Tektronix KPCI-3130 Primary User

KPCI-3130 Series PCI Analog Output 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

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]
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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]

4/02

KPCI-3130 Series

PCI Analog Output Board

User’s Manual

Windows and WindowsNT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

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

©2000, Keithley Instruments, Inc.

All rights reserved.
Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A.
Third Printing, July 2002

Document Number: KPCI3130-900-01 Rev. C

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 KPCI3130-900-01) ............................................................................... June 2000

Revision B (Document Number KPCI3130-900-01) ..................................................................... September 2000

Revision C (Document Number KPCI3130-900-01) ................................................................................July 2002

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

Product overview ............................................................................................................................................... 1-2

System requirements .................................................................................................................................. 1-2

DriverLINX Drivers and Application Program Interface (API) software ................................................. 1-2

Available accessories ................................................................................................................................. 1-3

Manual overview ................................................................................................................................................ 1-4

Organization ............................................................................................................................................... 1-4

Conventions ............................................................................................................................................... 1-4

Viewing the manual online ........................................................................................................................ 1-5

Table of Contents

2 Functional Description

Overview ............................................................................................................................................................ 2-2

Hardware ............................................................................................................................................................ 2-2

Interface software ............................................................................................................................................... 2-3

DriverLINX for Windows 95/98/NT/2000 ................................................................................................ 2-3

TestPoint .................................................................................................................................................... 2-4

LabVIEW ................................................................................................................................................... 2-4

3 Installation

Overview ............................................................................................................................................................ 3-2

Installing DriverLINX ........................................................................................................................................ 3-2

Installing application software and drivers ................................................................................................ 3-2

Installing the KPCI-3130 Series boards ............................................................................................................. 3-3

Checking resources for the board ............................................................................................................... 3-3

Unwrapping and inspecting the board ........................................................................................................ 3-3

Installing the board ..................................................................................................................................... 3-4

Configuring the software and board ................................................................................................................... 3-4

Using the analog I/O panel ................................................................................................................................. 3-5

DriverLINX calibration utility ........................................................................................................................... 3-5

i

4 Connecting the Hardware

Identifying I/O connector pin assignments for KPCI-3130 Series ..................................................................... 4-2

Analog connector ........................................................................................................................................ 4-2

Digital I/O connector (KPCI-3130 board only) .......................................................................................... 4-4

Connecting interface accessories ........................................................................................................................ 4-6

Wiring I/O to external circuits ............................................................................................................................ 4-7

Wiring analog output signals ...................................................................................................................... 4-7

Wiring digital input and output signals (KPCI-3130 only) ...................................................................... 4-11

Using +5VDC from the computer power supply ..................................................................................... 4-12

5 Calibration

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

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

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

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

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

Preparing for the calibration ....................................................................................................................... 5-3

Calibrating the analog outputs .................................................................................................................... 5-3

6 Basic Troubleshooting

A Specifications

B Advanced Troubleshooting

Systematic problem isolation ............................................................................................................................ B-2

Problem isolation Scheme A: basic system ............................................................................................... B-2

Problem isolation Scheme B: installation .................................................................................................. B-4

Problem isolation Scheme C: application software ................................................................................. B-11

Problem isolation Scheme D: expansion slot connectors ........................................................................ B-13

Problem isolation Scheme E: user wiring ............................................................................................... B-15

Problem isolation Scheme F: the board ................................................................................................... B-16

Problem isolation Scheme G: verification of problem solution .............................................................. B-18

Specified hardware I/O tests ............................................................................................................................ B-19

Analog output hardware test .................................................................................................................... B-19

General-purpose digital I/O hardware test (KPCI-3130 only) ................................................................ B-23

Specified software I/O tests ............................................................................................................................. B-29

Analog output software test ..................................................................................................................... B-29

General-purpose digital I/O software test (KPCI-3130 only) ................................................................. B-32

Technical support ............................................................................................................................................ B-36

C Glossary

ii

List of Illustrations

1 Overview

Figure 1-1 STP-36 screw terminal accessory .............................................................................................................. 1-3

2 Functional Description

Figure 2-1 KPCI-3130 Series block diagram .............................................................................................................. 2-2

4 Connecting the Hardware

Figure 4-1 Pin assignments for KPCI-3130 Series upper “Analog” I/O connector .................................................... 4-2

Figure 4-2 Pin assignments for KPCI-3130 Series lower “Digital” I/O connector ..................................................... 4-4

Figure 4-3 Connecting STP-36 screw terminal accessory ........................................................................................... 4-6

Figure 4-4 Two-wire mode connections ...................................................................................................................... 4-8

Figure 4-5 Example of a two-wire mode connection ................................................................................................... 4-9

Figure 4-6 Four-wire mode connections ...................................................................................................................... 4-9

Figure 4-7 Example of a four-wire mode connection ................................................................................................ 4-10

Figure 4-8 Contact-closure monitoring at a KPCI-3130 Series board input ............................................................. 4-11

Figure 4-9 De-bounce circuit for an input of a KPCI-3130 Series board .................................................................. 4-12

B Advanced Troubleshooting

Figure B-1 Problem isolation Scheme A: basic system .............................................................................................. B-3

Figure B-2 Problem isolation Scheme B: installation ................................................................................................. B-5

Figure B-3 Selecting the logical device number ......................................................................................................... B-7

Figure B-4 Configure DriverLINX Device dialog box example ................................................................................. B-8

Figure B-5 Device Change message ............................................................................................................................ B-8

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

Figure B-7 Problem isolation Scheme D: expansion slot connectors ....................................................................... B-14

Figure B-8 Problem isolation Scheme E: user wiring ............................................................................................... B-15

Figure B-9 Problem isolation Scheme F: the board .................................................................................................. B-16

Figure B-10 Problem isolation Scheme G: verification of problem solution .............................................................. B-18

Figure B-11 Analog I/O Panel setup screen example .................................................................................................. B-20

Figure B-12 On-screen analog-output level control .................................................................................................... B-21

Figure B-13 Channel and bit numbers for an STP-36 screw terminal accessory (KPCI-3130 only) .......................... B-23

Figure B-14 Loop-back wiring for general-purpose digital I/O hardware and software test (KPCI-3130 only) ........ B-24

Figure B-15 On-screen digital I/O controller .............................................................................................................. B-26

Figure B-16 Channel and bit numbers for an STP-36 screw terminal accessory (KPCI-3130 only) .......................... B-32

Figure B-17 Loop-back wiring for general-purpose digital I/O hardware and software test (KPCI-3130 only) ........ B-33

iii

List of Tables

1 Overview

Table 1-1 System requirements .................................................................................................................................. 1-2

4 Connecting the Hardware

Table 4-1 Signal descriptions for “Analog” I/O connector pins and screw-terminals ............................................... 4-3

Table 4-2 Signal descriptions for “Digital” I/O connector pins and screw-terminals ................................................ 4-5

6 Basic Troubleshooting

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

B Advanced Troubleshooting

Table B-1 Terminals on accessory for connection during analog output hardware test .......................................... B-20

Table B-2 Test connections and readings for zero-voltage analog output connected to upper

“Analog” I/O connector .................................................................................................................... B-22

Table B-3 Test connections and readings for mid-range analog output connected to upper

“Analog” I/O connector .................................................................................................................... B-22

Table B-4 Bit numbering on Digital I/O panel vs. “Digital” I/O connector (KPCI-3130 only) .............................. B-28

Table B-5 Connection terminals for analog output software test ............................................................................. B-30

Table B-6 Test connections and readings for zero-voltage analog output ............................................................... B-31

Table B-7 Test connections and readings for mid-range analog output .................................................................. B-31

v

1

Overview

1-2 Overview KPCI-3130 Series User’s Manual

Product overview

KPCI-3130 Series analog output boards are designed for the PCI bus. The boards work in a
Windows 95/98/NT/2000 environment and take advantage of the 32 bit width and the
requirements, including communicating with peripherals, operating relays, and reading switch
inputs. All I/O lines are TTL compatible. The series includes: KPCI-3130—8 channel analog
output board with 32-bit digital I/O and KPCI-3132—2 channel analog output board.

System requirements

System requirements for the KPCI-3130 Series and DriverLINX software are listed in Table 1-1.

Table 1-1

System requirements

CPU Type

Operating system

Memory

Hard disk space

Other

Pentium or higher processor on motherboard with PCI bus version 2.1

Windows® 95 or higher

Windows® NT version 4.0 or higher

16MB or greater RAM when running Windows® 95 or 98

32MB or greater RAM when running Windows® NT or 2000

4MB for minimum installation

50MB for maximum installation

CD ROM drive that supports 32 bit Windows filenames.

A free PCI bus expansion slot

Enough reserve computer power supply capacity to power the
KPCI-3130 board, which draws 15W maximum at 5VDC.

A VGA, or compatible, display (640 × 480 or higher, 256 colors
recommended).

DriverLINX Drivers and Application Program Interface (API) software

The DriverLINX CD shipped with the KPCI-3130 Series includes hardware drivers and inter­face software.

NOTE

The DriverLINX drivers on the supplied CD must be installed, even if
DriverLINX software is already installed on the system. Installing the
supplied drivers insures that the latest updates and enhancements are
available for KPCI-3130 operation.

DriverLINX Application Program Interfaces (APIs) provide support for programmers who wish
to create custom applications using Visual C/C++, Visual Basic, or Delphi. DriverLINX accom­plishes foreground and background tasks to perform data acquisition.

In addition to the DriverLINX software, users may choose to install a fully integrated data acqui­sition software package, such as TestPoint or LabVIEW.

TestPoint is a fully featured, integrated application package with a graphical drag-and-drop
interface, which can be used to create data acquisition applications without programming.
LabVIEW is a fully featured graphical programming language used to create virtual
instrumentation. LabVIEW support is provided on the DriverLINX CD.

Refer to Section 2, “Functional Description,” for more information about available interface
software.

•

KPCI-3130 Series User’s Manual Overview 1-3

Available accessories

The following optional accessories are available for KPCI-3130 Series boards:

STP-36 Screw Terminal accessory (Figure 1-1) interfaces the KPCI-3130 Series I/O connec­tors to screw terminals.

NOTE

WARNING The STP-36 is not intended for use in circuits carrying voltages in

Figure 1-1

STP-36 screw terminal accessory

STP-36 screw terminals are numbered identically to the pins.

excess of 30VRMS, 42.4V peak or 60VDC. Failure to comply may
result in an insulation failure and a shock hazard.

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•

•

•

•

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•

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•

•

•

•

1-4 Overview KPCI-3130 Series User’s Manual

Manual overview

This manual provides overview, installation, operation, and troubleshooting information for the
KPCI-3130 Series analog output boards.

The intended audience of this manual includes data acquisition system designers, engineers,
technicians, scientists, and other users responsible for installation, configuration, and wiring of
the KPCI-3130 Series boards. The instructions provided assume that the reader is familiar with
Windows operation, with basic data-acquisition principles, and with the intended application.

Organization

This manual is organized as follows:

Section 1 is this overview.

Section 2 provides a functional description of the KPCI-3130 Series boards.

Section 3 provides hardware installation procedures.

Section 4 provides information for making hardware connections.

Section 5 provides calibration information.

Section 6 provides basic troubleshooting information.

Appendix A provides KPCI-3130 Series specifications.

Appendix B provides advanced troubleshooting procedures that include systematic problem
isolation procedures and hardware and software I/O tests.

Appendix C is a glossary of terms used throughout this manual.

An index follows Appendix C.

Conventions

The following conventions apply throughout this manual:

10 point Times Bold font is used for:

– All Windows 95/98/2000/NT user-interaction items: commands, screen messages, menu

names, menu options, and dialog-box items.

– WARNING and CAUTION statements.

10 point Times Italic is used for:

– Emphasis in general.

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

– NOTE statements.

10 POINT TIMES UPPER CASE is used for:

– Switches (e.g. ON and OFF).

– Keyboard keys (e.g. ENTER).

10 point Courier is used for software code statements.

“Double quote marks” are used for:

– Cross references to other manual sections/chapters, (e.g. “Troubleshooting”).

– References to label, connector, or other marked items (e.g. “5V” labels on I/O

connectors).

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KPCI-3130 Series User’s Manual Overview 1-5

Viewing the manual online

The DriverLINX Manuals and this manual have been provided in electronic form (in PDF file
format) on the DriverLINX CD-ROM. The manuals can be viewed with Rev 3.01 or later of
Adobe Acrobat Reader (provided on the DriverLINX CD-ROM).

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NOTE

Following are a few techniques that may be used for viewing the PDF version of the manual
with Adobe Acrobat Reader:

Click on the manual title to open the manual.

Click on a heading from the table of contents on the left side of the document to jump to a
specific section of the document.

Within the document, click on the text shown in blue to jump to the appropriate reference
(the pointer changes from a hand to an index finger).

To go back to the page from which the jump was made, click the right mouse button and Go

Back , or from the main menu, click View , then Go Back .

To print the document, from the main menu, click File , then Print .

To increase or decrease the size of the displayed document, from the main menu, click View ,
then Zoom .

To turn smoothing off, click

Monochrome Images

NOTE

DriverLINX’s primary documentation is Windows On-Line Help. The
appropriate help hardware and software help files are automatically
installed with the DriverLINX driver and interface (API) installers. The
PDF files are provided for users preferring book, rather than hypertext,
format for viewing or printing.

File

, then Preferences/General

.

By default, text and monochrome images are smoothed in Acrobat
Reader, resulting in blurry images.

, and uncheck Smooth Text and

2

Functional Description

2-2 Functional Description KPCI-3130 Series User’s Manual

Overview

The KPCI-3130 Series analog output boards are designed for the PCI bus. The KPCI-3130
Series boards work in a Windows 95/98/NT/2000 environment and take advantage of the 32 bit
width and the requirements, including communicating with peripherals, operating relays, and
reading switch inputs. All I/O lines are TTL compatible. The KPCI-3130 board also provides
Digital I/O.

This section provides an overview of the KPCI-3130 Series hardware and interface software.

NOTE

Hardware

The KPCI-3130 Series boards include an analog output section. The KPCI-3130 board also
includes a digital I/O section. A functional block diagram is provided in Figure 2-1.

Figure 2-1

KPCI-3130 Series block diagram

Reference

Voltage

VDAC

∆Σ

20-Bit

DAC
Data

and

Control

DAC

Calibration

Error
Flag

Detailed KPCI-3130 Series specifications are provided in Appendix A,
“Specifications.” Specific I/O connections are identified in Section 4.

Sense High

Σ

Error and

set-point

detection

circuit

Vout

Output

Sense Low

Ret

GND

FPGA

PCI Bus

ROM

Digital

Section

KPCI-3130 Series One Channel Sample

Digital

I/O

KPCI-3130

Only

KPCI-3130 Series User’s Manual Functional Description 2-3

Interface software

DriverLINX interface software provides convenient interfaces for configuring and setting I/O
bits without register-level programming. DriverLINX also allows the user to run a custom pro­gram in Visual C/C++, Visual Basic, or Delphi.

TestPoint and LabVIEW are full-featured graphical data acquisition software packages that
work well with KPCI-3130 Series boards.

A summary of the pros and cons of using integrated packages (such as TestPoint or LabVIEW)
rather than writing custom programs (using DriverLINX) is provided in the Keithley Full Line
Catalog.

The KPCI-3130 Series has fully functional driver support for use under Windows 95/98/NT/2000.

NOTE DriverLINX drivers must be installed to run any applications for the

board, whether they are custom-programmed applications or integrated
software packages, such as TestPoint or LabVIEW.

DriverLINX for Windows 95/98/NT/2000

DriverLINX Application Program Interface (API) software is supplied by Keithley with the
KPCI-3130 Series board. DriverLINX is essentially hardware independent. Its portable APIs
work across various operating systems, eliminating the need for additional programming when
changing operating system platforms.

In addition, DriverLINX supports programmers who wish to create custom applications using
Visual C/C++, Visual Basic, or Delphi. DriverLINX accomplishes foreground and background
tasks to perform data acquisition. The software includes memory and data buffer management,
event triggering, extensive error checking, and context sensitive online help.

Specifically, DriverLINX provides application developers a standardized interface to over 100
services for creating foreground and background tasks for the following:

• Analog input and output

• Digital input and output

• Time and frequency measurement

• Event counting

• Pulse output

• Period measurement

In addition to basic I/O support, DriverLINX provides:

• Built-in capabilities to handle memory and data buffer management.

• A selection of starting and stopping trigger events, including pre-triggering, mid-point

triggering and post-triggering protocols.

• Extensive error checking.

• Context-sensitive on-line help system.

Refer to the DriverLINX documentation to determine which services are supported by the
KPCI-3130 Series boards.

2-4 Functional Description KPCI-3130 Series User’s Manual

TestPoint

TestPoint is a fully featured, integrated application package that incorporates many commonly
used math, analysis, report generation, and graphics functions. TestPoint’s graphical drag-and­drop interface can be used to create data acquisition applications, without programming, for
IEEE-488 instruments, data acquisition boards, and RS232/RS485 instruments and devices.

TestPoint includes features for controlling external devices, responding to events, processing
data, creating report files, and exchanging information with other Windows programs. It pro­vides libraries for controlling most popular GPIB instruments. OCX and ActiveX controls plug
directly into TestPoint, allowing additional features from third party suppliers.

LabVIEW

LabVIEW is a fully featured graphical programming language used to create virtual instrumen­tation. It consists of an interactive user interface, complete with knobs, slides, switches, graphs,
strip charts, and other instrument panel controls. Its data driven environment uses function
blocks that are virtually wired together and pass data to each other. The function blocks, which
are selected from palette menus, range from arithmetic functions to advanced acquisition, con­trol, and analysis routines. Also included are debugging tools, help windows, execution high­lighting, single stepping, probes, and breakpoints to trace and monitor the data flow execution.
LabVIEW can be used to create professional applications with minimal programming.

Virtual instruments (VIs) compatible with LabVIEW are available for the KPCI-3130 Series
boards.

3

Installation

3-2 Installation KPCI-3130 Series User’s Manual

Overview

This section provides instructions for the following procedures:

• Installing the software (DriverLINX drivers and interface software).

• Installing KPCI-3130 Series boards into the system.

• Configuring the installed software and board.

NOTE The KPCI-3130 hardware is designed to be installed after the device

drivers are installed. Be sure to install the DriverLINX software before
installing the KPCI-3130 board.

Installing DriverLINX

Refer to the Read this first document that accompanies your board for installation instructions.

NOTE Always install DriverLINX before installing the board or LabVIEW sup-

port. Both TestPoint and LabVIEW support require DriverLINX to
access the board’s hardware resources.

Installing application software and drivers

Installing the TestPoint support

It is anticipated that, in the future, TestPoint will implicitly support the KPCI-3130 Series boards
without installing additional drivers. Check with the following concerning current availability of
TestPoint support for the KPCI-3130 Series:

• The TestPoint technical support page of the Keithley web site (www.keithley.com).

• The TestPoint manufacturer, Capital Equipment Corporation (CEC).

Installing the LabVIEW software and driver

If you plan to use only run-time LabVIEW applications with your KPCI-3130 Series board, you
need not install a special driver. LabVIEW run-time support is automatically installed when you
install and configure DriverLINX.

However, if you plan to develop custom applications using the LabVIEW Integrated
Development Environment, you must install the DriverLINX Virtual Instruments (VIs). These
VIs are provided on your DriverLINX CD-ROM but do not install automatically when you
install DriverLINX and your board. You must first install the LabVIEW application program and
DriverLINX, then install the DriverLINX VIs.

If you do not install the VIs during the same session in which you install DriverLINX (refer to
your Read this first document), you may install them later as follows:

1. Start setup.exe on the DriverLINX CD-Rom. The DriverLINX Browser introduction screen
appears.

2. Click Next on the DriverLINX Browser introduction screen (or wait a few seconds). The
DriverLINX CD Navigator screen appears.

3. On the DriverLINX CD Navigator screen, click Install DriverLINX. An Install These
DriverLINX Components screen appears.

4. On the Install These DriverLINX Components screen, click LabVIEW™ Support.

5. Follow the series of on-screen instructions that appear.

KPCI-3130 Series User’s Manual Installation 3-3

Installing the KPCI-3130 Series boards

This subsection helps you to do the following:

• Prepare the board installation.

• Physically install the board.

CAUTION Ensure that the computer is turned OFF before installing or remov-

ing a board. Installing or removing a board while power is ON can
damage the computer, the board, or both.

Handle the board in a static-controlled workstation; wear a
grounded wrist strap. Discharge static voltage differences between
the wrapped board and the handling environment before removing
the board from its protective wrapper. Failure to discharge static
electricity before and during handling may damage semiconductor
circuits on the board.

Handle the board using the mounting bracket. Do not touch the cir­cuit traces or connector contacts when handling the board.

Checking resources for the board

Ensure that your computer has sufficient resources, particularly power resources, to run your
KPCI-3130 Series board. Check the capacity of the computer power supply and the power
requirements of your computer and presently installed boards. Then check the additional power
requirements for this board. Refer to Appendix A, “Specifications.” If necessary, free resources
by uninstalling other boards.

Unwrapping and inspecting the board

NOTE Install the DriverLINX software before installing a KPCI-3130 Series

board. Otherwise, the device drivers will be more difficult to install.

After you remove the wrapped board from its outer shipping carton, unwrap it and inspect it as
follows:

1. Your board is packaged at the factory in an anti-static wrapper. Do not remove the anti-static
wrapper until you have discharged any static electricity voltage differences between the
wrapped board and the environment. Wear a wrist strap. A grounded wrist strap discharges
static electricity from the wrapped board as soon as you hold it. Keep the wrist strap on until
you have finished installing the board.

2. Remove the board from its anti-static wrapping material. (Store the wrapping material for
future use.)

3. Inspect the board for damage. If damage is apparent, arrange to return the board to the fac­tory. Refer to Appendix B, “Technical support.”

4. Check the remaining contents of the package against the packing list and report any missing
items immediately.

5. If the inspection is satisfactory, proceed to “Installing the board.”

3-4 Installation KPCI-3130 Series User’s Manual

Installing the board

Install the KPCI-3130 Series board in a PCI expansion slot on your computer as follows:

1. Turn power OFF to the computer and to any external circuits attached to the board.

2. Remove the computer chassis cover.

3. Select an unoccupied PCI expansion slot in the rear panel, and remove the corresponding
dummy mounting plate.

4. Insert the PCI connector of the board into the selected PCI slot of the computer. Take care
not to interfere with neighboring boards. Ensure that the board is properly seated in the slot.

5. Secure the mounting bracket of the board to the chassis, using the retaining screw that you
removed when you removed the dummy mounting bracket.

6. Continue with the next subsection, “Configuring the software and board.”

Configuring the software and board

1. Turn ON and reboot the system. Once windows has started, the DriverLINX Plug and Play
Wizard screen will appear automatically.

NOTE If the Wizard does not automatically start, or if it gets cancelled, manu-

ally start it as follows:

• Open the Windows Explorer.

• Double click on X:\DrvLINX4\Help\kpci3130.bat, where X = the

letter of the drive where DriverLINX is installed. The Wizard opens.

NOTE The wizard can be started directly from the CD-ROM by double clicking

on Y:\DrvLINX4\Help\kpci3130.bat, where Y = the drive letter of the
CD-ROM drive.

2. Click Continue and follow the on-screen instructions to configure the combined board and
DriverLINX installations.

3. Test the installation as follows:
a. Click the Windows Start tab.
b. Locate the Programs → DriverLINX → Test Panels submenu.

c. Select AIO Panel. The starting screen for the AIO test panel should appear.

NOTE The ability to start the AIO Control Panel utility, which is available after

DriverLINX is installed, verifies that DriverLINX and the board are
installed and configured satisfactorily and are working together. If the
test panel does not start, go to Appendix B, “Problem isolation Scheme

B: installation” to troubleshoot the Installation.

d. Close the control panel.

KPCI-3130 Series User’s Manual Installation 3-5

Using the analog I/O panel

The analog I/O panel is used to test the board and software installation and the functionality of
the inputs/outputs. Specific test procedures are provided in Appendix B.

DriverLINX calibration utility

The DriverLINX Calibration Utility automates many of the operations required to calibrate the
analog output of the board. The KPCI-3130 Series boards do not have calibration potentiome­ters. On-screen instructions are provided as required.

Specific calibration procedures are provided in Section 5, “Calibration.”

•

•

•

4

Connecting the Hardware

This section steps through the following:

Identifying I/O connector pin assignments for KPCI-3130 Series.

Connecting interface accessories.

Wiring I/O to external circuits.

WARNING This product is SELV (Secondary Extra Low Voltage) and must be

double insulated from any hazardous voltages internal to the PC or
any external circuits.

The maximum voltage is ±15VDC. Exceeding this value will result
in an electric shock hazard.

•

4-2 Connecting the Hardware KPCI-3130 Series User’s Manual

Identifying I/O connector pin assignments for KPCI-3130 Series

Analog connector

External signals are connected to the KPCI-3130 Series boards through two IEEE-1284 36-pin
mini-D connectors, located at the rear of the board.

Refer to Figure 4-1 and Table 4-1 for pin assignments and signal descriptions for the upper
I/O connector.

NOTE

Identical pin assignments apply to the terminals of the STP-36 screw­terminal accessory when connected to the I/O connector.

Figure 4-1

Pin assignments for KPCI-3130 Series upper “Analog” I/O connector

OUT0

S0H

OUT1

S1H

OUT2

S2H

OUT3

S3H

OUT4

S4H

OUT5

S5H

OUT6

S6H

OUT7

S7H

1
2

3

4

5
6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15
16

17
18

19
20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

GND

S0L
GND

S1L

GND

S2L
GND

S3L

GND

S4L
GND

S5L

GND

S6L
GND

S7L

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

OUT0
S0H
GND
S0L

OUT1
S1H
GND
S1L

OUT2
S2H
GND
S2L

OUT3
S3H
GND
S3L

OUT4
S4H
GND
S4L

OUT5
S5H
GND
S5L

OUT6
S6H
GND
S6L

OUT7
S7H
GND
S7L

•

Channel 0 signals:

Output
Sense High
Ground
Sense Low

Channel 1 signals:

Output
Sense High
Ground
Sense Low

Channel 2 signals:

Output
Sense High
Ground
Sense Low

Channel 3 signals:

Output
Sense High
Ground
Sense Low

Channel 4 signals:

Output
Sense High
Ground
Sense Low

Channel 5 signals:

Output
Sense High
Ground
Sense Low

Channel 6 signals:

Output
Sense High
Ground
Sense Low

Channel 7 signals:

Output
Sense High
Ground
Sense Low

Not Used

•

•

•

KPCI-3130 Series User’s Manual Connecting the Hardware 4-3

•

Table 4-1

Signal descriptions for “Analog” I/O connector pins and screw-terminals

Pin or
terminal Assignment Description

1
2
19
20

3
4
21
22

5
6
23
24

7
8
25
26

9
10
27
28

11
12
29
30

13
14
31
32

15
16
33
34

17
18
35
36