 43 9 DGND DIO7 43 9 DGND
DIO7 42 8 DGND DIO6 42 8 DGND
DIO6 41 7 DGND DIO5 41 7 DGND
DIO5 40 6 DGND DIO4 40 6 DGND
DIO4 39 5 DGND DIO3 39 5 DGND
TERMINAL 1 TERMINAL 34
DIO3 38 4 DGND DIO2 38 4 DGND
DIO2 37 3 DGND TERMINAL 35 TERMINAL 68 DIO1 37 3 DGND
DIO1 36 2 DGND DIO0 36 2 DGND
DIO0 35 1 DGND +5V 35 1 +5V
CONNECTOR 1

CONNECTOR 2

1 No
(RDIO)

Connect on the NI 7830R

(RDIO)

Figure A-2. NI 783xR/784xR/785xR Connector Pin Assignments and Locations

© National Instruments Corporation A-3 R Series Multifunction RIO User Manual

Appendix A Connecting I/O Signals

To access the signals on the I/O connectors, you must connect a cable from
the I/O connector to a signal accessory. Plug the small VHDCI connector
end of the cable into the appropriate I/O connector and connect the other
end of the cable to the appropriate signal accessory.

Table A-1. I/O Connector Signal Descriptions

Signal Name Reference Direction Description

+5V DGND Output +5 VDC Source—These pins supply 5 V from the computer
power supply. For more information on the +5V terminals,
refer to the +5 V Power Source section in Chapter 2,
Hardware Overview of the NI 78xxR.

Analog Signals (NI 783xR/784xR/785xR Only)

AI<0..7>+ AIGND Input Positive input for Analog Input channels 0 through 7.

AI<0..7>– AIGND Input Negative input for Analog Input channels 0 through 7.

AIGND — — Analog Input Ground—These pins are the reference point

for single-ended measurements in RSE configuration and
the bias current return point for differential measurements.
All three ground references—AIGND, AOGND, and
DGND—are connected to each other on the
NI 783xR/784xR/785xR.

AISENSE AIGND Input Analog Input Sense—This pin serves as the reference node
for AI <0..7> when the device is configured for NRSE mode.
AO<0..7> AOGND Output Analog Output channels 0 through 7. Each channel can
source or sink up to 2.5 mA.

AOGND — — Analog Output Ground—The analog output voltages

are referenced to this node. All three ground
references—AIGND, AOGND, and DGND—are
connected to each other on the NI 783xR/784xR/785xR.
Digital Signals (All NI 78xxR Devices)

DGND — — Digital Ground—These pins supply the reference for the

digital signals at the I/O connector and the 5 V supply.
All three ground references—AIGND, AOGND, and
DGND—are connected to each other on the
NI 783xR/784xR/785xR.
DIO<0..39> DGND Input or Digital I/O signals.
Connector <0..3> Output
(NI 781xR)

DIO<0..15>
Connector 0
(NI 783xR/784xR/785xR)

DIO<0..39>
Connector <1..2>
(NI 783xR/784xR/785xR)

R Series Multifunction RIO User Manual A-4 ni.com

 Appendix A Connecting I/O Signals

Caution Connections that exceed any of the maximum ratings of input or output signals
on the NI 78xxR can damage the NI 78xxR and the computer. Maximum input ratings for
each signal are in the Protection column of Table A-2. NI is not liable for any damage
resulting from such signal connections

Table A-2. NI 78xxR I/O Signal Summary

Signal Impedance Protection

Type and Input/ (Volts) Source Sink
Signal Name Direction Output On/Off (mA at V) (mA at V) Rise Time Bias

+5V DO — — — — — —

Analog Signals (NI 783xR/784xR/785xR Only)

AI<0..7>+ AI 10 GΩ in 42/35 — — — ±2 nA
parallel with
100 pF

AI<0..7>– AI 10 GΩ in 42/35 — — — ±2 nA
parallel with
100 pF

AIGND AO — — — — — —

AISENSE AI 10 GΩ in 42/35 — — — ±2 nA
parallel with
100 pF

AO<0..7> AO 1.25 Ω Short 2.5 at 10 2.5 at –10 10 V/μs —

circuit to
ground

AOGND AO — — — — — —

Digital Signals (All NI 78xxR Devices) — — — —

DIO<0..39> DIO — –0.5 to +7.0 4.0 at 2.4 4.0 at 0.4 — —

Connector <0..3> (NI 783xR)
(NI 781xR)
–20 to 20
DIO<0..15> (NI 784xR/
Connector 0 NI 785xR)
(NI 783xR,
NI 784xR, and
NI 785xR)
DIO<0..39>
Connector <1..2>
(NI 783xR,
NI 784xR, and
NI 785xR)

AI = Analog Input AO = Analog Output DIO = Digital Input/Output DO = Digital Output

© National Instruments Corporation A-5 R Series Multifunction RIO User Manual

Appendix A Connecting I/O Signals

Connecting to 5B and SSR Analog Signal Conditioning

(NI 783xR/784xR/785xR Only)
NI provides cables that allow you to connect signals from the
NI 783xR/784xR/785xR directly to 5B backplanes for analog signal
conditioning and SSR backplanes for digital signal conditioning.

The NSC68-262650 cable connects the signals on the

NI 783xR/784xR/785xR RMIO connector directly to 5B and SSR
backplanes. This cable has a 68-pin male VHDCI connector on one end that
plugs into the NI 783xR/784xR/785xR RMIO connector. The other end of
this cable provides two 26-pin female headers plus one 50-pin female
header.

One of the 26-pin headers contains all the NI 783xR/784xR/785xR analog

input signals. You can plug this connector directly into a 5B backplane for
analog input signal conditioning. The NI 783xR/784xR/785xR AI<0..n>
correspond to the 5B backplane channels <0..n> in sequential order.
Configure the AI channels to use the NRSE input mode when using
5B signal conditioning.

The other 26-pin header contains all the NI 783xR/784xR/785xR analog

output signals. You can plug this connector directly into a 5B backplane
for AO signal conditioning. The NI 783xR/784xR/785xR AO<0..n>
correspond to the 5B backplane channels <0..n> in sequential order.

The 50-pin header contains the 16 DIO lines available on the

NI 783xR/784xR/785xR RMIO connector. You can plug this header
directly into an SSR backplane for digital signal conditioning. DIO lines
<0..15> correspond to the 5B backplane Slots <0..15> in sequential order.

The 5B connector pinouts are compatible with 8-channel 5B08 backplanes

and 16-channel 5B01 backplanes. The NI 7830R can accept analog
input from the first four channels of a 16-channel backplane.
The NI 7831R/7833R/784xR/785xR can accept analog input from the
first eight channels of a 16-channel backplane. The SSR connector pinout
is compatible with 8-, 16-, 24-, and 32-channel SSR backplanes. You can
connect to an SSR backplane containing a number of channels unequal to
the 16 DIO lines available on the 50-pin header. In this case, you have
access to only the channels that exist on both the SSR backplane and the
NSC68-262650 cable 50-pin header.

R Series Multifunction RIO User Manual A-6 ni.com

 Appendix A Connecting I/O Signals

Figure A-3 shows the connector pinouts when using the NSC68-262650
cable.

No Connect 1 2 No Connect
No Connect 3 4 No Connect
No Connect 5 6 No Connect
No Connect 7 8 No Connect
No Connect 9 10 No Connect
No Connect 11 12 No Connect
No Connect 13 14 No Connect
No Connect 15 16 No Connect
DIO15 17 18 No Connect
DIO14 19 20 No Connect
DIO13 21 22 No Connect
DIO12 23 24 No Connect
AO0 1 2 No Connect AI0+ 1 2 AI0– DIO11 25 26 No Connect
AOGND0 3 4 No Connect AIGND0 3 4 AI1– DIO10 27 28 No Connect
AO1 5 6 AOGND1 AI1+ 5 6 AIGND1 DIO9 29 30 No Connect
AO2 7 8 No Connect AI2+ 7 8 AI2– DIO8 31 32 No Connect
AOGND2 9 10 No Connect AIGND2 9 10 AI3– DIO7 33 34 No Connect
AO3 11 12 AOGND3 AI3+ 11 12 AIGND3 DIO6 35 36 DGND
AO4 13 14 No Connect AI4+ 13 14 AI4– DIO5 37 38 DGND
AOGND4 15 16 No Connect AIGND4 15 16 AI5– DIO4 39 40 DGND
AO5 17 18 AOGND5 AI5+ 17 18 AIGND5 DIO3 41 42 DGND
AO6 19 20 No Connect AI6+ 19 20 AI6– DIO2 43 44 DGND
AOGND6 21 22 No Connect AIGND6 21 22 AI7– DIO1 45 46 DGND
AO7 23 24 AOGND7 AI7+ 23 24 AIGND7 DIO0 47 48 DGND
No Connect 25 26 No Connect AISENSE 25 26 No Connect +5V 49 50 DGND

AO 0–7 Connector AI 0–7 Connector DIO 0–15 Connector

Pin Assignment Pin Assignment Pin Assignment

Figure A-3. Connector Pinouts when Using NSC68-262650 Cable

Connecting to SSR Digital Signal Conditioning

NI provides cables that allow you to connect signals from the NI 78xxR
directly to SSR backplanes for digital signal conditioning.

The NSC68-5050 cable connects the signals on the NI 78xxR RDIO

connectors directly to SSR backplanes for digital signal conditioning. This
cable has a 68-pin male VHDCI connector on one end that plugs into the
NI 78xxR RDIO connectors. The other end of this cable provides
two 50-pin female headers.

© National Instruments Corporation A-7 R Series Multifunction RIO User Manual

Appendix A Connecting I/O Signals

You can plug each of these 50-pin headers directly into an 8-, 16-, 24-,
or 32-channel SSR backplane for digital signal conditioning. One of the
50-pin headers contains DIO<0..23> from the NI 78xxR RDIO connector.
These lines correspond to Slots <0..23> on an SSR backplane in sequential
order. The other 50-pin header contains DIO<24..39> from the NI 78xxR
RDIO connector. These lines correspond to Slots <0..15> on an SSR
backplane in sequential order. You can connect to an SSR backplane
containing a number of channels unequal to the number of lines on the
NSC68-5050 cable header. In this case, you have access only to the
channels that exist on both the SSR backplane and the NSC68-5050 cable
header you are using.

Figure A-4 shows the connector pinouts when using the NSC68-5050
cable.

DIO23 1 2 No Connect No Connect 1 2 No Connect

DIO22 3 4 No Connect No Connect 3 4 No Connect
DIO21 5 6 No Connect No Connect 5 6 No Connect
DIO20 7 8 No Connect No Connect 7 8 No Connect
DIO19 9 10 No Connect No Connect 9 10 No Connect
DIO18 11 12 No Connect No Connect 11 12 No Connect
DIO17 13 14 No Connect No Connect 13 14 No Connect
DIO16 15 16 No Connect No Connect 15 16 No Connect
DIO15 17 18 No Connect DIO39 17 18 No Connect
DIO14 19 20 DGND DIO38 19 20 No Connect
DIO13 21 22 DGND DIO37 21 22 No Connect
DIO12 23 24 DGND DIO36 23 24 No Connect
DIO11 25 26 DGND DIO35 25 26 No Connect
DIO10 27 28 DGND DIO34 27 28 No Connect
DIO9 29 30 DGND DIO33 29 30 No Connect
DIO8 31 32 DGND DIO32 31 32 DGND
DIO7 33 34 DGND DIO31 33 34 DGND
DIO6 35 36 DGND DIO30 35 36 DGND
DIO5 37 38 DGND DIO29 37 38 DGND
DIO4 39 40 DGND DIO28 39 40 DGND
DIO3 41 42 DGND DIO27 41 42 DGND
DIO2 43 44 DGND DIO26 43 44 DGND
DIO1 45 46 DGND DIO25 45 46 DGND
DIO0 47 48 DGND DIO24 47 48 DGND
+5V 49 50 DGND +5V 49 50 DGND

DIO 0–23 Connector DIO 24–39 Connector

Pin Assignment Pin Assignment

Figure A-4. Connector Pinouts when Using the NSC68-5050 Cable

R Series Multifunction RIO User Manual A-8 ni.com

Using the SCB-68
B
Shielded Connector Block
This appendix describes how to connect input and output signals to the
NI 78xxR with the SCB-68 shielded connector block.

The SCB-68 has 68 screw terminals for I/O signal connections. To use
the SCB-68 with the NI 78xxR, you must configure the SCB-68 as a
general-purpose connector block. Refer to Figure B-1 for the
general-purpose switch configuration.

S1
S2

S5 S4 S3

Figure B-1. General-Purpose Switch Configuration for the SCB-68 Terminal Block

After configuring the SCB-68 switches, you can connect the I/O signals to
the SCB-68 screw terminals. Refer to Appendix A, Connecting I/O Signals,
for the connector pin assignments for the NI 78xxR. After connecting
I/O signals to the SCB-68 screw terminals, you can connect the
SCB-68 to the with the SHC68-68-RMIO (for Connector 0 on the
NI 783xR/784xR/785xR) or SHC68-68-RDIO (Connector <0..3> on the
NI 781xR and Connector <1..2> on the NI 783xR/784xR/785xR) shielded
cables.

© National Instruments Corporation B-1 R Series Multifunction RIO User Manual

Technical Support and
C
Professional Services
Visit the following sections of the award-winning National Instruments
Web site at ni.com for technical support and professional services:
• Support—Technical support at ni.com/support includes the
following resources:
– Self-Help Technical Resources—For answers and solutions,
visit ni.com/support for software drivers and updates,
a searchable KnowledgeBase, product manuals, step-by-step
troubleshooting wizards, thousands of example programs,
tutorials, application notes, instrument drivers, and so on.
Registered users also receive access to the NI Discussion Forums
at ni.com/forums. NI Applications Engineers make sure every
question submitted online receives an answer.
– Standard Service Program Membership—This program
entitles members to direct access to NI Applications Engineers
via phone and email for one-to-one technical support as well as
exclusive access to on demand training modules via the Services
Resource Center. NI offers complementary membership for a full
year after purchase, after which you may renew to continue your
benefits.
For information about other technical support options in your
area, visit ni.com/services, or contact your local office at
ni.com/contact.
• Training and Certification—Visit ni.com/training for
self-paced training, eLearning virtual classrooms, interactive CDs,
and Certification program information. You also can register for
instructor-led, hands-on courses at locations around the world.
• System Integration—If you have time constraints, limited in-house
technical resources, or other project challenges, National Instruments
Alliance Partner members can help. To learn more, call your local
NI office or visit ni.com/alliance.

© National Instruments Corporation C-1 R Series Multifunction RIO User Manual

Appendix C Technical Support and Professional Services

• Declaration of Conformity (DoC)—A DoC is our claim of

compliance with the Council of the European Communities using
the manufacturer’s declaration of conformity. This system affords
the user protection for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and
product safety. You can obtain the DoC for your product by visiting
ni.com/certification.
• Calibration Certificate—If your product supports calibration,
you can obtain the calibration certificate for your product at
ni.com/calibration.

If you searched ni.com and could not find the answers you need, contact
your local office or NI corporate headquarters. Phone numbers for our
worldwide offices are listed at the front of this manual. You also can visit
the Worldwide Offices section of ni.com/niglobal to access the branch
office Web sites, which provide up-to-date contact information, support
phone numbers, email addresses, and current events.

R Series Multifunction RIO User Manual C-2 ni.com

Glossary

Symbol Prefix Value

p pico 10 –12
n nano 10 –9
µ micro 10 – 6
m milli 10 –3
k kilo 10 3
M mega 10 6
G giga 10 9

Numbers/Symbols
° Degrees.

> Greater than.

≥ Greater than or equal to.

< Less than.

≤ Less than or equal to.

– Negative of, or minus.

Ω Ohms.

/ Per.

% Percent.

± Plus or minus.

+ Positive of, or plus.

Square root of.

+5V +5 VDC source signal.

© National Instruments Corporation G-1 R Series Multifunction RIO User Manual

Glossary

A
A Amperes.

A/D Analog-to-digital.

AC Alternating current.

ADC Analog-to-digital converter—An electronic device, often an integrated

circuit, that converts an analog voltage to a digital number.

AI Analog input.

AI<i> Analog input channel signal.

AIGND Analog input ground signal.

AISENSE Analog input sense signal.

AO Analog output.

AO<i> Analog output channel signal.

AOGND Analog output ground signal.

B
bipolar A signal range that includes both positive and negative values (for example,
–5 to +5 V).

C
C Celsius.

CalDAC Calibration DAC.

CH Channel—Pin or wire lead to which you apply or from which you read the
analog or digital signal. Analog signals can be single-ended or differential.
For digital signals, you group channels to form ports. Ports usually consist
of either four or eight digital channels.

cm Centimeter.

R Series Multifunction RIO User Manual G-2 © National Instruments Corporation

 Glossary

CMOS Complementary metal-oxide semiconductor.

CMRR Common-mode rejection ratio—A measure of an instrument’s ability to

reject interference from a common-mode signal, usually expressed in
decibels (dB).

common-mode Any voltage present at the instrumentation amplifier inputs with respect to
voltage amplifier ground.

CompactPCI Refers to the core specification defined by the PCI Industrial Computer
Manufacturer’s Group (PICMG).

D
D/A Digital-to-analog.

DAC Digital-to-analog converter—An electronic device, often an integrated

circuit, that converts a digital number into a corresponding analog voltage
or current.

DAQ Data acquisition—A system that uses the computer to collect, receive,
and generate electrical signals.

dB Decibel—The unit for expressing a logarithmic measure of the ratio of

two signal levels: dB = 20log10 V1/V2, for signals in volts.

DC Direct current.

DGND Digital ground signal.

DIFF Differential mode.

DIO Digital input/output.

DIO<i> Digital input/output channel signal.

DMA Direct memory access—A method by which data can be transferred

to/from computer memory from/to a device or memory on the bus while the
processor does something else. DMA is the fastest method of transferring
data to/from computer memory.

DNL Differential nonlinearity—A measure in LSB of the worst-case deviation of

code widths from their ideal value of 1 LSB.

DO Digital output.

© National Instruments Corporation G-3 R Series Multifunction RIO User Manual

Glossary

E
EEPROM Electrically erasable programmable read-only memory—ROM that can be
erased with an electrical signal and reprogrammed.

F
FPGA Field-Programmable Gate Array.

FPGA VI A configuration that is downloaded to the FPGA and that determines the
functionality of the hardware.

G
glitch An unwanted signal excursion of short duration that is usually unavoidable.

H
h Hour.

HIL Hardware-in-the-loop.

Hz Hertz.

I
I/O Input/output—The transfer of data to/from a computer system involving
communications channels, operator interface devices, and/or data
acquisition and control interfaces.

INL Relative accuracy.

L
LabVIEW Laboratory Virtual Instrument Engineering Workbench. LabVIEW is a
graphical programming language that uses icons instead of lines of text to
create programs.

LSB Least significant bit.

R Series Multifunction RIO User Manual G-4 © National Instruments Corporation

 Glossary

M
m Meter.

max Maximum.

min Minimum.

MIO Multifunction I/O.

monotonicity A characteristic of a DAC in which the analog output always increases as

the values of the digital code input to it increase.

mux Multiplexer—A switching device with multiple inputs that sequentially

connects each of its inputs to its output, typically at high speeds, in order to
measure several signals with a single analog input channel.

N
noise An undesirable electrical signal—Noise comes from external sources such
as the AC power line, motors, generators, transformers, fluorescent lights,
CRT displays, computers, electrical storms, welders, radio transmitters,
and internal sources such as semiconductors, resistors, and capacitors.
Noise corrupts signals you are trying to send or receive.

NRSE Nonreferenced single-ended mode—All measurements are made with

respect to a common (NRSE) measurement system reference, but the
voltage at this reference can vary with respect to the measurement system
ground.

O
OUT Output pin—A counter output pin where the counter can generate various
TTL pulse waveforms.

© National Instruments Corporation G-5 R Series Multifunction RIO User Manual

Glossary

P
PCI Peripheral Component Interconnect—A high-performance expansion bus
architecture originally developed by Intel to replace ISA and EISA. It is
achieving widespread acceptance as a standard for PCs and work-stations.
PCI offers a theoretical maximum transfer rate of 132 MB/s.

PCI Express Peripheral Component Interconnect Express— A version of PCI that

maintains the PCI software usage model and replaces the physical bus with
a high-speed serial bus serving multiple lanes.

port (1) A communications connection on a computer or a remote controller.

(2) A digital port, consisting of four or eight lines of digital input and/or
output.

pu Pull-up.

PWM Pulse-width modulation.

PXI PCI eXtensions for Instrumentation—An open specification that builds off
the CompactPCI specification by adding instrumentation-specific features.

R
RAM Random-access memory—The generic term for the read/write memory that
is used in computers. RAM allows bits and bytes to be written to it as well
as read from. Various types of RAM are DRAM, EDO RAM, SRAM, and
VRAM.

resolution The smallest signal increment that can be detected by a measurement

system. Resolution can be expressed in bits, in proportions, or in percent
of full scale. For example, a system has 12-bit resolution, one part in
4,096 resolution, and 0.0244% of full scale.

RIO Reconfigurable I/O.

rms Root mean square.

RSE Referenced single-ended mode—All measurements are made with respect

to a common reference measurement system or a ground. Also called a
grounded measurement system.

RTSI Real-time system integration bus—The timing and triggering bus that
connects multiple devices directly. This allows for hardware
synchronization across devices.

R Series Multifunction RIO User Manual G-6 © National Instruments Corporation

 Glossary

S
s Seconds.

S Samples.

S/s Samples per second—Used to express the rate at which a DAQ board
samples an analog signal.

signal conditioning The manipulation of signals to prepare them for digitizing.

slew rate The voltage rate of change as a function of time. The maximum slew rate
of an amplifier is often a key specification to its performance. Slew rate
limitations are first seen as distortion at higher signal frequencies.

T
THD Total harmonic distortion—The ratio of the total rms signal due to
harmonic distortion to the overall rms signal, in decibel or a percentage.

thermocouple A temperature sensor created by joining two dissimilar metals. The

junction produces a small voltage as a function of the temperature.

TTL Transistor-transistor logic.

two’s complement Given a number x expressed in base 2 with n digits to the left of the radix
point, the (base 2) number 2n – x.

V
V Volts.

VDC Volts direct current.

VHDCI Very high density cabled interconnect.

VI Virtual instrument—Program in LabVIEW that models the appearance and

function of a physical instrument.

VIH Volts, input high.

VIL Volts, input low.

© National Instruments Corporation G-7 R Series Multifunction RIO User Manual

Glossary

VOH Volts, output high.

VOL Volts, output low.

Vrms Volts, root mean square.

W
waveform Multiple voltage readings taken at a specific sampling rate.

R Series Multifunction RIO User Manual G-8 © National Instruments Corporation