USB-AO Series

The USB-AO Series provides 4, 8, or 16 single-ended analog outputs (digital-to-analog converters, i.e. DACs) with either 12- or 16-bit resolution. Additional features include two 16-bit analog inputs (analog-to-digital converters, i.e. ADCs) and 16 digital I/O lines—all packaged in a small, rugged, industrial enclosure. This module can be used in any PC or embedded system with a USB port and is an ideal choice for embedded system and test designers. The unit can be used in an assortment of USB-based embedded applications which require stable and accurate output signals. Ideal applications include light control, motion control, and process controls.

The boards feature jumper selectable unipolar and bipolar output ranges of ±5V or 0-10V ranges for the DACs. Additional ranges can be achieved as factory options giving the user a variety to select from. All analog output channels can be updated either individually or simultaneously at up to 4kHz. System calibration specific to user requirements can be performed via a provided, easy-to-use, software utility. Automatic circuits limit analog outputs to zero volts until initialized via software command.

16 digital I/O lines are provided in two groups of 8 bits. Both digital bytes are individually software configured as input or output. Each 8-bit digital I/O group also can be configured for either 5V CMOS or 3.3V LVTTL signaling via jumper selection.

The USB-AO Series is designed to be used in rugged industrial environments but is small enough to fit nicely onto any desk or testing station. The board itself is PC/104 sized (3.550 x 3.775 inches, 90mm x 96mm) and ships inside a steel powder-coated enclosure with an anti-skid bottom. A DIN rail mounting provision and extended temperature is available for installation in industrial environments.

All connections are made via industry-standard 37-pin D-Sub connectors.

The USB-AO Series includes 10 models with list prices ranging from $299 to $699.

OEM USB/104 FORM FACTOR

The OEM (board only) version is perfect for a variety of embedded applications. What makes the OEM option unique is that its PCB size and pre-drilled mounting holes match the PC/104 form factor (without the bus connections). This ensures easy installation using standard standoffs inside most embedded enclosures or systems. The board can be added to any PC/104-based stack by simply connecting it to a USB port included on-board with embedded CPU form factors such as EBX, EPIC, and PC/104. This is especially important since many newer CPU chipsets do not support ISA and have plenty of USB ports. Future stacks will be using the extremely fast PCI Express bus which is essentially overkill for simple monitoring and control. For embedded OEM type applications, an additional micro-fit USB input header is provided.

High Retention USB Connector

The ever-growing presence of USB in the industrial/military marketplace has driven the need for USB connections to be reliable, dependable, and unfailing. Gone are the days of loose USB connections. A type B USB connector is used on all ACCES USB/104 products which features a high retention design that complies with the class 1, Div II minimum withdrawal requirement of over 3 pounds of force (15 Newtons). This connector has an orange color-coded insulator to quickly differentiate it from standard USB connectors. Using these USB connectors increases reliability in your system and ensures a tight connection. For embedded OEM type applications, an additional micro-fit USB input header is provided.

Applications

• Process Control
• Light Control
• Motion Control
• Mobile Solutions
• Test Equipment
• Kiosks
• Robotics
• Machine Control
• Laboratory Monitoring and Control
• Security Systems
• Industrial Automation
• Embedded OEM

SOFTWARE

The USB-AO Series is plug-and-play which allows quick connect or disconnect whenever you need additional I/O on your USB port. The module utilizes a high-speed custom function driver optimized for a maximum data throughput that is 50-100 times faster than the USB human interface device (HID) driver used by many competing products. This approach maximizes the full functionality of the hardware along with capitalizing the advantage of high-speed USB 2.0. The USB-AO Series is supported for use in most operating systems and includes a free Linux (including Mac OS X) and Windows 2000/XP/2003/Vista/7 compatible software package. This package contains sample programs and source code in Visual Basic, Delphi, and Visual C++ for Windows. Also provided is a graphical setup program in Windows. Third party support includes a Windows standard DLL interface usable from the most popular application programs, and includes LabVIEW 8.5+ VIs. Embedded OS support includes Windows Xpe.

Optional Accessories

Available accessories include a wide variety of cables and screw terminal boards for quick and easy connectivity. Also, a DIN rail mounting provision is available.

Analog Outputs

• Number of Outputs: 16 channels
• Type of Outputs: Single-ended
• Resolution: 16-bit resolution (12-bit available)
• Unipolar Ranges: 0-10V, 0-5V*
• Bipolar Ranges: ±5V, ±10V*
• Conversion Rate: 4kHz, all channels simultaneous
• Relative Accuracy: ±4 LSB typical
• Diff. Non-linearity: ±0.25 LSB typical
• Settling Time: 8us typical, 10us max
• Output Current: ±12 mA per channel * Factory Options

Digital Inputs

• 3.3V configuration
• Logic High: 2VDC min, 5.5VDC max
• Logic Low: 0.8VDC max, -0.5VDC min
• 5V configuration
• Logic High: 3.5VDC min, 5.5VDC max
• Logic Low: 1.5VDC max, -0.5VDC min

Digital Outputs

• 3.3V configuration
• Logic High: 2.4VDC min, source 10 mA
• Logic Low: 0.55VDC max, sink 24 mA
• 5V configuration
• Logic High: 3.8VDC min, source 10 mA
• Logic Low: 0.55VDC max, sink 24 mA

Analog Inputs

• Number of channels: 2
• ADC Type: Successive Approximation
• Sampling Rate: 4k samples per second
• Resolution: 16-bit
• Unipolar range: 0-5V

Environmental

• Operating Temp.: 0° to 70°C
• Storage Temp.: -40° to +85°C
• Humidity: 5% to 95% non-condensing
• Board Dimension: 3.550 x 3.775 inches

Power

• +12VDC: @ 100 mA typical, no-load on DIO buffer sourced outputs and DAC outputs @ 520 mA typical, full-load on DIO buffer sourced outputs and DAC outputs
• Includes external AC to 12V @ 1Amp DC regulated adapter
• Optional screw terminal power input

Available Reference Manuals

Available Software Downloads

Available Datasheets

Further information about available ACCES Software:

Drivers And Operating Systems

What drivers and other support we provide for various operating systems.

Setup Programs, Samples, And Utility Software

A description of the software package that comes with each ACCES card.

Redistributing Windows Drivers

A list of ACCES drivers and the files that compose them under different versions of Windows, so you can easily redistribute ACCES cards and drivers.

Custom Software Services

A description of some of our custom software offerings. Did you know we offer free programming services to qualifying customers?