
Chapter 1
Introducing the PC-CARD-DAS16/16AO
Overview: PC-CARD-DAS16/16AO features
The PC-CARD-DAS16/16AO is a data acquisition and control board for IBM PC compatible computers with PCMCIA type II slots. The PC-CARD-DAS16/16AO provides 16 single-ended or 8 differential analog inputs, 16-bit A/D resolution, two analog outputs, four digital I/O lines, and three 16-bit down counters.
The analog input range is fully programmable in one of four bipolar ranges. An on-board pacer clock, or an external pacer input, or software polling can trigger A/D conversions. Transfers are via software polling, interrupt service or REP-INSW. A 4096-word FIFO buffer provides buffering between the A/D circuit and the PCMCIA bus.
The PC-CARD-DAS16/16AO provides two single-ended 16-bit analog voltage outputs. The analog output range is ±10 V.
The four digital I/O bits are available on one 4-bit port. The digital channels are software configurable as four inputs or four outputs, and allow you to sense and control discrete events.
All signals pass through a 50-pin high-density connector. The board is completely plug-and-play, with no switches or jumpers to set.
PC-CARD-DAS16/16AO block diagram
PC-CARD-DAS16/16AO functions are illustrated in the block diagram shown here.
FIFO Buffer 4K x 8
HI_BYTE
FIFO Buffer 4K x 8
LOW_BYTE
Precision
Voltage
Reference
Programmable-Gain
Amplifier
ADC 16-bit 5 µS
A/D
Pacer
Control
/Clock
Counter/Pacer
Single-ended or differential select switching
8channel Analog MUX
8channel Analog MUX
Control, IREQ
Data Bus
Address Bus
|   |   |   |   | Controller FPGA |   | 
|   | 10 MHz |   |   |   | 
|   |   |   |   |   |   |   | 
|   | Oscillator |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | 
|   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | 
| Counter 1, 3 Out |   |   |   |   |   | 
|   |   |   |   |   | 
|   |   |   |   |   | 
|   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | 
|   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | 
|   |   | DAC | 
| Attribute Memory |   | 16-bit | 
|   |   |   |   |   | 
|   |   | DAC | 
|   |   | 16-bit | 
Pacer Control
/EXT TRIG
VREF
2
 VOUT 0
VOUT 0
 VOUT 1
VOUT 1
Figure 1. PC-CARD-DAS16/16AO functional block diagram
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