Description
NI SH68-68-EP – Shielded 68‑Pin Enhanced-Performance Cable for NI DAQ and Signal Conditioning
The NI SH68-68-EP is the dependable go-to when you need a clean, low-noise connection from a 68‑pin NI DAQ device to a 68‑pin terminal block or accessory such as SCB‑68/SCB‑68A. It’s a shielded, enhanced‑performance cable designed to preserve signal integrity for mixed‑signal measurements—analog, digital, counters, and PFI/trigger lines. From my experience, this EP version typically delivers better noise immunity than standard ribbon or unshielded options, especially in cabinets with VFDs, servo drives, or other EMI sources.
You might notice that it uses the classic 68‑pin SCSI‑2 (0.050 in) connectors on both ends, which makes it a straight drop‑in for many legacy and current NI terminal blocks that aren’t VHDCI. If your DAQ has VHDCI ports, the related SHC68‑68‑EPM is usually the closer fit—more on that below.
Our Order Placement Process and Guarantees
- Warranty: 365 days
- Delivery time: 1 week for in-stock; no more than one month at the latest
- Payment: 50% advance payment; full payment prior to delivery
- Express delivery: FedEx, UPS, DHL
Key Features
- Enhanced-performance shielding: Twisted conductors and full cable shielding help reduce crosstalk and external EMI, which typically shows up as steadier analog readings.
- 68‑pin SCSI‑2 on both ends: Male connectors with jackscrew retention for a secure fit to NI terminal blocks and DAQ devices using the 0.050″ D‑type (SCSI‑2) interface.
- Mixed-signal compatibility: Pass‑through wiring for AI, AO, DIO, counter/timer, and PFI/trigger lines used by many NI E‑Series and compatible M‑Series devices.
- Built for test benches and cabinets: Rugged jacket and strain‑relief that hold up well in rack enclosures and lab setups where cables are adjusted frequently.
- Low setup friction: One thing I appreciate is the straightforward routing—right angles aren’t mandatory, and the jackscrews make it hard to get a loose connection.
Technical Specifications
| Brand / Model | National Instruments (NI) / SH68-68-EP |
| HS Code | 8544.42 (Insulated electrical conductors, fitted with connectors) |
| Connectors | 68‑pin SCSI‑2 (0.050″ D‑type), male‑to‑male, jackscrew retention |
| Cable Type | Shielded 68‑conductor EP (enhanced performance) cable for low‑noise signal transfer |
| Power Requirements | N/A (passive cable) |
| Signal I/O Types | Pass‑through for AI/AO, DIO, counters/timers, PFI/trigger lines on compatible NI devices |
| Communication Interfaces | Physical interconnect only; mates NI 68‑pin SCSI‑2 style headers |
| Dimensions & Weight | Length options commonly 0.5 m / 1 m / 2 m; outer diameter typically ~7–8 mm (varies by lot/length) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to 55 °C (typical lab/test environment) |
| Installation Method | Direct cable between NI DAQ and 68‑pin terminal block; secure with jackscrews; route in cabinet or bench setup with proper strain relief |
Related or Supporting Products
- NI SCB-68A / SCB-68 – 68‑pin shielded terminal blocks. SCB‑68A is the updated version with better labeling and strain relief; both mate directly with SH68‑68‑EP.
- NI CB-68LP / CB-68LPR – Low‑profile 68‑pin connector blocks; more compact when panel depth is limited.
- NI BNC-2110 / BNC-2120 – If you prefer front‑panel BNC connectivity, these breakouts accept 68‑pin inputs from the cable.
- NI SHC68-68-EPM – Alternative for devices with VHDCI 68‑pin ports; same idea, but with VHDCI connectors at both ends (not compatible with SCSI‑2 ports).
- NI SH68-68-RD – Economical ribbon‑style 68‑pin cable; lighter and more flexible but, in many cases, not as noise‑resistant as EP.
Installation & Maintenance
- Cabinet and routing: Use grounded metal enclosures when possible; keep the cable separated from high‑voltage or motor power lines by several inches to minimize coupled noise.
- Ventilation: Avoid tight bends near the connector shells; provide strain relief so the cable jacket isn’t pulling on the jackscrews or headers.
- Wiring practice: Secure both connector ends with jackscrews; check pin mapping if you’re mixing different NI terminal blocks.
- Safety: De‑energize test setups where feasible before changing connections; this tends to reduce ESD and transient issues.
- Routine care: Wipe connectors with isopropyl alcohol sparingly; inspect the jackscrew threads; reseat annually if the rack sees vibration.
- Calibration & firmware: The cable itself needs no calibration or firmware, but keeping your DAQ firmware and drivers current (e.g., NI‑DAQmx) usually helps maintain signal timing and triggers.
A quick note from a customer running environmental chambers: swapping a standard 68‑pin cable for SH68‑68‑EP on a 2 m run noticeably stabilized thermocouple readings when compressors were cycling—nothing dramatic, but the noise spikes were clearly reduced.
Quality & Certifications
- Compliance: RoHS compliant; CE marking applicable for the assembly
- Quality system: Manufactured under ISO 9001 quality management
- Warranty: 365‑day warranty (our supply guarantee)
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