Measurement Computing Personal Daq rev.6.0 Quick Start - Manual (Page 6)

4 p/n 491-0940, Rev 6.0 878495 Personal Daq Quick Start
(2a) Connect the Personal Daq to the Host PC
When using a power adapter with your Personal Daq system, be sure to supply power
(from the adapter to the Personal Daq) before connecting the USB cable. This allows
Personal Daq to inform the host computer (upon connection of the USB cable) that the
unit requires minimal power from the computer.
Some notebook PCs do not supply sufficient power through their USB port. When using
one of these notebooks the Personal Daq unit requires the use of a power adapter.
Use an approved high-speed USB cable to connect the Personal Daq system to one of the host computer’s
USB ports. Typically there is no need for an additional power source in this setup since the USB power
pins [on the PC] supply 500 mA at 4 to 5.25 V. Additional setup examples, involving USB hubs and
power adapters, are described in chapter 3 of the user’s manual. As indicated in the preceding note, some
notebook PCs may lack adequate USB power.
Personal Daq
USB Cable
PDQ Module
Connection of a Simple Personal Daq System to a Computer’s USB Port
(2b) Connect the Channel Signal Inputs
CAUTION
The discharge of static electricity can damage some electronic components.
Semiconductor devices are especially susceptible to ESD damage. You should always
handle components carefully, and you should never touch connector pins or circuit
components unless you are following ESD guidelines in an appropriate ESD controlled
area. Such guidelines include the use of properly grounded mats and wrist straps, ESD
bags and cartons, and related procedures.
Use Personal Daq’s screw terminals to connect channel inputs to your Personal Daq system. Note that the
terminal blocks are detachable for ease in making connections. Personal Daq/54, /55, and /56 and PDQ
expansion modules PDQ1 and PDQ2 have labels which clearly identify each input type and channel
number. Each Analog Input channel can be configured for single-ended or differential volts, or for
differential thermocouple inputs. The non-analog channels are designated as Frequency/Pulse Input (F)
and Digital I/O (D). The non-analog channels do not apply to Personal Daq/54.
Note: Personal Daq/54 does not accept frequency/pulse input or digital I/O.
Note: Personal Daq/54 does not support expansion modules.
Reference Notes:
Connections for single-ended and differential modes are depicted in the figure on page 5.