PCI Mezzanine Card Module provides up to 10 counter/timers.

Press Release Summary:




Series PMC480 features high channel density to conserve PMC slots on VMEbus and CompactPCI(TM) boards by processing more I/O functions from single card. Counter/timer modes offer support for internal/external triggering, while quadrature measurement supports X1, X2, X4, and index pulse decoding. Model PMC482 has ten 16-bit counters with TTL interface, PMC483 has four 16-bit TTL counters and four 32-bit RS422 counters, and PMC484 provides six 32-bit RS422 counters.



Original Press Release:



PMC Module Provides Ten Counter/Timers for Quadrature and Many Other I/O Functions to Use Fewer Card Slots.



Acromag's PMC480 counter/timer modules feature high channel density to conserve precious PMC slots on VMEbus and CompactPCI(TM) boards by processing more I/O functions from a single card.

Wixom, MI: Acromag's new PMC480 series of PCI mezzanine card (PMC) modules offers several models with up to ten quadrature/counter/timer channels. Configurations are available with 16 or 32-bit counters and TTL or RS422 interfaces. The counter/timers can be used for counting events, generating waveform control signals, measuring pulse-widths or periodic rates, and other process monitoring operations. Quadrature measurement is supports X1, X2, X4 and index pulse decoding. With more channels on a single card that plugs into PMC slots on VMEbus or CompactPCI(TM) CPU boards, computer developers can use fewer boards to perform many I/O functions which greatly reduces the cost of their systems. The standard models are priced at $800 with extended temperature models ($950) also available for operation from -40 to 85°C.

Three models provide a variety of channel configurations. The PMC482 model features ten 16-bit counters with a TTL interface. The PMC483 has a combination of four 16-bit TTL counters and four 32-bit RS422 counters. And the PMC484 module provides six 32-bit RS422 counters. For more flexibility, two 16-bit counters can be combined to form one 32-bit counter. Most of the configuration settings are handled by a single register which minimizes programming.

A broad selection of functions gives programmers plenty of freedom for system design. Available counter timer modes include event counting, quadrature position measurement, frequency measurement, period/pulse-width measurement, square wave/pulse train generation, time/period interrupter, 32-bit counter/timer, and pulse-width generation. Support for internal and external triggering simplifies synchronization to external events. Counters can use internal or external clocks.

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.

For easy integration of the PMC modules 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 IP modules 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. A Windows® DLL driver software package is also available.

The PMC mezzanine's modular format enables multiple functions and high-density I/O on a single board to lower costs and save card slots. With its rugged design, open architecture, and high performance, the PMC concept is ideal for a wide variety of I/O applications. Typical uses include data acquisition, process control, test & measurement, motion control, and network data communication.

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 Topics