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NI-SCOPE (English | Japanese) |
The following forms of synchronization are available, listed in order by synchronization accuracy.
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Note Synchronization accuracy specifications depend on the system and device(s) being used. Refer to your device Specifications for more information. |
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Note Sharing a clock (reference clock or sample clock) among devices can achieve time locking. In some cases, time locking among clocks can achieve greater determinism; however, it does not affect any overall delays in signals sent. |
You can send a synchronization software command from a host computer to a device. Synchronizing events by software is not deterministic on operating systems such as Windows or Mac.
Supported Synchronization Methods by Device
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Note You can use a time-based protocol, such as GPS, 1588, or IRIG-B, to coordinate events at large distances, typically greater than 10 m. |
Introduction to NI Clock Disciplining for PXI Express
PXI_Clk10 Disciplining and Synchronization across Multiple PXIe Chassis
Timing and Synchronization Systems
You can send an electrical signal from one device (master) to another (slave) to signal an event using the trigger routing available from a PXI chassis or RTSI cable. The devices dictate the level of determinism. The signal path length mainly determines the synchronization accuracy.
Synchronization Explained (trigger routing and sharing clocks and triggers)
Triggers Offered by PXI Standard
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Note In this case, external refers to triggering external to your PXI chassis or external to the device for other device form factors, for example USB and PCIe. |
You can send triggers to each device through PFI, channel, or other I/O lines on the device front panel. When trigger lines have matched signal path lengths, measured synchronization results may improve.
When to Use External Sample Clock
You can use NI-TClk to programmatically phase align clocks and coordinate triggers between devices and multiple chassis. NI-TClk is an advanced synchronization method, and is not supported by all devices.
National Instruments T-Clock Technology for Timing and Synchronization of Modular Instruments
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