Chapter 3
Hardware Overview
3-4
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The software-programmable gains on the NI 6052E increase the overall
flexibility of the device by matching the input signal ranges to those that the
ADC can accommodate. Each device has gains of 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50,
and 100 and is suited for a wide variety of signal levels. With the proper
gain setting, you can use the full resolution of the ADC to measure the input
signal. Table 3-2 shows the overall input range and precision according to
the input-range configuration and gain used.
Considerations for Selecting Input Ranges
The input polarity and range you select depends on the expected range of
the incoming signal. A large input range can accommodate a large signal
variation, but reduces the voltage resolution. Choosing a smaller input
range improves the voltage resolution, but can result in the input signal
going out of range. For best results, match the input range as closely as
possible to the expected range of the input signal. For example, if you are
certain the input signal is not below 0 V, use unipolar input polarity. If the
signal is negative, however, using unipolar input polarity gives inaccurate
readings.
Table 3-2.
Actual Range and Measurement Precision
Range
Configuration
Gain
Actual Input Range
Precision
1
0 to +10 V
1.0
2.0
5.0
10.0
20.0
50.0
100.0
0 to +10 V
0 to +5 V
0 to +2 V
0 to +1 V
0 to +500 mV
0 to +200 mV
0 to +100 mV
153
µ
V
76.3
µ
V
30.5
µ
V
15.3
µ
V
7.63
µ
V
3.05
µ
V
1.53
µ
V
–5 to +5 V
0.5
1.0
2.0
5.0
10.0
20.0
50.0
100.0
–10 to +10 V
–5 to +5 V
–2.5 to +2.5 V
–1 to +1 V
–500 to +500 mV
–250 to +250 mV
–100 to +100 mV
–50 to +50 mV
305
µ
V
153
µ
V
76.3
µ
V
30.5
µ
V
15.6
µ
V
7.63
µ
V
3.05
µ
V
1.53
µ
V
1
The value of 1 least significant bit (LSB) of the 16-bit ADC; that is, the voltage increment
corresponding to a change of one count in the ADC 16-bit count.
Note:
Refer to Appendix A,
, for absolute maximum ratings.
