© National Instruments Corporation
1-1 PC-DIO-24 User Manual
Chapter 1
Introduction

This chapter describes the PC-DIO-96, lists what you need to get started, describes software
programming choices, optional equipment, and custom cables, and explains how to unpack the
PC-DIO-96.

About the PC-DIO-96

Thank you for purchasing the National Instruments PC-DIO-96. The PC-DIO-96 is a 96-bit,
parallel, digital, I/O interface for the PC. Four 82C55A PPI chips control the 96 bits of digital
I/O. The 82C55A can operate in either a unidirectional or bidirectional mode and can generate
interrupt requests to the host computer. The 82C55A can be programmed for almost any 8-bit or
16-bit digital I/O application. All digital I/O is through a standard, 100-pin, male connector.
The PC-DIO-96 can be used in a wide range of digital I/O applications. With the PC-DIO-96,
any PC can be interfaced to any of the following:
• Other computers
-Another PC with a National Instruments PC-DIO-96, PC-DIO-24, or AT -DIO-32F
-IBM Personal System/2 with a National Instruments MC-DIO-24 or MC-DIO-32F
-Macintosh II with a National Instruments NB-DIO-24 or NB-DIO-32F
-Any other computer with an 8-bit or 16-bit parallel interface
• Centronics-compatible printers and plotters
•Panel meters
• Instruments and test equipment with BCD readouts and/or controls
•Opto-isolated, solid-state relays and I/O module mounting racks
Note: The PC-DIO-96 cannot sink sufficient current to drive the SSR-OAC -5 and
SSR-OAC-5A output modules. However, it can drive the SSR-ODC-5 output module
and all SSR input modules available from National Instruments.
If you need to drive a SSR-OAC-5 or SSR-OAC-5A, you can either use a non-inverting
digital buffer chip between the PC-DIO-96 and the SSR backplane, or you can use a
DIO-23F or MIO Series board with appropriate connections (e.g., SC-205X and
cables).
With the PC-DIO-96, a PC can serve as a digital I/O system controller for laboratory testing,
production testing, and industrial process monitoring and control.
Detailed specifications of the PC-DIO-96 are in Appendix A, Specifications .