Scanning Switch Modules

Scanning Options

The DMM can exchange signals with NI and third-party switches during multipoint scanning operations. Two methods of scanning are available and are normally used: synchronous and handshaking.

Scanning is a method of sequentially connecting channels and is often used when connecting instrument(s) and device(s) under test (DUT), in a specific order.

Refer to Using Switches for the theory of operation, scanning methods, and measurement considerations. Refer to Triggering, Single Point Acquisitions, and Multiple Point Acquisitions for programming flow information.

To determine if your switch supports scanning, and for switch configuration information and initial programming tips, refer to the Scanning NI Switches with NI Digital Multimeters section of the NI Switches Help (Programming with NI-SWITCH»Features»Scanning»Scanning NI Switches with NI Digital Multimeters) at either of the following locations:

Condition Path
If you have installed NI-SWITCH Start»All Programs»National Instruments»NI-SWITCH»Documentation»NI Switches Help
If you do not have NI-SWITCH installed ni.com/docs

The following tables show synchronization options for NI DMMs and switches.

Note   For waveform acquisitions, the Measurement Complete signal is generated after the entire waveform is acquired, not after each point.PXI and PXI Express switches do not require a controller, but SCXI switches do require a controller. The DMM can act as a controller for SCXI switches. Refer to the SCXI Communication section for your device for pin assignments and cable accessory information. The NI 4080/4081/4082 does not control SCXI switches.
NI PXIe-4080/4081/4082
Installation Switch Type for Synchronization with DMM Possible Destination of Measurement Complete Possible Inputs for External Trigger In Comments
Any PXI slot of a PXI/PXI Express chassis, and not controlling an SCXI chassis PXI or PXI Express switch PXI Trigger Lines <0..7> PXI Trigger Lines <0..7>1 —
1Refer to SCXI Communication and Triggering for the NI PXI-4070/4071/4072 for cable accessories for the AUX I/O Connector.
NI PXI-4070/4071/4072
Installation Switch Type for Synchronization with DMM Possible Destination of Measurement Complete1 Possible Inputs for External Trigger In1 Comments
Any PXI slot of a PXI/PXIe chassis, and not controlling an SCXI chassis PXI/PXIe switch
  • PXI Trigger Lines <0..7>
  • AUX I/O Connector Pin 64
  • PXI Trigger Lines <0..7>2
  • AUX I/O Connector Pin 94
 —
SCXI switch (installed in an SCXI chassis that is controlled by another device)
  • AUX I/O Connector Pin 64
  • AUX I/O Connector Pin 94
  • AUX I/O Connector Pin 34
 —
Any PXI slot of a PXI/PXIe chassis, and controlling an SCXI chassis using the AUX I/O Connector PXI/PXIe switch
  • PXI Trigger Lines <0..7>
  • PXI Trigger Lines <0..7>2
 —
SCXI switch (installed in an SCXI chassis that is controlled by the NI PXI-4070/4071/4072)
  • AUX I/O Connector Pin 63
  • AUX I/O Connector Pin 33
 —
Right-most slot of a PXI/SCXI combination chassis, and controlling the SCXI portion through the PXI backplane lines5 PXI switch
  • PXI Trigger Lines <0..7>
  • AUX I/O Connector Pin 64
  • PXI Trigger Lines <0..7>2
  • AUX I/O Connector Pin 94
  • AUX I/O Connector Pin 34
 —
SCXI switch (installed in an SCXI chassis that is controlled by the NI PXI-4070/4071/4072)
  • Local Bus Right Line 0
  • AUX I/O Connector Pin 64
  • Local Bus Right Line 1
  • AUX I/O Connector Pin 34
 Local Bus Right Trigger Lines 0 and 1 connect the signal to SCXI Trigger Lines 0 and 1, respectively.

1Refer to SCXI Communication and Triggering for the NI PXI-4070/4071/4072 for cable accessories for the AUX I/O Connector.

2You can receive the Sample Trigger and the Trigger from the PXI Star Line. Refer to the documentation for the switch you are using to determine whether the switch can route a trigger to the PXI Star Line.

3The AUX I/O Connector of the NI PXI-4070/4071/4072 can be used to control an SCXI chassis, send the Measurement Complete signal, and receive an external trigger.

4You can use a cable accessory for the AUX I/O Connector to connect the trigger signal directly to the front terminal block of the switch. Refer to Triggering for more information.

5Not all PXI-407x devices are capable of controlling the SCXI portion through the backplane. Refer to PXI Express Compatibility for more information.

NI PXI-4065
Installation Switch Type for Synchronization with DMM Possible Destination of Measurement Complete1 Possible Inputs for External Trigger In1 Comments
Any PXI slot of a PXI/PXIe chassis, and not controlling an SCXI chassis PXI/PXIe switch
  • PXI Trigger Lines <0..7>
  • AUX I/O Connector Pin 64
  • PXI Trigger Lines <0..7>2
  • AUX I/O Connector Pin 94
 —
SCXI switch (installed in an SCXI chassis that is controlled by another device)
  • AUX I/O Connector Pin 64
  • AUX I/O Connector Pin 94
  • AUX I/O Connector Pin 34
 —
Any PXI slot of a PXI/PXIe chassis, and controlling an SCXI chassis using the AUX I/O Connector PXI/PXIe switch
  • PXI Trigger Lines <0..7>
  • PXI Trigger Lines <0..7>2
 —
SCXI switch (installed in an SCXI chassis that is controlled by the NI PXI-4065)
  • AUX I/O Connector Pin 63
  • AUX I/O Connector Pin 33
 —

1Refer to SCXI Communication and Triggering for the NI PXI-4065 for cable accessories for the AUX I/O Connector.

2You can receive the Sample Trigger and the Trigger from the PXI Star Line. Refer to the documentation for the switch you are using to determine whether the switch can route a trigger to the PXI Star Line.

3The AUX I/O Connector of the NI PXI-4065 can be used to control an SCXI chassis, send the Measurement Complete signal, and receive an external trigger.

4You can use a cable accessory for the AUX I/O Connector to connect the trigger signal directly to the front terminal block of the switch. Refer to Triggering for more information.

NI PCI-4070 and NI PCI/PCIe-4065
Installation Switch/Device Type for Synchronization with DMM Possible Destination of Measurement Complete1 Possible Inputs for External Trigger In1 Comments
Not controlling an SCXI chassis Other devices
  • AUX I/O Connector Pin 63
  • AUX I/O Connector Pin 93
  • AUX I/O Connector Pin 33
 —
Controlling an SCXI chassis SCXI switch
  • AUX I/O Connector Pin 62
  • AUX I/O Connector Pin 32
 —

1Refer to SCXI Communication and Triggering for the NI PCI-4070 for cable accessories for the AUX I/O Connector. Refer to SCXI Communication and Triggering for the NI PCI/PCIe-4065 for cable accessories for the AUX I/O Connector.

2The AUX I/O Connector of the NI PCI-4070 and NI PCI/PCIe-4065 can be used to control an SCXI chassis and to send and receive triggers.

3You can use a cable accessory for the AUX I/O Connector to connect the trigger signal directly to the front terminal block of the switch. Refer to Triggering for the NI PCI-4070 or Triggering for the NI PCI/PCIe-4065 for more information.

NI USB-4065
Installation Switch/Device Type for Synchronization with DMM Possible Destination of Measurement Complete1 Possible Inputs for External Trigger In1 Comments
Not controlling an SCXI chassis Other devices
  • AUX I/O Connector Pin 62
  • AUX I/O Connector Pin 92
  • AUX I/O Connector Pin 32
 —

1Refer to SCXI Communication and Triggering for the NI USB-4065 for cable accessories for the AUX I/O Connector.

2You can use a cable accessory for the AUX I/O Connector to connect the trigger signal directly to the front terminal block of the switch. Refer to Triggering for more information.