Tektronix PCIP-CNTR Users Guide
PCIP-CNTR
USER’S GUIDE
PCIP-CNTR User’s Guide
Revision C - October 1996
Part Number: 74190
New Contact Information
Keithley Instruments, Inc.
28775 Aurora Road
Cleveland, OH 44139
Technical Support: 1-888-KEITHLEY
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Fax: (440) 248-6168
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Instruments, Inc., assumes no responsibility for its use or for any infringements of patents or other rights
of third parties that may result from its use. No license is granted by implication or otherwise under any
patent rights of Keithley Instruments, Inc.
KEITHLEY INSTRUMENTS, INC., SHALL NO T BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL,
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RELATED TO THE USE OF THIS PRODUCT. THIS
PRODUCT IS NOT DESIGNED WITH COMPONENTS OF A LEVEL OF RELIABILITY
SUITABLE FOR USE IN LIFE SUPPORT OR CRITICAL APPLICATIONS.
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information.
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© Copyright Keithley Instruments, Inc., 1989, 1992, 1996
All rights reserved. Reproduction or adaptation of any part of this documentation beyond that permitted
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Keithley MetraByte Division
Keithley Instruments, Inc.
440 Myles Standish Blvd. Taunton, MA 02780
FAX: (508) 880-0179
Telephone: (508) 880-3000
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Preface
This manual is designed for users responsible for setting up, installing,
and using the PCIP-CNTR board.
The information in this manual assumes that you are familiar with your
computer and its operation and that you are familiar with data acquisition
principles.
This manual is organized as follows:
Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the features of the PCIP-CNTR
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board, supported software, and accessories.
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Chapter 2 describes how to unpack and inspect the board, set the base
address, install the board, and connect signals to the board.
Chapter 3 provides a functional description of the board.
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Chapter 4 describes how to calibrate the board.
Chapter 5 describes how to troubleshoot the board and how to return
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the board should it be necessary.
Chapter 6 describes the register map for the board.
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Appendix A lists the specifications for the board.
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Appendix B describes the built-in transfer functions and resolutions
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available on the board.
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An index completes this manual.
v
Table of Contents
Preface
1
Introduction
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1
Supported Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2
Accessories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3
Setup and Installation
2
Unpacking and Inspecting the Board. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1
Setting the Base Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2
Installing the Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
Connecting Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4
3
Functional Description
Summary of Operating Modes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1
Configurable Channel Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3
Frequency Measurements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3
Average Period Measurements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-5
Single Period Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-6
Pulse Width Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-6
Event Counting Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-7
4
Calibration
5
Troubleshooting
Problem Isolation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-1
Identifying Symptoms and Possible Causes . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-1
Testing the Board and Host Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-3
Testing the Accessory Slot and I/O Connections . . . . . . . . . .5-4
Technical Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-5
6
Register Map
Register Map Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-1
Measurement Count Out Register (Read Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-2
Time Count Out Register (Read Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-3
iii
Mode Selection Register (Write Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-4
Input Configuration Register (Write Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-5
Channel A: DC-Coupled Trigger Level Register
(Write Only). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-6
Channel B: DC-Coupled Trigger Level Register
(Write Only). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-6
Timer Control Register (Write Only Register). . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-7
Status Register (Read Only). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-8
Channel B Divide Register (Write Only). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-9
Specifications
A
Built-in Transfer Functions and Available Resolutions
B
Transfer Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1
Available Resolutions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-2
Index
List of Figures
Figure 2-1. The Base Address Switch (Default Base
Address of 320h Shown) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
Figure 2-2. The Board I/O Connectors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4
Figure 2-3. Pin Assignments of the 9-Pin "D" Connector . . . .2-5
Figure 3-1. Frequency Measurement Timing Diagram . . . . . .3-5
List of Tables
Table 3-1. Operating Mode Summary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-2
Table 5-1. Troubleshooting Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-2
Table 6-1. Register Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-2
Table 6-2. Bits 0 to 6 of the Mode Selection Register
(Base Address +8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-4
Table 6-3. Bits 0 to 7 of the Input Configuration Register
(Base Address +9) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-5
Table 6-4. Bits 0 to 7 the Timer Control Register
(Base Address +12) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-7
Table 6-5. Bits 0 to 7 of the Status Register
(Base Address +13) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-8
Table A-1. PCIP-CNTR Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1
Table B-1. Scaling Selections for Frequency and
Period Measurements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-2
iv
1
Introduction
Features
The PCIP-CNTR is a two channel, 8-digit, universal counter board that
plugs directly into any I/O slot of an IBM
PC A T
versions:
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●
Unless a feature applies to a particular board, the name PCIP-CNTR is
used to refer to both the standard PCIP-CNTR and PCIP-CNTR/TCXO
boards.
This chapter describes the following aspects of the board:
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●
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compatible computer. The PCIP-CNTR is available in two
The standard PCIP-CNTR provides .01% (100 PPM) accuracy and is
targeted towards low to middle accuracy applications.
The PCIP-CNTR/TCXO is available for users who require 1 PPM
accuracy.
Major features
Supported software
Available accessories
PC/XT
or
The major features of the PCIP-CNTR board are as follows:
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Operates up to 80 MHz on each channel
Measures frequency on Channel A, Channel B, or the ratio of
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Channels A and B
Measures the average period on Channel A, Channel B, or the ratio of
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Channels A and B
Features 1-1
Measures a single period on Channel A or Channel B
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Measures the pulse width on Channel A
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●
Measures counts on Channel A, on Channel A gated by Channel B, or
on Channel A started and stopped by Channel B
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Plugs directly into any IBM PC/XT, IBM AT, or compatible
computer; no IEEE-488 or GPIB interface is required
Supports a wide variety of input configurations
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Operates in two modes:
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– As a standard bench instrument - In this mode, the board
functions like a standard bench-top instrument, except that the
readings are displayed on the computer screen, not on LEDs or
LCDs, and the operating mode, channel selected, trigger level,
and so on, are selected using the keyboard or mouse.
– Under program control - This mode allows you to write programs
that control the board directly, which is useful when using the
board in automated tests or experiments.
Provides BNC plugs for all connections to Channels A and B on the
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board.
Provides a 9-pin "D" connector to connect all other signals, such as
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an external clock.
Supported Software
The PCIP-CNTR OCX software provided for the PCIP-CNTR board is a
32-bit ActiveX custom control for developing Windows
Windows NT applications. The PCIP-CNTR OCX supports application
development in C/C++, Visual Basic
package is described in a separate manual, shipped with the software.
95 and
, and Delphi. This software
1-2 Introduction
Accessories
Note:
For those users who have purchased previous versions of the
PCIP-CNTR board, this revision of the board contains all the features of
the previous versions of the board while providing a greater operating
range for Channel B (0 MHz to 80 MHz). DOS software provided with
previous versions will work with the new revision of the PCIP-CNTR
board. However, to take advantage of the new features, you must use the
PCIP-CNTR OCX software.
The following accessories are optional for the PCIP-CNTR board:
C-BMM-5 cable - 5-foot BNC-to-BNC cable.
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C-BMM-15 cable - 15-foot BNC-to-BNC cable.
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SMC-9 connector - 9-pin, male solder cup connector.
Accessories 1-3
2
Setup and Installation
This chapter describes how to set up and install the PCIP-CNTR board.
The following procedures are provided:
Unpacking and inspecting
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Setting the base address
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Installing the board
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Connecting signals
Unpacking and Inspecting the Board
After you remove the wrapped board from its outer shipping carton,
proceed as follows:
1. Your board is packaged at the factory in an anti-static wrapper that
must not be removed until you have discharged any static electricity
by either of the following methods:
– If you are equipped with a grounded wrist strap, you discharge
static electricity as soon as you hold the wrapped board.
– If you are not equipped with a grounded wrist strap, discharge
static electricity by holding the wrapped board in one hand while
placing your other hand firmly on a metal portion of the computer
chassis (your computer must be turned off but grounded).
2. Carefully unwrap your board from its anti-static wrapping material.
(You may wish to store the wrapping material for future use.)
3. Inspect the board for signs of damage. If damage is apparent, arrange
to return the board to the factory (see page 5-5).
Unpacking and Inspecting the Board 2-1
4. Check the remaining contents of your package against the packing
list to be sure your order is complete. Report any missing items,
immediately.
5. When you are satisfied with the inspection, proceed with setting the
base address.
Note:
adjustment prior to installation. If at a later time you decide to recalibrate
the board, refer to page 4-1 for instructions.
The PCIP-CNTR board is factory calibrated; it requires no further
Setting the Base Address
The PCIP-CNTR uses a block of 16 non-overlapping I/O addresses. A
DIP switch on the board selects where in the computer’s I/O space the
board resides.
The PCIP-CNTR has a default base address setting of 320h; this address
is typically free in most computers. However, no two boards can use the
same I/O addresses or base address. If you are using more than one
instrument, you must assign each a unique base address. Base addresses
range from 100h to 3FFh (512 to 1023 decimal).
The base address switch is a six-position, DIP switch located in the lower
right-hand corner of the board. To specify a base address, move the
individual switches to the ON or OFF position. Figure 2-1 shows the
address values corresponding to each of the six switches.
2-2 Setup and Installation
Address Line A9
Decimal Equivalent = 512
Address Line A8
Decimal Equivalent = 256
Address Line A7
Decimal Equivalent = 128
Address Line A6
Decimal Equivalent = 64
Address Line A5
Decimal Equivalent = 32
Address Line A4
Decimal Equivalent = 16
O
N
9 8
7 6
5
4
Switches have the decimal
values shown above when in the
OFF position. In the ON position,
the decimal value is 0.
Figure 2-1. The Base Address Switch (Default Base Address of 320h Shown)
Installing the Board
This section provides general instructions for installing the PCIP-CNTR
board. For more detailed information on installing peripheral boards,
consult the documentation provided with your computer.
Caution:
computer power on. This could cause damage to your computer.
Do not insert or remove any peripheral board with the
Installing the Board 2-3
Use the following steps to install the PCIP-CNTR board in an accessory
slot of your computer:
1. Turn off power to the computer and all attached equipment.
2. Remove the computer chassis cover.
3. Select an unoccupied accessory slot, and remove the corresponding
blank plate from the I/O connector panel.
4. Make sure the setting of the base address switch is correct for your
board.
5. Insert and secure the board in the selected slot.
6. Replace the computer cover.
7. Turn on power to the computer.
You are now ready to connect signals to the board, as described in the
following section.
Connecting Signals
BNC plugs are provided to connect signals to Channels A and B on the
PCIP-CNTR board. A 9-pin "D" connector provides connections for all
other signals (such as an external clock). Figure 2-2 shows the location of
the BNC and 9-pin connectors. Figure 2-3 shows the pin assignments of
the 9-pin connector.
9-pin D
BNC
BNC
Reset, Ext Clk,
Clk Out
Channel A
Channel B
Figure 2-2. The Board I/O Connectors
2-4 Setup and Installation