Chapter 3
Signal Connections
©
National Instruments Corporation
3-5
Differential Connections
On the AMUX-64T, channels 0 through 31 are connected to channels 0
through 7 of the MIO board. AMUX-64T channels 32 through 63 are
connected to channels 8 through 15 of the MIO board. If the MIO board
is configured for differential mode, the AMUX-64T input channels are
automatically used in differential mode. The input screw terminals on the
AMUX-64T are grouped together such that for differential mode, all input
signals (SIG+) and the corresponding signal return path (SIG-) input appear
directly next to each other. For example, signal return path for channel 0 is
channel 32, and the signal return path for channel 31 is channel 63.
Using the AMUX-64T for Thermocouple Measurements
The AMUX-64T is equipped with a temperature sensor for thermocouple
cold-junction compensation. Because thermocouple output voltages are
typically a few millivolts, you must use a high-gain board (any speed) for
best resolution. Thermocouples may be measured in either differential or
single-ended configurations. Differential connection tends to yield the best
results, but single-ended connection allows twice as many thermocouples
to be used on each AMUX-64T.
The cold-junction compensation is accurate only if the temperature sensor
reading is close to the temperature of the screw terminals. Therefore, when
thermocouples are being read, you should keep the AMUX-64T away from
drafts or other temperature gradients such as those caused by heaters,
radiators, fans, very warm equipment, and so on.
Selecting the Gain and Input Ranges
Since thermocouple output voltages are very low, a gain of 500 or 100 is
usually necessary for best resolution. You should set the input range on the
MIO board to ±5 V to improve resolution. You can use these settings in all
but a few cases, such as a fairly high-output thermocouple type that is being
used at elevated temperatures. Table 3-2 lists the voltage extremes from
several popular thermocouple types. Use it as a guide for determining the
best gain and input range settings to use. If you are using the thermocouples
in a known temperature range, consult a book of thermocouple tables to
determine the approximate millivolt output and the best gain and input
range settings.