Keithley DAS-800 series User Manual

DAS-800 Series

User’s Guide

A GREATER MEASURE OF CONFIDENCE

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IBM® is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.

PC, XT, and AT® are trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation.

Microsoft® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

Turbo C® is a registered trademark of Borland International.

DriverLINX is a registered trademark of Scientific Software Tools, Inc.

All other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective companies.

Information furnished by Keithley Instruments is believed to be accurate and reliable.
However, Keithley Instruments assumes no responsibility for the use of such information nor
for any infringements of patents or other rights of third parties that may result from its
use. No license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent rights of Keithley

Instruments.

WARNING

Keithley Instruments assumes no responsibility for damages consequent to

the use of this product. This product is not designed with components of a level of

reliability suitable for use in life support or critical applications.

DAS-800 Series

User’s Guide

Revision D - June 2002

Part Number: 86870

WARRANTY

Hardware

Keithley Instruments, Inc. warrants that, for a period of one (1) year from the date of shipment (3 years for Models 2000,
2001, 2002, 2010 and 2700), the Keithley Hardware product will be free from defects in materials or workmanship. This
warranty will be honored provided the defect has not been caused by use of the Keithley Hardware not in accordance with
the instructions for the product. This warranty shall be null and void upon: (1) any modification of Keithley Hardware that
is made by other than Keithley and not approved in writing by Keithley or (2) operation of the Keithley Hardware outside
of the environmental specifications therefore.

Upon receiving notification of a defect in the Keithley Hardware during the warranty period, Keithley will, at its option,
either repair or replace such Keithley Hardware. During the first ninety days of the warranty period, Keithley will, at its
option, supply the necessary on site labor to return the product to the condition prior to the notification of a defect. Failure
to notify Keithley of a defect during the warranty shall relieve Keithley of its obligations and liabilities under this
warranty.

Other Hardware

The portion of the product that is not manufactured by Keithley (Other Hardware) shall not be covered by this warranty,
and Keithley shall have no duty of obligation to enforce any manufacturers' warranties on behalf of the customer. On those
other manufacturers’ products that Keithley purchases for resale, Keithley shall have no duty of obligation to enforce any
manufacturers’ warranties on behalf of the customer.

Software

Keithley warrants that for a period of one (1) year from date of shipment, the Keithley produced portion of the software or
firmware (Keithley Software) will conform in all material respects with the published specifications provided such Keithley
Software is used on the product for which it is intended and otherwise in accordance with the instructions therefore.
Keithley does not warrant that operation of the Keithley Software will be uninterrupted or error-free and/or that the Keithley
Software will be adequate for the customer's intended application and/or use. This warranty shall be null and void upon any
modification of the Keithley Software that is made by other than Keithley and not approved in writing by Keithley.

If Keithley receives notification of a Keithley Software nonconformity that is covered by this warranty during the warranty
period, Keithley will review the conditions described in such notice. Such notice must state the published specification(s)
to which the Keithley Software fails to conform and the manner in which the Keithley Software fails to conform to such
published specification(s) with sufficient specificity to permit Keithley to correct such nonconformity. If Keithley deter­mines that the Keithley Software does not conform with the published specifications, Keithley will, at its option, provide
either the programming services necessary to correct such nonconformity or develop a program change to bypass such
nonconformity in the Keithley Software. Failure to notify Keithley of a nonconformity during the warranty shall relieve
Keithley of its obligations and liabilities under this warranty.

Other Software

OEM software that is not produced by Keithley (Other Software) shall not be covered by this warranty, and Keithley shall
have no duty or obligation to enforce any OEM's warranties on behalf of the customer.

Other Items

Keithley warrants the following items for 90 days from the date of shipment: probes, cables, rechargeable batteries, diskettes,
and documentation.

Items not Covered under Warranty

This warranty does not apply to fuses, non-rechargeable batteries, damage from battery leakage, or problems arising from
normal wear or failure to follow instructions.

Limitation of Warranty

This warranty does not apply to defects resulting from product modification made by Purchaser without Keithley's express
written consent, or by misuse of any product or part.

Disclaimer of Warranties

EXCEPT FOR THE EXPRESS WARRANTIES ABOVE KEITHLEY DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES,
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANT­ABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. KEITHLEY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES WITH
RESPECT TO THE OTHER HARDWARE AND OTHER SOFTWARE.

Limitation of Liability

KEITHLEY INSTRUMENTS SHALL IN NO EVENT, REGARDLESS OF CAUSE, ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR
OR BE LIABLE FOR: (1) ECONOMICAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE OR
EXEMPLARY DAMAGES, WHETHER CLAIMED UNDER CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY,
(2) LOSS OF OR DAMAGE TO THE CUSTOMER'S DATA OR PROGRAMMING, OR (3) PENALTIES OR PENALTY
CLAUSES OF ANY DESCRIPTION OR INDEMNIFICATION OF THE CUSTOMER OR OTHERS FOR COSTS, DAM­AGES, OR EXPENSES RELATED TO THE GOODS OR SERVICES PROVIDED UNDER THIS WARRANTY.

Keithley Instruments, Inc.

Sales Offices: BELGIUM: Bergensesteenweg 709 • B-1600 Sint-Pieters-Leeuw • 02-363 00 40 • Fax: [phone]

CHINA: Yuan Chen Xin Building, Room 705 • 12 Yumin Road, Dewai, Madian • Beijing 100029 • 8610-6202-2886 • Fax: [phone]
FINLAND: Tietäjäntie 2 • 02130 Espoo • Phone: [phone] • Fax: [phone]
FRANCE: 3, allée des Garays • 91127 Palaiseau Cédex • 01-64 53 20 20 • Fax: [phone]
GERMANY: Landsberger Strasse 65 • 82110 Germering • 089/84 93 07-40 • Fax: [phone]
GREAT BRITAIN: Unit 2 Commerce Park, Brunel Road • Theale • Berkshire RG7 4AB • 0118 929 7500 • Fax: [phone]
INDIA: Flat 2B, Willocrissa • 14, Rest House Crescent • Bangalore 560 001 • 91-80-509-1320/21 • Fax: [phone]
ITALY: Viale San Gimignano, 38 • 20146 Milano • 02-48 39 16 01 • Fax: [phone]
JAPAN: New Pier Takeshiba North Tower 13F • 11-1, Kaigan 1-chome • Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0022 • 81-3-5733-7555 • Fax: [phone]
KOREA: 2FL., URI Building • 2-14 Yangjae-Dong • Seocho-Gu, Seoul 137-888 • 82-2-574-7778 • Fax: [phone]
NETHERLANDS: Postbus 559 • 4200 AN Gorinchem • 0183-635333 • Fax: [phone]
SWEDEN: c/o Regus Business Centre • Frosundaviks Allé 15, 4tr • 169 70 Solna • 08-509 04 679 • Fax: [phone]
SWITZERLAND: Kriesbachstrasse 4 • 8600 Dübendorf • 01-821 94 44 • Fax: [phone]
TAIWAN: 1FL., 85 Po Ai Street • Hsinchu, Taiwan, R.O.C. • 886-3-572-9077• Fax: [phone]

28775 Aurora Road • Cleveland, Ohio 44139 • 440-248-0400 • Fax: [phone]

1-888-KEITHLEY (534-8453) • www.keithley.com

4/02

S

The following safety precautions should be observed before using this product and any associated instrumentation.
Although some instruments and accessories would normally be used with non-hazardous voltages, there are situations
where hazardous conditions may be present.

This product is intended for use by qualified personnel who recognize shock hazards and are familiar with the safety
precautions required to avoid possible injury. Read and follow all installation, operation, and maintenance information
carefully before using the product. Refer to the manual for complete product specifications.

If the product is used in a manner not specified, the protection provided by the product may be impaired.

The types of product users are:

Responsible body is the individual or group responsible for the use and maintenance of equipment, for ensuring that

the equipment is operated within its specifications and operating limits, and for ensuring that operators are adequately
trained.

Operators use the product for its intended function. They must be trained in electrical safety procedures and proper use

of the instrument. They must be protected from electric shock and contact with hazardous live circuits.

Maintenance personnel perform routine procedures on the product to keep it operating properly, for example, setting

the line voltage or replacing consumable materials. Maintenance procedures are described in the manual. The proce­dures explicitly state if the operator may perform them. Otherwise, they should be performed only by service personnel.

Service personnel are trained to work on live circuits, and perform safe installations and repairs of products. Only

properly trained service personnel may perform installation and service procedures.

Keithley products are designed for use with electrical signals that are rated Installation Category I and Installation
Category II, as described in the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Standard IEC 60664. Most mea­surement, control, and data I/O signals are Installation Category I and must not be directly connected to mains voltage
or to voltage sources with high transient over-voltages. Installation Category II connections require protection for high
transient over-voltages often associated with local AC mains connections. Assume all measurement, control, and data
I/O connections are for connection to Category I sources unless otherwise marked or described in the Manual.

Exercise extreme caution when a shock hazard is present. Lethal voltage may be present on cable connector jacks or
test fixtures. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) states that a shock hazard exists when voltage levels
greater than 30V RMS, 42.4V peak, or 60VDC are present.

age is present in any unknown circuit before measuring.

Operators of this product must be protected from electric shock at all times. The responsible body must ensure that
operators are prevented access and/or insulated from every connection point. In some cases, connections must be ex­posed to potential human contact. Product operators in these circumstances must be trained to protect themselves from
the risk of electric shock. If the circuit is capable of operating at or above 1000 volts,

may be exposed.

Do not connect switching cards directly to unlimited power circuits. They are intended to be used with impedance
limited sources. NEVER connect switching cards directly to AC mains. When connecting sources to switching cards,
install protective devices to limit fault current and voltage to the card.

Before operating an instrument, make sure the line cord is connected to a properly grounded power receptacle. Inspect
the connecting cables, test leads, and jumpers for possible wear, cracks, or breaks before each use.

afety Precautions

A good safety practice is to expect that hazardous volt-

no conductive part of the circuit

5/02

When installing equipment where access to the main power cord is restricted, such as rack mounting, a separate main
input power disconnect device must be provided, in close proximity to the equipment and within easy reach of the
operator.

For maximum safety, do not touch the product, test cables, or any other instruments while power is applied to the cir­cuit under test. ALWAYS remove power from the entire test system and discharge any capacitors before: connecting
or disconnecting cables or jumpers, installing or removing switching cards, or making internal changes, such as in­stalling or removing jumpers.

Do not touch any object that could provide a current path to the common side of the circuit under test or power line (earth)
ground. Always make measurements with dry hands while standing on a dry, insulated surface capable of withstanding the
voltage being measured.

The instrument and accessories must be used in accordance with its specifications and operating instructions or the
safety of the equipment may be impaired.

Do not exceed the maximum signal levels of the instruments and accessories, as defined in the specifications and op­erating information, and as shown on the instrument or test fixture panels, or switching card.

When fuses are used in a product, replace with same type and rating for continued protection against fire hazard.

Chassis connections must only be used as shield connections for measuring circuits, NOT as safety earth ground con­nections.

If you are using a test fixture, keep the lid closed while power is applied to the device under test. Safe operation re­quires the use of a lid interlock.

If or is present, connect it to safety earth ground using the wire recommended in the user documentation.

!

The symbol on an instrument indicates that the user should refer to the operating instructions located in the manual.

The symbol on an instrument shows that it can source or measure 1000 volts or more, including the combined
effect of normal and common mode voltages. Use standard safety precautions to avoid personal contact with these
voltages.

The

WARNING

associated information very carefully before performing the indicated procedure.

The

CAUTION

the warranty.

Instrumentation and accessories shall not be connected to humans.

Before performing any maintenance, disconnect the line cord and all test cables.

To maintain protection from electric shock and fire, replacement components in mains circuits, including the power
transformer, test leads, and input jacks, must be purchased from Keithley Instruments. Standard fuses, with applicable
national safety approvals, may be used if the rating and type are the same. Other components that are not safety related
may be purchased from other suppliers as long as they are equivalent to the original component. (Note that selected parts
should be purchased only through Keithley Instruments to maintain accuracy and functionality of the product.) If you
are unsure about the applicability of a replacement component, call a Keithley Instruments office for information.

To clean an instrument, use a damp cloth or mild, water based cleaner. Clean the exterior of the instrument only. Do
not apply cleaner directly to the instrument or allow liquids to enter or spill on the instrument. Products that consist
of a circuit board with no case or chassis (e.g., data acquisition board for installation into a computer) should never
require cleaning if handled according to instructions. If the board becomes contaminated and operation is affected,
the board should be returned to the factory for proper cleaning/servicing.

heading in a manual explains dangers that might result in personal injury or death. Always read the

heading in a manual explains hazards that could damage the instrument. Such damage may invalidate

Table of Contents

Preface

1

Overview

Supporting Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2

Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4

Functional Description

2

Analog Input Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2

Channel Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Input Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3

Gains and Ranges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4

Channel Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5

Channel Expansion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-7

Conversion Clock Sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8

Triggers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-12

Hardware Gates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-14

Data Transfer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-16

Digital I/O Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-17

8254 Counter/Timer Circuitry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-17

Interrupts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-25

Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-26

Setup and Installation

3

Installing and Configuring DriverLINX for DAS-800

Series Boards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4

Installing the DAS-800 Series Standard

Software Package . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-5

Installing DriverLINX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-6

Configuration with DriverLINX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-7

Unpacking the Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8

Configuring the Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-9

Setting the Base Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-10

Setting the Input Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-13

Setting the Interrupt Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-14

Installing the Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-16

i

Cabling and Wiring

4

Attaching Accessory and Expansion Boards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1

Attaching an STC-37 Screw Terminal Connector. . . . . . . . . 4-3

Attaching an STA-08 / STA-08PGA

Screw Terminal Accessory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4

Attaching an EXP-16 or EXP-16/A Expansion Board . . . . . 4-5

Attaching an EXP-GP Expansion Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-6

Attaching an MB Series Backplane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7

Connecting Multiple Expansion Boards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7

Connecting Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-9

Connecting an Analog Input Signal to a Single-Ended Input 4-9
Connecting an Analog Input Signal to a Differential Input .4-10

Connecting Digital Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-12

Connecting Counter/Timer I/O Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-12

Synchronizing Conversions on Multiple Boards . . . . . . . . . 4-13

5

DriverLINX Analog I/O Panel

Test Panel Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2

6

Calibration

Equipment Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-1

Potentiometers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-2

Calibration Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-4

7

Troubleshooting

Problem Isolation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2

Troubleshooting Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4

Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-7

Specifications

A

Connector Pin Assignments

B

List of Figures

Figure 2-1 DAS-800 Series Functional Block Diagram . . . . .2-2

Figure 2-2 Channel Expansion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-7

Figure 2-3 Initiating Conversions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10

Figure 2-4 Initiating Conversions with a Hardware Trigger 2-13

Figure 2-5 Hardware Gate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15

ii

Figure 2-6 Pulse on Terminal Count Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-19

Figure 2-7 Programmable One-Shot Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-20

Figure 2-8 Rate Generator Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-21

Figure 2-9 Square-Wave Generator Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22

Figure 2-10 Software-Triggered Strobe Mode . . . . . . . . . . . .2-23

Figure 2-11 Hardware-Triggered Strobe Mode. . . . . . . . . . . .2-24

Figure 3-1 DAS-800 Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

Figure 3-2 DAS-801/802 Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3

Figure 3-3 Setting the Base Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11

Figure 3-4 Setting the Input Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14

Figure 3-5 Setting the Interrupt Level. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15

Figure 4-1 Main I/O Connector on a DAS-800 Board . . . . . . 4-2

Figure 4-2 Main I/O Connector on a DAS-801

or DAS-802 Board. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3

Figure 4-3 Attaching an STC-37 Screw Terminal Connector.4-4
Figure 4-4 Attaching an STA-08 / STA-08PGA

Screw Terminal Accessory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5

Figure 4-5 Attaching an EXP-16 or EXP-16/A

Expansion Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6

Figure 4-6 Attaching an EXP-GP Expansion Board. . . . . . . .4-7

Figure 4-7 Connecting Multiple Expansion Boards . . . . . . . .4-8

Figure 4-8 Single-Ended Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-10

Figure 4-9 Differential Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11

Figure 4-10 Synchronizing Conversions on Multiple Boards.4-13

Figure 4-11 Dividing the Rate of the Master Clock . . . . . . . .4-14

Figure 6-1 Potentiometers (DAS-800) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-3

Figure 6-2 Potentiometers (DAS-801 / DAS-802) . . . . . . . . .6-3

Figure B-1 Main I/O Connector (DAS-800) . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-2

Figure B-2 Main I/O Connector (DAS-801 / DAS-802) . . . . B-5

iii

List of Tables

Table 2-1 Supported Gains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4

Table 2-2 Sources for 8254 Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . .2-25

Table 2-3 Expansion Board / Backplane Power

Limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-27

Table 3-1 I/O Address Map (000H to 3FFH) . . . . . . . . . . .3-11

Table 3-2 Interrupt Levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15

Table 7-1 Troubleshooting Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-4

Table A-1 DAS-800, DAS-801, and

DAS-802 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-9

Table B-1 Main I/O Connector Pin Assignments

for the DAS-800 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-3

Table B-2 Main I/O Connector Pin Assignments

for the DAS-801 / DAS-802 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-6

iv

Preface

The

DAS-800 Series User’s Guide

up, install, and use DAS-800 Series boards.

The manual is intended for data acquisition system designers, engineers,
technicians, scientists, and other users responsible for setting up, cabling,
and wiring signals to DAS-800 Series boards. It is assumed that users are
familiar with data acquisition principles and with their
particular application.

The

DAS-800 Series User’s Guide

●

Chapter 1 provides an overview of the features of DAS-800 Series
boards, including a description of supported software and accessories.

●

Chapter 2 provides a more detailed description of the analog input,
digital I/O, and counter/timer I/O features of DAS-800 Series boards.

Chapter 3 describes how to unpack, configure, and install DAS-800

●

Series boards.

provides the information needed to set

is organized as follows:

●

Chapter 4 describes how to attach accessory and expansion boards
and how to wire signals to DAS-800 Series boards.

Chapter 5 describes how to use DriverLINX Analog I/O Panel and

●

DriverLINX Test Panel options to test functions of DAS–800
Series boards.

●

Chapter 6 describes how to calibrate DAS-800 Series boards.

●

Chapter 7 provides troubleshooting information.

Appendix A lists the specifications for DAS-800 Series boards.

●

Appendix B lists the connector pin assignments.

●

An index completes this manual.

Throughout the manual, keep the following in mind:

●

References to DAS-800 Series boards apply to the DAS-800,
DAS-801, and DAS-802 boards. When a feature applies to a
particular board, that board’s name is used.

●

References to Microsoft QuickBasic apply to both Microsoft
QuickBASIC (Version 4.0) and Microsoft QuickBasic (Version 4.5).

1

Overview

The DAS–800 Series is a family of high–performance analog and digital
I/O boards with DriverLINX software requiring:

●

an IBM PC or compatible AT (386, or Pentium CPU) with 2 MB
of memory

at least one floppy disk drive, and one fixed disk drive

●

●

MS–DOS/PCDOS 3.1 or higher

Microsoft Windows 95/98 or Windows NT

●

a compiler supporting Microsoft Windows development

●

●

a mouse is highly recommended

The DAS–800 Series includes the DAS–800, DAS–801, and DAS–802
boards. The major features of DAS–800 Series boards are as follows:

Eight analog input channels (single-ended on the DAS-800;

●

single-ended or differential on the DAS-801 and DAS-802).
Fixed ±5 V analog input range for the DAS-800; nine unipolar and

●

bipolar, software-selectable analog input ranges for the DAS-801
and DAS-802.

On-board 8254 counter/timer circuitry, which you can use as a

●

hardware internal clock source and/or for general-purpose
counter/timer I/O operations.

●

Software-selectable conversion clock source.

●

Digital trigger.

1-1

Hardware gate.

●

Four-word FIFO to store converted data; overrun detection logic to

●

detect lost data points.
Software-selectable interrupt source.

●

Three bits of digital input.

●

Four bits of digital output.

●

Note:

DAS-800 boards are enhancements of DAS-8 boards; DAS-801
boards are enhancements of DAS-8 PGA boards; DAS-802 boards are
enhancements of DAS-8 PGA/G2 boards. DriverLINX for DAS-800
Series does not support the older MetraByte DAS-8 Series. Both 16- and
32-bit support for the DAS-8 Series is available under Windows 95 only,
using a previous version of DriverLINX. Refer to the

Installation

and

Hardware—Configuring the DAS-800 Series

Supporting Software

The following software is available for operating DAS-800 Series boards:

DAS-800 Series standard software package -

●

DAS-800 Series boards. Includes DriverLINX for Microsoft
Windo ws and function libraries for writing application programs such
as Microsoft Visual C++; Microsoft Visual Basic; Borland Delphi
utility programs; and language-specific example programs.

●

DriverLINX -

device drivers for Windows application development includes:

DriverLINX

Configuration Guide and Using DriverLINX With Your

manuals.

Shipped with

®

the high-performance real-time data-acquisition

;

D

●

riverLINX API DLLs and drivers supporting the DAS-800

Series hardware
Analog I/O Panel - A DriverLINX program that verifies the

●

installation and configuration of DriverLINX to your
DAS-800 Series board and demonstrates several virtual
bench-top instruments

1-2 Overview

Learn DriverLINX - an interactive learning and demonstration

●

program for DriverLINX that includes a Digital Storage
Oscilloscope

●

Source Code - for the sample programs

●

DriverLINX Application Programming Interface files - for the
DAS-800 Series compiler

●

DriverLINX On-line Help System - provides immediate help as
you operate DriverLINX

Supplemental Documentation - on DriverLINX installation and

●

configuration; analog and digital I/O programming;
counter/timer programming; technical reference; and
information specific to the DAS-800 Series hardware.

●

DAS-800 Series utilities -

The following utilities are provided as part

of both the DAS-800 Series standard software package:

●

DriverLINX Calibration Utility
DriverLINX Test P anel

●

DAS-800 Series register I/O map

●

- If you cannot satisfy your
application’s requirements with the available software packages and
you are an experienced programmer, you may be able to program
your DAS-800 Series board through direct register I/O instructions.
Contact the factory for more information.

Note:

Attempts to combine register-level programing of
counter/timer functions with DriverLINX programming can
produce unexpected results.

1-3

Accessories

The following accessories are available for use with DAS-800
Series boards:

STC-37 screw terminal connector

●

- For all DAS-800 Series boards,
provides 37 screw terminals that allow you to access the functions of
the board; connects directly to the DAS-800 Series board without
a cable.

STA-08 screw terminal accessory

●

- For the DAS-800 board only,
provides screw terminals that allo w you to access the functions of the
board; provides a breadboard area with power and additional screw
terminals to access the user-designed circuitry.

STA-08PGA screw terminal accessory

●

- For the DAS-801 and
DAS-802 boards only, provides screw terminals that allow you to
access the functions of the board; provides a breadboard area with
power and additional screw terminals to access the
user-designed circuitry.

●

EXP-16 and EXP-16/A expansion board

s - Sixteen-channel
multiplexer and signal-conditioning expansion boards; provide cold
junction compensation (CJC) for thermocouples and
switch-selectable gains ranging from 0.5 to 2000.

●

EXP-GP expansion board

- An 8-channel signal-conditioning
expansion board; connects to RTDs, thermistors, strain gages, and
other variable resistance sensors; provides CJC for thermocouples
and switch-selectable gains of 1, 10, 100, and 1000 or 2.5, 25, 250,
and 2500.

●

MB Series modules and backplanes

- MB Series modules are
high-performance, signal-conditioning modules that measure
thermocouple, RTD, strain gage, voltage, and current inputs and are
installed in MB Series backplanes. MB Series backplanes provide
screw terminals for connecting the high-level analog I/O signals.

1-4 Overview

STA-SCM8 screw terminal accessory

●

- Allows you to connect a
DAS-800 Series board to up to four MB-02 backplanes; provides
screw terminals that allow you to access the functions of the board;
provides a breadboard area with power for the user-designed circuitry.

C-1800 cable

●

- Unshielded, 18-inch cable with a 37-pin connector on
each end; allows you to connect a DAS-800 Series board to an
STA-08, STA-08PGA, EXP-16, EXP-16/A, or EXP-GP.

●

S-1800 cable

- Shielded, 18-inch cable with a 37-pin connector on
each end; allows you to connect a DAS-800 Series board to an
STA-08, STA-08PGA, EXP-16, EXP-16/A, or EXP-GP.

C8-MB1 cable

●

- Cable with a 37-pin connector on one end and a
26-pin-connector on the other end; allows you to connect a DAS-800
Series board to an MB-01 or MB-02 backplane.

C-2600 cable

●

- An 18-inch cable with a 26-pin connector at each end;
allows you to connect an STA-SCM8 screw terminal accessory to an
MB-02 backplane.

Refer to the Keithley

Data Acquisition Catalog & Reference Guide

or contact your local sales office for information on obtaining
these accessories.

1-5

2

Functional Description

This chapter describes the following features of DAS-800 Series boards:

● Analog input features

● Digital I/O features

● Counter/timer I/O features

● Interrupts

● Power

A functional block diagram of a DAS-800 Series board is shown in
Figure 2-1.

2-1

Ch 0

Analog In

8 Channels

Ch 7

Digital I/O

IP1/TRIG

IP2
IP3

OP1
OP2
OP3
OP4

+5v

+12v

-12v

COM

Bus power for

Expansion & Interface

MUX

Channel Select

& Scan Logic

I/O

Buffers

Gain

Control

(DAS801/2)

Internal Data Bus

Control

Registers

Status

Registers

12 Bit A/D

with

Sample/Hold

FIFO

Bus Interface

Address

Decode &

Conversion

Control Logic

Interrupt Select

Levels 2-7

(Jumper)

Timer/

Counter

Clk 2

Gate 2

Out 2

Clk 1

Gate 1

Out 1

Clk 0

Gate 0

Out 0

Interrupt
Control

Clock Generate
& Control Logic

Clk 1
Gate 1

Gate 2
Out 1/CCLK

Out 2

Gate 0

Clk 0

Out 0

INT_IN/XCLK

IBM PC XT/AT Bus

Figure 2-1. DAS-800 Series Functional Block Diagram

Analog Input Features

DAS-800 Series boards use a 12-bit, successive approximation
analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with integral sample and hold. The
ADC provides 12-bit resolution ±1 least significant bit (LSB), providing
an effective accuracy of 11 bits. The ADC converts one sample every
25 µs, providing a maximum conversion frequency of 40 kHz.

2-2 Functional Description

Channel Configuration

DAS-800 Series boards contain eight on-board analog input channels.
The following subsections describe the input configurations supported for
each channel, the gains and input ranges supported for each channel, and
the methods of specifying a channel or channels for an analog
input operation.

Input Configuration

On the DAS-801 and DAS-802, you can configure each channel as either
single-ended or differential. The differences between a single-ended and a
differential input configuration are described as follows:

● Single-ended - A single-ended input configuration is appropriate if

you are measuring relatively high-level signals (greater than 1 V), if
the source of the input signal is close to the board (less than two feet),
or if all input signals are referred to a common ground. This
configuration does not provide common-mode noise rejection.

● Differential - A differential input configuration is appropriate if you

are measuring low-level signals, if high source resistances (greater
than 100 Ω) exist, or if common-mode voltages exist between the
voltage source and the host’s chassis ground. In a differential
configuration, a separate positive and negative terminal is provided
for each channel. Any common-mode noise that is picked up equally
on both inputs is rejected because the difference is zero.

You specify the input configuration by setting switches on the board. The
switches connect or disconnect the inverting side of the input signal to
low-level ground. Refer to page 3-13 for information on setting
the switches.

Notes: On the DAS-800, the channels are always configured as

single-ended; all signals are referred to a single low-level ground.

If you are using EXP-16, EXP-16/A, or EXP-GP expansion boards or
MB-02 backplanes, you must configure the on-board analog input
channels associated with the expansion boards or backplanes as
single-ended.

2-3

Gains and Ranges

A DAS-800 board measures analog input signals in the range of ±5 V.

Each DAS-801 or DAS-802 board contains a programmable gain
amplifier (PGA), which allows you to measure analog input signals in one
of several software-selectable unipolar and bipolar ranges. For each
channel on a DAS-801 or DAS-802 board, you can specify one of five
bipolar and four unipolar analog input ranges.

Table 2-1 lists the gains supported by DAS-800 Series boards and the
analog input voltage range for each gain.

Table 2-1. Supported Gains

Range

Board Gain

DAS-800 1 ±5 V Not available

DAS-801 0.5 ±10 V Not available

1 ±5 V 0 to 10 V

10 ±500 mV 0 to 1 V

100 ±50 mV 0 to 100 mV

500 ±10 mV 0 to 20 mV

DAS-802 0.5 ±10 V Not available

1 ±5 V 0 to 10 V

2 ±2.5 V 0 to 5 V

4 ±1.25 V 0 to 2.5 V

8 ±625 mV 0 to 1.25 V

Bipolar Unipolar

2-4 Functional Description

Note: Analog input channels on DAS-800 Series boards are provided

with protection against signals outside the specified analog input range.
All DAS-800 Series boards can tolerate voltages up to ±35 V and
transients of several hundred volts without damaging the board.

When measuring signals at differential inputs, DAS-801 and DAS-802
boards can tolerate common-mode voltages up to ±35 V and transients of
several hundred volts without damaging the board; however, for normal
operation of the board, make sure that the common-mode voltage is no
more than 12 V − ((G / 2) x VD), where G is the gain and VD is the
differential input voltage.

Channel Selection

You can use DAS-800 Series boards to acquire data from a single analog
input channel or from a range of contiguous, on-board analog input
channels using automatic channel scanning. These two methods of
channel selection are described as follows:

● Single channel - You use software to specify a single channel and

initiate a conversion.

● Automatic channel scanning - You use software to specify the first

and last channels in a range of contiguous, on-board channels (0 to 7).
The channels are sampled in order from first to last; the hardware
automatically increments the analog input multiplexer address shortly
after the start of each conversion. When the last address is reached,
the multiplexer returns to the start address and the channels are
sampled again. For example, assume that the start channel is 4, the
stop channel is 7, and you want to acquire five samples. Your program
reads data first from channel 4, then from channels 5, 6, and 7, and
finally from channel 4 again.

The start channel can be higher than the stop channel. For example,
assume that the start channel is 7, the stop channel is 2, and you want
to acquire five samples. Your program reads data first from channel 7,
then from channels 0, 1, and 2, and finally from channel 7 again.

When using automatic channel scanning, all contiguous, on-board
channels must have the same gain (analog input range).

2-5

Note: DriverLINX allows you to acquire data from a range of

multiple channels that includes channels on expansion boards or MB
Series backplanes. The Expansion Board Configuration for Keithley
DAS-800 Series dialog in DriverLINX of the Special selection of the
Device Subsystem Page allows you to record the settings of your
analog input multiplexers and enable the expansion channels. Refer to
Keithley DAS-800 Series—Using DriverLINX with Your Hardware
manual that accompanies DriverLINX.

Automatic channel scanning is a hardware feature. In
multi-channel range mode, the DAS-800 Series acquires
all data from a consecutive range of analog channels.

● The Start channel’s gain only applies to the first channel

● DriverLINX uses the Stop Channel’s gain for all the other

analog channels in the range.

● If the Start Channel is greater than the Stop Channel, the

channel sequence is [Start Channel, ..., Last Channel, 0, ...,
Stop Channel], where Last Channel is the highest numbered
channel for the DAS-800 model the application is using.

In multi-channel list mode, the DAS-800 Series acquires all data from
a random list of analog channels.

● The channel-gain list may contain up to 256 channels in

any order with any allowed gain.

● The list may repeat the same channel with the same or

different gains.

Automatic channel scanning is a hardware feature. The
functions used to create a group of consecutive channels or a
channel-gain list emulate automatic channel scanning through
software. Therefore, the maximum attainable conversion
frequency is reduced when using a group of consecutive
channels or a channel-gain list.

2-6 Functional Description

Channel Expansion

If you require additional analog input channels or signal conditioning for
transducer inputs, you can use any combination of up to eight 16-channel
EXP-16 expansion boards, eight 16-channel EXP-16/A expansion boards,
and/or eight 8-channel EXP-GP expansion boards to increase the number
of available channels to 128. You can also use up to four MB-02
backplanes to increase the number of available channels to 68.

For the EXP-16, EXP-16/A, and EXP-GP, you attach the expansion
boards in a daisy-chain configuration using the S-1800 or C-1800 cable.
The first expansion board in the daisy chain is associated with on-board
channel 0, the next expansion board is associated with on-board channel
1, and so on. You specify the associated on-board channel by setting a
jumper on each expansion board. You can access any unused on-board
channels by attaching an STA-08 or STA-08PGA screw terminal
accessory to the last expansion board in the daisy-chain configuration.

Figure 2-2 illustrates a daisy-chain configuration of two EXP-16
expansion boards, one EXP-GP expansion board, and an STA-08 screw
terminal accessory connected to a DAS-800 board.

DAS-800

Board

On-board
channel 0

EXP-16

On-board
channel 1

EXP-16

On-board
channel 2

EXP-GP

On-board

channels 3 to 7

STA-08

Figure 2-2. Channel Expansion

For information on attaching multiple MB-02 backplanes, refer to the

Series User’s Guide

.

MB

2-7

Notes: You must specify a single-ended input configuration for all

on-board channels associated with channels on EXP-16, EXP-16/A, or
EXP-GP expansion boards or MB-02 backplanes.

If you are using EXP-16, EXP-16/A, or EXP-GP expansion boards or MB
Series backplanes, the digital output lines of the DAS-800 Series board
select the particular channel on the expansion board or backplane to read.

Refer to the appropriate expansion board documentation for more
information about the EXP-16, EXP-16/A, and EXP-GP expansion
boards. Refer to the MB Series User’s Guide for more information about
the MB-02 backplane.

Conversion Clock Sources

The conversion clock source determines when each analog-to-digital
(A/D) conversion is initiated. DAS-800 Series boards provide the
following software-selectable conversion clock sources:

● Software - When using a software conversion clock, the host

computer issues a command to initiate a conversion. The host polls
the board to determine if the conversion is complete. When the
conversion is complete, the host reads the data from the ADC and
returns the value. If the host reads data before the conversion is
complete, the data will be invalid.

Software-initiated conversions are suitable for measuring DC
voltages; however, in applications where you must accurately control
the sampling rate (as when measuring time-varying signals), it is
recommended that you use either an internal or an external hardware
conversion clock source.

At power-up or system reset, the board assumes that conversions will
be initiated through software.

● Hardware (internal clock source) - The internal clock source uses

the on-board 8254 counter/timer circuitry and a crystal-controlled
1 MHz time base. The 8254 counter/timer circuitry is normally in an
idle state. When you start an analog input operation, a conversion is
initiated immediately. The 8254 is loaded with its initial count value

2-8 Functional Description

and begins counting down. When the 8254 counts down to 0, another
conversion is initiated and the process repeats.

Because the 8254 counter/timer uses a 1 MHz time base, each count
represents 1 µs. For example, if you load a count of 25, the time
interval between conversions is 25 µs; if you load a count of 65536,
the time interval between conversions is 65.536 ms.

The 8254 contains three counter/timers: C/T0, C/T1, and C/T2. If you
are using a hardware internal clock source, the time base logic uses
C/T1 and C/T2 in either normal or cascaded mode, as follows:

– Normal Mode - A software-selectable count is loaded into C/T2

of the 8254 counter/timer circuitry. Each time C/T2 reaches
terminal count, a conversion is initiated. The time interval
between conversions ranges from 25 µs to 65.536 ms.

– Cascaded Mode - A software-selectable count is divided between

C/T2 and C/T1 of the 8254 counter/timer circuitry. When C/T2
counts down to 0, C/T1 decrements by 1. C/T2 is reloaded with
its count value and begins counting down again. Each time C/T2
counts down to 0, C/T1 decrements by 1. Each time both C/T2
and C/T1 reach terminal count, a conversion is initiated. The time
interval between conversions ranges from 25 µs to 1.2 hours.

Note: For compatibility with the DAS-8 board, on power-up or

system reset, the DAS-800 board connects the clock input of C/T2 to
the CPU bus clock divided by two. If you specify a hardware internal
clock source through software, the DAS-800 board connects the clock
inputs of C/T1 and C/T2 to the 1 MHz time base. The DAS-801 and
DAS-802 boards always connect the clock input of C/T2 to the
1 MHz time base.

Refer to page 2-17 for more information about the 8254
counter/timer circuitry.

● Hardware (external clock source) - An external clock source is

useful if you want to sample at rates not available with the 8254
counter/timer circuitry, if you want to sample at uneven intervals, or if
you want to sample on the basis of an external event. An external

2-9

clock also allows you to synchronize conversions on multiple boards
to a common timing source.

The external clock source is an externally applied TTL-compatible
signal, which you attach to the INT_IN / XCLK pin (pin 24) of the
main I/O connector. When you start an analog input operation,
conversions are armed. At the next falling edge of the external clock
source (and at every subsequent falling edge of the external clock
source), a conversion is initiated.

Note: If you are using a hardware external clock source, you cannot

use the INT_IN / XCLK pin (pin 24) to generate interrupts.

Figure 2-3 illustrates how conversions are initiated when using an internal
and an external clock source. (Note that Figure 2-3 assumes that you are
not using a hardware trigger; refer to Figure 2-4 for an illustration of
conversions when using a hardware trigger.)

Operation is started

External Clock
Source

Internal Clock
Source

Conversions begin
when using an
internal clock source

(idle state)

count

count

Conversions begin
when using an
external clock source

count

count

Figure 2-3. Initiating Conversions

2-10 Functional Description

Notes: The ADC acquires data at a maximum of 40 kHz (one sample

every 25 µs). If you are using a hardware external clock, make sure that
the clock does not initiate conversions at a faster rate than the ADC
can handle.

To achieve full measurement accuracy when using a gain of 500, you
should limit the conversion frequency to a maximum of 25 kHz (one
sample every 40 µs).

If you are acquiring samples from multiple channels, the maximum
sampling rate for each channel is equal to 40 kHz divided by the number
of channels.

The rate at which the computer can reliably read data from the board
depends on a number of factors, including your computer, the operating
system/environment, whether you are using expansion boards, the gains
of the channels, and software issues.

You can synchronize conversions on multiple DAS-800 Series boards to a
common, externally applied conversion clock. In addition, you can use a
DAS-801 or DAS-802 board as a timing master; the output of the OUT1
pin (pin 5) on the main I/O connector of the master board acts as an
external hardware conversion clock to any additional boards. You can use
external circuitry, such as C/T0 on the 8254, to divide the rate of the
master clock; this allows you to synchronize conversions on the
additional boards to a rate different from that of the master board. Refer
to page 4-13 for more information on synchronizing conversions on
multiple boards.

2-11

Triggers

A trigger is an event that must occur before a DAS-800 Series board starts
an analog input operation. You can use one of the following trigger
sources to trigger an analog input operation:

● Software - When you start the analog input operation, conversions

begin immediately.

● Hardware - You connect a digital trigger signal to the digital input

IP1 / TRIG pin (pin 25) of the main I/O connector. The trigger event
occurs when the board detects a rising edge on IP1 / TRIG.

The actual point at which conversions begin depends on whether you
are using an internal or external clock source. These considerations
are described as follows:

– Internal clock source - The 8254 counter/timer circuitry remains

idle until the trigger event occurs. When the trigger event occurs,
the board initiates the first conversion immediately.

– External clock source - Conversions are armed when the trigger

event occurs. At the next falling edge of the external clock source,
the board initiates the first conversion.

2-12 Functional Description

Hardware Trigger

External Clock
Source

Internal Clock
Source

Figure 2-4 illustrates how conversions are started when using a
hardware trigger.

Trigger event occurs

Conversions begin
when using an
external clock source

(idle state)

count

count

count

count

Conversions begin
when using an
internal clock source

Figure 2-4. Initiating Conversions with a Hardware Trigger

2-13

Hardware Gates

A hardware gate is an externally applied digital signal that determines
whether conversions occur. You connect the gate signal to the IP1 / TRIG
pin (pin 25) on the main I/O connector. DAS-800 Series boards support a
positive gate only. Therefore, if the hardware gate is enabled and the
signal to IP1 / TRIG is high, conversions occur; if the signal to IP1 /
TRIG is low, conversions are inhibited.

Note: You cannot use the hardware gate with a hardware trigger.

However, the gate signal itself can act as a trigger. If the gate signal is low
when the software starts the analog input operation, the board waits until
the gate signal goes high before conversions begin.

When using the hardware gate, the way conversions are synchronized
depends on whether you are using a hardware external clock or a
hardware internal clock, as follows:

● External clock - The signal from the external clock continues

uninterrupted while the gate signal is low; therefore, conversions are
synchronized to the external clock.

● Internal clock - The 8254 does not count while the gate signal is low.

Whenever the gate signal goes high, the 8254 is loaded with its initial
count value and starts counting; therefore, conversions are
synchronized to the gate signal.

Figure 2-5 illustrates how to use the hardware gate with both an external
clock and an internal clock.

2-14 Functional Description

Gate Signal

Software starts
the operation

External Clock
Source

Gate is high;
conversions occur

1st conversion
(external clock)

Gate is low;
conversions inhibited

3rd conversion
(external clock)

2nd conversion
(external clock)

Internal Clock
Source

1st conversion
(internal clock)

. . . . . . . . . . . .

2nd conversion
(internal clock)

3rd conversion
(internal clock)

Figure 2-5. Hardware Gate

Note: Although DAS-800 Series boards do not provide a hardware-based

analog trigger, you can program an analog trigger through software, using
one of the analog input channels as the trigger channel. DriverLINX
provides functions for both an analog trigger and a digital trigger. Refer to
the Using DriverLINX With Your Hardware— Keithley DAS-800 manual
for more information.

4th conversion
(internal clock)

2-15

Data Transfer

Because DAS-800 Series boards do not support DMA (Direct Memory
Access), data is always transferred from a DAS-800 Series board to the
host computer’s memory through an output port. Data can be transferred
as either a foreground process or a background process. If data is
transferred in the background, the end-of-conversion interrupt must be
enabled so that the board can notify the host computer when new data is
available; refer to page 2-25 for more information about interrupts. If data
is transferred in the foreground, interrupts are not required.

DAS-800 Series boards contain a four-word, first-in, first-out memory
location (FIFO). When you initiate conversions under hardware control,
using an internal or external clock source, the result of each conversion is
automatically stored in the FIFO.

Note: When you use software to initiate conversions, the FIFO control

logic is automatically disabled and the FIFO is emptied.

The FIFO increases the maximum attainable conversion frequency by
increasing the maximum software interrupt latency allowed by a factor of
four (up to the maximum conversion frequency of 40 kHz).

If the conversion frequency is too fast or if the time required to service the
interrupt is too long, the hardware may perform more than four
conversions before the converted data is read. The hardware can detect
this condition and generate an error to indicate that unread data in the
FIFO was overwritten and samples were lost.

Note: When using DriverLINX, the operation of the FIFO is transparent.

The DriverLINX software performs the data transfer.

2-16 Functional Description

Digital I/O Features

DAS-800 Series boards contain three digital input lines and four digital
output lines. The digital input lines are associated with the IP1 / TRIG,
IP2, and IP3 pins on the main I/O connector; the digital output lines are
associated with the OP1, OP2, OP3, and OP4 pins on the main I/O
connector. Logic 1 at a pin indicates that the input/output is high (greater
than 2.0 V); logic 0 at a pin indicates that the input/output is low (less
than 0.8 V).

The digital input lines are compatible with TTL-level signals. If no signal
is connected to a digital input line, the input appears high (logic 1).

You can use the digital input and output lines for any general-purpose
task, with the following exceptions:

● If you are using an expansion board for an analog input operation, the

four digital output lines control the multiplexers on the expansion
boards to determine the expansion board channel that is acquiring
data; in this case, you cannot use the digital output lines for
general-purpose digital output operations.

● If you are using an external digital trigger or hardware gate, you must

use the IP1 / TRIG pin to attach the trigger/gate signal; in this case,
you cannot use IP1 / TRIG for general-purpose digital
input operations.

8254 Counter/Timer Circuitry

Each DAS-800 Series board contains 8254 counter/timer circuitry; the
8254 contains three counter/timers: C/T0, C/T1, and C/T2.

C/T0 is always available for general-purpose tasks. If you are using a
hardware internal clock source for an analog input operation, both C/T1
and C/T2 of the 8254 counter/timer circuitry are dedicated to internal
functions and cannot be used for general-purpose tasks. If you are using a
hardware external clock source, C/T0, C/T1, and C/T2 are always
available for general-purpose tasks.

2-17

C/T0 and C/T1 have a clock input pin on the main I/O connector; all
counter/timers have a gate input pin and an output pin on the main I/O
connector. You can attach a clock source (0 to 10 MHz) to the clock input
pins (CLK0 and CLK1). Pull-up resistors of 3.3 kΩ are provided on the
three gate input pins (GATE0, GATE1, and GATE2); therefore, the gates
appear enabled if no signal is attached to the gate inputs. You can use the
output pins (OUT0, OUT1, and OUT2) for pulse or frequency outputs.

When C/T0, C/T1, and C/T2 are available for general-purpose tasks, you
can cascade counter C/T2 to counter C/T1 to provide an extended
counting range. To cascade these counters, externally wire the output of
counter C/T2 to the clock input of counter C/T1.

Notes: For compatibility with the DAS-8 board, on power-up or system

reset, the DAS-800 board connects the clock input of C/T2 to the CPU
bus clock divided by two. If you specify a hardware internal clock source
through software, the DAS-800 board connects the clock inputs of C/T1
and C/T2 to the 1 MHz time base. The DAS-801 and DAS-802 boards
always connect the clock input of C/T2 to the 1 MHz time base.

You can use the OUT1 pin of a DAS-801 or DAS-802 board to
synchronize conversions on multiple boards. Refer to page 4-13 for
more information.

The CLK1, GATE1, and GATE2 pins are provided for compatibility with
DAS-8, DAS-8 PGA, and DAS-8 PGA/G2 boards on power-up or system
reset. If you specify a hardware internal clock source through software,
you cannot use these pins.

2-18 Functional Description

You can program the 8254 counter/timer circuitry to operate in one of the
following counter/timer modes:

● Pulse on terminal count (Mode 0) - This mode is useful for event

counting or for programming a time delay. The software forces the
output low. On the next clock pulse after the software writes the
initial count value, the counter is loaded. When the counter reaches
zero, the output goes high and remains high until the software writes
a new count value. Note that the output does not go high until n + 1
clock pulses after the initial count is written, where n indicates the
loaded count.

A high gate input enables counting; a low gate input disables
counting. The gate input has no effect on the output. Note that an
initial count value written while the gate input is low is still loaded on
the next clock pulse.

Figure 2-6 illustrates pulse on terminal count mode.

Clock pulse

Software forces
output low

Output

Software writes initial
count value of 3

3 2 1

Figure 2-6. Pulse on Terminal Count Mode

2-19

Clock pulse

● Programmable one-shot (Mode 1) - This mode is useful for

providing a hardware-triggered delay or one-shot pulse. The output is
initially high. A trigger loads the initial count value into the counter.
At the next clock pulse after the trigger, the output goes low and
remains low until the counter reaches zero. (The one-shot pulse is n
clock cycles in duration, where n indicates the loaded count.) After
the counter reaches zero, the output goes high and remains high until
the clock pulse after the next trigger; this makes the one-shot
pulse retriggerable.

You do not have to reload the count into the counter. The gate input
has no effect on the output. Writing a new count to the counter during
a one-shot pulse does not affect the current one-shot pulse.

Figure 2-7 illustrates programmable one-shot mode.

Trigger loads initial
count value of 3

Output

3 2 1

Figure 2-7. Programmable One-Shot Mode

2-20 Functional Description

Clock pulse

● Rate generator (Mode 2) - This mode is useful for generating a

real-time clock interrupt. The output is initially high. A trigger loads
the initial count value into the counter. At the next clock pulse after
the trigger, the counter starts counting down. When the counter
reaches one, the output goes low for one clock pulse and then goes
high again. The counter is then reloaded with the initial count value
and the process repeats.

A high gate input enables counting; a low gate input disables
counting. If the gate goes low during an output pulse, the output is set
high immediately; this allows you to use the gate input to synchronize
the counter.

Writing a new count to the counter while counting does not affect the
current counting sequence. In this mode, a count of 1 is illegal.

Figure 2-8 illustrates rate generator mode.

Output

Trigger loads initial
count value of 3

3 2

1 3 2 1 2

Figure 2-8. Rate Generator Mode

2-21

Clock pulse

● Square-wave generator (Mode 3) - This mode is useful for

square-wave generation. The output is initially high. A trigger loads
the initial count value into the counter. At the next clock pulse after
the trigger, the counter starts counting down. When half the initial
count has elapsed, the output goes low for the remainder of the count.
When the total count elapses, the counter is reloaded with the initial
count value, the output goes high again, and the process repeats. If the
initial count is odd, the output is high for (n + 1) / 2 counts and low
for (n − 1) / 2 counts, where n indicates the loaded count.

A high gate input enables counting; a low gate input disables
counting. If the gate goes low while the output is low, the output is set
high immediately; this allows you to use the gate input to synchronize
the counter.

Figure 2-9 illustrates square-wave generator mode.

Trigger loads initial
count value of 4

Output

4 3 2 1 4 3 2 1

Figure 2-9. Square-Wave Generator Mode

2-22 Functional Description

Clock pulse

● Software-triggered strobe (Mode 4) - The output is initially high.

Writing the initial count through software loads the initial count value
into the counter at the next clock pulse, but the counter does not start
counting. At the next clock pulse, the counter starts counting down.
When the counter reaches zero, the output goes low for one clock
pulse and then goes high again. Note that the output does not go low
until n + 1 clock pulses after the initial count is written, where n
indicates the loaded count.

A high gate input enables counting; a low gate input disables
counting. The gate input has no effect on the output.

Figure 2-10 illustrates software-triggered strobe mode.

Software writes initial
count value of 3

Output

Figure 2-10. Software-Triggered Strobe Mode

Software loads counter
with initial count

3 2

1

2-23

Clock pulse

● Hardware-triggered strobe (Mode 5) - The output is initially high.

A rising edge of the gate input acts as a trigger. The counter is loaded
with the initial count value on the next clock pulse after the trigger,
but the counter does not start counting. At the next clock pulse, the
counter starts counting down. When the counter reaches zero, the
output goes low for one clock pulse and then goes high again. Note
that the output does not go low until n + 1 clock pulses after the
trigger event occurs, where n indicates the loaded count.

After the trigger event occurs, the gate input has no effect on the
output. Writing a new value during counting does not affect the
counting sequence.

Figure 2-11 illustrates hardware-triggered strobe mode.

Rising edge of gate
input acts as trigger

Output

Figure 2-11. Hardware-Triggered Strobe Mode

Refer to 8254 documentation for information on programming the 8254
counter/timer circuitry for general-purpose tasks. Table 2-2 lists several
companies that provide documentation for the 8254.

Counter is loaded with
initial count value of 3

3 2

1

2-24 Functional Description

Table 2-2. Sources for 8254 Documentation

Company Address and Telephone Number

Intel Corporation Literature Sales

P.O. Box 7641
Mt. Prospect, IL 60056-7641
[phone]

Harris Semiconductor Literature Department

P.O. Box 883, MS CB1-28
Melbourne, FL 32901
[phone]

Interrupts

Newbridge
Microsystems

603 March Road
Kanata, Ontario
Canada K2K 1X3
[phone]
[phone]

DAS-800 Series boards can generate interrupts from one of the following
interrupt sources:

● External interrupt - An interrupt is generated when a rising edge

is applied to the INT_IN / XCLK pin (pin 24) on the main
I/O connector.

Note: If you are using an external interrupt, you cannot use the

INT_IN / XCLK pin (pin 24) to connect a hardware external
clock source.

● End-of-Conversion (EOC) interrupt - An interrupt is generated

when an A/D conversion is complete.

The interrupt source is software-selectable. At power-up or system reset,
the board assumes that the interrupt source is an external interrupt.

2-25

Power

You can select only one interrupt at a time. If you are using an interrupt,
you must select the interrupt level (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7) using a jumper on
the board. If you are not using an interrupt, you can disable interrupts
using a jumper on the board. Refer to page 3-14 for more information.

Note: If you are acquiring data in the background, interrupts must be

enabled and the interrupt source must be an EOC interrupt.

If an interrupt condition is satisfied, an on-board flip-flop is set. If
interrupts are enabled (through both hardware and software), the board
generates an interrupt to the host, driving the selected host interrupt line
to an active state.

The analog circuitry on the DAS-800 board is powered by the ±12 V of
the host computer. The DAS-801 and DAS-802 boards contain a DC/DC
converter to provide power to the analog circuitry.

Note: Many laptop computers and other types of battery-operated

computers do not have a −12 V power supply. If your computer does not
have a −12 V power supply, you cannot use a DAS-800 board.

The host computer can provide power for EXP-16, EXP-16/A, and
EXP-GP expansion boards and MB Series backplanes; however, certain
power limitations exist. Table 2-3 lists the maximum number of
expansion boards and backplanes that the host can power.

2-26 Functional Description

Table 2-3. Expansion Board / Backplane Power Limitations

Expansion Board /
Backplane

EXP-16 4

EXP-16/A 4

EXP-GP 3

MB-01 Always use external power.

MB-02 Always use external power.

MB-03 4

MB-04 2

STA-1360 4

Maximum Number
Powered by Host

If you want to use more expansion boards or backplanes than indicated in
Table 2-3, you must connect an external power supply to the additional
expansion boards or backplanes. Refer to the appropriate expansion board
documentation for information on providing external power to EXP-16,
EXP-16/A, and EXP-GP expansion boards. Refer to the MB Series User’s
Guide for information on providing external power to MB
Series backplanes.

2-27

3

Setup and Installation

This chapter describes how to install the software in your computer,
unpack and inspect the board, configure the board, and install the board in
your computer.

If you are familiar with switches and jumpers and with the items that are
configurable on DAS-800 Series boards, you can use Figure 3-1 as a
quick reference for configuring a DAS-800 board and Figure 3-2 as a
quick reference for configuring a DAS-801 or DAS-802 board. If you
need additional information, refer to Configuring the Board on page 3-9.

Read this chapter and all related DriverLINX documentation before you
attempt to install and use your DAS-800 Series board.

3-1

BASE ADDRESS

O

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

N

IRQ
LEVEL

Switch
block S1

J1

2 3 4 5 6 7 X

J2

Main I/O
connector

Base Address
(On = 0, Off = 1)
0000000 = 000H
0000001 = 008H
0000010 = 010H
.
.
1100000 = 300H
.

1111111 = 3F8H

Interrupt level

Pin 1

(X = disabled)

Figure 3-1. DAS-800 Board

3-2 Setup and Installation

Switch
block S1

O

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

N

8

BASE ADDRESS

O

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

N

Base Address
(On = 0, Off = 1)
0000000 = 000H
0000001 = 008H
0000010 = 010H
.
.
1100000 = 300H
.

1111111 = 3F8H

Switch
block S2

IRQ

LEVEL

Input Configuration
(On = single-ended,

Off = differential)
Switch 1 = Channel 0
Switch 2 = Channel 1
Switch 3 = Channel 2
Switch 4 = Channel 3
Switch 5 = Channel 4
Switch 6 = Channel 5
Switch 7 = Channel 6
Switch 8 = Channel 7

J1

2 3 4 5 6 7 X

Interrupt level
(X = disabled)

Figure 3-2. DAS-801/802 Board

J2

Main I/O
connector

Pin 1

3-3

Installing and Configuring DriverLINX for DAS-800
Series Boards

Important:

install and test any new hardware, you should exit all other programs
and, if you use a disk cache, disable write caching. If the system does
crash and you’re using disk compression software or a disk cache
utility, as a precaution after any crash, run the utility that checks the
directory structures.

This section describes how to install the DAS-800 Series standard
software package. The contents of these software packages are described
as follows:

●

DAS-800 Series standard software package

DAS-800 Series boards. Includes DriverLINX®for Microsoft®
Windo ws and function libraries for writing application programs such
as Microsoft Visual C++; Microsoft Visual Basic; Borland Delphi®;
utility programs; and language-specific example programs.

●

DriverLINX-

device drivers for Windows application development includes:

–

DriverLINX API DLLs and drivers supporting the D AS-800
Series hardware

As a precaution against a system crash the first time you

- Shipped with

the high-performance real-time data-acquisition

– Analog I/O Panel - A DriverLINX program that verifies the

installation and configuration of DriverLINX to your
DAS-800 Series board and demonstrates several virtual
bench-top instruments

– Learn DriverLINX - an interactive learning and

demonstration program for DriverLINX that includes a
Digital Storage Oscilloscope

– Source Code - for the sample programs

3-4 Setup and Installation

– DriverLINX Application Programming Interface files - for

the DAS-800 Series compiler

– DriverLINX On-line Help System - provides immediate help

as you operate DriverLINX

– Supplemental Documentation - on DriverLINX installation

and configuration; analog and digital I/O programming;
counter/timer programming; technical reference; and
information specific to the DAS-800 Series hardware

DAS-800 Series utilities

●

of both the DAS-800 Series standard software package:

DriverLINX Calibration Utility

–

- The following utilities are provided as part

– DriverLINX Test Panel Utility

Installing the DAS-800 Series Standard Software Package

Note:

software for the DAS-800, read the

Configuration Guide and the Using DriverLINX with your
Hardware—DAS-800 Series manuals that are packaged with the
DriverLINX software. They are accessed from the DriverLINX
CD-ROM after you have installed Adobe Acrobat®.

Before Installing DriverLINX

1. Inventory your DAS-800 board’s configuration settings.

Important—Before you begin installing any hardware or

DriverLINX Installation and

2. Determine the resources your DAS-800 Series board requires.

3. Inventory your computer’s resources already allocated to other
installed devices.

4. Determine whether your computer has sufficient resources for your
DAS-800 board

3-5

5. Determine whether your DAS-800 board can use your computer’s
free resources.

6. Set any jumpers/switches to configure your DAS-800 board to use
your computer’s free resources.

7. Set any other jumpers/switches to configure your DAS-800 board the
way you want.

8. Install your DAS-800 board into an appropriate free slot in
your computer.

Selecting the DriverLINX components to Install

For your convenience in installing and uninstalling just the DriverLINX
components you need, the DriverLINX CD Browser will assist you in
selecting the components to install:

–

Install Drivers—

you need for configuring your hardware and running third-party
data-acquisition applications that require DriverLINX.

–

Install Interfaces—

and example programs that you will need to develop custom
applications for DriverLINX using C/C++, Visual Basic, Delphi,
and LabVIEW.

This required component installs only the files

This optional component installs the files

–

Install Documentation—

electronic documentation for DriverLINX that you can read,
search, and print using the Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Install Acrobat—

–

Acrobat Reader for the DriverLINX electronic documentation.

This optional component installs the Adobe

This optional component installs

Installing DriverLINX

1. Insert the DriverLINX CD-ROM into your computer’s
CD-ROM Drive.

2. Start the DriverLINX setup program. On most systems, wait a few
seconds for automatic startup. Otherwise, run the setup.exe program
from the CD-ROM.

3-6 Setup and Installation

3. The DriverLINX CD-ROM Browser Map window appears on
the screen. Click ‘Install Drivers,’ and follow the series of
on-screen instructions.

Note:

T o display an explanation of a menu option on the Dri v erLINX
CD browser map that appears next and on subsequent setup screens,
place the mouse pointer over the menu item. A star next to a menu
item means that the item was selected previously.

4. Select ‘Read Me First,’ and follow the instructions.

5. Select ‘Install Documentation.’ If you do not have Adobe Acrobat
installed on your computer, install it by selecting ‘Install
Adobe Acrobat. ’

6. Open the manuals appropriate to the DAS-800 installation and read
them before installing your DAS-800 board or configuring
DriverLINX:

– Installation and Configuration

– Using DriverLINX with Your Hardware—Keithley DAS-800

– DriverLINX Technical Reference Manual

– DriverLINX Analog I/O Programming Guide

– DriverLINX Digital I/O Programming Guide

– DriverLINX Counter/Timer Programming Guide

– Appendix, I/O Port, Interrupt, and DMA Channel Usage

– Other manuals appropriate to your installation

Configuration with DriverLINX

Follow the DriverLINX on-screen instructions for installation of drivers
and interfaces. Refer to the

Guide and Using DriverLINX with Your Hardware—Keithley
DAS-800 manuals.

DriverLINX Installation and Configuration

3-7

Note:

installations for Windows NT and Windows 95/98.

Before you configure DriverLINX for operation with the DAS-800 Series
board, you must specify the base address, interrupt level, and input
configuration by setting switches on the board.

Be sure to follow all programming differences between

Unpacking the Board

To prevent any damage to your DAS-800 Series board, perform the
following steps when unpacking the board:

1. Remove the wrapped DAS-800 Series board from its outer
shipping carton.

2. Making sure that your computer is turned OFF but grounded, hold the
wrapped board in one hand while placing your other hand firmly on a
metal portion of the computer chassis; this discharges any
static electricity.

3. Carefully remove the board from its anti-static wrapping material.
(You may wish to store the wrapping material for future use.)

4. Inspect the board for signs of damage. If any damage is apparent,
arrange to return the board to the factory; refer to Chapter 7 for
more information.

5. Check the remaining contents of your package against the packing list
to ensure that your order is complete. Report any missing items to the
factory immediately.

6. Once you have determined that the board is acceptable, you can
configure the board. Refer to the next section for
configuration options.

3-8 Setup and Installation

Configuring the Board

Be sure to make note of the configuration of all switches and jumpers on
the board. You will use this information to enter the correct configuration
parameters using DriverLINX. Also locate any information or notes about
the interrupt and DMA channels used by the other hardware devices in
your computer system.

You can configure the following items on DAS-800 Series boards:

Board type (DAS-800, DAS-801, or DAS-802).

●

Base address (required by DriverLINX and other software packages

●

to perform DAS-800 Series board operations).

●

Use of C/T2 on the 8254 (cascaded or normal).

Input range type (unipolar or bipolar) for a DAS-801 or

●

DAS-802 board.

●

Input configuration (single-ended or differential) for each channel on
a DAS-801 or DAS-802 board.

●

Interrupt level.

Expansion boards used (information includes the number of

●

expansion boards, the gains used by channels on the expansion
boards, and the channel used as the CJC sensor).

Note:

For EXP-16, EXP-16/A, and EXP-GP expansion boards, you
must also set switches on the expansion boards to specify the gains
used by channels on the expansion boards. Refer to the appropriate
expansion board documentation for information about setting
the switches.

3-9

Setting the Base Address

DAS-800 Series boards are shipped with a base address of 300H. If any of
the address locations between 300H and 307H are being used by another
resource in your system (including another DAS-800 Series board), you
must reconfigure the base address using the base address switch block
(labeled S1 on the DAS-800 board; labeled S2 on DAS-801 and
DAS-802 boards).

Note:

decimal or 0x300 hex. If you have another peripheral board at the same
address, select a different base address. You need a block of eight free
addresses. Make sure that the switch settings for each board match the
settings you set in DriverLINX. Refer to the

Hardware—Keithley DAS-800

Using DriverLINX under Windows 95/98, the
automatically selects an appropriate address. To change the address,
refer to the

DAS-800

The base address switch block contains seven switches, labeled 1 through

7. Switch 1 corresponds to the most significant bit (MSB) of the base
address; switch 7 corresponds to the LSB of the base address. The
location of the base address switch block on the DAS-800 board is sho wn
in Figure 3-1 on page 3-2; the location of the base address switch block
on the DAS-801 and D AS-802 boards is sho wn in Figure 3-2 on page 3-3.

You place a switch in the ON position (logic 0) by sliding the switch
toward the top (numbered side) of the switch block. You place a switch in
the OFF position (logic 1) by sliding the switch toward the bottom
(unnumbered side) of the switch block.

In Windows NT, the default address used by DriverLINX is 768

Using DriverLINX with Your

manual.

Add New Hardware

Using DriverLINX with Your Hardware—Keithley

manual.

Figure 3-3 illustrates the setting for a base address of 280H; switches 1
and 3 are in the OFF position and switches 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7 are in the
ON position.

3-10 Setup and Installation

1 2

O
N

3 4

5 6

7

Figure 3-3. Setting the Base Address

Table 3-1 lists I/O addresses commonly used by IBM PC/XT, AT, and
compatible computers. Determine an even boundary of eight I/O
addresses within the range of 000H to 3F8H that is not being used by
another resource in your system (including another DAS-800 Series
board), and set the switches to the appropriate base address.

Table 3-1. I/O Address Map (000H to 3FFH)

Address Range Use

000H to 00FH 8237 DMA #1
020H to 021H 8259 PIC #1
040H to 043H 8253 timer
060H to 063H 8255 PPI (XT)
060H to 064H 8742 controller (AT)
070H to 071H CMOS RAM and NMI mask register (AT)
080H to 08FH DMA page registers
0A0H to 0A1H 8259 PIC #2 (AT)
0A0H to 0AFH NMI mask register (XT)
0C0H to 0DFH 8237 DMA #2 (AT - word-mapped)
0F0H to 0FFH 80287 numeric processor (AT)
1F0H to 1FFH Hard disk (AT)
200H to 2FFH Game / control
210H to 21FH Expansion unit (XT)

3-11

Table 3-1. I/O Address Map (000H to 3FFH) (cont.)

Address Range Use

238H to 23BH Bus mouse
23CH to 23FH Alternate bus mouse
278H to 27FH Parallel printer
2B0H to 2DFH EGA
2E0H to 2EFH GPIB (AT)
2E8H to 2EFH Serial port
2F8H to 2FFH Serial port
300H to 31FH Prototype card
320H to 32FH Hard disk (XT)
378H to 37FH Parallel printer
380H to 38FH SDLC
3A0H to 3AFH SDLC
3B0H to 3BBH MDA
3BCH to 3BFH Parallel printer
3C0H to 3CFH EGA
3D0H to 3DFH CGA
3E8H to 3EFH Serial port
3F0H to 3F7H Floppy disk
3F8H to 3FFH Serial port

3-12 Setup and Installation

Notes:

dialog in DriverLINX allows you to record the settings of your analog
input multiplexers and enable the expansion channels. Make sure that the
switch settings match the settings you define in DriverLINX. Refer to the

Using DriverLINX with Your Hardware—Keithley DAS-800 manual.

On models DAS-801 and DAS-802, using a multiplexer requires setting
the associated base channel’s switch to single-ended.

The DriverLINX Analog Input subsystem has 8 analog input single-ended
or differential signal connections depending on the model of your
DAS-800 board. DriverLINX maps these signals to Logical Channels.
DriverLINX uses several of these control connections for external clock,
trigger, and gating inputs. Refer to the

Hardware—Keithley DAS-800 manual.

All DAS-800 Series boards have 8 analog input channels. On DAS-801
and DAS-802 models, you can switch each channel to differential or
single-ended. The switch setting affects only the connections for the
channel. DriverLINX grays out this property in the configuration dialog.

The Expansion Board Configuration for Keithley D AS-800 Series

Using DriverLINX with Your

Setting the Input Configuration

DAS-801 and DAS-802 boards are shipped with the input configuration
for all channels set to single-ended. If this is not appropriate for your
application, you can reconfigure the input configuration on a
channel-by-channel basis using the input configuration switch block
(labeled S1).

Note:

file is also single-ended for all channels. Make sure that the switch
settings match the settings you establish in DriverLINX.

The input configuration switch block contains eight switches, labeled 1
through 8. Switch 1 corresponds to channel 0; switch 2 corresponds to
channel 1, and so on. The location of the input configuration switch block
on the DAS-801 and D AS-802 boards is sho wn in Figure 3-2 on page 3-3.

The default input configuration in the DriverLINX configuration

3-13

You place a switch in the ON position (single-ended) by sliding the
switch toward the top (numbered side) of the switch block. You place a
switch in the OFF position (differential) by sliding the switch toward the
bottom (unnumbered side) of the switch block.

Figure 3-4 illustrates the setting for channels 0, 5, and 7 configured as
single-ended (switches 1, 6, and 8 are in the ON position) and channels 1,
2, 3, 4, and 6 configured as differential (switches 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7 are in
the OFF position).

1 2

O
N

Figure 3-4. Setting the Input Configuration

3 4

5 6

7

8

Notes:

Since DAS-800 boards always use a single-ended input

configuration, they do not contain an input configuration switch block.

Setting the Interrupt Level

DAS-800 Series boards are shipped with interrupts disabled. If you want
to use interrupts, you must set an appropriate interrupt level using jumper
block J1.

Notes:

techniques: Foreground or synchronous modes, Background or
asynchronous modes. DriverLINX supports three modes with the
DAS-800 Series for its commands: Polled mode, Interrupt mode, and
Other mode. Refer to the

Keithley DAS-800 manual

If you intend to acquire data in the background, you must enable
interrupts by setting an interrupt level.

3-14 Setup and Installation

DriverLINX modes specify preferred hardware data transfer

Using DriverLINX with Your Hardware—

.

Jumper block J1 contains seven pairs of jumper posts, labeled 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,
7, and X (disabled). You set the interrupt level by placing the supplied
jumper clip over the appropriate posts. Note that you can set only one
interrupt level at a time.

Figure 3-5 illustrates the setting for interrupt level 5; the jumper clip is
over the posts labeled 5.

IRQ

LEVEL

2 3 4 5 6 7 X

Figure 3-5. Setting the Interrupt Level

Table 3-2 lists interrupt levels commonly used by IBM PC/XT, AT, and
compatible computers. Select an interrupt level that is not being used by
another resource in your system (including another DAS-800 Series
board), and set the jumper to the appropriate interrupt level. It is
recommended that you select interrupt level 3, 4, 5, or 7, if available.

Table 3-2. Interrupt Levels

Level Use

2 Reserved (XT), interrupts 8 to 15 (AT)
3 Serial port COM2 or SDLC
4 Serial port COM1 or SDLC
5 Hard disk (XT), LPT (AT)
6 Floppy disk
7 LPT

3-15

Installing the Board

Before installing a DAS-800 Series board in your computer, make sure
that the switches and jumper on the board are set appropriately and that
the jumper and switch settings match the settings you configure in
DriverLINX.

Caution:

damage to your computer.

To install the board, perform the following steps:

1. Turn power to the computer and all attached equipment OFF.

2. Remove the computer chassis cover.

3. Select an available slot. The D AS-800 requires a single, short slot; the

4. Loosen and remove the screw at the top of the blank adapter plate,

5. Insert and secure the board connector in the selected slot.

6. Replace the computer chassis cover.

7. Plug in all cords and cables.

8. Turn power to the computer ON.

Installing or removing a board with the power ON can cause

DAS-801 and DAS-802 require a single, 1/2-slot.

and then slide the plate up and out to remove.

After you install the DAS-800 Series board in the computer, you can
attach an expansion board, if necessary, and wire the appropriate signals
to the board; refer to Chapter 4 for information. Before writing your
application program, you can test the functions of the DAS-800 Series
board using the DriverLINX AIO Panel or Test Panel for testing your
DriverLINX installation and configuration; verifying signal inputs to the
DAS-800 Series board; sending test signals to external devices.

3-16 Setup and Installation

Refer to the documentation provided with your computer for more
information on installing boards.

Configuring DriverLINX

After you have successfully installed the DAS-800 Series board in your
computer, start Windows to install DriverLINX. For detailed instructions
on installing DriverLINX, see the documentation provided on the
DriverLINX CD-ROM; especially the

Configuration Guide
Hardware—Keithley DAS-800

Run “Learn DriverLINX” (LearnDL.exe) from the DriverLINX program
group to tell DriverLINX ho w you configured your D AS-800 Series board
and to verify that everything is properly installed and configured.

1. Start Windows as you normally would and select the Program
Manager window. Install DriverLINX if you have not previously
done so.

and the

Using DriverLINX with Your

manuals

DriverLINX Installation and

.

2. Either select the “Learn DriverLINX” icon created when you
installed DriverLINX or enter
“<drive>:/DRVLNX/LEARNDL” in the Command Line edit
box activated by selecting from the File menu the Run... option.
<drive> is the letter of the hard disk drive where DriverLINX
is installed.

3. Immediately after loading Learn DL, the Open DriverLINX
DLL dialog box appears. Select the name of the
hardware-specific DLL from the list for your DAS-800 board.
The name is an abbreviation of the board’s model number.

4. From the main menu bar of Learn DL, select the Device menu
and choose Select...

5. Select the Logical Device you wish to configure and then click
on the OK button (return).

6. Again select the Device menu and then choose the Configure...
option to display the Device Configuration Dialog Box.

3-17

7. From the Model list, select the model name for your DAS-800
Series board you are configuring.

8. If the value displayed in the Address edit box is not correct, type
the correct value into the box. You may enter the address in
decimal or hexadecimal using the c-notation for hex, (that is,
768 decimal = 0x300 hexadecimal).

9. Choose the correct options for the Analog, digital, and
Counter/Timer Sections by first clicking on the appropriate
radio button in the middle of the dialog box and then
completing the group of dialog fields in the lower third of the
dialog box. Be sure to click on both the Input and Output radio
buttons for the Analog and Digital groups to see all the
dialog fields.

10. After you have made all your selections, save the configuration
parameters by clicking on the OK button. This will create or
update the configuration file in the Windows directory.

11. Repeat the preceding steps starting at step 5, for each Logical
Device you wish to configure.

3-18 Setup and Installation

4

Cabling and Wiring

This chapter describes how to attach accessory and expansion boards
to a DAS-800 Series board, how to connect signals to a DAS-800 Series
board, and how to synchronize conversions on multiple DAS-800
Series boards.

Note:

make sure that power to your computer and any accessories attached to
the DAS-800 Series board are OFF.

Before you make any connections to a DAS-800 Series board,

Attaching Accessory and Expansion Boards

You attach an STC-37 screw terminal connector, STA-08 or STA-08PGA
screw terminal accessory, or EXP-16, EXP-16/A, or EXP-GP expansion
board to a DAS-800 Series board through the main I/O connector, a
37-pin, D-type connector that is labeled J2 on the board. The main I/O
connector and its pin assignments on a DAS-800 board are shown in
Figure 4-1; the main I/O connector and its pin assignments on a DAS-801
or DAS-802 board are shown in Figure 4-2. Refer to Appendix B for a
more detailed description of the pins.

4-1

Top of Board (Rear View)

VREF Pin 19
LLCOM Pin 18

LLCOM Pin 17
LLCOM Pin 16
LLCOM Pin 15
LLCOM Pin 14

LLCOM Pin 13
LLCOM Pin 12
DIG COM Pin 11
OP4 Pin 10

OP3 Pin 9
OP2 Pin 8
OP1 Pin 7
OUT2 Pin 6
OUT1 Pin 5
CLK1 Pin 4
OUT0 Pin 3
CLK0 Pin 2
+12 V Pin 1

Pin 37 IN0
Pin 36 IN1
Pin 35 IN2

Pin 34 IN3
Pin 33 IN4
Pin 32 IN5
Pin 31 IN6

Pin 30 IN7
Pin 29 +5 V

Pin 28 DIG COM
Pin 27 IP3
Pin 26 IP2
Pin 25 IP1/TRIG
Pin 24 INT_IN/XCLK
Pin 23 GATE2
Pin 22 GATE1
Pin 21 GATE0
Pin 20 −12 V

Figure 4-1. Main I/O Connector on a DAS-800 Board

4-2 Cabling and Wiring

Top of Board (Rear View)

IN0− Pin 19
IN1− Pin 18
IN2− Pin 17
IN3− Pin 16
IN4− Pin 15
IN5− Pin 14
IN6− Pin 13
IN7− Pin 12
DIG COM Pin 11
OP4 Pin 10

OP3 Pin 9
OP2 Pin 8
OP1 Pin 7
OUT2 Pin 6

OUT1/CCLK Pin 5

CLK1 Pin 4

OUT0 Pin 3
CLK0 Pin 2
+12 V Pin 1

Pin 37 IN0+
Pin 36 IN1+
Pin 35 IN2+

Pin 34 IN3+
Pin 33 IN4+
Pin 32 IN5+
Pin 31 IN6+

Pin 30 IN7+
Pin 29 +5 V

Pin 28 DIG COM
Pin 27 IP3
Pin 26 IP2

Pin 25 IP1/TRIG
Pin 24 INT_IN/XCLK
Pin 23 GATE2
Pin 22 GATE1
Pin 21 GATE0

Pin 20 −12 V

Figure 4-2. Main I/O Connector on a DAS-801 or DAS-802 Board

You attach an STC-37 screw terminal connector directly to the main
I/O connector on the DAS-800 Series board. You attach an STA-08 or
STA-08PGA screw terminal accessory or an EXP-16, EXP-16/A, or
EXP-GP expansion board to the main I/O connector on the DAS-800
Series board using either a C-1800 or S-1800 cable. The C-1800 is the
unshielded version of the cable; the S-1800 is the shielded version of
the cable.

Attaching an STC-37 Screw Terminal Connector

The screw terminals on the STC-37 screw terminal connector allow you
to connect field wiring to a DAS-800 Series board. The screw terminals
are labeled from 1 to 37 and correspond directly to the functions of the
pins on the main I/O connector on the board. For example, since pin 24
is assigned to the external clock source, use screw terminal 24 to attach
a hardware external clock. Refer to Appendix B for a complete list of
pin assignments.

4-3

To connect an STC-37 to a DAS-800 Series board, directly attach the
37-pin connector on the STC-37 to the main I/O connector on the
DAS-800 Series board. Figure 4-3 illustrates the connection of an STC-37
to a DAS-800 Series board.

21

17

16

DAS-800 Series Board

J2

5

4

Pin 1

1

STC-37 Screw Terminal
Connector

Figure 4-3. Attaching an STC-37 Screw Terminal Connector

37

34

33

22

Attaching an STA-08 / STA-08PGA Screw Terminal Accessory

The screw terminals on the STA-08 screw terminal accessory allow you to
connect field wiring to a DAS-800 board; the screw terminals on the
STA-08PGA screw terminal accessory allow you to connect field wiring
to a DAS-801 or DAS-802 board. Each screw terminal is labeled with the
name of the board function to which it is connected; the screw terminals
correspond directly to the functions of the pins on the main I/O connector
on the board.

4-4 Cabling and Wiring

To connect an STA-08 / STA-08PGA to a DAS-800 Series board, attach
one end of the S-1800 or C-1800 cable to the main I/O connector on the
DAS-800 Series board and the other end of the cable to the J1 connector
on the STA-08 / STA-08PGA. Figure 4-4 illustrates the connection of an
STA-08 / STA-08PGA to a DAS-800 Series board.

C-1800 / S-1800 Cable

−12 V

. . .

. . . . . . .

. . .

J2

J1

+12 V

+5 V

. . .

. . . . . . .

. . . . . . .

. . . . . . .

DAS-800 Series Board

Pin 1

Pin 1

STA-08 / STA-08PGA

Figure 4-4. Attaching an STA-08 / STA-08PGA Screw Terminal Accessory

Attaching an EXP-16 or EXP-16/A Expansion Board

Each EXP-16 or EXP-16/A expansion board provides up to 16 analog
input channels (labeled 0 to 15). The EXP-16 and EXP-16/A provide
three screw terminals for each channel: low-level ground (LL GND),
positive input (CH n HI), and negative input (CH n LO), where n indicates
the number of the channel.

To connect an EXP-16 or EXP-16/A to a DAS-800 Series board, attach
one end of the S-1800 or C-1800 cable to the main I/O connector on the
DAS-800 Series board and the other end of the cable to the J1 connector
on the EXP-16 or EXP-16/A. Figure 4-5 illustrates the connection of an
EXP-16 to a DAS-800 Series board.

4-5

C-1800 / S-1800 Cable

J2

DAS-800 Series Board

Pin 1

Figure 4-5. Attaching an EXP-16 or EXP-16/A Expansion Board

Pin 1

Refer to the EXP-16 and EXP-16/A expansion board documentation for
more information about these expansion boards.

Attaching an EXP-GP Expansion Board

Each EXP-GP expansion board provides up to eight analog input
channels (labeled 0 to 7). The EXP-GP provides six screw terminals for
each channel: positive current excitation (+IEXC), positive input
(+SENSE), negative voltage excitation (
(

−

IEXC), negative input (

−

SENSE), and positive voltage excitation (+P).

J1

J2

EXP-16

P), negative current excitation

−

To connect an EXP-GP to a DAS-800 Series board, attach one end of the
S-1800 or C-1800 cable to the main I/O connector on the DAS-800 Series
board and the other end of the cable to the J1 connector on the EXP-GP.
Figure 4-6 illustrates the connection of an EXP-GP to a DAS-800
Series board.

4-6 Cabling and Wiring

DAS-800 Series Board

Figure 4-6. Attaching an EXP-GP Expansion Board

Refer to the EXP-GP expansion board documentation for more
information about this expansion board.

J2

C-1800 / S-1800 Cable

Pin 1

Pin 1

J1

J2

EXP-GP

Attaching an MB Series Backplane

Refer to the MB Series User’s Guide for information on connecting
DAS-800 Series boards to MB Series backplanes.

Connecting Multiple Expansion Boards

You can daisy-chain up to eight EXP-16, EXP-16/A, and/or EXP-GP
expansion boards to provide up to 128 analog input channels. You
connect the first expansion board to the DAS-800 Series board by
attaching one end of an S-1800 or C-1800 cable to the main I/O connector
on the DAS-800 Series board and the other end of the cable to the J1
connector on the expansion board. To connect additional expansion
boards, attach one end of an S-1800 or C-1800 cable to the J2 connector
on the previous expansion board and the other end of the cable to the J1
connector on the next expansion board in the chain.

4-7

Note:

Each EXP-16, EXP-16/A, or EXP-GP expansion board is
associated with an analog input channel on the DAS-800 Series board.
You specify the associated on-board channel by setting a jumper on the
expansion board. Make sure that you use a unique jumper setting for each
expansion board you are using. Refer to your expansion board
documentation for more information.

You can use the J2 connector on the last expansion board in the chain to
attach an STA-08 / STA-08PGA screw terminal accessory. This allows
you to access the remaining functions of the DAS-800 Series board.

Figure 4-7 illustrates how to connect two EXP-16 expansion boards, one
EXP-GP expansion board, and an STA-08 screw terminal accessory to a
DAS-800 board.

J2

J1

J2J1

J1

J2 J1

J2

DAS-800

Board

EXP-16

EXP-16

EXP-GP

STA-08

Figure 4-7. Connecting Multiple Expansion Boards

You can also attach up to four MB-02 backplanes to a DAS-800

Note:

Series board using an STA-SCM8 screw terminal accessory and up to
four C-2600 cables. Refer to the MB Series User’s Guide for
more information.

4-8 Cabling and Wiring

Connecting Signals

This section describes how to wire signals to a DAS-800 Series board.

Although the illustrations in this section show a direct connection to a pin
on the main I/O connector, you will actually wire your signal to a screw
terminal on an accessory or expansion board or to a user-supplied, female
37-pin D connector. Appendix B lists the functions associated with each
pin on the main I/O connector.

The DAS-800 board contains both digital commons and low-level analog
commons. Use a digital common for all digital signal returns and power
supply returns; use a low-level analog common for all analog
signal returns.

The DAS-801 and DAS-802 boards contain digital commons, but no
dedicated low-level analog commons. If you are using all eight analog
input channels and all eight channels are configured for differential input,
you must connect a bias return path to a digital common instead of a
low-level analog common. If at least one channel is unused or configured
for single-ended input, you can use the negative side of the channel as a
low-level analog common.

When wiring analog input signals, it is recommended that you terminate
all unused input channels to low-level ground; this prevents the internal
amplifier circuitry from saturating if you select an unconnected input and
ensures the accuracy of your data.

Connecting an Analog Input Signal to a Single-Ended Input

Figure 4-8 illustrates how to connect an analog input signal to
single-ended analog input channel 0 on a DAS-800 board.

4-9

Pin 37

Voltage
Source

+

−

Figure 4-8. Single-Ended Input

Chan 0

Pin 12
LL COM

+

−

DAS-800 Board

Connecting an Analog Input Signal to a Differential Input

For differential input configurations, you must provide a bias current
return path. If at least one channel is unused or configured for
single-ended input, use the negative side of that channel as the low-level
analog common; otherwise, use the digital common.

Figure 4-9 illustrates how to connect an analog input signal to differential
analog input channel 0 on a DAS-801 board for output resistances both
less than and greater than 100

. Since analog input channel 7 is not used,

Ω

the bias current return path is connected to the negative side of channel 7.

4-10 Cabling and Wiring

Voltage
Source

R

OUT

Voltage
Source

> 100 Ω

+

250 kΩ

Pin 37
Chan 0(+)

+

Pin 19
Chan 0(

−)

−

250 kΩ

Pin 12
Chan 7(−)

Pin 37
Chan 0(+)

Pin 19
Chan 0(

−)

−

+

−

DAS-801 Board

+

−

R

< 100 Ω

OUT

250 kΩ

Pin 12
Chan 7(

−)

DAS-801 Board

Figure 4-9. Differential Input

Note:

For output resistances greater than 100

, it is recommended that

Ω

the sum of the resistors used be at least 5,000 times greater than the
source output resistor.

4-11

Connecting Digital Signals

You can connect the following digital signals to a DAS-800 Series board:

Digital input signal - Connect a digital input signal to the IP1 /

●

TRIG, IP2, or IP3 pin (pin 25, 26, or 27) on the main I/O connector.

●

Digital output signal - Connect a digital output signal to the OP1,

OP2, OP3, or OP4 pin (pin 7, 8, 9, or 10) on the main I/O connector.

External conversion clock - Connect an external conversion clock to

●

the INT_IN / XCLK pin (pin 24) on the main I/O connector.

●

Hardware digital trigger or hardware gate - Connect a hardware

digital trigger or hardware gate signal to the IP1 / TRIG pin (pin 25)
on the main I/O connector.

External interrupt - Connect an external interrupt to the INT_IN /

●

XCLK pin (pin 24) on the main I/O connector.

Make sure that all digital signals are TTL-level compatible. Use the
digital common as the return for all digital signals.

Caution:

To prevent damage to DAS-800 Series boards, do not apply
voltages exceeding TTL maximum levels (
input pins.

Connecting Counter/Timer I/O Signals

Refer to 8254 documentation for information on connecting counter/timer
I/O signals to the clock input pin, gate input pin, and output pin of any
available counter/timers on a DAS-800 Series board. Table 2-2 on page
2-25 lists several companies that provide documentation for the 8254.

Note:

and C/T2 are available for general-purpose tasks — externally wire the
output of counter C/T2 (OUT2, pin 6 of the main connector) to the clock
input of counter C/T1 (CLK1, pin 4 of the main connector).

To cascade counter C/T2 to counter C/T1 — when C/T0, C/T1,

0.5 V to +5.5 V) to digital

−

4-12 Cabling and Wiring

Synchronizing Conversions on Multiple Boards

You can use a hardware external clock source to synchronize conversions
on multiple DAS-800 Series boards. In addition, you can use the output of
the OUT1 pin (pin 5) on a DAS-801 or DAS-802 board (acting as a
timing master) to synchronize conversions on additional DAS-800 Series
boards.

Figure 4-10 illustrates how you can synchronize conversions on multiple
boards, using both an external clock source and a DAS-802 board. Note
that in both cases, boards 1, 2, and 3 must be configured to use an
external clock.

External clock

Board 0
(Master)

Internal
clock

DAS-802

Board 1

Pin 24
INT_IN /
XCLK

Board 1

Pin 5
OUT1

Board 2

Pin 24
INT_IN /
XCLK

Board 2

Board 3

Pin 24
INT_IN /
XCLK

Board 3

Pin 24
INT_IN /
XCLK

Figure 4-10. Synchronizing Conversions on Multiple Boards

Pin 24
INT_IN /
XCLK

Pin 24
INT_IN /
XCLK

4-13

Figure 4-11 illustrates the use of C/T0 on the 8254 on board 1 to divide
the rate of the master clock by the programmed count; this allows you to
synchronize conversions on board 1 to a rate different from that of the
master board. Note that when you use C/T0 to divide the rate of the
master clock, C/T0 must be configured for counter/timer mode 2 (rate
generator mode). Refer to page 2-21 or to your 8254 documentation for
more information.

Board 1

C/T0 ÷ count

Board 0
(Master)

Pin 5

Internal
clock

OUT1

Figure 4-11. Dividing the Rate of the Master Clock

Pin 24
INT_IN /
XCLK

Pin 3 - OUT0

Pin 2
CLK0

4-14 Cabling and Wiring

5

DriverLINX Analog I/O Panel

The DriverLINX Analog I/O Panel is an application that demonstrates
analog input/output using DriverLINX. With the Analog I/O Panel
you can:

Analyze analog signals using the simulated two-channel Oscilloscope

●

Measure analog voltages using the simulated Digital Volt Meter.

●

●

Generate Sine, Square and Triangle waves using the SST
Signal Generator.

Output DC Level voltages using the Level Control.

●

The Analog I/O Panel is useful for:

●

Testing the DAS-800 DriverLINX installation and configuration.

Verifying signal inputs to your DAS-800 board.

●

Sending test signals to external devices.

●

To access this DriverLINX Analog I/O Panel:

1. Start the Analog I/O Panel with the AIO Panel item on the Windows

start menu. Then perform the following steps:

2. Click the [...] button in the Driver Selection section.

3. Select the driver for your board using the

4. Click

OK.

Open DriverLINX dialog.

5-1

5. Select the Logical Device you want to operate by dragging the pointer

in the Device Selection section. The Analog I/O Panel displays the
Scope, Meter, SST, and Level control tabs, depending on the
capabilities of your DAS-800 board.

6. The Scope uses two analog input channels, referred to as ChA and

ChB. Drag the channel selectors in the AI Channel Mapping section
to map them to different channel numbers.

7. The SST Signal Generator uses two analog output channels, referred

to as ChA and ChB. Drag the channel selectors in the AO Channel
Mapping section to map them to different channel numbers.

You can now select the Scope, Meter, SST and Level Control tabs to
operate your DAS-800 board.

Test Panel Application

Depending upon the DriverLINX drivers you have installed on your
system, you will have one or more of the following example applications:

●

Single-Value AI for analog input

●

Single-Value AO for analog output

PIO Panel for digital input and output

●

CTM Test Bench for counter/timer applications.

●

To access this DriverLINX Test Panel, select Test Panel with the “Test
Panel” item on the Windows start menu.

5-2 DriverLINX Analog I/O Panel

6

Calibration

The analog input circuitry of DAS-800 Series boards is calibrated in the
factory. It is recommended that you check the calibration every six
months and recalibrate the board, if necessary.

Note:

initial calibration within an accuracy of ±0.05%. In applications where a
single gain (other than 1) is used for all channels, you can achieve better
accuracy by calibrating the board at the selected gain.

The following sections provide the information you need to calibrate
DAS-800 Series boards.

For channels using gains other than 1, the board maintains the

Equipment Required

To calibrate a DAS-800 Series board, you need either:

●

A digital voltmeter accurate to 6 1/2 digits on its ±10 Vdc range, such
as the Keithley Model 2000, and a stable DC supply capable of
providing ± 10Vdc, or:

A calibrated DC voltage source with an output voltage range

●

of ±10 V, with sufficient accuracy and resolution that using a meter to
check the applied voltage is not necessary.

Note:

variable DC voltage source and set its output voltage level using
the voltmeter. (Measure betwen TP1 - TP2 on DAS-801 and
DAS-802.

If a calibrated DC voltage source is not available, use a

6-1

An STA-08 or STA-08PGA screw terminal accessory and C-1800

●

cable, or an STC-37 screw terminal connector.

Note:

equipment is of the required accuracy.

Potentiometers

DAS-800 Series boards contain potentiometers, which you must adjust
when calibrating the board. The DAS-800 board contains three
potentiometers: R1 (full scale), R2 (offset), and R3 (10 V reference). The
DAS-801 and DAS-802 boards contain four potentiometers: R1 (offset),
R2 (full scale), R5 (unipolar 0), and R6 (high gain 0). In addition, on
DAS-801 and DAS-802 boards, you must measure the voltage between
two test points (TP1 and TP2) with the voltmeter when calibrating the
board.

The locations of the potentiometers on the DAS-800 board are shown in
Figure 6-1; The locations of the potentiometers and test points on the
DAS-801 and DAS-802 boards are shown in Figure 6-2.

Do not attempt to calibrate a DAS-800 Series board unless your

6-2 Calibration

R1 R2 R3

Full scale

R1 R2

Offset

Full scale

Offset

10 V reference

Figure 6-1. Potentiometers (DAS-800)

TP1

TP2

Unipolar 0

R5

R6

High gain 0

Figure 6-2. Potentiometers (DAS-801 / DAS-802)

6-3

Calibration Utility

DriverLINX Calibration Utility will guide you through the calibration
procedure. Refer to the DriverLINX Installation and Configuration Guide
and Using DriverLINX With Your Hardware—Configuring the DAS-800

Series manuals. Before calibration, specify the following parameters in

the setup panel to get the correct instructions:

●

●

●

●

Logical Device— Board’s device number, model and address.

Accessory— Connection method used to connect the board to the

calibration stimulus.

Shorted Channel— Input channel to be “shorted” high to low.

Voltage Channel— Input channel to use to apply the various

calibration voltage levels

Calibration range— Input range to be calibrated.

●

6-4 Calibration

7

Troubleshooting

If your DAS-800 Series board is not operating properly, use the
information in this chapter to help you isolate the problem. If the problem
appears serious enough to require technical support, refer to page 7-7 for
information on how to contact an applications engineer.

If you encounter a problem with a DAS-800 Series board, use the
instructions in this section to isolate the cause of the problem before
calling Keithley for technical support.

Using the DriverLINX Event Viewer

The DriverLINX Event Viewer displays the Windows system event log.
Applications and hardware drivers make entries in the system event log to
assist in predicting and troubleshooting hardware and software problems.

DriverLINX uses the event log to report problems during driver loading or
unexpected system errors. The event log can assist in troubleshooting
resource conflicts and DriverLINX configuration errors. If you are having
trouble configuring or initializing a Logical Device, check the event log
for information from the DriverLINX driver.

Using the DriverLINX Event Viewer, you can view, save and e-mail
DriverLINX event log entries under Windows 95/98 or Windows NT.
DriverLINX event log entries can help you or technical support
troubleshoot data-acquisition hardware and software problems.

Device initialization error messages

During device initialization, DriverLINX performs a thorough test of all
possible subsystems on the DAS-800 Series board as well as the computer

7-1

interface. If DriverLINX detects any problems or unexpected responses, it
reports an error message to help isolate the problem. The device
initialization error messages fall into three basic categories:

“Device not found”— Board address does not match hardware setting

●

or conflicts with another board. Verify the board’s address settings.
Also, don’t confuse hexadecimal with decimal addresses in the
DriverLINX Device Configure dialog box.

●

“Invalid IRQ level” or “Invalid DMA level”— Selected level does

not match hardware setting, conflicts with another board’s IRQ/DMA
levels, or is dedicated to the computer’s internal functions (COM port,
disk drive controller, network adapter, etc.)

●

"Hardware does not match configuration”— Operating

mode/range switch or jumper setting does not match selection(s)
made in the DriverLINX Device Configuration dialog box.

Problem Isolation

If you encounter a problem with a DAS-800 Series board, perform the
following steps to determine whether the problem is in the computer, in
the DAS-800 Series board, or in the I/O circuitry:

1. Remove power connections to the host computer.

2. Unplug the accessory connector(s) or cable(s) from the DAS-800

Series board(s), keeping the connections intact on the accessory or
expansion board(s).

3. Remove the DAS-800 Series board(s) from the computer and visually

check for damage. If a board is obviously damaged, refer to page 7-7
for information on returning the board.

4. With the DAS-800 Series board(s) out of the computer, check the

computer for proper operation. Power up the computer and perform
any necessary diagnostics.

7-2 Troubleshooting

5. When you are sure that the computer is operating properly, remove

computer power again, and install a DAS-800 Series board that you
know is functional. Do not make any I/O connections.

6. Apply computer power and check operation with the functional

DAS-800 Series board in place. This test checks the computer
accessory slot. If you are using more than one DAS-800 Series
board, check the other slots you are using.

7. If the accessory slots are functional, check the I/O hookups.

Connect the accessory and expansion boards, one at a time, and
check operation.

8. If operation is normal, the problem is in the DAS-800 Series board(s)

originally in the computer. Try the DAS-800 Series board(s) one at a
time in the computer to determine which is faulty. Use the
troubleshooting information in the next section to try to isolate
the problem.

9. If you cannot isolate the problem, refer to page 7-7 for instructions on

getting technical support.

7-3

Troubleshooting Table

Table 7-1 lists general symptoms and possible solutions for problems with
DAS-800 Series boards. If your board is not operating properly after
using this information, refer to page 7-7 for instructions on getting
technical support.

Table 7-1. Troubleshooting Information

Symptom Possible Cause Possible Solution

Board does not respond Base address is unacceptable. Make sure that the base address

specified in the configuration file
matches the setting of the base
address switch block on the
board. Make sure that no other
system resource is using any of
the eight memory locations
starting at the specified base
address. Reconfigure the base
address, if necessary. Refer
topage 3-10 for instructions.

7-4 Troubleshooting

Table 7-1. Troubleshooting Information (cont.)

Symptom Possible Cause Possible Solution

Board does not respond
(cont.)

Intermittent operation Vibrations or loose

Interrupt level is unacceptable. Make sure that the interrupt level

The board configuration
is unacceptable.

The board is incorrectly aligned
in the accessory slot.

The board is damaged. Contact the Keithley Data

connections exist.

specified in the configuration file
matches the setting of jumper J1
on the board. Make sure that no
other system resource is using the
specified interrupt level.
Reconfigure the interrupt level, if
necessary. Refer to page 3-14
for instructions.

Check the settings in the
configuration file. Make sure that
they match the settings of the
switches and jumper on the board,
where appropriate.

Check installation.

Acquisition Applications
Engineering Department; refer to
page 7-7.

Cushion source of vibration and
tighten connections.

Analog input conversion
data appears to
be invalid

The board is overheating. Check environmental and

ambient temperature.

Electrical noise exists. Provide better shielding or

reroute wiring.

An open connection exists. Check wiring to screw terminal.

An error exists in the
configuration file.

Electrical noise exists. Use a shielded cable for low-level

Check configuration file for
correct entries.

applications.

7-5

Table 7-1. Troubleshooting Information (cont.)

Symptom Possible Cause Possible Solution

Analog input conversion
data appears to be
invalid (cont.)

System lockup A timing error occurred. Press [Ctrl] + [Break].

Differential input is out of range. If you are using differential

inputs, make sure that a bias
current return path is provided;
refer to page 4-10 for more
information. Make sure that
excessive common-mode voltages
are not present.

Another system resource is using
one of the eight memory locations
starting at the specified
base address.

Reconfigure the base address of
the DAS-800 Series board; refer
page 3-10 to for more
information. Check the I/O
assignments of other system
resources and reconfigure,
if necessary.

7-6 Troubleshooting

Technical Support

Before Returning any equipment for repair, call Keithley for technical
support at:

An applications engineer will help you diagnose and resolve your
problem over the telephone. Please make sure that you have the
following information available before you call:

DAS-800 board Model
configuration Serial Number

Computer Manufacturer

Operating system Windows version

Software package Name

Compiler (if applicable) Language

1-888-KEITHLEY

Monday - Friday, 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M., Eastern Time

Revision Code
Base address setting
Interrupt level setting
Number of channels
Input (S.E. or Diff.)
Mode (uni. or bip.)
8254 C/T2 usage (Cascade
or Normal)
Number of EXP. brds.

CPU type
Clock speed (MHz)
KB of RAM
Video system
BIOS type

Windows mode

Serial Number
Version
Invoice/Order Number

Manufacturer
Version

7-7

Accessories Type

Type
Type
Type
Type
Type
Type
Type
Type

If a telephone resolution is not possible, the applications engineer will
issue you a Return Material Authorization (RMA) number and ask you to
return the equipment. Include the RMA number with any documentation
regarding the equipment.

When returning equipment for repair, include the following information:

●

Your name, address, and telephone number.

●

The invoice or order number and date of equipment purchase.

A description of the problem or its symptoms.

●

●

The RMA number on the outside of the package.

Repackage the equipment, using the original anti-static wrapping, if
possible, and handle it with ground protection. Ship the equipment to:

ATTN.: RMA# _______
Repair Department
Keithley Instruments, Inc.
28775 Aurora Road
Cleveland, Ohio 44139
1-888-KEITHLEY
FAX [phone]

Note:

If you are submitting your equipment for repair under

warranty, you must include the invoice number and date of purchase.

To enable Keithley to respond as quickly as possible, you must
include the RMA number on the outside of the package.

7-8 Troubleshooting

Specifications

Table A-1 lists the specifications for the DAS-800, DAS-801, and
DAS-802 boards.

Table A-1. DAS-800, DAS-801, and DAS-802 Specifications

A

Feature Attribute DAS-800

Specifications

Analog Input Number of channels 8 8 8

Full-scale range (gain) ±5 V (1) ±10 V (0.5),

Input range selection Not applicable Software

Accuracy

1

±0.01% of full
scale ±1 bit

DAS-801
Specifications

±5 V (1),
±500 mV (10),
±50 mV (100)
±10 mV (500),
0 to 10 V (1),
0 to 1 V (10),
0 to 100 mV

(100),

0 to 20 mV (500)

programmable

±0.01% of full
scale ±1 bit,
typical;

±0.05% of
reading ±1 bit,
worst case

DAS-802
Specifications

±10 V (0.5),
±5 V (1),
±2.5V (2),
±1.25 V (4),
±625 mV (8),
0 to 10 V (1),
0 to 5 V (2),
0 to 2.5 V (4),
0 to 1.25 V (8)

Software
programmable

±0.01% of full
scale ±1 bit,
typical;

±0.05% of
reading ±1 bit,
worst case

A-1

Table A-1. DAS-800, DAS-801, and DAS-802 Specifications (cont.)

Feature Attribute DAS-800

Specifications

Analog Input

Throughput vs. gain

2

Not applicable For gains ≤ 100:

(cont.)

Input channel selection Software

selectable or
automatic
scanning over

selected range
Overvoltage protection ±35 V ±35 V ±35 V
Input current ±5 nA, typical at

25°C

±200 nA, max.
Temperature

coefficient of gain drift
Temperature

coefficient of
zero drift

3

±45 ppm/°C,

maximum

±100 µV/°C,

maximum

DAS-801
Specifications

40 kHz

For gain of 500:

25 kHz

Software
selectable or
automatic
scanning over
selected range

±5 nA, typical at
25°C

±200 nA, max.
±50 ppm/°C,

maximum
(±1 ±100 / gain)

V / °C,

µ

maximum

DAS-802
Specifications

40 kHz (all gains)

Software
selectable or
automatic
scanning over
selected range

±5 nA, typical at
25°C

±200 nA, max.
±50 ppm/°C,

maximum
(±1 ±100 / gain)

V / °C,

µ

maximum

Common-mode
rejection at 60 Hz

Not applicable For gains ≤ 1:

70 dB, min.
75 dB, typical

For gain of 10:

90 dB, min.

For gains ≤ 1:

70 dB, min.
75 dB, typical

For gains > 1:

70 dB to 90 dB

95 dB, typical

For gains ≥ 100:

100 dB, min.
110 dB, typical

Common-mode input
voltage range

Not applicable 12 V − ((gain / 2)

x differential
input voltage)

12 V − ((gain / 2)
x differential
input voltage)

A-2 Specifications

Table A-1. DAS-800, DAS-801, and DAS-802 Specifications (cont.)

Feature Attribute DAS-800

Specifications

A/D Converter Type Successive

approximation

with internal

sample/hold
Coding Offset binary Bipolar ranges:

Resolution 12 bits 12 bits 12 bits
Linearity ±1 bit

(monotonic over

temperature)
Conversion time 25 µs, maximum 25 µs, maximum 25 µs, maximum
Conversion initiation

mechanisms

Software,

internal time

base, external

clock (falling

edge); software

selectable

DAS-801
Specifications

Successive
approximation
with internal
sample/hold

offset binary

Unipolar ranges:
true binary

±1 bit
(monotonic over
temperature)

Software,
internal time
base, external
clock (falling
edge); software
selectable

DAS-802
Specifications

Successive
approximation
with internal
sample/hold

Bipolar ranges:
offset binary

Unipolar ranges:
true binary

±1 bit
(monotonic over
temperature)

Software,
internal time
base, external
clock (falling
edge); software
selectable

Maximum conversion
frequency

Gating mechanism External digital

Data transfer method I/O read

Interrupts Source External

40 kHz 40 kHz 40 kHz

trigger or gate;

software

selectable

(software)

(rising-edge

input) or end of

A/D conversion;

software

selectable

External digital
trigger or gate;
software
selectable

I/O read
(software)

External
(rising-edge
input) or end of
A/D conversion;
software
selectable

External digital
trigger or gate;
software
selectable

I/O read
(software)

External
(rising-edge
input) or end of
A/D conversion;
software
selectable

A-3

Table A-1. DAS-800, DAS-801, and DAS-802 Specifications (cont.)

Feature Attribute DAS-800

Specifications

Interrupts
(cont.)

Levels 2 to 7, none;

jumper selectable
Control Occurrence of

interrupt is

latched. Latch

output may drive

selected host

interrupt line

active. Interrupts

are enabled,

masked, and reset

through software.

Digital I/O Number of inputs 3 (IP1 / TRIG

to IP3)
Number of outputs 4 (OP1 to OP4) 4 (OP1 to OP4) 4 (OP1 to OP4)
Input/output levels TTL compatible TTL compatible TTL compatible
Output high voltage 2.7 V , minimum

at −0.4 mA
Output low voltage 0.5 V, maximum

at 8.0 mA

DAS-801
Specifications

2 to 7, none;
jumper selectable

Occurrence of
interrupt is
latched. Latch
output may drive
selected host
interrupt line
active. Interrupts
are enabled,
masked, and reset
through software.

3 (IP1 / TRIG
to IP3)

2.7 V, minimum
at −0.4 mA

0.5 V, maximum
at 8.0 mA

DAS-802
Specifications

2 to 7, none;
jumper selectable

Occurrence of
interrupt is
latched. Latch
output may drive
selected host
interrupt line
active. Interrupts
are enabled,
masked, and reset
through software.

3 (IP1 / TRIG
to IP3)

2.7 V, minimum
at −0.4 mA

0.5 V, maximum

at 8.0 mA
Input high voltage 2.0 V , minimum 2.0 V, minimum 2.0 V , minimum
Input low voltage 0.8 V, maximum 0.8 V, maximum 0.8 V, maximum
Input high current 25 µA, max.

Input low current

Input voltage range

Digital Trigger Latency from trigger to

at 2.7 V

0.4 mA, max.

−

at 0.4 V

−

0.5 V to +5.5 V−0.5 V to +5.5 V−0.5 V to +5.5 V

200 ns, max. 200 ns, max. 200 ns, max.

25 µA, max.
at 2.7 V

0.4 mA, max.

−

at 0.4 V

25 µA, max.

at 2.7 V

0.4 mA, max.

−

at 0.4 V

start of first conversion

A-4 Specifications

Table A-1. DAS-800, DAS-801, and DAS-802 Specifications (cont.)

Feature Attribute DAS-800

Specifications

Counter/Timer Type 8254 8254 8254

Number of counters 3 3 3
Clock source:

C/T 2

C/T 1

C/T 0
External clock

frequency
External clock polarity Negative (count

CPU bus clock
divided by 2 or
1 MHz internal;
software
selectable

External or
cascaded with
C/T 2; software
selectable

External
0 to 10 MHz 0 to 10 MHz 0 to 10 MHz

changes on
transition from
1 to 0)

DAS-801
Specifications

1 MHz internal

External or
cascaded with
C/T 2; software
selectable

External

Negative (count
changes on
transition from
1 to 0)

DAS-802

Specifications

1 MHz internal

External or

cascaded with

C/T 2; software

selectable

External

Negative (count

changes on

transition from

1 to 0)
Clock pulse width 50 ns high, min,

50 ns low, min.

Gate source:

C/T 2

C/T 1

C/T 0

External, internal
(when using
internal time
base)

External, internal
(when using
internal time
base)

External

50 ns high, min,
50 ns low, min.

External, internal
(when using
internal time
base)

External, internal
(when using
internal time
base)

External

50 ns high, min,

50 ns low, min.

External, internal

(when using

internal time

base)

External, internal

(when using

internal time

base)

External

A-5

Table A-1. DAS-800, DAS-801, and DAS-802 Specifications (cont.)

Feature Attribute DAS-800

Specifications

Counter/Timer
(cont.)

Input, clock, and gate
signals

DTL, TTL, and
CMOS
compatible

Power
Consumption

+5 V 450 mA, typical

600 mA, max.

+12 V 7 mA, typical

DAS-801
Specifications

DTL, TTL, and
CMOS
compatible

500 ma, typical
750 mA, max.

Not used Not used

9 mA, maximum

12 V 5 mA, typical

−

Not used Not used

7 mA, maximum

General Operating temperature 0°C to 50°C0

Storage temperature

−20°

C to 70°C

Humidity 0 to 90%,

noncondensing

Dimensions 5.0” x 4.25” x

0.75” (12.7 cm x

10.8 cm x

1.9 cm)

°

C to 50°C0

−20°

C to 70°C

0 to 90%,
noncondensing

6.0” x 4.25” x

0.75” (15.2 cm x

10.8 cm x

1.9 cm)

DAS-802

Specifications

DTL, TTL, and

CMOS

compatible

500 ma, typical

750 mA, max.

°

C to 50°C

−20°

C to 70°C

0 to 90%,

noncondensing

6.0” x 4.25” x

0.75” (15.2 cm x

10.8 cm x

1.9 cm)

Notes

1

For DAS-801 and DAS-802 boards, the accuracy reflects gain errors introduced by the PGA. You can

adjust any range to the maximum accuracy of 0.01% of full scale by calibrating the board while set
to that range. Refer to Chapter 6 for calibration information.

2

Indicates measurement settling based on the specified accuracy.

3

Includes ADC and PGA drift.

A-6 Specifications

B

Connector Pin Assignments

Figure B-1 shows the main I/O connector and its pin assignments on a
DAS-800 board; Table B-1 contains a more detailed description of the
pins. Figure B-2 shows the main I/O connector and its pin assignments on
a DAS-801 or DAS-802 board; Table B-2 contains a more detailed
description of the pins.

B-1

Top of Board (Rear View)

VREF Pin 19

LLCOM Pin 18

LLCOM Pin 17
LLCOM Pin 16

LLCOM Pin 15

LLCOM Pin 14

LLCOM Pin 13
LLCOM Pin 12

DIG COM Pin 11

OP4 Pin 10

OP3 Pin 9

OP2 Pin 8

OP1 Pin 7

OUT2 Pin 6

OUT1 Pin 5
CLK1 Pin 4

OUT0 Pin 3
CLK0 Pin 2
+12 V Pin 1

Pin 37 IN0
Pin 36 IN1
Pin 35 IN2
Pin 34 IN3
Pin 33 IN4
Pin 32 IN5

Pin 31 IN6
Pin 30 IN7

Pin 29 +5 V
Pin 28 DIG COM
Pin 27 IP3

Pin 26 IP2
Pin 25 IP1/TRIG

Pin 24 INT_IN/XCLK
Pin 23 GATE2

Pin 22 GATE1
Pin 21 GATE0

Pin 20 −12 V

Figure B-1. Main I/O Connector (DAS-800)

B-2

Table B-1. Main I/O Connector Pin Assignments

for the DAS-800

Pin Name Function

1 +12 V +12 V power from host computer
2 CLK0 8254 C/T0 clock input
3 OUT0 8254 C/T0 output
4 CLK1 8254 C/T1 clock input
5 OUT1 8254 C/T1 output
6 OUT2 8254 C/T2 output
7 OP1 Digital output bit 0
8 OP2 Digital output bit 1
9 OP3 Digital output bit 2
10 OP4 Digital output bit 3
11 DIG COM Digital common
12 LL COM Low-level common
13 LL COM Low-level common
14 LL COM Low-level common
15 LL COM Low-level common
16 LL COM Low-level common
17 LL COM Low-level common
18 LL COM Low-level common
19 VREF 10 V (±0.1 V) reference output
20
21 GATE0 8254 C/T0 gate input
22 GATE1 8254 C/T1 gate input
23 GATE2 8254 C/T2 gate input
24 INT_IN /

−

12 V

XCLK

−

12 V power from host computer

External interrupt input / external
clock source input

B-3