Description

Product Overview

The NI SHC68-68-EPM is a shielded multifunction cable designed for National Instruments data acquisition systems. NI identifies it by the formal cable designation SH68M-68F-EPM and specifies a 68-pin VHDCI male connector on one end and a 68-pin SCSI-style female connector on the other. The cable uses twisted-pair construction to improve signal integrity and is intended to connect compatible DAQ devices to accessories, terminal blocks, or other interface cables. It is particularly associated with M Series multifunction DAQ hardware. NI also notes that the EPM version provides enhanced shielding intended for M Series devices, helping reduce noise and crosstalk on additional digital lines. Available cable assemblies include 0.5 m, 1 m, 2 m, 5 m, and 10 m versions, depending on the specific ordering number.

Technical Specifications

NI’s official listing confirms the VHDCI-to-SCSI-style connector arrangement and shielded twisted-pair construction. Distributor data confirms multiple length variants and identifies RoHS compliance for current assemblies.

NI PCNI SHC68-68-EPM

Key Features and Benefits

• Shielded twisted-pair construction improves protection against electromagnetic interference.
• 68-pin VHDCI interface provides a high-density connection for multifunction DAQ signals.
• Designed for NI M Series and compatible DAQ accessories.
• Available in multiple cable lengths for different test-rack and cabinet layouts.
• Useful for analog input, analog output, digital I/O, and timing signals carried through compatible DAQ interfaces.
• Supports custom interface arrangements where a DAQ device must connect to a standard 68-pin accessory.
• Enhanced shielding makes the EPM version particularly suitable for M Series applications.

Personally, I would not substitute this cable purely by connector appearance. The EPM wiring and shielding arrangement is important, especially when working with M Series devices and higher-density digital I/O.

Related Models

SH68M-68F-EPM 192061-01 — 1 m version of the same cable family, commonly referenced for NI DAQ connections.

SH68M-68F-EPM 192061-02 — 2 m version for installations requiring additional cable reach.

SH68M-68F-EPM 192061-05 — 5 m version for larger test systems or separated DAQ and signal-conditioning hardware.

SHC68-68-EP — Related legacy cable family; NI notes that the EPM version has enhanced shielding optimized for M Series hardware, so exact cable identification should be checked before substitution.

Installation and Maintenance

Before installation, verify the DAQ device, accessory, cable length, connector orientation, and required pinout. Ensure both connectors are fully seated and secured before applying power to the connected instrumentation.

During maintenance, inspect the VHDCI and SCSI-style connectors for bent contacts, contamination, loose hardware, or damaged strain relief. Avoid sharp bends and excessive tensile loading, particularly on longer cable assemblies. For low-level analog measurements, keep the cable separated from high-current or high-frequency power wiring whenever practical.

Do not substitute cables solely because both use 68-pin connectors. The connector type, pin assignment, shielding, and intended NI hardware family should all be verified.

Product Warranty

Warranty coverage depends on supplier, stock condition, and purchase agreement. Confirm the exact cable length, manufacturer part number, connector configuration, and condition before procurement. For critical test systems, retaining the original NI identification label is useful for future traceability.

The NI SHC68-68-EPM is a specialized DAQ interface cable, and correct connector and pinout matching are essential for maintaining signal integrity and reliable measurement performance.