Calibrate the PXI/PCI-4472/4474/4472B using Calibration Executive.

Calibration Executive Procedure Features

Verify Only Verify & Adjust Manual Mode Optional Adjust

Approximate Test Time

Device Test Time
4472/4472B 12 minutes
4474 10 minutes

Test Equipment

The following table lists the test equipment required to calibrate PXI/PCI-4472/4474/4472B devices.

Table 116. Test equipment for calibrating the PXI/PCI-4472/4474/4472B
Instrument Recommended Model Requirements
Calibrator Fluke 5700A If this instrument is unavailable, use a calibrator that meets the following specifications:
  • Frequency Range: 20 Hz to 45 kHz
  • Voltage Range: Up to 5 Vrms
  • AC Accuracy: ±0.1%*, 20 Hz to 95 kHz
  • DC Accuracy: ±115 ppm† at 5 V
Function Generator Agilent 33250A If this instrument is unavailable, use a function generator that meets the following specifications:
  • Frequency range: Up to 10 kHz
  • Frequency accuracy: ±2 ppm‡
  • Voltage range: Up to 9 Vpp
Chassis PXI-1042,

PXI-1042Q

 Use with PXI modules.
T-connectors — For the NI 4472/4472B, use 8 T-connectors.

For the NI 4474, use 4 T-connectors.
SMB-to-BNC Cables — For the NI 4472/4472B, use 8 SMB-to-BNC cables.

For the NI 4474, use 4 SMB-to-BNC cables.
Note
  • *AC accuracy is the sum of all errors, including percent of reading error and temperature error but excluding percent of range error.
  • †DC accuracy is the sum of all errors, including percent of reading error, percent of range error, and temperature error.
  • ‡Frequency accuracy is the sum of all errors, including initial accuracy and stability errors.
Note The Calibration Executive procedure runs in automated mode if you use IVI-supported instruments.

Test Conditions

The following setup and environmental conditions are required to ensure the PXI/PCI-4472/4474/4472B meets published specifications.

  • Keep connections to the device short. Long cables and wires can act as antennas, which can pick up extra noise that might affect measurements.
  • Use shielded copper wire for all cable connections to the device. Use twisted-pair wire to eliminate noise and thermal offsets.
  • Maintain a temperature between 18 °C and 28 °C.
  • Keep relative humidity below 80%.
  • Allow a warm-up time of at least 15 minutes to ensure that the measurement circuitry is at a stable operating temperature.
  • (PXI) Ensure that the PXI chassis fan speed is set to HIGH, that the fan filters are clean, and that the empty slots contain filler panels.

Device Setup

To set up and configure NI 4472/4474/4472B devices for calibration, complete the following steps:

  1. Install the DSA device in the host computer or PXI chassis as described in the DAQ Getting Started Guide.
  2. Configure the DSA device with Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX).
    Note Refer to the NI Dynamic Signal Acquisition Help for more information about configuration.
  3. Launch the Calibration Executive procedure and complete the setup wizard.
  4. While the calibration procedure is running, Calibration Executive prompts you for the appropriate connections. Follow the on-screen instructions at each prompt.

Troubleshooting Guidelines

If the NI 4472/4474/4472B device fails after calibration, check the connections and run the Calibration Executive procedure again.

If the Average Reading still fails, contact NI for repair or replacement. If the Average Reading passes, you can change the calibration report to indicate the passing value.

Note If you have Microsoft Access 2000 or later, you can also modify the database containing the test results. By default, this database is located in \Calibration Executive\Databases\Calibration Reports.mdb.