Difference Between Differential, RSE, and NRSE Terminal Configurations

Updated Oct 30, 2024

Reported In

Software

Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX)

Driver

NI-DAQmx

Issue Details

I am using a DAQ device to measure an analog signal. When I configure my device for the acquisition of my signal I must choose from a list of terminal configurations. What are those, and which one should I use for my application?

Solution

The tutorial How To Measure Voltage provides a good and thorough description of the different terminal configurations, and explains when to use them. For a short summary/overview continue below.

Differential Terminal Configuration	Referenced Single Ended (RSE) Terminal Configuration	Non-Referenced Single Ended (NRSE) Terminal Configuration
Measures the potential difference between the AI+ and AI-	Measures the potential difference between the AI and the AI GND	Measures the potential difference between the AI and the AI SENSE

In general, it is recommended to use differential configuration when possible. Differential signal connections reduce noise pickup and avoid ground loops. The following chart summarizes ways to connect a signal source to a measurement system.

To find your device pinouts of your specific hardware, open NI Measurement and Automation Explorer (MAX) and follow the steps outlined in Where to Find NI-DAQmx Device Pinouts or Pin Mappings .

Additional Information

You can configure terminal configuration settings as shown below for the mentioned software:

For LabVIEW:

Using Create Channel.vi as below

or using DAQmx Channel property node as illustrated below:

For NI MAX - Create Task:

For Flexlogger:

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