USB-AO16-16A Analog Output Module

Description

Multifunction USB modules provide 4, 8, or 16 Analog Outputs and 2 Analog Inputs

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 different output and input quantities, and resolutions.

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 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

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.

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.