USB-1208HS Series
13-Bit Multifunction High Speed DAQ DevicesFeatures• Up to 8 analog inputs• 13-bit resolution• Sample rates up to 1 MS/s
• Up to 4 analog outputs• 16 digital I/O lines• Two 32-bit counters• One timer output• USB bus powered

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

All USB-1208HS Series devices provide eight singled-ended or four differential analog inputs
at up to a 1 MS/s sampling rate, and 16 digital I/O.

• Linux®
• Android™

Overview
USB-1208HS Series devices are low-cost, 13-bit devices that offer four differential(DIFF) or eight single-ended (SE) analog inputs, 16 digital I/O channels, twocounter inputs, and one timer output. A digital trigger lets you start analog input
or output conversions.
The USB-1208HS-2AO includes two analog outputs and the USB-1208HS-4AO
includes four analog outputs.

Analog Input

Analog Output

Counter Input

Each device supports software‑selectableranges from ±5 V to ±20 V in differential
mode, and software‑selectable ranges
from ±2.5 V to ±10 V, and 0 V to 10 V
in single-ended mode.

The USB-1208HS-2AO provides two 12-bit
analog outputs, and the USB-1208HS-4AOprovides four 12-bit analog outputs. Theoutput range is ±10 V. Each output canupdate at a maximum rate of 1 MS/s.

Each device supports two 32-bit TTL-levelcounters that accept frequency inputs ofup to 20 MHz.

Sample RateDigital I/O

USB-1208HS Series devices include a pulse
width modulation (PWM) timer output
with a software-selectable frequency range
up to 20 MHz.

USB-1208HS Series devices can sample
at a maximum of 1 MS/s in hardwarepaced mode.

External Clock I/OEach device has an external clock input
terminal that supports input signals up
to 1 MHz to pace A/D conversions froman external source.

Users can program each of the 16 TTL-level
digital I/O lines for either input or output.
Each USB-1208HS Series device has a userconfigurable internal jumper to configure
the digital bits for pull-up or pull‑down(default).

The USB-1208HS-2AO/USB-1208HS-4AO
also have an external clock input terminalthat supports input signals up to 1 MHz topace D/A conversions from an externalsource.
Each device has a clock output terminal
to output the A/D sampling clock. The
USB-1208HS-2AO/USB-1208HS-4AO also
have a clock output terminal to output
the D/A sampling clock.
Measurement Computing

Timer Output

Calibration
USB-1208HS Series devices are factorycalibrated using a NIST-traceable calibra‑tion process. Specifications are guaranteed
for one year. For calibration beyond oneyear, return the device to the factory forrecalibration.

USB-1208HS Series Selection Chart
ModelAnalog Inputs

Sampling Rate

Analog Outputs Digital I/O Counters

USB-1208HS

8 SE/4 DIFFUp to 1 MS/s

0162

USB-1208HS-2AO

8 SE/4 DIFF

Up to 1 MS/s

2162

USB-1208HS-4AO

8 SE/4 DIFF

Up to 1 MS/s

4162

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USB-1208HS Series
Software
Software Support
USB-1208HS Series devices are supported by the software in the table below.
Ready-to-Run Applications
Data acquisition companion software with drag‑and‑drop interface that is used to acquire,view, and log data, and generate signals. DAQami can be configured to log analog, digital, andcounter channels, and to view that data in real‑time or post‑acquisition on user‑configurable
displays. Logged data can be exported for use in Excel® or MATLAB®. Windows OS

DAQami™

DAQami is included with the free MCC DAQ Software bundle.

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) for Windows

Library for developing applications in C, C++, VB, C# .Net, VB .Net, and Python on Windows.
The UL for Windows is included with the free MCC DAQ Software bundle.
The UL Python API for Windows is available on GitHub (https://github.com/mccdaq/mcculw).

Library for developing applications in C, C++, and Python on Linux.
UL for Linux is available on GitHub (https://github.com/mccdaq/uldaq).

UL for Linux®

Open-source, third-party Linux drivers are also available for supported MCC devices.

UL for Android™

Library of Java classes for programmers who develop apps for Android-based mobile devices.
UL for Android communicates with select MCC DAQ devices. Supports Android project devel‑
opment on Windows, Linux, Mac OS X.
UL for Android is included with the free MCC DAQ Software bundle.

Application-Specific Programming Support
ULx forNI LabVIEW™

DASYLab®

MATLAB® driver

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. An evaluation version is available for28 days.
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-1208HS SeriesSpecifications
USB-1208HS Series Block Diagram
2.5625 V
Reference

5.125 V
Reference
5.40 V Supply

USB-1208HS-2AO (2 DACs) andUSB-1208HS-4AO (4 DACs) only
12-bit dual D/A
DAC7553
SPI

13-bit 1 MS
8-channel A/D

8Mux

PGA

A/D

SPI

12-bit dual D/A
DAC7553
SPI

DIO
Protection+16.5 V- 16.5 V
1.2 V
3.3 V
5VPowerSupplies

FIFOBus

D+/D-USB

3.3 V
Always On
ENABLEs

D/AAmpD/AAmpD/AAmp

TriggerA/D Clock In
A/D Clock Out
D/A Clock In
D/A Clock Out
Counter In 0
Counter In 1
Timer Out

BitwiseProgrammable
DIO

VBUS
(5 V)

Amp

Registers

FPGA8

D/A

Registers

BitwiseProgrammable
DIO

Data
Bus

DIO
Protection

8ClockMicrocontroller with
High-Speed
USB 2.0
Compliant Interface

EEPROM

Specifications

Sample rate: 1 S/s to 1 MS/s, software-selectable
Sample clock source: Internal A/D clock or AICKI
Burst mode: Software-selectable, burst rate = 1 µs
Throughput
Software-paced: 33 S/s to 4000 S/s typ, system-dependent
Hardware-paced: 1 MS/s max
Resolution: 13 bits
A/D no missing codes (uncalibrated)
DIFF mode: 13 bits
SE mode: 12 bits
CMRR: 60 Hz, 74 dB typ
CrosstalkSE mode (all ranges, 250 kHz input signal): –62 dB typ
DIFF mode (all ranges, 250 kHz input signal): –78 dB typ

GeneralEnvironment
Operating temperature range: 0 °C to 50 °C
Storage temperature range: –40 °C to 85 °C
Humidity: 0% to 90% non-condensing
Communications: USB 2.0 (high-speed)
Acquisition data buffer: 4 kS
Vibration: MIL STD 810E Category 1 and 10Signal I/O connector: 2 banks of screw-terminal blocks
Dimensions (L × W × H): 127.00 × 88.90 × 35.56 mm (5.00 × 3.50 × 1.40 in.)
Weight: 431 g (0.95 lb)

Analog Input

A/D converter: Successive approximation type
Input ranges: Software‑selectable per channel
DIFF: ±20 V, ±10 V, ±5 V (the voltage level on each individual AIN input islimited to ±14 V.)
SE: ±10 V, ±5 V, ±2.5 V, 0 – 10 V
Number of channels: 4 DIFF/8 SE (software-selectable)
Input configuration: Multiplexed
Channel gain queue: 8 unique consecutive elements, software-selectable range
for each channel
Absolute maximum input voltage: CHx IN to GND
Power on: ±25 V max
Power off: ±12 V max
Input impedance: 35 MΩ minInput bandwidth (–3 dB): All input ranges, 2 MHz typ
Input leakage current: ±250 nA typ
Input capacitance: 32 pf typOffset error drift: 5 ppm/°C typ
Gain error drift: 25 ppm/°C typMaximum working voltage (signal + common mode)±20 V: ±14 V±10 V: ±11 V±5 V: ±5.5 VMeasurement Computing(508) 946-5100

Voltage
Range

Calibrated Absolute
Accuracy (LSB)

Noise Performance*TypicalCounts

LSBrms

DIFF mode±20 V±9.55 typ, ±13.18 max

30.45

±10 V

±4.59 typ, ±6.23 max

30.45

±5 V

±2.25 typ, ±2.75 max

30.45

SE mode±10 V±5.10 typ, ±8.06 max

50.91

±5 V

±2.63 typ, ±4.03 max

50.91±2.5 V±1.59 typ, ±2.70 max

50.91

0 V to 10 V

±3.29 typ, ±5.13 max

50.91* Noise distribution is determined by gathering 50 kS with inputs tied to groundat the user connector. Samples are gathered at the max rate of 1 MS/s.

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USB-1208HS SeriesSpecifications
Terminal descriptions
AxCKI: Receives sampling clock from external source
AxCKO: Outputs internal sampling clock (D/A or A/D clock) or pulse generated
from AxCKI when in external clock mode
Input clock rate: 1 MHz max
Clock pulse width
AxCKI: 400 ns min
AxCKO: 400 ns min
Input type: Schmitt trigger, 33 Ω series resistor, 47 kΩ pull-down to ground
Schmitt trigger hysteresis: 0.4 V to 1.2 V
Input high voltage: 2.2 V min, 5.5 V absolute max
Input low voltage: 1.5 V max, –0.5 V absolute min, 0 V recommended min
Output high voltage: 4.4 V min (IOH = –50 µA), 3.76 V min (IOH = –24 mA)
Output low voltage: 0.1 V max (IOL = 50 µA), 0.44 V max (IOL = 24 mA)
Output current: ±24 mA max per terminal

Input Settling Time in µs, Typical±Full-Scale Channel Switch,Same-Range to Same-Range

Range±1 LSB±4 LSB±8 LSB±10 V

1.5

1.1

1.0±5 V

2.1

1.1

1.0

±2.5 V

2.2

1.1

1.00 V to 10 V

2.6

1.1

1.0

Analog Output (USB-1208HS-2AO/USB-1208HS-4AO Only)

D/A converter: Texas Instruments DAC7553
Number of channels
USB-1208HS-2AO: 2 independent
USB-1208HS-4AO: 4 independent
Resolution: 12 bits
Output range
Calibrated: ±10 V
Uncalibrated: ±10.2 V
Output transient: Host PC is reset, powered on, suspended, or a reset commandis issued to device.
Duration: 3 ms typ
Amplitude: 6 V p-p typ
D/A update rate
Software paced: 33 S/s to 5000 S/s typ, system‑dependent
Hardware paced: 1 MHz max (per channel)
Sample clock source: Internal D/A clock or AOCKI (AO external clock input pin)
Monotonicity: 12 bits
Output current: ±3 mA max per channel
Output short-circuit protection: Output connect to GND, unlimited duration(10 mA typ)Output coupling: DC
Power up and reset state: 0 V
Output noise: 0.53 mV rms
Settling time (to 0.05%): 20 V output step, (RL=5 kΩ, CL=200 pf), 5 µS max.
Absolute accuracy: ±0.1%
Slew rate: 6.7 V/µs typOffset error drift: 10 ppm/°C typ
Gain error drift: 65 ppm/°C typCounters

Counter terminal names: CTR0, CTR1
Counter type: Event counter
Number of channels: 2Input type: Schmitt trigger, 33 Ω series resistor, 47 kΩ pull-down to ground
Schmitt trigger hysteresis: 0.4 V to 1.2 V
Input high voltage: 2.2 V min, 5.5 V absolute max
Input low voltage: 1.5 V max, –0.5 V absolute min, 0 V recommended min
Resolution: 32 bits
Max input frequency: 20 MHz
Counter read/write rates (software paced): 33 to 8000 reads/writes
per second typ, system‑dependent
High pulse width: 25 ns min
Low pulse width: 25 ns min

TimerTimer terminal name: TMR
Timer type: PWM output with count, period, delay, and pulse width registers
Output value: Default state idle low, pulses high, software-selectable output invert
Internal clock frequency: 40 MHz
Register widths: 32 bits
High pulse width: 20 ns min
Low pulse width: 20 ns min
Output high voltage: 4.4 V min (IOH = –50 µA), 3.76 V min (IOH = –24 mA)
Output low voltage: 0.1 V max (IOL = 50 µA), 0.44 V max (IOL = 24 mA)
Output current: ±24 mA max per pin

PowerOperating modes: Bus-powered, USB 5 V supply
Supply current
Suspend mode: <2.5 mA
Enumeration: <100 mA
Run mode: <500 mA
Power consumption, excluding analog and digital outputs
Run mode		USB-1208HS: 1.05 W max (210 mA input current)		USB-1208HS-2AO: 1.125 W max (225 mA input current)		USB-1208HS-4AO: 1.175 W max (235 mA input current)
Power available for 5 V, AICKO, AOCKO, TMR, analog outputs, digital I/ORun mode		USB-1208HS: 1.45 W max		USB-1208HS-2AO: 1.375 W max		USB-1208HS-4AO: 1.325 W max
The total power consumption for all external loads must be < this value; eachload must meet the individual specification for the terminal.
Digital output power calculation: Power per output = Iout * 5 V (example: @ 24 mA,
P = 0.024 * 5 = 120 mW/output)
Analog output power calculation: Power per output = (Iout * 16.5 V)/0.78 (example:@ 3 mA, P = (0.003 * 16.5)/0.78 = 63.5 mW/output)
5 V output power calculation: Power (W) = Iout * 5 V
5 V output voltage range (assumes input power is within specified limits)
Run mode: 4.25 V min, 5.25 V max
Suspend mode, enumeration: 0 V
5 V output current
Run mode, no other output loads: 265 mA max (1.325 W)
Fuses (on USB supply): 0452.750 - Littelfuse 0.750A NANO2® Slo‑Blo® Submin‑
iature Surface Mount Fuse. Spare fuse mounted in holder on PCB.

Digital I/O

Digital type: CMOS
Number of I/O: 16
Configuration: Each bit may be configured as input (power on default) or output
Pull-up/down configuration: The port has 47 kΩ resistors; jumper configurable
Digital I/O transfer rate (system paced): 33 to 8000 port reads/writes or single-bit
reads/writes per second typ, system‑dependent
Input high voltage: 2.0 V min, 5.5 V absolute max
Input low voltage: 0.8 V max, –0.5 V absolute min, 0 V recommended min
Output high voltage: 4.4 V min (IOH = –50 µA), 3.76 V min (IOH = –24 mA)
Output low voltage: 0.1 V max (IOL = 50 µA), 0.44 V max (IOL = 24 mA)
Output current: ±24 mA max per terminal

External Scan Trigger Input

Trigger source: TRIG input (can trigger an A/D scan, a D/A scan, or both)
Trigger mode: Software-selectable for edge‑ or level‑sensitive, rising or falling edge,high or low level. Power on default is edge sensitive, rising edge.
Trigger latency: 1 µs + 1 clock cycle max
Trigger pulse width: 100 ns min
Input type: Schmitt Trigger, 33 Ω series resistor and 47 kΩ pull-down to ground
Schmitt trigger hysteresis: 0.4 V to 1.2 V
Input high voltage: 2.2 V min, 5.5 V absolute max
Input low voltage: 1.5 V max, –0.5 V absolute min, 0 V recommended minExternal Scan Clock I/O

Terminal names
USB-1208HS: AICKI, AICKO
USB-1208HS-2AO/1208HS-4AO: AICKI, AICKO, AOCKI, AOCKO
Terminal types
AxCKI: Input, active on rising edge
AxCKO: Output, power on default is 0 V, active on rising edge

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USB-1208HS Series
Ordering
Order Information

Software also Available from MCC

HardwarePart No.

Description

TracerDAQ Pro

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

DASYLabIcon-based data acquisition, graphics, control, and analysis
softwarePart No.

Description

USB-1208HS

High-speed 13-bit DAQ device with eight SE or four DIFF
analog inputs, two 32-bit external event counters, a 32-bit
PWM timer output, and 16 digital I/O lines.

USB-1208HS-2AO

High-speed 13-bit DAQ device with eight SE or four DIFF
analog inputs, two 12-bit analog outputs, two 32-bit
external event counters, a 32-bit PWM timer output, and
16 digital I/O lines.

USB-1208HS-4AO

High-speed 13-bit DAQ device with eight SE or four DIFF
analog inputs, four 12-bit analog outputs, two 32-bit
external event counters, a 32-bit PWM timer output, and
16 digital I/O lines.

Measurement Computing
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April 2018. Rev 6© Measurement Computing Corporation