Simultaneous DAQ Input Configuration for DIFF, RSE, and NRSE Sampling

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing SMIO DAQ devices are limited to differential mode configurations, lacking support for RSE and NRSE modes, which reduces channel density and compatibility with MIO devices, necessitating a need for flexible input terminal configurations.

Innovation Solution

Implementing programmable driver software to configure SMIO DAQ devices for flexible input terminal configurations, enabling simultaneous or pseudo-simultaneous sampling in differential, RSE, and NRSE modes, thereby enhancing channel density and compatibility with MIO devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If SMIO DAQ devices use per channel ADC for simultaneous sampling, then sampling speed and simultaneity are improved, but cost per channel increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesampling speedVSAvoidcost per channel

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic configuration of input terminal modes through programmable driver software, allowing the DAQ device to adapt between DIFF, RSE, and NRSE configurations. This dynamic adaptability enables the system to optimize performance for different application requirements while maintaining cost-effectiveness through flexible resource utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the SMIO DAQ device universal by supporting multiple input configurations (DIFF, RSE, NRSE) that were previously only available in MIO devices. This multi-functionality allows the device to replace both MIO and traditional SMIO devices in various applications, providing simultaneous sampling capability while maintaining compatibility with existing systems and reducing overall system cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If SMIO DAQ devices support only DIFF configuration, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability and channel density are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidinput configuration adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic configuration of input terminal modes through programmable driver software, allowing the DAQ device to adapt between DIFF, RSE, and NRSE configurations. This dynamic adaptability enables the system to optimize performance for different application requirements while maintaining cost-effectiveness through flexible resource utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the SMIO DAQ device universal by supporting multiple input configurations (DIFF, RSE, NRSE) that were previously only available in MIO devices. This multi-functionality allows the device to replace both MIO and traditional SMIO devices in various applications, providing simultaneous sampling capability while maintaining compatibility with existing systems and reducing overall system cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Quantity of substance

If SMIO DAQ devices use common reference for all channels, then channel density is improved, but compatibility with MIO devices is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel densityVSAvoidcompatibility with MIO devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the SMIO DAQ device universal by supporting multiple input configurations (DIFF, RSE, NRSE) that were previously only available in MIO devices. This multi-functionality allows the device to replace both MIO and traditional SMIO devices in various applications, providing simultaneous sampling capability while maintaining compatibility with existing systems and reducing overall system cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the DAQ device by enabling software-configurable input terminal modes. This allows the device to switch between different reference configurations (common reference for RSE/NRSE, differential reference for DIFF), maintaining high channel density while achieving compatibility with MIO device configurations through parameter adjustment rather than hardware redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20260074704A1Simultaneously Sampled Data Acquisition Device

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS CORP

AI summary

Apparatuses, systems, and methods for data acquisition (DAQ) devices, and more particularly to apparatuses, systems, and methods for a simultaneously sampled DAQ device with flexible input terminal configurations. A DAQ device can be configured, e.g., via programmable driver software, to simultaneously sample analog input (AI) channels in differential mode or simultaneously sample AI+ and AI− signals in a single ended mode (RSE or NRSE). In addition, a DAQ device can be configured, e.g., via programmable driver software, to simultaneously sample AI channels in differential mode or pseudo-simultaneously sample AI+ and AI− signals in single ended mode (RSE or NRSE), e.g., all AI+ channels sampled simultaneously and then all AI− channels sample simultaneously.