Measurement 312P User Manual
USB-TC-AI
Document Revision 4
March 2013
© Copyright 2013
User's Guide
Thermocouple and Voltage Measurement
HM USB-TC-AI.docx
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Table of Contents
Preface
About this User’s Guide ....................................................................................................................... 5
What you will learn from this user's guide ......................................................................................................... 5
Conventions in this user's guide ......................................................................................................................... 5
Where to find more information ......................................................................................................................... 5
Chapter 1
Introducing the USB-TC-AI ................................................................................................................... 6
Functional block diagram ................................................................................................................................... 6
Connecting a USB-TC-AI to your computer is easy .......................................................................................... 7
Chapter 2
Installing the USB-TC-AI ....................................................................................................................... 8
What comes with your shipment? ....................................................................................................................... 8
Hardware .......................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Documentation .................................................................................................................................................................. 8
Unpacking........................................................................................................................................................... 8
Installing the software ........................................................................................................................................ 8
Installing the hardware ....................................................................................................................................... 8
Configuring the hardware ................................................................................................................................... 9
Calibrating the hardware..................................................................................................................................... 9
Chapter 3
Signal I/O Connections ....................................................................................................................... 10
Screw terminal pinout ....................................................................................................................................... 10
Voltage input ...................................................................................................................................................................10
Thermocouple input .........................................................................................................................................................11
CJC sensor .......................................................................................................................................................................11
Digital I/O ........................................................................................................................................................................11
Counter input ...................................................................................................................................................................11
Power output ....................................................................................................................................................................11
Ground .............................................................................................................................................................................11
Thermocouple connections ............................................................................................................................... 11
Wiring configuration ........................................................................................................................................................11
Digital I/O connections ..................................................................................................................................... 12
Chapter 4
Functional Details ............................................................................................................................... 13
Thermocouple measurements ........................................................................................................................... 13
Cold junction compensation (CJC) ..................................................................................................................................13
Data linearization .............................................................................................................................................................13
Open-thermocouple detection (OTD) ..............................................................................................................................13
External components ........................................................................................................................................ 14
Screw terminals................................................................................................................................................................14
USB connector .................................................................................................................................................................14
LEDs ................................................................................................................................................................................ 14
Power ................................................................................................................................................................ 14
Chapter 5
Specifications ...................................................................................................................................... 15
Analog input ................................ ..................................................................................................................... 15
Channel configurations ..................................................................................................................................... 16
Compatible sensors: T0x toT3x ................................................................ ................................................................ .......16
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USB-TC-AI User's Guide
Accuracy ........................................................................................................................................................... 17
Thermocouple measurement accuracy: T0x to T3x .........................................................................................................17
Absolute accuracy: V0x-V3x ...........................................................................................................................................18
Settling time: V0x-V3x ....................................................................................................................................................18
Analog input calibration ................................................................................................................................... 19
Throughput rate ................................................................................................................................................ 19
Digital I/O ......................................................................................................................................................... 19
Temperature alarms .......................................................................................................................................... 20
Counter ............................................................................................................................................................. 20
Memory ............................................................................................................................................................ 20
Microcontroller ................................ ................................................................................................................. 21
USB +5V voltage ............................................................................................................................................. 21
Power ................................................................................................................................................................ 21
USB specifications ........................................................................................................................................... 21
Environmental .................................................................................................................................................. 21
Mechanical ....................................................................................................................................................... 22
Screw terminal connector ................................................................................................................................. 22
Declaration of Conformity .................................................................................................................. 23
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About this User’s Guide
What you will learn from this user's guide
This user's guide describes the Measurement Computing USB-TC-AI data acquisition device and lists device
specifications.
Conventions in this user's guide
For more information
Text presented in a box signifies additional information related to the subject matter.
Caution! Shaded caution statements present information to help you avoid injuring yourself and others,
damaging your hardware, or losing your data.
bold text Bold text is used for the names of objects on a screen, such as buttons, text boxes, and check boxes.
italic text Italic text is used for the names of manuals and help topic titles, and to emphasize a word or phrase.
Where to find more information
Preface
Additional information about USB-TC-AI hardware is available on our website at www.mccdaq.com. You can
also contact Measurement Computing Corporation with specific questions.
Knowledgebase: kb.mccdaq.com
Phone: 508-946-5100 and follow the instructions for reaching Tech Support
Fax: 508-946-9500 to the attention of Tech Support
Email: techsupport@mccdaq.com
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Chapter 1
Introducing the USB-TC-AI
The USB-TC-AI is a USB 2.0 full-speed, thermocouple input module that is supported under popular
Microsoft® Windows® operating systems. The USB-TC-AI is fully compatible with both USB 1.1 and USB 2.0
ports.
The USB-TC-AI provides eight analog input channels that are configured as four differential temperature inputs
and four differential or single-ended voltage inputs. A 24-bit analog-to-digital (A/D) converter is provided for
each pair of analog inputs. Eight independent, TTL-compatible digital I/O channels are provided to monitor
TTL-level inputs, communicate with external devices, and to generate alarms. The digital I/O channels are
software programmable for input or output.
The temperature channels are software programmable for different thermocouple types. You can take
measurements from type J, K, R, S, T, N, E, and B thermocouples.
The voltage input range is software programmable for ±10 V, ±5 V, ±2.5 V, ±1.25 V.
The USB-TC-AI provides a integrated cold junction compensation (CJC) sensor for thermocouple
measurements. An open thermocouple detection feature lets you detect a broken thermocouple.
An on-board microprocessor automatically linearizes the measurement data.
The USB-TC-AI is a standalone plug-and-play module which draws power from the USB cable. No external
power supply is required. All configurable options are software programmable.
The USB-TC-AI is fully software calibrated.
Functional block diagram
USB-TC-AI functions are illustrated in the block diagram shown here.
Figure 1. USB-TC-AI functional block diagram
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USB-TC-AI User's Guide Introducing the USB-TC-AI
Connecting a USB-TC-AI to your computer is easy
Installing a data acquisition device has never been easier.
The USB-TC-AI relies upon the Microsoft Human Interface Device (HID) class drivers. The HID class
drivers ship with every copy of Windows that is designed to work with USB ports. We use the Microsoft
HID because it is a standard, and its performance delivers full control and maximizes data transfer rates for
your USB-TC-AI. No third-party device driver is required.
The USB-TC-AI is plug-and-play. There are no jumpers to position, DIP switches to set, or interrupts to
configure.
You can connect the USB-TC-AI before or after you install the software, and without powering down your
computer first. When you connect an HID to your system, your computer automatically detects it and
configures the necessary software. You can connect and power multiple HID peripherals to your system
using a USB hub.
You can connect your system to various devices using a standard USB cable. The USB connector replaces
the serial and parallel port connectors with one standardized plug and port combination.
You do not need a separate power supply module. The USB automatically delivers the electrical power
required by each peripheral connected to your system.
Data can flow two ways between a computer and peripheral over USB connections.
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Chapter 2
Installing the USB-TC-AI
What comes with your shipment?
The following items are shipped with the USB-TC-AI:
Hardware
USB-TC-AI
USB cable (2 meter length)
Documentation
In addition to this hardware user's guide, you should also receive the Quick Start Guide. This booklet provides
an overview of the MCC DAQ software you received with the device, and includes information about installing
the software. Please read this booklet completely before installing any software or hardware.
Unpacking
As with any electronic device, you should take care while handling to avoid damage from static
electricity. Before removing the USB-TC-AI from its packaging, ground yourself using a wrist strap or by
simply touching the computer chassis or other grounded object to eliminate any stored static charge.
If any components are missing or damaged, contact us immediately using one of the following methods:
Knowledgebase: kb.mccdaq.com
Phone: 508-946-5100 and follow the instructions for reaching Tech Support
Fax: 508-946-9500 to the attention of Tech Support
Email: techsupport@mccdaq.com
For international customers, contact your local distributor. Refer to the International Distributors section on our
website at www.mccdaq.com/International.
Installing the software
Refer to the Quick Start Guide for instructions on installing the software on the MCC DAQ CD. This booklet is
available in PDF at www.mccdaq.com/PDFmanuals/DAQ-Software-Quick-Start.pdf.
Installing the hardware
To connect the USB-TC-AI to your system, turn your computer on, and connect the USB cable to a USB port
on your computer or to an external USB hub that is connected to your computer. The USB cable provides power
and communication to the USB-TC-AI.
When you connect the USB-TC-AI for the first time, a notification message opens as the USB-TC-AI is
detected. When this message closes, the installation is complete. The upper LED (Activity) blinks when initially
connected and then stays on. The lower LED (USB) turns on to indicate that communication is established
between the device and computer.
If the LED turns off
If the LED is on but then turns off, the computer has lost communication with the USB-TC-AI. To restore
communication, disconnect the USB cable from the computer, and then reconnect it. This should restore
communication, and the LED should turn back on.
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