Keithley DAS-8 Series, DAS-8PGA-G2, DAS-8, DAS-8AO, DAS-8LT User Manual

Artisan Technology Group is your source for quality

new and certied-used/pre-owned equipment

• FAST SHIPPING AND

DELIVERY

• TENS OF THOUSANDS OF
IN-STOCK ITEMS

• EQUIPMENT DEMOS

• HUNDREDS OF
MANUFACTURERS

SUPPORTED

• LEASING/MONTHLY
RENTALS

• ITAR CERTIFIED
SECURE ASSET SOLUTIONS

SERVICE CENTER REPAIRS

Experienced engineers and technicians on staff
at our full-service, in-house repair center

Instra

Remotely inspect equipment before purchasing with
our interactive website at www.instraview.com

Contact us: (888) 88-SOURCE | [e-mail] | www.artisantg.com

SM

REMOTE INSPECTION

View

WE BUY USED EQUIPMENT

Sell your excess, underutilized, and idle used equipment
We also offer credit for buy-backs and trade-ins

www.artisantg.com/WeBuyEquipment

LOOKING FOR MORE INFORMATION?

Visit us on the web at www.artisantg.com for more
information on price quotations, drivers, technical

specications, manuals, and documentation

DAS-8 Series

User’s Guide

A GREATER MEASURE OF CONFIDENCE

Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

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.

Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

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

Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

4/02

DAS-8 Series

User’s Guide

Revision H- June 2002

Part Number: 66160

Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

The information contained in this manual is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, Keithley
Instruments, Inc., assumes no responsibility for its use; nor for any infringements or 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, Inc.

KEITHLEY INSTRUMENTS, INC., SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL,
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RELATED TO THE USE OF THIS PRODUCT. THIS
PRODUCT IS NOT DESIGNED WITH COMPONENTS OF A LEVEL OF RELIABILITY THAT IS
SUITED FOR USE IN LIFE SUPPORT OR CRITICAL APPLICATIONS.

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

© Copyright Keithley Instruments, Inc., 1999, 1993.

All rights reserved. Reproduction or adaptation of any part of this documentation beyond that permitted
by Section 117 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act without permission of the Copyright owner
is unlawful.

Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

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. A good safety practice is to expect that hazardous volt-

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

no conductive part of the circuit

5/02

Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

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 con-

nections.
If you are using a test fixture, keep the lid closed while power is applied to the device under test. Safe operation re-

quires 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

Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

Preface

The DAS-8 Series User’s Guide provides the information needed to set
up, install, and use DAS-8 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-8 Series boards. It is assumed that users are
familiar with data acquisition principles and with their particular
application.

The

DAS-8 Series User’s Guide

• Section 1 provides an overview of the features of DAS-8 Series
boards, including a description of supported software and accessories.

• Section 2 provides a more detailed description of the analog input,
digital I/O, analog output, and counter/timer I/O features of DAS-8
Series boards.

• Section 3 describes how to unpack, configure, and install DAS-8
Series boards.

• Section 4 describes how to attach accessory and expansion boards
and how to wire signals to DAS-8 Series boards.

• Section 5 describes how to use DriverLINX Analog I/O Panel and
DriverLINX Test Panel options to test functions of DAS–8
Series boards.

is organized as follows:

• Section 6 describes how to calibrate DAS-8 Series boards.

• Section 7 provides troubleshooting information.

Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

vii

• Appendix A lists the specifications for DAS-8 Series boards.

• Appendix B lists the connector pin assignments.

• Appendix C provides information for programming DAS-8 Series
boards using DriverLINX.

An index completes this manual.

Throughout the manual, keep the following in mind:

• References to DAS-8 Series boards apply to the DAS-8, DAS-8/LT,
DAS-8/PGA, DAS-8/PGA-G2, and DAS-8/AO boards. When a
feature applies to a particular board, that board’s name is used.

viii

Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

Table of Contents

Overview ..................................................................................................... 1-1

DAS-8 Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

DAS-8 Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5

Functional Description .............................................................................. 2-1

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

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

Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10

Custom Clock Frequencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10

Conversion Clock Sources (DAS-8/PGA(G2),

DAS-8/AO, and DAS-8/LT) . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11

Triggers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14

Hardware Gates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16

Data Transfer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18

DAS-8/AO Analog Output Features . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18

Digital I/O Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19

82C54 Counter/Timer Circuitry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20

Interrupts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-26

Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-27

Setup and Installation ................................................................................ 3-1

Installation Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

Unpacking the Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

DAS-8 Series Boards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

Configuring the Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7

Setting the Base Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8

Setting the Input Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12

Setting the Interrupt Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13

Analog Output Voltage Range Adjustments

(DAS-8/AO Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14

D/A Output Channel Update

(DAS-8/AO Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16

Wait-State Setting (DAS-8/AO Only) . . . . . . 3-16

Clock Select (DAS-8/LT Only) . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16

Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16

Custom Clock Frequencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16

4–20mA Current Loops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17

The Reference (DAS-8 and DAS-8/LT Only) . . . . 3-17

Interface to Transducers, Thermocouples, etc. . . . 3-18

Application Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-20

Installing and Configuring DriverLINX for

DAS-8 Series Boards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-21

Installing the DAS-8 Series Standard

Software Package . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-22

Installing DriverLINX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-24

Configuration with DriverLINX . . . . . . . . . . 3-25

Installing the Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-25

Configuring DriverLINX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-26

Editing a Configuration File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-28

Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

Cabling and Wiring ................................................................................... 4-1

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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5

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

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

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

Attaching an MB Series Backplane . . . . . . . . . 4-8

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

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

Connecting an Analog Input Signal to a

Single-Ended Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10

Connecting an Analog Input Signal to a

Differential Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11

Connecting Analog Output Signal from a

DAS-8/AO Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12

Connecting Digital Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13

Connecting Counter/Timer I/O Signals . . . . . 4-14

Synchronizing Conversions on

Multiple Boards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14

4–20mA Current Loops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16

The Reference (DAS-8 and DAS-8/LT Only) . . . . 4-16

Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

Calibration ................................................................................................... 5-1

Equipment Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1

Potentiometers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2

Troubleshooting ......................................................................................... 6-1

Problem Isolation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2

Troubleshooting Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5

Specifications ............................................................................................. A-1

DAS-8 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1

DAS-8/PGA Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-4

DAS-8/AO Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-5

DAS-8/LT Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-8

Connector Pin Assignments ..................................................................... B-1

DriverLINX Implementation Notes ........................................................ C-1

Logical Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-3

Analog Input Subsystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-3

Logical Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-3

Analog Input Initialization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-3

External Triggering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-4

External Clocking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-5

Data Coding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-5

A/D Conversion Delay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-6

A/D Data Lost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-7

Analog Output Subsystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-7

Analog Output Initialization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-7

External Triggering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-7

External Clocking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-8

Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

Data Coding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-8

D/A Conversion Delay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-9

D/A Data Lost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-9

Digital Input and Output Subsystems . . . . . . . . . . C-10

Logical Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-10

Digital Input Initialization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-10

Digital Output Initialization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-10

Digital I/O Conversion Delay . . . . . . . . . . . . C-10

Digital I/O Data Lost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-10

Counter/Timer Subsystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-11

Logical Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-11

Counter/Timer Initialization . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-12

Counter/Timer Interrupt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-12

Event Counting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-12

Frequency Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-13

Pulse Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-14

Oneshot Pulse Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-15

Time Interval Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-15

Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

DAS-8 Hardware

1

Overview

The DAS-8 Series consists of the DAS-8, the DAS-8LT, the DAS-8PGA
and DAS-8PGA-G2, and the DAS-8AO for IBM PC and PC compatible
computers.The DAS-8 boards with DriverLINX software require:

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

• at least one CD-ROM drive, and one fixed disk drive

• MS–DOS/PCDOS 3.1 or higher

• Microsoft Windows 95/98 (
compatible with Windows NT).

• a compiler supporting Microsoft Windows development

• a mouse is highly recommended

Each member of the DAS-8 Series has the same functions with the
following differences:

•

DAS-8/LT

clock for sample timing.

— for use in a laptop or portable computer. Has 1 MHz

Note:

DAS-8 Series boards are

not

•

DAS-8/PGA and DAS-8/PGA-G2

input ranges of ±10V, ±5V, ±0.5V, ±0.05V, ±0.01V, 0 to +10V, 0 to
+1V, and 0 to +0.02V (DAS-8/PGA), or ±5V, ±2.5V, ±1.25V,
±0.625V, 0 to +5V, 0 to +2.5V, 0 to +1.25V, and 0 to +0.625V
(DAS-8/PGA/G2) and each channel is switch-selectable for
single-ended and differential inputs.

Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

— has software-programmable

1-1

•

DAS-8/AO — same as DAS-8/PGA with two 12-bit analog outputs

and onboard pacer clock for sample timing.

The DAS-8 Series features an 8-channel, 12-bit successive approximation
A/D converter with sample and hold. The full scale input of each channel
is fixed at ±5V on the DAS-8and DAS-8LT and software-programmable
on the DAS-8PGA and DAS-8/AO. The A/D conversion time is typically
25µs (35µs max.). Using the DriverLINX software supplied with the
board, throughputs of up to 4ksamples per second are attainable.

An onboard 82C54 programmable counter-timer provides periodic
interrupts for the A/D sample timing. In the DAS-8, this timer obtains its
input clock directly from the computer’s ISA bus clock (usually 4.77, 6,
or 8 MHz). The DAS-8/LT, DAS-8PGA, and DAS-8/AO have an onboard
1 MHz crystal. Two additional counters on the 82C54 are available for
event counting, pulse and waveform generation, frequency, period, and
pulse width measurements.

The 7 bits of TTL digital I/O consist of one 4-bit output port and one 3-bit
input port. In addition, a precision +10.00V (±0.1V) reference voltage
output is derived from the A/D converter reference. This output can
source/sink 2mA.

A jumper-selectable external interrupt input selects any of the interrupt
levels (2 through 7) and allows interrupt routines to provide background
data acquisition or interrupt-driven control. The interrupt input can be
externally connected to the counter/timer or other trigger source.

The two 12-bit analog output channels of the DAS-8/AO are
independently switch-selectable to full-scale output ranges of ±10V, ±5 V,
±2.5V, 0 to +10V, 0 to +5V, or 4 to 20mA. Simultaneous update of both
channels is supported in DriverLINX.

1-2 Overview

Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

DAS-8 Software

The following software is available for operating DAS-8 Series boards:

• DAS-8 Series standard software package — Shipped with DAS-8
Series boards. Includes DriverLINX for Microsoft Windows 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:

— the high-performance real-time data-acquisition

•

DriverLINX API DLLs and drivers supporting the DAS-8
Series hardware.

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

•

installation and configuration of DriverLINX to your
DAS-8 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.

•

DriverLINX Application Programming Interface files - for the

•

DAS-8 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-8 Series hardware.

Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

1-3

•

DAS-8 Series utilities — The following utilities are provided as part

of both the DAS-8 Series standard software package:

DriverLINX Calibration Utility

•

DriverLINX Test Panel

•

• DAS-8 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-8 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.

1-4 Overview

Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

Accessories

The following accessories are available for use with DAS-8 Series boards:

• STC-37 screw terminal connector — For all DAS-8 Series boards,

provides 37 screw terminals that allow you to access the functions of
the board; connects directly to the DAS-8 Series board without a
cable.

•

STP37 screw terminal panel —

provides 37 screw terminals that allow you to access the functions of
the board. Requires a C1800 or S1800 cable.

For all DAS-8 Series boards,

•

STA-08 screw terminal accessory

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.
Requires a C1800 or S1800 cable.

•

STA-08PGA screw terminal accessory

DAS-8/PGA/G2 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. Requires a C1800 or S1800 cable.

•

STA-08AO screw terminal accessory —

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. Requires a
C1800 or S1800 cable.

•

EXP-16 and EXP-16/A expansion board

multiplexer and signal-conditioning expansion boards that provide
cold junction compensation (CJC) for thermocouples and switch­selectable gains ranging from 0.5 to 2000.

•

EXP-GP expansion board

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.

— An 8-channel signal-conditioning

— For the DAS-8 or DAS-8/LT

— For the DAS-8/PGA and

For the DAS-8/AO board

s — Sixteen-channel

Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

1-5

•

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.

•

ST-SCM8 screw terminal accessory

— Allows you to connect a
DAS-8 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.

•

ISO-4 4-channel isolated multiplexer accessory board —

one analog input into four galvanically isolated inputs.

Expands

•

C-1800 cable

— Unshielded, 18-inch cable with a 37-pin connector
on each end; allows you to connect a DAS-8 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-8 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-8
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

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

or

1-6 Overview

Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

2

Functional Description

This chapter describes the following features of DAS-8 Series boards:

• Analog input features

• Analog output features (DAS-8/AO)

• Digital I/O features

• Counter/timer I/O features

• Interrupts

• Power

• Measuring Voltage

A functional block diagram of a DAS-8 Series board is shown in
Figure 2-1.

Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

2-1

Analog In

8 Channels

Digital I/O

IP1
IP2
IP3

OP1
OP2
OP3
OP4

Ch 0

Ch 7

Channel Select

& Scan Logic

MUX

I/O

Buffers

Sample/Hold

Gain Control

DAS-8/PGA(G2)

Internal Data Bus

Control

Registers

Status

Registers

12 Bit A/D

with

Conversion

Control Logic

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

Out 2

Gate 0
Clk 0
Out 0

INT_IN

+5V

+12V

-12V

COM

Bus Power for

Expansion & Interface

Figure 2-1. DAS-8 Series Functional Block Diagram

Analog Input Features

DAS-8 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

s (25

µ

than 4 kHz (machine and software dependent).

s max.), providing an average conversion frequency of more

µ

Address

Decode &

Bus Interface

IBM PC AT Bus

Interrupt Select

Levels 2-7

(Jumper)

2-2 Functional Description

Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

Channel Configuration

DAS-8 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

The DAS-8 series boards contain eight analog input channels. DAS-8 and
DAS-8/LT inputs are single-ended (sharing a common low level ground)
with a fixed input range of -5.000V to +4.9976V. The DAS-8/PGA(G2)
and DAS-8/AO, on the other hand, may be configured for either
single-ended (signal measured against ground) or differential inputs (high
side of signal measured against the low side) by means of a DIP switch
located on the board.The differences between a single-ended and a
differential input configuration are described as follows:

•

Single-ended

you are measuring relatively high-level signals (greater than 1V), 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

are measuring low-level signals, if high source resistances (greater
than 100
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 3-12 for information on setting the
switches.

— A single-ended input configuration is appropriate if

— A differential input configuration is appropriate if you

) exist, or if common-mode voltages exist between the

Ω

Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

2-3

Note:

On the DAS-8 and DAS-8/LT, 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 as single-ended.

Apply input voltages to the DAS-8 and DAS-8/LT between the channel
Hi and any L.L. Gnd. Wire signals enter the DAS-8/PGA(G2) and
DAS-8/AO between the Hi and Lo connection points and set switches on
the SE/DIFF DIP switch accordingly. Regardless of which board you use,
never wire signal returns to the digital common (DIG. COM.) as this is
intended as a heavy current return for power supplies and digital logic
signals, and it may differ from the low-level ground by several millivolts,
resulting in errors that are difficult to trace.

Correct use of the grounds is important to obtain consistent noise-free
measurements, because inadvertent ground loops are common when
using single ended connections. Use low-level grounds for all analog
signal returns to the DAS-8 and DAS-8/LT; they should carry signal
currents less than a few milliamps. The seven identical low-level ground
inputs are positioned in the connector so to lie between the analog
channel inputs in the flat connecting cable. This reduces undesirable
electrical noise, thus preventing crosstalk. The input current of each
channel is about 100nA at 25˚C, presenting a high input impedance to the
signal. Also, the 508A solid-state channel multiplexer used on the DAS-8
Series board is designed to withstand continuous overloads of ±32V on
each channel and transients of several hundred volts. This multiplexer has
two other desirable characteristics; a break-before-make action to prevent
shorts between channels while switching and shutting OFF all channels
when the power is off. This prevents signal-to-signal shorts when your
computer is off.

2-4 Functional Description

Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

Gains and Ranges

A DAS-8 board measures analog input signals in the range of ±5V.

Each DAS-8/PGA(G2) or DAS-8/AO 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-8/PGA(G2) or DAS-8/AO board, you can specify
one of five bipolar and four unipolar analog input ranges.

Table 2-1 lists the gains supported by DAS-8 Series boards and the analog
input voltage range for each gain.

Table 2-1. Supported Gains

Range

Board Gain

DAS-8
DAS-8/LT

DAS-8/PGA 0.5 ±10V Not available

DAS-8/PGA-G2 0.5 ±10V Not available

DAS-8/AO

1 ±5V Not available

1 ±5V 0 to 10V

10 ±500mV 0 to 1V

100 ±50mV 0 to 100mV

500 ±10mV 0 to 20mV

1 ±5V 0 to 10V

2 ±2.5V 0 to 5V

4 ±1.25V 0 to 2.5V

8 ±625mV 0 to 1.25V

0.5 ±10V 0 to 10V

Bipolar Unipolar

1 ±5V Not available

10 ±500mV 0 to 1V

100 ±50mV 0 to 100mV

500 ±10mV 0 to 20mV

Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

2-5

Note:

Analog input channels on DAS-8 Series boards are provided with
protection against signals outside the specified analog input range. All
DAS-8 Series boards can tolerate voltages up to ±35V and transients of
several hundred volts without damaging the board.

When measuring signals at differential inputs, DAS-8/PGA(G2) and
DAS-8/AO boards can tolerate common-mode voltages up to ±35V 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 12V

−

(( G / 2) x V

), where G is the gain and V

D

D

is the differential input voltage.

The DAS-8/PGA(G2) and DAS-8/AO support voltage input ranges from
±10 volts to ±0.01 volts (bipolar) and +10VDC to 0.02VDC (unipolar).
Higher voltages may be measured by the use of simple resistive dividers.
Each DAS-8/PGA(G2) or DAS-8/AO input channel can be configured for
either single-ended or differential inputs by means of Switch S2. The
DAS-8/PGA(G2) has a built-in differential amplifier to minimize errors
from Common Mode voltages. A DAS-8/PGA(G2) input channel should
be configured for single-ended (SE position of SW2 for each channel)
when attempting to measure floating signals. Grounded signals should be
read in the differential configuration to reduce common-mode error.
When using the DAS-8/PGA(G2) and DAS-8/AO with the EXP-16, all
DAS-8/PGA(G2) and DAS-8/AO channels should be set for single-ended
inputs.

The DAS-8 and DAS-8/LT provide a +10V A/D voltage reference (Vref).
It may be used for offsetting signals, but should not be heavily loaded.
The maximum available output current is 2mA. Since this reference is
shared by the A/D, any overload or shorting of the reference will affect
the scaling of the A/D.

2-6 Functional Description

Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

Channel Selection

You can use DAS-8 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.

A

utomatic 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.

Note:

An error results if the start channel number is higher than the stop

channel number.

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

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-8 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

Appendix F: Configuration and Implementation Notes, Keithley
DAS-8 Series

manual that accompanies DriverLINX.

2-7

Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

Automatic channel scanning is a hardware feature. In multi-channel
range mode, the DAS-8 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-8 model the application is using.

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. When
using the DAS-8 series boards with the EXP-16(s), the DAS-8 series
board should be configured as single-ended inputs by setting Switch S2.

In multi-channel list mode, the DAS-8 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 channels (sequential or non-sequential) 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.

2-8 Functional Description

Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

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.

Each EXP-16 (group of 16 channels) can operate at a different gain. In
this way a system can be configured with a variety of different channel
functions and gains, single-ended and differential.

DAS-8

Board

Note:

The PG408 DC/DC Converter option on the EXP-16 is required

for use with the DAS/AO board.

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-8 board.

On-board
channel 0

EXP-16

Figure 2-2. Channel Expansion

On-board
channel 1

EXP-16

On-board
channel 2

EXP-GP

On-board

channels 3 to 7

STA-08

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

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

MB

Series User’s Guide.

Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

2-9