Using an External Counter with USB-6001

[LarryFoulkeBAF]

Hello,

I am trying to process signals from an encoder and a torque sensor. While the USB-6001 does not support direct encoder connections, I plan on using a counter IC (LS7184 clock converter with binary counter IC 4516) to do the counting of the encoder. The output of the 4516 chip (four pins) will be connected to the USB-6001's DIO ports. From here, I plan on writing the binary output of the 4516 into some sort of array in LabVIEW and determine encoder position from there (if that makes sense, please tell me if it does not).

I also plan on reading an analog torque sensor. For this I should be fine, but I am not sure if the USB-6001 can handle both tasks, or if my plan with using an external counter is viable.

Is this something that is feasible? Unfortunately, due to costs I am unable to test this setup myself (but I do have the USB-6001). Any points, suggestions, example VI's, or observations are welcome. I am a beginner at LabVIEW so I'm sorry if this seems like something trivial.

I am currently using LabVIEW 2015.

The datasheets for the ICs that I have mentioned are the following:

LS7184: http://cdn.usdigital.com/assets/general/LFLS7183-S_LFLS7184_Manufacturer_Datasheet.pdf

4516: http://www.ece.mtu.edu/labs/EElabs/EE2304/EE2304_website_2008/Stepper%20Motor%20Resources/hef4516b_4...

[Trevor.H]

Hello sxt470834,

While I have never used an external counter with a DAQ device, it should be possible to create such a setup.  It definitely seems like you are on the right track.  As long as the 6001 can run both an analog input and digital input task simultaneously, you should be able to create a suitable setup.