Tektronix DAC-02 Users Guide

DAC-02

User’s Guide

A GREATER MEASURE OF CONFIDENCE

WARRANTY

Hardware

Keithley Instruments, Inc. warrants that, for a period of one (1) year from the date of shipment (3 years for Models 2000,
2001, 2002, 2010 and 2700), the Keithley Hardware product will be free from defects in materials or workmanship. This
warranty will be honored provided the defect has not been caused by use of the Keithley Hardware not in accordance with
the instructions for the product. This warranty shall be null and void upon: (1) any modification of Keithley Hardware that
is made by other than Keithley and not approved in writing by Keithley or (2) operation of the Keithley Hardware outside
of the environmental specifications therefore.

Upon receiving notification of a defect in the Keithley Hardware during the warranty period, Keithley will, at its option,
either repair or replace such Keithley Hardware. During the first ninety days of the warranty period, Keithley will, at its
option, supply the necessary on site labor to return the product to the condition prior to the notification of a defect. Failure
to notify Keithley of a defect during the warranty shall relieve Keithley of its obligations and liabilities under this
warranty.

Other Hardware

The portion of the product that is not manufactured by Keithley (Other Hardware) shall not be covered by this warranty,
and Keithley shall have no duty of obligation to enforce any manufacturers' warranties on behalf of the customer. On those
other manufacturers’ products that Keithley purchases for resale, Keithley shall have no duty of obligation to enforce any
manufacturers’ warranties on behalf of the customer.

Software

Keithley warrants that for a period of one (1) year from date of shipment, the Keithley produced portion of the software or
firmware (Keithley Software) will conform in all material respects with the published specifications provided such Keithley
Software is used on the product for which it is intended and otherwise in accordance with the instructions therefore.
Keithley does not warrant that operation of the Keithley Software will be uninterrupted or error-free and/or that the Keithley
Software will be adequate for the customer's intended application and/or use. This warranty shall be null and void upon any
modification of the Keithley Software that is made by other than Keithley and not approved in writing by Keithley.

If Keithley receives notification of a Keithley Software nonconformity that is covered by this warranty during the warranty
period, Keithley will review the conditions described in such notice. Such notice must state the published specification(s)
to which the Keithley Software fails to conform and the manner in which the Keithley Software fails to conform to such
published specification(s) with sufficient specificity to permit Keithley to correct such nonconformity. If Keithley deter­mines that the Keithley Software does not conform with the published specifications, Keithley will, at its option, provide
either the programming services necessary to correct such nonconformity or develop a program change to bypass such
nonconformity in the Keithley Software. Failure to notify Keithley of a nonconformity during the warranty shall relieve
Keithley of its obligations and liabilities under this warranty.

Other Software

OEM software that is not produced by Keithley (Other Software) shall not be covered by this warranty, and Keithley shall
have no duty or obligation to enforce any OEM's warranties on behalf of the customer.

Other Items

Keithley warrants the following items for 90 days from the date of shipment: probes, cables, rechargeable batteries, diskettes,
and documentation.

Items not Covered under Warranty

This warranty does not apply to fuses, non-rechargeable batteries, damage from battery leakage, or problems arising from
normal wear or failure to follow instructions.

Limitation of Warranty

This warranty does not apply to defects resulting from product modification made by Purchaser without Keithley's express
written consent, or by misuse of any product or part.

Disclaimer of Warranties

EXCEPT FOR THE EXPRESS WARRANTIES ABOVE KEITHLEY DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES,
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANT­ABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. KEITHLEY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES WITH
RESPECT TO THE OTHER HARDWARE AND OTHER SOFTWARE.

Limitation of Liability

KEITHLEY INSTRUMENTS SHALL IN NO EVENT, REGARDLESS OF CAUSE, ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR
OR BE LIABLE FOR: (1) ECONOMICAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE OR
EXEMPLARY DAMAGES, WHETHER CLAIMED UNDER CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY,
(2) LOSS OF OR DAMAGE TO THE CUSTOMER'S DATA OR PROGRAMMING, OR (3) PENALTIES OR PENALTY
CLAUSES OF ANY DESCRIPTION OR INDEMNIFICATION OF THE CUSTOMER OR OTHERS FOR COSTS, DAM­AGES, OR EXPENSES RELATED TO THE GOODS OR SERVICES PROVIDED UNDER THIS WARRANTY.

Keithley Instruments, Inc.

Sales Offices: BELGIUM: Bergensesteenweg 709 • B-1600 Sint-Pieters-Leeuw • 02-363 00 40 • Fax: [phone]

CHINA: Yuan Chen Xin Building, Room 705 • 12 Yumin Road, Dewai, Madian • Beijing 100029 • 8610-6202-2886 • Fax: [phone]
FINLAND: Tietäjäntie 2 • 02130 Espoo • Phone: [phone] • Fax: [phone]
FRANCE: 3, allée des Garays • 91127 Palaiseau Cédex • 01-64 53 20 20 • Fax: [phone]
GERMANY: Landsberger Strasse 65 • 82110 Germering • 089/84 93 07-40 • Fax: [phone]
GREAT BRITAIN: Unit 2 Commerce Park, Brunel Road • Theale • Berkshire RG7 4AB • 0118 929 7500 • Fax: [phone]
INDIA: Flat 2B, Willocrissa • 14, Rest House Crescent • Bangalore 560 001 • 91-80-509-1320/21 • Fax: [phone]
ITALY: Viale San Gimignano, 38 • 20146 Milano • 02-48 39 16 01 • Fax: [phone]
JAPAN: New Pier Takeshiba North Tower 13F • 11-1, Kaigan 1-chome • Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0022 • 81-3-5733-7555 • Fax: [phone]
KOREA: 2FL., URI Building • 2-14 Yangjae-Dong • Seocho-Gu, Seoul 137-888 • 82-2-574-7778 • Fax: [phone]
NETHERLANDS: Postbus 559 • 4200 AN Gorinchem • 0183-635333 • Fax: [phone]
SWEDEN: c/o Regus Business Centre • Frosundaviks Allé 15, 4tr • 169 70 Solna • 08-509 04 679 • Fax: [phone]
SWITZERLAND: Kriesbachstrasse 4 • 8600 Dübendorf • 01-821 94 44 • Fax: [phone]
TAIWAN: 1FL., 85 Po Ai Street • Hsinchu, Taiwan, R.O.C. • 886-3-572-9077• Fax: [phone]

28775 Aurora Road • Cleveland, Ohio 44139 • 440-248-0400 • Fax: [phone]

1-888-KEITHLEY (534-8453) • www.keithley.com

4/02

DAC-02 User’s Guide

Revision B - July 1994

Part Number: 61740

New Contact Information

Keithley Instruments, Inc.

28775 Aurora Road

Cleveland, OH 44139

Technical Support: 1-888-KEITHLEY

Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m (EST)

Fax: [phone]

Visit our website at http://www.keithley.com

S

The following safety precautions should be observed before using this product and any associated instrumentation.
Although some instruments and accessories would normally be used with non-hazardous voltages, there are situations
where hazardous conditions may be present.

This product is intended for use by qualified personnel who recognize shock hazards and are familiar with the safety
precautions required to avoid possible injury. Read and follow all installation, operation, and maintenance information
carefully before using the product. Refer to the manual for complete product specifications.

If the product is used in a manner not specified, the protection provided by the product may be impaired.
The types of product users are:

Responsible body

the equipment is operated within its specifications and operating limits, and for ensuring that operators are adequately
trained.

Operators

of the instrument. They must be protected from electric shock and contact with hazardous live circuits.

Maintenance personnel

the line voltage or replacing consumable materials. Maintenance procedures are described in the manual. The proce­dures explicitly state if the operator may perform them. Otherwise, they should be performed only by service personnel.

Service personnel are trained to work on live circuits, and perform safe installations and repairs of products. Only

properly trained service personnel may perform installation and service procedures.
Keithley products are designed for use with electrical signals that are rated Installation Category I and Installation

Category II, as described in the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Standard IEC 60664. Most mea­surement, control, and data I/O signals are Installation Category I and must not be directly connected to mains voltage
or to voltage sources with high transient over-voltages. Installation Category II connections require protection for high
transient over-voltages often associated with local AC mains connections. Assume all measurement, control, and data
I/O connections are for connection to Category I sources unless otherwise marked or described in the Manual.

Exercise extreme caution when a shock hazard is present. Lethal voltage may be present on cable connector jacks or
test fixtures. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) states that a shock hazard exists when voltage levels
greater than 30V RMS, 42.4V peak, or 60VDC are present.

age is present in any unknown circuit before measuring.

Operators of this product must be protected from electric shock at all times. The responsible body must ensure that
operators are prevented access and/or insulated from every connection point. In some cases, connections must be ex­posed to potential human contact. Product operators in these circumstances must be trained to protect themselves from
the risk of electric shock. If the circuit is capable of operating at or above 1000 volts,

may be exposed.

Do not connect switching cards directly to unlimited power circuits. They are intended to be used with impedance
limited sources. NEVER connect switching cards directly to AC mains. When connecting sources to switching cards,
install protective devices to limit fault current and voltage to the card.

Before operating an instrument, make sure the line cord is connected to a properly grounded power receptacle. Inspect
the connecting cables, test leads, and jumpers for possible wear, cracks, or breaks before each use.

is the individual or group responsible for the use and maintenance of equipment, for ensuring that

use the product for its intended function. They must be trained in electrical safety procedures and proper use

perform routine procedures on the product to keep it operating properly, for example, setting

afety Precautions

A good safety practice is to expect that hazardous volt-

no conductive part of the circuit

5/02

When installing equipment where access to the main power cord is restricted, such as rack mounting, a separate main
input power disconnect device must be provided, in close proximity to the equipment and within easy reach of the
operator.

For maximum safety, do not touch the product, test cables, or any other instruments while power is applied to the cir­cuit under test. ALWAYS remove power from the entire test system and discharge any capacitors before: connecting
or disconnecting cables or jumpers, installing or removing switching cards, or making internal changes, such as in­stalling or removing jumpers.

Do not touch any object that could provide a current path to the common side of the circuit under test or power line (earth)
ground. Always make measurements with dry hands while standing on a dry, insulated surface capable of withstanding the
voltage being measured.

The instrument and accessories must be used in accordance with its specifications and operating instructions or the
safety of the equipment may be impaired.

Do not exceed the maximum signal levels of the instruments and accessories, as defined in the specifications and op­erating information, and as shown on the instrument or test fixture panels, or switching card.

When fuses are used in a product, replace with same type and rating for continued protection against fire hazard.
Chassis connections must only be used as shield connections for measuring circuits, NOT as safety earth ground con-

nections.
If you are using a test fixture, keep the lid closed while power is applied to the device under test. Safe operation re-

quires the use of a lid interlock.

If or is present, connect it to safety earth ground using the wire recommended in the user documentation.

!

The symbol on an instrument indicates that the user should refer to the operating instructions located in the manual.

The symbol on an instrument shows that it can source or measure 1000 volts or more, including the combined
effect of normal and common mode voltages. Use standard safety precautions to avoid personal contact with these
voltages.

The

WARNING

associated information very carefully before performing the indicated procedure.
The

CAUTION

the warranty.
Instrumentation and accessories shall not be connected to humans.
Before performing any maintenance, disconnect the line cord and all test cables.
To maintain protection from electric shock and fire, replacement components in mains circuits, including the power

transformer, test leads, and input jacks, must be purchased from Keithley Instruments. Standard fuses, with applicable
national safety approvals, may be used if the rating and type are the same. Other components that are not safety related
may be purchased from other suppliers as long as they are equivalent to the original component. (Note that selected parts
should be purchased only through Keithley Instruments to maintain accuracy and functionality of the product.) If you
are unsure about the applicability of a replacement component, call a Keithley Instruments office for information.

To clean an instrument, use a damp cloth or mild, water based cleaner. Clean the exterior of the instrument only. Do
not apply cleaner directly to the instrument or allow liquids to enter or spill on the instrument. Products that consist
of a circuit board with no case or chassis (e.g., data acquisition board for installation into a computer) should never
require cleaning if handled according to instructions. If the board becomes contaminated and operation is affected,
the board should be returned to the factory for proper cleaning/servicing.

heading in a manual explains dangers that might result in personal injury or death. Always read the

heading in a manual explains hazards that could damage the instrument. Such damage may invalidate

The information contained in this manual is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, Keithley
Instruments, Inc., assumes no responsibility for its use or for any infringements of patents or other rights
of third parties that may result from its use. No license is granted by implication or otherwise under any
patent rights of Keithley Instruments, Inc.

KEITHLEY INSTRUMENTS, INC., SHALL NO T BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENT AL,
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RELATED TO THE USE OF THIS PRODUCT. THIS
PRODUCT IS NOT DESIGNED WITH COMPONENTS OF A LEVEL OF RELIABILITY
SUITABLE FOR USE IN LIFE SUPPORT OR CRITICAL APPLICATIONS.

Refer to your Keithley Instruments license agreement and Conditions of Sale document for specific
warranty and liability information.

MetraByte is a trademark of Keithley Instruments, Inc. All other brand and product names are
trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

© Copyright Keithley Instruments, Inc., 1984, 1994.

All rights reserved. Reproduction or adaptation of any part of this documentation beyond that permitted
by Section 117 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act without permission of the Copyright owner is
unlawful.

Keithley MetraByte Division

Keithley Instruments, Inc.

440 Myles Standish Blvd. Taunton, MA 02780

FAX: [phone]

Telephone: [phone]

●

Table of Contents

Preface

1

Overview

Features and Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1

Supporting Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2

Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2

Functional Description

2

Setup and Installation

3

Unpacking and Inspecting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1

Installing the Software Package. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-2

Configuring the Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-2

Installing the Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-5

4

Cabling and Wiring

Attaching an STA-U. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2

Selecting Output Ranges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2

Using the 4 to 20 mA Current Loop Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3

Using an AC Reference (Digital Attenuator). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5

The Control Panel

5

Programming

6

I/O Address Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-1

Data Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-2

Programming Examples. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-3

Calibration

7

Equipment Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-1

Calibration Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-1

iii

Troubleshooting

8

Problem Isolation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-1

Identifying Symptoms and Possible Causes . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-1

Testing the Board and Host Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-4

Testing the Accessory Slot and I/O Connections . . . . . . . . . . 8-4

Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-5

A

Specifications

B

Connector Pin Assignments

Index

List of Figures

Figure 2-1. Block Diagram of DAC-02 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

Figure 3-1. Base Address Switch Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3

Figure 4-1. Pin Assignments for the Main I/O Connector . . . . 4-1

Figure 4-2. Attaching an STA-U . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

Figure 4-3. 4 to 20 mA Current Loop Output Configuration. . 4-4

Figure 4-4. 4 to 20 mA Current Output (Floating Load) . . . . . 4-4

Figure 4-5. 4 to 20 mA Current Output (Grounded Load). . . . 4-5

Figure 4-6. DAC-02 Equivalent Circuit when Using an

AC Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5

Figure B-1. Main I/O Connector Pin Assignments. . . . . . . . . B-1

List of Tables

Table 3-1. Values of Base Address Switch Positions. . . . . . .3-3

Table 3-2. Standard Address Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4

Table 4-1. Pin Wiring for Output Ranges. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2

Table 6-1. DAC-02 Register I/O Address Map . . . . . . . . . . .6-1

Table 6-2. DAC Data Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-2

Table 8-1. Troubleshooting Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-2

Table A-1. DAC-02 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1

Table A-2. Environmental Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2

Table A-3. Power Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2

iv

Preface

The

DAC-02 User’s Guide

installation, interface requirements, functions, and operation of the
DAC-02 board. This guide focuses primarily on describing the board and
its capabilities, setting up the board and its associated software, making
typical hookups, and operating the Control Panel software. There are also
chapters on calibration and troubleshooting. To follow the information
and instructions contained in this manual, you must be familiar with the
operation of an IBM
MS-DOS® or Windows™ environments. You must also be familiar with
data acquisition principles and applications.

The

DAC-02 User’s Guide

●

Chapter 1 describes features, accessories, and software options of the
board.

Chapter 2 summarizes operating features of the board. This chapter

●

contains a block diagram and brief descriptions of the features as they
relate to your options for setting up and using the boards.

is intended to help you understand the

®

PC/XT™, PC AT®, or compatible computer in the

is organized as follows:

●

Chapter 3 contains instructions for inspection, software installation,
configuration, and board installation.

Chapter 4 shows the preferred methods for making I/O (input/output)

●

connections, using the available accessories and cables.

●

Chapter 5 provides starting instructions and a brief description of the
Control Panel program.

Chapter 6 provides an I/O address map, programming information,

●

and programming examples.

v

Chapter 7 discusses calibration requirements and the calibration

●

program.

●

Chapter 8 contains information on isolating and determining the
source of operating problems. This chapter also contains instructions
for obtaining technical support.

Appendix A contains specifications for the DAC-02 board.

●

●

Appendix B contains pin assignments for the main I/O connector of
the DAC-02 board.

●

An index completes the manual.

vi

The DAC-02 is a 2-channel, 12-bit analog output board packaged in a
5-inch, half-slot length suitable for an accessory slot of an IBM PC/XT,
PC AT, or compatible computer. This chapter lists features and
applications of the board and describes supporting software and
accessories.

Features and Applications

Features of the DAC-02 are as follows:

Two analog output channels

●

●

12-bit resolution

1

Overview

0 to 5, 0 to 10, ±5, and ±10 V output ranges

●

4 to 20 mA current-loop (sink) capability

●

●

Software for configuration, calibration, test, and operation

Typical applications for the DAC-02 are as follows:

Servo control

●

●

Programmable amplifier
12-bit resolution voltage source

●

Function generator

●

1-1

Supporting Software

The software package for the DAC-02 is provided on 3.5-inch or

5.25-inch diskettes. This package includes example programs in
Microsoft® QuickBasic™ 4.5, Microsoft Professional BASIC, C, Pascal,
and Microsoft Visual Basic™ for Windows™. The package also includes
support files and the following utility programs:

Accessories

Configuration Utility

●

- This utility (CFG02.EXE) is a configuration

program for setting the base address of the DAC-02.

Calibration Utility

●

- This utility (CAL02.EXE) is a program for

calibrating and testing the DAC-02.

Control Panel

●

- The Control Panel is a stand-alone program
(CTL02W.EXE) supplied for Windows. This program provides
access to all DAC-02 board operations without programming. The
Control Panel is a means of testing the board and your application; it
is also a means of performing simple applications. Refer to Chapter 5
for more information about the Control Panel.

●

PORTIO.DLL

- A DLL (Dynamic Link Library) providing I/O
functions to users of Visual Basic for Windows and any other
languages that can access a DLL. PORTIO.DLL is an aid for writing
Windows-based application programs. The full purpose and use of
PORTIO.DLL are discussed in the accompanying file, PORTIO.TXT.

The following accessories are available for use with the DAC-02:

●

STA-U

- Screw terminal accessory that enables all signals of the
DAC-02 to be accessible through screw-terminal connections. Use a
K-1800 cable to connect this accessory to the DAC-02.

●

K-1800

- An 18-inch ribbon cable terminated at each end with a

25-pin, female, type D connector.

1-2 Overview