USB-AIO16-16F: 16 Channel, Multifunction Analog Input/Output USB Module Family

Description

16 Channel, USB Multifunction Analog Input/Output Module Family

The USB-AIO Series 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. These units are USB 2.0 high-speed devices, offering the highest speed available on the USB 2.0 bus. The USB-AIO16-16F is a 16-bit resolution A/D board capable of speeds up to 1MHz (in real-time operating systems) for its 16 single-ended (16 pseudo-differential optional) or 8 differential analog inputs. Each channel can be independently software configured to accept 8 different input ranges. A unique, real-time internal calibration system allows the card to continually compensate for offset/gain errors giving a more accurate reading. Additional features include 16 digital I/O lines and 0, 2, or 4 analog outputs. The unit is plug-and-play allowing a quick connection whenever you need additional I/O on the convenience of a USB port.

These small, compact, multifunction I/O units provide the user with everything needed to start acquiring, measuring, analyzing, and monitoring in a variety of applications. The USB-AIO Series data acquisition boards 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 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.

The boards feature eight standard analog voltage input ranges (independently configured), two factory current input ranges (4-20mA or 10-50mA) 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.

Firmware 2.0 Features

Onboard Watchdog Timer. If your application fails to communicate with the device within a specified timeout period (up to hundreds of seconds) the onboard intelligence will change all the output ports and values to the configured “safe” state.

Need a DAC to power up at 1 Volt? Want the digital output port to generate a square wave as soon as the firmware is loaded? Now you can configure the power-on default states for all possible outputs.

Command the onboard intelligence to perform digital input debouncing and latching. Debouncing time constants from hundreds of microseconds to hundreds of milliseconds allows a wide variety of low-pass filtering options. Latching inputs record low- and high-going pulses that your application may otherwise have missed.

PWM allows programmable duty-cycle square wave output on any digital output. MAP is our new Matrix Mapping feature, wherein you can command the onboard intelligence to automagically copy the state of one bit onto another bit, with no computer interaction required.

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 enclosures or systems. The board can be integrated into any PC/104-based stack by simply connecting it to a USB port included on-board with embedded CPU form factors. The USB-AIO 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/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 in parallel with the type B connector.

Applications

• Equipment monitoring
• Environmental measurements
• Embedded OEM
• Education/Laboratory
• 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 connectivity. Also, a DIN rail mounting provision is available.

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.