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Chapter 4 Analog Input
Note (NI USB-6356/6366 and PXIe-6378 Devices) Some X Series devices 
internally transfer data in sample pairs, as opposed to single samples. This 
implementation allows for greater data throughput. However, if an acquisition on 
these devices acquires an odd number of total samples, the last sample acquired 
cannot be transferred. 
To ensure this condition never occurs, NI-DAQmx adds a background channel for 
finite acquisitions that have both an odd number of channels and an odd number of 
samples-per-channel. The background channel is also added when performing any 
reference-triggered finite acquisition. Data from the background channel is only 
visible when reading in RAW mode.
For maximum efficiency in bus bandwidth and onboard FIFO use, use an even 
number of samples-per-channel or an even number of channels for finite acquisitions, 
so the background channel is not added.
Reference triggers are not retriggerable.
Using a Digital Source
To use AI Start Trigger with a digital source, specify a source and an edge. The source can be 
any of the following signals:
• PFI <0..15>
•RTSI <0..7>
• Counter n Internal Output
• PXI_STAR
• PXIe_DSTAR<A,B>
The source can also be one of several other internal signals on your DAQ device. Refer to Device 
Routing in MAX in the NI-DAQmx Help or the LabVIEW Help for more information.
You can also specify whether the measurement acquisition begins on the rising edge or falling 
edge of AI Start Trigger.
Using an Analog Source
When you use an analog trigger source, the acquisition begins on the first rising edge of the 
Analog Comparison Event signal.
Routing AI Start Trigger to an Output Terminal
You can route AI Start Trigger out to any PFI <0..15>, RTSI <0..7>, or PXIe_DSTARC 
terminal. The output is an active high pulse. All PFI terminals are configured as inputs by 
default.