Tektronix KPCI-3108 Primary User

KPCI-3108 Series PCI Bus Data Acquisition Board

User’s Manual

A GREATER MEASURE OF CONFIDENCE

WARRANTY

Hardware

Keithley Instruments, Inc. warrants that, for a period of three (3) years from the date of shipment, 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. 28775 Aurora Road • Cleveland, Ohio 44139 • 440-248-0400 • Fax: [phone]

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

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4/02

KPCI-3108 Series

PCI Bus Data Acquisition Boards

User’s Manual

Windows and WindowsNT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

DriverLINX is a registered trademark of Scientific Software Tools, Inc.

©1999, Keithley Instruments, Inc.

All rights reserved.

Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A.

Fifth Printing, November 2001

Document Number: 98080 Rev. E

Manual Print History

The print history shown below lists the printing dates of all Revisions and Addenda created for this manual. The Revision
Level letter increases alphabetically as the manual undergoes subsequent updates. Addenda, which are released between Revi­sions, contain important change information that the user should incorporate immediately into the manual. Addenda are num­bered sequentially. When a new Revision is created, all Addenda associated with the previous Revision of the manual are
incorporated into the new Revision of the manual. Each new Revision includes a revised copy of this print history page.

Revision A (Document Number 98080)....................................................................................................July 1999

Revision B (Document Number 98080) ...............................................................................................August 1999

Revision C (Document Number 98080) ..........................................................................................November 1999

Revision D (Document Number 98080)..............................................................................................October 2000

Revision E (Document Number 98080)...........................................................................................November 2001

All Keithley product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of Keithley Instruments, Inc.
Other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

Safety Precautions

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 is the individual or group responsible for the use

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

Operators use the product for its intended function. They must be

trained in electrical safety procedures and proper use of the instru­ment. They must be protected from electric shock and contact with
hazardous live circuits.

Maintenance personnel perform routine procedures on the product

to keep it operating properly, for example, setting 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. A good safety practice is to expect

that hazardous voltage 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, no conductive part of

the circuit 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.

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 connections.

If you are using a test fixture, keep the lid closed while power is ap­plied to the device under test. Safe operation requires the use of a
lid interlock.

5/02

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 heading in a manual explains dangers that might
result in personal injury or death. Always read the associated infor­mation very carefully before performing the indicated procedure.

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

1 Overview

Preface ................................................................................................................................................................ 1-2

How the manual is organized ..................................................................................................................... 1-2

How to distinguish special text items ........................................................................................................ 1-3

How to move around the electronic version of the manual ....................................................................... 1-3

Hardware characteristics .................................................................................................................................... 1-4

Specifications ..................................................................................................................................................... 1-5

System requirements .......................................................................................................................................... 1-6

Software ............................................................................................................................................................. 1-6

Accessories ......................................................................................................................................................... 1-7

Table of Contents

2 Functional Description

Analog input features ......................................................................................................................................... 2-3

Understanding and choosing analog input modes ...................................................................................... 2-3

Throughput ................................................................................................................................................. 2-8

Data conversion modes ............................................................................................................................ 2-12

Clock sources ........................................................................................................................................... 2-13

Triggers .................................................................................................................................................... 2-14

Gates ......................................................................................................................................................... 2-19

Analog output features ..................................................................................................................................... 2-21

Digital input and output features ...................................................................................................................... 2-22

General-purpose digital inputs and outputs .............................................................................................. 2-22

Multi-function digital inputs and outputs ................................................................................................. 2-23

Counter/timer features ...................................................................................................................................... 2-28

Counter/timer general discussion ............................................................................................................. 2-28

Counter/timer operational modes ............................................................................................................. 2-30

Power ............................................................................................................................................................... 2-33

i

3 lnstallation

Installing the software ........................................................................................................................................ 3-2

Software options ......................................................................................................................................... 3-2

Installing DriverLINX ................................................................................................................................ 3-4

Installing application software and drivers ................................................................................................. 3-4

Installing and wiring to the KPCI-3108 board ................................................................................................... 3-5

Installing the board ..................................................................................................................................... 3-6

Checking the combined board and DriverLINX installations .................................................................... 3-7

Identifying I/O connector pin assignments for KPCI-3108 ....................................................................... 3-8

Connecting interface accessories to a KPCI-3108 board ......................................................................... 3-12

Wiring analog input signals ...................................................................................................................... 3-28

Wiring analog output signals (KPCI-3108 board only) ........................................................................... 3-34

Wiring digital input and output signals .................................................................................................... 3-35

Synchronizing multiple boards ................................................................................................................. 3-42

Wiring +5V power to external circuits ..................................................................................................... 3-43

4 DriverLINX Test Panels

DriverLINX Analog I/O Panel ........................................................................................................................... 4-2

Starting the Analog I/O Panel ..................................................................................................................... 4-5

Using the Analog I/O panel ........................................................................................................................ 4-6

DriverLINX Calibration Utility .......................................................................................................................... 4-6

5 Calibration

Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................ 5-2

Objectives ................................................................................................................................................... 5-2

Calibration summary .................................................................................................................................. 5-2

Equipment ................................................................................................................................................... 5-2

Calibration procedure ......................................................................................................................................... 5-3

Preparing for the calibrations ..................................................................................................................... 5-3

Calibrating the analog inputs ...................................................................................................................... 5-5

Calibrating the analog outputs .................................................................................................................... 5-6

6 Troubleshooting

Identifying symptoms and possible causes ......................................................................................................... 6-2

Systematic problem isolation ............................................................................................................................. 6-3

Problem isolation Scheme A: basic system ................................................................................................ 6-4

Problem isolation Scheme B: installation ................................................................................................... 6-8

Problem isolation Scheme C: application software .................................................................................. 6-20

Problem isolation Scheme D: expansion slot connectors ......................................................................... 6-23

Problem isolation Scheme E: user wiring ................................................................................................ 6-24

Problem isolation Scheme F: the board .................................................................................................... 6-25

Problem isolation Scheme G: verification of problem solution ............................................................... 6-26

Specified hardware I/O tests ............................................................................................................................. 6-27

Analog input hardware test ....................................................................................................................... 6-27

Analog output hardware test ..................................................................................................................... 6-32

General-purpose digital I/O hardware test ............................................................................................... 6-36

ii

Specified software I/O tests ............................................................................................................................. 6-44

Analog input software test ....................................................................................................................... 6-44

Analog output software test ..................................................................................................................... 6-46

General-purpose digital I/O software test ................................................................................................ 6-49

Technical support ............................................................................................................................................. 6-55

A Specifications

Analog inputs .................................................................................................................................................... A-2

Analog outputs .................................................................................................................................................. A-5

Clock/Timer ...................................................................................................................................................... A-6

Digital I/O ......................................................................................................................................................... A-6

Auxiliary High-Current Digital I/O .................................................................................................................. A-7

Power ................................................................................................................................................................ A-7

Environment ...................................................................................................................................................... A-7

Accessories ........................................................................................................................................................ A-8

B Glossary

iii

List of Illustrations

2 Functional Description

Figure 2-1 Block diagram of KPCI-3108 board .......................................................................................................... 2-2

Figure 2-2 Multiplexing of 16 input terminals in mixed differential and single-ended termination modes ............... 2-5

Figure 2-3 Channel-gain queue example ..................................................................................................................... 2-8

Figure 2-4 Paced mode and burst mode timing for a queue of channels 4 to 7 ......................................................... 2-12

Figure 2-5 Examples of analog trigger conditions ..................................................................................................... 2-15

Figure 2-6 Enabling conversions with software triggers ........................................................................................... 2-16

Figure 2-7 Enabling conversions with hardware triggers .......................................................................................... 2-17

Figure 2-8 Trigger acquisition modes ........................................................................................................................ 2-19

Figure 2-9 Enabling conversions with gates .............................................................................................................. 2-20

Figure 2-10 Timing for the generation of TGOUT ...................................................................................................... 2-26

Figure 2-11 Counter/timer I/O available on KPCI-3108 boards ................................................................................. 2-28

Figure 2-12 Using counter/timers for internal pacer-clock .......................................................................................... 2-29

Figure 2-13 Pulse-on-terminal-count counter/timer mode .......................................................................................... 2-30

Figure 2-14 Programmable one-shot counter/timer mode ........................................................................................... 2-31

Figure 2-15 Rate-generator counter/timer mode .......................................................................................................... 2-31

Figure 2-16 Square-wave generator counter/timer mode ............................................................................................ 2-32

Figure 2-17 Software-triggered strobe counter/timer mode ........................................................................................ 2-32

Figure 2-18 Hardware-triggered strobe counter/timer mode ....................................................................................... 2-33

3 lnstallation

Figure 3-1 Connectors on the KPCI-3108 board ......................................................................................................... 3-5

Figure 3-2 Pin assignments for KPCI-3108 upper “Analog” I/O connector pin ......................................................... 3-8

Figure 3-3 Pin assignments for KPCI-3108 lower “Digital” I/O connector pins ...................................................... 3-10

Figure 3-4 Connecting STP-36 screw terminal accessories ...................................................................................... 3-14

Figure 3-5 Upper “Analog” screw terminal assignments .......................................................................................... 3-15

Figure 3-6 Lower “Digital” screw terminal assignments .......................................................................................... 3-16

Figure 3-7 Connecting STP-36CJC screw terminal accessories ................................................................................ 3-17

Figure 3-8 Connecting an EXP-1800 channel-expansion accessory and an STA-3108-A1 accessory ..................... 3-18

Figure 3-9 Connecting an MB-01 or MB-05 signal-conditioning accessory and an STA-3108-A2 accessory ........ 3-20

Figure 3-10 Connecting an STA-MB signal-conditioning accessory and an STA-3108-A2 accessory ...................... 3-20

Figure 3-11 Connecting MB-02 signal-conditioning/channel-expansion accessories and

an STA-3108-A3 accessory ............................................................................................................... 3-23

Figure 3-12 Connecting digital I/O accessories and an STA-3108-D1 accessory ....................................................... 3-25

Figure 3-13 Analog and digital ground path ................................................................................................................ 3-28

Figure 3-14 Wiring a signal source to a board configured for single-ended inputs .................................................... 3-29

Figure 3-15 Wiring a floating signal source to differential inputs: three common examples ..................................... 3-30

Figure 3-16 Satisfactory differential input connections that avoid a ground loop with ground-referenced signals .... 3-32

Figure 3-17 Improper differential input connection, which creates a ground loop error ............................................ 3-33

v

Figure 3-18 Analog and digital ground path ................................................................................................................ 3-34

Figure 3-19 Analog and digital ground path ................................................................................................................ 3-36

Figure 3-20 Contact de-bounce circuit ......................................................................................................................... 3-36

Figure 3-21 Two connection schemes for synchronizing multiple boards .................................................................. 3-42

Figure 3-22 Analog and digital ground path ................................................................................................................ 3-44

4 DriverLINX Test Panels

Figure 4-1 Analog I/O Panel oscilloscope utility ......................................................................................................... 4-2

Figure 4-2 Analog I/O Panel digital voltmeter utility .................................................................................................. 4-3

Figure 4-3 Analog I/O Panel function generator utility ............................................................................................... 4-3

Figure 4-4 Analog I/O Panel output level control utility ............................................................................................. 4-4

Figure 4-5 The Analog I/O Panel digital I/O utility ..................................................................................................... 4-4

Figure 4-6 Analog I/O Panel setup screen similar to the screen that appears when only a KPCI-3108 board is

installed under DriverLINX ................................................................................................................. 4-5

5 Calibration

Figure 5-1 The Select DriverLINX Device dialog box ................................................................................................ 5-3

Figure 5-2 KPCI-3108 calibration utility ..................................................................................................................... 5-4

Figure 5-3 A/D calibration dialog box ......................................................................................................................... 5-5

Figure 5-4 D/A Calibration dialog box ........................................................................................................................ 5-6

6 Troubleshooting

Figure 6-1 Problem isolation Scheme A: basic system ................................................................................................ 6-5

Figure 6-2 Problem isolation Scheme B: installation ................................................................................................... 6-9

Figure 6-3 Analog I/O Panel setup screen example with only KPCI-3108 boards installed ..................................... 6-10

Figure 6-4 Analog I/O Panel example setup screen with multiple board types installed .......................................... 6-11

Figure 6-5 Listing of improperly configured/installed KPCI-3108 board ................................................................. 6-12

Figure 6-6 Appearance of device manager listing when KPCI-3108 board is properly configured/installed ........... 6-13

Figure 6-7 Example of a DriverLINX Configuration Panel before a KPCI-3108 board is configured ..................... 6-14

Figure 6-8 Example of a DriverLINX Configuration Panel after a KPCI-3108 board is configured ........................ 6-14

Figure 6-9 Selecting the logical device number ......................................................................................................... 6-16

Figure 6-10 Configure DriverLINX Device dialog box example ................................................................................ 6-16

Figure 6-11 Device Change message ........................................................................................................................... 6-17

Figure 6-12 Problem isolation Scheme C: application software .................................................................................. 6-20

Figure 6-13 Problem isolation Scheme D: expansion slot connectors ......................................................................... 6-23

Figure 6-14 Problem isolation Scheme E: user wiring ................................................................................................ 6-24

Figure 6-15 Problem isolation Scheme F: the board .................................................................................................... 6-25

Figure 6-16 Problem isolation Scheme G: verification of problem solution ............................................................... 6-26

Figure 6-17 Analog I/O Panel setup screen example ................................................................................................... 6-29

Figure 6-18 On-screen digital voltmeter display example: channel 0 connected to ground ........................................ 6-30

Figure 6-19 On-screen digital voltmeter display example: channel 1 connected to flashlight battery ........................ 6-31

Figure 6-20 Analog I/O Panel setup screen example when only a KPCI-3108 board is installed

under DriverLINX ............................................................................................................................. 6-33

Figure 6-21 On-screen analog-output level control ..................................................................................................... 6-34

Figure 6-22 Channel and bit numbers for STP-36 screw terminal accessory .............................................................. 6-36

Figure 6-23 Loop-back wiring for general-purpose digital I/O hardware and software test ....................................... 6-37

Figure 6-24 Analog I/O Panel setup screen when only a KPCI-3108 board is installed under DriverLINX .............. 6-39

Figure 6-25 The on-screen digital I/O controller ......................................................................................................... 6-39

Figure 6-26 Configuring the digital I/O channels as inputs and outputs ..................................................................... 6-41

Figure 6-27 Configuring channel 1 for output bit pattern A ........................................................................................ 6-41

Figure 6-28 Proper response of channel 4 input bits when channel 1 output bits are set to bit pattern A ................... 6-41

vi

Figure 6-29 Configuring channel 2 for output bit pattern A ........................................................................................ 6-42

Figure 6-30 Proper response of channel 3 input bits when channel 2 output bits are set to bit pattern A ................... 6-42

Figure 6-31 Configuring channel 1 for output bit pattern B ........................................................................................ 6-43

Figure 6-32 Proper response of channel 4 bits when channel 1 output bits are set to bit pattern B ............................ 6-43

Figure 6-33 Configuring channel 2 for output bit pattern B ........................................................................................ 6-43

Figure 6-34 Proper response of channel 3 bits when channel 2 output bits are set to bit pattern B ............................ 6-44

Figure 6-35 Channel and bit numbers for STP-36 screw terminal accessories ........................................................... 6-49

Figure 6-36 Loop-back wiring for general-purpose digital I/O hardware and software test ....................................... 6-50

Figure 6-37 Configuring channel 1 for output bit pattern A ........................................................................................ 6-52

Figure 6-38 Proper response of channel 4 bits when channel 1 output bits are set to bit pattern A ............................ 6-52

Figure 6-39 Configuring channel 2 for output bit pattern A ........................................................................................ 6-52

Figure 6-40 Proper response of channel 3 bits when channel 2 output bits are set to bit pattern A ............................ 6-53

Figure 6-41 Configuring channel 1 for output bit pattern B ........................................................................................ 6-53

Figure 6-42 Proper response of channel 4 bits when channel 1 output bits are set to bit pattern B ............................ 6-53

Figure 6-43 Configuring channel 2 for output bit pattern B ........................................................................................ 6-54

Figure 6-44 Proper response of channel 3 bits when channel 2 output bits are set to bit pattern B ............................ 6-54

vii

List of Tables

1 Overview

Table 1-1 System requirements .................................................................................................................................. 1-6

Table 1-2 Channel-expansion, signal conditioning, and digital I/O accessories ........................................................ 1-7

Table 1-3 Screw-terminal accessories and adapter/screw-terminal accessories ........................................................ 1-8

Table 1-4 Cables used to interconnect the accessories ............................................................................................... 1-9

2 Functional Description

Table 2-1 Gains, ranges, and resolutions for a KPCI-3108 board .............................................................................. 2-7

Table 2-2 Maximum throughput for channel-to-channel sampling at fixed gain ..................................................... 2-11

Table 2-3 Analog output ranges and resolutions ...................................................................................................... 2-21

Table 2-4 Specific bit assignments and descriptions for multi-function digital inputs ............................................ 2-23

Table 2-5 Specific bit assignments and descriptions for multi-function digital outputs .......................................... 2-24

3 lnstallation

Table 3-1 Signal descriptions for “Analog” I/O connector pins and screw-terminals ............................................... 3-9

Table 3-2 Signal descriptions for “Digital” I/O connector pins and screw-terminals .............................................. 3-11

Table 3-3 CAB-1284CC Series cables ..................................................................................................................... 3-15

Table 3-4 Connections of EXP-1800 channel-expansion accessory and other accessories

needed to a KPCI-3108 board ........................................................................................................... 3-18

Table 3-5 Pin-to-pin correspondence between upper “Analog” connector and 50-pin accessory ........................... 3-19

Table 3-6 Connections of accessories to a KPCI-3108 board .................................................................................. 3-21

Table 3-7 Pin-to-pin correspondence between upper “Analog” connector and 37-pin connector ........................... 3-22

Table 3-8 Connections of the MB-02 signal-conditioning/channel-expansion accessory

and other accessories needed to a KPCI-3108 board ........................................................................ 3-24

Table 3-9 Digital I/O accessories and required connection accessories ................................................................... 3-26

Table 3-10 Pin-to-pin correspondence between lower “Digital” I/O connector and 50-pin accessory ..................... 3-27

Table 3-11 Screw terminals used to wire analog outputs of KPC-3108 board .......................................................... 3-35

Table 3-12 Screw terminals used to wire general-purpose digital I/O ....................................................................... 3-37

Table 3-13 Assignments and descriptions for multi-function digital I/O accessories ................................................ 3-38

Table 3-14 Bit assignments and descriptions for multi-function digital inputs ......................................................... 3-39

Table 3-15 Bit assignments and descriptions for multi-function digital outputs ....................................................... 3-40

Table 3-16 Power connections at the upper “Analog” I/O connector ........................................................................ 3-44

Table 3-17 Power connections at the lower “Digital” I/O connector ......................................................................... 3-44

ix

6 Troubleshooting

Table 6-1 Basic troubleshooting information ............................................................................................................. 6-2

Table 6-2 Wiring for analog input hardware test ...................................................................................................... 6-28

Table 6-3 Terminals on accessory for connection during analog output hardware test ........................................... 6-32

Table 6-4 Test connections and readings for zero-voltage analog output connected to

upper “Analog” I/O connector ........................................................................................................... 6-34

Table 6-5 Test connections and readings for mid-range analog output connected to

upper “Analog” I/O connector ........................................................................................................... 6-35

Table 6-6 Bit numbering on Digital I/O Panel vs. “Digital” I/O connector ............................................................. 6-40

Table 6-7 Wiring for analog input software test ....................................................................................................... 6-45

Table 6-8 Connection terminals for analog output software test .............................................................................. 6-47

Table 6-9 Test connections and readings for zero-voltage analog output ................................................................ 6-48

Table 6-10 Test connections and readings for mid-range analog output .................................................................... 6-48

x

1

Overview

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1-2 Overview KPCI-3108 Series User’s Manual

Preface

This manual is provided for persons needing to understand the installation, interface require­ments, functions, and operation of the KPCI-3108 Series boards. The KPCI-3108 provides two
16-bit analog outputs; the KPCI-3107 does not provide analog outputs.

NOTE

This manual focuses primarily on describing the KPCI-3108 Series boards and their capabilities,
setting up the boards and their associated software, making typical hookups, and troubleshoot­ing. There are also sections that discuss calibration and summarize characteristics of Driver­LINX test panel software.

To follow the information and instructions contained in this manual, you must be familiar with
the operation of Windows 95, 98, or NT, with basic data-acquisition principles, and with your
application. However, if you find unfamiliar terms in this manual, check the glossary in Appen­dix B. To locate topics discussed in this manual, search the index.

To use this manual effectively, review the remaining brief topics in this preface:

•

The organization of the manual

•

The special font/typeface conventions used in the manual

•

Moving quickly to cross-referenced parts of the manual (in the electronic [PDF] version).

The remainder of Section 1 summarizes general hardware characteristics of the KPCI-3108
board, computer system requirements to run the board, and software and accessories that can be
used with the board.

Unless noted otherwise—in situations discussing analog outputs—this
manual refers to both models collectively as KPCI-3108.

How the manual is organized

The KPCI-3108 User's Manual is organized as follows:

Section 1 describes general features and system requirements and summarizes supporting
software and accessories for the KPCI-3108 boards.

Section 2 describes operating features of the boards in more detail. This section contains a
block diagram and brief descriptions of the features as they relate to setting up and using the
board.

Section 3 contains software descriptions and installation notes and instructions for the fol­lowing: inspecting the board, installing the board, checking the board and software installa­tion, installing accessories, and connecting signals.

Section 4 summarizes the test panels that are available in the DriverLINX software.

Section 5 discusses how to calibrate your board using the DriverLINX calibration utility.

Section 6 contains detailed procedures for isolating problems with your data acquisition sys­tem. This section also contains instructions for obtaining technical support.

Appendix A contains specifications for the KPCI-3108 boards.

Appendix B is a glossary that includes key terms used in this manual.

A detailed index completes this manual.

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KPCI-3108 Series User’s Manual Overview 1-3

•

•

•

•

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•

•

How to distinguish special text items

Italic, bold, and upper-case letters, the Courier font, and quotation marks distinguish certain text
items from the general text. The following text conventions are used (exclusive of headings):

10 point Times Bold distinguishes the following:

– All Windows 96/98/NT user-interaction items: commands, screen messages, menu

names, menu options, and dialog-box items—including captions, user selections, and
typed user inputs (but not including dialog box names, which are in regular text)

– CAUTION statements

10 point Times Italic distinguishes the following:

– Emphasis in general

– Cross-references to other documents, such as other manuals or books

– NOTE statements

10 POINT TIMES UPPER CASE distinguishes the following

– Switches, such as ON and OFF

– Keyboard keys, such as ENTER

•

10 point Courier

“Double quote marks” distinguish the following:

– Cross references to other manual sections/chapters, such as “Troubleshooting”

– Literals, such as the “Analog” and “Digital” labels on I/O connectors.

distinguishes software code statements

How to move around the electronic version of the manual

When reading the electronic, PDF version of this manual, use Acrobat Reader View and Tools
menu selections to move generally through the manual. Additionally, mouse-click on special
links in the manual to jump directly to the page of a referenced item, as follows:

Mouse-click the top margin of any page to jump to the Table of Contents.

Mouse-click on any Index or Table of Contents (TOC) page number to jump to the page.

Mouse-click on any of these cross references to jump to the cross-referenced figure, table,
section, or step (cross references are not framed in red — in contrast to the Index and Table
of Contents page numbers):

– Figure number headings, such as Figure 2-3

– Table number headings, such as Table 1-2

– Section/chapter headings that are enclosed in quotes, such as “System requirements”

– Step or substep numbers/letters of a specific procedure, such as the “6” in “step 6” or

such as the “g” in “substep g” or “step 6g”

NOTE

To return from the referenced item to what you were reading before you jumped to the refer­enced item — the Index, TOC, top page margin, or cross reference — do either of the following:

For step numbers, click directly on the number or letter. For example, in
a cross reference to “step 6g,” click on the “g” to go directly to substep
6g. Click on the “6” to go to the beginning of step 6 (for example, to see
the context of substep g).

Hold down the CONTROL key and press the [ - ] key (i.e. press CONTROL + -)

In the Acrobat Reader View menu, click Go Back .

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1-4 Overview KPCI-3108 Series User’s Manual

Hardware characteristics

The KPCI-3108 series boards are high-performance PCI-bus data acquisition boards for PC­compatible computers running Windows 95, 98, or NT. PCI-bus data acquisition boards, such as
the KPCI-3108, have two major advantages over ISA-bus data acquisition boards:

The PCI-bus Plug and Play feature allows a user to install the data acquisition board without
making manual system configurations. Upon system power-up or reset, the PCI-bus Plug and
Play feature automatically configures the board for your system, eliminating the need to set
DIP switches on the board.

Cleaner, faster, direct data transfer to and from memory via bus mastering, bypassing the
CPU.

– Data transfer occurs at speeds up to 132 MB/sec rate for the PCI bus, versus 8.33 MB/sec

maximum for the ISA bus, due to the 32 bit width and 33 MHz clock speed of the PCI
bus.

– Data transfer causes minimal interruptions to normal processing.

Major features of KPCI-3108 boards include the following:

•

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The following analog input characteristics:

– Software-configurable for 16 single-ended analog input channels, eight differential ana-

log input channels, or an intermediate number of mixed single-ended and differential
analog input channels.

– Software-configurable individual gains for each analog input channel as follows: 1, 2, 4,

8, 10, 20, 40, 80, 100, 200, 400, and 800.

– Analog data conversion speeds up to 100 ksamples/s with 16-bit resolution.

– A 256-location scan queue that supports high-speed sampling of analog input channels in

any desired combination and sequence. The following properties may be specified for
each channel in the queue: any of the available gains, either input polarity (bipolar or uni­polar), and either single-ended or differential input.

– A 2048 sample FIFO (First In First Out) data buffer for the A/D converter that ensures

data integrity at high sampling rates.

– The capability to start and stop analog-to-digital data conversions with digital hardware

triggers and gates.

– An analog about-trigger acquisition mode—the capability to stop analog-to-digital con-

versions after a fixed number of scans following an analog trigger.

– Software-selectable edge-polarity detection for hardware trigger and gate signals.

Two analog outputs from two independent 16-bit DACs (Digital-to-Analog Converters).

A total of 32 bits of general-purpose digital I/O having high-current output capabilities. This
digital I/O is divided into four registers. The 8 bits of each register may be configured as all
inputs or all outputs.

A total of 12 bits of multi-function digital I/O, six input bits and six output bits.
The six multi-function input bits are user-configurable for different purposes, including the
following:

– Counter/timer timebase and gate inputs

– External pacer for A/D or D/A conversion

– External digital trigger

– Target-mode digital input

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KPCI-3108 Series User’s Manual Overview 1-5

The six multi-function output bits are user-configurable for different purposes, including the
following:

– Counter/timer outputs

– Trigger output

– Pacer-clock output

– Control and/or addressing for EXP-1800 expansion accessories or MB-02 signal condi-

tioning accessories

– Target-mode digital output

Three 16-bit counter/timers, each of which is user-accessible and user-configurable

Optional target-mode (pass-through) data transfer capability in addition to bus mastering.
Both target-mode data transfer, which is sometimes referred to as pass-through operation,
and bus mastering data transfer are software-configurable. To maximize the speed of analog
I/O, the KPCI-3108 boards normally implement the bus mastering mode. The target mode
provides a simple access port to the PCI bus for digital I/O.

Very fast board control via a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) instead of a micropro­cessor. (Refer to the glossary in Appendix B for more information about FPGAs).

Software-only calibration of analog I/O; no potentiometers to adjust.

Two miniature 36-pin I/O connectors that require only one slot on the rear panel of the PC.
These connect to other equipment via standard, readily available interface cables that are
shielded and transmit signals through twisted pairs.

•

Specifications

For more detailed information on these features, refer to Section 2, “Functional Description.”

General specifications are listed in Appendix A. I/O connections are identified in Section 3 and
Appendix B.

1-6 Overview KPCI-3108 Series User’s Manual

System requirements

The system capabilities required to run the KPCI-3108 board, and to use the DriverLINX soft­ware supplied with the board, are listed in Table 1-1.

Table 1-1

System requirements

•

•

Software

CPU Type

Operating system

Memory

Hard disk space

Other

*Any CD-ROM drive that came installed with the required computer should be satisfactory. However, if you have

post-installed an older CD-ROM drive or arrived at your present system by updating the microprocessor or replacing
the motherboard, some early CD-ROM drives may not support the long file names often used in 32 bit Windows files.

The user can select a fully integrated data acquisition software package such as TestPoint or
LabVIEW or write a custom program supported by DriverLINX.

Pentium or higher processor on motherboard with PCI bus version 2.1

Windows 95 or 98

Windows NT version 4.0 or higher

16 MB or greater RAM when running Windows 95 or 98

32 MB or greater RAM when running Windows NT

4 MB for minimum installation

50 MB for maximum installation

A CD-ROM drive*

A free PCI-bus expansion slot capable of bus mastering

Enough reserve computer power supply capacity to power the
KPCI-3108 Series board, which draws 0.8A at 5VDC and 0.5A at
+12VDC.

DriverLINX is the basic Application Programming Interface (API) for the KPCI-3108 boards:

It supports programmers who wish to create custom applications using Visual C/C++, Visual
Basic, or Delphi.

It accomplishes foreground and background tasks to perform data acquisition.

•

It is the needed interface between TestPoint and LabVIEW and a KPCI-3108 board.

DriverLINX software and user’s documentation on a CD-ROM are included with your board.

TestPoint is an optional, fully featured, integrated application package with a graphical drag­and-drop interface which can be used to create data acquisition applications without
programming.

LabVIEW is an optional, fully featured graphical programming language used to create virtual
instrumentation.

Refer to Section 3, “lnstallation,” for more information about DriverLINX, TestPoint, and
LabView.

KPCI-3108 Series User’s Manual Overview 1-7

Accessories

Accessories available to interface your KPCI-3108 board to external circuits are listed in
Table 1-2, Table 1-3, and Table 1-4.

Table 1-2

Channel-expansion, signal conditioning, and digital I/O accessories

Accessory* Description

EXP-1800 Expansion accessory. Expands one KPCI-3108 single-ended analog input

channel into 16 differential analog input channels.

MB-01 Signal-conditioning module rack. Accommodates up to 16 MB Series

modules. Each module is connected to one single-ended analog input channel
of a KPCI-3108 board.

MB-05 Signal-conditioning module rack. Accommodates up to eight MB Series

modules. Each module is connected to one single-ended analog input channel
of a KPCI-3108 board.

STA-MB Signal-conditioning module box/screw-terminal accessory. Accommodates

up to four MB Series modules. Each module is connected to one single-ended
analog input channel of a KPCI-3108 board.

MB-02 Signal-conditioning module/channel-expansion rack. Accommodates up to

16 MB Series modules. All 16 modules are multiplexed to one single-ended
analog input channel of a KPCI-3108 board.

PB-24 Industry-standard relay baseboard. Accommodates 24 standard-size solid-

state relay modules. Each module is connected to one general-purpose digital
output bit of a KPCI-3108 board.

PB-24SM Industry-standard relay baseboard. Accommodates 24 miniature SM Series

solid-state relay modules. Each module is connected to one general-purpose
digital output bit of a KPCI-3108 board.

SSIO-24 Module interface board that holds up to 24 miniature, optically-isolated solid-

state digital I/O modules. Each module is connected to one general-purpose
digital output bit of a KPCI-3108 board.

ERB-24 Relay board with 24 double-pole, double-throw (dual Form C)

electromechanical relays. Each module is connected to one general-purpose
digital output bit of a KPCI-3108 board.

SRA-01 Module interface board, in box, that holds up to eight industry-standard solid-

state digital I/O modules. Each module is connected to one general-purpose
digital output bit of a KPCI-3108 board.

ERA-01 Relay board, in box, with eight single-pole, double-throw (Form C)

electromechanical relays. Each module is connected to one general-purpose
digital output bit of a KPCI-3108 board.

*Connecting one of these accessories to a KPCI-3108 board requires an interface accessory and suitable cables.

Select the required accessories and cables using one of the following figure-table combinations in Section 3:
Figure 3-8 and Table 3-4, Figure 3-9 or Figure 3-10 and Table 3-6, Figure 3-11 and Table 3-8, or Figure 3-12 and
Table 3-9.

1-8 Overview KPCI-3108 Series User’s Manual

Table 1-3

Screw-terminal accessories and adapter/screw-terminal accessories

Accessory* Description

STP-36 Screw-terminal accessory. Interfaces either the “Analog” or the “Digital”

KPCI-3108 Series I/O connector to screw-terminals that are numbered
identically to the connector pins.

STP-36CJC Screw terminal accessory. Interfaces the “Analog” KPCI-3108 Series I/O

connector to the screw-terminals that are numbered identically to the
connector pins. CH0 can only be configured for the CJC connection in either
single-ended or differential mode.

STA-3108-A1 Adapter/screw-terminal accessory. Interfaces the “Analog” KPCI-3108 Series

I/O connector to an EXP-1800 channel-expansion accessory, as well as to
screw-terminals that are numbered identically to the “Analog” connector pins.
If needed, one STA-3108 accessory can interface the KPCI-3108 to an entire
daisy chain of EXP-1800 accessories. The daisy chain may contain up to
sixteen EXP-1800 accessories.

STA-3108-A2 Adapter/screw-terminal accessory. Interfaces the “Analog” KPCI-3108 Series

I/O connector to MB-01, MB-05, and STA-MB signal-conditioning
accessories, as well as to screw-terminals that are numbered identically to the
“Analog” connector pins.

STA-3108-A3 Adapter/screw-terminal accessory. Interfaces the “Analog” KPCI-3108 I/O

connector to as many as four MB-02 accessories, as well as to screw­terminals that are numbered identically to the “Analog” connector pins. A
daisy-chain of up to four STA-3108-A3 accessories interfaces the “Analog”
KPCI-3108 I/O connector to as many as 16 MB-02 accessories.

STA-3108-D1 Adapter/screw-terminal accessory. Interfaces the “Digital” KPCI-3108 Series

I/O connector to a PB-24, PB-24SM, ERB-24, SSIO-24, SRA-01, or ERA-01
digital I/O accessory, as well as to screw-terminals that are numbered
identically to the “Digital” connector pins.

*Using one of these accessories to interface a KPCI-3108 board to other accessories requires suitable cables. Select

the required cables using one of the following figure-table combinations in Section 3: Figure 3-8 and Table 3-4,
Figure 3-9 or Figure 3-10 and Table 3-6, Figure 3-11 and Table 3-8, or Figure 3-12 and Table 3-9.

KPCI-3108 Series User’s Manual Overview 1-9

Table 1-4

Cables used to interconnect the accessories

Accessory Description

CAB-1284CC IEEE 1284 Type C-C shielded mini-Centronics cable, with 18 twisted pairs.

Connects a screw-terminal accessory or an adapter/screw-terminal accessory
to either the “Analog” or “Digital” KPCI-3108 I/O connector, as appropriate.
Also used to connect two STA-3108-A3 accessories together as part of a
daisy-chain.

CAB-50/1 Ribbon cable, 18 inches long, with 50-pin headers on each end. Connects an

EXP-1800 accessory to an STA-3108-A1 accessory. Also used to connect two
EXP-1800 accessories together as part of a daisy-chain.

C-16MB1 Cable with a 37-pin female D-type connector on one end and a 26-pin header

connector on the other end. Connects an MB-01 or MB-05 accessory to an
STA-3108-A2 accessory.

C-1800 Cable with a 37-pin female D-type connector on each end. Connects an STA-

MB accessory to an STA-3108-A2 accessory.

C-2600 Ribbon cable, 18 inch, with a 26-pin header connector at each end (and one in

the middle, not used in KPCI-3108 configurations). Connects one MB-02
accessory to an STA-3108-A3 accessory.

CAB-SSR Ribbon cable, 3 feet. Connects a PB-24 or PB-24SM accessory to an

STA-3108-D1 accessory.

CACC-2000 Ribbon cable, 24 inches with 50-pin female connector on each end. Connects

an ERB-24 or SSIO-24 accessory to an STA-3108-D1 accessory.

ADP-5037 Conversion cable with a 50-pin connector at one end and a small box,

terminating in a 37-pin D-type connector, at the other end. Connects an
ERA-01 or SRA-01 accessory to an STA-3108-D1 accessory.

2

Functional Description

2-2 Functional Description KPCI-3108 Series User’s Manual

This section describes features of the following KPCI-3108 board sections: the analog inputs,
the analog outputs, the general-purpose digital I/O, the multi-function digital I/O, and the
counter/timers. These descriptions help familiarize you with operating options and enable you to
make the best use of your board.

NOTE

The block diagram in Figure 2-1 represents the KPCI-3108 Series boards.

Figure 2-1

Block diagram of KPCI-3108 board

AMCC S5933

PCI

Interface

PCI BUS

Boot

ROM

Circuitry

Control

Pass-

Through

Data

Pass-

Through

Address

FIFO

Timer

82C54

Decode
Module

PCI/S5933

Handshake

Control

Control

Prescaler

÷2, ÷10, ÷5

Boot

ROM

&

Timing

10MHz

Clock

Features described in this section are typically configured using custom
or commercial application software which interfaces to your
KPCI-3108 board via DriverLINX. For information on how to configure
and apply these features, consult the appropriate manuals. Application
software developers should consult your DriverLINX manuals located
on the DriverLINX CD-ROM shipped with your board. Application soft­ware users should consult the manuals provided by the vendor or devel­oper of your software.

Field Programmable

Gate Array

QRAM CALRAM

Analog to

Digital

Control

Digital

T o Analog

Control

Digital I/O

Control

Data

Control

Range
Select

Data

Control

Control

Data

FIFO

FIFO

Data

Control

Buffer

Buffer

DAC0

16 Bits

DAC1

16 Bits

Analog to

Digital

Converter

16 Bits

DO [5...0]

Data In

DI [5...0]

Data Out

Instrumentation

Amplifier

Calibration

Circuit

DAC Out 0

DAC Out 1

Multi-Function
Digital I/O,
Including:

• Counter/Timer I/O

• Expansion Multiplexer
Control

• TGIN and TGOUT

Analog Inputs

8 Differential

or

16 Single-Ended

+

-

Input

Multiplexer

Input

Protection

Latch

Bi-Directional

General Purpose

Digital I/O

[31...0]

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KPCI-3108 Series User’s Manual Functional Description 2-3

Analog input features

This section discusses the following:

Understanding and choosing the software-configurable analog input modes.
Maximum data throughput specifications and tips on optimizing throughput.
Signal conversion modes.
Signal conversion clock sources.
The use of triggers and gates to start and stop signal conversions.

Understanding and choosing analog input modes

Using software, you can select between various analog input options as follows:

The differential termination mode or the single-ended termination mode.
The unipolar input mode or the bipolar input mode.
The input channels to be scanned to the instrumentation amplifier, in any order or

combination.
The instrumentation amplifier gain to be used.

These options may be freely mixed at each of the 256 possible steps in the scan sequence—as
will be discussed in “Specifying channel number, channel gain, polarity mode, and termination
mode for each position in the scan sequence.”

The next four subsections, as well as the subsequent section entitled “Optimizing throughput,”
explain these options and provide guidance for choosing analog input modes.

Understanding the analog inputs

Each KPCI-3108 board provides 16 analog input terminals. The termination modes of these
terminals—single-ended or differential—are configurable by software, as follows:

All configured for single-ended termination mode, providing 16 input channels
All configured for differential termination mode, providing 8 input channels
Some configured for single-ended termination mode and others configured for differential

termination mode, providing an intermediate number of input channels

NOTE

The characteristics of single-ended and differential inputs are as follows:

Hereafter in this manual, an input channel configured for single-ended
termination mode is generally referred to as a single-ended input or
single-ended channel; an input channel configured for differential
termination mode is generally referred to as a differential input or
differential channel.

A single-ended input measures the voltage at one input terminal relative to a common
ground. A single-ended input does not reject noise and other unwanted voltages in a signal
ground and does not reject a common power supply voltage, such as the excitation voltage of
a bridge circuit.

When you configure the input terminals all to be used for single-ended channels, you can
connect each of the 16 input terminals to 16 external signals, maximum.

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2-4 Functional Description KPCI-3108 Series User’s Manual

A differential input measures the difference between the voltages at two input terminals, des­ignated input-high and input-low. Signals at both the input-high and input-low terminals are
referenced to a common ground. Differential inputs reject the common mode voltage, the
voltage that each “sees” in common, except for a small fraction determined by the common
mode rejection ratio (refer to the glossary in Appendix B). Differential inputs are commonly
used to:

– Reject noise and other unwanted voltages in a signal ground.
– Reject a common power supply voltage, such as the excitation voltage of a bridge circuit.

NOTE

When you configure the input terminals all to be used for differential channels, you can con­nect 8 external signals, maximum, because a pair of input terminals is needed for each differ­ential input.

When you configure the input terminals to be used for a mixture of single-ended and differ­ential channels, the number of available channels is less than 16 but more than 8. For exam­ple, the following configuration results in 12 available channels, maximum—4 differential
channels and 8 single-ended channels:

– You configure 4 channels as differential. Each differential channel uses 2 of the 16 input

terminals. Therefore, you use 8 of the 16 input terminals for differential channels: (4 dif­ferential channels) x (2 inputs required/ differential channel) = 8 input terminals.

– You configure 8 channels as single-ended. Each single-ended channel uses one of the 16

input terminals. Therefore, you use the other 8 of the 16 input terminals for single-ended
(S.E).channels: (8 S.E. channels) x (1 input required/S.E. channel) = 8 input terminals.

Signals from all 16 input terminals are amplified by one instrumentation amplifier — a type of
high performance differential amplifier — and are digitized by one 16-bit analog-to-digital con­verter (A/D converter or ADC). This is made possible by multiplexing, a time-sharing arrange­ment. Inputs are scanned and connected intermittently to the instrumentation amplifier and A/D
converter according to a user-defined sequence. The inputs are connected through a pair of 8­channel multiplexers, each of which is effectively a solid-state 8-pole, single-throw switch.
Additional solid-state switches connect one or both multiplexers to the instrumentation amplifier
to determine whether inputs are configured for differential or single-ended termination mode.

Refer to “Wiring analog input signals” in Section 3 for important infor­mation about wiring differential inputs.

Figure 2-2 shows how a mixture of single-ended and differential channels are connected, one at
a time, to the instrumentation amplifier and A/D converter. All channels of the KPCI-3108 board
are connected similarly.

NOTE

In Figure 2-2a, the board connects differential channel 00 to the amplifier and A/D converter as
follows:

The multiplexer at left and a solid-state switch connect the high-level voltage of the
channel 00 signal to the input-high terminal of the instrumentation amplifier.

The multiplexer at right and a solid-state switch connect the low-level voltage of the
channel 00 signal to the input-low terminal of the instrumentation amplifier.

The input terminal numbering in Figur e 2-2 results from the need to con­figure all input terminals in pairs. Each pair of input terminals may be
configured either for one differ ential c hannel (for example, 00 HI and 00
LO) or for two single-ended channels (01 HI and 09 LO). For additional
information about channel and terminal numbering, refer to Figure 3-2,
Table 3-1, Figure 3-3, and Table 3-2 in Section 3 of this manual.

KPCI-3108 Series User’s Manual Functional Description 2-5

Figure 2-2

Multiplexing of 16 input terminals in mixed differential and
single-ended termination modes

a. Channel 00 connected to amplifier and A/D converter

Differential Channel 00**

Signal

00 HI

+

-

00 LO/08 HI

Single-Ended Channels 01 and 09

Signal Signal

01 HI

+ +

--

01 LO/09 HI

Differential Channel 07**

Signal

07 HI

-

+

07 LO/15 HI

Multiplexer Multiplexer

b. Channel 01 connected to amplifier and A/D converter

Differential Channel 00**

Signal

00 HI

+

-

Single-Ended Channels 01 and 09

Signal Signal

01 HI

+ +

--

00 LO/08 HI

01 LO/09 HI

To Analog-to­Digital (A/D)

Hi

Converter

Instrumentation
Amplifier

Lo

AGND

(Analog

Ground)

To Analog-to­Digital (A/D)

Hi

Converter

Instrumentation
Amplifier

Lo

AGND

(Analog

Ground)

Differential Channel 07**

Signal

07 HI

+ -

07 LO/15 HI

Multiplexer Multiplexer

c. Channel 09 connected to amplifier and A/D converter

Differential Channel 00**

Signal

00 HI

+

-

Single-Ended Channels 01 and 09

Signal Signal

01 HI

+ +

Differential Channel 07**

Signal

07 HI

+ -

Multiplexer Multiplexer

** Common-mode ground return connection required

for differential inputs is not shown for simplicity.

--

00 LO/08 HI

01 LO/09 HI

07 LO/15 HI

To Analog-to­Digital (A/D)

Hi

Converter

Instrumentation
Amplifier

Lo

AGND

(Analog

Ground)

•

•

•

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2-6 Functional Description KPCI-3108 Series User’s Manual

In Figure 2-2b, the board connects differential channel 01 to the amplifier and A/D converter as
follows:

The multiplexer at left and a solid-state switch connect the high-level voltage of the
Channel 01 signal to the input-high terminal of the instrumentation amplifier.

Wiring connects the low-level voltage of the Channel 01 signal to the analog ground terminal
(AGND).

A solid-state switch connects the analog ground terminal to the input-low terminal of the
instrumentation amplifier.

In Figure 2-2c, the board connects differential channel 09 to the amplifier and A/D converter as
follows:

The multiplexer at right and a solid-state switch connect the high-level voltage of the
Channel 09 signal to the input-high terminal of the instrumentation amplifier.

Wiring connects the low-level voltage of the Channel 09 signal to the analog ground terminal
(AGND).

A solid-state switch connects the analog ground terminal to the input-low terminal of the
instrumentation amplifier.

In a mode not shown in Figure 2-2, solid state switches short both amplifier inputs to ground.

NOTE

The connection sequence shown in Figure 2-2 was selected for illustra­tion purposes only. Any channel can be connected at any point in the
channel scan sequence. For more information about channel sequenc­ing, refer to “Specifying channel number, channel gain, polarity mode,
and termination mode for each position in the scan sequence” later in
Section 2.

Choosing between the differential and single-ended termination modes

Generally, you should use a differential input for a low-level signal having a significant noise
component and/or for a signal having a non-zero common-mode voltage. You should use a
single-ended input for a high-level signal having a relatively small noise component.

There is no absolute level at which one of these input configurations becomes more effective
than the other. However, you should generally use a differential input for a voltage range of
100mV or below.

Choosing between the unipolar and bipolar input modes

Using software, you can configure any KPCI-3108 input channel to operate in either the unipo­lar or bipolar input mode. A unipolar signal is always positive (0 to +5V, for example). A bipolar
signal can swing between positive and negative values (±5V maximum, for example). For exam­ple, an unbiased sinusoidal AC signal is bipolar.

Use the bipolar mode only if you must measure signals having both positive and negative polar­ity. A bipolar range provides only half as good resolution as a unipolar range of the same magni­tude. If your signal will always be positive (at or above 0.0V), use the unipolar mode for
maximum resolution.

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KPCI-3108 Series User’s Manual Functional Description 2-7

Resolutions for unipolar and bipolar inputs are listed in Table 2-1.

Table 2-1

Gains, ranges, and resolutions for a KPCI-3108 board

Bipolar Unipolar

Gain

1 ±10.0 V 305 µV 0 to +10.0 V 153 µV
2 ±5.0 V 153 µV 0 to +5.0 V 76 µV
4 ±2.5 V 76 µV 0 to +2.5 V 38 µV
8 ±1.25 V 38 µV 0 to +1.25 V 19 µV
10 ±1.0 V 31 µV 0 to +1.0 V 15 µV
20 ±500 mV 15 µV 0 to +500 mV 7.6 µV
40 ±250 mV 7.6 µV 0 to +250 mV 3.8 µV
80 ±125 mV 3.8 µV 0 to +125 mV 1.9 µV
100 ±100 mV 3.1 µV 0 to +100 mV 1.5 µV
200 ±50 mV 1.5 µV 0 to +50 mV 0.8 µV
400 ±25 mV 0.8 µV 0 to +25 mV 0.4 µV
800 ±12.5 mV 0.4 µV 0 to +12.5 mV 0.2 µV

NOTE: Numbers are rounded for readability.

Range Resolution Range Resolution

CAUTION The board does not provide overrange detection. Each range listed

in Table 2-1 represents the measured value that will be reported to
the computer if your input signal voltage equals or exceeds the
range. Therefore, if the range is set at ±2.5V (gain = 4) and your sig­nal voltage is +3.1V, the measured value will be reported at +2.5V.

Specifying channel number, channel gain, polarity mode, and termination mode
for each position in the scan sequence

Using software, you can specify a list of up to 256 channel numbers, in any order or combina­tion, to be measured sequentially each time a scan is initiated. For each position in the scan
sequence you specify the following:

The number of the channel to be measured.
The gain to be used for that measurement.
The polarity mode—bipolar or unipolar—to be used for that measurement.
The termination mode—single-ended or differential—to be used for that measurement.

The entire list of sequential scan specifications is sometimes referred to as a channel gain queue.
However, it specifies more than just channels and gains for a KPCI-3108 board.