Keithley DDA-08, DDA-16 User Manual

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DDA-08/16

User’s Guide

A GREATER MEASURE OF CONFIDENCE

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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.

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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]

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

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

4/02

DDA-08/16

User’s Guide

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Revision B - March 1999

Part Number: 78340

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, no conductive part of the circuit

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.

S

afety Precautions

5/02

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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 heading in a manual explains dangers that might result in personal injury or death. Always read the
associated information very carefully before performing the indicated procedure.

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

!

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The information contained in this manual is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, the
manufacturer assumes no responsibility for its use; 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 the manufacturer.

THE MANUFACTURER SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMA GES RELATED TO THE USE OF THIS PR ODUCT. THIS PRODUCT IS
NOT DESIGNED WITH COMPONENTS OF A LEVEL OF RELIABILITY THAT IS SUITED FOR
USE IN LIFE SUPPORT OR CRITICAL APPLICATIONS.

DriverLINX, SSTNET, and LabOBJX are registered trademarks and DriverLINX/VB is a trademark of
Scientific Software Tools, Inc.

Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks and Visual C++ and Visual Basic are trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation.

Borland is a registered trademark and Borland C++, Delphi, and Turbo Pascal are trademarks of
Borland International, Inc.

IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.

Acrobat is a registered trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated.

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

© Copyright Keithley Instruments, Inc., 1999, 1994.

All rights reserved. Reproduction or adaptation of any part of this documentation beyond that permitted
by Section 117 of the 1979 United States Copyright Act without permission of the Copyright owner is
unlawful.

Keithley Instruments, Inc.

28775 Aurora Road, Cleveland, OH 44139

Telephone: [phone] • FAX: [phone]

http://www.keithley.com

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Table of Contents

Preface

1

Overview

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

Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

Functional Description

2

Analog Output Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Output Ranges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4

Clocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6

Pacer Clocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6

Output Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8

Time Delay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8

Pulse Length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10

Hardware Trigger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11

Hardware Gate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13

Interrupts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15

3

Setup and Installation

Unpacking the Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

Installing the Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

Installing and Configuring DriverLINX

for DDA-08/16 Boards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

Installing the DDA-08/16 Standard Software Package . . . . 3-4

Before Installing DriverLINX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4

Selecting the DriverLINX Components to Install . . . . . . 3-4

Installing DriverLINX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5

Configuration with DriverLINX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6

Configuring the Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6

Setting Switches on the Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8

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

Setting the Analog Output Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12

Setting the Output Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14

Setting the Output Range Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15

Setting the Output Span . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17

Installing the Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18

Configuring DriverLINX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19

iii

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iv

Cabling and Wiring

4

Attaching Accessory Boards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1

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

Attaching an STA-U Screw Terminal Accessory . . . . . . . . . 4-4

Attaching an STP-37 Screw Terminal Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5

Connecting Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6

5

Subsystems and Analog I/O

Digital Input Subsystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1

Digital Input Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1

Digital Input Timing Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1

Counter/Timer Subsystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2

Analog Output Subsystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2

Analog I/O Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3

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

6

DriverLINX Calibration and Test Utilities

Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

Equipment Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2

Potentiometers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

Converting Voltage to Raw Counts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7

Converting Current to Raw Counts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7

7

Troubleshooting

Problem Isolation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1

Using the DriverLINX Event Viewer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1

Device initialization error messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2

Identifying Symptoms and Possible Causes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3

Testing Board and Host Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5

Testing Accessory Slot and I/O Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6

Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6

A

Specifications

B

Connector Pin Assignments

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List of Illustrations

Figure 2-1. DDA-08/16 Functional Block Diagram . . . . . . . 2-2

Figure 2-2. Using a Pacer Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7

Figure 2-3. Generating an Output Clock Pulse . . . . . . . . . . 2-10

Figure 2-4. Using a Hardware Trigger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12

Figure 2-5. Using a Hardware Gate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14

Figure 3-1. DDA-16 Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9

Figure 3-2. Setting the Base Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11

Figure 3-3. Setting the Output Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15

Figure 3-4. Setting the Output Range Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16

Figure 3-5. Setting the Output Span . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18

Figure 4-1. Main I/O Connector on a DDA-16 Board . . . . . 4-2

Figure 4-2. Attaching an STC-37 Screw Terminal Connector 4-3
Figure 4-3. Attaching an STA-U Screw Terminal Accessory 4-4
Figure 4-4. Attaching an STP-37 Screw Terminal Panel . . . 4-5

Figure 4-5. Voltage Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6

Figure 4-6. Current Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7

Figure 6-1. Potentiometers (DDA-16) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

Figure B-1. Main I/O Connector (DDA-16) . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-2

List of Tables

Table 2-1. Voltage Output Ranges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4

Table 3-1. Configuring DDA-08/16 Boards . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7

Table 3-2. Base Address Switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11

Table 3-3. Summary of Analog Output Range Switches . . 3-13

Table 3-4. Output Signal Switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14

Table 3-5. Output Range Type Switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16

Table 3-6. Output Span Switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17

Table 6-1. Potentiometers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4

Table 7-1. Troubleshooting Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3

Table A-1. DDA-08/16 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1

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

DDA-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-3

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v

Preface

The DDA-08/16 User’s Guide provides the information needed to set up,
install, and use DDA-08 and DDA-16 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 DDA-08 and DDA-16 boards. It is assumed that
users are familiar with data acquisition principles and with their particular
application.

The DDA-08/16 User’s Guide is organized as follows:

●

Section 1 provides an overview of the features of DDA-08 and
DDA-16 boards, including a description of supporting software and
accessories.

●

Section 2 provides a detailed description of the features of DDA-08
and DDA-16 boards.

●

Section 3 describes how to unpack, configure, and install DDA-08
and DDA-16 boards.

Section 4 describes how to attach accessory boards and how to wire

●

signals to DDA-08 and DDA-16 boards.
Section 5 describes how to use the Control Panel to test the functions

●

of DDA-08 and DDA-16 boards under Windows
Section 6 describes how to calibrate and test the functions of DD A-08

●



.

and DDA-16 boards under DOS.
Section 7 provides troubleshooting information.

●

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Appendix A lists the specifications for DDA-08 and DDA-16 boards.

●

Appendix B lists the connector pin assignments.

●

An index completes this manual.

Throughout the manual, references to DDA-08/16 boards apply to both
DDA-08 and DDA-16 boards. When a feature applies to a particular
board, that board’s name is used.

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1

Overview

DDA-08 and DDA-16 boards are analog output boards. The DDA-08/16
board with DriverLINX software requires:

An IBM PC or compatible AT (386 or Pentium CPU) with minimum

●

of 16 MB of memory.
At least one floppy disk drive and one fixed disk drive.

●

MS-DOS/PCDOS 3.1 or high.

●

●

Microsoft Windows 3.x, Windows 95/98, or Windows NT 4.0 or
higher.

●

A compiler supporting Microsoft Windows development.
A mouse is highly recommended.

●

The major features of DDA-08/16 boards are as follows:

Two 4-channel digital-to-analog converters (quad DACs) on the

●

DDA-08 provide eight analog output channels; four quad DACs on
the DDA-16 provide 16 analog output channels.

Multiple analog output channels can be included in an update group

●

and updated simultaneously.
A switch-selectable output signal (voltage output or current output) is

●

supported for each quad DAC.
Five unipolar and bipolar , switch-selectable v oltage output ranges are

●

supported; a current output range of 4 to 20 mA is supported.
All onboard switches can be read by software.

●

●

●

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An onboard internal pacer clock is provided; you select the update
rate through software.

An external pacer clock is supported.

1-1

An onboard output clock is provided; you can use the output clock to

●

synchronize other devices to the pacer clock.

●

An external digital trigger is supported.

●

An external gate is supported.

●

An interrupt can be generated when analog output channels are
updated.

Supporting Software

The following software is available for operating DDA-08/16 boards:

●

DDA-08/16 standard software package — Shipped with

DDA-08/16 boards. Includes DriverLINX for Microsoft Windows
and function libraries for writing application programs under
Windows in a high-level language such as Microsoft Visual Basic,
Microsoft Visual C++, Delphi, utility programs, and
language-specific example programs.

DriverLINX — The high-performance real-time data-acquisition

●

device drivers for Windows application development including:

●

DriverLINX API DLLs and drivers supporting the DDA-08/16

hardware.

Analog I/O Panel — a DriverLINX program that verifies the

●

installation and configuration of DriverLINX to your DD A-08/16
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

DDA-08/16 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
DDA-08/16 hardware.

1-2 Overview

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DDA-08/16 Utilities — The following utilities are provided as part of

●

the DDA-08/16 standard software package:

●

Calibrate and Test Utility — allows you to select a device to test
and calibrate.

DriverLINX Test Panel — allows you to perform a limited

●

number of tests.

Accessories

Note:

The DDA-08/16 board is calibrated at the factory for voltage

mode . If the board is to be used in current mode , it needs to be

recalibrated.

The following accessories are available for use with DDA-08/16 boards:

STC-37 screw terminal connector — Provides 37 screw terminals

●

that allow you to access the functions of the board; connects directly
to the DDA-08/16 board without a cable.

●

STA-U screw terminal accessory — Provides 37 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.

●

STP-37 screw terminal panel — Provides 37 screw terminals that

allow you to access the functions of the board; av ailable with a plastic
case (STP-37/C) that you can mount in a standard DIN rail.

●

C-1800 cable — Unshielded, 18-inch cable with a 37-pin connector

on each end; allows you to connect a DDA-08/16 board to an STA-U
or STP-37. (Note that the C-1800 cable is also available in longer
lengths, if required.)

●

Refer to Keithley’s Products catalog or contact your local sales office for
information on obtaining these accessories.

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S-1800 cable — Shielded, 18-inch cable with a 37-pin connector on

each end; allows you to connect a DDA-08/16 board to an STA-U or
STP-37. (Note that the S-1800 cable is also available in longer
lengths, if required.)

1-3

2

Functional Description

This section describes the analog output features of DDA-08/16 boards. A
functional block diagram of a DDA-08/16 board is shown in Figure 2-1.
Note that quad DAC2 and quad DAC3 are available on DDA-16 boards
only.

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2-1

2-2 Functional Description

Figure 2-1. DDA-08/16 Functional Block Diagram

Quad
DAC0

Quad
DAC1

Quad
DAC2

Quad
DAC3

Data
Buffers

Address
Decoder

Interrupt
Generator

Field-Programmable

Gate Array

(FPGA)

GATE IN

TRIGGER IN

CLOCK OUT

CLOCK IN

PC Bus

0

1

2

3

4

5

6
7

8

9
10

11

12

13

14
15

Input
Buffers

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Analog Output Channels

DDA-08 boards contain two quad DACs (quad DAC0 and quad DAC1),
which provide eight analog output channels. DDA-16 boards contain four
quad DACs (quad DAC0, quad DAC1, quad DAC2, and quad DAC3),
which provide 16 analog output channels. Quad DAC0 contains channels
0 through 3; quad DAC1 contains channels 4 through 7; quad DAC2
contains channels 8 through 11; quad DA C3 contains channels 12 through

15.

Each analog output channel contains an input buffer for storing data.
Through software, the host computer loads a single value into the input
buffer of a single channel or loads multiple v alues into the input buf fers of
a sequence of consecutive channels. The analog output values are held in
the input buffers until the channels are updated. At that point, the values
currently held in the input buffers are written to the channels, updating
their output values.

You can update a single analog output channel immediately when the
input buffer is loaded, or you can update several analog output channels
simultaneously using a pacer clock. Refer to page 2-6 for more
information about pacer clocks.

If you want to update several analog output channels simultaneously, you
use software to include one or more quad DACs in the update group. All
channels on the quad DACs in the update group are updated
simultaneously at each pulse of the pacer clock.

Note:

In multi-channel mode, the DDA-08/16 writes all data to a

consecutive range of analog channels.

●

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
DDA-08/16 model the application is using.

●

The DDA-08/16 can optionally output to all DACs in the range
simultaneously, or write to one DAC in the range at each timing
event.

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2-3

1

Output Ranges

In multi-channel list mode, the DDA-08/16 writes all data to a random list
of analog channels.

●

The channel-gain list may contain channels in any order but only with
unity gain. In simultaneous mode, the list may not repeat the same
channel.

●

The DDA-08/16 can optionally output to all DACs in the list
simultaneously, or write to one DAC in the list at each timing event.

Refer to the Using DriverLINX with Your Hardware, Keithle y DDA-08/16
manual that accompanies your DriverLINX software.

DDA-08/16 boards support both voltage output and current output. You
select the output signal for each quad DAC using the output signal
switches on the board. Refer to page 3-14 for more information.

Voltage output and current output ranges are described as follows:

●

Voltage output — For voltage output, you can select one of five

ranges (0 to 10V, 0 to 5V, ±10V, ±5V, or ±2.5V) for each quad DAC.
You select the voltage output range using two switches on the board.
The output span switch determines the span (5V, 10V, or 20V); the
output range type switch determines the output range type (unipolar
or bipolar). Refer to page 3-15 and page 3-17 for more information.

Table 2-1 shows the voltage output ranges provided by each span and
output range type.

Table 2-1. Voltage Output Ranges

Output Range Type

Span

5V 0 to 5V ±2.5V
10V 0 to 10V ±5V
20V

Unipolar Bipolar

Not applicable

±10V

2-4 Functional Description

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1

Do not select a 20V span with a unipolar output range

type. If you do, the output will saturate at about 10V with
approximately a half scale input to the quad DAC.

Notes:

All channels on a quad DAC have the same voltage output
range; you cannot select a voltage output range on a
channel-by-channel basis.

Make sure that you select a voltage output range that includes all the
output values required by the device connected to your board. In
addition, make sure that the range does not exceed the required values
excessively; this ensures the best possible resolution and prevents
potential damage to the device.

Current output — For current output, the range is always 4 to 20

●

mA. For current output, you must set the output range type and the
output span switches on the board to current output. Refer to page
3-15 and page 3-17 for more information.

Each analog output channel has a resolution of 12 bits, which translates to
a raw count value between 0 and 4095. For bipolar voltage output ranges,
a value of 0 represents negative full scale and a value of 4095 represents
positive full scale. For unipolar voltage output ranges, a value of 0
represents 0V and a value of 4095 represents positive full scale. For
current output ranges, a value of 0 represents 4mA and a value of 4095
represents 20mA.

Note:

To ensure that the analog output channels power-up to a known
state, the output value from all channels configured for voltage output is
nominally 0V at power-up and the output value from all channels
configured for current output is nominally 0mA at power-up.

2-5

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Clocks

Pacer Clocks

DDA-08/16 boards support two types of clocks: a pacer clock and an
output clock. These clocks are described in the following sections.

The pacer clock determines the update rate (the time between each update
of all the channels on the quad DACs in the update group). DDA-08/16
boards provide the following software-selectable pacer clocks:

Hardware internal pacer clock — The internal pacer clock uses an

●

onboard time base. The internal pacer clock determines the update
rate by multiplying a prescaler value (1

µ

s, 10

µ

s, 100

µ

s, 1ms, 10ms,
100ms, or 1s) by an 8-bit counter value. The prescaler values provide
a wide range of update rates; the 8-bit counter value provides the
resolution that allows you to achieve the exact update rate you
require.

The time between updates can range from 1

s to 4.267 minutes.

µ

For example, assume that you want to update the channels every
50ms. The prescaler value can be 1ms and the counter value can
be 50, or the prescaler value can be 10ms and the counter value can
be 5.

Notes:

The prescaler value used by the pacer clock is also used to
determine the length of the output clock pulse and the time delay between
the update of the analog output channels on the quad DACs in the update
group and the output clock pulse. Refer to page 2-8 for more information
about the output clock.

DriverLINX allo ws you to specify the Logical Channel (0 = Pacer Clock,
1 = Output Clock), Clock Source, Clock Tic Period, Mode, and Gate.
Refer to the Using DriverLINX with Your Hardware, Keithle y DDA-08/16
manual that accompanies your DriverLINX software.

When the pacer clock counter is loaded, the channels on the quad
DACs in the update group are updated and the pacer clock counter
starts counting down. (Note that a slight time delay occurs between

2-6 Functional Description

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the time the pacer clock counter is loaded and the time the channels
are updated.) When the pacer clock counter counts down to zero, all
the channels on the quad DA Cs in the update group are updated again
and the process repeats.

●

Hardware external pacer clock — An e xternal pacer clock is useful

if you want to update the channels at rates not available with the
internal clock, if you want to update the channels at uneven intervals,
or if you want to update the channels based on an external event.

The external pacer clock is an externally applied TTL-compatible
signal, which you attach to the CLOCK IN pin (pin 1) of the main I/O
connector. At each active edge of the external pacer clock, the
channels are updated. The active edge is software-selectable; at
power-up, the board assumes that the acti ve edge for an external pacer
clock is a falling edge.

Figure 2-2 illustrates how analog output channels are updated when using
an internal pacer clock and when using an external pacer clock with a
falling edge as the active edge. (Note that Figure 2-2 assumes that you are
not using a hardware trigger; refer to Figure 2-4 on page 2-12 when using
a hardware trigger.)

Operation is started

External Pacer
Clock

Internal Clock
Source

(idle state)

count

Updates begin when
using an internal
pacer clock

count

Updates begin when
using an external
pacer clock

count

count

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Figure 2-2. Using a Pacer Clock

2-7

Output Clock

Notes:

When determining the update rate for a hardware pacer clock
(internal or external), make sure that you do not update the analog output
channels faster than the host computer writes to the input buffers of the
channels. Typical update rates range from 1kHz to 20kHz; the actual rate
depends on a number of factors, including your computer, the operating
system/environment, and software issues. Also keep in mind the settling
time of the channels on the DDA-08/16 board; refer to Appendix A for
information.

At power-up, the pacer clock is disabled.

If enabled, the output clock generates an output pulse for each update of
the analog output channels on the quad DACs in the update group (using
either the internal pacer clock or the external pacer clock). You can use
this output pulse to synchronize other devices to the pacer clock.

The output pulse is issued from the CLOCK OUT pin (pin 20) of the
main I/O connector. The polarity of the output pulse (falling edge or
rising edge) is software-selectable. If you select a falling-edge pulse, the
output from CLOCK OUT starts high; if you select a rising-edge pulse,
the output from CLOCK OUT starts low. On power-up, the board
assumes that you want to generate a falling-edge pulse.

Time Delay

Through software, you can specify a time delay between the update of the
analog output channels on the quad DACs in the update group and the
output clock pulse. The output clock determines the time delay by
multiplying the prescaler value used by the internal pacer clock by the
output clock’s own independent 8-bit counter value. The output clock
counter is reloaded each time the analog output channels are updated.

For example, if the prescaler value is 1ms and you want a 30ms time
delay between the update of the analog output channels and the output
clock pulse, the output clock counter value must be 30.

2-8 Functional Description

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Notes:

If the output clock counter value is 0, the output clock pulse is
generated simultaneously with the update of the analog output channels
(no delay).

The DDA-08/16 can write analog output samples after the hardware
detects a digital trigger condition. Use post-triggering in DriverLINX
when you want to synchronize the start of data acquisition with an
external signal. Digital Start Events contain mask, pattern, and match
fields. The mask is logically ANDed with the digital input data on the
Logical Channel and then compared with the pattern for a
match/mismatch.

●

Specify the Channel as 0 .

●

Specify the Mask and Pattern properties as 1 to specify the bit
position of the 1-bit trigger input.

●

Specify the Match property as Not equals to trigger on the edge of
the trigger input.

●

Specify the Delay property as any number of samples from

32

0 to 2
Connect the signal to the TRIGGER IN line.

●

- 1.

Refer to Using DriverLINX with Your Hardware, Keithley DDA-08/16
manual that accompanies your DriverLINX software.

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2-9

Pulse Length

The period of the output pulse is equal to the prescaler value. Since the
prescaler generates a square wave, the length of the output pulse is equal
to half of the prescaler value. For example, if the prescaler v alue is 10 ms,
the length of the output pulse is 5ms.

Figure 2-3 illustrates a falling-edge output pulse that is 5ms in length
(prescaler value is 10ms) and is generated 30ms after the analog output
channels on the quad DACs in the update group are updated. Since there
is only one prescaler, the prescaler v alue must be 10ms for both the pacer
clock and the output clock.

Pacer Clock

Prescaler = 10ms

Counter value = 5

Output Clock

Falling-edge pulse

50ms

50ms

Pacer clock
counter loaded

First update of
the channels

First output
clock pulse

20
ms

30ms

time

delay

50ms

45ms

5ms output pulse

Figure 2-3. Generating an Output Clock Pulse

2-10 Functional Description

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In DriverLINX, Timing Events specify how the hardware paces or clocks
the sample output. DriverLINX uses the Timing Event to program when
the DDA-08/16 writes the next analog output sample to the DACs.

The DDA-08/16 supports the following Timing Events:

None — Output requires no pacing as DriverLINX is writing only a

●

single value.

Rate — The DDA-08/16 supports only fixed rate analog output using

●

internal and external clocks. The Rate Generator provides a fix ed rate
clock with equal time intervals between tics. An internally clocked
Rate Generator produces a fixed rate clock with equal time intervals
between tics. An externally clocked Rate Generator produces a rate
clock with unknown time intervals between tics.

●

Hardware Trigger

You can enable a hardware trigger through software. A hardware trigger is
an externally applied, edge-sensitive, digital signal that determines when
the analog output channels on the quad DACs in the update group can
respond to either an internal or an external pacer clock.

You connect the digital trigger signal to the TRIGGER IN pin (pin 2) of
the main I/O connector. If the trigger is enabled, the board waits for an
active edge on TRIGGER IN. The active edge is software-selectable; at
power-up, the board assumes that the acti v e edge for a hardware trigger is
a falling edge.

When the board detects an active edge, the channels respond to each pulse
of the pacer clock until the trigger circuitry is disabled.

The actual point at which the channels are updated depends on whether
you are using an internal pacer clock or an external pacer clock. These
considerations are described as follows:

Digital — DriverLINX uses an external digital input signal to pace

the output to each sample.

●

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Internal pacer clock — The internal pacer clock remains idle until

the trigger event occurs. When the trigger event occurs, the pacer
clock counter is loaded and the channels are updated. (Note that a
slight time delay occurs between the time the pacer clock counter is
loaded and the time the channels are updated.)

2-11

Hardware Trigger

(Rising Edge)

External pacer clock — When the trigger event occurs, the board

●

begins monitoring the state of the external pacer clock signal. At the
next active edge of the external pacer clock, the channels are updated.

Figure 2-4 illustrates how the channels are updated when using a
rising-edge hardware trigger.

Trigger event occurs

External Pacer Clock

(Falling Edge)

Internal Clock
Source

Note:

depends on the pacer clock. Refer to page 2-6 for more information.

Updates begin when
using an external
pacer clock

(idle state)

count

Updates begin when
using an internal
pacer clock

count

count

count

Figure 2-4. Using a Hardware Trigger

The time at which the analog output channels are updated also

2-12 Functional Description

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Hardware Gate

You can enable a hardware gate through software. A hardware gate is an
externally applied, level-sensitive, digital signal that determines when the
analog output channels on the quad DACs in the update group are
updated.

You connect the gate signal to the GATE IN pin (pin 21) of the main I/O
connector. If the hardw are gate is enabled, the software-selectable state of
the gate signal determines whether the channels are updated, as follows:

●

If you specify a positive gate, the channels are updated only if the
signal to GATE IN is high; if the signal goes low, the channels are no
longer updated.

If you specify a negative gate, the channels are updated only if the

●

signal to GATE IN is low; if the signal goes high, the channels are no
longer updated.

When using the hardware gate, the way the channels are updated depends
on whether you are using an internal pacer clock or an external pacer
clock. These considerations are described as follows:

Internal pacer clock — The internal pacer clock stops counting

●

down when the gate signal goes inactive. When the gate signal goes
active again, the internal pacer clock resumes counting where it left
off.

External pacer clock — The signal from the external pacer clock

●

continues uninterrupted while the gate signal is inactive; updates are
always synchronized to the external pacer clock.

Figure 2-5 illustrates a positive hardware gate with both an e xternal pacer
clock and an internal pacer clock. The polarity of the external pacer clock
is falling edge.

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2-13

Gate Signal

(Positive Gate)

Note:

In DriverLINX, use an internally clocked rate generator when
you want to write analog output samples at equally spaced time
intervals. The DDA-08/16 hardware can write the selected analog
output channels simultaneously at each timing event, or individually,
with one channel per timing event.

Specify internal clocking using a Rate Generator on Channel 0

●

with an Internal 1 Clock source.

●

The Period property specifies the time interval between samples
in tics, where a tic is 1

s or 1MHz. The minimum period is 20

µ

tics or 50kHz. The maximum period is 25500 tics or 0.004Hz.

●

The Gate property specifies how the GATE IN signal affects
sampling.

Refer to Using DriverLINX with Your Hardware , K eithley DD A-08/16
manual that accompanies your DriverLINX software.

Gate is high;
updates occur

Gate is low;
updates are inhibited

Software starts
the operation

External Clock

(Falling Edge)

Internal Clock

1st update
(external clock)

1st update
(internal clock)

2nd update
(external clock)

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

3rd update
(internal clock)

2nd update
(internal clock)

3rd update
(external clock)

4th update
(internal clock)

Figure 2-5. Using a Hardware Gate

2-14 Functional Description

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Interrupts

You can enable DDA-08/16 boards to automatically generate an interrupt
each time the analog output channels on the quad DACs in the update
group are updated. To enable interrupts, you specify an interrupt level (3,
5, 7, 10, 11, or 15) through software. On power-up, interrupts are
disabled.

DDA-08/16 boards use pulsed interrupts; this allows a DDA-08/16 board
to share an interrupt level with another DDA-08/16 board.

When an interrupt line is not being used to generate an interrupt, the
interrupt line remains in its normal state (tristated). When a board
requests an interrupt, the board momentarily pulses the interrupt line and
then sets a flag on the board. The software can cycle through the boards to
determine which boards need their interrupts serviced.

Note: Sharing an interrupt level with a device other than another

DDA-08/16 board may cause a bus conflict.

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2-15

3

Setup and Installation

Read this section and all related DriverLINX documentation before you
attempt to install and use your DDA-08/16 board.

Unpacking the Board

Caution:

damage certain electrical components on any circuit board. It is
recommended that you use wrist strap grounds when handling a board. If
wrist strap grounds are not available, discharge static electricity from
yourself by touching a grounded conductor such as your computer chassis
(your computer must be turned OFF). When handling a board, always
hold it by the edges and avoid touching any board components.

To prevent damage to your DDA-08/16 board, perform the following
steps when unpacking the board:

1. Remove the wrapped DDA-08/16 board from its outer shipping

2. Carefully remove the board from its anti-static wrapping material.

3. Inspect the board for signs of damage. If any damage is apparent,

A discharge of static electricity from your hands can seriously

carton.

(Store the wrapping material for future use.)

arrange to return the board to the factory; refer to Section 7 for more
information.

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3-1

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

5. Once you have determined that the board is acceptable, you can
install the software and configure the board. Refer to the following
sections for information.

Installing the Software

Installing and Configuring DriverLINX for DDA-08/16 Boards

Important:

As a precaution against a system crash the first time you
install and test any new hardware, exit all other programs and, if using a
disk cache, disable write caching. If the system does crash and you are
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 DDA-08/16 standard software
package. The contents of these software packages are described as
follows:

DDA-08/16 standard software package — Shipped with

●

DDA-08/16 boards. Includes DriverLINX for Microsoft Windows
and function libraries for writing application programs under
Windows in a high-level language such as Microsoft Visual Basic,
Microsoft Visual C++, Delphi, utility programs, and
language-specific example programs.

●

DriverLINX — The high-performance real-time data-acquisition

device drivers for Windows application development includes:

●

DriverLINX API DLLs and drivers supporting the DDA-08/16

hardware.

●

Analog I/O Panel — a DriverLINX program that verifies the

installation and configuration of DriverLINX to your DD A-08/16
board and demonstrates several virtual bench-top instruments.

3-2 Setup and Installation

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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

DDA-08/16 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
DDA-08/16 hardware.

●

DDA-08/16 Utilities — The following utilities are provided as part of

the DDA-08/16 standard software package:

●

Calibrate and Test Utility — allows you to select a device to test

or calibrate.

●

DriverLINX Test Panel — allows you to perform a limited

number of tests.

Note:

The DDA-08/16 board is calibrated at the factory for voltage

mode . If the board is to be used in current mode , it needs to be

recalibrated. To ensure the accuracy of your board, make sure that you
calibrate all analog output channels.

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3-3

Installing the DDA-08/16 Standard Software Package

Important:

Before you begin installing any hardware or software for the
DDA-08/16, read the DriverLINX Installation and Configuration Guide
and Using DriverLINX with your Hardware, Keithley DDA-08/16
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 DDA-08/16 board’s configuration settings.

2. Determine the resources your DDA-08/16 board requires.

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

installed devices.

4. Determine whether your computer has sufficient resources for your

DDA-08/16 board.

5. Determine whether your DDA-08/16 board can use your computer’s

free resources.

6. Set any jumpers/switches to configure your DDA-08/16 board to use

your computer’s free resources.

7. Set any other jumpers/switches to configure your DDA-08/16 board

to your preference.

8. Install your DDA-08/16 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 — This required component installs only the files you

●

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

3-4 Setup and Installation

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Install Interfaces — This optional component installs the files and

●

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

Install Documentation — This optional component installs

●

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

Install Acrobat — This optional component installs Adobe Acrobat

●

Reader for the DriverLINX electronic documentation.

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. 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 e xplanation of a menu option on the Driv 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 DDA-08/16 installation and read

them before installing your DDA-08/16 board or configuring
DriverLINX:

●

Installation and Configuration

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Using DriverLINX with Your Hardware, Keithley DDA-08/16

●

DriverLINX Technical Reference Manual

●

●

DriverLINX Analog I/O Programming Guide

3-5

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 DriverLINX Installation and Configuration Guide
and Using DriverLINX with Your Hardware, Keithley DDA-08/16
manuals.

Note:

Be sure to note and follow all programming differences between

installations for Windows NT and Windows 95/98.

Before you configure DriverLINX for operation with the DDA-08/16
board, you must specify the base address, interrupt level, and analog
output range for each quad DAC configuration by setting switches on the
board.

Configuring the Board

You can configure the following items for DDA-08/16 boards:

●

Board number
Board type

●

Base address

●

●

Interrupt level

●

Analog output range for each quad DAC

You must specify the base address and the analog output range for each
quad DAC by setting switches on the board. Refer to page 3-10 for
information on setting the base address; refer to page 3-12 for information
on setting the analog output range.

3-6 Setup and Installation

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1

To use your DDA-08/16 with DriverLINX or any application program
that requires a configuration file, you must indicate the board number,
board type, base address, interrupt level, and analog output range in a
configuration file.

Table 3-1 lists the items that are configurable for DDA-08/16 boards, the
available options, and the default settings in the configuration file. 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.

Table 3-1. Configuring DDA-08/16 Boards

Where Options are Set

Default in
DriverLINX
Configuration
File

0
DDA-16

2

300h

Attribute Options

Board number 0, 1, 2, 3
Board type DDA-08, DDA-16

Base address

First of 8 consecutive

DriverLINX
Configuration
File

Switches
on Board

✔
✔
✔✔

8-bit locations

Interrupt level

3

Analog output range

3, 5, 7, 10, 11, 15

4

0 to 10V, 0 to 5V

✔
✔✔

10

0 to 10V
±10V, ±5V, ±2.5V
4 to 20mA

1

Required by DriverLINX and other software packages to perform DDA-08/16 board operations.

2

The default base address for board 0 is 300h. If you are using multiple DDA-08/16 boards, the

default base address for board 1 is 308h, the default base address for board 2 is 310h, and the
default base address for board 3 is 318h.

3

On power-up, interrupts are disabled. If you are not using interrupts, this setting is ignored.

4

Configured for each quad DAC. The setting in DriverLINX must match the settings of switches

on the board. On power-up, the output v alue from all analog output channels is nominally 0V or
0mA.

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3-7

Setting Switches on the Board

Figure 3-1 illustrates the location of the switches on a DDA-16 board.
Note that the switches on a DDA-08 board are the same as the switches on
the DDA-16 except that the DDA-08 board does not contain the output
signal switches for quad DAC2 and quad DAC3, the output range type
switches for quad DAC2 and quad DAC3, or the output span switches for
quad DAC2 and quad DAC3.

Refer to the following subsections for information on setting these
switches.

Note:

If switches on the board are changed after the software has been

installed, the software will need to be reconfigured.

3-8 Setup and Installation

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Output Signal
(Quad DAC3)

Left=Voltage
Right=Current

Output Signal
(Quad DAC2)

Left=Voltage
Right=Current

Output Signal
(Quad DAC1)

Left=Voltage
Right=Current

Output Signal
(Quad DAC0)

Left=Voltage
Right=Current

Main I/O
connector

Output Range Type
(Quad DAC3)

Right=Unipolar/Current
Left=Bipolar

Output Span
(Quad DAC3)

Top=20V
Middle=10V

Bottom=5V/Current

Output Range Type
(Quad DAC2)

Right=Unipolar/Current
Left=Bipolar

Output Span
(Quad DAC2)

Top=20V
Middle=10V

Bottom=5V/Current

Output Range Type
(Quad DAC1)

Right=Unipolar/Current
Left=Bipolar

Output Span
(Quad DAC1)

Top=20V
Middle=10V

Bottom=5V/Current

1

Base Address
(On=0, Off=1)
0000000=000h
.
1100000=300h (default)
1100001=308h

.
1101101=368h
1101110=370h
.
1111111=3F8h

7

Output Range Type
(Quad DAC0)

Right=Unipolar/Current
Left=Bipolar

Output Span
(Quad DAC0)

Top=20V
Middle=10V

Bottom=5V/Current

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Figure 3-1. DDA-16 Board

3-9

Setting the Base Address

DDA-08/16 boards require eight consecutive 8-bit locations in the I/O
space of your host computer. DDA-08/16 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
DDA-08/16 board), you must reconfigure the base address using the base
address switch block (labeled S9 on the board).

Note:

The default base address setting in the DriverLINX configuration
file is 0x300hex (768 decimal) for board 0, 308h for board 1, 310h for
board 2, and 318h for board 3 (a block of eight free addresses for each
DDA-08/16 board). Make sure that the switch settings for each board
match the DriverLINX settings for each board.

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

7. The location of the base address switch block on the DDA-08/16 board
is shown in Figure 3-1.

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

A switch in the ON position corresponds to a value of 0; a switch in the
OFF position corresponds to the value shown in Table 3-2.

3-10 Setup and Installation

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Table 3-2. Base Address Switches

Value When Switch is OFF

Switch

Hexadecimal Decimal

1 200 512
2 100 256
3 80 128
4 40 64
520 32
6 10 16
78 8

Figure 3-2 illustrates the setting for a base address of 300h (768 decimal).
Switches 1 and 2 are in the OFF position (200h + 100h = 300h;
512 + 256 = 768); all the other switches (3, 4, 5, 6, and 7) are in the ON
position.

1 2

O
N

3 4

5 6

Figure 3-2. Setting the Base Address

7

3-11

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Determine an even boundary of eight I/O addresses that is not being used
by another resource in your system (including another DDA-08/16
board), and set the switches to the appropriate base address. It is
recommended that you use a base address between 300h and 370h, if
possible.

Notes:

Typically, base addresses between 300h and 370h are available
for use. However, keep in mind that a network board, a sound board, a
CD-ROM, or other data acquisition board may use a base address within
this space.

DriverLINX allows you to set base addresses between 200h and 3F0h
only. Therefore, if you are using your DDA-08/16 board with software
that requires a configuration file, you must specify an even boundary of
eight I/O addresses within the range of 200h to 3F8h.

Setting the Analog Output Range

Specify the analog output range by setting the following switches for each
quad DAC:

The output signal switches (four for each quad DAC) allow you to

●

select voltage output or current output.
The output range type switch allows you to select bipolar voltage

●

output, unipolar voltage output, or current output.

●

The output span switch allows you to select a 5V span, a 10V span, a
20V span, or current output.

Table 3-3 summarizes the settings of the switches on a DDA-08/16 board
that determine the analog output range for each quad DAC.

3-12 Setup and Installation

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Table 3-3. Summary of Analog Output Range Switches

Switches

Quad DAC Range

Output Signal Output Range Type Output Span

Quad DAC0 0 to 10V S10 to S13 = Voltage S1 = Unipolar/Current S5 = 10V

0 to 5V S10 to S13 = Voltage S1 = Unipolar/Current S5 = 5V/Current
±10V S10 to S13 = Voltage S1 = Bipolar S5 = 20V
±5V S10 to S13 = Voltage S1 = Bipolar S5 = 10V
±2.5V S10 to S13 = Voltage S1 = Bipolar S5 = 5V/Current
4 to 20mA S10 to S13 = Current S1 = Unipolar/Current S5 = 5V/Current

Quad DAC1 0 to 10V S14 to S17 = Voltage S2 = Unipolar/Current S6 = 10V

0 to 5V S14 to S17 = Voltage S2 = Unipolar/Current S6 = 5V/Current
±10V S14 to S17 = Voltage S2 = Bipolar S6 = 20V
±5V S14 to S17 = Voltage S2 = Bipolar S6 = 10V
±2.5V S14 to S17 = Voltage S2 = Bipolar S6 = 5V/Current
4 to 20mA S14 to S17 = Current S2 = Unipolar/Current S6 = 5V/Current

Quad DAC2 0 to 10V S18 to S21 = Voltage S3 = Unipolar/Current S7 = 10V

0 to 5V S18 to S21 = Voltage S3 = Unipolar/Current S7 = 5V/Current
±10V S18 to S21 = Voltage S3 = Bipolar S7 = 20V
±5V S18 to S21 = Voltage S3 = Bipolar S7 = 10V
±2.5V S18 to S21 = Voltage S3 = Bipolar S7 = 5V/Current
4 to 20mA S18 to S21 = Current S3 = Unipolar/Current S7 = 5V/Current

Quad DAC3 0 to 10V S22 to S25 = Voltage S4 = Unipolar/Current S8 = 10V

0 to 5V S22 to S25 = Voltage S4 = Unipolar/Current S8 = 5V/Current
±10V S22 to S25 = Voltage S4 = Bipolar S8 = 20V
±5V S22 to S25 = Voltage S4 = Bipolar S8 = 10V
±2.5V S22 to S25 = Voltage S4 = Bipolar S8 = 5V/Current
4 to 20mA S22 to S25 = Current S4 = Unipolar/Current S8 = 5V/Current

3-13

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The following sections describe how to set these switches.

Note:

Ensure that the analog output range for a quad DA C, which you set
using switch settings is the same as the output range that you configure
using DriverLINX.

Setting the Output Signal

DDA-08/16 boards are shipped with the output signal for all quad DACs
set to voltage output. If this is not appropriate for your application, you
can reconfigure the output signal for a quad DAC using four 2-position
output signal switches.

Note:

For a particular quad DAC, all four output signal switches must be

set to the same output signal.

The output signal switches are labeled as shown in Table 3-4. Note that
the DDA-08 board does not contain the output signal switches for quad
DAC2 and quad DAC3.

Table 3-4. Output Signal Switches

Quad DAC Labels

Quad DAC0 S10 to S13
Quad DAC1 S14 to S17
Quad DAC2 S18 to S21
Quad DAC3 S22 to S25

Note:

The DDA-08/16 board is calibrated at the factory for voltage

mode . If the board is to be used in current mode , it needs to be

recalibrated.

3-14 Setup and Installation

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Note: The DriverLINX default analog output range for each quad DAC

in the DriverLINX configuration file is 0 to 10V (indicating voltage
output). Make sure you note the switch settings on the board so that you
can program the DriverLINX configuration to match.

The locations of the output signal switches on a DDA-08/16 board are
shown in Figure 3-1.

Find the four switches for the appropriate quad DAC. Slide the switch to
the left for voltage output; slide the switch to the right for current output.
Figure 3-3 illustrates the settings for voltage output.

Voltage Output

Current Output

Figure 3-3. Setting the Output Signal

Setting the Output Range Type

DDA-08/16 boards are shipped with the output range type for all quad
DACs set to unipolar/current. If this is not appropriate for your
application, you can reconfigure the output range type for a quad DAC
using the 2-position output range type switch.

The output range type switches are labeled as shown in Table 3-5. Note
that the DDA-08 board does not contain the output range type switches
for quad DAC2 and quad DAC3.

3-15

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Table 3-5. Output Range Type Switches

Quad DAC Label

Quad DAC0 S1
Quad DAC1 S2
Quad DAC2 S3
Quad DAC3 S4

Note: The default analog output range in the DriverLINX default

configuration for each quad DAC is 0 to 10V (indicating unipolar voltage
output). Make sure you note the switch settings on the board so that you
can program the DriverLINX configuration to match.

The locations of the output range type switches on a DDA-08/16 board
are shown in Figure 3-1.

Find the switch for the appropriate quad DAC. Slide the switch to the left
for bipolar voltage output; slide the switch to the right for unipolar
voltage output or current output.

Figure 3-4 illustrates the setting for unipolar voltage output or current
output.

Bipolar

Figure 3-4. Setting the Output Range Type

3-16 Setup and Installation

Unipolar/Current

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Setting the Output Span

DDA-08/16 boards are shipped with the output span for all quad DACs
set to 10V. If this is not appropriate for your application, you can
reconfigure the output span for each quad DAC using the 3-position
output span switch.

The output span switches are labeled as shown in Table 3-6. Note that the
DDA-08 board does not contain the output span switches for quad DAC2
and quad DAC3.

Table 3-6. Output Span Switches

Quad DAC Label

Quad DAC0 S5
Quad DAC1 S6
Quad DAC2 S7
Quad DAC3 S8

Note: The default analog output range for each quad DAC in the

DriverLINX default configuration is 0 to 10V (indicating a 10V span).
Make sure you note the switch settings on the board so that you can
program the DriverLINX configuration to match.

The locations of the output span switches on the DDA-08/16 boards are
shown in Figure 3-1.

Find the switch for the appropriate quad DAC. Slide the switch to the top
position for a 20V span; slide the switch to the middle position for a 10V
span; slide the switch to the bottom position for a 5V span or for current
output.

3-17

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Figure illustrates the setting for a 10V span.

Figure 3-5. Setting the Output Span

Installing the Board

Before installing a DDA-08/16 board in your computer, make sure that
the switches are set appropriately. Make sure to note the switch settings
so that you can match these settings when you program the configuration
using DriverLINX. Refer to the DriverLINX Installation and

Configuration Guide and Using DriverLINX with Your Hardware,
Keithley DDA-08/16 manuals.

20V

10V

5V/Current

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

Caution: Make sure that power is turned OFF. Installing or removing a

board with the power ON can damage 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. DDA-08/16 boards require a full-size slot.

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

and then slide the plate up and out to remove.

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

6. Replace the computer chassis cover.

3-18 Setup and Installation

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Configuring DriverLINX

After you have successfully installed the DDA-08/16 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 refer to DriverLINX Installation and

Configuration Guide and Using DriverLINX with Your Hardware,
Keithley DDA-08/16 manuals.

Note: Be sure to note and follow differences in programming between

Windows NT and Windows 95/98 as appropriate for your system.

Run “Learn DriverLINX” (LearnDL.exe) from the Dri v erLINX program
group to tell DriverLINX ho w you configured your DD A-08/16 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.

2. Either select the “Learn DriverLINX” icon created when you
installed DriverLINX or enter “<drive?:/DRVLNX/LEARNDL” in
the Command Line edit box. Activate the command line edit box by
selecting the Run... option from the File menu. <dri v e> 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 DDA-08/16 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 Configur e... option
to display the Device Configuration Dialog Box.

7. From the Model list, select the model name for the DDA-08/16 board
you are configuring.

3-19

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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 your selections, save the configuration
parameters by clicking on the OK button. This will create or update
the configuration file, KMBDDA16.INI in the Windows directory.

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

You can use DriverLINX to verify board operation:

1. To physically initialize the DDA-08/16, select Device/Initialize from
the main menu in Learn DriverLINX.

2. The first time the DDA-08/16 is initialized, or after a configuration
change, DriverLINX runs a diagnostic program to verify the
operation and accuracy of the configuration settings.

After you install the DDA-08/16 board and configure Dri v erLINX for the
desired DDA-08/16 configuration, you can attach an accessory board and
wire the appropriate signals to the board; refer to Section 4 for
information. Before writing your application program, you can test the
functions of the DDA-08/16 board using the Dri verLINX Calibration Test
Panel. Refer to Section 5, Section 6, and the DriverLINX Installation and

Configuration Guide and Using DriverLINX with Your Hardware,
Keithley DDA-08/16 manuals.

3-20 Setup and Installation

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4

Cabling and Wiring

This section describes how to attach accessory boards to a DDA-08/16
board and provides valuable information for connecting signals from a
DDA-08/16 board.

Caution:

sure that power to your computer and any accessories attached to the
DDA-08/16 board are OFF.

Before you make any connections to a DD A-08/16 board, make

Attaching Accessory Boards

You can use the following accessory boards to connect signals from the
DDA-08/16 board to your application:

STC-37 screw terminal connector

●

●

STA-U screw terminal accessory

●

STP-37 screw terminal panel

You attach an STC-37, an STA-U, or an STP-37 to a DDA-08/16 board
through the main I/O connector, a 37-pin, D-type connector that is labeled
J5 on the board. The main I/O connector and its pin assignments on a
DDA-16 board are shown in Figure 4-1. (The pin assignments on a
DDA-08 board are the same as the pin assignments on a DDA-16 except
that pins 12 through 19 and pins 30 through 37 are not used.) Refer to
Appendix B for a more detailed description of the pins.

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4-1

Top of Board (Rear View)

D/A 15 OUT Pin 19

D/A 14 OUT Pin 18

D/A 13 OUT Pin 17

D/A 12 OUT Pin 16

D/A 11 OUT Pin 15

D/A 10 OUT Pin 14

D/A 9 OUT Pin 13

D/A 8 OUT Pin 12

D/A 7 OUT Pin 11
D/A 6 OUT Pin 10

D/A 5 OUT Pin 9

D/A 4 OUT Pin 8
D/A 3 OUT Pin 7
D/A 2 OUT Pin 6
D/A 1 OUT Pin 5

D/A 0 OUT Pin 4

DIGITAL GND Pin 3

TRIGGER IN Pin 2

CLOCK IN Pin 1

Pin 37 D/A 15 GND
Pin 36 D/A 14 GND
Pin 35 D/A 13 GND
Pin 34 D/A 12 GND
Pin 33 D/A 11 GND
Pin 32 D/A 10 GND

Pin 31 D/A 9 GND
Pin 30 D/A 8 GND

Pin 29 D/A 7 GND
Pin 28 D/A 6 GND
Pin 27 D/A 5 GND

Pin 26 D/A 4 GND
Pin 25 D/A 3 GND
Pin 24 D/A 2 GND
Pin 23 D/A 1 GND
Pin 22 D/A 0 GND
Pin 21 GATE IN

Pin 20 CLOCK OUT

Figure 4-1. Main I/O Connector on a DDA-16 Board

4-2 Cabling and Wiring

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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 DDA-08/16 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 1 is
assigned to the external pacer clock, use screw terminal 1 to attach an
external pacer clock. Refer to Appendix B for a complete list of pin
assignments.

To attach an STC-37 to a DDA-08/16 board, directly connect the 37-pin
connector on the STC-37 to the main I/O connector on the DDA-08/16
board. Figure 4-2 illustrates the connection of an STC-37 to a DDA-08/16
board.

16

DDA-08/16 Board

J5

Pin 1

STC-37 Screw Terminal

Figure 4-2. Attaching an STC-37 Screw Terminal Connector

21

17

5
4

1

Connector

37

34

33

22

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4-3

Attaching an STA-U Screw Terminal Accessory

The screw terminals on the STA-U screw terminal accessory allow you to
connect field wiring to a DDA-08/16 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 2 is
assigned to the external trigger, use screw terminal 2 to attach an external
trigger. Refer to Appendix B for a complete list of pin assignments.

T o attach an STA-U to a DDA-08/16 board, connect one end of an S-1800
or C-1800 cable to the main I/O connector on the DDA-08/16 board and
the other end of the cable to either the J2 or J3 connector on the STA-U.
(The C-1800 is the unshielded version of the cable; the S-1800 is the
shielded version of the cable.)

Figure 4-3 illustrates the connection of an STA-U to a DDA-08/16 board.

User-defined

circuitry

37

DDA-08/16 Board

J5

C-1800 / S-1800 Cable

Pin 1

Pin 1

J1

J2

J3

1

Figure 4-3. Attaching an STA-U Screw Terminal Accessory

25

STA-U

. . . . . . .

. . . . . . .

. . . . . . .

. . . . . . .

24

4-4 Cabling and Wiring

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Attaching an STP-37 Screw Terminal Panel

The screw terminals on the STP-37 screw terminal panel allow you to
connect field wiring to a DDA-08/16 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 21 is
assigned to the hardware gate, use screw terminal 21 to attach a hardware
gate. Refer to Appendix B for a complete list of pin assignments.

To attach an STP-37 to a DDA-08/16 board, connect one end of an
S-1800 or C-1800 cable to the main I/O connector on the DDA-08/16
board and the other end of the cable to the J1 connector on the STP-37.
(The C-1800 is the unshielded version of the cable; the S-1800 is the
shielded version of the cable.)

Figure 4-4 illustrates the connection of an STP-37 to a DDA-08/16 board.

J5

DDA-08/16 Board

Pin 1

19

37

J1

STP-37

C-1800 / S-1800 Cable

Pin 1

1

20

Figure 4-4. Attaching an STP-37 Screw Terminal Panel

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4-5

Connecting Signals

This section contains information you need when wiring signals from a
DDA-08/16 board to your application.

Figure 4-5 illustrates how to connect a voltage output signal from a
DDA-08/16 board to your application. Figure 4-6 illustrates how to
connect a current output signal from a DDA-08/16 board to your
application.

D/A OUT

D/A GND

DDA-08/16 Board

Figure 4-5. Voltage Output

667Ω minimum

4-6 Cabling and Wiring

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D/A OUT

Load

5V minimum

D/A GND

DDA-08/16 Board

Floating Load

+

Loop

Supply

10V to 36V

−

D/A OUT

5V minimum

DDA-08/16 Board

Grounded Load

Figure 4-6. Current Output

+

10V to 36V

D/A GND

Loop

Supply

−

Load

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4-7

5

Subsystems and Analog I/O

The following sections describe how DriverLINX implements Digital
Input Subsystem features and Analog Output Subsystem features for the
DDA-08/16. Refer to DriverLINX Installation and Configuration Guide
and Using DriverLINX with Your Hardware, Keithley DDA-08/16
manuals for more information.

Digital Input Subsystem

Digital Input Operations

The DDA-08/16 supports two types of operation:

●

Initialize — Aborts any active interrupt data-acquisition tasks and

stops the clock. Howev er, DriverLINX prevents one application from
interfering with another application’s data-acquisition tasks.

●

Message — DriverLINX displays a pop-up dialog box for the user

containing the text for the current DriverLINX error message.

Digital Input Timing Events

Timing Events specify how the hardware paces or clocks the reading of
Digital Input samples. Because the DDA-08/16 does not have any digital
input data channels, DriverLINX does not allow an application to create
any independent tasks with the Digital Input Subsystem. Refer to

DriverLINX Installation and Configuration Guide and Using DriverLINX
with Your Hardware, Keithley DDA-08/16 manuals for more information.

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5-1

Counter/Timer Subsystem

The DDA-08/16 has a simple counter/timer subsystem. It allows analog
output pacing at rates from 0.004Hz to 50kHz. In addition, it can perform
independent counter/timer tasks while the analog output subsystem is
idle, such as frequency division and strobe generation.

Refer to DriverLINX Installation and Configuration Guide and Using

DriverLINX with Your Hardware, Keithley DDA-08/16 manuals for more

information.

Analog Output Subsystem

The DDA-08/16 has eight or sixteen 12-bit output DACs. DriverLINX
maps these signals to Logical Channels. The Analog Output Subsystem
has an internal pacer clock, which DriverLINX designates as Logical
Channel 0 of the Counter/Timer subsystem.

The Analog Output Subsystem supports three modes: Polled, for
single-value analog output samples; Interrupt, for buf fered transfers using
programmed I/O; and Other, for subsystem initialization and data
conversion.

The Analog Output Subsystem supports the following DriverLINX
operations:

Initialize — Aborts all active analog output data-acquisition tasks.

●

Start — Initiates a data-acquisition task using the Mode, Timing,

●

Start, and Stop Events, the Logical Channels, and the Buffers
application specified in the Service Request.

Status — Reports the buffer position of the next sample that

●

DriverLINX will write into a buffer.

●

Stop — Terminates an analog output data-acquisition task.

●

Message — DriverLINX displays a pop-up dialog box for the user

containing the text for the current DriverLINX error message.

5-2 Subsystems and Analog I/O

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Analog Output Timing Events specify how the hardware paces or clocks
the sample output. DriverLINX uses the Timing Event to program when
the DDA-08/16 writes the next analog output sample to the DACs.

The DDA-08/16 allows applications to specify the analog channels using
three techniques: Start Channel, to write analog data to a single channel;
Start/Stop Channel Range, to write analog data to a consecutive range of
channels; and Channel List, to write analog data to a list of channels. The
DDA-08/16 board has individual gain switches for each channel.
DriverLINX uses a gain code of zero for all switch settings.

DriverLINX supports both single-value analog output and buffered
analog output.

●

For single-value output — Specify the Number of buffers as 0 and

the number of Samples as 1 . Use Polled mode and store the data in
the ioValue Service Request property.

●

An individual DriverLINX buffer may have any size as long as the buffer
length holds an integral number of channel scans.

The DDA-08/16 offers both bipolar and unipolar analog output ranges.

Refer to DriverLINX Installation and Configuration Guide and Using

DriverLINX with Your Hardware, Keithley DDA-08/16 manuals for more

information.

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:

●

●

●

For buffer ed output — Specify the Number of buffers from 1 to 256

and the number of Samples as desired.

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.

●

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Output DC Level voltages using the Level Control.

5-3

The Analog I/O Panel is useful for:

●

Testing the DDA-08/16 DriverLINX installation and configuration.
Verifying signal inputs to your DDA-08/16 board.

●

Sending test signals to external devices.

●

To access this DriverLINX Analog I/O Panel:

1. Start the Analog I/O P anel with the “AIO Panel” item on the Windo ws
start menu, and continue with the following steps:

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

3. Select the driver for your board using the Open DriverLINX dialog.

4. Click OK.

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 DDA-08/16 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 DDA-08/16 board.

5-4 Subsystems and Analog I/O

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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.

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5-5

6

DriverLINX Calibration and

Test Utilities

The DriverLINX Calibration and Test Utility Setup Panel allows you to
calibrate DDA-08/16 boards and to test some simple functions of
DDA-08/16 boards. Follow the DriverLINX online instructions. Refer to
the DriverLINX Installation and Configuration Guide and Using

DriverLINX with Your Hardware, Keithley DDA-08/16 manuals for more

information.

Calibration

The following sections provide the information you need to calibrate
DDA-08/16 boards and to test the functions of DDA-08/16 boards.

DDA-08/16 boards are calibrated in the factory and should not require
calibration when shipped. It is recommended that you check and, if
necessary, readjust the calibration of your DDA-08/16 board every six
months to a year.

Note:

mode . If the board is to be used in current mode , it needs to be

recalibrated.

The DDA-08/16 board is calibrated at the factory for voltage

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6-1

Equipment Required

You need the following equipment to calibrate a DDA-08/16 board:

A digital multimeter accurate to 6

●

½

digits on its ±10VDC range, such

as the Keithley DMM Model 196.

●

An STA-U screw terminal accessory and C-1800 cable, and STP-37
screw terminal panel and C-1800 cable, or an STC-37 screw terminal
connector.

●

A small screwdriver.

DriverLINX Calibration Utility will guide you through the calibration
procedure. 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.

Note:

Do not attempt to calibrate a DDA-08/16 board unless your

equipment is of the required accuracy.

6-2 DriverLINX Calibration and Test Utilities

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Potentiometers

DDA-08 boards contain 16 potentiometers (one offset and one gain
potentiometer for each analog output channel); DDA-16 boards contain
32 potentiometers (one offset and one gain potentiometer for each analog
output channel). You adjust the potentiometers when calibrating the
board.

The locations of the potentiometers on the DDA-16 board are shown in
Figure 6-1. Note that the potentiometers on a DDA-08 board are the same
as the potentiometers on a DDA-16 except that the DDA-08 board does
not contain the potentiometers for analog output channels 8 through 15.

Ch. 15

Ch. 14

Ch. 13

Ch. 11

Ch. 9

Ch. 7

Ch. 5

Figure 6-1. Potentiometers (DDA-16)

Ch. 3

Ch. 1

Ch. 0Ch. 2Ch. 4Ch. 6Ch. 8Ch.10Ch. 12

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6-3

The potentiometers are labeled as shown in Table 6-1. Note that the
DDA-08 board does not contain the potentiometers for analog output
channels 8 through 15.

Table 6-1. Potentiometers

Offset
Analog Output
Channel

0 R37 R38
1 R100 R99
2 R42 R41
3 R44 R43
4 R46 R45
5 R48 R102
6 R50 R101
7 R52 R51
8 R54 R53
9 R56 R55
10 R58 R57
11 R60 R59
12 R62 R61

Potentiometer

Label

Gain
Potentiometer
Label

6-4 DriverLINX Calibration and Test Utilities

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13 R64 R104
14 R66 R103
15 R68 R67

The DriverLINX Calibration and Test Utility Setup Panel allows you to
select a device to test or calibrate.

Click the Board text box, and select the device you want to calibrate. The
configuration of your selected board will be displayed in the configuration
box.

Select the Screw Terminal you are using in the calibration and test. The
connection advice will be given according to the selected screw terminal.
If you are using a screw terminal other than the selected one, be sure you
measure the output of the right pin.

Select the “Calibrate” button on the Setup Panel for step by step
instructions to calibrate each channel:

1. The Calibration Panel contains an illustration of the offset and gain
potentiometers and instructions to adjust them.

2. Select a channel to calibrate from the “Channel to Calibrate” box.

3. Connect the positive and negative leads of a digital multimeter
(DMM) to the specified pins on the DDA-08/16 main I/O connector
(the positive lead to the D/A OUT pin of the analog output channel
and the negative lead to pin 37).

4. At this time, D/A offset in the Calibration mode check box should be
checked. If not, please check D/A offset first. Use a small screwdri v er
to turn the specified offset potentiometer until the multimeter shows
the specified voltage or current (negative full scale).

5. When you have finished, check the D/A gain in the Calibration mode
check box.

6. Use the screwdriver to turn the specified gain potentiometer until the
multi-meter shows the specified voltage or current (positive full
scale).

7. Repeat steps 2 through 6 for each analog output channel.

8. Click Back button to return to Setup Panel or Exit to exit the program.

Note:

all analog output channels.

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To ensure the accuracy of your board, make sure that you calibrate

6-5

You can test the function of your DDA-08/16 board by updating an
analog output channel with a specified value using DriverLINX.

To test a DDA-08/16 board, perform the following steps:

1. From the DriverLINX DDA-08/16 Calibration and Test Setup panel,
click the Test button to display the Test Panel.

2. On the Test Panel, select the channel to test.

3. Specify the raw count equiv alent of the output v oltage (or current) for
each channel you want to update by entering the output value in the
binary code text box. As soon as you enter a new value, the analog
output channel is immediately updated with the new value.

4. Follow the instructions in the right frames to measure the output.

5. Repeat steps 2 to 4 to test other channels.

6. Click the Back button to return to the Setup Panel or to exit the
program.

Raw count values are between 0 and 4095. The value of a count value
depends on the output range:

●

For bipolar voltage output, a value of 0 corresponds to negative full
scale, a value of 2048 corresponds to 0V, and a value of 4095
corresponds to positive full scale.

●

For unipolar voltage output, a value of 0 corresponds to 0V and a
value of 4095 corresponds to positive full scale.

●

For current output, a value of 0 corresponds to 4mA and a value of
4095 corresponds to 20mA.

6-6 DriverLINX Calibration and Test Utilities

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×

×

×

Converting Voltage to Raw Counts

To convert a v oltage output value to a raw count, use one of the following
equations:

Bipolar: Count = [(V
Unipolar: Count = (V

where V

is the output voltage and span is the span of the output

out

range.

For example, assume that you want to specify an output voltage of 3V

for a DDA-16 that is set up for a ±5V bipolar output (10V span). The raw
count is determined as:

[(3 × 4096) / 10] + 2048 = 3277

Converting Current to Raw Counts

To convert a current output value to a raw count, use the following
equation:

Count = [(I
where I

out

4096) / 16] - 1024

out

is the desired current (in milliamperes).

4096) / span] + 2048

out

4096) / span

out

For example, assume that you want to specify an output current of 14mA

for a DDA-16. The raw count is determined as:

[(14 × 4096) / 16] - 1024 = 2560

6-7

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7

Troubleshooting

Problem Isolation

If you encounter a problem with a DDA-08/16 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 e v ent 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.

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7-1

Device initialization error messages

During device initialization, DriverLINX performs a thorough test of all
possible subsystems on DDA-08/16 boards as well as the computer
interface. If DriverLINX detects an y 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 Configuration 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.

7-2 Troubleshooting

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If your DDA-08/16 board is not operating properly, use the information in
this section to help you isolate the problem. If the problem appears
serious enough to require technical support, refer to page 7-6 for
information on how to contact an applications engineer.

Identifying Symptoms and Possible Causes

T able 7-1 lists general symptoms and possible solutions for problems with
DDA-08/16 boards. If your board is not operating properly after using
this information, refer to page 7-6 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 to
page 3-10 for instructions.

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7-3

Table 7-1. Troubleshooting Information (cont.)

Symptom Possible Cause Possible Solution

Board does not respond

Interrupt level is unacceptable. Make sure that no other system

(cont.)

The board configuration is
unacceptable.

The board is incorrectly aligned
in the accessory slot.

The board is damaged. Contact Keithley Instruments,

The I/O bus speed is in excess of
8MHz.

Intermittent operation Vibrations or loose connections

exist.

resource is using the interrupt
level specified in the
configuration file.

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

Check installation.

Inc., refer to page page 7-6.
Reduce I/O bus speed to a

maximum of 8MHz. To change
the I/O bus speed, run BIOS
setup; refer to your computer
documentation for instructions on
running BIOS setup.

Cushion source of vibration and
tighten connections.

The board is overheating. Check environmental and

ambient temperature.

Electrical noise exists. Provide better shielding or

reroute wiring.

The I/O bus speed is in excess of
8MHz.

Reduce I/O bus speed to a
maximum of 8MHz. To change
the I/O bus speed, run BIOS
setup; refer to your computer
documentation for instructions on
running BIOS setup.

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

7-4 Troubleshooting

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If you cannot identify the problem using the information in Table 7-1,
refer to the next subsection to determine whether the problem is in the
host computer or in the DDA-08/16 board.

Testing Board and Host Computer

To determine whether the problem is in the host computer or in the
DDA-08/16 board, perform the following steps:

1. Remove power connections to the host computer.

2. Unplug the accessory connector(s) or cable(s) from the DDA-08/16
board(s), keeping the connections intact on the accessory board(s).

3. Remove the DDA-08/16 board(s) from the computer and visually
check for damage. If a board is obviously damaged, refer to page 7-6
for information on returning the board.

4. With the DDA-08/16 board(s) out of the computer, check the
computer for proper operation. Power up the computer and perform
any necessary diagnostics.

If you have another DDA-08/16 board that you know is functional, refer
to the next section to determine whether the problem is in the accessory
slot or in the I/O connections. If you do not have another board, refer to
page 7-6 for information on how to contact an applications engineer.

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7-5

Testing Accessory Slot and I/O Connections

To determine whether the problem is in the accessory slot or in the I/O
connections, perform the following steps:

1. When you are sure that the computer is operating properly, remove
computer power again, and install a DD A-08/16 board that you know
is functional. Do not make any I/O connections.

2. Apply computer power and check operation with the functional
DDA-08/16 board in place. This test checks the computer accessory
slot. If you are using more than one DDA-08/16 board, check the
other slots you are using.

3. If the accessory slots are functional, check the I/O connections.
Connect the accessory boards, one at a time, and check operation.

4. If operation is normal, the problem is in the DDA-08/16 board(s)
originally in the computer. Try the DD A-08/16 board(s) one at a time
in the computer to determine which is faulty.

5. If you cannot isolate the problem, refer to the next section for
instructions on getting technical support.

Technical Support

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

1-888-KEITHLEY
Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Eastern Time

7-6 Troubleshooting

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

DDA-08/16 board
configuration

Computer

Operating system

Software package

Compiler (if applicable) Language

Model
Serial Number
Revision Code
Base address setting
Interrupt level setting
Number of channels
Output signal (V or I)
Mode (uni. or bip.)
Output span
Number SSH-8 boards
Number EXP boards
Manufacturer
CPU type
Clock speed (MHz)
KB of RAM
Video system
BIOS type
Windows version
Windows mode
Name
Serial Number
Version
Invoice/Order Number

Manufacturer
Version

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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 Aur ora Road

Cleveland, Ohio 44139

Telephone 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

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A

Specifications

Table A-1 lists the specifications for the DDA-08/16 boards.

Table A-1. DDA-08/16 Specifications

Feature Attribute DDA-08/16 Specifications

Analog Output Number of analog

output channels
Number of quad DACs DDA-08: 2

Resolution 12 bits
D/A converter type Quad DAC4815 (4/2)
Integral linearity ±1 bit
Differential linearity ±1 bit
Monotonicity Guaranteed
T emperature of fset drift 15 ppm full scale range/

Temperature gain drift 30 ppm full scale range/

Voltage ranges

1

DDA-08: 8
DDA-16: 16

DDA-16: 4

maximum

maximum
0 to 10V

0 to 5V
±2.5V
±5V
±10V

°

C,

C,

°

1

All analog output channels on a quad DAC must have the same voltage or

current range.

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Current range

1

4 to 20mA

A-1

Table A-1. DDA-08/16 Specifications (cont.)

Feature Attribute DDA-08/16 Specifications

Analog Output
(cont.)

Load current ±15mA, minimum

±30mA, maximum
Output resistance 0.1 Ω , typical
Settling time (to 0.01%

Less than 10 µ s (100pF), typical
full-scale step)

Load capacitance Stable through 1 µ F
Accuracy Span: adjustable to 0

Offset: adjustable to 0
At power-up Unipolar output: ±3mV, maximum

Bipolar output: ±20mV, maximum
Simultaneous update Include quad DACs in update

group through software; specify

the pacer clock through software

Pacer Clock Sources Hardware internal clock

Hardware external clock
Internal pacer clock

Rate

1 µ s to 4.267 minutes

(software-selectable)

Prescaler value

2

1 µ s, 10 µ s, 100 µ s, 1ms, 10ms,

100ms, 1s

Counter value

0 to 255
External pacer clock

Polarity

Period

2

The internal pacer clock and the output clock must use the same prescaler

Software-selectable

500ns, minimum

value.

A-2 Specifications

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∫

− 20 °

Table A-1. DDA-08/16 Specifications (cont.)

Feature Attribute DDA-08/16 Specifications

Output clock Time delay

Prescaler value

2

1 µ s, 10 µ s, 100 µ s, 1ms, 10ms,

100ms, 1s

Counter value

0 to 255
Polarity Software-selectable

Pulse length

of prescaler value

Interrupt Source When channels are updated

Levels 3, 5, 7, 10, 11, 15;

software-selectable

Hardware
trigger

Signal Digital TTL
Polarity Software-selectable
Period 500ns, minimum

Hardware gate Signal Digital TTL

Polarity Software-selectable

Power
requirements

5V 320mA, typical

480mA, maximum
±12V (with no load

current)

DDA-08: 72mA, typical

100mA, maximum

DDA-16: 132mA, typical

185mA, maximum

General Operating temperature 0 ° to 50 ° C

2

The internal pacer clock and the output clock must use the same prescaler

value.

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Storage temperature

to 70 ° C
Humidity 0 to 90%, noncondensing
Dimensions 13.3 in. × 4.25 in. × 0.75 in.

(33.8cm × 10.8cm × 1.9cm)

Connector 37-pin, D-type

A-3

B

Connector Pin Assignments

Figure B-1 shows the main I/O connector and its pin assignments on a
DDA-16 board; Table B-1 contains a more detailed description of the
pins. Note that the pin assignments on a DDA-08 board are the same as
the pin assignments on a DDA-16 except that pins 12 through 19 and pins
30 through 37 are not used.

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B-1

Top of Board (Rear View)

D/A 15 OUT Pin 19

D/A 14 OUT Pin 18

D/A 13 OUT Pin 17

D/A 12 OUT Pin 16

D/A 11 OUT Pin 15

D/A 10 OUT Pin 14

D/A 9 OUT Pin 13
D/A 8 OUT Pin 12

D/A 7 OUT Pin 11
D/A 6 OUT Pin 10
D/A 5 OUT Pin 9

D/A 4 OUT Pin 8
D/A 3 OUT Pin 7
D/A 2 OUT Pin 6
D/A 1 OUT Pin 5
D/A 0 OUT Pin 4

DIGITAL GND Pin 3

TRIGGER IN Pin 2

CLOCK IN Pin 1

Pin 37 D/A 15 GND
Pin 36 D/A 14 GND
Pin 35 D/A 13 GND
Pin 34 D/A 12 GND
Pin 33 D/A 11 GND
Pin 32 D/A 10 GND

Pin 31 D/A 9 GND
Pin 30 D/A 8 GND

Pin 29 D/A 7 GND
Pin 28 D/A 6 GND
Pin 27 D/A 5 GND

Pin 26 D/A 4 GND
Pin 25 D/A 3 GND

Pin 24 D/A 2 GND

Pin 23 D/A 1 GND
Pin 22 D/A 0 GND
Pin 21 GATE IN

Pin 20 CLOCK OUT

Figure B-1. Main I/O Connector (DDA-16)

B-2 Connector Pin Assignments

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Table B-1. Main I/O Connector Pin Assignments for the DDA-16

Pin Name Function

1 CLOCK IN External pacer clock input
2 TRIGGER IN External trigger input
3 DIGITAL GND Digital ground
4 D/A 0 OUT Voltage/current output for channel 0
5 D/A 1 OUT Voltage/current output for channel 1
6 D/A 2 OUT Voltage/current output for channel 2
7 D/A 3 OUT Voltage/current output for channel 3
8 D/A 4 OUT Voltage/current output for channel 4
9 D/A 5 OUT Voltage/current output for channel 5
10 D/A 6 OUT Voltage/current output for channel 6
11 D/A 7 OUT Voltage/current output for channel 7
12 D/A 8 OUT Voltage/current output for channel 8
13 D/A 9 OUT Voltage/current output for channel 9
14 D/A 10 OUT Voltage/current output for channel 10
15 D/A 11 OUT Voltage/current output for channel 11
16 D/A 12 OUT Voltage/current output for channel 12
17 D/A 13 OUT Voltage/current output for channel 13
18 D/A 14 OUT Voltage/current output for channel 14
19 D/A 15 OUT Voltage/current output for channel 15
20 CLOCK OUT Output clock pulse output
21 GATE IN Hardware gate input
22 D/A 0 GND Analog output ground for channel 0
23 D/A 1 GND Analog output ground for channel 1
24 D/A 2 GND Analog output ground for channel 2
25 D/A 3 GND Analog output ground for channel 3
26 D/A 4 GND Analog output ground for channel 4

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B-3

Table B-1. Main I/O Connector Pin Assignments for the DDA-16 (cont.)

Pin Name Function

27 D/A 5 GND Analog output ground for channel 5
28 D/A 6 GND Analog output ground for channel 6
29 D/A 7 GND Analog output ground for channel 7
30 D/A 8 GND Analog output ground for channel 8
31 D/A 9 GND Analog output ground for channel 9
32 D/A 10 GND Analog output ground for channel 10
33 D/A 11 GND Analog output ground for channel 11
34 D/A 12 GND Analog output ground for channel 12
35 D/A 13 GND Analog output ground for channel 13
36 D/A 14 GND Analog output ground for channel 14
37 D/A 15 GND Analog output ground for channel 15

B-4 Connector Pin Assignments

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Index

A

accessories 1-3

attaching 4-1
C-1800 cable 1-3, 4-4, 4-5
S-1800 cable 1-3, 4-4, 4-5
STA-U screw terminal accessory 1-3,

4-4

STC-37 screw terminal connector 1-3,

4-3

STP-37 screw terminal panel 1-3, 4-5

Acrobat

for DriverLINX installation 3-4
active edge: see edge
address

configuration in DriverLINX 3-20
analog I/O panel

in DriverLINX 5-3
analog output channels 2-3
analog output range

configuration in DriverLINX 3-20

set before configuration 3-6
analog output ranges: see output ranges
analog output subsystem

in DriverLINX 5-1
attaching

STA-U screw terminal accessory 4-4

STC-37 screw terminal connector 4-3

STP-37 screw terminal panel 4-5

B

base address

default 3-10

set before configuration 3-6
base address switch 3-10
bipolar output, selecting 3-16
block diagram 2-2
board

configuration 3-6

inspection 3-1

switches: see switches
browser map

DriverLINX installation 3-5
buffer: see input buffer, PC memory buffer
buffered analog output 5-3

C

C/C++

application program 1-2
C-1800 cable 1-3, 4-4, 4-5
cables 1-3

C-1800 1-3, 4-4, 4-5

S-1800 1-3, 4-4, 4-5
cache

disabling for software installation 3-2
calibration

using DriverLINX utility 6-1

when using current mode 3-3, 6-1
CD ROM

DriverLINX installation 3-5

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X-1

channel

channel list

in analog output 5-3

multiple

in multi-channel mode 2-3

start channel

in analog output 5-3

start/stop channel range

in analog output 5-3
channels, analog output 2-3
clock source

specifying in DriverLINX 2-6

clock tic

specifying in DriverLINX 2-6
clocks: see output clock, pacer clocks
compiler

required for supporting Windows

development 1-1

computer

needed for DDA-08/16 and DriverLINX

1-1

computer resources

determination for installation 3-4
configuration

options 3-6, 3-7

using DriverLINX 3-6, 3-19
configuring a board 3-6
connecting signals 4-6
connector, main I/O 4-1

pin assignments 4-2, B-2
counter/timer

configuration in DriverLINX 3-20

subsystem in DriverLINX 5-1, 5-2
current mode

need for calibration when using 1-3, 3-3
current output 2-5

connecting signal 4-7

converting to raw count 6-7

D

D/A offset

calibration of 6-5
DACs: see quad DACs
DDA-08/16

description of 1-1
DDA-08/16 standard software package 1-2

installing 3-4
default configuration file

settings 3-7
delay

start event property 2-9
Delphi

application program 1-2
device

menu in DriverLINX 3-19
digital input signal

external

used to pace output 2-11

digital input subsystem

in DriverLINX 5-1
digital-to-analog converters: see quad DACs
DriverLINX

analog I/O panel 3-2

description 1-2
analog output subsystem 5-2
API DLLs 3-2

description 1-2
configuration with 3-6, 3-19
digital input subsystem 5-1
event viewer 7-1
installing and configuring 3-2
software for DDA-08/16 1-2
test panel 5-5
timing events 2-11
using to verify board operation 3-20

drivers

installing for applications 3-4

X-2 Index

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E

edge

external pacer clock 2-7
gate 2-13
output clock 2-8
trigger 2-11

error messages

device initialization 7-2

event log

used to detect errors 7-1

event viewer

in DriverLINX 7-1

external pacer clock 2-7, 2-12, 2-13

G

gain

calibration of 6-5

gate 2-13, 2-14

property affecting sampling 2-14
specifying in DriverLINX 2-6

interfaces

installing for applications 3-5

internal pacer clock 2-6, 2-11, 2-13
interrupt level

set before configuration 3-6

interrupts 2-15

L

Learn DriverLINX

description 1-2
using for configuration 3-19

level control

in analog I/O panel 5-3

logical channel

used for pacer clock and output clock 2-6

logical device

configuration in DriverLINX 3-19

M

H

handling a board 3-1

I

initialize

analog output operation 5-2

digital input operation 5-1
input buffer 2-3
inspecting a board 3-1

manuals

DriverLINX 3-5

mask

start event property 2-9

memory

requirement for computer 1-1

message

analog output operation 5-2
digital input operation 5-1

Microsoft Windows

versions supported 1-1

X-3

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mode

interrupt

in analog output 5-2

other

in analog output 5-2

polled

in analog output 5-2
single-value output 5-3

specifying in DriverLINX 2-6
multi-channel mode

consecutive range of analog channels in

2-3

random list of analog channels in 2-3
multimeter

required for calibration 6-2

O

oscilloscope

in analog I/O panel 5-3
output clock 2-8, 2-10
output pulse length 2-10
output range type switch 3-15
output ranges 2-4

setting 3-12

summary of switches 3-13
output signal switches 3-14
output span switch 3-17

P

pacer clocks 2-7

see also external pacer clock, internal

pacer clock

pacing

of analog output 5-2
pattern

start event property 2-9

period

interval between samples 2-14
pin assignments 4-2, B-2
polarity: see edge
post-trigger

used in DriverLINX for synchronization

of data 2-9

potentiometer

in calibration utility 6-5
potentiometers 6-3
power-up settings

external pacer clock edge 2-7

interrupts 2-15

output clock pulse edge 2-8

output values 2-5

pacer clock 2-8

trigger edge 2-11
prescaler value 2-6, 2-8, 2-10
problem isolation 7-3

Q

quad DACs 2-3

R

ranges, output 2-4
rate

analog output 2-11

generator

used to pace output samples 2-14
rate, update 2-6, 2-8
raw count

converting to voltage 6-7
output range

in test panel 6-6
resolution 2-5
RMA

obtaining for material return 7-8

X-4 Index

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S

S-1800 cable 1-3, 4-4, 4-5
screw terminal accessory

required for calibration 6-2

shipping instructions

for returning material 7-8

signal generator

in analog I/O panel 5-3

signals

connecting 4-6
simultaneous update 2-3
single-value output

in analog output 5-3
slot size 3-18
specifications A-1
start

analog output operation 5-2
status

analog output operation 5-2
STA-U screw terminal accessory 1-3

attaching 4-4
STC-37 screw terminal connector 1-3

attaching 4-3
stop

analog output operation 5-2
STP-37 screw terminal panel 1-3

attaching 4-5
switches 3-8, 3-9

base address 3-10

current output 3-15, 3-17

output range type 3-15

output signal 3-14

output span 3-17

setting output range 3-13

setting prior to installation 3-4
synchronizing devices 2-8

T

technical support

instructions for using 7-6

test button

on test panel in DriverLINX 6-6

test panel

in DriverLINX 5-5

test setup

in DriverLINX 6-6

TestPoint

application program 1-2
time delay (output clock) 2-8
timing event

analog output 5-3

digital input 5-1

used to pace output 2-11
trigger 2-11, 2-12

related to analog output samples 2-9
troubleshooting 7-3

U

unipolar output, selecting 3-15
unpacking a board 3-1
update clock: see pacer clocks
update group 2-3
update rate 2-6, 2-8
updating analog output channels 2-3
utilities

calibration and test 6-1

description 1-3

DriverLINX Test Panel

description 1-3

included in standard software package

1-3

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X-5

V

verify

board operation

using DriverLINX 3-20

Visual Basic

application program 1-2

volt meter

in analog I/O panel 5-3

voltage output 2-4

connecting signal 4-6
in analog I/O panel 5-3

W

wiring signals 4-6

X-6 Index

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Specifications are subject to change without notice.
All Keithley trademarks and trade names are the property of Keithley Instruments, Inc. All other trademarks and

trade names are the property of their respective companies.

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

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

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

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Yuan Chen Xin Building, Room 705 • 12 Yumin Road, Dewai, Madian • Beijing 100029 • 8610-6202-2886 • Fax: [phone]

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© Copyright 2001 Keithley Instruments, Inc.

Printed in the U.S.A.

4/02

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