Which input mode should I use: differential (DIFF), nonreferenced single-ended (NRSE), or referenced single-ended (RSE)?

[lakersrl]

When configuring my data acquisition (DAQ) device , which input mode should I use: differential (DIFF), nonreferenced single-ended (NRSE), or referenced single-ended (RSE)? IM using NIcDAQ 9172 with modules NI 9263 and NI 9205. 

[lakersrl]

confused on whether to use RSE or NRSE

[aeastet]

This discussion answers your question.

http://forums.ni.com/t5/Signal-Conditioning/which-of-single-ended-referenced-non-referenced-is-bette...

[micahmcc]

Hi lakersrl,

Which input mode you use depends on what kind of acquisition you are doing as well as what your source and setup are. The thread that aeastet pointed you has a lot of good information. To add on to that, here are some knowledgebase articles that explain a bit more in-depth.

This document explains NRSE, RSE, Differential, etc as well as measurement and noise considerations. This is a great resource.

Field Wiring and Noise Considerations for Analog Signals 

Here is another article from Maxim's website that talks about the different configurations with respect to ADCs. It is a bit low-level, but a good explanation nonetheless:

Understanding Single-Ended, Pseudo-Differential and Fully-Differential ADC Inputs

I hope this helps!