Chapter 4 Analog Input
NI USB-621x User Manual 4-16 ni.com
AI Convert Clock Signal
Use the AI Convert Clock (ai/ConvertClock) signal to initiate a single A/D 
conversion on a single channel. A sample (controlled by the AI Sample 
Clock) consists of one or more conversions.
You can specify either an internal or external signal as the source of 
AI Convert Clock. You also can specify whether the measurement sample 
begins on the rising edge or falling edge of AI Convert Clock.
By default, NI-DAQmx chooses the fastest conversion rate possible based 
on the speed of the A/D converter and adds 10 μs of padding between each 
channel to allow for adequate settling time. This scheme enables the 
channels to approximate simultaneous sampling and still allow for 
adequate settling time. If the AI Sample Clock rate is too fast to allow 
for this 10 μs of padding, NI-DAQmx chooses the conversion rate so that 
the AI Convert Clock pulses are evenly spaced throughout the sample.
To explicitly specify the conversion rate, use AI Convert Clock Rate 
DAQmx Timing property node or function.
Caution Setting the conversion rate higher than the maximum rate specified for your 
device will result in errors.
Using an Internal Source
One of the following internal signals can drive AI Convert Clock:
• AI Convert Clock Timebase (divided down)
•Counter n Internal Output
A programmable internal counter divides down the AI Convert Clock 
Timebase to generate AI Convert Clock. Started by AI Sample Clock, the 
counter counts down to zero, produces an AI Convert Clock, reloads itself, 
and repeats the process until the sample is finished. It then reloads itself in 
preparation for the next AI Sample Clock pulse.
Using an External Source
Use any input PFI line as the source of AI Convert Clock.
Routing AI Convert Clock to an Output Terminal
You can route AI Convert Clock (as an active low signal) out to any output 
PFI terminal.