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National Instruments Corporation
3
NI 9205/9206 Calibration Procedure
Calibration Options
The NI 9205/9206 support two types of calibration: self-calibration and
external calibration.
Self-Calibration
Self-calibration, also known as internal calibration, uses a software
command and requires no external connections. Self-calibration improves
measurement accuracy by compensating for variables such as temperature
that might have changed since the last external calibration. Self-calibration
retains the traceability of the external calibration and can be performed as
necessary to compensate for environmental changes.
External Calibration
External calibration is generally performed with a high-precision calibrator
at either NI or a metrology lab. This procedure replaces all calibration
constants in the EEPROM and is equivalent to a factory calibration at NI.
Because the external calibration procedure changes all EEPROM
constants, it invalidates the original calibration certificate. If an external
calibration is done with a traceable signal generator source, a new
calibration certificate can be issued. This document describes specific
programming steps for writing an external calibration procedure for the
NI 9205/9206.
Software and Documentation Requirements
This section describes the software and documentation required for both
self-calibration and external calibration.
Software
Install NI-DAQmx 8.1 or later on the calibration computer. NI-DAQmx
includes high-level function calls to simplify the task of writing software to
calibrate devices. You must have the proper device driver installed on the
calibration system before calibrating the device.
Note
NI recommends that you install the NI-DAQmx driver software before physically
installing the NI 9205/9206. NI-DAQmx, available at
ni.com/downloads
, configures
and controls the NI 9205/9206.
NI-DAQmx supports a number of programming languages, including
LabVIEW, LabWindows
™
/CVI
™
, Microsoft Visual C++ 6.0, Microsoft
Visual Basic 6.0, Microsoft .NET, and Borland C++.