Measurement Specialties PC-CARD-DAS16-12AO User Manual

PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO

Analog I/O and Digital I/O Board

User’s Guide

Document Revision 1, April, 2007

© Copyright 2007, Measurement Computing Corporation

Your new Measurement Computing product comes with a fantastic extra —

Management committed to your satisfaction!

Refer to www.mccdaq.com/execteam.html for the names, titles, and contact information of each key executive at Measurement
Computing.

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.

Lifetime warranty: Every hardware product manufactured by Measurement Computing Corporation is warranted against
defects in materials or workmanship for the life of the product. Products found defective are repaired or replaced promptly.

Lifetime Harsh Environment Warranty®: We will replace any product manufactured by Measurement Computing
Corporation that is damaged (even due to misuse) for only 50% of the current list price. I/O boards face some tough operating
conditions, some more severe than the boards are designed to withstand. When a board becomes damaged, just return the unit
with an order for its replacement at only 50% of the current list price. We don’t need to profit from your misfortune. By the way,
we honor this warranty for any manufacturer’s board that we have a replacement for.

30 Day Money Back Guarantee: You may return any Measurement Computing Corporation product within 30 days of
purchase for a full refund of the price paid for the product being returned. If you are not satisfied, or chose the wrong product by
mistake, you do not have to keep it. Please call for an RMA number first. No credits or returns accepted without a copy of the
original invoice. Some software products are subject to a repackaging fee.

These warranties are in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, including any implied warranty of merchantability or
fitness for a particular application. The remedies provided herein are the buyer’s sole and exclusive remedies. Neither
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.

HM PC-CARD-DAS16_12AO.doc

3

Trademark and Copyright Information

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

Windows, Microsoft, and Visual Studio are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation

LabVIEW is a trademark of National Instruments.

CompactFlash is a registered trademark of SanDisk Corporation.

XBee and XBee-PRO are trademarks of MaxStream, Inc.

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 means, electronic, mechanical, by photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the prior written permission of
Measurement 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 PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO.............................................................................................8

Overview: PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO features ...................................................................................................8

PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO block diagram ......................................................................................................................... 8

Software features................................................................................................................................................9

Chapter 2

Installing the PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO...............................................................................................10

What comes with your PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO shipment? ..........................................................................10

Hardware .........................................................................................................................................................................10

Additional documentation................................................................................................................................................10

Optional components .......................................................................................................................................................10

Unpacking the PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO ........................................................................................................11

Installing the software ......................................................................................................................................11

Installing the PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO...........................................................................................................11

If your PCMCIA card is not detected ..............................................................................................................................11

Connecting the board for I/O operations ..........................................................................................................12

Connectors, cables – I/O connector .................................................................................................................................12

Pin out – I/O connector....................................................................................................................................................12

Field wiring and signal termination .................................................................................................................................15

Calibrating the PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO........................................................................................................15

Chapter 3

Programming and Developing Applications ....................................................................................16

Programming languages ...................................................................................................................................16

Packaged applications programs ......................................................................................................................16

Register-level programming.............................................................................................................................16

Chapter 4

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

Conversion speed and amplification................................................................................................................................17

Triggering and transfer ....................................................................................................................................................18

A/D pacer clock ...............................................................................................................................................................18

Chapter 5

Specifications......................................................................................................................................20

Analog input .....................................................................................................................................................20

Accuracy..........................................................................................................................................................................20

Crosstalk ..........................................................................................................................................................................21

Noise performance...........................................................................................................................................................21

Analog output section.......................................................................................................................................22

Accuracy..........................................................................................................................................................................22

Digital input/output ..........................................................................................................................................23

Interrupt ............................................................................................................................................................23

Counter .............................................................................................................................................................23

5

PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO User's Guide

Power consumption ..........................................................................................................................................24

Miscellaneous ...................................................................................................................................................24

Environmental ..................................................................................................................................................24

Mechanical .......................................................................................................................................................24

Connector and pin out ......................................................................................................................................24

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 PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO so that you get the
most out of its analog I/O, digital I/O and counter 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

The following conventions are used in this manual to convey special information:

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

The following electronic documents provide information relevant to the operation of the PC-CARD­DAS16/12AO.

 MCC's Specifications: PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO (the PDF version of the Specifications chapter in this

guide) is available on our web site at . www.mccdaq.com/pdfs/PC-CARD-DAS16-12AO.pdf

 MCC's Quick Start Guide is available on our web site at

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

 MCC's Guide to Signal Connections is available on our web site at

www.mccdaq.com/signals/signals.pdf

 MCC's Universal Library User's Guide is available on our web site at

www.mccdaq.com/PDFmanuals/sm-ul-user-guide.pdf

 MCC's Universal Library Function Reference is available on our web site at

www.mccdaq.com/PDFmanuals/sm-ul-functions.pdf

 MCC's Universal Library for LabVIEW

www.mccdaq.com/PDFmanuals/SM-UL-LabVIEW.pdf

.

.

™

User’s Guide is available on our web site at

.

.

.

PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO User's Guide (this document) is also available on our web site at

www.mccdaq.com/PDFmanuals/PC-CARD-DAS16-12AO.pdf

7

.

A

V

V

Chapter 1

Introducing the PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO

Overview: PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO features

The PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO is a data acquisition and control board for IBM PC compatible computers with
PCMCIA type II slots. The PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO provides 16 single-ended or 8 differential analog inputs,
12-bit A/D resolution, two analog outputs, four digital I/O lines, and three 16-bit down counters.

The analog input range is fully programmable in one of four bipolar ranges. An on-board pacer clock, or an
external pacer input, or software polling can trigger A/D conversions. Transfers are via software polling,
interrupt service or REP-INSW. A 4096-word FIFO buffer provides buffering between the A/D circuit and the
PCMCIA bus.

The PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO provides two single-ended 12-bit analog voltage outputs. The analog output
range is software selectable for ±10 V or ±5 V. The selected range applies to both channels.

The four digital I/O bits are available on one 4-bit port. The digital channels are software configurable as four
inputs or four outputs, and allow you to sense and control discrete events.

All signals pass through a 50-pin high-density connector. The board is completely plug-and-play, with no
switches or jumpers to set.

PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO block diagram

PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO functions are illustrated in the block diagram shown here.

Precision

Vol tag e

Reference

Programmable-Gain

10 MHz

Control
/Clock

Amplifier

Controller FPGA

FIFO Buffer 4K x 8

HI_BYTE

FIFO Buffer

Host Bus Adaptor

LOW_BYTE

4K x 8

Control, IREQ

Data Bus

ADC
12-bit
10 µS

A/D

Pacer

Counter/Pacer

Counter 1, 3 Out

Oscillator

Single-e nded or

switching

differential s elect

8 channel

Analog MUX

8 channel

Analog MUX

Digital I/O

4-bits

Pacer Control

/EXT TRIG

VREF

2

OUT 0

OUT 1

Address Bus

ttribute Memory

DAC

12-bit

DAC

12-bit

Figure 1. PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO functional block diagram

8

PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO User's Guide Introducing the PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO

Software features

For information on the features of InstaCal and the other software included with your PC-CARD­DAS16/12AO, 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.

9

Installing the PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO

What comes with your PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO shipment?

The following items are shipped with the PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO.

Hardware

 PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO

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

the software you received with your PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO and information regarding installation of that
software. Please read this booklet completely before installing any software or hardware.

). This booklet supplies a brief description of

Optional components

 Cables

CPCC-50F-39

 Signal termination and conditioning accessories

MCC provides signal conditioning and termination products for use with the PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO.
Refer to Field wiring and signal termination
products.

CPCC-50M-4

on page 15 for a complete list of compatible accessory

C50FF-x

10

PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO User's Guide Installing the PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO

Unpacking the PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO

As with any electronic device, you should take care while handling to avoid damage from static
electricity. Before removing the PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO 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 PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO

The PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO board is completely plug-and-play. There are no switches or jumpers to set. 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.

To install your PC-Card, do the following:

 Insert the card into a free PC Card/PCMCIA type II or III slot. The key helps to insure that the cable is

inserted in the correct orientation.

You do not have to turn the computer off. The system is designed for power-on installation. You should
hear an insertion beep when you insert the card.

Figure 2. End view of the 50-pin PC-CARD connector showing proper orientation

Windows automatically detects, recognizes, and configures the PC-CARD. You should hear an insertion beep
when you insert the card into the slot. To verify that the card is recognized, go to Control Panel\System\Device
Manager and the card should now appear under "DAS Component."

If your PCMCIA card is not detected

If the card is not detected by Windows, and you are not prompted for a driver after inserting the card, check
that your computer's 32-bit PCMCIA drivers are installed and enabled. Do the following:

1. From your desktop, right-click on My Computer and select Properties. The System Properties dialog

opens.

11

PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO User's Guide Installing the PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO

p

2.

Select the Hardware tab and click on the Device Manager button.

3.

Verify that "PCMCIA adapters" is listed in the Device Manager. If you don’t find this entry, or if the
properties for the adapter indicate "this device is not working," you need to install or update your PCMCIA
adapter drivers.

o

If the PCMCIA adapter is not listed, use the

o

If the PCMCIA adapter is listed but not working, use the

Add New Hardware Wizard to install PCMCIA support.

Update Driver option to install the

appropriate drivers.

After performing the update procedure, reboot your PC and insert your card again.

Connecting the board for I/O operations

Connectors, cables – I/O connector

The table below lists the board connector, applicable cables, and compatible accessory products.

Board connector, cables, and accessory equipment

Connector type 50-pin connector

Compatible cables

Compatible accessory
products

Pin out – I/O connector

 CPCC-50F-39: 50-pin Micro connector to 50-pin female IDC, one-meter cable (39 inches).
 CPCC-50M-4: 50-pin Micro connector to 50-pin male IDC, 4 inch adapter cable.

and
 C50FF-x: 50-
CIO-MINI50

SCB-50

in IDC female to female cable. x = length in feet.

Figure 3

shows a PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO case looking into the male mini-connector. The connector is

mechanically keyed to insure that the cable is inserted correctly.

Figure 3. 50-pin I/O mini-connector

12

PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO User's Guide Installing the PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO

Cabling

Measurement Computing offers two cables for connecting the PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO to a screw-type
terminal board or other signal conditioning interface board:

 The CPCC-50F-39 cable: 39 inches (990 mm) long; compatible with standard 50-pin screw terminal

products.

 The CPCC-50M-4 cable: four-inch long adapter cable; required when using a C50FF-x series cable.

1

50

PC-CARD end

1

50

PC-CARD end

AGND
CH0 LO
CH1 LO
CH2 LO
CH3 LO
CH4 LO
CH5 LO
CH6 LO
CH7 LO

N/C
N/C
N/C

N/C
DIO0
DIO2

N/C

N/C

DA GND0
DA GND1

CTR1 CLK

CTR1 OUT

External Interrupt

A/D External Trigger

A/D Pacer Out

N/C

1
3
5
7

9
11
13
15
17
19
21
23
25
27
29
31
33
35
37
39
41
43
45
47
49

CPCC-50M-4 cable end

(connect to C50FF-x)

2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
28
30
32
34
36
38
40
42
44
46
48
50

CH0 HI
CH1 HI
CH2 HI
CH3 HI
CH4 HI
CH5 HI
CH6 HI
CH7 HI
AGND
N/C
N/C
N/C
DGND
DIO1
DIO3
N/C
N/C
DA OUT0
DA OUT1
CTR1 GATE
A/D External Pacer
A/D Pacer Gate
N/C
+5V Power
DGND

CH0 HI
CH1 HI
CH2 HI
CH3 HI
CH4 HI
CH5 HI
CH6 HI
CH7 HI

AGND

DGND

DA OUT0
DA OUT1

CTR1 GATE

A/D External Pacer

A/D Pacer Gate

+5V Power

DGND

(connect to screw terminal or relay boards)

2
4
6

8
10
12
14
16
18

N/C

20

N/C

22

N/C

24
26

DIO1

28

DIO3

30

DIO5

32

DIO7

34
36
38
40
42
44

N/C

46
48
50

CPCC-50F-39 cable end

AGND

1

CH0 LO

3

CH1 LO

5

CH2 LO

7

CH3 LO

9

CH4 LO

11

CH5 LO

13

CH6 LO

15

CH7 LO

17

N/C

19

N/C

21

N/C

23

N/C

25

DIO0

27

DIO2

29

DIO4

31

DIO6

33

DA GND0

35

DA GND1

37

CTR1 CLK

39

CTR1 OUT

41

External Interrupt

43

A/D External Trigger

45

A/D Pacer Out

47

N/C

49

Figure 4. Differential mode cable map — PC-CARD to CPCC-50M-4 and to CPCC-50F-39

AGND
CH8 IN
CH9 IN

CH10 IN
CH11 IN
CH12 IN
CH13 IN
CH14 IN
CH15 IN

N/C
N/C
N/C

N/C
DIO0
DIO2
DIO4
DIO6

DA GND0
DA GND1

CTR1 CLK

CTR1 OUT

External Interrupt

A/D External Trigger

A/D Pacer Out

N/C

1
3
5
7

9
11
13
15
17
19
21
23
25
27
29
31
33
35
37
39
41
43
45
47
49

CH0 IN

2

CH1

4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
28
30
32
34
36
38
40
42
44
46
48
50

IN

CH2

IN

CH3

IN

CH4

IN

CH5

IN

CH6

IN

CH7

IN
AGND
N/C
N/C
N/C
DGND
DIO1
DIO3
DIO5
DIO7
DA OUT0
DA OUT1
CTR1 GATE
A/D External Pacer
A/D Pacer Gate
N/C
+5V Power
DGND

CH0 IN
CH1 IN
CH2 IN
CH3 IN
CH4 IN
CH5 IN
CH6 IN
CH7 IN

AGND

N/C
N/C
N/C

DGND

DIO1
DIO3
DIO5

DIO7
DA OUT0
DA OUT1

CTR1 GATE

A/D External Pacer

A/D Pacer Gate

N/C

+5V Power

DGND

2
4
6

8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
28
30
32
34
36
38
40
42
44
46
48
50

1

AGND

3

CH8 IN

5

CH9 IN

7

CH10 IN

9

CH11 IN

11

CH12 IN

13

CH13 IN

15

CH14 IN

17

CH15 IN

19

N/C

21

N/C

23

N/C

25

N/C

27

DIO0

29

DIO2

31

DIO4

33

DIO6

35

DA GND0

37

DA GND1

39

CTR1 CLK

41

CTR1 OUT

43

External Interrupt

45

A/D External Trigger

47

A/D Pacer Out

49

N/C

CPCC-50M-4 cable end

(connect to C50FF-x)

CPCC-50F-39 cable end

(connect to screw terminal or relay boards)

Figure 5. Single-ended mode cable map — PC-CARD to CPCC-50M-4 and to CPCC-50F-39

Note

Digital signals should not be grounded to an analog ground (AGND) pin. Use a digital ground (DGND) pin.

13

PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO User's Guide Installing the PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO

Caution! Do not exceed the input specifications. There are no socketed or user serviceable parts in a PC-

CARD-DAS16/12AO. Check the specifications and input voltages before connecting any signals.

CPCC-50F-39

49

Key

50-pin female IDC connector.

50

50

1

Dot

1

2

50-pin micro connector.

Connect to the I/O connector

on the PC-CARD

with the dot facing UP.

Figure 6. CPCC-50F-39 cable connections

Details on the CPCC-50F-39 cable are available on our web site at

www.mccdaq.com/cbicatalog/cbiproduct.asp?dept_id=105&pf_id=1379

CPCC-50M-4

.

If your application requires a cable that is longer than one meter in length, use the CPCC-50M-4 four-inch
cable, and connect to a C50FF-x cable.

50

49

2

1

50-pin micro connector.

Connect to the I/O connector

50-pin male IDC connector.

Connect to a C50FF-x cable.

on the PC-CARD

with the dot facing UP.

Figure 7. CPCC-50M-4 cable connections

Details on the CPCC-50M-4 cable are available on our web site at

www.mccdaq.com/cbicatalog/cbiproduct.asp?dept_id=96&pf_id=1380

50

1

Dot

.

14

PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO User's Guide Installing the PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO

C50FF-x

2

1

The red stripe

identifies pin # 1

2

1

50

50-pin female

IDC connector

49

50

50-pin female

IDC connector

Figure 8. C50FF-x cable

49

Details on the C50FF-x cable are available on our web site at

www.mccdaq.com/cbicatalog/cbiproduct.asp?dept_id=104&pf_id=136

.

Field wiring and signal termination

You can use the following cabling, screw termination, and signal conditioning products with the CPCC-50F-39
cable, or with the CPCC-50M-4 and C50FF-x cables:

 CIO-MINI50 – 50-pin screw terminal board. Details on this product are available on our web site at

www.mccdaq.com/cbicatalog/cbiproduct.asp?dept_id=102&pf_id=258

 SCB-50 – 50 conductor, shielded signal connection/screw terminal box provides two independent 50-pin

connections. Details on this product are available on our web site at

www.mccdaq.com/cbicatalog/cbiproduct.asp?dept_id=196&pf_id=1168

Information on signal connections

General information regarding signal connection and configuration is available in the Guide to Signal
Connections (available at www.mccdaq.com/signals/signals.pdf).

.

.

Calibrating the PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO

The PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO features auto-calibration with InstaCal. Calibration coefficients for each range
are stored on board in nonvolatile RAM. The normal calibration interval is once per year.

15

Chapter 3

Programming and Developing Applications

After following the installation instructions in Chapter 2, your board should now be installed and ready for use.
In general there may be no correspondence among registers for different boards. Software written at the
register-level for other models does not function correctly with your board.

Programming languages

Measurement Computing’s Universal Library provides access to board functions from a variety of Windows
programming languages. If you are planning to write programs, or would like to run the example programs for
Visual Basic or any other language, please refer to the Universal Library User's Guide (available on our web
site at www.mccdaq.com/PDFmanuals/sm-ul-user-guide.pdf

Packaged applications programs

Many packaged application programs now have drivers for your board. If the package you own does not have
drivers for the board, please fax or e-mail the package name and the revision number from the install disks. We
will research the package for you and advise how to obtain drivers.

).

Some application drivers are included with the Universal Library package, but not with the application package.
If you have purchased an application package directly from the software vendor, you may need to purchase our
Universal Library and drivers. Please contact us 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]

Register-level programming

You should use the Universal Library or one of the packaged application programs mentioned above to control
your board. Only experienced programmers should try register-level programming.

16

Chapter 4

Functional Details

The 12-bit A/D converter provides a resolution of 1/4096 parts of full scale. The smallest reading of full scale
(1 part in 4096) is called a Least Significant Bit (LSB). Four bipolar and four unipolar ranges may be set by
software. These are:

Analog input ranges

Bipolar Unipolar

Range Resolution Range Resolution

±10 V 4.88 mV 0 to 10 V 2.44 mV

±5 V 2.44 mV 0 to 5 V 1.22 mV

±2.5 V 1.22 mV 0 to 2.5 V 0.61 mV

±1.25 V 0.61 mV 0 to 1.25 V 305 µV

The input range is controlled by a programmable amplifier.

Conversion speed and amplification

The A/D converter and sample & hold circuit captures and digitizes a signal in 10 µs. The time it takes to
complete an A/D conversion remains constant in all conditions and at all throughput rates. When you request a
sample rate of say 20 kHz, the A/D converter is still converting the signal in 10 µs. The 20 kHz rate comes
from the fact that conversions are being initiated only every 50 µs.

What factors limit conversion speed?

The first is clearly the A/D. A 10 µs conversion speed translates to a maximum throughput of 100 kHz. The
second limiting factor can be the analog front end.

The front end may consist of a multiplexer and a programmable gain amplifier. The speed at which these
circuits can switch may also limit the throughput of the A/D board. That is, the rate at which it can acquire,
convert and transfer a signal with full accuracy. Accuracy is the key term here. The A/D can always run at full
speed, but has the front end settled and captured a true, accurate signal?

What about input range vs. speed?

Here is where the design of the analog front end is critical to maintaining total throughput. Most A/D
converters have a fixed input range, typically +/-5V. It is the analog front end that amplifies low level signals
and adjusts unipolar signals to match the A/D converter's standard input.

A poorly designed analog front end will show up very quickly in the throughput specifications. If you see that
an A/D board has high throughput in only one or two ranges but is slowed greatly at all other ranges, you are
seeing the practical implications of a poor front end design. The PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO achieves 100 kHz in
all of the eight ranges.

17

PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO User's Guide Functional Details

Triggering and transfer

A trigger begins an acquisition/transfer cycle. There are three ways to trigger a PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO:
programmable pacer, software, or external. The trigger source selection is programmable. The programmable
pacer is the product of two 16-bit counters dividing a 10 MHz or 1 MHz pulse derived from a 10 MHz crystal
oscillator which can be used to trigger any number of paced conversions. A single conversion can be triggered
by software at any time. External trigger, pacer clock and interrupt signals may also be used to control
conversions and synchronize to external events.

After a conversion is made, the sample is routed to a 4096-word (sample) FIFO buffer from which it may be
retrieved one sample at a time or in blocks via REP-INSW transfers.

How do FIFO size and design affect throughput?

The 4096 12-bit sample FIFO buffer stores samples from the A/D converter as they are being converted. When
a block of samples is ready and when the PC is ready, the FIFO is emptied into system memory. Most FIFO
designs employ a half-full transfer initiation circuit. When the FIFO is half full, the transfer request is made.
Samples continue to fill the second half of the FIFO while the CPU responds to the transfer request and
transfers data to system memory.

A/D pacer clock

Many analog acquisitions can be handled by a simple on-board rate divider created by combining a crystal
oscillator with a programmable counter. For those, the on-board 82C54 programmable rate generator (counter)
supplies the pacing. Some applications require more flexible rate control.

The PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO analog conversions can be externally paced and thereby synchronized with
events external to the PC. Conversions can be held off until some external event, such as a not-to-exceed
condition is met. Conversions can be externally gated so that samples are taken only when an event of interest
is occurring, such as a process going over normal limits.

Figure 9 shows a logic diagram of the A/D pacer clock and counters.

18

PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO User's Guide Functional Details

Control Register BASE + 6h

CRT1 CLK

TRGPOL TRGSEL TRGCLR CLK2 CTR1

10K

5

5

10K

39

40

CTR1 GATE

1/10

1/10

10 MHz
OSC

Trig ger

Logic

A/D Convert CLock

0

GATE

CLK

CLK

1

MUX

Control register
BASE + 4h

0

3
2

1

0

TS1 TS0

1

GATE

CLK

GATE

S/W CONVERT

Figure 9. Counter/pacer logic diagram

Counter 1

Counter 2

Counter 3

Trigger

Logic

OUT

OUT

OUT

41

CTR1 OUT

A/D INTERNAL

47

PAC ER OU T

44

A/D PACER GAT E

A/D EXTERNAL

45

TRIGGER

A/D EXTERNAL

42

CLOCK

19

Chapter 5

Specifications

Typical for 25 °C unless otherwise specified.

Specifications in italic text are guaranteed by design.

Analog input

Table 1. Analog input specifications

A/D converter type ADS7804

Resolution 12 bits

Number of channels 16 single-ended / 8 differential, software selectable

Input ranges ±10 V, ±5 V, ±2.5 V, ±1.25 V, 0 to 10 V, 0 to 5 V, 0 to 2.5 V, 0 to 1.25 V,

software programmable

A/D pacing

(software programmable)

A/D trigger sources External edge trigger (A/D External Trigger)

A/D triggering modes Rising or falling edge trigger - software selectable

Burst mode Software selectable option, burst rate = 100 kHz

A/D conversion time 10 µs max

Calibrated throughput 100 kHz

Calibration Auto-calibration, calibration factors for each range stored on

Internal counter - 82C54.

External source - A/D External Pacer,

software programmable for rising or falling edge

Software polled

A/D External Trigger, gate high or low, software selectable A/D gate sources

A/D Pacer Gate, gate high

From 4k sample FIFO via REPINSW Data transfer

Programmed I/O

board in nonvolatile RAM

Accuracy

Accuracies are listed for a 100 kHz sampling rate, single channel operation, a 60 minute warm-up, and
operational temperatures within ±2 °C of internal calibration temperature. The calibrator test source high side is
tied to Channel 0 In and the low side tied to AGND.

Table 2. Absolute accuracy specifications

Range Absolute Accuracy

±10.00 V ±3 LSB max

±5.000 V ±3 LSB max

±2.500 V ±3 LSB max

±1.250 V ±3 LSB max

0 to 10.00 V ±3 LSB max

0 to 5.000 V ±3 LSB max

0 to 2.500 V ±3 LSB max

0 to 1.250 V ±3 LSB max

Each PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO is tested at the factory to assure the board’s overall error does not exceed
accuracy limits described in Table 2.

20

PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO User's Guide Specifications

Table 3. Calibrated accuracy specifications

(Note 1)

Range Gain Error Offset Error

DLE

All ranges ±1.0 max ±1.0 max ±1.0 max

(Note 1)

ILE

±1.0 max

Note 1: These are the intrinsic specifications of the ADC. Software calibration may introduce a small

additional amount of linearity error.

As shown in Tab , total board error is a combination of gain, offset, differential linearity and integral

le 3
linearity error. The theoretical worst-case error of the board may be calculated by summing these component
errors. Worst case errors are realized only in the unlikely event that each of the component errors are at their
maximum level, and causing error in the same direction.

Analog input full-scale gain drift ±0.66 LSB/°C max

Analog input zero drift ±0.61 LSB/°C max

Overall analog input drift ±1.27 LSB/°C max

Common mode range ±10 V min

CMRR @ 60 Hz -72 dB min

Input leakage current ±20 nA max

Input impedance 10 MOhms min

Absolute maximum input voltage +55/-40 V (Fault Protected via Input Mux)

Crosstalk

Crosstalk is defined here as the influence of one channel upon another when scanning two channels at the
maximum rate. A full scale 100 Hz triangle wave is input on channel 1; channel 0 is tied to analog ground at the
connector. The table below summarizes the influence of channel 1 on channel 0 with the effects of noise
removed. The residue on channel zero is described in LSB's.

Table 4. Channel to channel crosstalk specifications

Condition Crosstalk Per channel Rate ADC Rate

All ranges 1LSB

50 kHz 100 kHz

pk-pk

Noise performance

Table 5
by gathering 50 K samples at 100 kHz with inputs tied to ground at the user connector.

Range % within ±2 LSBs % within ±1 LSB Typical LSBrms* Max LSBrms*

0 to 1.250 V 100% 99% 0.61 0.90

All other ranges 100% 100% 0.45 0.75

* RMS noise is defined as the peak-to-peak bin spread divided by 6.6.

summarizes the noise performance for the PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO. Noise distribution is determined

Table 5. Noise performance specifications

21

PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO User's Guide Specifications

Analog output section

Table 6. Analog output specifications

D/A converter type LTC1446

Resolution 12 bits

Number of channels 2

Configuration Voltage output, single-ended

Output Range ±10 V, ±5 V. Software selectable. Selected range applies to both channels.

D/A pacing Software

Data transfer Programmed I/O

Throughput System dependent. Using the Universal Library programmed output function (cbAout) in a

loop in Visual Basic, a typical update rate of 5.5 kHz (±200 Hz) can be expected. The rate was
measured on a 600MHz Pentium III based PC.

Accuracy

Table 7. Accuracy specifications

Absolute accuracy ±5.0 LSB worst case error

Differential linearity error ±0.5 LSB max

Table 8. Calibrated accuracy components

Gain error ±1.0 LSB max

Offset error ±1.0 LSB max

Integral linearity error ±5.0 LSB max

Each PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO is tested at the factory to assure the board’s overall error does not exceed
±5.0 LSB.

Total board error is a combination of gain, offset, integral linearity and differential linearity error. The
theoretical 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 at their maximum level, and
causing error in the same direction. Although an examination of the chart and a summation of the maximum
theoretical errors shows that the board could theoretically exhibit a ±7.5 LSB error, our testing assures this
error is never realized in a board that we ship.

Monotonicity Guaranteed monotonic over temperature

Analog output full-scale gain drift ±0.60 LSB/°C max

Analog output zero drift ±0.07 LSB/°C max

Overall analog output drift ±0.67 LSB/°C max

Slew rate ± 0.5 V/µs min

Current drive ±2 mA min

Output short-circuit duration Indefinite @ 12 mA

Output coupling DC

Output impedance 0.1 ohms max

Miscellaneous

Double buffered output latches

Coding: Inverted Offset Binary:

0 code = +FS, 4095 code = -FS

Output voltage on power up and reset: +10 V (+FS)

22

PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO User's Guide Specifications

Digital input/output

Table 9. DIO specifications

Digital type FPGA

Number of I/O 4

Configuration One port, programmable

4 input / 4 output

Input low voltage 0.8 V max

Input high voltage 2.0 V min

Output low voltage (IOL = 4 mA) 0.32 V max

Output high voltage (IOH = -4 mA) 3.86 V min

Absolute maximum input voltage -0.5 V , +5.5 V

Power-up / reset state Input mode (high impedance)

Interrupt

Table 10. Interrupt specifications

Interrupts Programmable: Levels 2 – 15

Interrupt enable Programmable. Default = disabled.

Interrupt sources

External (External Interrupt)

A/D End-of-channel-scan

A/D FIFO-not-empty

A/D FIFO-half-full

A/D Pacer

Counter

Table 11. Counter specifications

Counter type 82C54

Configuration 3 down counters, 16 bits each

Counter 1 - User counter

Counter 2 - ADC Pacer Lower Divider

Counter 3 - ADC Pacer Upper Divider

Clock input frequency 10 MHz max

High pulse width (clock input) 30 ns min

Low pulse width (clock input) 50 ns min

Gate width high 50 ns min

Gate width low 50 ns min

Input low voltage 0.8 V max

Input high voltage 2.0 V min

Output low voltage 0.4 V max

Output high voltage 3.0 V min

Crystal oscillator frequency 10 MHz

Source: Programmable external (Ctr 1 Clk) or 100kHz internal source
Gate: Available at connector (Ctr 1 Gate), pulled to logic high via 10K
resistor. See Note 2.
Output: Available at connector (Ctr 1 Out)
Source: Programmable, 1MHz or 10 MHz internal source
Gate: Available at connector (A/D Pacer Gate), pulled to logic high
via 10K resistor.
Output: Chained to Counter 3 Clock
Source: Counter 2 Output
Gate: Internal
Output: Programmable as ADC Pacer clock. Available at user connector
(ADC Pacer out)

23

PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO User's Guide Specifications

Frequency accuracy 50 ppm

Note 2: If you are not driving the gate of nter 1, it is strongly recommended that it be connected to

+5V (VDD).

User Cou

Power consumption

Table 12. Power consumption specifications

+5V quiescent

85 mA typical, 125 mA max

Miscellaneous

Table 13. Miscellaneous specifications

+5 Volts

Protected by resettable fuse:

Hold current: 350 mA max @ 20 °C still air

Trip current: 700 mA min @ 20 °C still air

Trip and recove 100 mS max

On resistance: 1.3 Ohms ma

Environmental

Table 14. Environmental specifications

Operating temperature range
Storage temperature range -40 to 100 °C
Humidity 0 to 95% non-condensing

0 to 70 °C

Mechanical

Table 15. Mechanical specifications

er) Available at I/O connector (+5V Pow

ry time:

x

Card dimensions 4.0 mm (W) x 5.0 mm (H) PCMCIA type II: 85.6 mm (L) x 5

Connector and pin out

Table 16. Connector specifications

Connector type 50-pin connector

Compatible cables

Compatible accessory products

CPCC-50F-39: 50-pin Micro connector to 50-pin female IDC, one-meter cable
(39 inches).

CPCC-50M-4

and

F-x: 50-pin IDC female to female cable. x = length in feet.

C50F

CIO-MINI50

SCB-50

: 50-pin Micro connector to 50-pin male IDC, 4 inch adapter cable.

24

PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO User's Guide Specifications

Table 17. Differential analog input mode pin out

Pin Signal Name Pin Signal Name

1 AGND 26 DGND
2 CH0 HI 27 DIO0
3 CH0 LO 28 DIO1
4 CH1 HI 29 DIO2
5 CH1 LO 30 DIO3
6 CH2 HI 31 N/C
7 CH2 LO 32 N/C
8 CH3 HI 33 N/C
9 CH3 LO 34 N/C
10 CH4 HI 35 DA GND0
11 CH4 LO 36 DA OUT0
12 CH5 HI 37 DA GND1
13 CH5 LO 38 DA OUT1
14 CH6 HI 39 CTR1 CLK
15 CH6 LO 40 CTR1 GATE *
16 CH7 HI 41 CTR1 OUT
17 CH7 LO 42 A/D EXTERNAL PACER
18 AGND 43 EXTERNAL INTERRUPT
19 N/C 44 A/D PACER GATE
20 N/C 45 A/D EXTERNAL TRIGGER
21 N/C 46 N/C
22 N/C 47 A/D PACER OUT
23 N/C 48 VDD +5V POWER OUT
24 N/C 49 N/C
25 N/C 50 DGND

* If you are not driving the gate of User Counter 1, it is strongly recommended that it be connected to +5V

(VDD).

Table 18. Single-ended analog input mode pin out

Pin Signal Name Pin Signal Name

1 AGND 26 DGND
2 CH0 IN 27 DIO0
3 CH8 IN 28 DIO1
4 CH1 IN 29 DIO2
5 CH9 IN 30 DIO3
6 CH2 IN 31 N/C
7 CH10 IN 32 N/C
8 CH3 IN 33 N/C
9 CH11 IN 34 N/C
10 CH4 IN 35 DA GND0
11 CH12 IN 36 DA OUT0
12 CH5 IN 37 DA GND1
13 CH13 IN 38 DA OUT1
14 CH6 IN 39 CTR1 CLK
15 CH14 IN 40 CTR1 GATE *
16 CH7 IN 41 CTR1 OUT
17 CH15 IN 42 A/D EXTERNAL PACER
18 AGND 43 EXTERNAL INTERRUPT
19 N/C 44 A/D PACER GATE
20 N/C 45 A/D EXTERNAL TRIGGER
21 N/C 46 N/C
22 N/C 47 A/D PACER OUT
23 N/C 48 VDD +5V POWER OUT
24 N/C 49 N/C
25 N/C 50 DGND

* If you are not driving the gate of User Counter 1, it is strongly recommended that it be connected to +5V

(VDD).

25

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

PC-CARD-DAS16/12AO

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

EU EMC Directive 89/336/EEC: Electromagnetic Compatibility, EN 61326 (1997) Amendment 1 (1998)

Emissions: Group 1, Class A

 EN 55011 (1990)/CISPR 11: Radiated and Conducted emissions.

Immunity: EN61326, Annex A

 IEC 1000-4-2 (1995): Electrostatic Discharge immunity, Criteria C.
 IEC 1000-4-3 (1995): Radiated Electromagnetic Field immunity Criteria B.
 IEC 1000-4-4 (1995): Electric Fast Transient Burst immunity Criteria B.
 IEC 1000-4-5 (1995): Surge immunity Criteria A.
 IEC 1000-4-6 (1996): Radio Frequency Common Mode immunity Criteria C.
 IEC 1000-4-11 (1994): Voltage Dip and Interrupt immunity Criteria A.

Tests to IEC 1000-4-8 were not required. The PC cards do not contain components that would be susceptible
to magnetic fields.

Declaration of Conformity based on tests conducted by Chomerics Test Services, Woburn, MA 01801, USA in
June, 2004. Test records are outlined in Chomerics Test Report #EMI3903.04.

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