Measurement ADAC-5500 User Manual

ADAC/5500 Series User’s Manual

12-Bit and 16-Bit PCI Data Acquisition Series Boards

the smart approach to instrumentation ™

IOtech, Inc.

25971 Cannon Road

Cleveland, OH 44146-1833

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

E-mail (sales): [e-mail]

E-mail (post-sales): [e-mail]

Internet:

www.iotech.com

ADAC/5500 Series

Data Acquisition Boards

© 2002, 2003, 2004 by IOtech, Inc. 928795 Printed in the United States of America

1107-0905 Rev 2.0

p/n

Warranty Information

Your IOtech warranty is as stated on the product warranty card. You may contact IOtech by phone, fax machine, or
e-mail in regard to warranty-related issues. Phone: [phone], fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]

Limitation of Liability

IOtech, Inc. cannot be held liable for any damages resulting from the use or misuse of this product.

Copyright, Trademark, and Licensing Notice

All IOtech documentation, software, and hardware are copyright with all rights reserved. No part of this product may be
copied, reproduced or transmitted by any mechanical, photographic, electronic, or other method without IOtech’s prior written

consent.
other product names, as applicable, are trademarks of their respective holders. All supplied IOtech software (including
miscellaneous support files, drivers, and sample programs) may only be used on one installation. You may make archival
backup copies.

DIRECT CONNECTTM is a Registered Trademark of IOtech, Inc. IOtech product names are trademarked;

CE Notice

Many IOtech products carry the CE marker indicating they comply with the safety and emissions standards of the European
Community. As applicable, we ship these products with a Declaration of Conformity stating which specifications and
operating conditions apply.

Warnings, Cautions, Notes, and Tips

Refer all service to qualified personnel. This caution symbol warns of possible personal injury or equipment damage under
noted conditions. Follow all safety standards of professional practice and the recommendations in this manual. Using this
equipment in ways other than described in this manual can present serious safety hazards or cause equipment damage.

This warning symbol is used in this manual or on the equipment to warn of possible injury or death from electrical shock
under noted conditions.

This ESD caution symbol urges proper handling of equipment or components sensitive to damage from electrostatic
discharge. Proper handling guidelines include the use of grounded anti-static mats and wrist straps, ESD-protective bags and
cartons, and related procedures.

This symbol indicates the message is important, but is not of a Warning or Caution category. These notes can be of great
benefit to the user, and should be read.

In this manual, the book symbol always precedes the words “Reference Note.” This type of note identifies the location of
additional information that may prove helpful. References may be made to other chapters or other documentation.

Tips provide advice that may save time during a procedure, or help to clarify an issue. Tips may include additional reference.

Specifications and Calibration

Specifications are subject to change without notice. Significant changes will be addressed in an addendum or revision to
the manual. As applicable, IOtech calibrates its hardware to published specifications. Periodic hardware calibration is
not covered under the warranty and must be performed by qualified personnel as specified in this manual. Improper
calibration procedures may void the warranty.

Quality Notice

IOtech has maintained ISO 9001 certification since 1996. Prior to shipment, we thoroughly test our products and review
our documentation to assure the highest quality in all aspects. In a spirit of continuous improvement, IOtech welcomes
your suggestions.

1.1

ii

Warranty, Warnings, Cautions, and Notes ……………………………………………………....…. iii

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 CHOICE OF MODELS.......................................................................................................1

1.2 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION ...............................................................................................1

1.2.1 Analog Inputs..............................................................................................................4

1.2.2 Analog Outputs...........................................................................................................4

1.2.3 Digital I/O....................................................................................................................4

1.2.4 Counters 0 and 1 ........................................................................................................4

1.2.5 Timers 0 and 1............................................................................................................4

1.2.6 PCI Interface...............................................................................................................4

1.3 SOFTWARE COMPATIBILITY ..........................................................................................5

1.4 CE COMPLIANCE .............................................................................................................5

1.5 FUSE AND CONNECTOR PLACEMENT..........................................................................6

2. GETTING STARTED

STEP 1 – INSTALL SOFTWARE..................................................................................................7

STEP 2 – INSTALL BOARDS IN AVAILABLE PCI BUS-SLOTS.................................................8

STEP 3 – CONFIGURE BOARDS................................................................................................9

3. HARDWARE CONFIGURATION

3.1 DMA AND INTERRUPT UTILIZATION............................................................................10

3.2 DMA ENGINE ..................................................................................................................11

3.3 ANALOG INPUT CONFIGURATION...............................................................................11

3.4 ADC RANGE....................................................................................................................11

3.5 DAC RANGE....................................................................................................................13

4. EXTERNAL CONNECTIONS

4.1 CONNECTING USER WIRING .......................................................................................14

4.1.1 Signal Types.............................................................................................................14

4.1.2 Choosing A/D Input Configuration............................................................................15

4.1.2.1 Single-Ended.....................................................................................................15

4.1.2.2 Pseudo-Differential (PD)....................................................................................16

4.1.2.3 Fully-Differential (DIFF) .....................................................................................16

4.2 ADAC/5500 SERIES, ON-BOARD CONNECTORS........................................................18

4.2.1 Signal Definitions......................................................................................................18

4.2.1.1 Analog Input Channels......................................................................................19

4.2.1.2 Analog Outputs..................................................................................................19

4.2.1.3 Digital I/O Lines .................................................................................................19

4.2.1.4 Terminal Panel Control......................................................................................19

4.2.1.5 Counters And Timers.........................................................................................20

4.2.1.6 Ground Lines.....................................................................................................21

4.2.1.7 Power Lines.......................................................................................................21

4.2.2 J1 Pin Assignments, ADAC/5500MF Only................................................................22

4.2.3 J1 Pin Assignments, ADAC/5501MF, ADAC/5502MF, ADAC/5503HR, &

ADAC/5504HR..........................................................................................................23

4.2.4 P3 and P5 Pin Assignments.....................................................................................24

4.2.5 Signal Definitions for P3, P5, and G17’s DB37 Connector.......................................25

4.3 SCREW-TERMINAL BOARDS........................................................................................26

4.3.1 ADAC-TB-8 Screw-Terminal Board..........................................................................26

4.3.2 ADAC-TB-16 Screw-Terminal Board........................................................................27

4.3.3 ADAC-DC-37 Screw-Terminal Board .......................................................................28

ADAC Series PCI Boards 938697 -iii- ADAC/5500 Series User Manual

5. ADAC/5500 Series PCI CARD OPERATION

5.1 DEVICE DRIVERS...........................................................................................................29

5.1.1 LABVIEW™ ...............................................................................................................29

5.1.2 TESTPOINT™ ...........................................................................................................29

5.1.3 WINDOWS DRIVERS (ADLIB WDM).......................................................................29

5.2 THEORY OF OPERATION..............................................................................................30

5.2.1 Process Definitions ..................................................................................................30

5.2.2 Clocking the ADC......................................................................................................32

5.2.3 Starting (Triggering) an ADC Acquisition..................................................................33

5.2.4 Stopping an ADC Acquisition (Clock).......................................................................34

5.2.5 ADC Clock and FIFO Errors.....................................................................................35

5.2.6 ADC Data Transfer Modes .......................................................................................35

5.2.7 Clocking the DAC......................................................................................................36

5.2.8 Starting (Triggering) a DAC Acquisition....................................................................36

5.2.9 Stopping a DAC Acquisition (CLOCK)......................................................................37

5.2.10 DAC Data Transfer Mode .........................................................................................37

5.2.11 Digital Acquisition......................................................................................................38

6. SPECIFICATIONS

6.1 ADAC/5500MF.................................................................................................................40

6.2 ADAC/5501MF AND ADAC/5502MF...............................................................................43

6.3 ADAC/5503HR AND ADAC/5504HR...............................................................................47

6.4 TERMINATION BOARDS................................................................................................52

6.4.1 ADAC-TB-8...............................................................................................................52

6.4.2 ADAC-TB-16.............................................................................................................53

6.4.3 ADAC-DC-37 ............................................................................................................54

ADAC Series PCI Boards 938697 -iv- ADAC/5500 Series User Manual

ADAC/5500 Series Boards

Feature

Analog Inputs

Ranges-

Unipolar

Bipolar

Resolution
A/D Sample

Rate
Gains

(Programmable)

D/A Outputs
(16-Bit)

Digital I/O

Counters
(16-Bit)

Timers
Associated

Terminal
Boards

Associated
Cables
(see figure)

/5500MF /5501MF

8 Single­Ended

0 to 10V 0 to10V

± 10V ± 10V

12-bit 12-bit 12-bit 16-bit 16-bit
100 kHz 100 kHz 100 kHz 200 kHz 200 kHz

N/A 1, 2, 4, 8 1, 10, 100, 1000 1, 2, 4, 8 1, 10, 100

0 2 Clocked DACs

16

(Two 8-bit
registers)

2 2 2 2 2

2 2 2 2 2
ADAC-TB-8 ADAC-TB-16

CA-G55­ADAC

/5501MF-V

16 Single-Ended, or
16 Pseudo-Diff., or
8 Differential

0 to 5V
0 to 2.5V
0 to 1.25V

± 5V
± 2.5V
± 1.25V

(/5501MF-V only)
16 – from main I/O

(Two 8-bit registers)

16 – from aux. P3*
16 – from aux. P5*

ADAC-DC-37 (qty. 2)

CA-G55-ADAC
CA-G17-ADAC
CA-G37-x-ADAC

/5502MF
/5502MF-V

16 Single-Ended, or
16 Pseudo-Diff., or
8 Differential

0 to10V
0 to 1V
0 to 95mV
0 to 9.5mV

± 10V
± 1V
± 95mV
± 9.5mV

2 Clocked DACs
(/5502MF-V only)

16 – from main I/O

(Two 8-bit registers)

16 – from aux. P3*
16 – from aux. P5*

ADAC-TB-16
ADAC-DC-37 (qty. 2)

CA-G55-ADAC
CA-G17-ADAC
CA-G37-x-ADAC

/5503HR
/5503HR-V

16 Single-Ended, or
16 Pseudo-Diff., or
8 Differential

0 to10V
0 to 5V
0 to 2.5V
0 to 1.25V

± 10V
± 5V
± 2.5V
± 1.25V

2 Clocked DACs
(/5503HR-V only)

16 – from main I/O

(Two 8-bit registers)

16 – from aux. P3*
16 – from aux. P5*

ADAC-TB-16
ADAC-DC-37 (qty. 2)

CA-G55-ADAC
CA-G17-ADAC
CA-G37-x-ADAC

/5504HR
/5504HR-V

16 Single-Ended, or
16 Pseudo-Diff., or
8 Differential

0 to10V
0 to 1V
0 to 99.84 mV

± 10V
± 1V
± 99.86mV

2 Clocked DACs
(/5504HR-V only)

16 – from main I/O

(Two 8-bit registers)

16 – from aux. P3*
16 – from aux. P5*

ADAC-TB-16
ADAC-DC-37 (qty. 2)

CA-G55-ADAC
CA-G17-ADAC
CA-G37-x-ADAC

*

The CA-G17-ADAC cables connect to

40-pin headers P3 (DIO2) and P5 (DIO3)
located on the ADAC Series board.

ADAC/5500 Series, Possible Connections to Terminal Boards

ADAC Series PCI Boards 938697 -v- ADAC/5500 Series User Manual

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 CHOICE OF MODELS

ADAC/5500 PCI Series cards are part of an extensive line of data acquisition boards for use in PCs. ADAC series
boards are low cost and are optimized for use with Windows. We offer “sensor specific” DIRECT CONNECT™
boards, isolated digital I/O boards, boards for DSP applications, and much more. Visit our web site to learn about our
complete line of products.

1.2 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION ADAC/5500 SERIES

The ADAC/5500 Series includes several models of data acquisition boards. These are discussed briefly below, and in
the preceding table. Pages 2 and 3 consist of block diagrams to provide a better understanding of board function.

The ADAC/5500MF has 8 single-ended analog inputs multiplexed to a 12-bit A/D converter with maximum
throughput of 100 kHz, two counter input channels, two timer output channels and 16 lines of digital I/O.

The ADAC/5501MF has 16 single-ended/pseudo-differential or 8 differential analog inputs multiplexed to a 12-bit
A/D converter with maximum throughput of 100 kHz, programmable gains of 1, 2, 4 or 8, two optional clocked 16-bit
D/A voltage outputs, two counter input channels, two timer output channels and 48 lines of digital I/O.

The ADAC/5502MF is the same as the ADAC/5501MF, but with programmable gains of 1, 10, 100 or 1000.

The ADAC/5503HR has 16 single-ended/pseudo-differential or 8 differential analog inputs multiplexed to a 16-bit
A/D converter with maximum throughput of 200 kHz, programmable gains of 1, 2, 4 or 8, two optional clocked 16-bit
D/A voltage outputs, two counter input channels, two timer output channels and 48 lines of digital I/O.

The ADAC/5504HR is the same as the ADAC/5503HR, but with programmable gains of 1, 10, 100.

V-versions of the boards include two clocked DACs, with exception of ADAC/5500MF, which has no “V”- version
counterpart.

All boards feature on-board digital calibration for both A/D and D/A, and a DMA engine for optimum performance in
a Windows environment. Board connections are terminated in a 68-pin “high density” SCSC III connector at the rear of
the PC.

ADAC Series PCI Boards 196 - 1 - ADAC/5500 Series User Manual 908

Figure 1.1

Block Diagram for ADAC/5500MF

ADAC Series PCI Boards 196 - 2 - ADAC/5500 Series User Manual

908

Figure 1.2

Block Diagram for ADAC/5501MF, ADAC/5502MF, ADAC/5503HR and ADAC/5504HR

ADAC Series PCI Boards 196 - 3 - ADAC/5500 Series User Manual

908

1.2.1 Analog Inputs

The ADAC/5500MF has 8 single-ended analog inputs multiplexed to a 12-bit A/D converter. The input multiplexer is
supported by 176 elements of channel list RAM, which allows the board to access channels in any order. The 12-bit
A/D has a maximum throughput of 100 kHz and a programmable input range of ±10 V or 0-10 V. An A/D Pacer Clock
is provided to allow sampling rates from 0.0009 Hz to 100 kHz. An on-board Counter/Timer circuit provides two
counters and two timers dedicated to user connections.

The ADAC/5501MF, ADAC/5502MF, ADAC/5503HR and ADAC/5504HR models support 16 single-ended / pseudo­differential analog inputs, or 8 differential analog inputs (expandable to 64) multiplexed to a 12 or 16-bit A/D
converter. The input multiplexer is supported by a 176 element channel gain RAM which allows the board to select
gain on a per channel basis and to access channels in any order. The 12-bit A/D has maximum throughput of 100 kHz
and the 16-bit A/D has a maximum throughput of 200 kHz. An A/D Pacer clock is provided to allow sampling rates
from 0.0009Hz to 200 kHz.

1.2.1.1 4-20mA Current Loop Inputs – n/a

1.2.2 Analog Outputs

The ADAC/5501MF, ADAC/5502MF, ADAC/5503HR and ADAC/5504HR models may be equipped with two
optional clocked DACs (D/A). Both DAC channels are DC accurate with 16-bit resolution and
200 kHz throughput. The output ranges of the DACs are programmable to ±10 V or 0 to +10 V. A Pacer clock is
provided to allow sampling rates from 0.0009Hz to 200 kHz.

1.2.3 Digital I/O

All boards have 16 lines of TTL level digital I/O programmable in 8-bit ports as either inputs or outputs. All 16 lines
are brought out via the main 68-pin SCSI III connector, user accessible at the back of the PC.

Two additional 40 pin headers on the ADAC/550 1MF, ADAC/5502MF, ADAC/5503HR and ADA C/5504HR models
(internal to the PC) provide access to an additional thirty two 5 V CMOS/LSTTL compatible digital lines,
programmable in 16-bit ports as either inputs or outputs. Both sets of digital I/O lines may be brought to the back of the
computer with optional adapter connectors that are compatible with the ADAC line of isolated digital I/O panels.

1.2.4 Counters 0 and 1

Counter 0 and 1 can provide either cumulative or incremental counting capabilities. The counters are capable of
counting 5 V LSTTL rising edges to a maxim um count of 131071 decimal.

1.2.5 Timers 0 and 1

Timer0 and Timer1 provide a 50% duty cycle square wave 5 V LSTTL output with an output frequency range of

7.7 Hz to 500 kHz. The Timer’s output frequency is based on a 1 MHz oscillation with a divisor of 1 to 65536 decimal.

1.2.6 PCI Interface

The ADAC/5500 Series boards communicate to the PCI bus through an ADAC PCI interface controller. The boards are
fully Plug&Play compatible with no switches, potentiometers, or jumpers. The boards feature digitally calibrated A/D
and D/A’s, and Plug&Play compatibility to provide automatic integration into the PC’s configuration when first
installed. The interface also provides access to all on-board registers for software configuration of all on-board
functions. For maximum performance, the ADAC/5500 boards feature a 32-bit bus-mastering DMA engine on the
ADC and DAC hardware to provide high-speed transfers between the board and system memory.

ADAC Series PCI Boards 196 - 4 - ADAC/5500 Series User Manual 908

1.3 SOFTWARE COMPATIBILITY

The ADAC/5500 Series boards are shipped with ADAC ADLIB WDM (a full-featur e Windows/NT/2000/XP
driver library based on Microsoft’s Windows Driver Model). This library provides functions to set all of the software
programmable modes of operation, and includes examples to acquire and output data.

In addition, drivers are available for PC data acquisition packages such as LabVIEW™, and TestPoint. See Section

5.1 DEVICE DRIVERS for details.

1.4 CE COMPLIANCE

The ADAC/5500 Series meets the essential health and safety requirements, and is in conformity with the EC Directives

as listed in the relevant sections of the following EC standards and other normative documents:

EN 55022 Class B: Limits and methods of measurements of radio interference characteristics of
information technology equipment.

EN 50082-1: EC generic immunity requirements.

IEC 801-2: Electrostatic discharge requirements for industrial process measurement and

control equipment.

IEC 801-3: Radiated electromagnetic field requirements for industrial process measurement
and control equipment.

IEC 801-4: Electrically fast transients for industrial process measurement and control
equipment.

ADAC Series PCI Boards 196 - 5 - ADAC/5500 Series User Manual 908

1.5 FUSE AND CONNECTOR PLACEMENT

NOT TO SCALE

Figure 1.3

Fuse and Connector Placement for ADAC/5500 Series Boards.

Fuse # Power Line Fuse Value Manufacturer’s p/n IOtech p/n

F1 -15 V to J1 1.0A, 63 V LITTLEFUSE # 0433001.NR FU-7-1
F2 +15 V to J1 1.0A, 63 V LITTLEFUSE # 0433001.NR FU-7-1
F3 +5 V to J1 1.0A, 63 V LITTLEFUSE # 0433001.NR FU-7-1
F4 +5 V to P3 3.0A, 63 V BUSSMAN # TR/3216-FF-3A FU-7-3
F5 +5 V to P5 3.0A, 63 V BUSSMAN # TR/3216-FF-3A FU-7-3

Note that the ADAC/5500MF does NOT contain the J2 & J3 Aux. Digital I/O connectors

ADAC Series PCI Boards 196 - 6 - ADAC/5500 Series User Manual

908

2. GETTING STARTED

This section contains information from the ADAC/5500 Series Inst al lat i o n Guide, p/n 1107-0940. If you have already
installed your software and ADAC board, you shou ld move on to chapter 3, Hardware Configuration.

STEP 1 – INSTALL SOFTWARE

IMPORTANT: Software must be installed before installing hardware.

1. Remove previous version ADAC drivers, if present. You can do this through Microsoft’s

Add/Remove Programs feature.

2. Place the Data Acquisition CD into the CD-ROM drive. Wait for PC to auto-run the CD. This

may take a few moments, depending on your PC. If the CD does not auto-run, use the
Desktop’s Start/Run/Browse feature.

3. After the intro-screen appears, follow the screen prompts.

Upon completing the software installation, continue with step 2, Install Boards in Availab le PCI Bus-
Slots.

ADAC Series PCI Boards 896897 - 7 - ADAC/5500 Series User Manual

STEP 2 – INSTALL BOARDS IN AVAILABLE PCI BUS-SLOTS

IMPORTANT: Software must be installed before installing hardware.

Turn OFF power to, and UNPLUG the host PC and externally connected equipment prior
to removing the PC’s cover and installing an ADAC/5500 Series Board. Failure to do so
could result in electric shock, or damage to equipment.

CAUTION

WARNING

Take ESD precautions (packaging, proper handling, grounded wrist strap, etc.)

Use care to avoid touching board surfaces and onboard components. Only handle boards by
their edges (or ORBs, if applicable). Ensure boards do not come into contact with foreign
elements such as oils, water, and industrial particulate.

IMPORTANT: Bus Mastering DMA must be Enabled.

For an ADAC/5500 Series board to operate properly, Bus Mastering DMA must be
enabled on the PCI slot [for which the board is to be installed]. Prior to installation,
verify that your computer is capable of performing Bus Mastering DMA for the
applicable PCI slot. Note that some computers have BIOS settings that enable [or disable]
Bus Mastering DMA. If your computer has this BIOS option, ensure that Bus Mastering
DMA is Enabled on the appropriate PCI slot.

Refer to your PC Owner's Manual for additional informati on reg arding your PC and
enabling Bus Mastering DMA for PCI slots.

1. Turn OFF power to, and UNPLUG the host PC and externally connected equipment.

2. Remove the PC’s cover. Refer to your PC Owner’s Manual as needed.

3. Choose an available PCI bus-slot.

4. Carefully remove ADAC/5500 Series Board from its anti-static protective bag. If you have not already

done so, write down the serial number and type of ADAC board in the space provided on page 3 of this
document.

5. On the PC’s rear panel, loosen and remove the screw for the blank adapte r plate that corresponds with the

chosen PCI bus. See left-hand figure, below.

Removing a Blank Adapter Plate

Installing an ADAC/5500 Series Board

6. Remove the blank adapter plate. Refer to your PC Owner’s Manual if needed.

ADAC Series PCI Boards - 8 - ADAC/5500 Series User Manual

7. Align the groove in the ADAC/5500 Series board’s PCI edge-connector with the ridge of the desired PCI

slot. See preceding right-hand figure.

8. Push the board firmly into the PCI slot. The board should “snap” into position.

9. Secure the board by inserting the rear-panel adapter-plate screw.

10. Using the previous steps, install additional boards into available PCI bus-slots, if applicable to your

application.

11. Replace the computer’s cover.

12. Plug in all cords and cables that were removed in step 1.

13. Apply power to, and start up the PC.

Note: At this point some PCs may prompt you to insert an installation disk. While this is rare, if you do

receive such a prompt simply place the install CD-ROM into the disk drive and follow additional
screen prompts.

STEP 3 – CONFIGURE BOARDS

Always turn the computer power OFF and unplug it before connecting or disconnecting a
screw terminal panel or a cable to the PCI card. Failure to do so could result in electric
shock, or equipment damage.

WARNING

Before you can use your ADAC/5500 Series Board, you will need to con figure it according to information
contained in chapters 3 and 4 of this document. However, prior to doing so you may find it helpful to review
the following points:

All configuration, including data-acquisition settings such as analog input, data collection rates,

•

input voltage range, and operating modes are made through ADAC configuration software. The
ADAC configuration software (ADAC Config) file can be accessed from the Windows desktop
Start Menu by navigating as follows:

Start ⇒ Programs ⇒ ADAC ⇒ ADACConfig ⇒ ADAC Config

Desktop Path to ADAC Config

ADAC ADLIB WDM software drivers provide an application level software interface to

•

Windows 98/ME/NT/2000/XP. Software packages such as LabVIEW™ communicate through
our ADLIB driver software. These packages configure and collect, or output, acquisition data in a
GUI based interface.

• The ADAC/5501MF, ADAC/5502MF, ADAC/5503HR and ADAC/5504HR analog inputs are

impedance buffered and drive a differential gain amplifier that can be referenced in a number of
ways, allowing the following programmable input configurations: Single-Ended, Pseudo-
Differential, and Fully-Differential.

ADAC Series PCI Boards 795 - 9 - ADAC/5500 Series User Manual

928

•

The ADAC/5500MF analog inputs are impedance buffered. They can only be referenced in Single­Ended input configuration. A 176 element channel-conf iguration RAM is provided to allo w each ADC

channel to be programmed with a different Range. Note that input range selection also applies to
expansion channels located on the ADAC line of accessory screw terminal boards. The termination
boards are detailed in section 4.3.

•

The analog inputs on the ADAC/5500, ADAC/5501MF, ADAC/5502MF, ADAC/5503HR and
ADAC/5504HR may be configured for either ±10 V bipolar or 0-10 V unipolar operation. The input
range is programmable on a channel-by-channel basis in a 176-element channel configuration RAM. Note
that the range selection also applies to expansion channels.

•

The programmable gain circuitry on the ADAC/5501MF, ADAC/5502MF, ADAC/5503HR and
ADAC/5504HR must be taken into account in defining the usable error free input range. The boards
provide a wide range of programmable ranges and resolutions.

•

The ADAC/5500 Series Boards each bring out ±15 V and +5 V to the main I/O connector (J1). In
addition, the ADAC/5501MF, ADAC/5502MF, ADAC/5503HR and ADAC/5504HR bring +5 V to the
auxiliary digital I/O connectors (P3 and P5), located on the backside of those boards. These power lines
are individually fused to protect the ADAC/5500 Series Board. Note that connecting or disconnecting
cables or screw terminal panels (as well as any user connections to these power lines) may blow a fuse, or
cause damage to the board.

•

Incorrect connection of user wiring is one of the most common problems experienced by users of data
acquisition boards. To ensure proper results, you must first determine what type of signal source you are
measuring (Ground Referenced Source or Floating Source), and then choose the appropriate input
configuration on your data acquisition card (Differential, Pseudo-Differential, or S ingle-Ended). Chapter
4 of this manual includes detailed information.

3. HARDWARE CONFIGURATION

The ADAC/5500 Series contains no hardware jumpers; all board configuration elements are software selectable. Data­acquisition settings such as analog input, data collection rates, input voltag e range, and op erating modes are configured
through application software. ADAC ADLIB WDM software drivers provide an application level software interface to
Windows 98/ME/NT/2000/XP. Software packages such as LabVIEW™ communicate through our ADLIB driver
software. These packages configure and collect, or output, acquisition data in a GUI based interface.

3.1 DMA AND INTERRUPT UTILIZATION

The PCI specification uses a shared interrupt scheme to increase the availability of interrupts in an attempt to alleviate
limitations imposed by ISA interrupt constraints. This shared interrupt scheme, known as interrupt chaining, comes at a
price. When a PCI card that uses interrupts is installed into a PC, the system software adds the device to a list of
interrupt service routines for all PCI devices that share a common interrupt signal. When a PCI device generates an
interrupt, the system software detects the interrupt and executes the first Interrupt Service Routin e (ISR) in the list. The
first routine in the list may not be your data acquisition device. If not, th e first device determines if its device asserted
the interrupt, if so the software services the interrupt and returns. The processor immediately interrupts again because
the second device is still generating an interrupt request. The processor again jumps to the first device in the list, the
device determines it has not requested an interrupt and jumps to the entry point of the second ISR to be serviced. If the
first device in the list were to generate interrupts at a high frequency, the second device might over-run or under-run,
generating an error condition while awaiting service. Well-behaved PCI devices generate interrupts infrequently.
ADAC driver software only determines if the ADAC board has requested an interrupt, if so it defers the ISR to a
callback procedure and quickly returns control to the interrupted process. Now that the facts are on the table, interrupt
latency on the PCI bus can be extremely inefficient for high-speed data acquisition. To overcome this inefficiency we
incorporate an on-board DMA engine analogous to the older ISA type of DMA controller. The on-board DMA engine

ADAC Series PCI Boards 795 - 10 - ADAC/5500 Series User Manual 928

supports scatter/gather, also known as buffer chaining, with a pair of chain address registers that point to system
memory to be used in the buffered transfer. The DMA controller is loaded with the previously allocated physical
addresses of these buffers and only generates interrupt requests when the current transfer buffer has been completed,
thus reducing the burden of CPU interrupt intervention.

3.2 DMA ENGINE

Both analog input and analog output channels have on-board DMA engine support for high-speed data transfers. The
two analog output channels have individual DMA engines and clocking methods available. DAC1’s clocking source
may be set to the DAC0 clocking source to allow simultaneously DAC transfers. All PCI bus transfers are 32-bit
operations. Analog input and analog output transfers are each independently software selectable to allow either 16-bit
or 32-bit data transfers. An immediate improvement of twice the memory bandwidth can be achieved by transferring
two analog input data points or two analog output data points into memory as a single 32-bit PCI transfer.

3.3 ANALOG INPUT CONFIGURATION

For selecting the best configuration for your application see Section 4.1 Connecting User Wiring.

The ADAC/5501MF, ADAC/5502MF, ADAC/5503HR and ADAC/5504HR an alog inputs ar e impedan ce buffered and
drive a differential gain amplifier that can be referenced in a number of ways allowing th e following programmable
input configurations: Single-Ended, Pseudo-Differential and Fully-Differential.

The ADAC/5500MF analog inputs are impedance buffered, and can only be referenced in Single-Ended input
configuration.

For selecting the best configuration for your application see Section 4.1 Connecting Us er Wiring.

A 176 element channel configuration RAM is provided to allow each ADC channel to be programmed with a
different input range.

3.4 ADC RANGE

The analog inputs on the ADAC/5500, ADAC/5501MF, ADAC/5502MF, ADAC/5503HR and ADAC/5504HR may be
configured for either ±10 V bipolar or 0-10 V unipolar operation. The input range is programmable on a channel by
channel basis in a 176-element channel configuration RAM. Note that the range selection also applies to expansion
channels.

The programmable gain circuitry on the ADAC/5501MF, ADAC/5502MF, ADAC/5503HR and ADAC/5504HR must
also be taken into account in defining the usable error free input range. The boards provide a wide range of
programmable ranges and resolutions. The following tables indicate the maximum resolution under different
conditions. Note that resolution is not accuracy. Resolution defines the minimum definable voltage increment. Absolute
DC accuracy and relative accuracy defines exactly how close the reading will be to the actual voltage input. Refer to
Section 6, SPECIFICATIONS for accuracy specifications.

Fixed Gain

x1 ± 10.00 V 5.00 mV/bit

x1 0 to 10.00 V 2.50 mV/bit

Full Scale Range

Bipolar

Unipolar

Microvolt

Resolution

ADAC Series PCI Boards 795 - 11 - ADAC/5500 Series User Manual 928

Programmable

Gain

x1 ± 10.00 V 5.00 mV/bit
x2 ± 5.00 V 2.50 mV/bit
x4 ± 2.50 V 1.25 mV/bit
x8 ± 1.25 V 0.625 mV/bit

x1 0 to 10.00 V 2.50 mV/bit
x2 0 to 5.00 V 1.25 mV/bit
x4 0 to 2.50 V 0.625 mV/bit
x8 0 to 1.25 V 0.3125 mV/bit

Full Scale Range

Bipolar

Unipolar

Microvolt

Resolution

Table 3.2 ADAC/5501MF Input Range/Resolution

Programmable

Gain

x1 ± 10.00 V 5.00 mV/bit

x10 ± 1 V

x100 ±95 mV

X1000 ±9.5 mV

x1 0 to 10.00 V 2.50 mV/bit

x10 0 to 1.00 V

x100 0 to 97.5 mV

X1000 0 to 9.75 mV

Full Scale Range

Bipolar

Unipolar

Microvolt

Resolution

500 µV/bit

50.0 µV/bit

5.00 µV/bit

250 µV/bit

25.0 µV/bit

2.50 µV/bit

Table 3.3 ADAC/5502MF Input Range/Resolution

Programmable

Gain

x1 ± 10.00 V
x2 ± 5.00 V
x4 ± 2.50 V
x8 ± 1.25 V

x1 0 to 10.00 V
x2 0 to 5.00 V
x4 0 to 2.50 V
x8 0 to 1.25 V

Full Scale Range

Bipolar

Unipolar

Microvolt

Resolution

310.140 µV/bit

155.070 µV/bit

77.535 µV/bit

38.768 µV/bit

155.070 µV/bit

77.535 µV/bit

38.768 µV/bit

19.384 µV/bit

Table 3.4 ADAC/5503HR Input Range/Resolution

ADAC Series PCI Boards 795 - 12 - ADAC/5500 Series User Manual 928

Programmable

Gain

x1 ± 10.00 V

x10 ± 1 V

x100 ± 99.68 mV

x1 0 to 10.00 V

x10 0 to .1 V

x100 0 to 99.84 mV

Full Scale Range

Bipolar

Unipolar

Microvolt

Resolution

310.140 µV/bit

31.0140 µV/bit

3.10140 µV/bit

155.070 µV/bit

15.5070 µV/bit

1.55070 µV/bit

Table 3.5 ADAC/5504HR Input Range/Resolution

3.5 DAC RANGE

The output range of both DACs are independently programmable to either ±10 V or 0 to 10 V.

The following table indicates the maximum resolution for each available range. Note that resolution is not accuracy.
Resolution defines the minimum definable voltage increment. Absolute DC accuracy and relative accuracy define
exactly how close the actual voltage output will be to the expected output. Refer to Section 6, SPECIFICATIONS, for
accuracy specifications.

Range

Configuration

BIPOLAR ± 10.00 V

UNIPOLAR 0 to 10.00 V

Full Scale Range

Microvolt

Resolution

305.600 µV/bit

152.800 µV/bit

Table 3.6 ADAC/5500 Series Analog Output Range/Resolution

ADAC Series PCI Boards 795 - 13 - ADAC/5500 Series User Manual 928