
Theory of Operation
Chapter 4
DAQCard-700 User Manual
4-6
© National Instruments Corporation
Data Acquisition Rates
The maximum data acquisition rate (number of samples per second) is determined by the
conversion period of the ADC plus the acquisition time of its track-and-hold stage. During
multichannel scanning, the data acquisition rate is further limited by the settling time of the input
multiplexers and operational amplifier. After the input multiplexers are switched, the amplifier
must be able to settle to the new input signal value to within 12-bit accuracy before an A/D
conversion is performed, or 12-bit accuracy cannot not be achieved.
If your chosen data acquisition rate does not allow the specified settling time, the analog input
circuitry may not perform at 12-bit accuracy. Furthermore, if the maximum data acquisition rate
is exceeded, A/D conversions may be lost. The maximum data acquisition rate and settling time
specifications at various input ranges are listed in Appendix A, Specifications.
These settling time specifications assume that voltage levels on all the channels included in the
scan sequence are within range and are driven by low-impedance sources. Signal levels outside
the ranges on the channels included in the scan sequence adversely affect the input settling time.
Similarly, greater settling time may be required for channels driven by high-impedance signal
sources.