USB-2500 Series
High-Speed Multifunction DAQ Boards
Features• 8 to 64 analog inputs• 16-bit resolution• Up to 4 analog ­outputs• 4 thermocouple inputs• 24 digital I/O• 4 counter inputs withquadrature encoding support• 4 thermocouple inputs• 1 MS/s sample rate
• Synchronous scanning• Low-latency setpoint control
mode

The USB-2500 Series boards are high-Speed Multifunction DAQ Boards designed for OEM
and embedded applications• Designed for OEM andembedded applications

Supported Operating Systems− Windows 11/10/8/7/Vista®/
XP 32/64-bit

Overview
The USB-2500 Series offers high-speed, multifunction data a­ cquisition in a
low-cost, board-only design.
Each board offers synchronous and concurrent voltage input, temperature
input, waveform output, counter input, quadrature encoder input, timer
output, and ­d igital I/O.
Everything necessary to begin acquiring, v­ iewing, and storing data is included
with the USB-2500 Series, including comprehensive software ­s upport.
USB-2500 Series devices feature a
16-bit/1 MHz A/D converter, up to
64 analog inputs, up to four 16-bit, 1 MHz
analog outputs, 24 high-speed digital I/O,
2 timer ­outputs, and four 32-bit counters.
All analog I/O, digital I/O, and counter/timer I/O can operate synchronously and­simultaneously, guaranteeing d­ eterministic
I/O among all signal types.

Unique to the USB-2500 Series is a lowlatency, highly deterministic control
output mode that operates independentof the PC. In this mode digital, analog,
and timer outputs can respond to analog, digital, and counter inputs as fastas 2 µs; at least 1,000 times faster thanother products that rely on the PC for
decision making.

Analog Input
The USB-2500 Series has a 16-bit,
1 MHz A/D coupled with 16 single-ended,
8 differential analog inputs (USB-2523
and USB-2527 models), or 64 singleended/32 differential analog inputs(USB-2533 and USB-2537 models).
The analog input ranges are software
configurable. Each channel can be configured for a different range, as well as
for single-ended or d
­ ifferential bipolar
input, or thermocouple ­input.
Four of the analog inputs can be configured to measure thermocouples. Built-in
cold-junction sensors are provided foreach of the screw-terminal connectors,
and any TC type can be attached to any
channel.

USB-2500 Series Selection Chart
Analog Inputs

Analog Outputs

DIO

Counters

TimersUSB-2523

16 SE/8 DIFF

0

24

4

2

USB-2527

16 SE/8 DIFF

4

24

4

2

USB-2533

64 SE/32 DIFF

0

24

4

2

USB-2537

64 SE/32 DIFF

4

24

4

2

Note: Up to four analog inputs can be used to measure thermocouples.

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USB-2500 Series
Features
Analog Output

Pattern Generation
Two of the 8-bit ports can be used to generate a 16-bit digitalpattern at up to 1 MHz. The digital pattern can be read fromPC RAM or a file on the hard disk. Digital pattern generation isclocked using the same sources as described with analog o­ utput.

(USB-2527 and USB-2537 Only)

Four 16-bit output channels are provided, with a range of–10 V to +10 V. The maximum update rate is dependent on
several factors. Typically, with the A/D operating at full 1
MS/s rates, one analog output can be continuously updated at
1 MHz, two outputs at 500 kHz, and four outputs at
250 kHz. A program can asynchronously output a value to any of the
D/As for non-waveform applications. Each output can also be
used in a control mode, where the output level is dependent onwhether an associated analog, ­digital, or counter input is above
or below a user-specified limit ­condition.

Counter Input
Four 32-bit counters accept frequency inputs up to 20 MHz, andcan be configured in a variety of modes i­ ncluding counter, period,
pulse width, time between edges, or multi-axis q­ uadrature encoder.
Counter inputs can be read asynchronously under program control, or ­synchronously as part of an analog and digital scan groupbased either on an internal programmable timer, or an ­external
clock source. Counters used for Z-channel encoding or as mappedchannels must be read synchronously.

When used to generate waveforms, users can select from thefollowing clock sources to pace each output:•

Asynchronous internal clock: the on-board programmableclock can generate updates ranging from 1 MHz to once
every 19 hours, independent of acquisition rate.

•

Synchronous internal clock: the rate of analog output
update can be synchronized to the acquisition rate derived
from 1 MHz to once every 19 hours.

•

Asynchronous external clock: a user-­supplied external
input clock can be used to pace the D/A, entirely independent of analog inputs.

•

Synchronous external clock: a user-­supplied external input
clock can pace both the D/A and the analog input.

The counters can also be configured as mapped channels andused to gate or decrement the counter, or latch the current countto the count register.

Quadrature Encoders
Quadrature encoders with up to 2 billion pulses per revolution,
20 MHz input frequencies, and x1, x2, x4 count modes are supported. Two encoder channels are supported with only A phaseand B phase signals. One channel is supported with A phase,
B phase, and Z index signals.

A separate clock source can be configured for each output.

Timer Output

Digital I/O

Two 16-bit timer outputs can be used to generate different squarewaves with a programmable frequency range from 16 Hz to 1 MHz.

Twenty-four TTL-level digital I/O lines are provided as three 8-bit
ports. Each port programmed for input can be scanned withanalog input channels, or can be asynchronously accessed via
the PC at any time, including during the acquisition.

Synchronous I/O
The USB-2500 Series can make analog measurements and read
digital and counter inputs, while synchronously generating up
to four analog outputs as well as digital pattern outputs. Digitaland counter inputs do not affect the overall A/D rate because
they use no time slot in the scanning sequencer.

The digital inputs can be scanned either at the start of each scansequence or scanned synchronously with each analog input channel.
••

When scanned at the start of a scan, the rate is dependent
on the number of input channels and the delay period.
Example: if eight inputs are enabled with 0 delay period,
the digital inputs are scanned once per 8 µs, or 125 kHz.

Input Scanning
Several scanning modes are available to address a wide variety
of applications. The user can load the scan buffer with any
combination of analog input channels. Each channel in thescan buffer is measured sequentially at 1 µs per channel. The
user can specify that the sequence repeat immediately or after a
programmable delay. For example, in the fastest mode with a0 delay, a single a­ nalog channel can be scanned continuously at
1 MS/s; two analog channels can be scanned at 500 kS/s each;16 ­analog input c­ hannels can be scanned at 62.5 kS/s.

When scanned synchronously with the analog inputs, digital inputs are scanned synchronously with each analog input.
Using the example above, the digital inputs would be scannedat once per µs, or 1 MHz.

When no analog inputs are scanned, the digital inputs canbe scanned at a rate up to 12 MS/s.
The low-latency digital output mode allows a digital output tobe updated based on the level of an analog, digital, or counter
input. Users associate a digital output bit with a specific input,
and specifies the level of the input where the digital output
changes state. The response time is dependent on the numberof input channels being scanned; a typical range is 2 µs to 6 µs.

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The digital and counter inputs can be read synchronously with
software as part of a scan group, or asynchronously at anytime
before, during, or after an analog input scan sequence. Asynchronous mode is not deterministic as to exactly when the d­ igitalor counter input is read relative to an analog input channel.

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USB-2500 Series
Features
Output Timing

Low-Latency Setpoint Control Mode

The digital and analog outputs can be updated asynchronously
or synchronously in several modes.

The low-latency setpoint control is a synchronous output method
in which a digital, analog, or timer output is associated with any
analog, digital, or counter input. The output state or level is determined by the level or state of an associated input state or level.

In asynchronous mode, ­digital and analog outputs can be updated
at ­anytime before, during, or subsequent to an analog input
sequence. The maximum u­ pdate rate is non-­deterministic andentirely ­dependent on the PC p
­ rocessor speed, the operating
system, and ­programming ­environment.

For example, a digital output can be programmed for logic 1 when
an analog input exceeds a certain value or a frequency input exceeds
a certain rate.

With synchronous output modes, the outputs can be updated
continuously from the PC, or as the direct result of input froman analog, digital, or counter channel. When updated from thePC, the user can specify the rate by which the output is updated
in 20.83 ns intervals, and outputs are updated synchronously
at a maximum rate of 1 µs.

An output status channel can be specified in the input scansequence buffer so that users can correlate output state changes totheir respective input channels within their data buffers and files.

External Power Option

Calibration

The advantage of this mode as compared to other boards is the
response time can be in the range of 2 to 20 µs, vs. 1000 or more
microseconds when using boards from other suppliers.

The USB-2500 Series are designed with an external power connector if a user wants to power the board with the optional
PS-9V1AEPS-2500 power supply.

The USB-2500 Series is factory-calibrated using a NIST-traceablecalibration process. Specifications are guaranteed for one year.
For calibration beyond one year, return the device to the factoryfor recalibration.

The PS-9V1AEPS-2500 power supply plugs into a standard
120 VAC outlet and supplies 9 VDC, 1 A power.

The USB-2500 Series also supports field calibration so that users
can calibrate a device locally.

USB-2500 Series Block Diagram
J8
4*

2
Four 16-bit
digital-to-analog
converters*
J5

1 MHz
outputclock
8 DE/16 SE
analog input

Programmablegain amplifier

CJC
TB7

64

32

TC input,
4 channels

Analog channel
input protection

One TTL trigger input;
one analog input pacer clock

J6

MUX

A

x1,x 2,x5, x10, x20
x50, x100

A

1 MHz
input
clock

512-step
random accesschannel/gain
sequencer

Two 16-bit timer outputs

16-bit, 1 MHz
analog-to-digitalconverter

Gain & offset
amplifier

FIFO
data
bufferSequencer reset

32
Four 32-bit counter inputs

Three 8-bit
digital I/O ports

J7

Programmablesequencer
timebase
1 µs to 6 hours

USB port

A
Systemcontroller

2USB
controller

External
power

4
DC-DC
converter

24

Configurable
PLD

Configurable
EEPROM* Model USB-2527 and USB-2537 have 4 analog outputs
All digital I/O, counters,
timers, and 16 analog
inputs also available on
J3 SCSI III connector

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USB-2500 Series
Software
Software Support
The USB-2500 Series is supported by the software in the table below.
Ready-to-Run Applications
An interactive installation, configuration, and test utility for MCC hardware. Windows OS

InstaCal

InstaCal is included with the free MCC DAQ Software bundle.

TracerDAQ™ andTracerDAQ Pro

Virtual strip chart, oscilloscope, function generator, and rate generator applications used togenerate, acquire, analyze, display, and export data. Supported features may vary by hardware.
The Pro version provides enhanced features. Windows OS
TracerDAQ is included with the free MCC DAQ Software bundle.
TracerDAQ Pro is available as a purchased software download.

General-Purpose Programming Support
Universal Library(UL)

Library for developing applications in C, C++, VB, C# .Net, VB .Net, and Python.
Windows OS
The UL is included with the free MCC DAQ Software bundle.

Application-Specific Programming Support
ULx forNI LabVIEW™

DASYLab®

A comprehensive library of VIs and example programs for NI LabVIEW that is used to develop
custom applications that interact with most MCC devices. Windows OS
ULx for NI LabVIEW is included with the free MCC DAQ Software bundle.

Icon-based data acquisition, graphics, control, and analysis software that allows users to create
complex applications in minimal time without text-based programming. Windows OS
DASYLab is available as a purchased software download.

MATLAB Driver®

High-level language and interactive environment for numerical computation,
visualization, and programming. The Mathworks Data Acquisition Toolbox™ allows users toacquire data from most MCC PCI and USB devices.
Visit www.MathWorks.com for more information about the Data Acquisition Toolbox.

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USB-2500 SeriesSpecifications
Analog Input

Thermocouples

A/D converter type: Successive approximation
Resolution: 16 bit
Sample rate: 1 MHz max
Nonlinearity
Integral: ±2 LSB max
Differential: ±1 LSB max
Channels: 16 single-ended or 8 differential
Over-voltage protection: ±30 V without damage
Voltage measurement speed: 1 µs per channel
Ranges: ±10 V, ±5 V, ±2 V, ±1 V, ±0.5 V, ±0.2 V, ±0.1 V; software or sequencer
selectable on a per-channel basis
Input impedance: 10 MΩ single-ended; 20 MΩ differential
Total harmonic distortion: –80 dB, typ for ±10 V range, 1 kHz fundamental
Signal to noise and distortion: 72 dB, typ for ±10 V range, 1 kHz fundamental
Bias current: 40 pA typ (0 to 35 ˚C)Crosstalk: –67 dB typ DC to 10 kHz
Common mode rejection: –70 dB typ DC to 1 kHz
Maximum usable input voltage + common mode voltage (CMV +Vin)
Range ±10 V, ±5 V, ±2 V, ±1 V, ±0.5 V: 10.5 V max
Range ±0.2 V, ±0.1 V: 2.1 V max

TC Type

Thermocouple
range (°C)

Accuracy(±°C)

Noise typical
(±°C)

I

–200 to +760

1.7

0.2

K

–200 to +1200

1.8

0.2

T

–200 to +400

1.8

0.2

E

–270 to +650

1.7

0.2

R

–50 to +1768

4.8

1.5

S

–50 to +1768

4.7

1.5

N

–200 to +1300

2.7

0.3

B

+300 to +1400

3.0

1.0

Assumes 16384 oversampling applied, CMV = 0.0 V, 60 minute warm-up, still environment,
and 25 ˚C ambient temperature; excludes thermocouple error; TCIN = 0 °C for all types except
B (1000 ˚C), PS-9VIAEPS-2500 for External Power.

Accuracy

Voltage
Range*

Accuracy±(% of reading + % Range)
23 °C, ± °10 ±C, 1 year

Temperature Coefficient±(ppm of reading + ppm Range)/ °C–30 °C to 13 °C and 33 °C to 70 °C

Noise**(cts RMS)–10 V to 10 V

0.031% + 0.008%

14 + 82.0–5 V to 5 V

0.031% + 0.009%

14 + 93.0–2 V to 2 V

0.031% + 0.010%

14 + 102.0–1 V to 1 V

0.031% + 0.02%

14 + 123.5–500 mV to 500 mV

0.031% + 0.04%

14 + 185.5–200 mV to 200 mV

0.036% + 0.05%

14 + 128.0–100 mV to 100 mV

0.0442% + 0.10%

14 + 18

14.0* Assumes diff input single channel scan, 1 MHz scan rate, unfiltered, CMV=0.0 V, 30 min warm-up, exclusive of noise, range is +FS to –FS.
** Noise reflects 10,000 samples at 1 MHz, typical, differential short.

Analog Outputs

Digital I/OI/O channels: 24
Ports: three 8-bit; each port is programmable as input or output
Input scanning modes: Asynchronous, under program control at any time
relative to input scanning, and synchronous with input scanning
Input characteristics: 220 Ω series resistor, 20 pF to common
Logic keeper circuit: Holds the logic value to 0 or 1 with no external driver
Input protection: ±15 kV ESD clamp diodes parallel
Input levels
Low: 0 to 0.8 V
High: +2.0 V to +5.0 V
Output Levels
Low: < 0.8 V
High: >2.0 V
Output current: Output 1.0 mA per pin; sourcing more current may require a
PS-9VIAEPS-2500 power adapter option
Digital input pacing: Onboard clock, external scan clock
Digital output pacing: Onboard output scan clock (independent of input scanclock), onboard input scan clock, external output scan clock (independent of
external input scan clock, external input scan clock)
Digital input trigger sources: see “Trigger Sources and Modes” on page 6
Sampling/update rate: 4 MHz max; rates up to 12 MHz are sustainable onsome platforms.
Pattern generation output: Two of the 8-bit ports can be configured for 16-bit
pattern generation. The pattern can also be updated ­synchronously with anacquisition at up to 4 MHz.

(USB-2527 and USB-2537 only)
Analog outputs are updated synchronously relative to scanned inputs, andclocked from either an internal or external clock source. Analog outputs can also
be updated asynchronously, independent of any other scanning. Streaming fromdisk or memory is supported for continuous waveform output.
Channels: Four DAC channels – DAC0, DAC1, DAC2, DAC3
Resolution: 16 bits
Data buffer: PC-based memory
Output voltage range: ±10 V
Output current: ±1 mA max; sourcing more current (1 to 10 mA) may require a
PS-9VIAEPS-2500 power adapter option
Offset Error: ±0.0045 V max
Digital feedthrough: <10 mV when updated
DAC analog glitch: <12 mV typ at major carry
Gain Error: ±0.01%
Update rate: 1 MHz max, 19 hours min (no minimum with external clock);
resolution 20.83 ns
Settling time: 2 µs to rated accuracy
Pacer sources
Four programmable sources: Onboard D/A clock, independent of scanning
input clock; onboard scanning input clock; external D/A input clock, independent of external scanning input clock; external scanning input clock
Trigger sources: start of input scan

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USB-2500 SeriesSpecifications
Counter

Trigger Sources and Modes

Input scan trigger sources: Five, programmable
Single channel analog hardware trigger, single channel analog software trigger, external-single channel digital trigger, digital pattern trigger, counter/
totalizer trigger
Input scan trigger modes
Single channel analog hardware trigger: the first analog input channel inthe scan is the analog trigger channel.
		Input signal range: -10 to +10 V max
		Trigger level: Programmable; 12-bit resolution
		Hysteresis: Programmable; 12-bit resolution
		Latency: 350 ns typ, 1.3 µs max
		Accuracy: ±0.5% of reading, ±2 mV offset
		Noise: 2 mV RMS
Single channel analog software trigger: the first analog input channel inthe scan is the analog trigger channel.
		Input signal range: Anywhere within the range of the trigger channel
		Trigger level: programmable; 16-bit resolution
		Latency: One scan period max
External single channel digital trigger: TTL trigger input
		Input signal range: -15 V to +15 V
		Trigger level: TTL level sensitive
		Minimum pulse width: 50 ns high, 50 ns low
		Latency: One scan period max
Digital pattern triggering: 8 bit or 16 bit pattern triggering on any of thedigital ports. Programmable for trigger on equal, not equal, above, or below avalue. Individual bits can be masked for a “don’t care” condition.
		Latency: One scan period max
Counter/totalizer triggering: counter/totalizer inputs can trigger an acquisition. User can select to trigger on a frequency or on total counts that are
equal, not equal, above, or below a value, or within/outside of a window
rising/falling edge.
		Latency: One scan period max

Counter inputs can be scanned synchronously along with analog and digital scanned
inputs, based on an internal programmable timer, or an external clock source.
Each counter can be configured for counter, period, pulse width, time betweenedges, or multi-axis quadrature encoder modes.
Channels: 4 independent
Resolution: 32-bit
Input frequency: 20 MHz max
Input signal range: –5 V to +10 V
Input characteristics: 10 kΩ pull-up, ±15 kV ESD protection
Trigger level: TTL
Minimum pulse width: 25 ns high, 25 ns low
Debounce times: 16 selections from 500 ns to 25.5 ms; positive or negative edge
sensitive; glitch detect mode or debounce mode
Time-base accuracy: 50 ppm (0 to 50 ˚C)Counter read pacer: Onboard input scan clock, external input scan clock
Trigger sources: see “Trigger Sources and Modes”
Programmable mode: Counter. , Period, Pulse width, Timing, Encoder
Counter mode options: Totalize, Clear on Read, Rollover, Stop at all Fs, 16- or
32-bit, Gating On, Decrement On
Period mode options: Measure x1, 10, 100, or 1000 periods, 16- or 32-bit,time bases to choose from: 20.83 ns, 208.3 ns, 2.083 µs, 20.83 µs, any otherchannel can gate the period measurement
Pulse width mode options: 16- or 32-bit values, 4 time bases to choose
from: 20.83 ns, 208.3 ns, 2.083 µs, 20.83 µs, any other channel can gate thepulse width measurement
Timing mode options: 16- or 32-bit values, time base is selectable for20.83 ns, 208.3 ns, 2.083 µs, 20.83 µs
Encoder mode options: x1, 2, 4 options, 16- or 32-bit values, Z-channel
clearing of counter, any other channel can gate the counter

Input Sequencer

Analog, digital, and counter inputs can be scanned synchronously based on either
an internal programmable timer, or with an external clock source. Analog anddigital outputs can be synchronized to either of these clocks.
Input scan clock sources
Internal:
		 Analog channels from 1 µs to 19 hours in 20.83 ns steps
		 Digital channels and counters from 250 ns to 19 hours in 20.83 ns steps
External, TTL level input:		
		 Analog channels down to 1 µs min		 Digital channels and counters down to 250 ns min
The maximum scan clock rate is the inverse of the minimum scan period.
The minimum scan period is equal to 1 µs × the number of analog channels.
If a scan contains only digital channels, the minimum scan period is 250 ns.
Programmable parameters per scan: Channel (random order), gain
Depth: 512 locations
On-board channel-to-channel scan rate
Analog: 1 MHz max
Digital: 4 MHz with no analog channels, 1 MHz with analog channels
External input scan clock rate:
Analog: 1 MHz max
Digital: 4 MHz with no analog channels, 1 MHz with analog channels
Clock signal range
Logical zero: 0 V to 0.8 V
Logical one: 2.4 V to 5.0 V
Minimum pulse width: 50 ns high, 50 ns low

External Power

Connector: Switchcraft#RAPC-712
Power range: 6 to 16 VDC; used when the USB port supplies insufficient power
or when an ­independent power supply is desired
Over-voltage: 200 V for 10 seconds, max
An optional power supply (MCC p/n PS-9V1AEPS-2500) is required if the USB portcannot supply adequate power. USB 2.0 ports are required by USB 2.0 standards
to supply 2500 mW (nominal at 5 V, 500 mA).

Environmental

Operating temperature: –30 to +70 ˚C; Storage Temperature: -40 to +80 ˚C
Relative humidity: 0 to 95% non-condensing
Communications speed: USB 2.0 high-speed mode (480 Mbps) if available,
otherwise, USB 1.1 full-speed mode (12 Mbps)
Acquisition data buffer: 1 MSample
Vibration: MIL STD 810E Category 1 and 10

Mechanical

Dimensions (W × D): 152.4 × 150.62 mm (6.0 × 5.93 in.)
Weight: 147 g (0.32 lb)Ordering Information

Frequency/Pulse Generators

Channels: 2 x 16-bit
Output waveform: Square wave
Output rate: 1 MHz base rate divided by 1 to 65,535 (programmable)
High-level output voltage: 2.0 V min @ -1.0 mA; 2.9 V min @ –400 µA
Low-level output voltage: 0.4 V max @ 400 µA

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USB-2500 Series
Order Information
Ordering

Software also Available from MCC

Part No.

Description

Part No.

Description

USB-2523

Multifunction DAQ board with 16 analog inputs,
1 MS/s sample rate, 24 digital I/O, four counters, andfour thermocouples

TracerDAQ Pro

Out-of-the-box virtual instrument suite with strip chart,
oscilloscope, function generator, and rate generator –professional version

USB-2527

Multifunction DAQ Board with 16 analog inputs, 1 MS/s
sample rate, four analog outputs, 24 digital I/O, four 32-bit
counters, and four thermocouplesDASYLabIcon-based data acquisition, graphics, control, and analysis
softwareUSB-2533

Multifunction DAQ board with 64 analog inputs, 1 MS/s
sample rate, 24 digital I/O, four 32-bit counters, andfour thermocouples

USB-2537

Multifunction DAQ board with 64 analog inputs, 1 MS/s
sample rate, four 16-bit 1 MS/s analog outputs, 24 digital
I/O, four 32-bit counters, and four thermocouples

Accessories and Cables
Part No.

Description

TB-100Termination board with screw-terminals; connects via a
CA-68-3R, CA-68-3S, or CA-68-6S cable.

TB-101

Termination board with screw terminals; mates directlywith the board, and includes mounting stand-offs.

PS-9VIAEPS-2500

90 to 264 VAC External power supply.
Requires CA-1 (US) or CA-216 (EU) cable.

CA-1

Required cable for use with PS-9VIAEPS-2500. US version

CA-216

Required cable for use with PS-9VIAEPS-2500. EU version

CA-68-3R

68-conductor ribbon expansion cable for connection to
the TB-100.

CA-68-3S,
CA-68-6S

68-conductor shielded cable for connection to the
TB-100.

CA-248Ribbon cable, 40-pin header to 37-pin DSUB.

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