The PXIe-6672 can generate and route clock and trigger signals between devices in a single chassis or multiple chassis, providing a method to synchronize multiple devices in a PXI Express system.

What You Need to Get Started

To set up and use the PXIe-6672, you need the following items:

  • PXIe-6672 Timing and Synchronization Module
  • PXI Express chassis
  • PXI Express embedded controller or a desktop computer connected to the PXI Express chassis using MXI-Express hardware.
  • PXI EMC filler panels, National Instruments part number 778700-01
  • NI-Sync driver
  • One of the following software packages and documentation:
    • LabVIEW
    • LabWindows™/CVI™
    • Microsoft Visual C++ (MSVC)
  • PXIe-6672 User Manual

The NI-Sync User Manual offers more detailed information on the software used to program the PXIe-6672. You can find this manual at ni.com/manuals.

Unpacking

The PXIe-6672 is shipped in an antistatic package to prevent electrostatic damage to the module. Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage several components on the module.

Caution Never touch the exposed pins of the connectors.
To avoid such damage in handling the module, take the following precautions:
  • Ground yourself using a grounding strap or by touching a grounded object.
  • Touch the antistatic package to the metal part of the computer chassis before removing the module from the package.

Remove the module from the package and inspect the module for loose components or any sign of damage. Notify NI if the module appears damaged in any way. Do not install a damaged module into the computer.

Store the PXIe-6672 in the antistatic envelope when not in use.

Software Programming Choices

When programming the PXIe-6672, you can use NI application development environment (ADE) software such as LabVIEW or LabWindows/CVI, or you can use other ADEs such as Visual C/C++.

LabVIEW features interactive graphics, a state-of-the-art interface, and a powerful graphical programming language. The LabVIEW Data Acquisition VI Library, a series of virtual instruments for using LabVIEW with National Instruments DAQ hardware, is included with LabVIEW.

LabWindows/CVI is a complete ANSI C ADE that features an interactive video interface, code generation tools, and the LabWindows/CVI Data Acquisition and Easy I/O libraries.

Safety Information

The following section contains important safety information that you must follow when installing and using the PXIe-6672.

Do not operate the product in a manner not specified in this document. Misuse of the product can result in a hazard. You can compromise the safety protection built into the product if the product is damaged in any way. If the product is damaged, return it to National Instruments for repair.

Do not substitute parts or modify the product except as described in this document. Use the product only with the chassis, modules, accessories, and cables specified in the installation instructions. You must have all covers and filler panels installed during operation of the product.

Do not operate the product in an explosive atmosphere or where there may be flammable gases or fumes. If you must operate the product in such an environment, it must be in a suitable rated enclosure.

If you need to clean the product, use a soft, nonmetallic brush. The product must be completely dry and free from contaminants before you return it to service.

Operate the product only at or below Pollution Degree 2. Pollution is foreign matter in a solid, liquid, or gaseous state that can reduce dielectric strength or surface resistivity. The following is a description of pollution degrees:

  • Pollution Degree 1 means no pollution or only dry, nonconductive pollution occurs. The pollution has no influence.
  • Pollution Degree 2 means that only nonconductive pollution occurs in most cases. Occasionally, however, a temporary conductivity caused by condensation must be expected.
  • Pollution Degree 3 means that conductive pollution occurs, or dry, nonconductive pollution occurs that becomes conductive due to condensation.

You must insulate signal connections for the maximum voltage for which the product is rated. Do not exceed the maximum ratings for the product. Do not install wiring while the product is live with electrical signals. Do not remove or add connector blocks when power is connected to the system. Avoid contact between your body and the connector block signal when hot swapping modules. Remove power from signal lines before connecting them or disconnecting them from the product.

Operate the product at or below the measurement category[1]1 Measurement categories, also referred to as overvoltage or installation categories, are defined in electrical safety standard IEC 61010-1 and IEC 60664-1. marked on the hardware label. Measurement circuits are subjected to working voltages[2]2 Working voltage is the highest rms value of an AC or DC voltage that can occur across any particular insulation. and transient stresses (overvoltage) from the circuit to which they are connected during measurement or test. Measurement categories establish standard impulse to withstand voltage levels that commonly occur in electrical distribution systems. The following is a description of measurement categories:

  • Measurement Category I is for measurements performed on circuits not directly connected to the electrical distribution system referred to as MAINS[3]3 MAINS is defined as a hazardous live electrical supply system that powers hardware. Suitably rated measuring circuits may be connected to the MAINS for measuring purposes. voltage. This category is for measurements of voltages from specially protected secondary circuits. Such voltage measurements include signal levels, special hardware, limited-energy parts of hardware, circuits powered by regulated low-voltage sources, and electronics.
  • Measurement Category II is for measurements performed on circuits directly connected to the electrical distribution system (MAINS[3]). This category refers to local-level electrical distribution, such as that provided by a standard wall outlet (for example, 115 AC voltage for U.S. or 230 AC voltage for Europe). Examples of Measurement Category II are measurements performed on household appliances, portable tools, and similar hardware.
  • Measurement Category III is for measurement performed in the building installation at the distribution level. This category refers to measurements on hard-wired hardware such as hardware in fixed installations, distribution boards, and circuit breakers. Other examples are wiring, including cables, bus bars, junction boxes, switches, socket outlets in the fixed installation, and stationary motors with permanent connections to fixed installations.
  • Measurement Category IV is for measurements performed at the primary electrical supply installation typically outside buildings. Examples include electricity meters and measurements on primary overcurrent protection devices and on ripple control units.

1 Measurement categories, also referred to as overvoltage or installation categories, are defined in electrical safety standard IEC 61010-1 and IEC 60664-1.

2 Working voltage is the highest rms value of an AC or DC voltage that can occur across any particular insulation.

3 MAINS is defined as a hazardous live electrical supply system that powers hardware. Suitably rated measuring circuits may be connected to the MAINS for measuring purposes.