Analog Input Boards suit industrial compactPCI computers.
Press Release Summary:
Models APC341 and AcPC341 have eight 14-bit A/D converters for simultaneous sampling of channels. Suited for desktop PCI and CompactPCI computers, models offer 16 differential input channels with ±10 Vdc range grouped in two 8-channel banks. A/D converters scan channels in 8 µS or 125 KHz. Units are equipped with 512-sample memory buffers, data tagging, and interrupt support. Programmable scan control provides 2 modes of operation: continuous scanning or single cycle.
Original Press Release:
New PCI and CompactPCI® Analog Input Boards Perform Simultaneous A/D Conversion of an Eight Channel Group.
New APC341 and AcPC341 for desktop PCI or industrial CompactPCI computers have eight 14-bit A/D converters for simultaneous sampling of channels in high-speed data acquisition applications.
Acromag's new analog input boards, the APC341 for desktop PCI and AcPC341 for CompactPCI, have eight 14-bit A/D converters that can sample channels simultaneously. Both boards have 16 differential input channels with a ±10V DC range that are grouped in two eight-channel banks. Each A/D converter can scan a channel in just 8µS or 125KHz. Scanning eight channels simultaneously, the boards can sample one million channels per second for a 1MHz overall throughput rate. Two generous 512-sample memory buffers hold plenty of data to minimize how often the CPU needs to read the data. Data tagging enables easy channel identification.
Scanning up to eight channels at the same time enables a simultaneous comparison of various measurements. Typical applications involve taking measurements of some physical property in multiple locations at the precise time an event occurs or measuring different variables such as pressure, temperature, velocity, strain, and other properties concurrently as a process proceeds.
Flexible configuration options offer extensive control over the conversion process. Programmable scan control allows users to define which channels, or bank of channels, shall be sampled. Two modes offer a choice of continuous scanning or a single cycle for each trigger. A programmable interval timer controls the scanning frequency. External trigger inputs and outputs are also supported. And to maintain optimal accuracy, precision calibration voltages are stored on-board.
Interrupt support adds further control. A user-defined memory threshold value can be set to generate an interrupt when the data buffer fills to a certain capacity.
These boards are ideal for manufacturing, defense (COTS), aerospace, and scientific applications. The CompactPCI version of this board offers a more rugged Eurocard format in a 3U size for use in a card cage enclosure with easy board insertion and removal. High channel density helps preserve the limited backplane slots. The PCI version is well suited to desktop computers in laboratories, industrial computers common in manufacturing plants, or embedded systems in machinery or other devices.
For easy integration of the boards with Windows® 95/98/ME and NT/2000 applications, Acromag developed an ActiveX® (OLE) controls software package. ActiveX controls are object-based software components that function as drivers to interface the I/O boards with compatible software development programs such as Microsoft® Visual C++(TM), and Visual Basic. ActiveX controls can also link I/O data to Human Machine Interface (HMI) process control applications, Microsoft Office® products such as Excel® and Access®, as well as many other desktop applications used to display and record data.
For connectivity with real time software application programs, Acromag offers C libraries for VxWorks®, QNX®, and other operating systems. The libraries provide generic routines (source code included) to handle reads, writes, interrupts, and other functions. Demonstration programs enable the developer to quickly exercise the I/O modules before attaching the routines to the application program. This diagnostic tool can save hours of troubleshooting and debugging.
Acromag, a multimillion dollar international corporation, has been manufacturing and developing measurement and control products for more than 45 years. They offer a complete line of embedded I/O products including bus boards, mezzanine modules, wiring accessories, and software.
For more information about Acromag products, call Inside Sales or Marketing Communications at (248) 624-1541, (800) 881-0268, FAX (248) 624-9234, or write Acromag, Inc. at P.O. Box 437, Wixom, MI 48393-7037 USA. Information is also available on the Internet at www.acromag.com.
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
