National Instruments Network Card NI PCI 8254R User Manual

NI Vision  
NI PCI-8254R User Manual  
1394a Image Acquisition Device with Reconfigurable I/O  
NI PCI-8254R User Manual  
September 2006  
371578C-01  
 
 
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Determining FCC Class  
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Conventions  
The following conventions are used in this manual:  
»
The » symbol leads you through nested menu items and dialog box options  
to a final action. The sequence File»Page Setup»Options directs you to  
pull down the File menu, select the Page Setup item, and select Options  
from the last dialog box.  
This icon denotes a note, which alerts you to important information.  
This icon denotes a caution, which advises you of precautions to take to  
avoid injury, data loss, or a system crash.  
When symbol is marked on a product, it denotes a warning advising you to  
take precautions to avoid electrical shock.  
bold  
Bold text denotes items that you must select or click in the software, such  
as menu items and dialog box options. Bold text also denotes parameter  
names.  
italic  
Italic text denotes variables, emphasis, a cross-reference, or an introduction  
to a key concept. Italic text also denotes text that is a placeholder for a word  
or value that you must supply.  
monospace  
Text in this font denotes text or characters that you should enter from the  
keyboard, sections of code, programming examples, and syntax examples.  
This font is also used for the proper names of disk drives, paths, directories,  
programs, subprograms, subroutines, device names, functions, operations,  
variables, filenames, and extensions.  
 
 
Chapter 1  
Vision Builder for Automated Inspection .......................................................1-2  
Vision Development Module ..........................................................................1-2  
Functional Overview......................................................................................................1-3  
Chapter 2  
Watchdog Timer ...............................................................................2-11  
Considerations When Connecting the Digital I/O .........................................................2-12  
Wiring an Isolated Input to a Sourcing Output Device...................................2-12  
Wiring an Isolated Output to an External Load...............................................2-13  
Protecting Inductive Loads..............................................................................2-14  
Transmission Line Effects...............................................................................2-15  
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Contents  
Chapter 3  
Cabling .......................................................................................................................... 3-8  
IEEE 1394 Camera Cables.............................................................................. 3-8  
NI Vision I/O Terminal Block and Prototyping Accessory............................ 3-9  
Power Requirements...................................................................................................... 3-9  
Technical Support and Professional Services  
Glossary  
Index  
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1
Introduction  
The National Instruments PCI-8254R is an IEEE 1394a interface device for  
PCI with reconfigurable I/O (RIO). The NI 8254R is OHCI compliant and  
should be used with IEEE 1394a devices that run natively in  
Windows 2000/XP.  
The NI 8254R device ships with documentation and NI Vision Acquisition  
Software, which contains all of the drivers in the NI Vision product line.  
With NI Vision Acquisition Software, you can quickly and easily start your  
applications without having to program the device at the register level.  
The NI 8254R includes TTL inputs and outputs for triggering, and isolated  
inputs and outputs for connecting to external devices, such as lighting  
controllers, proximity sensors, and quadrature encoders.  
Behind the digital I/O of the NI 8254R is an FPGA which has been  
preconfigured with the functionality required for most common machine  
vision tasks. However, if the factory configured functionality does not  
fulfill your requirements, the FPGA is user configurable with the  
LabVIEW FPGA Module. The NI 8254R provides a convenient 44-pin  
D-SUB connector on its front panel to access its digital I/O.  
For detailed specifications of the NI 8254R, refer to the Specifications  
section of NI PCI-8254R Quick Start Guide.  
Software Overview  
Programming the NI 8254R requires two drivers to control the hardware:  
NI-IMAQdx and NI-IMAQ I/O. Both drivers are included with NI Vision  
Acquisition Software 8.2.1 or later.  
NI-IMAQdx has an extensive library of functions you can call from the  
application development environment (ADE) and handles many of the  
complex issues between the computer and the image acquisition device,  
such as programming interrupts and camera control. NI-IMAQ I/O  
provides functions you can call from the ADE and controls the I/O  
functionality for the NI 8254R.  
© National Instruments Corporation  
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Chapter 1  
Introduction  
National Instruments also offers the following application software  
packages for analyzing and processing your acquired images. For detailed  
information about individual software packages, refer to the documentation  
specific to each package.  
Vision Builder for Automated Inspection  
NI Vision Builder for Automated Inspection (Vision Builder AI) is  
configurable machine vision software that you can use to prototype,  
benchmark, and deploy applications. Vision Builder AI does not require  
programming, but is scalable to powerful programming environments.  
Vision Builder AI allows you to easily configure and benchmark a  
sequence of visual inspection steps, as well as deploy the visual inspection  
system for automated inspection. With Vision Builder AI, you can perform  
powerful visual inspection tasks and make decisions based on the results  
of individual tasks. You also can migrate the configured inspection to  
LabVIEW, extending the capabilities of the applications if necessary.  
Vision Development Module  
NI Vision Development Module, which consists of NI Vision and  
NI Vision Assistant, is an image acquisition, processing, and analysis  
library of more than 270 functions for the following common machine  
vision tasks:  
Pattern matching  
Particle analysis  
Gauging  
Taking measurements  
Grayscale, color, and binary image display  
You can use the Vision Development Module functions individually or  
in combination. With the Vision Development Module, you can acquire,  
display, and store images, as well as perform image analysis and  
processing. Using the Vision Development Module, imaging novices and  
experts can program the most basic or complicated image applications  
without knowledge of particular algorithm implementations.  
As a part of the Vision Development Module, NI Vision Assistant is an  
interactive prototyping tool for machine vision and scientific imaging  
developers. With Vision Assistant, you can prototype vision applications  
quickly and test how various image processing functions work.  
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Chapter 1  
Introduction  
Vision Assistant generates a Builder file, which is a text description  
containing a recipe of the machine vision and image processing functions.  
This Builder file provides a guide you can use for developing applications  
in any ADE, such as LabWindows/CVIor Visual Basic, using the  
Vision Assistant machine vision and image processing libraries. Using the  
LabVIEW VI creation wizard, Vision Assistant can create LabVIEW VI  
diagrams that perform the prototype you created in Vision Assistant.  
You can then use LabVIEW to add functionality to the generated VI.  
IEEE 1394 and NI 8254R  
The NI 8254R uses FireWire® (IEEE 1394) technology, compatible with  
more than 50 machine vision grade cameras. FireWire is a cross-platform  
implementation of the high-speed serial data bus—defined by the  
IEEE 1394-1995 and IEEE 1394a-2000—that can move large amounts of  
data between computers and peripheral devices. It features simplified  
cabling via twisted pairs, hot swapping, and transfer speeds of up to 400  
megabits per second. You can support up to 63 devices on the high speed  
bus with IEEE 1394.  
The IEEE 1394a standard offers up to 400 Mb/s bandwidth. The NI 8254R  
provides two direct-connect IEEE 1394a ports, but more IEEE 1394  
devices can be added with the addition of IEEE 1394 hubs. The NI 8254R  
can acquire images from IEEE 1394 cameras conforming to the IIDC  
1394-based Digital Camera Specification, Version 1.30 and higher.  
The IEEE 1394 bus provides a fixed amount of bandwidth that is shared  
between the two IEEE 1394a ports on the NI 8254R. These ports provide  
direct connection for up to two DCAM-compliant IEEE 1394 cameras,  
depending on the amount of bandwidth each camera requires. Higher frame  
rates and larger image sizes require a higher data transfer rate and use more  
bandwidth.  
Functional Overview  
The NI 8254R features a flexible, high-speed data path optimized for  
receiving and formatting video data from IEEE 1394 cameras.  
The following block diagram illustrates the key functional components of  
the NI 8254R.  
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Introduction  
ISO In  
TTL In  
V2 FPGA  
DSUB  
PCI  
CONN  
PCI  
Bridge  
Dust  
MITE  
CPLD  
TTL Out  
ISO Out  
Config ROM  
ISO Power  
Connection  
1394A  
Controller  
1394  
Conns  
Power  
Supply  
+5 V, +1.5 V  
1394  
Power Conn  
Figure 1-1. NI 8254R Block Diagram  
Start Conditions  
The NI 8254R can start acquisitions in the following ways:  
Software control—The NI 8254R supports software control of  
acquisition start. You can configure the NI 8254R to capture a fixed  
number of frames. Use this configuration for capturing a single frame  
or a sequence of frames.  
Trigger controlYou can start an acquisition by enabling external  
trigger lines. Each of these inputs can start a video acquisition on a  
rising or falling edge.  
Acquisition Window Control  
You can configure the following parameter on the NI 8254R to control the  
video acquisition window:  
Acquisition window—The NI 8254R and the IIDC 1394-based  
Digital Camera Specification allow you to specify a particular region  
of active pixels and lines on a camera to acquire. In many cases,  
specifying a smaller acquisition window will increase the maximum  
frame rate of the camera. Valid acquisition windows, and their  
corresponding frame rates, are defined by the camera.  
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2
Digital I/O  
The digital I/O functions on the NI 8254R are accessible through 2 TTL  
inputs, 10 TTL outputs, 13 isolated inputs, and 4 isolated outputs.  
You can use input signals as triggers, product selection ports, change  
detectors, or to read quadrature encoders. Uses for output signals include  
controlling camera reset and exposure, controlling strobe lighting,  
outputting inspection results, or communicating with PLCs. You can also  
define the functions of digital input and output signals.  
For information about how to use LabVIEW to implement specific digital  
I/O functions, refer to the examples at <LabVIEW>\examples\IMAQ\  
IMAQ IO.llb. For information about how to use C or Visual Basic to  
implement specific digital I/O functions, refer to the examples at  
<National Instruments>\NI-IMAQ IO\Examples\.  
RIO and LabVIEW FPGA  
Behind the digital I/O of the NI 8254R is an FPGA which has been  
preconfigured with the functionality required for most common machine  
vision tasks. If the factory configured functionality does not fulfill your  
requirements, the FPGA is user configurable with the LabVIEW FPGA  
Module. RIO technology, found throughout the NI platform, includes  
NI PCI and PXI R Series DAQ devices, NI CVS-1450 Series Compact  
Vision Systems, the NI 8254R, the NI 8255R, and NI CompactRIO. RIO  
allows you to develop custom FPGA logic on compact vision systems or  
with the NI 8254R device to add triggering, pulse-width modulation  
signals, or custom communications protocols to your machine vision  
application.  
Using National Instruments RIO hardware and the LabVIEW FPGA  
Module, you can define your hardware without in-depth knowledge of  
hardware design tools or hardware description languages (HDL). When the  
signal requirements change, the LabVIEW code can be modified and  
downloaded to the FPGA to change the I/O mix or type. This flexibility  
allows you to reuse the same hardware and software at no extra expense.  
© National Instruments Corporation  
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Chapter 2  
Digital I/O  
NI-IMAQ I/O devices such as the such as the NI 8254R, the NI 8255R, and  
the CVS-1450 Series Compact Vision Systems have 29 digital I/O lines  
with built-in functionality for communicating with external devices, such  
as reading quadrature encoder inputs, generating strobe pulses, and writing  
to or reading from digital lines.  
NI-IMAQ I/O devices have 15 digital input lines—13 isolated 24 V lines  
and two dedicated TTL lines. There are 14 digital output lines—four  
isolated 24 V lines and 10 dedicated TTL lines. Using these signals, you  
can dynamically control your lighting or cameras, synchronize with a  
conveyor belt, or communicate with relays that control solenoids and other  
actuators.  
TTL Inputs and Outputs  
TTL is a fast-switching 5 V digital signaling standard commonly used for  
applications that require high precision, such as camera triggering. TTL  
inputs and outputs do not require a separate power supply.  
Caution Do not connect voltage or current sources to TTL outputs. Doing so could  
damage the NI 8254R device.  
Table 2-1 summarizes the TTL inputs and outputs available on the  
NI 8254R.  
Table 2-1. NI 8254R TTL Inputs and Outputs  
44-Pin  
D-SUB on  
NI 8255R  
Device Pin  
Number  
37-Pin  
Terminal  
Block  
Input  
or  
Output Available  
Primary  
Function  
Number  
Signal Names  
Number  
Trigger  
Input  
2
TTL Input 0,  
1
1
2
General Purpose*  
TTL Input 1,  
General Purpose*  
16  
Timed  
Pulse  
Output  
6
TTL Output 1, Pulse 1  
TTL Output 2, Pulse 2  
TTL Output 3, Pulse 3  
TTL Output 4, Pulse  
TRIG 1, Pulse 5  
4
6
7
18  
24  
9
5
7
8
20  
TRIG 2, Pulse 6  
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Chapter 2  
Digital I/O  
Table 2-1. NI 8254R TTL Inputs and Outputs (Continued)  
44-Pin  
D-SUB on  
NI 8255R  
Device Pin  
Number  
37-Pin  
Terminal  
Block  
Input  
or  
Output Available  
Primary  
Function  
Number  
Signal Names  
Number  
Watchdog  
Output  
Output  
1
3
TTL Output 0  
3
4
General  
Purpose  
TTL Output 5  
TTL Output 6  
TTL Output 7  
19  
21  
22  
21  
23  
24  
* TTL Input 0 and TTL Input 1 can also function as trigger change detectors.  
Isolated Inputs and Outputs  
The isolated inputs and outputs on the NI 8254R have a separate ground  
reference from the main NI 8254R device supply, providing an easy means  
to prevent ground loops that can introduce noise into a system. You can  
apply signals up to 30 V to the isolated inputs. The voltage swing of the  
isolated outputs is determined by the voltage you supply on the 2-position  
isolated outputs power connector.  
Note Viso is referred to as V, and Ciso is referred to as C on the 2-position isolated outputs  
power connector on the NI 8254R.  
Note The isolated outputs have current-limiting protection circuitry. If this circuitry is  
tripped, you can re-enable the outputs by removing the fault and restarting your computer.  
© National Instruments Corporation  
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Chapter 2  
Digital I/O  
Table 2-2 summarizes the isolated inputs and outputs available on the  
NI 8254R.  
Table 2-2. NI 8254R Isolated Inputs and Outputs  
44-Pin  
D-SUB on  
NI 8255R  
Device Pin  
Number  
37-Pin  
Terminal  
Block  
Primary  
Function  
Input or  
Output  
Number  
Available  
Signal  
Names  
Number  
Trigger  
Input  
3
TRIG 0*  
ISO Input 5†  
ISO Input 8*  
11  
35  
40  
15  
27  
Quadrature  
Encoder  
Input  
Input  
1
1
ISO Input 6  
ISO Input 7  
37  
38  
25  
26  
External  
Shutdown  
Control  
ISO Input 11  
44  
31  
Product  
Selection  
Port†  
Input  
1
ISO Input 0  
ISO Input 1  
ISO Input 2  
ISO Input 3  
ISO Input 4  
15  
30  
31  
32  
34  
9
10  
11  
13  
14  
General  
Purpose  
Input  
2
4
ISO Input 9*  
ISO Input 10*  
41  
43  
29  
30  
General  
Purpose  
Output  
ISO Output 0  
ISO Output 1  
ISO Output 2  
ISO Output 3  
12  
13  
27  
28  
198  
35  
36  
37  
*
TRIG 0, ISO Input 8, ISO Input 9, and ISO Input 10 can also function as trigger change detectors.  
ISO Input 5 can also function as a latch for the product selection port.  
I/O for Normal Operation  
The following sections describe I/O functions that are available on the  
NI 8254R during normal operation.  
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Chapter 2  
Digital I/O  
Trigger Inputs  
Trigger inputs are available from both TTL inputs and isolated inputs. You  
can use these trigger inputs to synchronize the NI 8254R with an external  
event, such as the assertion of a signal generated by a proximity sensor or  
a PLC, to indicate that an inspection item is passing in front of the camera.  
The NI 8254R uses this input to initiate a timed pulse that can be used for  
camera control, lighting control, encoder pulse counting, and result output  
timing.  
For more information about creating a timed pulse output, refer to the  
Timed Pulse Output section.  
TTL Input 0, TTL Input 1, TRIG 0, ISO Input 6, ISO Input 7, ISO Input 8,  
and ISO Input 11 can alternatively function as general-purpose inputs.  
ISO Input 5 can alternatively function as a latch for the product selection  
port.  
Timed Pulse Output  
The NI 8254R is capable of timed pulse output on six different digital  
outputs, which provides precise control over time-critical signals, such as  
camera exposure. This section describes the various uses for the timed  
pulse output and the parameters you can set to control these outputs.  
Uses for timed pulse output include controlling camera reset and exposure,  
controlling strobe lighting, operating plungers on an assembly line, and  
communicating with PLCs. You can configure the start of the pulse output  
generation to occur from software or from a rising or falling edge of a  
trigger input.  
In addition to controlling the timing of pulse output, you can also configure  
the polarity of the output signal, resulting in a high-true or low-true signal.  
Based on the polarity setting, the output signal asserts after the appropriate  
delay time and de-asserts after the configured pulse width. You can set the  
delay time in microseconds or in quadrature encoder counts from the start  
signal—either a hardware trigger or a software command. Width is always  
configured in microseconds.  
Initiating a Timed Pulse  
Each timed pulse generator has a trigger input that specifies whether to wait  
on a particular trigger input to generate the pulse or to immediately  
generate the pulse when software sets the pulse mode to Start in LabVIEW  
or imaqIOPulseStart in C and Visual Basic.  
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Chapter 2  
Digital I/O  
When the pulse generator is configured for a particular trigger input, after  
generating a pulse, it waits for another trigger before generating another  
pulse. When the pulse generator is configured to immediately generate the  
pulse on a software start, after generating a pulse, it immediately generates  
another pulse.  
If the trigger input is set to Immediate in LabVIEW or using a None status  
signal in C and Visual Basic, the pulse generation occurs as soon as the  
pulse mode is set to Start in LabVIEW or imaqIOPulseStart in C and  
Visual Basic. If the trigger input is set to one of the hardware trigger inputs,  
the timed pulse output waits for an assertion edge on the appropriate trigger  
input. The assertion edge is configurable based on the trigger polarity  
parameter. It then generates one pulse and rearms to wait for the next  
trigger. In either case, the pulse output generation stops and resets if the  
pulse mode parameter is set to Stop in LabVIEW or imaqIOPulseStop in  
C and Visual Basic.  
The following figure shows an output pulse when a trigger is selected.  
Trigger  
Input  
Output  
Pulse  
Pulse Modes  
Each pulse generator has a Start, Single Shot, and Stop mode. Configure  
the pulse generator when in Stop mode. Then, set the pulse generator to  
Start mode for continuous or rearmed pulses, and set it to Single Shot for a  
pulse that should assert only once.  
Pulse Delay  
Pulse delay is the amount of time between a trigger and the first (assertion)  
edge of an output pulse. The pulse delay is configurable in units of  
microseconds or quadrature encoder counts. If configured for  
microseconds, available values are between 1 µs and 4,294,967,295 µs,  
which is 4,294 seconds, or approximately 71 minutes. If the delay is  
configured for quadrature encoder counts, the range of choices is 0 counts  
to 4,294,967,295 counts.  
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Pulse Width  
Pulse width is the amount of time between the first (assertion) edge of a  
pulse and the second (deassertion) edge. Pulse width is configurable only  
in microseconds from 1 µs to 4,294,967,295 µs.  
Trigger Polarity  
Each pulse generator can be individually configured for rising or falling  
edge triggering. Even if multiple pulse generators are using the same  
trigger, each can have different polarities.  
The following figure shows the output of a pulse generator configured to  
look for a rising edge trigger and output a high pulse with a microsecond  
width and delay.  
Delay  
Width  
Trigger  
Pulse  
The following figure shows how to create a high and low pulse train with a  
microsecond delay and width.  
High Pulse Train  
Delay  
Width  
Delay  
Width  
Low Pulse Train  
Software  
Start  
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Chapter 2  
Digital I/O  
Trigger Change Detectors  
The NI 8254R is capable of detecting edges on various trigger lines and  
latching this information for future retrieval. This feature is useful for  
high-precision hardware-monitoring of the presence of external events  
without the need for software polling. You can arm for the detection of a  
rising edge, falling edge, or both on a supported trigger input line.  
Supported trigger input lines include TTL Input 0, TTL Input 1,  
ISO Input 8, ISO Input 9, ISO Input 10, and TRIG 0.  
Quadrature Encoder  
The quadrature encoder uses ISO Input 6 for its Phase A input and  
ISO Input 7 for its Phase B input. Encoder speed is limited by the speed of  
the isolated inputs. Each isolated input can change at a maximum rate of  
100 kHz, making the maximum encoder rate 400,000 counts/s.  
The quadrature encoder can also be used as a timebase for the pulse  
generation delay.  
The following figure shows a rising edge trigger and a low pulse with a  
quadrature encoder delay and a microsecond width.  
Trigger  
Low Pulse  
Delay  
Width  
Phase A  
Phase B  
Product Selection Port  
The product selection port consists of a group of five isolated digital inputs  
that the software running on the NI 8254R reads simultaneously. You can  
program the NI 8254R to switch between up to 32 (25) inspection  
sequences for different parts on an assembly line.  
Based on the input to the product selection port, you can configure the  
application software to run the appropriate inspection sequence. For  
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Chapter 2  
Digital I/O  
example, an upstream NI 8254R device programmed for part classification  
might drive the product selection port of a downstream NI 8254R device.  
Alternatively, a PLC with information about which part is being inspected  
can drive the product selection port of the NI 8254R.  
Using ISO Input 5 as a Latch  
You can configure the product selection port to use ISO Input 5 as a latch.  
A rising edge on ISO Input 5 can latch the data into a data register on the  
NI 8254R. Before each inspection, the software checks the status of the  
product select inputs and reads the most recent value latched into the  
register. If ISO Input 5 is not used as a latch, it can be used as an extra bit  
of data.  
Note In Vision Builder AI, ISO Input 5 is always designated as a latch.  
Table 2-3 lists the product selection ports.  
Table 2-3. NI 8254R Product Selection Ports  
Function  
Data(5), rising edge latch  
Data(4)  
External Connection  
ISO Input 5  
ISO Input 4  
Data(3)  
ISO Input 3  
Data(2)  
ISO Input 2  
Data(1)  
ISO Input 1  
Data(0)  
ISO Input 0  
General-Purpose I/O  
General-purpose inputs and outputs are available as both TTL and isolated  
connections. The software running on the NI 8254R can read the inputs and  
drive the outputs high or low at any time.  
General-Purpose Inputs  
The primary difference between general-purpose inputs and trigger inputs  
is that you cannot use general-purpose inputs to initiate a timed pulse  
generator. In an application, use the general-purpose inputs to get the status  
of the inputs at a given point and not to synchronize the NI 8254R with an  
external event.  
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Chapter 2  
Digital I/O  
An example of how to use general-purpose inputs is reading the status of a  
general-purpose input as the first step in your inspection sequence and  
recording that value as part of your inspection.  
General-Purpose Outputs  
The primary difference between general-purpose outputs and timed pulse  
outputs is that the timing of general-purpose outputs is controlled by  
software rather than hardware. As a result, timing of general-purpose  
outputs changes as the inspection algorithm changes, which makes  
general-purpose outputs less appropriate than timed outputs for camera  
control, strobe light control, and other applications that require precise  
timing.  
An example of using general-purpose outputs is driving a relay that turns  
on an Inspection in Progress light for an operator to see while the  
inspection sequence is running.  
I/O for Fault Conditions  
The NI 8254R recognizes the following fault conditions:  
External shutdown, when Shutdown mode is enabled  
Watchdog timer expiration  
In the event of a fault condition, the behavior of the NI 8254R is dependent  
on configuration settings of the software-enabled Shutdown mode. To  
resume operation, address the fault condition and cycle power on your  
computer.  
Table 2-4 summarizes how user configuration affects the behavior of the  
NI 8254R in the event of a fault condition.  
Table 2-4. Fault Condition Behavior  
Outputs Change to  
Fault Condition  
External Shutdown  
Shutdown Enabled  
User-Defined States  
On  
Off  
Yes  
No  
Watchdog  
On  
Off  
Yes  
No  
The following sections describe each fault condition.  
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Shutdown  
Shutdown mode is a software-enabled feature that, when activated, allows  
an external device to halt the NI 8254R device processing operations.  
Additionally, Shutdown mode allows you to specify user-defined  
shutdown states for all fault conditions.  
When Shutdown mode is enabled and the shutdown input signal,  
ISO Input 11, turns off, the NI 8254R registers an external shutdown  
condition. When a fault occurs, outputs operate according to user-defined  
shutdown states. Each TTL output is configurable to drive high, drive low,  
or tri-state, and each isolated output is on/off configurable.  
Note For prototyping when equipment is unavailable, you can wire from V to  
ISO Input 11 to simulate external equipment that indicates to the NI 8254R to operate  
normally.  
Watchdog Timer  
The watchdog timer is a software configurable feature that can monitor  
software on the NI 8254R and take action if the software is unresponsive.  
The millisecond counter on the watchdog timer is configurable up to  
65,534 ms, in 1 ms increments, before it expires.  
Configure the watchdog timer to take one of the following actions when it  
expires.  
Caution Use the Indicator Only option only to test the watchdog timer. If software  
becomes unresponsive, it cannot be relied upon to send notification to the host.  
Indicator Only—This option sends the expiration signal back to the  
development machine through software. True indicates an expired  
watchdog timer. False indicates an unexpired watchdog timer. The  
expiration signal that indicates an expired watchdog timer continues to  
assert until the watchdog timer is disarmed. Disarming the watchdog  
timer resets the software indicator.  
TTL Output 0—This option outputs a signal on TTL Output 0. High  
indicates that the watchdog timer has expired. Low indicates that the  
watchdog timer has not expired. If the watchdog timer has expired, the  
expiration signal continues to assert until the watchdog timer is  
disarmed.  
Shutdown—If Shutdown mode is enabled, the outputs go to the  
user-defined shutdown states.  
© National Instruments Corporation  
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Chapter 2  
Digital I/O  
Considerations When Connecting the Digital I/O  
The isolated trigger inputs on the NI 8254R are current sinking and  
optically isolated. The following are considerations you need to make when  
connecting the digital I/O.  
Wiring an Isolated Input to a Sourcing Output Device  
You can wire an isolated input to a sourcing output device, as shown in the  
following figure. Refer to the NI PCI-8254R Quick Start Guide for  
switching thresholds and current requirements.  
Caution Do not apply a voltage greater than 30 VDC to the isolated inputs. Doing so could  
damage the NI 8254R.  
The following figure shows an example of connecting an isolated input to  
a sourcing output device.  
Sourcing  
Output  
Device  
V
Vcc  
Input  
C
Current  
Limiter  
NI 8254R  
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Digital I/O  
Wiring an Isolated Output to an External Load  
The digital output circuit sources current to external loads, as shown in the  
following figure.  
Caution Do not draw more than 100 mA from 24 V or 30 V isolated outputs. Do not draw  
more than 50 mA from 5 V isolated outputs.  
V
Vcc  
Digital Output  
Load  
C
NI 8254R  
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Chapter 2  
Digital I/O  
Protecting Inductive Loads  
When an inductive load, such as a relay or solenoid, is connected to an  
output, a large counter-electromotive force may occur at switching time  
due to energy stored in the inductive load. This flyback voltage can damage  
the outputs and the power supply.  
To limit flyback voltages at the inductive load, install a flyback diode across  
the load. Mount the flyback diode as close to the load as possible. Use this  
protection method if you connect any of the isolated outputs on the  
NI 8254R to an inductive load.  
The following figure shows an example of using an external flyback diode  
to protect inductive loads.  
V
Vcc  
Digital  
Output  
Load  
C
External  
Flyback  
Diode for  
NI 8254R  
Inductive Loads  
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Chapter 2  
Digital I/O  
Transmission Line Effects  
Transmission line effects can degrade the signals on the I/O cables and  
cause instability. To minimize transmission line effects, use twisted pair  
wires with a characteristic impedance of 118 Ω to connect external signals  
to the 44-pin I/O D-SUB connector.  
The following figure shows connections to the 44-pin D-SUB connector  
that minimize transmission line effects.  
44-Pin  
DSUB  
118 Ω  
TTL OUT(0)  
3
2
Receiving  
Equipment  
+5 V  
62 kΩ  
RS  
TTL IN(0)  
16  
17  
Transmitting  
Equipment  
NI 8254R  
When connecting to TTL inputs on the NI 8254R, match the output  
impedance of the transmitting device to the characteristic impedance of the  
cable. For example, if the cable characteristic impedance is 118 Ω, make  
Rs equal to 118 Ω, as shown in the figure above.  
© National Instruments Corporation  
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NI PCI-8254R User Manual  
 
   
3
Signal Connections  
The following diagram shows the connectors on the NI 8254R device.  
NI PCI-8254R  
1
IEEE-1394  
2
V
3
C
5–30V  
4
1
2
IEEE 1394a Connector  
IEEE 1394a Connector  
3
4
2-Position Isolated Outputs Power Connector  
Digital I/O Connector  
© National Instruments Corporation  
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Chapter 3  
Signal Connections  
Table 3-1 summarizes the functions of the connectors on the NI 8254R  
device.  
Table 3-1. NI 8254R Connector Functions  
Peripheral  
Connector  
Function  
Isolated Output Power  
2-position isolated outputs  
power connector  
Power for isolated outputs  
IEEE 1394  
6-pin IEEE 1394a connector  
Power and data connection to  
IEEE 1394 cameras  
Digital Input/Output  
Camera Power  
44-pin female high-density  
D-SUB  
External TTL I/O; External  
isolated I/O  
4-pin computer power  
Power from PC power supply  
to IEEE 1394a connector  
Connectors  
This section describes the connectors on the NI 8254R device and includes  
pinouts and signal descriptions for each connector.  
2-Position Isolated Outputs Power Connector  
The isolated outputs power connector on the NI 8254R device  
accommodates one power supply. The V terminal provides the isolated  
output circuitry (5 to 30 VDC) for the NI 8254R device. The C terminal  
provides the common-mode signal for the NI 8254R device.  
Figure 3-1 illustrates the isolated outputs power connector on the NI 8254R  
device.  
V C  
Figure 3-1. NI 8254R Isolated Power Connector  
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Table 3-2 summarizes the functions of the power connector terminals.  
Table 3-2. Power Connector Terminals  
Terminal  
Description  
V
C
Isolated power (5 to 30 VDC)  
Isolated common-mode signal  
IEEE 1394a Connector  
The IEEE 1394a connectors on the NI 8254R device provide a reliable,  
high-frequency connection between the NI 8254R device and up to  
two DCAM-compliant IEEE 1394 cameras. To access the IEEE 1394a  
connectors on the NI 8254R device, use any standard 6-pin IEEE 1394  
cable.  
Note You can use a 4-pin to 6-pin converter cable with cameras that have their own  
external power supply and do not require power from the IEEE 1394 bus.  
General-Purpose Digital I/O  
The 44-pin D-SUB connector provides access to the general-purpose  
digital inputs and outputs. The general-purpose digital I/O available on this  
connector includes 2 TTL inputs, 9 TTL outputs, 13 isolated inputs, and  
4 isolated outputs. For easy connection to the digital I/O connector, use the  
National Instruments digital I/O cable and the NI Vision I/O Terminal  
Block and Prototyping Accessory.  
Note The accessories available for use with the NI 8254R do not provide access to all  
available I/O on the NI 8254R device. To access this I/O, you can create a custom cable  
using a standard male 44-pin D-SUB connector.  
For more information about the National Instruments digital I/O cable and  
terminal block, refer to the Optional Equipment section of the  
NI PCI-8254R Quick Start Guide.  
Note Isolated inputs are compatible with 5 V logic if the external circuit meets the voltage  
and current requirements listed in the Specifications section of the NI PCI-8254R Quick  
Start Guide.  
© National Instruments Corporation  
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Chapter 3  
Signal Connections  
Figure 3-2 illustrates the 44-pin D-SUB connector on the NI 8254R.  
44 30 15  
31 16  
1
Figure 3-2. NI 8254R 44-Pin D-SUB Connector  
Table 3-3 lists pin numbers, signal names, and signal descriptions for the  
44-pin D-SUB connector on the NI 8254R and the 37-pin terminal block.  
Caution Do not draw more than 500 mA combined from the V pins on the 44-pin D-SUB  
connector. Do not draw more than 100 mA from 24 V or 30 V isolated outputs. Do not draw  
more than 50 mA from 5 V isolated outputs.  
Table 3-3. Signal Connections  
44-Pin D-SUB  
on NI 8255R  
Device Pin  
Number  
37-PinTerminal  
Block Number  
Primary  
Function  
Alternate  
Function  
Signal Name  
1
1
TTL Input 0  
Pulse generator  
trigger input  
Trigger Change  
Detector,  
General-purpose  
input  
2
3
C
Common-mode  
signal of the  
NI 8255R device  
main power  
3
4
4
5
TTL Output 0  
TTL Output 1  
Watchdog timer  
output  
General-purpose  
output  
Pulse generator  
output  
General-purpose  
output  
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Signal Connections  
Table 3-3. Signal Connections (Continued)  
44-Pin D-SUB  
on NI 8255R  
Device Pin  
Number  
37-PinTerminal  
Block Number  
Primary  
Function  
Alternate  
Function  
Signal Name  
5
6
C
Common-mode  
signal of the  
NI 8255R device  
main power  
6
7
8
7
8
6
TTL Output 2  
TTL Output 3  
C
Pulse generator  
output  
General-purpose  
output  
Pulse generator  
output  
General-purpose  
output  
Common-mode  
signal of the  
NI 8255R device  
main power  
9
NC  
TRIG 2*/TTL  
Output 9  
Pulse generator  
output  
General-purpose  
output  
10  
11  
17  
Viso  
Isolated power  
NC  
TRIG 0*/ISO  
Input 12  
Pulse generator  
trigger input  
Trigger Change  
Detector,  
General-purpose  
input  
12  
13  
14  
19  
35  
34  
ISO Output 0  
ISO Output 1  
Ciso  
General-purpose  
output  
General-purpose  
output  
Isolated  
common-mode  
signal  
15  
9
ISO Input 0  
Input port,  
Data(0)  
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Chapter 3  
Signal Connections  
Table 3-3. Signal Connections (Continued)  
44-Pin D-SUB  
on NI 8255R  
Device Pin  
Number  
37-PinTerminal  
Block Number  
Primary  
Function  
Alternate  
Function  
Signal Name  
16  
17  
2
TTL Input 1  
Pulse generator  
trigger input  
Trigger Change  
Detector,  
General-purpose  
input  
3
C
Common-mode  
signal of the  
NI 8255R device  
main power  
18  
19  
20  
20  
21  
22  
TTL Output 4  
TTL Output 5  
C
Pulse generator  
output  
General-purpose  
output  
General-purpose  
output  
Common-mode  
signal of the  
NI 8255R device  
main power  
21  
22  
23  
23  
24  
22  
TTL Output 6  
TTL Output 7  
C
General-purpose  
output  
General-purpose  
output  
Common-mode  
signal of the  
NI 8255R device  
main power  
24  
NC  
Trig 1*/TTL  
Output 9  
Pulse generator  
output  
General-purpose  
output  
25  
26  
33  
34  
Viso  
Ciso  
Isolated power  
Isolated  
common-mode  
signal  
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Chapter 3  
Signal Connections  
Table 3-3. Signal Connections (Continued)  
44-Pin D-SUB  
on NI 8255R  
Device Pin  
Number  
37-PinTerminal  
Block Number  
Primary  
Function  
Alternate  
Function  
Signal Name  
27  
28  
29  
36  
ISO Output 2  
General-purpose  
output  
37  
12  
ISO Output 3  
Ciso  
General-purpose  
output  
Isolated  
common-mode  
signal  
30  
31  
32  
33  
10  
11  
13  
16  
ISO Input 1  
ISO Input 2  
ISO Input 3  
Ciso  
Input port,  
Data(1)  
Input port,  
Data(2)  
Input port,  
Data(3)  
Isolated  
common-mode  
signal  
34  
35  
36  
14  
15  
28  
ISO Input 4  
ISO Input 5  
Ciso  
Input port,  
Data(4)  
Input port latch,  
Data(5)  
Pulse generator  
trigger input  
Isolated  
common-mode  
signal  
37  
38  
39  
25  
26  
28  
ISO Input 6  
ISO Input 7  
Ciso  
Quadrature  
encoder Phase A input  
General-purpose  
Quadrature  
encoder Phase B input  
General-purpose  
Isolated  
common-mode  
signal  
© National Instruments Corporation  
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Chapter 3  
Signal Connections  
Table 3-3. Signal Connections (Continued)  
44-Pin D-SUB  
on NI 8255R  
Device Pin  
Number  
37-PinTerminal  
Block Number  
Primary  
Function  
Alternate  
Function  
Signal Name  
40  
41  
27  
ISO Input 8  
Pulse generator  
trigger input  
Trigger Change  
Detector,  
General-purpose  
input  
29  
ISO Input 9  
General-purpose Trigger Change  
input  
Detector,  
General-purpose  
input  
42  
43  
32  
30  
Ciso  
Isolated  
common-mode  
signal  
ISO Input 10  
General-purpose Trigger Change  
input  
Detector,  
General-purpose  
input  
44  
31  
ISO Input 11  
User shutdown  
General-purpose  
input  
* TRIG 0, TRIG 1, and TRIG 2 are not available on the 37-pin terminal block or the signal accessory. If you need access to  
these signals, you can get them directly from the 44-pin D-SUB connector.  
Cabling  
IEEE 1394 Camera Cables  
You can connect cameras to the NI 8254R using standard IEEE 1394  
cables. IEEE 1394 cables provide both a data path and power to your  
camera.  
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Chapter 3  
Signal Connections  
I/O Terminal Block  
National Instruments provides an I/O terminal block with the NI 8254R,  
which can be mounted either horizontally or vertically. The I/O terminal  
block breaks the signals out into easy-to-use screw terminals and comes  
with a cable that connects directly to the 44-pin D-SUB connector on the  
NI 8254R.  
Note TRIG 0, TRIG 1, and TRIG 2 signals are not accessible via the standard 44 to 37-pin  
cable and I/O terminal block.  
NI Vision I/O Terminal Block and Prototyping Accessory  
Use the NI Vision I/O Terminal Block and Prototyping Accessory to  
troubleshoot and prototype digital I/O applications for the NI 8254R, the  
NI 8255R, and the CVS-1450 Series Compact Vision System. The  
NI Vision I/O Terminal Block and Prototyping Accessory provides screw  
terminals for easy connections and LEDs for each signal.  
Note TRIG 0, TRIG 1, and TRIG 2 signals are not accessible via the standard 44 to 37-pin  
cable and NI Vision I/O Terminal Block and Prototyping Accessory.  
Power Requirements  
This section describes the power requirements of the NI 8254R.  
Isolated Outputs Power Connector  
Figure 3-3 illustrates the isolated outputs power connector on the  
NI 8254R.  
V C  
Figure 3-3. NI 8254R Isolated Power Connector  
© National Instruments Corporation  
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Chapter 3  
Signal Connections  
The isolated outputs power connector on the NI 8254R device  
accommodates one power supply. The V terminal provides the isolated  
output circuitry (5 to 30 VDC) for the NI 8254R device. The C terminal  
provides the common-mode signal for the NI 8254R device.  
Table 3-4. Power Connector Terminals  
Terminal  
Description  
V
C
Isolated power (5 to 30 VDC)  
Isolated common-mode signal  
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A
Technical Support and  
Professional Services  
Visit the following sections of the National Instruments Web site at  
ni.comfor technical support and professional services:  
Support—Online technical support resources at ni.com/support  
include the following:  
Self-Help Resources—For answers and solutions, visit the  
award-winning National Instruments Web site for software drivers  
and updates, a searchable KnowledgeBase, product manuals,  
step-by-step troubleshooting wizards, thousands of example  
programs, tutorials, application notes, instrument drivers, and  
so on.  
Free Technical Support—All registered users receive free Basic  
Service, which includes access to hundreds of Application  
Engineers worldwide in the NI Discussion Forums at  
ni.com/forums. National Instruments Application Engineers  
make sure every question receives an answer.  
For information about other technical support options in your  
area, visit ni.com/servicesor contact your local office at  
ni.com/contact.  
Training and Certification—Visit ni.com/trainingfor  
self-paced training, eLearning virtual classrooms, interactive CDs,  
and Certification program information. You also can register for  
instructor-led, hands-on courses at locations around the world.  
System Integration—If you have time constraints, limited in-house  
technical resources, or other project challenges, National Instruments  
Alliance Partner members can help. To learn more, call your local  
NI office or visit ni.com/alliance.  
Declaration of Conformity (DoC)—A DoC is our claim of  
compliance with the Council of the European Communities using  
the manufacturer’s declaration of conformity. This system affords  
the user protection for electronic compatibility (EMC) and product  
safety. You can obtain the DoC for your product by visiting  
ni.com/certification.  
© National Instruments Corporation  
A-1  
NI PCI-8254R User Manual  
 
       
Appendix A  
Technical Support and Professional Services  
Calibration Certificate—If your product supports calibration,  
you can obtain the calibration certificate for your product at  
ni.com/calibration.  
If you searched ni.comand could not find the answers you need, contact  
your local office or NI corporate headquarters. Phone numbers for our  
worldwide offices are listed at the front of this manual. You also can visit  
the Worldwide Offices section of ni.com/niglobalto access the branch  
office Web sites, which provide up-to-date contact information, support  
phone numbers, email addresses, and current events.  
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A-2  
ni.com  
 
 
Glossary  
A
ADE  
Application development environment such as LabVIEW, Visual Basic, or  
MSVC.  
B
bandwidth  
The range of frequencies present in a signal, or the range of frequencies to  
which a measuring device can respond.  
C
current  
The rate of flow of electric charge measured in amperes  
D
D-SUB  
A serial connector.  
Digital camera.  
DCAM  
deployment machine  
Machine used to run the software in its final state. this machine typically  
runs the software without an ADE in the form of an executable.  
development machine  
Machine used to develop an application. A development machine usually  
has and ADE installed on it.  
E
exposure  
The amount of time that light reaches the image sensor.  
© National Instruments Corporation  
G-1  
NI PCI-8254R User Manual  
 
 
Glossary  
F
falling edge  
An edge trigger occurs when the trigger signal passes through a specified  
threshold. A slope that is negative to the trigger is specified as the falling  
edge.  
FireWire  
FPGA  
A high-speed serial interface invented by Apple Computer in 1989, also  
known as IEEE 1394 or iLink.  
Field-programmable gate array. An FPGA is a semi-conductor device  
which contains a large quantity of gates (logic devices), which are not  
interconnected, and whose function is determined by a wiring list, which is  
downloaded to the FPGA. The wiring list determines how the gates are  
interconnected, and this interconnection is performed dynamically by  
turning semiconductor switches on or off to enable the different  
connections.  
H
HDL  
Hardware description language. An example of an HDL is VHDL—a  
language used to design digital circuitry.  
hot swapping  
The act of removing or swapping a device when the computer is still on.  
I
IEEE  
IIDC  
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. A standard-setting body  
IEEE 1394 Trade Association Instrumentation and Industrial Control  
Working Group, Digital Camera Sub Working Group.  
isolated  
A signal which has no electrical connection to the overall system power.  
N
NI-IMAQ  
Driver software for National Instruments image acquisition (IMAQ)  
hardware.  
NI PCI-8254R User Manual  
G-2  
ni.com  
 
Glossary  
P
pixel  
The fundamental picture element in a digital image. The smallest  
resolvable rectangular area of an image, either on a screen or stored in  
memory. Each pixel has its own brightness and color, usually represented  
as red, green, and blue intensities.  
PLC  
Programmable Logic Controller. An industrial computer used for factory  
automation, process control, and manufacturing systems.  
proximity sensor  
Optical sensor which toggles an electrical signal when an object passes  
near it.  
Q
quadrature encoder  
An encoding technique for a rotating device where two tracks of  
information are placed on the device, with the signals on the tracks offset  
by 90 degrees from each other. This makes it possible to detect the direction  
of the motion.  
R
RIO  
Reconfigurable inputs and outputs.  
rising edge  
An edge trigger occurs when the trigger signal passes through a specified  
threshold. A slope that is positive to the trigger is specified as the rising  
edge.  
T
trigger  
TTL  
Any event that causes or starts some form of data capture.  
Transistor-transistor logic. A digital circuit composed of bipolar transistors  
wired in a certain manner. A typical medium-speed digital technology.  
Nominal TTL logic levels are 0 and 5 V.  
twisted pair cabling  
A twisted pair cable has two insulated copper wires that are twisted around  
each other, to reduce crosstalk or electromagnetic induction between the  
pairs of wires. Each connection on twisted pair requires both wires.  
© National Instruments Corporation  
G-3  
NI PCI-8254R User Manual  
 
Glossary  
V
VDC  
voltage  
Volts direct current.  
The electromotive force.  
NI PCI-8254R User Manual  
G-4  
ni.com  
 
Index  
A
C
cabling, 3-8  
calibration certificate (NI resources), A-2  
connector functions, 3-2  
connectors, 3-2  
2-position isolated output power, 3-2  
IEEE 1394a, 3-3  
I
I/O for fault conditions, 2-10  
I/O for normal operation, 2-4  
I/O terminal block, 3-9  
IEEE 1394, 1-3  
conventions used in the manual, v  
D
camera cables, 3-8  
diagnostic tools (NI resources), A-1  
digital I/O  
IEEE 1394a, connector, 3-3  
instrument drivers (NI resources), A-1  
isolated inputs, 2-3  
connection considerations, 2-12  
overview, 2-1  
documentation  
list of, 2-4  
isolated outputs, 2-3  
list of, 2-4  
conventions used in the manual, v  
NI resources, A-1  
power connector, 3-9  
drivers (NI resources), A-1  
K
E
examples (NI resources), A-1  
L
LabVIEW FPGA Module, 2-1  
LabVIEW, Vision Builder AI, 1-2  
latch, 2-9  
F
FireWire, 1-3  
FPGA, 2-1  
© National Instruments Corporation  
I-1  
NI PCI-8254R User Manual  
 
 
Index  
NI support and services, A-1  
NI Vision Assistant, 1-2  
N
services, A-1  
NI 1427  
Inspection, 1-2  
power connector terminals, 3-10  
power requirements, 3-9  
product selection port, 2-8  
programming examples (NI resources), A-1  
protecting inductive loads, 2-13  
NI Vision Development Module, 1-2  
NI 8254R  
acquisition window control, 1-4  
cabling, 3-8  
connection considerations, 2-12  
connector functions, 3-2  
connectors, 3-2  
pulse modes, 2-6  
pulse width, 2-7  
digital I/O, 2-1  
functional overview, 1-3  
general-purpose I/O, 2-9  
I/O for fault conditions, 2-10  
I/O for normal operation, 2-4  
IEEE 1394, 1-3  
quadrature encoder, 2-8  
isolated inputs, 2-3  
isolated outputs, 2-3  
LabVIEW FPGA Module, 2-1  
power requirements, 3-9  
product selection port, 2-8  
quadrature encoder, 2-8  
reconfigurable I/O, 2-1  
signal connections, 3-1  
software overview, 1-1  
start conditions, 1-4  
RIO. See reconfigurable I/O  
shutdown, 2-11  
software  
timed pulse output, 2-5  
trigger inputs, 2-5  
overview, 1-1  
software programming choices  
NI Vision Builder for Automated  
Inspection, 1-2  
TTL inputs, 2-2  
TTL outputs, 2-2  
NI 8255R  
NI Vision Development Module, 1-2  
start conditions, 1-4  
support, technical, A-1  
NI Vision Terminal Block and  
NI PCI-8254R User Manual  
I-2  
ni.com  
 
Index  
T
W
technical support, A-1  
timed pulse output  
watchdog timer, 2-11  
Web resources, A-1  
wiring  
initiating, 2-5  
overview, 2-5  
isolated input to sourcing output  
device, 2-12  
isolated output to external load, 2-12  
training and certification (NI resources), A-1  
transmission line effects, 2-14  
trigger change detectors, 2-8  
trigger inputs, 2-5  
trigger polarity, 2-7  
troubleshooting (NI resources), A-1  
TTL inputs, 2-2  
list of, 2-2  
TTL outputs, 2-2  
list of, 2-2  
© National Instruments Corporation  
I-3  
NI PCI-8254R User Manual  
 

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