4-14 | ni.com
Chapter 4 Analog Input
Figure 4-4.  Differential Connections for Floating Signal Sources 
without Bias Resistors
However, for larger source impedances, this connection leaves the DIFF signal path significantly 
off balance. Noise that couples electrostatically onto the positive line does not couple onto the 
negative line because it is connected to ground. This noise appears as a differential mode signal 
instead of a common-mode signal, and thus appears in your data. In this case, instead of directly 
connecting the negative line to AI GND, connect the negative line to AI GND through a resistor 
that is about 100 times the equivalent source impedance. The resistor puts the signal path nearly 
in balance, so that about the same amount of noise couples onto both connections, yielding better 
rejection of electrostatically coupled noise. This configuration does not load down the source 
(other than the very high input impedance of the NI-PGIA).
Figure 4-5.  Differential Connections for Floating Signal Sources 
with Single Bias Resistor
–
+
Inpedance
<100 Ω
AI GND
AI+
AI–
AI SENSE
V
s
Floating
Signal
Source
MIO X Series Device
–
+
R is about 
100 times 
source 
impedance
of sensor
AI GND
R
V
s
Floating
Signal
Source
AI+
AI–
AI SENSE
MIO X Series Device