Measurement DaqBoard-ISA User Manual

DaqBoard-ISA

User's Manual

Data Acquisition for Desktop and Tower PCs

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

DaqBoard-ISA

Data Acquisition for Desktop and Tower PCs

p/n

457-0907

User's Manual

Rev.

1.0

© 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 by IOtech, Inc. March 2002 Printed in the United States of America

DaqBoard-ISA User’s Manual

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. IOtech product names are trademarked; 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.

FCC Statement

IOtech devices emit radio frequency energy in levels compliant with Federal Communications Commission rules (Part 15)
for Class A devices. If necessary, refer to the FCC booklet How To Identify and Resolve Radio-TV Interference Problems
(stock # 004-000-00345-4) which is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

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 i n 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.

DaqBoard User’s Manual

02-12-02

iii

&$87,21

Using this equipment in ways other than described in this manual can cause
personal injury or equipment damage. Before setting up and using your
equipment, you should read all documentation that covers your system.
Pay special attention to Warnings and Cautions.

Note:

PDF

457-0907

PDF

457-0909

PDF

During software installation, Adobe

®

PDF versions of user manuals will automatically

install onto your hard drive as a part of product support. The default location is in the
Programs directory, which can be accessed from the Windows Desktop. Refer to the
PDF documentati on for detail s regarding bo th hardware and soft ware.

A copy of the Adobe Acrobat Reader® is included on your CD. The Reader provides
a means of reading and printing the PDF documents. Note that hardcopy versions of the
manuals can be ordered from the factory.

DaqBoard-ISA User’s Manual

Contains an overview of Daq systems, setup and startup instructions for ISA-type
DaqBoards, and details regarding the on-board DIP-switch and jumpers. The
following PDFs are companion documents.

DaqView and DaqViewXL

Discusses how to install and use these “out-of-the-box” data acquisition programs.

Post Acquisition Data Analysis User’s Guide

Contains at least one user’s guide that pertains to a post acquisition-data analysis
program. PostView, DIAdem, and eZ-View are examples of post data analysis
programs.

DBK Option Cards and Modules User’s Manual

The DBK Option Cards and Modules Manual discusses each of the DBK products

PDF

457-0905

available at the time of print.

Programmer’s Manual

The programmer’s manual pertains to developing custom programs using Applicat ions

PDF

1008-0901

Your order was carefully inspected prior to shipment. When you receive your system, carefully
unpack all items from the shipping carton and check for physical signs of damage that may have
occurred during shipment. Promptly report any damage to the shipping agent and your sales
representative. Retain all shipping materials in case the unit needs returned to the factory.

iv

Program Interface (API) commands.
Programmers should check the readme.file on the install CD-ROM for the location of

program examples included on the CD.

02-12-02

DaqBoard User’s Manual

Manual Layout

Chapter 1 – Daq Systems, a Brief Overview discusses the “modular concept” associated with

Chapter 2 – Setup and Startup provides instructions for configuring and installing ISA-type DaqBoards,

Chapter 3 – A Closer Look at DaqBoard-ISA Hardware discusses the differences between

DBK Basics – discusses option cards and modules (DBKs) that can be used to enhance and expand data

Appendix A – Specifications, ISA-Type DaqBoards

DaqBooks, DaqBoards, Daq PC-Cards, and DBK options.

product support software, and electronic versions of documentation..

DaqBoard-ISA models, performance factors, jumpers, and connections.

acquisition systems. Note that DBK Basics is not a chapter, but an independent document module
that is applicable to this user’s manual, as well as others.

Reference Notes:
During software installation, Adobe

®

PDF versions of user manuals are automatically

installed onto your hard drive as a part of product support. The default location is in the
Programs directory, which can be accessed from the Windows Desktop.

A copy of the Adobe Acrobat Reader

®

is included on your CD. The Reader provides
a means of reading and printing the PDF documents. Note that hardcopy versions of manuals
can be ordered from the factory.

➣

DaqView and DaqViewXL – explains the use and features of the included out-of-the-box

data acquisition software.

➣

Post Acquisition Data Analysis User’s Guide – contains one or more document

modules pertaining to a post-acquisition analysis program. Examples of such programs
are PostView, DIAdem and eZ-View.

➣

For detailed information regarding specific DBKs, refer to the DBK Option Cards and

Modules User’s Manual, p/n 457-0905. Each DBK section includes device-specific

hardware and software information. The document includes a chapter on power
management.

➣

For programming-related information refer to the separate Programmer’s Manual,

p/n 1008-0901.

DaqBoard-ISA User’s Manual

02-14-02

v

vi

02-14-02

DaqBoard-ISA User’s Manual

Table of Contents

1 - Daq Systems, a Brief Overview

Daq Systems, the Modular Concept ……1-1
DaqBooks, DaqBoards, & Daq PC-Cards….1-2
Using DBK Cards & Modules for Signal

Conditioning …1-3

Daq Software …… 1-3

2 – Setup and Startup

Configure the ISA-DaqBoard ……2-2
Make ISA-DaqBoard Connections…... 2-4
Install Software and Product Support Documentation …… 2-4
Test Hardware…… 2-5

3 – A Closer Look at DaqBoard-ISA Hardware

Overview …… 3- 1
Performance Factors …… 3-1
Switches and Jumpers …… 3-3

Base Address (SW1) …… 3-3
External Analog Expansion Power (JP1) …… 3-4
DAC Reference Selection (JP2) …… 3-4
DMA and Interrupt Selection (JP8) …… 3-5

Connections …… 3- 5

P1, DB37 Pinout, Analog I/O …… 3-7
P2, DB37 Pinout, Digital I/O …… 3-8
P3, DB37 Pinout, Pulse/Frequency/High-Speed Digital I/O …… 3-9

DBK Basics

(Document Module)

Introduction…… 1
How Do DBKs Connect to the Data Acquisition Device? …… 2

Connecting DBKs to DaqBooks, ISA-Type DaqBoards, and LogBooks …… 2
Connecting DBKs to Daq PC-Cards ……3
Connecting DBKs to DaqBoard/2000 Series and cPCI DaqBoard/2000c

Series Boards …… 4

DBK Identification Tables ….. 5

Analog Output DBKs …… 5
Digital I/O Control DBKs …… 5
Analog Signal Conditioning DBKs …… 5
Expansion and Terminal Panel Connection DBKs …… 6
Power Supply DBKs …… 6

Tips on Setting up a Data Acquisition System …… 7
Power Supplies and Power Connectors ……8
An Introduction to Power-Related DBKs ….. 9
Calculating Your System’s Power Needs …… 11

Additional Reading ….. 13

Appendix A - Specifications, ISA-Type DaqBoards

DaqBooard-ISA User’s Manual

02-14-02

vii

viii

Daq Systems, a Brief Overview 1

Daq Systems, the Modular Concept …… 1-1
DaqBooks, DaqBoards, and Daq PC-Cards …… 1-2
Using DBK Cards and Modules for Signal Conditioning ….. 1-3
Daq Software ……1-3

Daq Systems, the Modular Concept

Daq equipment and software form a modular, interrelated family of products that provide great flexibility in
data acquisition system design. This flexibility allows for the development of custom systems that are
unique to the user, and which can be optimized for his or her specific application needs. With the Daq
product line, system expansion or redesign can typically be accomplished with relative ease.

•

Primary Acquisition Device. This is the main data acquisition device, e.g., a DaqBook, DaqBoard,

or Daq PC-Card. These devices provide a vital data conversion and communications link between
the data source of transducers and signal conditioners and the data processor of the host computer.
Note the DaqBoards can be one of three types: (1) ISA, (2) PCI, or (3) compact PCI (cPCI).

•

DBK Option Cards and Modules. Over 35 DBK cards and modules (the number is constantly

growing) provide various types of signal conditioning and system expansion. Note that certain DBK
modules exist for the purpose of supplying power to other members of the acquisition system. The
DBK options are discussed in a DBK Basics document module and in the detailed DBK Option Cards
and User’s Manual (p/n 457-0905).

Note: Only passive DBKs, such as the DBK1 BNC module, the DBK11A screw terminal card, and

the DBK40 BNC analog interface, can be used with a Daq PC-Cards.

Reference Note:
DBK options are discussed in the DBK Option Cards and Modules User’s Manual
(p/n 457-0905). As a part of product support, this manual is automatically loaded onto
your hard drive during software installation. The default location is the Programs
directory, which can be accessed through the Windows Desktop.

•

Software. DaqView out-of-the-box software provides a graphical user interface with easy to read

spreadsheet formats for viewing channel data, as well as a choice of analog, digital, and bar-graph
meters. Waveform analysis can be performed, when applicable. A product support option, included
on the data acquisition CD, provides a means of performing post data analysis. More information is
included in the software-specific PDF documents that are installed on your hard-drive as a part of
product support.

In addition to the included out-of-the-box software, Daq products can be controlled via user-written
custom programs through Applications Program Interface (API). Sever a l languages are supported,
e.g., C/C++, VisualBASIC, Delphi.

Reference Note:
Programming topics are covered in the Programmer’s User Manual (p/n 1008-0901).
As a part of product support, this manual is automatically loaded onto your hard drive
during software installation. The default location is the Programs directory, which can
be accessed through the Windows Desktop.

Daq Systems

02-13-02

Overview 1-1

DaqBooks, DaqBoards and Daq PC-Cards

Daq products connect to one or more DBKs on their signal input side and a computer on their output side.
Each type of Daq device connects to the computer in a different way:

•

The DaqBook is an external module that connects to a computer’s enhanced parallel port (EPP)
interface or PC-Card link.

•

The DaqBoard [ISA type] board is an internal card that plugs into an ISA-bus slot within a
computer.

•

DaqBoard/2000 Series Boards plug into a PCI-bus slot, within a host PC.

•

cPCI DaqBoard/2000c Series boards plug into a cPCI-bus slot, within a host PC.

•

The Daq PC-Card slides into the PCMCIA slot of a host computer, typically a notebook PC.

Features common to the Daq products include:

•

100-kHz channel-to-channel scan and gain switching (10 µs);
200-kHz for DaqBoard/2000 Series and DaqBoard/2000c Series Boards.

•

512-location sequence memory that can be loaded with any combination of channels and gains.

•

Ability to access up to 256 different channels of DBK signals while maintaining the channel-to­channel scan rate. The DBK expansion options can accommodate mixed-signal inputs from
thermocouples and RTDs to isolated high-voltage inputs and strain gages.

•

Ability to handle 8 differential or 16 single-ended signal inputs without DBK expansion units.

•

Ability to handle fixed digital I/O up to 4 TTL lines in and 4 TTL lines out (accessible only if no
analog expansion cards are in use).

The following table lists various features of DaqBooks, ISA-DaqBoards, and Daq PC-Cards. Note that
PCI and cPCI-type DaqBoards (the DaqBoard/2000 Series and DaqBoard/2000c Series Boards) are
covered in separate documentation.

Daq Products, Models and Features

Models

DaqBooks

DaqBook/100 12 bit 2 Jumper Jumper 16 high speed
DaqBook/112 12 bit 2 Jumper Jumper N/A N/A 8.5×11
DaqBook/120 12 bit 2 Jumper Jumper 16 high speed
DaqBook/200 16 bit 2 Software Software 16 high speed
DaqBook/216 16 bit 2 Software Software N/A N/A 8.5×11
DaqBook/260 16 bit 2 Software Software 16 high speed

ISA-DaqBoards

DaqBoard/100A 12 bit 2 Sequencer Software 16 high speed
DaqBoard/112A 12 bit 2 Sequencer Software N/A N/A 4.5×13.125 970 mA @ 5V

DaqBoard/200A 16 bit 2 Sequencer Software 16 high speed
DaqBoard/216A 16 bit 2 Sequencer Software N/A N/A 4.5×13.125 1340 mA @ 5V

Daq PC-Cards

Daq/112B 12 bit N/A Bipolar
Daq/216B 16 bit N/A Bipolar

*

Does not include power consumpti on of internal DBK options.

A/D

Resolution

Analog
Output

Channels

Unipolar/

Bipolar

Selection

Only
Only

Single-

ended/

Differential

Selection

Software N/A N/A 3.375×0.2 160 mA @ 5V
Software N/A N/A 3.375×0.2 160 mA @ 5V

Programmable

Digital I/O

Lines

24 gen purpose

24 gen purpose
24 gen purpose

24 gen purpose

24 gen purpose

24 gen purpose

Program

mable

Counter/

Timers

5 ch

7 MHz

5 ch

7 MHz

5 ch

7 MHz

5 ch

7 MHz

5 ch

7 MHz

5 ch

7 MHz

Size

(inches)

8.5×11
×1.375

×1.375

8.5×11
×1.375

8.5×11
×1.375

×1.375

11×13

×3.5

4.5×13.125 1330 mA @ 5V

4.5×13.125 1700 mA @ 5V

Power

Consumption

510 mA @ 12V
360 mA @ 12V
510 mA @ 12V
620 mA @ 12V
600 mA @ 12V

*

mA @ 12V

620

1-2 Overview

02-13-02

Daq Systems

Using DBK Cards and Modules for Signal Condi ti oning

The DBK signal-conditioning cards and module are designed for use with DaqBooks, LogBooks, and
various types of data acquisition boards, i.e., ISA, PCI, and compact PCI (cPCI) types. The DBKs perform
best when used with an acquisition device that can dynamically select channel, gain, and range. DBK cards
and modules with dynamic channel and gain/range selection allow for high channel-to-channel scan rates
with a variety of transducers.

Note: Only passive DBKs, such as the DBK1 BNC module, the DBK11A screw terminal card, and the

DBK40 BNC analog interface, can be used with Daq PC-Cards.

DBK output signals can be bipolar, e.g., -5 to +5 V, or unipolar, e.g., 0 to 10 V. The user can select a range
of relevant values to correspond to the lowest signal (e.g., -5 or 0 V) and the highest signal (e.g., 5 or 10 V)
signal. This type of range selection guarantees the highest resolution in 12-bit or 16-bit conversion.

DBK modules share the same footprint as the DaqBook and a typical notebook PCs; allowing for
convenient stacking. The majorit y of these modules have their own power supply; however, several options
exist for packaging and powering the DBKs.

Reference Note:
DBK options are detailed in the DBK Option Cards and Modules User’s Manual
(p/n 457-0905). As a part of product support, this manual is automatically loaded onto your
hard drive during software installation. The default location is the Programs directory, which
can be accessed through the Windows Desktop.

Daq Software

The Daq devices have software options capable of handling most applications. Three types of software are
available:

Ready-to-use programs are convenient for fill-in-the-blank applications that do not require programming for
basic data acquisition and display:

•

ready-to-use graphical programs, e.g., DaqView, DaqViewXL, and post acquisition data analysis
programs such as PostView, DIAdem, and eZ-View

•

drivers for third-party, icon-driven software such as DASYLab and LabView

•

various language d rivers to aid cust om programming using API

•

DaqView is a Windows-based program for basic set-up and data acquisition. DaqView lets you
select desired channels, gains, transducer types (including thermocouples), and a host of other
parameters with a click of a PC’s mouse. DaqView lets you stream data to disk and display data
in numerical or graphical formats. PostView is a post-acquisition waveform-display program
within DaqView.

•

DaqViewXL allows you to interface directly with Microsoft Excel to enhance data handling and
display. Within Excel you have a full-featured Daq control panel and all the data display
capabilities of Excel.

•

Post acquisition data analysis programs, e.g., PostView, DIAdem, and eZ-View, typically allow
you to view and edit post-acquisition data.

•

The Daq Configuration control panel allows for interface configuration, testing, and
troubleshooting.

Each Daq system comes with an Application Programming Interface (API). API-language drivers include:
C/C++, Delphi, and Visual Basic. The latest software is a 32-bit version API.

Daq Systems

02-13-02

Overview 1-3

Reference Notes:

➣

The software document modules, DaqView, DaqViewXL, and Post Acquisition Data

Analysis User’s Guide, are not included as part of the hardcopy manual, but are

available in PDF version. See the PDF Note, below.

➣

Programming topics are covered in the Programmer’s User Manual (1008-0901). As a
part of product support, this manual is automatically loaded onto your hard drive during
software installation. The default location is the Programs directory, which can be
accessed through the Windows Desktop.

PDF

Note:

During software installation, Adobe

®

PDF versions of user manuals will automatically install

onto your hard drive as a part of product support. The default location is in the Programs
directory, which can be accessed from the Windows Desktop. Refer to the PDF
documentation for details r egarding both hardware and soft war e.

®

A copy of the Adobe Acrobat Reader

is included on your CD. The Reader provides
a means of reading and printing the PDF documents. Note that hardcopy versions of the
manuals can be ordered from the factory.

1-4 Overview

02-13-02

Daq Systems

Setup and Startup 2

For DaqBoard/100A, /112A, /200A and /216A

This chapter provides instructions for getting an ISA-type DaqBoard configured, installed into a PC’s
ISA-slot, making board connections, and installing the appropriate software. The figure, provided near the
bottom of this page, provides an overview of the steps necessary for a successful setup.

Reference Note:
The DBK Option Cards and Modules User’s Manual (p/n 457-0905) contains detailed DBK and
power-related information. As a part of product support, the DBK manual is automatically loaded
onto your hard drive during software installation. The default location is the Programs directory,
which can be accessed through the Windows Desktop.

&$87,21

Turn off power to the host PC and externally connected equipment prior to removing the
PC’s cover and installing a DaqBoa r d. Elect ric shock or damage to equipment can result
even under low-voltage conditions.

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 particula t e.

Minimum System Requirements

PC system with Pentium® Processor
Windows Operating System
RAM, as follows:

16 Mbytes of RAM for Windows 3.x
32 Mbytes of RAM for Windows 95/98/NT
64 Mbytes of RAM for Windows Me
64 Mbytes of RAM for Windows 2000
64 Mbytes of RAM for Windows XP

DaqBoard-ISA Installation Steps, Pictorial Overview

DaqBoard-ISA User’s Manual

02-10-02

Setup and Startup 2-1

(1) Configure the ISA-DaqBoard

JP1 - External Analog Expansion Power

Placing the jumpers on JP1’s OCTOUT and –OCLKIN could damage the 8254 timer
chip! If either a DBK32A Auxiliary Power Supply or a DBK33 Triple-Output Power
Supply Card is used, the JP1 shunt jumpers must be removed, otherwise timer chip
damage will occur. Refer to the DBK32A, DBK33, a nd Power Management sections of
the user documentation for more information.

If analog option cards (DBKs) are used, JP1 jumpers are set to provide +15 and -15 VDC to the cards.
If using a DBK32A or DBK33 Power Supply Card, remove all jumpers from JP1.
If no cards are being used, the counter/timer CTR0 is available, and JP1 must be set as shown in the figure.

(Set Jumpers and Configure the DIP-Switch)

&$87,21

JP1 Configurations

JP2 - DAC Reference Voltage and SSH (Simultaneous Sample and Hold)

&$87,21

In regard to JP2, the SSH jumper must be removed if you are using EXT DAC0 or EXT
DAC1. See the user’s manual for details.

JP2 selects an Internal (default) or External reference voltage for the two separate
analog outputs.

JP2 also select s SSH (default) for applications using one or more of the following:
DBK2, DBK4, DBK5, DBK7, DBK17, DBK50, or DBK51.

We recommend that you leave the JP2 jumpers at their factory default setting
(see figure at right). Refer to the JP2 material in chapter 3 prior to making
changes.

JP7 – Calibration

Leave JP7 in the default position. Only use JP7 during calibration.

2-2 Setup and Startup

02-10-02

DaqBoard-ISA User’s Manual