Error while reading the analog data?

Question

Hi,
I was trying to read the analog data from 4 voltage channels with -5,+5 voltages as minmum  and maximum values.Iwas using 250khz as sampling rate and 2seconds as duration.When I try to read the analog data using DAQmxReadBinaryU16 method.I was getting the following error :
ADC conversion attempted before the prior conversion was completed.Increase the period between ADC conversions.I f you are using external clock check your signal for the presence of  noise or glitches.Task Name _unnamed Task<0>.Status C.
I would appriciate if you could do this needful.
Thanks In Advance,
Meka

Answer 1

Meka,
The M Series devices have a specified maximum sampling rate for a single channel.  Past a single channel, the maximum sampling rate is then divided down depending on the number of channels sampled.  The reason for this is because each M Series device has one analog-to-digital converter (ADC).  Every channel in a scan list must pass its data through this one ADC. To allow for this, the M Series devices also have a multiplexer (MUX).  Because of settling time limitations with the MUX switching, the maximum sampling rate is the specified single channel sampling rate divided by the number of channels be scanned.  In your case, because you are using 4 channels, the maximum sampling rate you can achieve with the 6221 is:
250 KS/s / 4 = 62.5 KS/s
If you need a sampling rate of 250 KS/s for each channel, you may be interested in our S-Series devices.  These devices have a separate ADC for each channel, allowing all analog channels to run at the maximum sampling rate simultaneously.  Take a look at the PCI-6143, which can sample at 250 KS/s on all of its 8 channels at the same time.
I hope this helps!
Justin M
National Instruments