Measurement PCI-DAS6071 User Manual

PCI-DAS4020/12

Analog & Digital I/O

User’s Guide

Document Revision 9, May, 2009

© Copyright 2009, Measurement Computing Corporation

HM PCI-DAS4020-12.doc

Your new Measurement Computing product comes with a fantastic extra —

Management committed to your satisfaction!

Thank you for choosing a Measurement Computing product—and congratulations! You own the finest, and you can now enjoy
the protection of the most comprehensive warranties and unmatched phone tech support. It’s the embodiment of our mission:

 To provide PC-based data acquisition hardware and software that will save time and save money.

Simple installations minimize the time between setting up your system and actually making measurements. We offer quick and
simple access to outstanding live FREE technical support to help integrate MCC products into a DAQ system.

Limited Lifetime Warranty: Most MCC products are covered by a limited lifetime warranty against defects in materials or
workmanship for the life of the product, to the original purchaser, unless otherwise noted. Any products found to be defective in
material or workmanship will be repaired, replaced with same or similar device, or refunded at MCC’s discretion. For specific
information, please refer to the terms and conditions of sale.

Harsh Environment Program: Any Measurement Computing product that is damaged due to misuse, or any reason, may be
eligible for replacement with the same or similar device for 50% of the current list price. I/O boards face some harsh
environments, some harsher than the boards are designed to withstand. Contact MCC to determine your product’s eligibility for
this program.

30 Day Money-Back Guarantee: Any Measurement Computing Corporation product may be returned within 30 days of
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Measurement Computing Corporation, nor its employees shall be liable for any direct or indirect, special, incidental or
consequential damage arising from the use of its products, even if Measurement Computing Corporation has been notified in
advance of the possibility of such damages.

3

Trademark and Copyright Information

TracerDAQ, Universal Library, Measurement Computing Corporation, and the Measurement Computing logo are either
trademarks or registered trademarks of Measurement Computing Corporation.

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All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Information furnished by Measurement Computing Corporation is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, no

responsibility is assumed by Measurement Computing Corporation neither for its use; nor for any infringements of patents or
other rights of third parties, which may result from its use. No license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent or
copyrights of Measurement Computing Corporation.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form by any
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Computing Corporation.

Notice

Measurement Computing Corporation does not authorize any Measurement Computing Corporation product for use
in life support systems and/or devices without prior written consent from Measurement Computing Corporation.
Life support devices/systems are devices or systems which, a) are intended for surgical implantation into the body,
or b) support or sustain life and whose failure to perform can be reasonably expected to result in injury.
Measurement Computing Corporation products are not designed with the components required, and are not subject
to the testing required to ensure a level of reliability suitable for the treatment and diagnosis of people.

4

Table of Contents

Preface

About this User's Guide ....................................................................................................................... 7

What you will learn from this user's guide ......................................................................................................... 7

Conventions in this user's guide ......................................................................................................................... 7

Where to find more information ......................................................................................................................... 7

Chapter 1

Introducing the PCI-DAS4020/12 ......................................................................................................... 8

Overview: PCI-DAS4020/12 features ................................................................................................................ 8

Software features ................................................................................................................................................ 8

Chapter 2

Installing the PCI-DAS4020/12 ............................................................................................................. 9

What comes with your PCI-DAS4020/12 shipment? ......................................................................................... 9

Hardware .......................................................................................................................................................................... 9

Additional documentation ................................................................................................................................................. 9

Optional components ........................................................................................................................................................ 9

Unpacking the PCI-DAS4020/12 ..................................................................................................................... 10

Installing the software ...................................................................................................................................... 10

Installing the PCI-DAS4020/12 ........................................................................................................................ 10

Configuring the PCI-DAS4020/12 ................................................................................................................... 10

Connecting the board for I/O operations .......................................................................................................... 11

Connectors, cables – I/O connectors ................................................................................................................................11

BNC connectors ...............................................................................................................................................................11

Pin out – auxiliary connector ...........................................................................................................................................12

Cabling .............................................................................................................................................................................12

Field wiring, signal termination and conditioning ...........................................................................................................16

Chapter 3

Functional Details ............................................................................................................................... 17

PCI-DAS4020/12 block diagram ...................................................................................................................... 17

Analog input signal path ................................................................................................ ................................... 17

Analog output ................................................................................................................................................... 18

Digital I/O ......................................................................................................................................................... 18

Power distribution............................................................................................................................................. 18

Input impedance configuration ......................................................................................................................... 18

Chapter 4

Calibrating the PCI-DAS4020/12 ........................................................................................................ 21

Calibration theory ............................................................................................................................................. 21

Chapter 5

Specifications ...................................................................................................................................... 22

Analog input ..................................................................................................................................................... 22

Timing and throughput ....................................................................................................................................................22

Accuracy ..........................................................................................................................................................................23

Temperature .....................................................................................................................................................................23

Dynamics and noise .........................................................................................................................................................24

Trig/Ext Clk BNC ............................................................................................................................................. 24

Analog output ................................................................................................................................................... 24

Accuracy ..........................................................................................................................................................................25

Digital input / output ......................................................................................................................................... 25

Interrupts........................................................................................................................................................... 25

5

PCI-DAS4020/12 User's Guide

Environmental .................................................................................................................................................. 25

Power consumption .......................................................................................................................................... 26

Connector and pin out ....................................................................................................................................... 26

Auxiliary connector P3 pinout .........................................................................................................................................26

Declaration of Conformity .................................................................................................................. 27

6

About this User's Guide

What you will learn from this user's guide

This user's guide explains how to install, configure, and use the PCI-DAS4020/12 so that you get the most out
of its analog and digital I/O features.

This user's guide also refers you to related documents available on our web site, and to technical support
resources.

Conventions in this user's guide

For more information on …

Text presented in a box signifies additional information and helpful hints related to the subject matter you are
reading.

Caution! Shaded caution statements present information to help you avoid injuring yourself and others,

damaging your hardware, or losing your data.

Preface

< : > Angle brackets that enclose numbers separated by a colon signify a range of numbers, such as those assigned

to registers, bit settings, etc.

bold text Bold text is used for the names of objects on the screen, such as buttons, text boxes, and check boxes. For

example:

1. Insert the disk or CD and click the OK button.

italic text Italic text is used for the names of manuals and help topic titles, and to emphasize a word or phrase. For

example:
The InstaCal installation procedure is explained in the Quick Start Guide.
Never touch the exposed pins or circuit connections on the board.

Where to find more information

For additional information relevant to the operation of your hardware, refer to the Documents subdirectory
where you installed the MCC DAQ software (C:\Program Files\Measurement Computing\DAQ by default), or
search for your device on our website at www.mccdaq.com.

If you need to program at the register level in your application, refer to the Register Map for the PCI-
DAS4020/12 Series (available at www.mccdaq.com/registermaps/RegMapPCI-DAS4020-12.pdf

7

Chapter 1

Introducing the PCI-DAS4020/12

Overview: PCI-DAS4020/12 features

This manual explains how to install and use the PCI-DAS4020/12 board.

The PCI-DAS4020/12 is a multi-function high-speed data acquisition I/O board that is designed for the PCI bus.
It provides the following features:

 Four high-speed 12-bit analog input channels

The input range for each channel is software-configurable for ±1 V or ±5 V. The sample rate is from 10 to
20 MHz, depending on the number of channels accessed. Triggering sources and A/D gating are via
hardware or software, and can be internal or external. Four different modes are software selectable. Analog
input connectors are standard BNC types.

 Two 12-bit analog output channels

Each analog output channel can be configured by software for an output range of ±10 V or ±5 V.
Throughput is system-dependent. Triggering mode is software gate. D/A pacing is software paced. The
analog output channels terminate at a 40-pin auxiliary connector.

 24 digital I/O channels

An on-board industry standard 82C55A I/O chip provides 24 digital I/O channels configured as two banks
of eight and two banks of four. You can configure each bank independently as input or output. Signal levels
are TTL. The digital I/O channels terminate at a 40-pin auxiliary connector.

Software features

For information on the features of InstaCal and the other software included with your PCI-DAS4020/12, refer
to the Quick Start Guide that shipped with your device. The Quick Start Guide is also available in PDF at

www.mccdaq.com/PDFmanuals/DAQ-Software-Quick-Start.pdf.

Check www.mccdaq.com/download.htm for the latest software version or versions of the software supported
under less commonly used operating systems.

8

C40FF-x

C40-37F-x

BP40-37F-x

Installing the PCI-DAS4020/12

What comes with your PCI-DAS4020/12 shipment?

The following items are shipped with the PCI-DAS4020/12.

Hardware

 PCI-DAS4020/12

Chapter 2

Additional documentation

In addition to this hardware user's guide, you should also receive the Quick Start Guide (available in PDF at

www.mccdaq.com/PDFmanuals/DAQ-Software-Quick-Start.pdf). This booklet supplies a brief description of

the software you received with your PCI-DAS4020/12 and information regarding installation of that software.
Please read this booklet completely before installing any software or hardware.

Optional components

If you ordered any of the following products with your board, they should be included with your shipment.
 Cables

Signal termination and conditioning accessories

MCC provides signal termination products for use with the PCI-DAS4020/12. Refer to "Field wiring, signal

termination and conditioning" on page 16 for a complete list of compatible accessory products.

9

PCI-DAS4020/12 User's Guide Installing the PCI-DAS4020/12

Unpacking the PCI-DAS4020/12

As with any electronic device, you should take care while handling to avoid damage from static
electricity. Before removing the PCI-DAS4020/12 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, notify Measurement Computing Corporation immediately by
phone, fax, or e-mail:

 Phone: [phone] and follow the instructions for reaching Tech Support.
 Fax: [phone] to the attention of Tech Support
 Email: [e-mail]

Installing the software

Refer to the Quick Start Guide for instructions on installing the software on the Measurement Computing Data
Acquisition Software CD. This booklet is available in PDF at www.mccdaq.com/PDFmanuals/DAQ-Software-

Quick-Start.pdf.

Installing the PCI-DAS4020/12

The PCI-DAS4020/12 board is completely plug-and-play, with no switches or jumpers to set. Configuration is
controlled by your system's BIOS. To install your board, follow the steps below.

Install the MCC DAQ software before you install your board

The driver needed to run your board is installed with the MCC DAQ software. Therefore, you need to install the
MCC DAQ software before you install your board. Refer to the Quick Start Guide for instructions on installing
the software.

1. Turn your computer off, open it up, and insert your board into an available PCI slot.

2. Close your computer and turn it on.

If you are using an operating system with support for plug-and-play (such as Windows 2000 or
Windows XP), a dialog box opens as the system loads, indicating that new hardware has been detected. If
the information file for this board is not already loaded onto your PC, you are prompted for the disk
containing this file. The Measurement Computing Data Acquisition Software CD supplied with your board
contains this file. If required, insert the disk or CD and click OK.

3. To test your installation and configure your board, run the InstaCal utility installed in the previous section.

Refer to the Quick Start Guide that came with your board for information on how to initially set up and
load InstaCal.

If your board has been powered-off for more than 10 minutes, allow your computer to warm up for at least
15 minutes before acquiring data. This warm-up period is required in order for the board to achieve its rated
accuracy. The high speed components used on the board generate heat, and it takes this amount of time for a
board to reach steady state if it has been powered off for a significant amount of time.

Configuring the PCI-DAS4020/12

All of the hardware configuration options on the PCI-DAS4020/12 are software controlled. Use InstaCal to
select the number of channels to sample (one, two or four channels), and the analog output range (±10 V or
±5 V.) Once selected, any program that uses the Universal Library will initialize the hardware according to your
selections.

10

PCI-DAS4020/12 User's Guide Installing the PCI-DAS4020/12

Connector type

 BNC connector: five standard female connectors
 Auxiliary connector (P3): 40-pin header connector

Compatible cables (for the
40-pin auxiliary connector)

 C40FF-x
 C40-37F-x
 BP40-37-x

Compatible accessory products
with the C40FF-x cable

CIO-MINI40

Compatible accessory products
with the C40-37F-x cable
or
with the BP40-37-x and the C37FF-x or

C37FFS-x cable

 CIO-MINI37
 SCB-37
 CIO-ERB24
 CIO-ERB08
 SSR-RACK24
 SSR-RACK08

Channel 0

Channel 1

Channel 2

Channel 3

TRIG /Ext Clk

Connecting the board for I/O operations

Connectors, cables – I/O connectors

The table below lists the board connectors, applicable cables, and compatible accessory products for the PCI­DAS4020/12.

Board connectors, cables, compatible hardware

Information on signal connections

General information regarding signal connection and configuration is available in the Guide to Signal
Connections. This document is available on our web site at www.mccdaq.com/signals/signals.pdf.

BNC connectors

The board’s analog input and trigger input connectors are standard female BNC connectors that are visible from
the rear of the computer when you install the board.

Figure 1. Analog inputs and trigger input BNC connectors

11

PCI-DAS4020/12 User's Guide Installing the PCI-DAS4020/12

Signal Name

Pin Pin

Signal Name

D/A OUT 1

40

39

D/A OUT 0

D/A GND

38

37

GND

FIRSTPORTA Bit 0

36

35

+5V

FIRSTPORTA Bit 1

34

33

GND

FIRSTPORTA Bit 2

32

31

n/c

FIRSTPORTA Bit 3

30

29

GND

FIRSTPORTA Bit 4

28

27

n/c

FIRSTPORTA Bit 5

26

25

GND

FIRSTPORTA Bit 6

24

23

n/c

FIRSTPORTA Bit 7

22

21

GND

FIRSTPORTC Bit 0

20

19

FIRSTPORTB Bit 0

FIRSTPORTC Bit 1

18

17

FIRSTPORTB Bit 1

FIRSTPORTC Bit 2

16

15

FIRSTPORTB Bit 2

FIRSTPORTC Bit 3

14

13

FIRSTPORTB Bit 3

FIRSTPORTC Bit 4

12

11

FIRSTPORTB Bit 4

FIRSTPORTC Bit 5 (Start Trigger In/Ext Clock)

10

9

FIRSTPORTB Bit 5

FIRSTPORTC Bit 6 (A/D Stop Trigger In)

8

7

FIRSTPORTB Bit 6

FIRSTPORTC Bit 7 (A/D Pacer Gate)

6

5

FIRSTPORTB Bit 7

GND

4

3

INTERRUPT ENABLE *

+5V

2

1

INTERRUPT IN *

PCI slot ↓

The red stripe

identifies pin # 1

40-pin Female

IDC Connector

1

2

39

40

40-pin Female

IDC Connector

1

2

39

40

Pin out – auxiliary connector

The pin out for the board’s 40-pin on-board auxiliary connector (labeled P3 on the board) is listed below. Pin 1
is identified by a beveled edge on the board silkscreen.

40-pin auxiliary connector P3

* Pin 1 and pin 3 have 10 K pull-up resistors installed.

Use pin 38 for analog output return

When using the analog output pins D/A OUT 0 (pin 39) and D/A OUT 1 (pin 40), use D/A GND only (pin 38)
for the return.

Cabling

For signal connections and termination, you can use the CIO-MINI40 screw terminal board and C40FF-x cable.
For connections to 37-pin screw terminal boards, you can use the C40-37F-x cable.

Figure 2. C40FF-x cable

12

PCI-DAS4020/12 User's Guide Installing the PCI-DAS4020/12

20

1

37

19

The red stripe

identifies pin # 1

37-pin Female

Dsub Connector

40-pin Female

IDC Connector

1

2

39

40

37

19

20

1

The red stripe and arrow
identify pin # 1

2

40

1

39

Key

37-pin Male D Connector

with Backplate Assembly

40-pin Female

IDC Connector

Figure 3. C40-37F-x cable

If you don’t need to connect to the PCI-DAS4020/12 analog outputs (pins 38 to 40), you can connect to a
BP40-37 cable. The BP40-37 cable brings pins 1 through 37 of the 40-pin connector out to 37-pin male "D"
connector mounted on a backplane bracket.

Figure 4. BP40-37 cable

13

PCI-DAS4020/12 User's Guide Installing the PCI-DAS4020/12

+5V

GND

FIRSTPORTC BIT 7

FIRSTPORTC BIT 6

FIRSTPORTC BIT 5

FIRSTPORTC BIT 4

FIRSTPORTC BIT 3

FIRSTPORTC BIT 2

FIRSTPORTC BIT 1

FIRSTPORTC BIT 0

FIRSTPORTA BIT 7

FIRSTPORTA BIT 6

FIRSTPORTA BIT 4

FIRSTPORTA BIT 3

FIRSTPORTA BIT 2

FIRSTPORTA BIT 1

FIRSTPORTA BIT 0

FIRSTPORTB BIT 2
FIRSTPORTB BIT 3
FIRSTPORTB BIT 4
FIRSTPORTB BIT 5
FIRSTPORTB BIT 6
FIRSTPORTB BIT 7

NC

FIRSTPORTB BIT 1

GND

NC

GND

NC

GND

NC

GND

GND

+5V

FIRSTPORTA BIT 5

Figure 5. BP40-37 cable pin out

14

PCI-DAS4020/12 User's Guide Installing the PCI-DAS4020/12

40-pin cable end

37-pin cable end

Pin

Signal Name

Pin

Signal Name

1

INTERRUPT IN

1

INTERRUPT IN

2

+5V

20

+5V 3 INTERRUPT ENABLE

2

INTERRUPT ENABLE

4

GND

21

GND 5 Port B 7

3

Port B 7

6

Port C 7

22

Port C 7

7

Port B 6

4

Port B 6

8

Port C 6

23

Port C 6

9

Port B 5

5

Port B 5

10

Port C 5

24

Port C 5

11

Port B 4

6

Port B 4

12

Port C 4

25

Port C 4

13

Port B 3

7

Port B 3

14

Port C 3

26

Port C 3

15

Port B 2

8

Port B 2

16

Port C 2

27

Port C 2

17

Port B 1

9

Port B 1

18

Port C 1

28

Port C 1

19

Port B 0

10

Port B 0

20

Port C 0

29

Port C 0

21

GND

11

GND

22

Port A 7

30

Port A 7

23

N/C

12

N/C

24

Port A 6

31

Port A 6

25

GND

13

GND

26

Port A 5

32

Port A 5

27

N/C

14

N/C

28

Port A 4

33

Port A 4

29

GND

15

GND

30

Port A 3

34

Port A 3

31

N/C

16

N/C

32

Port A 2

35

Port A 2

33

GND

17

GND

34

Port A 1

36

Port A 1

35

+5V

18

+5V

36

Port A 0

37

Port A 0

37

GND

19

GND

38

N/C

39

N/C

40

N/C

20

1

37

19

20

1

37

19

The red stripe

identifies pin # 1

40-pin to 37-pin signal mapping

Signal mapping on the C40-37F-x and the BP40-37 cables is not 1:1. The following table lists the pin numbers
of the signals on the 40-pin end and the pin numbers of the associated signals on the 37-pin end.

Signal mapping on the C40-37F-x and BP40-37F cables

For digital signal conditioning, you can connect the BP40-37 cable to a C37FF-x or C37FFS- x cable, and then
connect one of these cables to the 37-pin connector on MCC’s digital signal conditioning boards. Refer to page
16 for a list of compatible boards.

Figure 6. C37FF-x cable

15

PCI-DAS4020/12 User's Guide Installing the PCI-DAS4020/12

20

1

37

19

20

1

37

19

Figure 7. C37FFS-x cable

Field wiring, signal termination and conditioning

You can use the following MCC screw terminal board to terminate field signals and route them into the PCI­DAS4020/12 board using the C40FF-x cable:

 CIO-MINI40 – 40-pin universal screw terminal board.
You can use the following MCC screw terminal boards to terminate field signals and route them into the PCI-

DAS4020/12 board using the C40-37F-x cable directly or by combining the BP40-37-x cable with the C37FF-x
or C37FFS-x cable:

 CIO-MINI37 – 37-pin universal screw terminal board.
 SCB-37 – 37 conductor, shielded signal connection/screw terminal box.

Details on these products are available on our web site at www.mccdaq.com/products/screw_terminal_bnc.aspx.

Digital Signal Conditioning

For digital signal conditioning, you can connect the PCI-DAS4020/12 to the following boards using the C40­37F-x cable directly or by combining the BP40-37-x cable with the C37FF-x or C37FFS-x cable.

 CIO-ERB24 – 24 Form C, 6A relays.
 CIO-ERB08 – Eight Form C, 6A relays.
 SSR-RACK24 – 24-channel solid state module rack.
 SSR-RACK08 – 24-channel solid state module rack.

Details on these products are available on our web site at www.mccdaq.com/products/signal_conditioning.aspx.

16

BNC

BNC

Input
MUX

Gain & Offset

AUTOCAL

ADC

IN

System

Timing

Controller

Dual

32K x 24

SRAM

PC Bus

Controller

Dual12-bit

DAC

Digital I/0

(82C55)

PCI Bus Connector

(5V, 32 BIT, 33 MHZ)

VREF

CONV

Attenuator/
Amplifier

Analog
Clock/

Trigger

Local Bus

External Pacer
TRIG1, TRIG2,
or GATE

Four analog input channels per board

50 Ohm

Analog
Outputs

24 I/O

Four
Channels

12

S

Full Scale Input Range

Attenuation

Divider Output

+5 V to -5 V

5

±1 V

+1 V to -1 V

1

±1 V

Functional Details

PCI-DAS4020/12 block diagram

PCI-DAS4020/12 functions are illustrated in the block diagram shown here.

Chapter 3

Analog input signal path

Four single-ended analog input channels, connect from BNC connectors to individual amplifiers and then
connect to dedicated ADC’s. Each path allows for:

 50 ohm or high-Z termination, selected by solder gap
 ±1 V or ±5 V bipolar ranges, software-selectable (refer to the table below)
 Auto-calibration for offset and gain adjustments for each channel and each range

Figure 8. PCI-DAS4020/12 functional block diagram

Input range

17

PCI-DAS4020/12 User's Guide Functional Details

DAC Range

Input Code Binary

12 bit Input Code Hex

12 bit Output Voltage

± 10 V

0000 0000 0000

000h

10.000 V

± 10 V

1000 0000 0000

800h

0 V

± 10 V

1111 1111 1111

FFFh

+9.99513 V

± 5 V

0000 0000 0000

000h

5.000 V

± 5 V

1000 0000 0000

800h

0 V

± 5 V

1111 1111 1111

FFFh

+4.99756 V

Analog output

Two 12-bit voltage outputs are software programmable for ±10 V or ±5 V. The D/A is the Analog Devices
AD7237 Dual DAC. Since the DAC is dual buffered, the DAC output voltage is updated after the MS nibble is
written to the DAC.

The DACs initially power-up and are reset to 0 V. There is no calibration on these DACs. The offset and gain
errors are minimized by using precision components. The following table shows the DAC input coding.

DAC input coding

Figure 9. Analog output block diagram

Digital I/O

The digital I/O is an 82C55 digital logic device. An external interrupt source pin (pin 1) and external interrupt
enable pin (pin 3) on the auxiliary 40-pin connector (P3) are used for external interrupts. These lines are pulled
up and an OR operation is performed on them to generate the external interrupt signal. Both are active low.

Power distribution

The PCI-DAS4020/12 board is powered by the PCI bus. The only power used is +5 V.

Input impedance configuration

Each analog input and the trigger/clock input channel on the PCI-DAS4020/12 has a dedicated solder gap. A
solder gap consists of two copper pads that you can solder together to change the input impedance of the
channel. When the solder gaps are open (default), the input impedance is 1.5 MΩ. When the solder gaps are
closed, the input impedance is 50 Ω.

To close the solder gaps and change the impedance to 50 ohm, solder the two copper pads together. To close the
solder gap, touch a soldering iron to the two contacts until some rosin core solder flows across the copper pads
and forms a small blob of solder. Be careful not to overheat the pads, or they may delaminate from the circuit
board. Do not add too much solder, as it could flow onto other components and cause an electrical short or other
defect.

18

PCI-DAS4020/12 User's Guide Functional Details

Solder Gap Configuration

Input Impedance

Open

1.5 M typical

Close

50

Solder Gap board label

Channel

SG1

Channel 0

SG2

Channel 1

SG3

Channel 2

SG4

Channel 3

SG5

TRIG/Ext Clock input

The board designation for the analog input channels and the trigger/clock BNC input are listed below.

Solder gaps for the analog input channels are located on the rear of the board (circuit-side) and are labeled SG1
to SG4. See Figure 10.

Figure 10. Analog input channel solder gap locations (circuit-side)

The solder gap for the trigger/clock input is located on the front of the board (component-side) and is labeled

SG5. See Figure 11.

Figure 11. Trigger/clock input solder gap location (component-side)

19

PCI-DAS4020/12 User's Guide Functional Details

Solder gap SG3

is open (1.5 Mohms)

Solder gap SG4

is closed (50 ohms)

An example of each input impedance configuration option is shown in Figure 12.

Figure 12. Open and closed solder gaps

20

Analog In

ADC

Trim DAC

Coarse

Trim DAC

Fine

Trim DAC

Coarse

Trim DAC

Fine

MUX

Gain Adjust

Offset
Adjust

Gain

Calibration
Reference

Chapter 4

Calibrating the PCI-DAS4020/12

Use the InstaCal utility program to calibrate the PCI-DAS4020/12. InstaCal calibrates the PCI-DAS4020/12
using on-board digital potentiometers and trim D/A converters. No external equipment or user adjustments are
required.

The PCI-DAS4020/12 is factory calibrated. The calibration coefficients are stored in nvRAM. Analog input
adjustments are made via 10-bit calibration DACs that are referenced to the on-board factory calibrated
standard. Each channel has a pair of dedicated 10-bit DACs that trim out offset and gain errors. InstaCal
calibrates the offset by adjusting the offset voltage at the input of each ADC, and adjusts the gain via the ADC
reference pin.

At run time, the calibration factors are loaded into system memory and are automatically retrieved each time a
different ADC range is specified. You can recalibrate any time using factory voltage standards with InstaCal. A
full calibration typically takes less than two minutes.

Before you calibrate the board, turn your computer on and allow at least 30 minutes for the internal case
temperature to stabilize. For best results, calibrate the board immediately before making critical measurements.
The high resolution analog components on the board are sensitive to temperature. Pre-measurement calibration
insures that your board is operating with optimum calibration values.

Calibration theory

Analog inputs are calibrated for offset and gain. Offset calibration is performed directly on the input amplifier,
with coarse and fine trim DACs acting on the amplifier.

For input gain calibration, a precision calibration reference is used in conjunction with coarse and fine trim
DACs acting on the ADC. See Figure 13.

Figure 13. Analog input calibration

21

A/D converter type

AD9225, 25 MSPS pipelined A/D

Resolution

12-bits

Programmable ranges

±5 V, ±1 V

Number of channels

4 single-ended, independent ADC’s per channel

Connection

4 independent BNC

Bandwidth

17 MHz typical

Coupling

DC

Input leakage current

2 uA typ, 10 uA max

Input impedance

1.5 Mohm typ, or 50 ohm, selectable
(coaxial cable termination)

Absolute maximum input voltage

±15 V

Simultaneous sampling

Software selectable option - 1, 2, or 4 channels

A/D Convert clock source

Internal:

 On-card crystal oscillator
 Frequency: 40 MHz
 Frequency accuracy: 50% duty cycle, 50 ppm

External:

 Trig/Ext Clk BNC, or A/D External Clock on the 40-pin connector
 24-bit internal pre-scale counter (min pre-scale = 2)
 Clock Rate: 40 MHz max, 2 kHz min
 Duty Cycle: 50% ± 5%

A/D Gate source

Digital: Trig/Ext Clk BNC or A/D Pacer Gate on 40-pin connector
Analog: Any of the four input channels

A/D Gate modes

Digital: Programmable active high/low, level/edge
Analog: Above/below reference, positive/negative
Hysteresis, inside/outside window
Resolution: 12-bit
Slew rate: 10V/sec. minimum

A/D Start Trigger (TRIG1)

Software: Using a DAQ start command.
Digital: Trig/Ext Clk BNC, A/D Start Trigger In (on the 40-pin connector)
Analog: Any of the four input channels

A/D Stop Trigger (TRIG2)

Digital: Trig/Ext Clk BNC, A/D Stop Trigger In (on the 40-pin connector)
Analog: Any of the four input channels

A/D Triggering modes

Digital: Programmable rising or falling edge
Analog: Trigger above/below reference
Resolution: 12-bit

Pre-trigger mode

Unlimited number of pre-trigger samples, 16 Meg post-trigger samples.
Compatible with both digital and analog trigger/gate options. Data acquisition
initiated via TRIG1. Post-trigger phase initiated via TRIG2.

Specifications

Typical for 25 °C unless otherwise specified.
Specifications in italic text are guaranteed by design.

Analog input

Table 1. Analog input specifications

Chapter 5

Timing and throughput

Table 2. Timing and throughput specifications

22

PCI-DAS4020/12 User's Guide Specifications

Data transfer

Via dual 32 K x 24 sample FIFO, SRAM based, with Bus-Master DMA and
scatter-gather, interrupt, or software polled.

A/D Conversion time

40 ns

Sample rate

20 MHz max, 1 kHz min

Throughput

Single channel: 20 MHz continuous
Two channels (0 and 1 or 2 and 3): 20 MHz continuous
Four channels: 10 MHz continuous
In background mode, the maximum throughput may be impacted by bus or

interrupt activity.

Absolute accuracy

±5.5 LSB worst case error (either range)

Typical accuracy

±3.0 LSB error (either range)

Accuracy components:

Gain error

±2.0 LSB max, ±1.0 LSB typ

Offset error

±1.5 LSB max, ±1.0 LSB typ

Integral linearity error

±2.5 LSB max, ±1.0 LSB typ

Differential linearity error

±1.0 LSB max , ±0.4 LSB typ (No missing codes guaranteed)

Calibration

Auto-calibration. Calibration factors for each range stored on board in non-volatile RAM

Gain drift

±5 V range: ±0.10 LSB/°C max
±1 V range: ±0.13 LSB/°C max

Offset drift

±0.11 LSB/°C max, all ranges

Overall board temperature
drift

±5 V range: ±0.21 LSB/°C max
±1 V range: ±0.24 LSB/°C max

Accuracy

Table 3. Analog input accuracy specifications

Board error is a combination of gain, offset, integral linearity, and differential linearity error. The overall
absolute worst-case error of the board may be calculated by summing these component errors. Worst case error
is realized only in the unlikely event that each of the component errors are both at their maximum level, and
causing error in the same direction. Though this is very uncommon, it is still possible, and the calculated worst
case error of the PCI-DAS4020/12 board is ±7.0 LSB.

Each PCI-DAS4020/12 board is tested at the factory to make sure that its actual worst case error is less than
±5.0 LSB. Allowing for a 10% guard-band, the absolute worst-case error of a board is ±5.5 LSB. Typical
accuracy can be calculated from the various component typical errors in a similar fashion. This typical
maximum error calculation for the PCI-DAS4020/12 board yields ±3.4 LSB. However, this again assumes that
each of the errors is forcing an error in the same direction. Empirical evidence supports a conservative typical
error budget of ±3.0 LSB.

Table 4. Calibration specifications

Temperature

Table 5. Temperature specifications

Overall, worst-case temperature drift is calculated by adding the drifts corresponding to the gain and offset
drifts. This worst case number is unlikely to occur, as it requires both gain and offset drifts to be at their
maximum levels, and to be affecting the measurement in the same direction. However, the overall board D/A
drift specifications have been calculated in this fashion.

23

PCI-DAS4020/12 User's Guide Specifications

SNR (Signal-to-noise ratio)

66.6 dB

SINAD (signal-to-noise and distortion ratio)

66.5 dB

SFDR (spurious free dynamic range)

80 dB

THD (total harmonic distortion)

80 dB

Noise distribution:

(Rate = 10 KHz-20 MHz, Average % ± 2 bins,
Average % ± 1 bin, Average # bins)

Bipolar (5V): 100% / 98% / 5 bins

Bipolar (1V): 100% / 98% / 5 bins

Input impedance

50 ohm, 1 Mohm selectable (coaxial cable termination)

Input threshold

Programmable 2.5 V threshold or 0 V threshold

Input slew rate

1 V/µsec min

Input range

±5 V

Bandwidth

40 MHz

Coupling

DC

D/A converter type

AD7237

Resolution

12-bits

Number of channels

2

Output range

±10 V, ±5 V software selectable

D/A pacing

Software paced

Throughput

System dependent. Using the Universal Library programmed output function (cbAout) in a
loop in Visual Basic, a typical update rate of 500 Hz (± 50 Hz) can be expected. The rate
was measured on a 330 MHz Pentium II based PC.

Data transfer

Programmed I/O

Monotonicity

Guaranteed monotonic over temperature

Analog output drift

±0.11 LSB/°C max, all ranges

Settling time
(20 V step to ± ½ LSB)

5 µs max
Slew rate

5 V/µs

Current drive

±5 mA

Output short-circuit
duration

25 mA indefinite
Output coupling

DC

Output impedance

0.5 Ohm max

Miscellaneous

 Single buffered output latch
 Update DACs individually

On power-up and reset, the inputs to both D/A output buffers are grounded and the board’s
D/A outputs will be set to 0 volts ± 6 mV. Upon writing to the D/A converters, the output
buffers will reflect the D/A outputs and achieve rated accuracy. However, upon writing a 0
to the D/A’s, a small output change may be noted (up to 10 LSB).

Dynamics and noise

Table 6. Dynamics and noise specifications

Trig/Ext Clk BNC

Software selectable for A/D Start Trigger (TRIG1), A/D Stop Trigger (TRIG2) or A/D Pacer Gate (AGATE);
also used as an A/D clock input 2X clock source (DAQ_CLK).

Table 7. Trig/Ext Clk BNC specifications

Analog output

Table 8. Analog output specifications

24

PCI-DAS4020/12 User's Guide Specifications

Absolute accuracy

±13 LSB max

Offset error

±6 LSB max

Gain error

±5 LSB max

Differential non-linearity

±1 LSB max

Integral non-linearity

±1 LSB max

Digital type (40-pin connector)

8255A

Configuration

2 banks of 8, 2 banks of 4, programmable by bank as input or output

Number of channels

24 I/O

Output high

3.0 volts min @ 2.5 mA

Output low

0.4 volts max @ 2.5 mA

Input high

2.0 volts min, Vcc + 0.5 volts absolute max

Input low

0.8 volts max, GND 0.5 volts absolute min

Power-up / reset state

Input mode (high impedance)

Interrupts

INTA# - mapped to IRQn via PCI BIOS at boot-time

Interrupt enable

Software programmable

ADC Interrupt sources

DAQ_ACTIVE: Interrupt is generated when a DAQ sequence is active.
DAQ_STOP: Interrupt is generated when A/D Stop Trigger In is detected.
DAQ_DONE: Interrupt is generated when a DAQ sequence completes.
DAQ_FIFO_1/2_FULL:

Interrupt is generated when ADC FIFO is ½ full.

DAQ_SINGLE: Interrupt is generated after each conversion completes.

External

Interrupt is generated via edge-sensitive transition on the Interrupt In pin on the
40-pin connector. Rising/falling edge polarity selection. The Interrupt In pin is pulled
up to 5 V through a 10 K resistor.

External Interrupt Enable

Active low Interrupt Enable signal on the 40-pin connector. The Interrupt Enable pin
is pulled up to 5 V through a 10 K resistor.

Operating temperature range

0 to 70 °C

Storage temperature range

40 to 100 °C

Humidity

0 to 90% non-condensing

Accuracy

Table 9. Analog output accuracy specifications

Total analog output error is a combination of gain, offset, integral linearity, and differential linearity error. The
overall absolute worst-case error of the board may be calculated by summing these component errors. Worst
case error is realized only in the unlikely event that each of the component errors are both at their maximum
level, and causing error in the same direction. Though this is very uncommon, it is still possible.

Digital input / output

Table 10. DIO specifications

Interrupts

Environmental

Table 11. Interrupt specifications

Table 12. Environmental specifications

25

PCI-DAS4020/12 User's Guide Specifications

+5 V Operating (A/D to FIFO)

1.5 A typical, 2.0 A max

Connector type

BNC connector: five standard female connectors
Auxiliary connector (P3): 40-pin header connector

Compatible cables (for the
40-pin auxiliary connector)

C40FF-x

C40-37F-x

BP40-37-x

Compatible accessory products
with the C40FF-x cable

CIO-MINI40

Compatible accessory products
with the C40-37F-x cable
or
with the BP40-37-x and the

C37FF-x or C37FFS-x cable

CIO-MINI37
SCB-37
CIO-ERB24
CIO-ERB08
SSR-RACK24
SSR-RACK08

Pin

Signal Name

Pin

Signal Name

1

INTERRUPT IN *

2

+5V

3

INTERRUPT ENABLE *

4

GND 5 FIRSTPORTB Bit 7

6

FIRSTPORTC Bit 7 (A/D Pacer Gate)

7

FIRSTPORTB Bit 6

8

FIRSTPORTC Bit 6 (A/D Stop Trigger In)

9

FIRSTPORTB Bit 5

10

FIRSTPORTC Bit 5 (Start Trigger In/Ext Clock)

11

FIRSTPORTB Bit 4

12

FIRSTPORTC Bit 4

13

FIRSTPORTB Bit 3

14

FIRSTPORTC Bit 3

15

FIRSTPORTB Bit 2

16

FIRSTPORTC Bit 2

17

FIRSTPORTB Bit 1

18

FIRSTPORTC Bit 1

19

FIRSTPORTB Bit 0

20

FIRSTPORTC Bit 0

21

GND

22

FIRSTPORTA Bit 7

23

n/c

24

FIRSTPORTA Bit 6

25

GND

26

FIRSTPORTA Bit 5

27

n/c

28

FIRSTPORTA Bit 4

29

GND

30

FIRSTPORTA Bit 3

31

n/c

32

FIRSTPORTA Bit 2

33

GND

34

FIRSTPORTA Bit 1

35

+5V

36

FIRSTPORTA Bit 0

37

GND

38

D/A GND

39

D/A OUT 0

40

D/A OUT 1

Power consumption

Table 13. Power consumption specifications

Connector and pin out

Table 14. Connector specifications

Auxiliary connector P3 pinout

Table 15. Auxiliary connector (P3) pin out

* Pins 1 and 3 have 10 K pull-up resistors installed.

26

Declaration of Conformity

Manufacturer: Measurement Computing Corporation
Address: 10 Commerce Way
Suite 1008
Norton, MA 02766
USA

Category: Electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use.

Measurement Computing Corporation declares under sole responsibility that the product

PCI-DAS4020/12

to which this declaration relates is in conformity with the relevant provisions of the following standards or other
documents:

EC EMC Directive 2004/108/EC: General Requirements, EN 61326-1:2006 (IEC 61326-1:2005).

Emissions:

 EN 55011 (2007) / CISPR 11(2003): Radiated emissions: Group 1, Class A
 EN 55011 (2007) / CISPR 11(2003): Conducted emissions: Group 1, Class A

Immunity: EN 61326-1:2006, Table 3.

 IEC 61000-4-2 (2001): Electrostatic Discharge immunity.
 IEC 61000-4-3 (2002): Radiated Electromagnetic Field immunity.
 IEC 61000-4-4 (2004): Electric Fast Transient Burst Immunity.
 IEC 61000-4-5 (2001): Surge Immunity.
 IEC 61000-4-6 (2003): Radio Frequency Common Mode Immunity.
 IEC 61000-4-11 (2004): Voltage Interrupts.

To maintain compliance to the standards of this declaration, the following conditions must be met.

 The host computer, peripheral equipment, power sources, and expansion hardware must be CE

compliant.

 All I/O cables must be shielded, with the shields connected to ground.
 I/O cables must be less than 3 meters (9.75 feet) in length.
 The host computer must be properly grounded.
 Equipment must be operated in a controlled electromagnetic environment as defined by Standards EN

61326-1:2006, or IEC 61326-1:2005.

Declaration of Conformity based on tests conducted by Chomerics Test Services, Woburn, MA 01801, USA in
September, 2001. Test records are outlined in Chomerics Test Report #EMI3053.01. Further testing was
conducted by Chomerics Test Services, Woburn, MA. 01801, USA in January, 2009. Test records are outlined
in Chomerics Test report #EMI5243.09.

We hereby declare that the equipment specified conforms to the above Directives and Standards.

Carl Haapaoja, Director of Quality Assurance

Measurement Computing Corporation

10 Commerce Way

Suite 1008

Norton, Massachusetts 02766

[phone]

Fax: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

www.mccdaq.com