68-Pin SCSI Cables : DAQ Multifunction I/O Cable Guide

Overview

This guide addresses many common questions for the most popular NI DAQ 68-pin SCSI D-Type cables: SH68-68-EPM, SH68-68, SH68-68-D1, SH68-68R1-EP, and R68-68. NI 68-pin SCSI cables are primarily used on previous generations of NI DAQ hardware family models, USB-62xx (formerly M Series), NI 61xx (formerly S Series), and NI 60xx/60xxE (formerly B Series and E Series). The cables feature 68-pin 0.050 SCSI D-Type connections on both sides, with options for unshielded ribbon cables, as well as enhanced performance noise reducing cable assemblies. Whether you are purchasing a new cable, using a replacement cable, or creating a custom fixture, this guide provides pinouts, wire mappings, color codes, wire gauge, connector part info, and grounding or shielding information as a short summary.

Contents

Using the DAQ Cable and Accessory Guides

This guide is intended to cover the most popular SCSI 0.050 68-pin cables designed for use with NI DAQ devices. It does not cover similar cables for other NI product lines, even if they share the same connectors.

 

Understanding NI 68-pin SCSI Cable Terminology

This section provides a brief summary of acronyms and terminology used on these SCSI 68-pin cables. For more in depth information about other SCSI connectors as well as the terminology listed on this page, visit the main DAQ cables guide.

Naming Summary for this Guide

  • SH - Shielded cable assembly with a SCSI connector on the device or module end of the cable.
  • R - Unshielded ribbon cable with a SCSI connector on the device or module end of the cable.
  • 68-68 - This indicates 68-pin connector found on each end.
  • R1 - Indicates a right angled connector used on one end of the cable.
  • -EPM - NI's latest generation of shielded "Enhanced Performance" cable assembly offering superior noise reduction
  • -EP - NI's previous generation of shielded "Enhanced Performance" cable assembly offering noise reduction.
  • -D1 - Typically indicates use with counter/timer (TIO) applications and certain other specific DAQ applications.
  • -S - These cables are designed for switching and motion applications. Only used with DAQ models when specifically recommended.

Shielding and Twisted Pairs

Cable shielding utilizes a thin conductive metallic layer to protect against electromagnetic interference. Twisted pairs provide another level of noise reduction by twisting pairs of differential signals. Click here to learn more about cable shielding and twisted pairs.

 

Differences and Similarities between 68-pin SCSI DAQ Cables

NI offers a wide range of cables to work with different DAQ products, serving a variety of needs. While the wire pinout may be the same on most cables, each offers different connectors, shielding, and twisted pairs. 

Use this table to compare different 68-pin SCSI DAQ cables and follow links to their quick specifications and documentation.
ModelDevice ConnectorAccessory ConnectorShielded?Twisted Pairs?Application Notes
SH68-68-EPMSCSISCSIYesYesImproved high performance noise reduction.
SH68-68-EPSCSISCSIYesYesHigh performance noise reduction, previous generation.
SH68-68R1-EPSCSISCSIYesYesHigh performance noise reduction with right-angle connector for enclosures.
SH68-68SCSISCSIYesYesCost effective, basic shielding, some noise reduction.
SH68-68-D1SCSISCSIYesYesBasic shielding for counter/timer applications.
SH68-68-SSCSISCSIYesYesCost effective, basic shielding, some noise reduction. Recommended for models with extended AI.
SH68-50SCSIIDCYesYesBasic shielding, some pins grounded.
R68-68SCSISCSINoNoLow-cost, no noise reduction.
R68-50SCSIIDCNoNoLow-cost, no noise reduction, some pins grounded.

 

Quick Specifications and Documentation

This section contains a summary of information frequently sought when installing or customizing 68-pin SCSI DAQ cables. More detailed information can be found in the linked additional resources below. Dimensional drawings can be downloaded for free and are available in 2D and 3D formats; they contain size measurements, part numbers, wire mappings and other helpful information. They are available in several popular formats, such as PDF, AutoCAD (.dxf, and .igs (IGES)), STEP (.stp), and .prt (Pro/E).

 

 SH68-68-EPM Quick Specifications and Documentation
High Performance, Noise Reducing MIO Cable. For most MIO SCSI connections NI recommends that you use the SH68-68-EPM cable; however, a SH68-68-EP cable will work as a substitute for compatible devices. The SH68-68-EPM cable is a newer design featuring additional shielding and specific cable pairings to improve noise performance.
Wire Gauge , Conductor Size

Signal Wires: 30 AWG

+5V Wires: 26 AWG

See Dimensional Drawing for more information
 
Bend Radius

Cable Outer Diameter: 0.540 in. (13.7 mm)

Bend Radius: 6.5 in. (165 mm)

See Dimensional Drawing for more information
 
 
Detailed Information
Wire mapping or pinout with wire colors: See Dimensional Drawing
Shielding: Individually shielded analog pairs, separate analog and digital groupings, entire cable assembly
Twisted Pairs: Analog pairs, some digital lines
Connector Part Number and Jackscrews: See Dimensional Drawing and Custom Connectors Guide

 

 

 SH68-68R1-EP Quick Specifications and Documentation
Right Angle, High Performance, Noise Reducing MIO Cable. A variation of the SH68-68-EP cable providing a right-angle connector backshell to better route the cable in certain enclosures.
Wire Gauge , Conductor Size

Signal Wires: 28 AWG

+5V Wires: 20 AWG

See Dimensional Drawing for more information
 
Bend Radius

Cable Outer Diameter: 0.540 in. (13.7 mm)

Bend Radius: 6.5 in. (165 mm)

See Dimensional Drawing for more information
 
 
Detailed Information
Wire mapping or pinout with wire colors: See Dimensional Drawing
Shielding: Individually shielded analog pairs, separate analog and digital groupings, entire cable assembly
Twisted Pairs: Analog pairs, some digital lines
Connector Part Number and Jackscrews: See Dimensional Drawing and Custom Connectors Guide

 

 

 SH68-68-D1 Quick Specifications and Documentation
Noise Reducing Counter Timer (TIO) Cable. Specifically designed with digital pairings for Counter Timer (TIO) devices and modules.
Wire Gauge , Conductor Size

Signal Wires: 30 AWG

+5V Wires: 30 AWG

See Dimensional Drawing for more information
 
Bend Radius

Cable Outer Diameter: 0.425 in. (10.8 mm)

Bend Radius: 5.1 in. (130 mm)

See Dimensional Drawing for more information
 
 
Detailed Information
Wire mapping or pinout with wire colors: See Dimensional Drawing
Shielding: Entire cable assembly
Twisted Pairs: Each digital line
Connector Part Number and Jackscrews: See Dimensional Drawing and Custom Connectors Guide

 

 

 SH68-68 Quick Specifications and Documentation
Basic Shielding MIO Cable. Offers cost-effective basic shielding and individually twisted cable pairs, but does not have shields between the analog and digital signals. For most shielded MIO SCSI connections, NI recommends that you use the SH68-68-EPM cable. Some devices with extended Analog Input (AI) also recommend this cable.
Wire Gauge , Conductor Size

Signal Wires: 28 AWG

+5V Wires: 28 AWG

See Dimensional Drawing for more information
 
Bend Radius

Cable Outer Diameter: 0.420 in. (10.7 mm)

Bend Radius: 5.1 in. (130 mm)

See Dimensional Drawing for more information
 
Resources

Dimensional Drawing

 

 
Detailed Information
Wire mapping or pinout with wire colors: See Dimensional Drawing
Shielding: Separate analog and digital groupings, entire cable assembly
Twisted Pairs: Analog pairs, some digital lines
Connector Part Number and Jackscrews: See Dimensional Drawing and Custom Connectors Guide

 

 

 R68-68 Quick Specifications and Documentation
Unshielded MIO Ribbon Cable. Offers cost-effective option with no shielding or twisted pairs.
Wire Gauge , Conductor Size

Signal Wires: 30 AWG

+5V Wires: 30 AWG

 
Resources

Product Page

 
Detailed Information
Wire mapping or pinout with wire colors:
Not available
Shielding: None
Twisted Pairs: None
Connector Part Number and Jackscrews:
See Custom Connectors Guide

 

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