PCI-2500 Series
PCI 16-Bit, 1 MHz Multifunction Boards
Features• Four low-cost, 16-bit, 1 MHz
multifunction PCI boards• 8 differential or 16 singleended ­analog inputs (software
selectable per ­channel)• Four 16-bit, 1 MHz analog­outputs with continuous
waveform c­ apability• 24 high speed digital I/O lines• Four 32-bit counter input
channels with quadrature
encoder capability• Ultra low-latency control
output capability (as low as
2 µs latency)• Multiple DMA channels
The PCI-2500 Series provides 1 MHz sampling, synchronous multifunction I/O, analog input
expansion capability, and extensive software support

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

Overview
The PCI-2500 Series offers high-speed, multifunction data a­ cquisition in a lowcost, board-only design.
Each board offers synchronous and concurrent voltage input, temperature input,
waveform output, counter input, quadrature encoder input, timer output, and­digital I/O.
Everything necessary to begin acquiring, ­viewing, and storing data is included
with the PCI-2500 Series, including comprehensive software ­support.
The PCI-2500 Series feature a 16-bit,
1 MHz A/D converter, 16 analog
input channels (user-expandable to64), 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 deterministic I/O timing amongst all signal types.

A high-speed, low-latency, highly deterministic control output mode operates
independent of the PC. In this mode, both
digital and analog outputs can respondto analog, digital, and counter inputs asfast as 2 µs; at least 1,000 times faster thanmost other boards that rely on the PC for
decision making.

Analog Input
The PCI-2500 Series has a 16-bit/1 MHz
A/D coupled with 16 single-ended, or 8
differential analog inputs. Seven software
programmable ranges provide inputs
from ±10 V to ±100 mV full scale*. Eachchannel can be software-configured for adifferent range, as well as for single-ended
or differential bipolar input**.

* Single-ended ±10 V range on PCI-2511** API programming can mix single-ended and­differential channels

PCI-2500 Series Selection Chart
Analog Inputs

Input Ranges

Analog Outputs

Digital I/O

Counters/Timers

PCI-2511

16 SE

1

0

24

4/2

PCI-2513

16 SE/8 DIFF

7

0

24

4/2

PCI-2515

16 SE/8 DIFF

7

2

24

4/2

PCI-2517

16 SE/8 DIFF

7

4

24

4/2

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PCI-2500 Series
Overview
Analog Output (PCI-2515/PCI-2517)

Counter Input

Two or four 16-bit, 1 MHz analog outputs are provided with an
output range of -10 V to +10 V.

Four 32-bit counters accept frequency inputs up to 20 MHz,and can be configured in a variety of modes i­ ncluding counter,
period, pulse width, time between edges, or multi-axis q­ uadrature
encoder.

With Bus Mastering DMA, each D/A output can continuously
output a waveform at up to 1 MHz and read from PC RAM ora file on the hard disk. In addition, a program can asynchronously output a value to any D/A channels for non-waveform
applications. Each analog output can also be used in a control
mode, where their output level is dependent on whether anassociated analog, digital or counter input is above or below auser-specified condition.

Counter inputs can be read asynchronously under program
control, or s­ynchronously as part of an analog and digitalscan group based either on an internal programmable timer or­external clock source.
Counter channels can be combined to implement Z-channel
encoding functions and gating functions. When configured
together in this way the channels must be read synchronously.

When generating waveforms, the following clock sources canpace each output:•

Asynchronous internal clock: The on-board programmable clock can generate updates ranging from once every
19 hours to 1 MHz, independent of any 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.

Quadrature Encoders
Quadrature encoders generating pulse rates up to 20 MHz andx1, x2, x4 count modes are supported. Two encoder channels aresupported with only A phase and B phase signals. One channel
is supported with A phase, B phase, and Z index signals.

Timer Output
Two 16-bit timer outputs can generate different square waves
with a programmable frequency range from 16 Hz to 1 MHz.

Synchronous I/O
The PCI-2500 Series can synchronously read analog, digital,and counter inputs while generating analog outputs and digitalpattern outputs.

Digital I/O
Twenty four TTL-level digital I/O lines are included. Digital I/O
can be programmed in 8-bit groups as either inputs or outputs.

Digital and counter inputs do not affect the overall A/D rate
because they use no time slot in the scanning sequencer.

Digital inputs and outputs can be scanned synchronously withother inputs and outputs, and can be controlled by other inputs;
see “Scanning Modes” for more information.

Scanning Modes
Input Scanning

Digital Input

Several scanning modes are available. The user can load the scanbuffer with any combination of analog input channels. Each channel in the scan 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.

Digital inputs can be read asynchronously before, during, orafter an analog input scan.
Ports programmed as inputs can be part of the scan group andscanned along with analog input channels, or can be asynchronously accessed via the PC at any time, including when ascanned acquisition is occurring.

Digital Output and Pattern Generation

The digital and counter inputs can be read synchronously with
software as part of a scan group, or asynchronously at any time
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.

Digital outputs can be updated asynchronously at any time
before, during or after an acquisition. Each output bit can beused in a control mode, where the output state is dependent onwhether an associated analog, digital or counter input is above
or below a user-specified condition.

Output Scanning

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
can be clocked using the internal clock (PCI-2511/PCI-2513) orwith the same sources described with analog o­ utput (PCI-2515/
PCI-2517).
Measurement Computing(508) 946-5100

The digital and analog outputs can be updated asynchronously
at any time before, during, or subsequent to an analog input
sequence, or updated continuously from the PC, or as the direct
result of input from an analog, digital, or counter channel.

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PCI-2500 Series
Software
Software Support
The PCI-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) 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.

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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PCI-2500 SeriesSpecifications
Two or four 16-bit digital-to-analog
converters; not included on
PCI-2513 or PCI-2511

x1, 2, 5, 10
Programmablegain amplifier
x20, 50, 100*MUXDAC OUT16

ANALOG IN

16-bit, 1 MHz
analog-to-digitalconverter

Input
protection

ANALOGCONTROL

2

One TTL trigger input;
One analog input pacer clock

DIGITALCONTROL

6

Four 32-bit counter inputs;
Two 16-bit timer outputs

DIGITAL I/O

24

Three 8-bit digital I/O ports

A

A

1 MHz
input clock

512-step
random accesschannel/gain
sequencer

FIFO
data
bufferSequencer reset
Programmablesequencer timebase
1 µs to 24 hours foranalog channels and83.33 ns to 24 hours
for digital channels

A

68-pin SCSI
connector

Systemcontroller

Configurable
PLD* PCI-2511 has ±10 V input range only

Specifications

PC (PCI) Bus

Four 16-bit
digital-to-analog
converters

SIGNAL
I/O

8 DE/16 SE
analog input

1 MHz
outputclock

PCI
controller

Configurable
EEPROM

32-bitdata andaddress bus

Analog Inputs

Channels: 16 single-ended or 8 differential, programmable on a per channel
basis as single-ended or differential, except for PCI-2511 which is limited to
16 single-ended analog inputs
Over-Voltage Protection: ±30 V without damage
Ranges: Software or sequencer selectable on a per channel basis, ±10 V, ±5 V, ±2 V,±1 V, ±0.5 V, ±0.2 V, ±0.1 V, except for PCI-2511 which has a fixed range of ±10 V
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 ˚C to 35 ˚C)Crosstalk: -67 dB typ DC to 10 kHz
Common Mode Rejection: -70 dB typ DC to 1 kHz

GeneralPower Consumption (per board): 3 W
Operating Temperature: 0 ˚C to +60 ˚C
PCI Bus: PCI r2.2 compliant, universal 3.3 V/5 V signaling support, compatible
with PCI-X
Storage Temperature: -40 ˚C to +80 ˚C
Relative Humidity: 0 to 95% non-condensing
Vibration: MIL STD 810E cat 1 and 10
Signal I/O Connector: 68-pin standard “SCSI Type III” female connector
Dimensions: 165 mm W x 15 mm x 108 mm H (6.5” x 0.6” x 4.2”)
Weight: 160 g (0.35 lbs)

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 + 8

1.5–5 V to 5 V

0.031% + 0.009%

14 + 92.0–2 V to 2 V

0.031% + 0.010%

14 + 102.0–1 V to 1 V

0.031% + 0.02%

14 + 122.5–500 mV to 500 mV

0.031% + 0.04%

14 + 184.0–200 mV to 200 mV

0.036% + 0.075%

14 + 125.0–100 mV to 100 mV

0.0442% + 0.15%

14 + 18

9.0* Assumes diff input single channel scan, 1 MHz scan rate, unfiltered, CMV=0.0 V, 30 min warm-up, exclusive of noise** Noise reflects 10,000 samples at 1 MHz, typical, differential short, using , CA-68-3S cable.
Note: PCI-2511 is single-ended only, 0.040% + 0.010% accuracy, 14 + 8 temperature coefficient, 2.0 noise.
Type: Successive approximation
Resolution: 16 bit
Maximum Sample Rate: 1 MHz
Nonlinearity (Integral): ±2 LSB max
Nonlinearity (Differential): ±1 LSB max

Maximum Usable Input Voltage+ Common Mode Voltage
RangesMaximum (CMV + Vin)

5, 10 V

10,5 V

0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2 V

6.0 V

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PCI-2500 SeriesSpecifications
Input Sequencer

Output Voltage Range: ±10 V
Output Current: ±10 mA
Offset Error: ±0.0045 V max
Digital Feedthrough: <10 mV when updated
DAC Analog Glitch: <12 mV typical 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
Clock Sources: 4, programmable
On-board 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

Analog, digital, and frequency inputs can be scanned synchronously, based oneither an internal programmable timer, or an external clock source. Analog anddigital outputs can be synchronized to either of these clocks.
Input Scan Clock Sources: The maximum scan clock rate is the inverse of theminimum scan period. The minimum scan period is equal to 1 µs times thenumber of analog channels. If a scan contains only digital channels, theminimum scan period is 250 ns. Some platforms can sustain scan rates of up
to 83.33 ns for digital-only scans.
Internal
		 Analog channels from 1 µs to 1 sec in 20.83 ns steps
		 Digital channels and counters from 250 ns to 1 sec 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
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 if no analog channels are enabled, 1 MHz with analog channels
enabledExternal Input Scan Clock Maximum Rate:
Analog: 1 MHz max
Digital: 4 MHz if no analog channels are enabled, 1 MHz with analog channels
enabledClock 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

Digital I/O

Channels: 24
Ports: 3 x 8-bit, each port is programmable as input or output
Input Scanning Modes: two; programmable
1. Asynchronous, under program control at any time relative to input scanning
2. Synchronous with input scanning
Input Characteristics: 10 kΩ pull up to +5 V, 20 pF to common
Input Protection: ±15 kV ESD clamp diodes
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 Characteristics: Output 12 mA per pin, 200 mA total continuous
Sampling/Update Rate: 4 MHz max; rates up to 12 MHz are sustainable on some
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.

Trigger Sources and Modes

Input Scan Trigger Sources
Single channel analog hardware trigger, single channel analog software trigger,
external single channel digital trigger (TTL TRG input), digital pattern trigger,
counter/totalizer trigger
Input Scan Triggering 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)
		Latency: 350 ns typ, 1.3 µs max
		Accuracy: ±0.5% of reading, ±2 mV offset max
		Noise: 2 mV RMS typ
Single-Channel Analog Software Trigger: The first analog input channel inthe scan is the analog trigger channel.
		Input Signal Range: Anywhere within range of the selected 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 max
		Trigger Level: TTL-level sensitive
		Minimum Pulse Width: 50 ns high, 50 ns low
		Latency: one scan period max
Digital Pattern Triggering: 8- or 16-bit pattern triggering on any of the digital
input ports. Programmable for trigger on equal, not equal, above or below avalue. Individual bits can be masked for “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 or outside of a window rising or
falling edge.
		Latency: One scan period max

Counter

Each of the four high speed, 32-bit counter channels can be configured for counter,
period, pulse width, time between edges, or multi-axis quadrature encoder modes.
Counter inputs can be scanned synchronously along with analog and digital scanned
inputs, based on an internal programmable timer, or an external clock source.
Channels: 4 x 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: 30 ppm (0 ˚C to 50 ˚C)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, timebases to choose from: 20.83 ns, 208.3 ns, 2.083 µs, 20.83 µs, any other channel
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 the pulse
width measurement
Timing mode options: 16- or 32-bit values, time base is selectable for 20.83 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
Power Available for Encoders: 5 V @ 500 mA max
Multi-axis Quadrature Encoder Inputs:
1 channel with A (phase), B (phase), and Z (index)
2 channels with A (phase) and B (phase)x1, x2, and x4 count modes
Single-ended TTL

Analog Outputs (PCI-2515 and PCI-2517 only)

Analog output channels are updated synchronously relative to scanned inputs, andclocked from either an internal on-board clock, or an external clock source. Analog
outputs can also be updated asynchronously, independent of any other scanningin the system. Bus mastering DMA provides CPU and system-independent datatransfers, ensuring accurate outputs that are irrespective of other system activities. Streaming from disk or memory is supported, allowing continuous waveform
outputs (limited only by available PC system resources).
Channels: 2 (PCI-2515); 4 (PCI-2517)
Resolution: 16 bits
Data Buffer: PC-based memory

Measurement Computing(508) 946-5100

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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PCI-2500 Series
Ordering
Order Information

Accessories and Cables

HardwarePart No.

Description

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

RM-TB-100

Rack-mount kit, 19 in., for TB-100

Part No.

Description

PCI-2511

Multifunction DAQ board with 16 single-ended analog
inputs, 1 MS/s sample rate, 24 digital I/O, and four counters

DBK215

PCI-2513

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

BNC termination module with 16 BNC connectors andinternal screw terminal connections

CA-68-3R

PCI-2515

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

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.

PCI-2517

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

PCI-2500 Series board attached to a TB-100 terminal board. The
TB-100 provides access to all signal I/O. The TB-100 can be panelor rack mounted using the optional RM-TB-100 rack mount.

PCI-2500 Series board attached to a DBK215 BNC and screw-terminal
module. The DBK215 provides 16 BNC connectors plus internalscrew-terminal connections.

Software also Available from MCC
Part 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
softwareMeasurement Computing
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