Chapter 4 Analog Input
© National Instruments Corporation 4-15 M Series User Manual
Connecting Floating Signal Sources
What Are Floating Signal Sources?
A floating signal source is not connected to the building ground system, but
has an isolated ground-reference point. Some examples of floating signal
sources are outputs of transformers, thermocouples, battery-powered
devices, optical isolators, and isolation amplifiers. An instrument or device
that has an isolated output is a floating signal source.
When to Use Differential Connections with Floating Signal Sources
Use DIFF input connections for any channel that meets any of the following
conditions:
• The input signal is low level (less than 1 V).
• The leads connecting the signal to the device are greater than 3 m
(10 ft).
• The input signal requires a separate ground-reference point or return
signal.
• The signal leads travel through noisy environments.
• Two analog input channels, AI+ and AI–, are available for the signal.
DIFF signal connections reduce noise pickup and increase common-mode
noise rejection. DIFF signal connections also allow input signals to float
within the common-mode limits of the NI-PGIA.
Refer to the Using Differential Connections for Floating Signal Sources
section for more information about differential connections.
When to Use Non-Referenced Single-Ended (NRSE) Connections with
Floating Signal Sources
Only use NRSE input connections if the input signal meets the following
conditions.
• The input signal is high-level (greater than 1 V).
• The leads connecting the signal to the device are less than 3 m (10 ft).
DIFF input connections are recommended for greater signal integrity for
any input signal that does not meet the preceding conditions.
In the single-ended modes, more electrostatic and magnetic noise couples
into the signal connections than in DIFF configurations. The coupling is the
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