Appendix D
Hardware Considerations
©
National Instruments Corporation
D-7
Using the Schottky-Diode Termination Scheme
You can terminate a cable that acts as a uniform transmission line in several
ways. If your NI 653
X
is driving a cable, use the following termination
scheme: connect two Schottky diodes to each line, one to +5 VDC and the
other to ground. This termination clamps any overshoot or undershoot that
occurs. The +5 V and ground connections should be low-impedance
connections. For example, if you make your +5 V connection through a
long wire, back to the +5 V pin of the NI 653
X
, add a capacitor to your
termination circuit to stabilize the +5 V connection near the Schottky
diodes.
One suitable Schottky diode is the 1N5711, available from several
manufacturers. For more specialized use, you may be able to find diodes
packaged in higher densities appropriate to your application. For example,
the Central Semiconductor CMPSH-35 contains two diodes, suitable for
terminating one line. The California Micro Devices PDN001 contains
32 diodes, suitable for terminating 16 lines.
You do not need to add diodes to terminate the input signals. The NI 653
X
contains onboard Schottky diode termination. Figure D-5 illustrates
transmission line terminations.