DAQ-PACK Multifunction Analog/Digital I/O w/Flexible Signal Conditioning

Description

32, 64, 96 or 128-Channel, USB Multifunction Analog Input/Output System

The DAQ-PACK Series is a highly integrated multifunction data acquisition and control system. The system offers an ideal solution for adding portable, easy-to-install high-speed analog and digital I/O capabilities to any PC or embedded system with a USB port. It performs signal conditioning such as RC filtering, current inputs, RTD measurement, bridge completion, thermocouple break detection, voltage dividers, small signal inputs, and sensor excitation voltage supply. These units are USB 2.0 high-speed devices, offering the highest speed available on the USB 2.0 bus. It is available with 12 or 16-bit analog to digital converters with speeds capable of up to 500kHz (divided equally by the total number of channels configured for use) for 32, 64, 96, or 128 single-ended or differential analog inputs. Groups of eight channels at a time can be independently software configured to accept 18 different input ranges. A unique, real-time internal calibration system allows the unit to continually compensate for offset/gain errors giving a more accurate reading. Additional features include two 16-bit analog outputs, 16 high-current digital I/O lines, and a programmable 16-bit counter—all packaged in a small, rugged, gold-zinc plated industrial enclosure. The counter can be configured in a variety of modes and has the ability to use external signals to trigger and control the scanning of its analog inputs. The unit is plug-and-play allowing a quick connection whenever you need additional I/O on the convenience of a USB port.

The small, compact, multifunction I/O DAQ-PACK Series units provide the user with everything needed to start acquiring, measuring, analyzing, and monitoring in a variety of applications. These high-density data acquisition and control devices can be used in many current real-world applications such as precision measurement, analysis, monitoring, and control in countless embedded applications.

These units are designed to be used in rugged industrial environments but are small enough to fit nicely onto any desk or testing station. The boards inside are PC/104 sized (3.550 x 3.775 inches, 90mm x 96mm) and ship inside a gold-zinc plated industrial enclosure with an anti-skid bottom. The enclosure is silk-screened with diagrammatic connector pin identification and pin assignments to easily reference and make all signal connections. A DIN rail mounting provision and extended temperature is available for installation in industrial environments.

The boards feature 18 standard analog voltage input ranges (independently configured) and include a data sample buffer.

Analog to digital conversion starts or “A/D starts” are issued one of three ways: Software Start, Timer Start, or External Trigger Start. A/D starts are software configured to be either rising or falling edge. Additionally, A/D starts are software configured to be Single Channel or Scan. Single Channel samples data once from the next consecutive channel within the enabled set. A Scan samples data from all channels within the set at the fastest possible rate.

A fully programmable 8254 16-bit counter is provided with a maximum input frequency of 10MHz. The clock, gate (inputs) and output can be accessed externally for extended functionality. The counter can be configured in a variety of modes and has the ability to use external signals for its inputs.

Calibration

Advanced calibration models feature a unique real-time internal autocalibration system that allows the card to compensate for offset/gain errors, giving a more accurate reading. To minimize noise, the board offers a technique called oversampling. Additionally, each channel contains its own analog ground pin on the I/O connector which is helpful in reducing noise from external signal sources. The channel-by-channel programmable gain feature enables measurement of an assortment of large and small signals in one scan—all under software control at up to 500kHz. The board’s data buffer and ability to trigger the A/D in real time assures synchronized sampling that is unaffected by other computer operations—an essential requirement for signal, vibration and transient analysis where high data rates must be sustained for short periods of time. More information regarding calibration can be found in the product manual.

Each board shipped from ACCES is factory calibrated as part of the production process using a high-quality 7 digit digital voltmeter (DVM) and an extremely stable voltage reference.

OEM USB/104 Form Factor

The OEM (boards only) version is perfect for a variety of embedded applications. What makes the OEM option unique is that the 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 enclosures or systems. The board can be added to any PC/104-based stack by connecting it to a USB 2.0 port usually 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. The DAQ-PACK M Series OEM boards can also be installed using standoffs inside other enclosures or systems. For embedded OEM type applications, an additional micro-fit USB input header is provided in parallel with the type B connector.

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 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 in parallel with the type B connector.

Applications

• Equipment monitoring
• Environmental measurements
• Embedded OEM
• Education/Laboratory7
• Portable
• Industrial Automation
• Precision Measurement
• Analysis, Monitoring, and Control

Accessories

Available accessories include a wide variety of cables and screw terminal boards for quick and easy-to-use, out of the box, connectivity. Also, a DIN rail mounting provision and gold-zinc mounting plate is available for panel mounting.

Need more isolation?

Isolate your I/O with our USB-ISOLATOR accessory! Tru-Iso™ signal isolation up to 4kV meets EN60601 standards in a rugged industrial-grade, extended temp (-40 to +85°C) package — no connection to power needed! Use with our 1-foot USB cable and avoid tangles. OEM version available, featuring picoblade microfit headers for hassle-free embedded cabling.