USER’S MANUAL

DaqBoard/3000USB Series

DaqBoard/3001USB, /3005USB, /3031USB,
and /3035USB

USB, 1-MHz, 16-Bit
Data Acquisition Boards
This manual includes coverage for the following connection scenarios:o CA-248 Cables with DB37 Terminationo TB-100 SCSI Screw Terminal Board
o TB-101 Daughter Boardo DBK215 BNC Module

Measurement Computing
10 Commerce Way
Norton, MA 02766*372265C-01*
372265C-01

1136-0902 rev 4.2(508) 946-5100
Fax: (508) 946-9500
info@mccdaq.com

www.mccdaq.com

ii

Warranty Information
Contact Measurement Computing by phone, fax, or e-mail in regard to warranty-related issues:
Phone: (508) 946-5100, fax: (508) 946-9500, e-mail: info@mccdaq.com

Limitation of Liability
Measurement Computing cannot be held liable for any damages resulting from the use or misuse of this product.

Copyright, Trademark, and Licensing Notice
All Measurement Computing documentation, software, and hardware are copyright with all rights reserved. No part ofthis product may be copied, reproduced or transmitted by any mechanical, photographic, electronic, or other method
without Measurement Computing’s prior written consent. IOtech product names are trademarked; other product names, asapplicable, are trademarks of their respective holders. All supplied IOtech software (including miscellaneous support
files, drivers, and sample programs) may only be used on one installation. You may make archival backup copies.

CE Notice
Many Measurement Computing products carry the CE marker indicating they comply with the safety and emissions
standards of the European Community. When applicable these products have a Declaration of Conformity stating which
specifications and operating conditions apply. You can view the Declarations of Conformity at
www.mccdaq.com/legal.aspx (CE Information page).

Warnings, Cautions, Notes, and Tips
Refer all service to qualified personnel. This caution symbol warns of possible personal injury or equipment damage
under noted conditions. Follow all safety standards of professional practice and the recommendations in this manual.
Using this equipment in ways other than described in this manual can present serious safety hazards or cause equipment
damage.
This warning symbol is used in this manual or on the equipment to warn of possible injury or death from electricalshock under noted conditions.

This ESD caution symbol urges proper handling of equipment or components sensitive to damage from electrostatic
discharge. Proper handling guidelines include the use of grounded anti-static mats and wrist straps, ESD-protective bags
and cartons, and related procedures.

This symbol indicates the message is important, but is not of a Warning or Caution category. These notes can be of great
benefit to the user, and should be read.
In this manual, the book symbol always precedes the words “Reference Note.” This type of note identifies the locationof additional information that may prove helpful. References may be made to other chapters or other documentation.
Tips provide advice that may save time during a procedure, or help to clarify an issue. Tips may include additionalreference.

Specifications and Calibration
Specifications are subject to change without notice. Significant changes will be addressed in an addendum or revision to
the manual. As applicable, the hardware is calibrated to published specifications. Periodic hardware calibration is notcovered under the warranty and must be performed by qualified personnel as specified in this manual. Improper
calibration procedures may void the warranty.

CAUTION
Using this equipment in ways other than described in this manual can cause
personal injury or equipment damage. Before setting up and using yourequipment, you should read all documentation that covers your system.
Pay special attention to Warnings and Cautions.

Note:

During software installation, Adobe® PDF versions of user manuals will automaticallyinstall onto your hard drive as a part of product support. The default location is in the
Programs group, which can be accessed from the Windows Desktop. Initial navigation
is as follows:
Start [on Desktop] ⇒ All Programs ⇒ IOtech …
Refer to the PDF documentation for information regarding hardware and software.

Table of Contents

DaqBoard/3000USB Series, Installation Guide (p/n 1033-0941)

1 – Device Overviews
Block Diagrams ….. 1-2
Connections …… 1-4
Product Features …… 1-5
Software …… 1-17

2 – Connections and Pinouts
68-Pin SCSI Connector (J3) …… 2-2
J5 and J6, 40-Pin Headers for Analog Channels …… 2-3
TB7 4-Channel Thermocouple Terminal Block …… 2-3
J7 and J8, 40-Pin Headers for Digital Ports, Counters, Timers, DACS, Triggers,
Pacer Clocks and Other Signals …… 2-4

CA-248, 40-Position Header to DB-37 Male, Ribbon Cable …… 2-5
TB-100 Terminal Connector Option …… 2-6
TB-101 Terminal Board Option …… 2-7
DBK215 16-Connector BNC Connection Module Option …… 2-11
Hardware Setups …… 2-12

3 – CE-Compliance
Overview …… 3-1
Safety Conditions …… 3-1
Emissions/Immunity Conditions …… 3-2
CE Rules of Thumb …… 3-2
Noise Considerations …… 3-3

4 – Calibration

5 – Counter Input Modes
Tips for Making High-Speed Counter Measurements ( > 1 MHz ) …… 5-1
Debounce Module …… 5-1
Terms Applicable to Counter Modes…….5-5
Counter Options …… 5-5
Counter/Totalize Mode …… 5-6
Period Mode …… 5-8
Pulsewidth Mode …… 5-11
Timing Mode …… 5-13
Encoder Mode …… 5-15

DaqBoard/3000USB Series User’s Manual

9383906 – Setpoint Configuration for Output Control
Overview …… 6-1
Detecting Input Values …… 6-3
Controlling Analog, Digital, and Timer Outputs …… 6-4
P2C, DAC, or Timer Update Latency …… 6-6
More Examples of Control Outputs …… 6-7
Detection on an Analog Input, DAC and P2C Updates …… 6-7
Detection on an Analog Input, Timer Output Updates …… 6-8
Using the Hysteresis Function …… 6-8
Using Multiple Inputs to Control One DAC Output …… 6-10

The Setpoint Status Register …… 6-11

7 – Specifications - DaqBoard/3000USB Series

Appendix A: DBK215 16-Connector BNC Connection Module

Appendix B: Signal Modes and System Noise
Signal Modes …… B-1
Connecting Thermocouples to Screw-Terminal Blocks …… B-2
Shielding …… B-3
TC Common Mode …… B-3
Cold Junction Compensation Techniques …… B-4

System Noise …… B-5
Averaging …… B-5
Analog Filtering …… B-5
Input and Source Impedance …… B-5
Crosstalk …… B-5
Floating Differential Inputs …… B-6
Oversampling and Line Cycle Rejection …… B-6

Glossary

938390

DaqBoard/3000USB Series User’s Manual

INSTALLATION GUIDE

DaqBoard/3000USB Series
USB 1-MHz, 16-Bit Data Acquisition Boards

Covers 4 Connection Scenarios:o CA-248 Cables with DB37 Terminationo TB-100 SCSI Screw Terminal Board
o TB-101 Daughter Boardo DBK215 BNC Module

DaqBoard/3001USB
DaqBoard/3005USB
DaqBoard/3031USB
DaqBoard/3035USB

DaqBoard/3000USB Series
1136-0941 rev 2.1

Measurement Computing
10 Commerce Way
Norton, MA 02766*324401C-01*
324401C-01(508) 946-5100
Fax: (508) 946-9500
info@mccdaq.com

www.mccdaq.com

IG-2

968492

DaqBoard/3000USB Series Installation GuideDaqBoard/3000USB Series Installation Guide
Contents(Step 1) Install Software …… page IG-4
(Step 2) Connect Signal Lines and Hardware ….. page IG-4
(Step 3) Start DaqView ….. page IG-16(Step 4) Configure the System ….. page IG-17(Step 5) Collect Data ….. page IG-18
Costumer Assistance ….. page IG-19
Reference Note: After you have completed the installation you should refer to the electronic
documents that were automatically installed onto your hard drive as a part of product support.
The default location is in the Programs group, which can be accessed from the Windows
Desktop.
You should keep your DaqBoard/3000USB serial number and board type, e.g., 3001USB, 3005USB, etc.,with this document. Space is provided below for recording up to 4 board numbers.
Board Type

Serial Number

Board Type

Board 1

Board 3

Board 2

Board 4

Serial Number

CAUTION
Take ESD precautions (packaging, proper handling, grounded wrist strap, etc.)
Use care to avoid touching board surfaces and onboard components. Only handle boardsby their edges (or ORBs, if applicable). Ensure boards do not come into contact withforeign elements such as oils, water, and industrial particulate.

Reference Note: Adobe PDF versions ofuser manuals automatically install onto yourhard drive as a part of product support.**The default location is in the Programsgroup, which can be accessed from theWindows Desktop. Refer to the PDF
documentation for details regarding both
hardware and software.
** Manuals can also be read directly from the

Minimum System Requirements
Monitor: SVGA, 1024 x 768 screen
resolution
Computer that meets or exceeds thefollowing: Intel™ Pentium, 1 GHz orequivalent; 10 GB disk space; USB Port,*
one of the following Microsoft® operating
systems and indicated memory (or higher):Windows XP – 128 MB memory
Windows 2000 – 128 MB memory
Windows Vista – 1 GB memory

Data Acquisition CD via the View PDFs
option on the splash screen, or from our
web site.

* USB2.0 Recommended
Power Consumption (per board):
ModelPower Consumption (Typical)*TR-2 (or TR-2U) Power Adapter*/3001USB

3000 mW

Required/3005USB

2000 mW

Optional/3031USB

3400 mW

Required/3035USB

2400 mW

Recommended*A power adapter (TR-2, or TR-2U) will be required if the USB port cannot supply adequate power. USB2 ports are, by USB2
standards, required to supply 2500 mW (nominal at 5V, 500 mA).
DaqBoard/3000USB Series Installation Guide

968492

IG-3

(1) Install Software
IMPORTANT: Software must be installed before installing hardware.
(a)Place the Data Acquisition CD into the CD-ROM drive. Wait for PC to auto-run the CD. This may
take a few moments, depending on your PC. If the CD does not auto-run, use the Desktop’sStart/Run/Browse feature and run the Setup.exe file.

(b)

After the intro-screen appears, follow the screen prompts.

(c)

After successful installation turn off the computer and proceed with the following section,
Connect Signal Lines and Hardware.

(2) Connect Signal Lines and Hardware
This section presents three examples of hardware setup. Other scenarios are possible, for example, using a
TB-100 and also using one CA-248 cable. Also note that a TR-2 [or TR-2U] power supply will be needed
when there is insufficient power from the USB port. However, you can use a TR-2 [or TR-2U] in any
scenario.
Aside from using a TR-2 [or TR-2U] if needed, another important part of the setup is to avoid making
redundant signal connections and to use approved ESD precautions. Pinouts have been included in thisinstallation guide.

CAUTION
The discharge of static electricity can damage some electronic components.
Semiconductor devices are especially susceptible to ESD damage. You should always
handle components carefully, and you should never touch connector pins or circuitcomponents unless you are following ESD guidelines in an appropriate ESD controlled
area. Such guidelines include the use of properly grounded mats and wrist straps,
ESD bags and cartons, and related procedures.

The “Power” LED (Bottom LED) blinks during device detection and initialization; thenremains on solid as long as the module has power. If there is insufficient power the
LED will go off and a TR-2 [or TR-2U] power adapter will be needed.
Note that when the board is first powered there will likely be a momentary delay
before the Power LED begins to blink, or come on solid.
If using a TR-2 [or TR-2U] be sure to supply power from it to the DaqBoard/3000USB
Series board before connecting the USB cable to the computer. This allows the USB
board to inform the host computer (upon connection of the USB cable) that the unit requires
minimal power from the computer’s USB port.

IG-4

968492

DaqBoard/3000USB Series Installation GuideDaqBoard/3000USB Series – Board Dimensions
In general, all standoffs should be used to mount the board to a metal frame.
Note 1: The standoff at this location connects to the USB chassis for shunting electrostatic discharge.
Note 2: The standoff at this location connects to the DaqBoard/3000USB board’s internal chassis plane for shunting
electrostatic discharge.

WARNING !
Avoid redundant connections. Ensure there is no signal conflict between SCSI pins
and the associated header pin (J5. J6. J7. and J8). Also ensure there is no conflict
between TB7 (thermocouple connections) and the SCSI and/or the 40-pin headers.
Failure to do so could possibly cause equipment damage and/or personal injury.

DaqBoard/3000USB Series Installation Guide

968492

IG-5

WARNING !
Turn off power to all devices connected to the system before making connections.
Electrical shock or damage to equipment can result even under low-voltage conditions.

Scenario 1: Using CA-248 Cables to obtain DB37 Connectors

In this setup a CA-248 cable is connected to each of the 40-pin headers (J5, J6, J7, and J8). The result isfour male DB37 connectors which, as can be seen from the pinouts, offer the same signal connectivity as
the SCSI connector. Note that the J6 header is dedicated entirely to analog expansion and therefore is notapplicable to /3001USB or /3005USB. As in all scenarios, a CA-179-x USB cable is used to connect the/3000USB Series board to a USB port on the host PC. USB2.0 is recommended.
If you need to find the name of your device, for example, if you are writing a custom program for multiple
devices, navigate from the Windows Desktop to the Device Manager. The navigation path is:StartÖSettingsÖControl PanelÖSystemÖHardware(Tab) ÖDevice ManagerÖDaqx PnP Devices

You will see the device listed in the format of DaqBoard/3000USB (see first figure, below).
You can change the name of the device by doing a right-click on the device name to open its properties
dialog box, then clicking on the Properties tab (see second figure). You can then change the“FriendlyName” of the device.

Locating DaqXPnP Devices

IG-6968492

Properties Dialog Box

DaqBoard/3000USB Series Installation Guide

Scenario 2: Using a TB-100

In this setup a TB-100 screw-terminal board option is connected to the 68-pin SCSI connector via a
CA-G56 shielded cable. However, the use of other cables is possible as noted below. In this example wecan also see that 4 thermocouples are connected at TB7 (on the /3000USB board). This means that 8
analog channels [to obtain 4 differential TC channels] are required (see following figure). Redundantconnections must be avoided. A CA-179-x USB cable is used to connect the /3000USB Series board toa USB port on the host PC. USB2.0 is recommended.

WARNING !
Before connecting TC wires, ensure that theassociated analog channels are not in use. Failure
to do so could possibly cause equipment damage
and/or personal injury.

The TB7 terminal block can be used to connect up to 4
thermocouples. The first TC channel makes use of Analog
Channel 0 for its positive (+) lead and Analog Channel 8 for its
negative (-) lead. The second TC channel uses analog Channels 1
and 9, and so on, as indicated in the pinout to the left.
In DaqBoard/3000USB Series applications, thermocouples should only beconnected in differential mode. Connecting thermocouples in single-ended modecan cause noise and false readings. Appendix B of the user’s manual includes
additional information.
As in all scenarios, a CA-179-x USB cable is used to connect the /3000USB Series board to a USB2.0 porton the host PC.
* Any of the following 68-conductor expansion cables can be used to connect the TB-100 option the SCSI
connector:
CA-G553 feet, ribbon cable.

CA-G56

3 feet, shielded expansion cable.

CA-G56-6

6 feet, shielded expansion cable.

DaqBoard/3000USB Series Installation Guide

968492

IG-7

Scenario 3: Using a TB-101 Terminal Board Option

In this setup a TB-101 terminal board is plugged directly into the 40-pin headers (J5, J6, J7, and J8) of the main board.
No cables are used in making this connection. “Stand-offs” are used to keep the boards from touching (instructions areprovided on the following page).
In this example 4 thermocouples are connected at TB7 (on the /3000USB board). This means that 8 analog channels[to obtain 4 differential TC channels] are required (see following figure). Redundant connections must be avoided.

WARNING !
Before connecting TC wires, ensure that the associated analog
channels are not in use. Failure to do so could possibly cause
equipment damage and/or personal injury.
The TB7 terminal block [on the DaqBoard/3000USB] can be used to connect
up to 4 thermocouples. The first TC channel makes use of Analog Channel 0
for its positive (+) lead and Analog Channel 8 for its negative (-) lead. The
second TC channel uses analog Channels 1 and 9, and so on, as indicated in
the pinout to the left.
In DaqBoard/3000USB Series applications, thermocouples should only be connected in differential
mode. Connecting thermocouples in single-ended mode can cause noise and false readings.
Appendix B of the user’s manual includes additional information.

A CA-179-x USB cable is used to connect the /3000USB Series board to a USB port on the host PC.
USB2.0 is recommended.

IG-8968492

DaqBoard/3000USB Series Installation Guide

CAUTION
The discharge of static electricity can damage some electronic components. Semiconductor
devices are especially susceptible to ESD damage. You should always handle components
carefully, and you should never touch connector pins or circuit components unless you arefollowing ESD guidelines in an appropriate ESD controlled area. Such guidelines include the useof properly grounded mats and wrist straps, ESD bags and cartons, and related procedures.

How to Mount the TB-101
Steps A through D relate to the following illustration.
A – After taking ESD precautions, remove the Hex
Nuts from the 5 existing standoffs.
B – Thread the new ST-6-7 standoffs onto the existing
standoffs. Tighten snug by hand.
C – Align the TB-101 with the new standoffs andposition the board in place.
D – Using the Hex Nuts (removed in Step A), secure
the TB-101 to the new standoffs. Tighten snug.
Over-tightening will damage the board.

Standoff Locations,
5 in Total

DaqBoard/3000USB Series Installation Guide

968492

IG-9

Scenario 4: Using a DBK215

In this setup a DBK215 BNC Module is connected to the 68-pin SCSI connector via a CA-G56 shieldedcable. However, the use of other cables is possible as noted below. In this example we can also see that 4
thermocouples are connected at TB7 (on the /3000USB board). This means that 8 analog channels [toobtain 4 differential TC channels] are required (see following figure). Redundant connections must be
avoided. A TR-2 power supply is being used, and is connected to the board’s external power connector.
A CA-179-x USB cable is used to connect the /3000USB Series board to a USB port on the host PC.
USB2.0 is recommended.

WARNING !
Before connecting TC wires, ensure that theassociated analog channels are not in use. Failure
to do so could possibly cause equipment damage
and/or personal injury.

The TB7 terminal block can be used to connect up to 4
thermocouples. The first TC channel makes use of Analog
Channel 0 for its positive (+) lead and Analog Channel 8 for its
negative (-) lead. The second TC channel uses analog Channels 1
and 9, and so on, as indicated in the pinout to the left.
In DaqBoard/3000USB Series applications, thermocouples should only beconnected in differential mode. Connecting thermocouples in single-ended modecan cause noise and false readings. Appendix B of the user’s manual includes
additional information.
As in all scenarios, a CA-179-x USB cable is used to connect the /3000USB Series board to a USB2.0 porton the host PC.
* Any of the following 68-conductor expansion cables can be used to connect the DBK215 module option
the SCSI connector:

IG-10

CA-G553 feet, ribbon cable.

CA-G56

3 feet, shielded expansion cable.

CA-G56-6

6 feet, shielded expansion cable.

968492

DaqBoard/3000USB Series Installation GuideWARNING !
Turn off power to all devices connected to the system before making connections.
Electrical shock or damage to equipment can result even under low-voltage
conditions.

CAUTION
The discharge of static electricity can damage some electronic components.
Semiconductor devices are especially susceptible to ESD damage. You should
always handle components carefully, and you should never touch connector pins or
circuit components unless you are following ESD guidelines in an appropriate ESD
controlled area. Such guidelines include the use of properly grounded mats andwrist straps, ESD bags and cartons, and related procedures.

DaqBoard/3031USB and DaqBoard/3035USB make use of J5 and J6 (two of the four 40-pin headers) for
analog expansion. Pinouts for these and the remaining two headers (J7 and J8) are included in this section.
A pinout for a 4-channel terminal board (TB7) is also included.

68-Pin SCSI
Connector

40-Pin Headers (4)(J6, J5, J8, J7)

4 Channel TC
Terminal Board

Active LED (top)Power LED (bottom)

Locations of Signal Connectors and LEDs

LEDs:

DaqBoard/3000USB Series boards have 2 LEDs located just right of the USB2 connector (seefigure). The LEDs function as follows:
Active LED (Top LED)
This LED is on whenever active USB communication is taking place between the DaqBoardand the host PC. Note that the Active LED will be on solid during a data acquisition.
Power LED (Bottom LED)
The “Power” LED blinks during device detection and initialization; then remains on solid as longas the module has power. If there is insufficient power the LED will go off and a TR-2 [or TR2U] power adapter will be needed.
Note that when the board is first powered there will likely be a momentary delay before thePower LED begins to blink, or come on solid.

DaqBoard/3000USB Series Installation Guide

968492

IG-11

68-Pin SCSI Connecter
WARNING !
Avoid redundant connections. Ensure there is no signal conflict between SCSI
pins and the associated header pin (J5. J6. J7. and J8). Also ensure there is noconflict between TB7 (thermocouple connections) and the SCSI and/or the 40pin headers. Failure to do so could possibly cause equipment damage and/or
personal injury.
Pin numbers refer to the 68-pin SCSI female connector, located on the DaqBoard.
Function

Pin

Pin

Function

Analog input Channel 8

34

68

Analog input Channel 0

Analog input Channel 1

33

67

Analog Common

Analog Common

32

66

Analog input Channel 9

Analog input Channel 103165

Analog input Channel 2

Analog input Channel 33064Analog Common

Analog Common

29

63

Analog input Channel 11

Analog input Channel 4

28

62

Low Level Sense Common

Analog Common

27

61

Analog input Channel 12

Analog input Channel 1326

60

Analog input Channel 5

Analog input Channel 62559

Analog Common

Analog Common

2458

Analog input Channel 14

Analog input Channel 15

23

57

Analog input Channel 7

Analog Output 0 (DAC0)

Note 122

56

Analog Output 3 (DAC3)

Note 1

Analog Output 1 (DAC1)

Note 1

21

55

Analog Output 2 (DAC2)

Note 1SELFCAL

20

54

Digital Common

Vcc (+5 VDC)

19

53

Digital Common

Digital I/O line A0

18

52

Digital I/O line A1

17

51

Digital I/O line A3

16

50

Digital I/O line A5

Digital I/O line A6

15

49

Digital I/O line A7

Digital I/O line B0

1448

Digital I/O line B1

13

47

Digital I/O line B3

1246

Digital I/O line B5

Digital I/O line B6

1145

Digital I/O line B7

Digital I/O line C0

10

44

Digital I/O line C1

943

Digital I/O line C3

8

42

Digital I/O line C5

Digital I/O line C6

7

41

Digital I/O line C7

TTL Trigger Input

640

Digital Common

Counter Input CTR0

539Counter Input CTR1

Counter Input CTR2

4

38Counter Input CTR3

Timer Output 0

3

37Timer Output 1

A/D Pacer Clock Input/Output

2

36

Digital Common

DAC Pacer Clock I/O

1

35

Digital Common

Digital I/O line A2
Digital I/O line A4

Digital I/O line B2
Digital I/O line B4

Digital I/O line C2
Digital I/O line C4

PORT A

PORT BPORT CPORT A

PORT BPORT C

Note 1: DaqBoard/3001USB and /3031USB each include DAC0, DAC1, DAC2, and DAC3.
DaqBoard/3005USB and /3035USB have no DACs.

IG-12

968492

DaqBoard/3000USB Series Installation Guide

J5 and J6, 40-Pin Headers for Analog Channels
Note: All channels are available for DaqBoard/3031USB and /3035USB.
Channels 16 through 63 are not available for DaqBoard/3001USB
and /3005USB.
This edge of the header is closest to
the board’s center. Note that pins 2
and 40 are labeled on the board
overlay.

Analog CH.

Pin

CH 27
CH 26

J5

Pin

Analog CH.

Analog CH.

Pin

1

2

CH 19

CH 43

3

4

CH 18

CH 35

J6

Pin

Analog CH.

1

2

CH 59

3

4

CH 51

Analog Com.

5

6

Analog Com.

Analog Com.

5

6

CH 58

CH 3

7

8

CH 11

CH 42

7

8

CH 50

CH 2

9

10

CH 10

CH 34

9

10

CH 57

CH 17

11

12

CH 25

Analog Com.

11

12

CH 49

CH 16

13

14

CH 24

CH 41

13

14

CH 56

CH 1

15

16

CH 9

CH 33

15

16

CH 48

CH 0

17

18

CH 8

CH 40

17

18

Analog Com.

Analog Com.

19

20

Analog Com.

CH 32

19

20

CH 63

CH 23

21

22

CH 31

CH 47

21

22

CH 55

CH 22

23

24

CH 30

CH 39

23

24

Analog Com.

CH 7

25

26

CH 15

CH 46

25

26

CH 62

CH 6

27

28

CH 14

CH 38

27

28

CH 54

Analog Com.

29

30

CH 21

Analog Com.

29

30

CH 61

CH 29

31

32

CH 20

CH 45

31

32

CH 53

CH 28

33

34

CH 5

CH 37

33

34

CH 60

CH 13

35

36

CH 4

CH 44

35

36

CH 52

CH 12

37

38

Analog Com.

CH 36

37

38

Analog Com.

Analog Com.

39

40

Analog Com.

Analog Com.

39

40

Analog Com.

For Analog Channels 0, 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, and 11: Read the following WARNING which applies to their use
as thermocouple channels.

TB7, 4-Channel Thermocouple Terminal BlockWARNING !
Before connecting TC wires, ensure that the associatedanalog channels are not in use. Failure to do so could
possibly cause equipment damage and/or personal injury.

The TB7 terminal block can be used to connect up to 4 thermocouples. The
first TC channel makes use of Analog Channel 0 for its positive (+) lead andAnalog Channel 8 for its negative (-) lead. The second TC channel uses
analog Channels 1 and 9, and so on, as indicated in the pinout to the left.

DaqBoard/3000USB Series Installation Guide

968492IG-13

J7 and J8, 40-Pin Headers for
Digital Ports, Counters, Timers, DACS, Triggers, Pacer Clocks and Other Signals
Note: The 4 DAC channels are available for DaqBoard/3001USB and /3031USB.
The DACs do not apply to DaqBoard/3005USB and /3035USB.

This edge of the header is closest to
the board’s center. Note that pins 2
and 40 are labeled on the board
overlay.

Digital CH.

Pin

Digital GND
P
O
R
T
A

J7

Pin

Digital CH.

1

2

XAPCR *

CH A0

3

4

CH A4

CH A1

5

6

CH A5

CH A2

7

8

CH A3

9

Digital GND
P
O
R
T
B

Signal

Pin

J8

Pin

Signal

+13VA

1

2

-13VA

--X--

3

4

--X--

Analog Com.

5

6

Analog Com.

CH A6

P
O
R
T

XDAC0

7

8

XDAC2

10

CH A7

A

XDAC1

9

10

XDAC3

11

12

XTTLTRG

Analog Com.

11

12

Analog Com.

CH B0

13

14

CH B4

CH B1

15

16

CH B5

CH B2

17

18

CH B6

CH B3

19

20

CH B7

Digital GND

21

22

Exp +5 Volts

P
O
R
T

CH C0

23

24

CH C4

CH C1

25

26

CH C5

CH C2

27

28

C

CH C3

29

Digital GND

P
O
R
T

SelfCal13

14

SGND **

Analog Com.

15

16

Analog Com.

XTTLTRG

1718

XDPCR ***B

XAPCR*

19

20

Digital GND

21

22

Digital GND

Digital GND
--X--

23

24

--X--

Exp. +5 Volts

25

26

Aux Pwr

CH C6

P
O
R
T

--X--

27

28

--X--

30

CH C7

C

--X--

29

30

--X--

31

32

Timer 1

--X--

31

32

--X--

Timer 03334Counter 1

--X--

33

34

--X--

Counter 03536Counter 3

--X--

35

36

--X--

Counter 2

37

38

Digital GND

--X--

37

38

--X--

Digital GND

39

40

Digital GND

--X--

39

40

--X--

* XAPCR = A/D Pacer Clock I/O-- X-- = Not Connected** SGND = Signal Ground (Low Level Sense Common)*** XDPCR = DAC Pacer Clock I/OReference Note:
The DaqBoard/3000USB Series Users Manual (p/n 1136-0902) includes a pinout for the TB-100 screwterminal board connector option. It also includes an appendix pertaining to the DBK215 16-BNC
Connector Module. A PDF version of the manual is included on the data acquisition CD and is also
installed on your PC in the DaqView program group which can be accessed from your Windows’ Desktop
Start Menu.**Default location.

IG-14

968492

DaqBoard/3000USB Series Installation GuideCA-248, 40-Position Header to DB-37 Male, Ribbon Cable

CA-248 Pinout, DB-37 Pins listed Sequentially
DB37
Pin No.

40 Position
HeaderPin No.

DB37
Pin No.

40 Position
HeaderPin No.

DB37 PinNo.

40 Position
HeaderPin No.

DB37 PinNo.

40 Position
HeaderPin No.

1

1

11

21

21

4

31

24

2

3

12

23

22

6

32

26

3

5

13

25

23

8

33

28

4

7

14

27

24

10

34

30

5

9

15

29

25

12

35

32

6

11

16

31

26

14

36

34

7

13

17

33

27

16

37

36

8

15

18

35

28

18

---

---

9

17

19

37

29

20

---

---

10

19

20

2

30

22

---

---

CA-248 Pinout, 40 Position Header Pins listed Sequentially
DB37
Pin No.

40 Position
HeaderPin No.

DB37
Pin No.

40 Position
HeaderPin No.

DB37 PinNo.

40 Position
HeaderPin No.

DB37 PinNo.

40 Position
HeaderPin No.

1

1

6

11

11

21

16

31

20

2

25

12

30

22

35

32

2

3

7

13

12

23

17

33

21

4

26

14

31

24

36

34

3

5

8

15

13

25

18

35

22

6

27

16

32

26

37

36

4

7

9

17

14

27

19

37

23

8

28

18

33

28

---

38

5

9

10

19

15

29

---

39

24

10

29

20

34

30

---

40

DaqBoard/3000USB Series Installation Guide

968492

IG-15

Connecting Thermocouple Wires

In DaqBoard/3000USB applications, thermocouples must be connected differentially.
Failure to do so will result in false readings.

Differential connection is made as follows:(a) the red wire connects to the channel’s Low (L) connector.
(b) the second [color-coded] wire connects to the channel’s High (H) connector.

Single-Ended and Differential Connections to TB7

The figure shows voltage Single-ended connections for V1 (Channel 0) and V2 (Channel 8); it also showsV3 and V4, each resulting from a different thermocouple. In the case of V3 and V4, Differential mode isbeing used. The HI (+) line from the thermocouple is shown connected to Channel 1 HI; and the LO(negative) side is connected to Channel 1 LO. Notice that Channel 1 LO is the same screw terminal
connection that would be used for CH 9 Single-Ended. V4 is connected in a similar manner (see figure).
In DaqBoard/3000USB applications, thermocouples should only be connected indifferential mode. Connecting thermocouples in single-ended mode can cause noise andfalse readings. Appendix B of the user’s manual includes additional information.

(3) Start DaqView
From Windows, open DaqView by double clicking on its icon, or use the Windows Desktop Start menu toaccess the program. You will find DaqView listed in the Program group (Use the desktop Start Menu /Programs to access the group).
Once the program is executed, software automatically identifies your device and brings up DaqView’s
Main Window. This window is discussed briefly in the following text, and in more detail in the DaqView
Manual PDF included on the installation CD.

IG-16

968492

DaqBoard/3000USB Series Installation Guide(4) Configure the System
The Channel Setup window (first tab on lower portion of main window) displays the analog and scanned
digital input channels and allows you to configure them.

Channel Setup Tab Selected
Selecting the second tab of the main window displays the Acquisition Setup window, used to set triggeringand configure the scan. These settings will be used when an acquisition to disk is started.

Acquisition Tab Selected
Note: The Data Destination window (not shown) lets you designate the directory for acquired
data and the desired file formats.
DaqBoard/3000USB Series Installation Guide

968492

IG-17

(5) Collect Data
Click the Enable Readings Column button (17), or the Start All Indicators button (5); the data acquisition
begins and the readings column becomes active. Click the Acquire button (12) to send the data to disk.

DaqView Main WindowChannel Setup Tab Selected
Main Window, a Brief Description of Button Control Functions#
Item
Description
1

Scope

Brings up a window from which Scope and/or Chart displays can be configured and used
for analyzing data in relation to x and y axes.

2

Bar Graph Meters

Displays a bar graph meter.

3

Analog Meters

Displays an analog dial meter.

4

Digital Meters

Displays a digital meter.

5

Start All Indicators

Starts displaying data in the Reading column and any open Chart or Meters window.

6

Stop All Indicators

Stops displaying data in the Reading column and any open Chart or Meters window.

7

View File Data

Launches an independent post-data acquisition program, such as PostView, if installed.
The data acquisition CD includes a PDF version of the post data acquisition document.

8

Analog Output

Displays the Analog Output window of the available DAC channels.

9

Digital I/O

Displays the Digital I/O window.

10

Counter/Timer

Displays the Counter/Timer window.

11

Waveform & Pattern
OutputDisplays the Arbitrary Waveform and Streamed Output windows.

12

AcquireActivates an acquisition of data to a file.

13

Show ALL Channels

Expands Analog & Scanned Digital Inputs spreadsheet to show all channels, whether
active or not.

14

Hide INACTIVE
Channels

Condenses the Analog & Scanned Digital Inputs spreadsheet, to hide channels that areinactive.

15

Turn All Visible
Channels ON

Turns all visible channels ON. Hidden channels will remain off.

16

Turn All Channels
OFFTurns all the channels OFF.

17

Channel Reading

A toggle button that enables [or disables] the Channel Reading column of the Analog andScanned Digital Input spreadsheet. Some windows require the Channel Reading column
to be disabled when changing channels or other parameters. This command is alsoavailable from the Data pull-down menu.

Click one of the toolbar’s display icon buttons to see your data in the form of a scope or meter display.
Button (1) brings up the scope window, which allows you to set up a scope and chart displays; buttons
2, 3, and 4 are for: bar graph meters, analog meters, and digital meters, respectively.

IG-18

968492

DaqBoard/3000USB Series Installation Guide

Customer Assistance
To report problems and receive support, call your service representative. Before calling for assistance,
please refer to the portions of the DaqBoard/3000USB User’s Manual that are relevant to your situation.

Reference Notes:
o Refer to the DaqView PDF for information regarding that application.
oRefer to the DaqBoard/3000USB Series Users Manual PDF for hardware related
information, including pinouts and block diagrams.

o

The default location for PDF documentation is in the Programs group, which can beaccessed from the Windows Desktop.

o

The PDFs can also be accessed directly from the Data Acquisition CD via the<View PDFs> button on the opening splash screen.

o

The PDFs can also be accessed from our web site.

When you call, please have the following information available:
•
•
•
•
•

Hardware model numbers
Serial Numbers
Software version numbers for DaqView
Windows Operating System
Type of computer and features

When returning equipment use original shipping containers or equivalent to prevent shipping damage. In
addition to the above information, please be sure to include:••••

The return authorization number (we provide you with this number after you contact us)
The name and phone number of an individual who can discuss the problems encountered
Any special instructions regarding return shipping
A copy of troubleshooting notes and comments on tests performed and all problem-related conditions.

Measurement Computing
10 Commerce Way
Norton, MA 02766(508) 946-5100
Fax: (508) 946-9500
info@mccdaq.com

www.mccdaq.com

DaqBoard/3000USB Series Installation Guide

968492

IG-19

IG-20968492

DaqBoard/3000USB Series Installation Guide

Device Overviews

1

Block Diagrams …… 1-1
Connections …… 1-3
Product Features …… 1-5
Software ……1-17

DaqView can only be used with one DaqBoard at a time. DASYLab and LabView can beused with multiple boards. For multiple board use (via custom programming) refer to theUsing Multiple Devices section of the Programmer’s Manual.

Reference Notes:
o The Specifications chapter (Chapter 7) includes a dimensional drawing of the
DaqBoard/3000USB Series board.
o Chapter 2 includes pinouts and connection examples.
o Programming topics are covered in the Programmer’s User Manual (p/n 1008-0901).
o As a part of product support, PDF versions of manuals are automatically loaded onto yourhard drive during software installation. The default location is the Programs group, which
can be accessed through the Windows Desktop.

DaqBoard/3000USB

DaqBoard/3000USB Series User’s Manual

988093

Device Overviews 1-1

Block Diagrams

Note 3Block Diagram for DaqBoard/3001USB and /3031USB

1-2

Note 1:

Pins for all digital I/O, counters, timers, and 16 analog inputs are on the 68-pin SCSI connector.
Chapter 2 includes pinouts.

Note 2:

Optional power source (TR-2 adapter) connects to the External Power connector if the USB cannot supply
enough power. See Specifications (Chapter 7) in regard to power consumption.

Note 3:

DaqBoard/3001USB can accept 16 Single-Ended, or 8 Differential analog inputs. DaqBoard/3031USB can
accept 64 Single-Ended, or 32 Differential analog inputs. The /3001USB and /3031USB boards each have 4
analog outputs.

Device Overviews

988093

DaqBoard/3000USB Series User’s ManualNote 3Block Diagram for DaqBoard/3005USB and /3035USB

Note 1:

Pins for all digital I/O, counters, timers, and 16 analog inputs are on the 68-pin SCSI connector.
Chapter 2 includes pinouts.

Note 2:

Optional power source (TR-2 adapter) connects to the External Power connector if the USB cannot supply
enough power. See Specifications (Chapter 7) in regard to power consumption.

Note 3:

DaqBoard/3005USB can accept 16 Single-Ended, or 8 Differential analog inputs. DaqBoard/3035USB can
accept 64 Single-Ended, or 32 Differential analog inputs. The /3005USB and /3035USB boards have no analog
outputs.

DaqBoard/3000USB Series User’s Manual

988093

Device Overviews 1-3

Connections
SCSI - 68 pin (P5)The 68-pin SCSI connector includes pins for the following. Chapter 2 includes a pinout.
o 16SE / 8DE analogoooinputs (Ch 0 thru 15)
24 digital I/O
4 counter inputs
2 timer outputs

o A/D pacer clock I/O
o DAC pacer clock I/Oo TTL triggero +5 VDC
o self calibrationo analog commonso digital commonso up to four DACs (according toboard model)

You can connect a TB-100 screw-terminal board or a DBK215 BNC screw-terminal
module to the SCSI connector via one of the following cables.
CA-G55CA-G56
CA-G56-6

68-conductor ribbon expansion cable. 3 feet.
68-conductor shielded expansion cable. 3 feet.
68-conductor shielded expansion cable. 6 feet.

40-pin Headers(J5, J6, J7, J8)

Four 40-pin headers (J5 through J8) provide an alternative connection to the signals of the
SCSI connector. Also, for the /3031USB and /3035USB, the J5 and J6 headers accept
additional analog input for a total of 64 Single Ended, or 32 Differential. You can obtain amale DB37 connector for each header by connecting a CA-248 (40-pin to male DB-37
cable) to each header.

9-slot Screw
Terminal (TB7)

The on-board screw terminal connector (TB7) can be used to connect up to four
thermocouple inputs. TB7 uses the following analog channels [which can also beaccessed via the SCSI connector and J5] to obtain its 4 differential channels:
TC CH0: CH 0 (+); CH 8 (-)

TC CH1: CH 1 (+); CH 9 (-)

TC CH2: CH 2 (+); CH 10 (-)

TC CH3: CH 3 (+); CH 11 (-)

As stated in the WARNINGS of the pinout and connection chapter(Chapter 2), care must be taken to avoid redundant connections!
External
Power

Although the 3000USB Series boards are powered via a USB port on a host PC, an
external power connector is available for cases in which the host PC’s USB port cannot
supply adequate power, or for when the user prefers a separate power source. The TR-2
is an optional power supply available for this purpose. The TR-2 plugs into a standard
120VAC outlet and will supply 9VDC, 1 amp power to the board via its external power
connector (see figure).
40-Pin Headers
J6 and J5

SCSI (P5)68-PinExternal Power

4 Channel TC
Terminal Board (TB7)

USB 2.0 Port

40-Pin Headers
J8 and J7

Location of Connectors
1-4

Device Overviews

988093

DaqBoard/3000USB Series User’s ManualProduct Features
I/O Comparison Matrix
Model

Analog Input
Channels

AnalogOutputChannels

Digital I/O
Channels

Counter
InputsTimer
Outputs

DaqBoard/3001USB

16SE / 8DE

4

24

4

2

DaqBoard/3005USB

16SE / 8DE

0

24

4

2

DaqBoard/3031USB

64SE / 32DE

4

24

4

2

DaqBoard/3035USB

64SE / 32DE

0

24

4

2

The DaqBoard/3000USB Series boards feature a 16-bit/1-MHz A/D converter, 16 analog input channels[user expandable up to 64 for the /3031USB and 3035USB models], up to four 16-bit/1-MHz analog
outputs [for models /3001USB and /3031USB], 24 high-speed digital I/O channels, 2 timer outputs, andfour 32-bit counters.
All analog I/O, digital I/O, and counter/timer I/O can operate synchronously and simultaneously,
guaranteeing deterministic I/O timing amongst all signal types. The DaqBoard/3000USB Series boards
include a high-speed, low-latency, highly deterministic control output mode that operates independent of
the PC. In this mode both digital and analog outputs can respond to analog, digital and counter inputs asfast as 2µsec.
Other Hardware Features Include:oooo

Encoder measurements up to 20 MHz, including Z-channel zeroing
Frequency and Pulse-width measurements with 20.83 nsec resolution
A Timing mode that can measure the time between two counter inputs to 20.83 nsec resolution
Self-calibration

The DaqBoard/3000USB series offers up to 4-MHz scanning of all digital input lines. Digital inputs andcounter inputs can be synchronously scanned [along with analog inputs] but do not affect the overall A/D
rate because they use no time slot in the scanning sequencer. For example, one analog input can be scannedat the full 1-MHz A/D rate along with digital and counter input channels. The 1-MHz A/D rate isunaffected by additional digital and counter channels.
An additional 48 single-ended [or 24 differential] analog input channels are included with models/3031USB and /3035USB through their J5 and J6 headers (two of the four the onboard 40-pin headers, seepinout chapter 2). Typically, a CA-248 cable is connected to the header to provide a DB37 connection
option. The CA-248 cables have a 40-pin header at one end and a male DB-37 connector at the other. A
pinout for the CA-248 is provided in Chapter 2.
With the boards’ 1-MHz aggregate sample rate, users can easily add multiple analog expansion channels to
the /3031USB and /3035USB boards and still have enough bandwidth to have a per-channel sample rate in
the multiple kHz range.

DaqBoard/3000USB Series User’s Manual

988093

Device Overviews 1-5

Signal I/O
One 68-pin connector provides access to the 16SE/8DE analog input channels, 24 digital I/O lines,
counter/timer channels, and analog outputs (when applicable). Redundant connectivity is found in four 40pin headers; two of which provide each DaqBoard/3031USB and /3035USB board with expansion
capability for having a total of 64 single-ended [or 32 differential] channels.
Reference Note:
In regard to analog expansion, refer to the J5 and J6 pinouts in chapter 2.

Analog Input
Each DaqBoard/3000USB Series board has a 16-bit, 1-MHz A/D coupled with 16 single-ended, or 8
differential analog inputs [up to 64 SE or 32 DE for /3031USB and /3035USB boards]. Seven software
programmable ranges provide inputs from ±10V to ±100 mV full scale. Each channel can be softwareconfigured for a different range, as well as for single-ended or differential bipolar input. Each differential
channel can accept any type of thermocouple input.

Synchronous I/O
The DaqBoard/3000USB series has the ability to make analog measurements and scan digital and counter
inputs. In addition, DaqBoard/3001USB and /3031USB boards can synchronously generate up to four
analog outputs.
Additionally, while digital inputs and counter inputs can be synchronously scanned along with analog
inputs, they do not affect the overall A/D rate because they use no time slot in the scanning sequencer. For
example, one analog input can be scanned at the full 1-MHz A/D rate along with digital and counter input
channels. The 1-MHz A/D rate is unaffected by the additional digital and counter channels.

Input Scanning
DaqBoard/3000USB Series devices have several scanning modes to address a wide variety of applications.
A 512-location scan buffer can be loaded by the user with any combination of analog input channels. All
analog input channels in the scan buffer are measured sequentially at 1 µsec per channel. The user can also
specify that the sequence repeat immediately, or repeat after a programmable delay from 0 to 19 hours,with 20.83 nsec resolution. For example, in the fastest mode, with a 0 delay, a single analog channel canbe scanned continuously at 1 Msamples/s; two analog channels can be scanned at 500K samples/s each;
16 analog input channels can be scanned at 62.5 Ksamples/s.
The digital and counter inputs can be read in several modes. First, via software the digital inputs orcounter inputs can be read asynchronously at anytime before, during, or after an analog input scansequence. This software mode is not deterministic as to exactly when a digital or counter input is read
relative to an analog input channel.
In either of the two synchronous modes, the digital inputs and/or counter inputs are read with deterministic
time correlation to the analog inputs. In the once-per-scan mode, all of the enabled digital inputs andcounter inputs are read during the first analog measurement of an analog input scan sequence. The
advantage of this mode is that the digital and counter inputs do not consume an analog input time slot, andtherefore do not reduce the available bandwidth for making analog input measurements. For example,
presume all 24 bits of digital input are enabled, and all four 32-bit counters are enabled, and eight channelsof analog inputs are in the scan sequence at full 1µsec/channel rate. At the beginning of each analog input
scan sequence, which would be 8 µsec in total duration, all digital inputs and counter inputs will bemeasured and sent to the PC during the first µsec of the analog scan sequence.

1-6

Device Overviews

988093

DaqBoard/3000USB Series User’s ManualAnother synchronous mode allows digital inputs to be scanned every time an analog input channel isscanned. For example, if eight analog inputs are scanned at 1 µsec per channel continuously, and 24 bits ofdigital inputs are enabled, then the 24 bits of digital inputs will be scanned at 24 bits per 1 µsec. If counters
are enabled in this mode, they will be scanned at once per scan, in the same manner as in the first example
above.
Note: It is not necessary to read counters as often as it is to read digital inputs. This is because counters
continue to count pulses regardless of whether or not they are being read by the PC.
Example 1: Analog channel scanning of voltage inputs
The figure below shows a simple acquisition. The scan is programmed pre-acquisition and is made up of 6
analog channels (Ch0, Ch2, Ch5, Ch11, Ch22, Ch25.) Each of these analog channels can have a different
gain. The acquisition is triggered and the samples stream to the PC via USB2. Each analog channel
requires one microsecond of scan time therefore the scan period can be no shorter than 6 us for thisexample. The scan period can be made much longer than 6 us, up to 19 hours. The maximum scanfrequency is one divided by 6us or 166,666 Hz.

All analog channels are sampled at the same rate of 1us.

DaqBoard/3000USB Series User’s Manual

988093

Device Overviews 1-7

Example 2: Analog channel scanning of voltage and temperature inputs
The scan is programmed pre-acquisition and is made up of 6 analog channels (Ch0, Ch2, Ch5, Ch11,
Ch22, Ch23.) Each of these analog channels can have a different gain. Channels 0 and 2 can be
programmed to directly measure thermocouples. In this mode, oversampling is programmable up to 16384
oversamples per channel in the scan group. When oversampling is applied, it is applied to all analog
channels in the scan group, including temperature and voltage channels. (Digital channels are notoversampled.) If the desired number of oversamples is 256 then each analog channel in the scan group willtake 256 microseconds, the returned 16-bit value represents an average of 256 consecutive 1us samples ofthat channel. The acquisition is triggered and 16-bit values (each representing an average of 256) stream to
the PC via USB2. Since two of the channels in the scan group are temperature channels, the acquisitionengine will be required to read a cold-junction-compensation (CJC) temperature every scan.

Programmable
Averaging up to16384

In this example, the desired number of oversamples is 256, therefore each analog channel in the scan grouprequires 256 microseconds to return one 16-bit value. The oversampling is also done for CJC temperature
measurement channels. The minimum scan period for this example is therefore 7 X 256 us or 1792
microseconds. The maximum scan frequency is the inverse of this number, 558 Hz.
Autozero may also be employed. This adds more channels to the scan group and further reduces the
maximum scan frequency. Autozero channels read an on-board, shorted analog input. Auto-zeroing
reduces drift due to fluctuating ambient temperatures or ambient temperatures outside the DC
specifications.

Reference Note:
Appendix B includes detailed information regarding signal modes, methods of noise reduction,
and averaging techniques.

1-8

Device Overviews

988093

DaqBoard/3000USB Series User’s ManualExample 3: Analog and digital channel scanning, once per scan mode
The scan is programmed pre-acquisition and is made up of 6 analog channels (Ch0, Ch2, Ch5, Ch11,
Ch22, Ch25) and 4 digital channels (16-bits of digital IO, 3 counter inputs.) Each of the analog channels
can have a different gain and each of the counter channels can be put into a different mode (totalizing,
pulsewidth, encoder, etc.) The acquisition is triggered and the samples stream to the PC via USB2. Eachanalog channel requires one microsecond of scan time therefore the scan period can be no shorter than 6 us
for this example. All of the digital channels are sampled at the start of scan and do not require additionalscanning bandwidth as long as there is at least one analog channel in the scan group. The scan period canbe made much longer than 6 us, up to 19 hours. The maximum scan frequency is one divided by 6us or
166,666 Hz.

The counter channels could be returning only the lower 16-bits of count value if that is sufficient for theapplication. They could also be returning the full 32-bit result if necessary. Similarly, the digital input
channel could be the full 24 bits if desired or only 8 bits if that is sufficient. If the 3 counter channels are
all returning 32 bit values and the digital input channel is returning a 16 bit value, then 13 samples arebeing returned to the PC every scan period, each sample being 16-bits. 32-bit counter channels are divided
into two 16-bit samples, one for the low word and the other for the high word. If the maximum scanfrequency is 166,666 Hz then the data bandwidth streaming into the PC is 2.167 MSamples per second.
Some slower PCs may have a problem with data bandwidths greater than 6 MSamples per second.
All DaqBoard/3000USB Series devices have an onboard 1MSample buffer for acquired data.

DaqBoard/3000USB Series User’s Manual

988093

Device Overviews 1-9

Example 4: Sampling digital inputs for every analog sample in a scan group
The scan is programmed pre-acquisition and is made up of 6 analog channels (Ch0, Ch2, Ch5, Ch11,
Ch22, Ch25) and 4 digital channels (16-bits of digital input, 3 counter inputs.) Each of the analog channels
can have a different gain and each of the counter channels can be put into a different mode (totalizing,
pulsewidth, encoder, etc.) The acquisition is triggered and the samples stream to the PC via USB2. Eachanalog channel requires one microsecond of scan time therefore the scan period can be no shorter than 6 us
for this example. All of the digital channels are sampled at the start of scan and do not require additionalscanning bandwidth as long as there is at least one analog channel in the scan group. The 16-bits of digital
input are sampled for every analog sample in the scan group. This allows up to 1MHz digital input
sampling while the 1MHz analog sampling bandwidth is aggregated across many analog input channels.
The scan period can be made much longer than 6 us, up to 19 hours. The maximum scan frequency is one
divided by 6us or 166,666 Hz. Note that digital input channel sampling is not done during the “dead time”
of the scan period where no analog sampling is being done either.

If the 3 counter channels are all returning 32 bit values and the digital input channel is returning a 16 bit
value, then 18 samples are being returned to the PC every scan period, each sample being 16-bits. 32-bit
counter channels are divided into two 16-bit samples, one for the low word and the other for the high word.
If the maximum scan frequency is 166,666 Hz then the data bandwidth streaming into the PC is 3
MSamples per second. Some slower PCs may have a problem with data bandwidths greater than 6
MSamples per second.
All DaqBoard/3000USB Series devices have an onboard 1MSample buffer for acquired data.

Analog Input & Channel Expansion
Each DaqBoard/3000USB Series board 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 ±10V to ±100 mV
full scale. Each channel can be software-configured for a different range, as well as for single-ended ordifferential bipolar input.
Adding additional analog input channels to the /3031USB and /3035USB boards is easy using J5 and J6(two of the four on-board 40-pin headers). You can obtain male DB37 connectors for the headers by usinga CA-248 cable (1 per header).
Measurement speed of the expansion channels is the same 1 Msample/s exhibited by the primary channels.

Reference Notes:
Pinouts for all DaqBoard/3000USB on-board connectors are provided in chapter 2.

1-10

Device Overviews

988093

DaqBoard/3000USB Series User’s ManualUSB2.0 versus USB1.1
Connecting a DaqBoard/3000USB Series board to a USB1.1 port or hub will result in lower transfer speed
which may not support continuous data collection at high scan rates. Note that Hi-Speed (USB2.0) ports
are at least forty times faster than the earlier Full-Speed (USB1.1) versions.
When the host computer has a board with USB 2.0 ports, an “Enhanced” USB controller can be found in
the Device Manager. The Device Manager will also show two other USB controllers. This is due to thefact that USB2.0 circuitry includes 3 chips [one for the actual USB2.0 capable devices and two forbackward USB1.1 compatibility]. Thus a USB 2.0 motherboard can host any USB device (version 2.0 or
lower), assuming there are no defects with the board, system, and/or device.
Notes on USB Hubs:• USB 1.1 (obsolete) hubs will work on USB 2.0 ports, but cannot utilize USB 2.0 capabilities.

• Hi-Speed and Full/Low-Speed USB devices can coexist on USB 2.0 hubs.
• USB 2.0 hubs can be used on computers with USB 1.1 ports, but will not exhibit USB 2.0
capabilities.

• Minimize hub use and keep USB cables as short as possible.
• Regardless of the USB hub or port used, if power to the DaqBoard/3000USB Series board isinsufficient, connect a TR-2 power adapter to the unit’s External Power jack.

• Only self-powered hubs can supply sufficient power (500 mA at 5V nominal). Verify that theAC-to-DC power supply for the self-powered hub can supply at least 2.1 amps at 5 volts.

• In general, do not use more than three DaqBoard/3000USB systems per one self-powered hub.

Triggering
Triggering can be the most critical aspect of a data acquisition application. The DaqBoard/3000USB Series
supports a full complement of trigger modes to accommodate any measurement situation.
Hardware Analog Triggering. TheDaqBoard/3000USB Series uses true analog triggering, whereby thetrigger level programmed by the user sets an analog DAC, which is then compared in hardware to theanalog input level on the selected channel. The result is analog trigger latency which is guaranteed to beless than1.3 µs. Any analog channel can be selected as the trigger channel. The user can program thetrigger level, as well as the rising or falling edge and hysteresis.
When the starting out analog input voltage is near the trigger level, and you are
performing a rising [or falling] hardware analog level trigger, it is possible that theanalog level comparator will have already tripped, i.e., to have tripped before the sweep
was enabled.
If this is the case, the circuit will wait for the comparator to change state. However, since thecomparator has already changed state, the circuit will not see the transition.
Solution:(1) Set the analog level trigger to the desired threshold.
(2) Apply an analog input signal that is more than 2.5% of the full-scale range away fromthe desired threshold. This ensures that the comparator is in the proper state at the
beginning of the acquisition.
(3) Bring the analog input signal toward the desired threshold. When the input signal is at
the threshold (± some tolerance) the sweep will be triggered.
(4) Before re-arming the trigger, again move the analog input signal to a level that is morethan 2.5% of the full-scale range away from the desired threshold.

Example:o an engineer is using the ±2V full-scale range (gain = 5)o he desires to trigger at +1V on the rising edgeo he sets the analog input voltage to an initial start-value which isless than +0.9V (1V – (2V * 2 * 2.5%)).

DaqBoard/3000USB Series User’s Manual

988093

Device Overviews 1-11

Digital Triggering. A separate digital trigger input line is provided, allowing TTL-level triggering withlatencies guaranteed to be less than 1 µs. Both the logic levels (1 or 0), as well as the rising or falling edge
can be programmed for the discrete digital trigger input.
Pattern Triggering. The user can specify a 16-bit digital pattern to trigger an acquisition, including theability to mask or ignore specific bits.
Software-Based Channel Level Triggering. This mode differs from the modes just discussed because thereadings [analog, digital, or counter] are interrogated by the PC in order to detect the trigger event.
Triggering can also be programmed to occur when one of the counters reaches, exceeds, or is within aprogrammed window.
Any of the built-in counter/totalizer channels can be programmed as a trigger source. Triggers can bedetected on scanned digital input channel patterns as well. Normally software-based triggering results inlong latencies from the moment a trigger condition is detected until the instant data is acquired. However,theDaqBoard/3000USB Series circumvents this undesirable situation by use of pre-trigger data.
Specifically, when software-based-triggering is employed, and the PC detects that a trigger condition has
occurred, (which may be thousands of readings after the actual occurrence of the signal), the DaqBoard
driver automatically looks back to the location in memory, to where the actual trigger-causing
measurement occurred. The acquired data presented to the user begins at the point where the triggercausing measurement occurs. The maximum latency in this mode is equal to one scan period.
Multi-Channel Triggering. The DaqBoard/3000USB Series board can be configured to trigger on any
combination of analog, digital, and/or counter input; however, not on temperature measurements. In themulti-channel triggering mode, the maximum latency is one scan period.
Triggering can occur based on a logical “and” or a logical “or” of the multiple trigger conditions. For
example, a trigger condition could be programmed to occur for when the following three conditions aremet:a) three analog input channels each reach their respective trigger levelb) AND two digital inputs are in the specified logic statec) AND three counters exceed a specified frequency
Stop Trigger. Any of the software trigger modes previously described, including scan count, can be used
to stop an acquisition. Thus an acquisition can be programmed to begin on one event, such as a voltage
level, and then can stop on another event, such as a digital pattern.
Pre-Triggering and Post-Triggering Modes. Six modes of pre-triggering and post-triggering aresupported, providing a wide variety of options to accommodate any measurement requirement. Whenusing pre-trigger, the user must use software-based triggering to initiate an acquisition. The six modes are:1-12

Device OverviewsoNo pre-trigger, post-trigger stop event. This, the simplest of modes, acquires data upon receipt of
the trigger, and stops acquiring upon receipt of the stop-trigger event.

oFixed pre-trigger with post-trigger stop event. In this mode, the user specifies the number of pretrigger readings to be acquired, after which, acquisition continues until a stop-trigger event occurs.

oNo pre-trigger, infinite post-trigger. No pre-trigger data is acquired in this mode. Instead, data is
acquired beginning with the trigger event, and is terminated when the operator issues a command
to halt the acquisition.

oFixed pre-trigger with infinite post-trigger. The user specifies the amount of pre-trigger data toacquire, after which the system continues to acquire data until the program issues a command tohalt acquisition.

oVariable pre-trigger with post trigger stop event. Unlike the previous pre-trigger modes, thismode does not have to satisfy the pre-trigger number of readings before recognizing the trigger
event. Thus the number of pre-trigger readings acquired is variable and dependent on the time of
the trigger event relative to the start. In this mode, data continues to be acquired until the stop
trigger event is detected. Driver support only.
988093

DaqBoard/3000USB Series User’s ManualoVariable pre-trigger with infinite post trigger. This is similar to the mode described above, exceptthat the acquisition is terminated upon receipt of a command from the program to halt theacquisition. Driver support only.

Calibration
Every range of a DaqBoard/3000USB Series device is calibrated at the factory using a digital NIST
traceable calibration method. This method works by storing a correction factor for each range on the unit at
the time of calibration. The user can adjust the calibration of the board while it is installed in theacquisition system without destroying the factory calibration. This is accomplished by having 3 distinct
calibration tables in the on-board EPROM.
The user can select any of the three cal tables provided [factory, user, or self-cal tables] by API call or fromwithin software. Self-cal can be performed automatically via the included software and without the use of
external hardware or instruments. Self-cal derives its tracebility through an on-board reference which has astability of 0.005% per year.
Note that a 2-year calibration period is recommended for DaqBoard/3000USB Series boards.
Reference Note:
Chapter 4, Calibration, discusses using a temperature calibrator with a DaqBoard/3000USB
Series board.

Analog Output
DaqBoard/3001USB and /3031 Only
DaqBoard/3001USB and /3031USB each have four 16-bit, 1 MHz analog output channels. The channels
have an output range of -10V to +10V. This can be read from PC RAM or from a file on the hard disk. In
addition, a program can asynchronously output a value to any of the D/As for non-waveform applications,presuming that the D/A is not already being used in the waveform output mode.
A program can asynchronously output a value to any of the D/As for non-waveform applications,presuming that the D/A is not already being used in the waveform output mode.
Each of the analog outputs can be used in a control mode, where their output level is dependent on whether
an associated analog, digital or counter input is above or below a user-specified limit condition.
When used to generate waveforms, the D/As can be clocked in several different modes. Each D/A can beseparately selected to be clocked from one of the following sources.
oAsynchronous Internal Clock. The on-board programmable clock can generate updates ranging
from 19 hours to 1 MHz, independent of any acquisition rate.

oSynchronous Internal Clock. The rate of analog output update can be synchronized to theacquisition rate derived from 1 MHz to once every 19 hours.

oAsynchronous External Clock. A user-supplied external input clock can be used to pace theD/A, entirely independent of analog inputs.

oSynchronous External Clock. A user-supplied external input clock can pace both the D/A andthe analog input.

DaqBoard/3000USB Series User’s Manual

988093

Device Overviews 1-13

Digital Inputs and Outputs
Twenty-four TTL-level digital I/O lines are included in each of the DaqBoard/3000USB Series boards.
Digital I/O can be programmed in 8-bit groups as either inputs or outputs and can be scanned in several
modes (see Input Scanning). Ports programmed as input can be part of the scan group and scanned alongwith analog input channels, or can be asynchronously accessed via the PC at any time, including when ascanned acquisition is occurring.
Two synchronous modes are supported when digital inputs are scanned along with analog inputs.
oScanning digital inputs at the start of each scan sequence. In this mode the digital inputs arescanned at the start of each scan sequence, which means the rate at which they are scanned isdependent on the number of analog input channels and the delay period. For example, if 8 analog
inputs were enabled with a 0 delay period, then the digital inputs in this mode would be scanned atonce per 8µsec, i.e., 125 kHz.

oScanning digital inputs synchronously with every analog input channel. In this synchronousmode, the enabled digital inputs are scanned synchronously with every analog input channel. So in
the preceding example the digital inputs would be scanned at once per µsec, or 1 MHz. If noanalog inputs were being scanned the digital inputs could be scanned at up to 4 MHz.

Digital Outputs and Pattern Generation
Digital outputs can be updated asynchronously at anytime before, during or after an acquisition. Two of the
8-bit ports can also be used to generate a 16-bit digital pattern at up to 4 MHz. In the same manner as
analog output, the digital pattern can be read from PC RAM or a file on the hard disk. Digital patterngeneration is clocked in the same four modes as described with analog output.
The ultra low-latency digital output mode allows a digital output to be updated based on the level of ananalog, digital or counter input. In this mode, the user associates a digital output bit with a specific input,
and specifies the level of the input where the digital output changes state. The response time in this mode isdependent on the number of input channels being scanned, and can typically be in the range of 2 to 20µsec.
Reference Note:
For detailed information regarding low latency control outputs, see Chapter 6.

1-14

Device Overviews

988093

DaqBoard/3000USB Series User’s ManualExample 5: Analog channel scanning of voltage inputs and streaming analog outputs
The figure below shows a simple acquisition. The scan is programmed pre-acquisition and is made up of 6
analog channels (Ch0, Ch2, Ch5, Ch11, Ch22, Ch25.) Each of these analog channels can have a different
gain. The acquisition is triggered and the samples stream to the PC via USB2. Each analog channel
requires one microsecond of scan time therefore the scan period can be no shorter than 6 us for thisexample. The scan period can be made much longer than 6 us, up to 19 hours. The maximum scanfrequency is one divided by 6us or 166,666 Hz.

This example has all 4 DACs being updated and the 16-bits of digital IO. These updates are performed at
the same time as the acquisition pacer clock (also called the scan clock.) All 4 DACs and the 16-bits ofpattern digital output are updated at the beginning of each scan. Note that the DACs will actually take up
to 4 us after the start of scan to settle on the updated value. This is due to the amount of time to shift thedigital data out to the DACs plus the actual settling time of the digital to analog conversion.
The data for the DACs and pattern digital output comes from a PC-based buffer. The data is streamed
across the USB2 bus to the board.
It is possible to update the DACs and pattern digital output with the DAC pacer clock (either internallygenerated or externally applied.) In this case, the acquisition input scans are not synchronized to theanalog outputs or pattern digital outputs. It is possible to synchronize everything (input scans, DACs,
pattern digital outputs) to one clock. That clock can be either internally generated or externally applied.

DaqBoard/3000USB Series User’s Manual

988093

Device Overviews 1-15

Counter Inputs
Four 32-bit counters are built into each DaqBoard/3000USB Series board. Each of the four counters
accepts frequency inputs up to 20 MHz. The high-speed counter channels can be configured on a perchannel basis. Possible configurations include the following modes:
o
o
o
o
o

Counter
PeriodPulse width
Time between edges
Multi-axis quadrature encoder

Reference Note:
For detailed information regarding the various counter modes refer to Chapter 5,
Counter Input Configuration Modes.

The counters can concurrently monitor time periods, frequencies, pulses, and other event driven
incremental occurrences directly from encoders, pulse-generators, limit switches, proximity switches, andmagnetic pick-ups.
As with all other inputs to the boards, the counter inputs can be read asynchronously under program
control, or synchronously as part of an analog and digital scan group based on a programmable internal
timer or an external clock source.
The boards support quadrature encoders with up to 2 billion pulses per revolution, 20 MHz input
frequencies, and x1, x2, x4 count modes. With only A-phase and B-phase signals, 2 channels aresupported. With A-phase, B-phase, and Z-index signals, 1 channel is supported.
Each input can be debounced from 500 ns to 25.5 ms (total of 16 selections) to eliminate extraneous noiseor switch induced transients. Encoder input signals must be within -5V to +10V and the switching
threshold is TTL (1.3V).

Timer Outputs
Two 16-bit timer outputs are built into every 3000 series board. Each timer is capable of generating a
different square wave with a programmable frequency in the range of 16 Hz to 1 MHz.
Example 6: Timer Outputs
Timer outputs are programmable square waves. The period of the square wave can be as short as 1us or as
along as 65536 us. See the table below for some examples.
Divisor*Timer Output Frequency

Related Equations

0
1 MHz
99
10 kHzF = 1 MHz / (Divisor + 1)
999
1 kHz
4999
200 HzDivisor = (1 MHz / F) - 1
9999
100 Hz65535
Turns Timer OFF ** The divisor range is 0 to 65535. For Setpoint Operation 65535 turns the timer off.
In Asynchronous Write, 65535 results in a timer output frequency of 15.259 Hz.

There are 2 timer outputs that can generate different square waves. The timer outputs can be updated
asynchronously at any time. Both timer outputs can also be updated during an acquisition as the result of
setpoints applied to analog or digital inputs. See the section on pattern detection setpoints for more
information and examples.

1-16

Device Overviews

988093

DaqBoard/3000USB Series User’s ManualMultiple DaqBoard/3000USB Boards
When multiple boards are used they can be operated synchronously. This is done by designating one board
as the master. The other boards [slaves] are synchronized to the master by the pacer clock which isexternally routed to the designated slave boards.
For two or more boards to be operated synchronously:(1) Use coax (or twisted-pair wire) to either (a) connect the APCR signals together,or (b) connect the DPCR signals together.
(2) Connect Digital Common [of each board] to one of the twisted pairs,or to the shield of the coax.

SoftwareIncluded with the /3000 Series is a complete set of drivers and example programs for the most popular
programming languages and software packages. Driver support includes Visual Basic®, C/C++,LabVIEW®, DASYLab®, and MATLAB®. DaqCOM™ provides Windows®-basedActiveX/COMbased programming tools for Microsoft® VisualStudio® and VisualStudio.NET®. Also included with the/3000 Series is new DaqView™ software, a comprehensive Out-of-the-Box™ application that enables setup, data logging, and real-time data viewing without existing programming skills. Optional DaqView/Pro
also adds features such as direct-to-Excel® enhancements, FFT analysis, statistics, etc. DaqView software
provides Out-of-the-Box™, quick and easy set up and collection of data.
Daq devices have software options capable of handling most applications. Three types of software areavailable:•

Ready-to-use graphical programs, e.g., DaqView, DaqViewXL, and post acquisition data
analysis programs such as PostView, DIAdem, and eZ-PostView•

Drivers for third-party, icon-driven software such as DASYLab and LabView•

Various language drivers to aid custom programming using API

Ready-to-use programs are convenient for fill-in-the-blank applications that do not require programmingfor basic data acquisition and display:•

DaqView is a Windows-based program for basic set-up and data acquisition. DaqView lets you
select desired channels, gains, transducer types (including thermocouples), and a host of otherparameters with a click of a PC’s mouse. DaqView lets you stream data to disk and display data
in numerical or graphical formats. PostView is a post-acquisition waveform-display program
within DaqView.

•

ViewXL/Plus allows you to interface directly with Microsoft Excel to enhance data handling anddisplay. Within Excel you have a full-featured Daq control panel and all the data display
capabilities of Excel.

•

Post acquisition data analysis programs, e.g., PostView, DIAdem, and eZ-PostView, typicallyallow you to view and edit post-acquisition data.

•

The Daq Configuration control panel allows for interface configuration, testing, andtroubleshooting.

Each Daq system comes with an Application Programming Interface (API). API-language drivers include
C/C++ and Visual Basic. The latest software is a 32-bit version API.

DaqBoard/3000USB Series User’s Manual

988093

Device Overviews 1-17

Reference Notes:
o The software documents for: DaqView, ViewXL, and Post Acquisition Data Analysis are
not included as part of the hardcopy manual, but are available in PDF version. See the
PDF Note, below.
o Programming topics are covered in the Programmer’s User Manual (1008-0901). As apart of product support, this manual is automatically loaded onto your hard drive duringsoftware installation. The default location is the Programs directory, which can beaccessed through the Windows Desktop.

PDF
Note:

During software installation, Adobe® PDF versions of user manuals will automaticallyinstall onto your hard drive as a part of product support. The default location is in the
Programs directory, which can be accessed from the Windows Desktop. Refer to the PDF
documentation for details regarding both hardware and software.
A copy of the Adobe Acrobat Reader® is included on your CD. The Reader provides
a means of reading and printing the PDF documents. Note that hardcopy versions of themanuals can be ordered from the factory.

1-18

Device Overviews

988093

DaqBoard/3000USB Series User’s ManualConnections and Pinouts

2

68-Pin SCSI Connector (P5) …… 2-2
J5 and J6, 40-Pin Headers for Analog Channels…… 2-3
TB7 4-Channel Thermocouple Terminal Block …… 2-3
J7 and J8, 40-Pin Headers for Digital Ports, Counters, Timers, DACS, Triggers,
Pacer Clocks and Other Signals …… 2-4

CA-248, 40-Position Header to DB-37 Male, Ribbon Cable …… 2-5
TB-100 Terminal Connector Option …… 2-6
TB-101 Terminal Board Option …… 2-7
DBK215 16-Connector BNC Connection Module Option …… 2-11
Hardware Setups …… 2-12

WARNING !
Turn off power to all devices connected to the system before making connections.
Electrical shock or damage to equipment can result even under low-voltage
conditions.

CAUTION
The discharge of static electricity can damage some electronic components.
Semiconductor devices are especially susceptible to ESD damage. You should
always handle components carefully, and you should never touch connector pins or
circuit components unless you are following ESD guidelines in an appropriate ESD
controlled area. Such guidelines include the use of properly grounded mats andwrist straps, ESD bags and cartons, and related procedures.

Pinouts for both the TB-100 and the DaqBoard/3000USB Series boards follow. In addition, use of the
DBK215 is briefly discussed. Details and specifications for that expansion option are presented inAppendix A.
DaqBoard/3031USB and DaqBoard/3035USB make use of J5 and J6 (two of the four 40-pin headers) for
analog expansion. Pinouts for these and the remaining two headers (J7 and J8) are included in this chapter.
A pinout for a 4-channel terminal board (TB7) is also included. The last section of the chapter illustrates
three scenarios for hardware setup.

68-Pin SCSI
Connector (P5)40-Pin Headers (4)(J6, J5, J8, J7)

4 Channel TC
Terminal Block (TB7)

Locations of Signal Connectors
DaqBoard/3000USB Series User’s Manual

927593Connections & Pinouts

2-1

68-Pin SCSI Connecter (P5)WARNING !
Avoid redundant connections. Ensure there is no signal conflict between SCSI
pins and the associated header pin (J5. J6. J7. and J8). Also ensure there is noconflict between TB7 (thermocouple connections) and the SCSI and/or the 40pin headers. Failure to do so could possibly cause equipment damage and/or
personal injury.
Pin numbers refer to the 68-pin SCSI female connector, located on the DaqBoard.
Function

Pin

Pin

Function

Analog input Channel 8

34

68

Analog input Channel 0

Analog input Channel 1

33

67

Analog Common

Analog Common

32

66

Analog input Channel 9

Analog input Channel 103165

Analog input Channel 2

Analog input Channel 33064Analog Common

Analog Common

29

63

Analog input Channel 11

Analog input Channel 4

28

62

Low Level Sense Common

Analog Common

27

61

Analog input Channel 12

Analog input Channel 1326

60

Analog input Channel 5

Analog input Channel 62559

Analog Common

Analog Common

2458

Analog input Channel 14

Analog input Channel 15

23

57

Analog input Channel 7

Analog Output 0 (DAC0)

Note 122

56

Analog Output 3 (DAC3)

Note 1

Analog Output 1 (DAC1)

Note 1

21

55

Analog Output 2 (DAC2)

Note 1SELFCAL

20

54

Digital Common

Vcc (+5 VDC)

19

53

Digital Common

Digital I/O line A0

18

52

Digital I/O line A1

17

51

Digital I/O line A3

16

50

Digital I/O line A5

Digital I/O line A6

15

49

Digital I/O line A7

Digital I/O line B0

1448

Digital I/O line B1

Digital I/O line B2

13

47

Digital I/O line B3

1246

Digital I/O line B5

Digital I/O line B6

1145

Digital I/O line B7

Digital I/O line C0

10

44

Digital I/O line C1

943

Digital I/O line C3

8

42

Digital I/O line C5

Digital I/O line C6

7

41

Digital I/O line C7

TTL Trigger Input

640

Digital Common

Counter Input CTR0

539Counter Input CTR1

Counter Input CTR2

4

38Counter Input CTR3

Timer Output 0

3

37Timer Output 1

A/D Pacer Clock Input/Output

2

36

Digital Common

DAC Pacer Clock I/O

1

35

Digital Common

Digital I/O line A2
Digital I/O line A4

Digital I/O line B4

Digital I/O line C2
Digital I/O line C4

PORT A

PORT BPORT CPORT A

PORT BPORT C

Note 1: DaqBoard/3001USB and /3031USB each include DAC0, DAC1, DAC2, and DAC3.
DaqBoard/3005USB and /3035USB have no DACs.
2-2

Connections & Pinouts

927593

DaqBoard/3000USB Series User’s Manual

J5 and J6, 40-Pin Headers for Analog Channels
Note: All channels are available for DaqBoard/3031USB and /3035USB.
Channels 16 through 63 are not available for DaqBoard/3001USB
and /3005USB.
This edge of the header is closest to
the board’s center. Note that pins 2
and 40 are labeled on the board
silkscreen.

Analog CH.

Pin

CH 27

J5

Pin

Analog CH.

Analog CH.

Pin

1

2

CH 19

CH 43

CH 26

3

4

CH 18

Analog Com.

5

6

CH 3

7

CH 2

9

CH 17

J6

Pin

Analog CH.

1

2

CH 59

CH 35

3

4

CH 51

Analog Com.

Analog Com.

5

6

CH 58

8

CH 11

CH 42

7

8

CH 50

10

CH 10

CH 34

9

10

CH 57

11

12

CH 25

Analog Com.

11

12

CH 49

CH 16

13

14

CH 24

CH 41

13

14

CH 56

CH 1

15

16

CH 9

CH 33

15

16

CH 48

CH 0

17

18

CH 8

CH 40

17

18

Analog Com.

Analog Com.

19

20

Analog Com.

CH 32

19

20

CH 63

CH 23

21

22

CH 31

CH 47

21

22

CH 55

CH 22

23

24

CH 30

CH 39

23

24

Analog Com.

CH 7

25

26

CH 15

CH 46

25

26

CH 62

CH 6

27

28

CH 14

CH 38

27

28

CH 54

Analog Com.

29

30

CH 21

Analog Com.

29

30

CH 61

CH 29

31

32

CH 20

CH 45

31

32

CH 53

CH 28

33

34

CH 5

CH 37

33

34

CH 60

CH 13

35

36

CH 4

CH 44

35

36

CH 52

CH 12

37

38

Analog Com.

CH 36

37

38

Analog Com.

Analog Com.

39

40

Analog Com.

Analog Com.

39

40

Analog Com.

For Analog Channels 0, 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, and 11: Read the following WARNING which applies to their use
as thermocouple channels.

TB7, 4-Channel Thermocouple Terminal BlockWARNING !
Before connecting TC wires, ensure that the associatedanalog channels are not in use. Failure to do so could
possibly cause equipment damage and/or personal injury.
The TB7 terminal block can be used to connect up to 4 thermocouples. The
first TC channel makes use of Analog Channel 0 for its positive (+) lead andAnalog Channel 8 for its negative (-) lead. The second TC channel uses
analog Channels 1 and 9, and so on, as indicated in the pinout to the left.
Thermocouples should only be connected in differential mode.
Appendix B includes additional information.
DaqBoard/3000USB Series devices do not have open
thermocouple detection.
DaqBoard/3000USB Series User’s Manual

927593Connections & Pinouts

2-3

J7 and J8, 40-Pin Headers for
Digital Ports, Counters, Timers, DACS, Triggers, Pacer Clocks and Other Signals
Note: The 4 DAC channels are available for DaqBoard/3001USB and /3031USB.
The DACs do not apply to DaqBoard/3005USB and /3035USB.

This edge of the header is closest to theboard’s center. Note that pins 2 and 40
are labeled on the board silkscreen.

Digital CH.

Pin

Digital GND
P
O
R
T
A

J7

Pin

Digital CH.

SignalPin

1

2

XAPCR *

+13VA (Fig. 1)

CH A0

3

4

CH A4

--X--

CH A1

5

6

CH A5

CH A2

7

8

CH A3

9

Digital GND
P
O
R
T
B

J8

Pin

Signal

1

2-13VA (Fig. 2)

3

4

--X--

Analog Com.

5

6

Analog Com.

CH A6

P
O
R
T

XDAC0

7

8

XDAC2

10

CH A7

A

XDAC1

9

10

XDAC3

11

12

XTTLTRG

Analog Com.

11

12

Analog Com.

CH B0

13

14

CH B4

SelfCal (Fig 3)

13

14

SGND **

CH B1

15

16

CH B5

CH B2

17

18

CH B3

19

Digital GND
P
O
R
T
C

Analog Com.

15

16

Analog Com.

CH B6

P
O
R
T

XTTLTRG

1718

XDPCR ***

20

CH B7

B

XAPCR*

19

20

Digital GND

21

22

Exp +5 Volts

Digital GND

21

22

Digital GND

CH C0

23

24

CH C4

23

24

--X--

CH C1

25

26

CH C5

CH C2

27

28

CH C6

P
O
R
T

CH C3

29

30

CH C7

C

Digital GND

31

32

Timer 033Counter 0

--X--

25

26

Aux Pwr (Fig. 4)

--X--

27

28

--X--

--X--

29

30

--X--

Timer 1

--X--

31

32

--X--

34

Counter 1

--X--

33

34

--X--

35

36

Counter 3

--X--

35

36

--X--

Counter 2

37

38

Digital GND

--X--

37

38

--X--

Digital GND

39

40

Digital GND

--X--

39

40

--X--

* XAPCR = A/D Pacer Clock I/O

Exp. +5 Volts-- X-- = Not Connected** SGND = Signal Ground (Low Level Sense Common)*** XDPCR = DAC Pacer Clock I/O
J8 Pinout Figure References for Pins 1, 2, 13, and 26

2-4

Figure 1. J8 / Pin 1, for +13VA

Figure 2. J8 / Pin 2, for -13VA

Figure 3. J8 / Pin 13, for Self Calibration

Figure 4. J8 / Pin 26, for Auxiliary Power

Connections & Pinouts

927593

DaqBoard/3000USB Series User’s Manual

CA-248, 40-Position Header to DB-37 Male, Ribbon Cable

CA-248 Pinout, DB-37 Pins listed Sequentially
DB37
Pin No.

40 Position
HeaderPin No.

DB37
Pin No.

40 Position
HeaderPin No.

DB37 PinNo.

40 Position
HeaderPin No.

DB37 PinNo.

40 Position
HeaderPin No.

1

1

11

21

21

4

31

24

2

3

12

23

22

6

32

26

3

5

13

25

23

8

33

28

4

7

14

27

24

10

34

30

5

9

15

29

25

12

35

32

6

11

16

31

26

14

36

34

7

13

17

33

27

16

37

36

8

15

18

35

28

18

---

---

9

17

19

37

29

20

---

---

10

19

20

2

30

22

---

---

CA-248 Pinout, 40 Position Header Pins listed Sequentially
DB37
Pin No.

40 Position
HeaderPin No.

DB37
Pin No.

40 Position
HeaderPin No.

DB37 PinNo.

40 Position
HeaderPin No.

DB37 PinNo.

40 Position
HeaderPin No.

1

1

6

11

11

21

16

31

20

2

25

12

30

22

35

32

2

3

7

13

12

23

17

33

21

4

26

14

31

24

36

34

3

5

8

15

13

25

18

35

22

6

27

16

32

26

37

36

4

7

9

17

14

27

19

37

23

8

28

18

33

28

---

38

5

9

10

19

15

29

---

39

24

10

29

20

34

30

---

40

DaqBoard/3000USB Series User’s Manual

927593Connections & Pinouts

2-5

TB-100 Terminal Connector Option
The TB-100 Terminal Connector option can be used to connect
all signal I/O lines that are associated with a DaqBoard/3000USB
Series device. TB-100 connects to the DaqBoard’s 68-pin SCSI
connector via a 68-conductor cable: p/n CA-G55, CA-G56, or
CA-G56-6.

TB-100 Pinout
Screw Terminals for TB2 Side

The “Pin” column refers to the pin no. on the 68-Pin SCSI Connector.

Pin

Screw Terminals for TB1 Side

Pin

+5V

Vcc (+5 VDC)

19

ACH0

Analog Input Channel 0

68

GND

Digital Common

Note 1

ACH8

Analog Input Channel 834

A0

Digital I/O Line A0

18

AGND

Analog Common

Note 2

A1

Digital I/O Line A1

52

ACH1

Analog Input Channel 1

33

A2

Digital I/O Line A2

17

ACH9

Analog Input Channel 966

A3

Digital I/O Line A3

51

AGND

Analog Common

Note 2

A4

Digital I/O Line A4

16

ACH2

Analog Input Channel 265

A5

Digital I/O Line A5

50

ACH10

Analog Input Channel 10

31

A6

Digital I/O Line A6

15

AGND

Analog Common

Note 2

A7

Digital I/O Line A7

49

ACH3

Analog Input Channel 330

B0Digital I/O Line B0

14

ACH11

Analog Input Channel 11

63

B1

Digital I/O Line B1

48

AGND

Analog Common

Note 2

B2

Digital I/O Line B2

13

ACH4

Analog Input Channel 428

B3

Digital I/O Line B3

47

ACH12

Analog Input Channel 1261

B4Digital I/O Line B4

12

AGND

Analog Common

Note 2

B5

Digital I/O Line B5

46

ACH5

Analog Input Channel 560

B6Digital I/O Line B6

11

ACH13

Analog Input Channel 13

26

B7

Digital I/O Line B7

45

AGND

Analog Common

Note 2C0

Digital I/O Line C0

10

ACH6

Analog Input Channel 6

25

C1

Digital I/O Line C1

44

ACH14

Analog Input Channel 14

58

C2

Digital I/O Line C2

9

AGND

Analog Common

Note 2

C3Digital I/O Line C3

43

ACH7

Analog Input Channel 7

57

C4

Digital I/O Line C4

8

ACH15

Analog Input Channel 15

23

C5

Digital I/O Line C5

42

XDAC3

Analog Output, DAC356

C6Digital I/O Line C6

7

SGND

Low Level Sense Common

62

C7

Digital I/O Line C7

41

POSREF+5 VDC Positive Reference

20

TTLTRGTTL Trigger Input

6

XDAC2

Analog Output, DAC2

55

GND

Digital Common

Note 1

NEGREF- 5 VDC Negative Reference

54

CNT0

Counter Input CTR0

5

AGND

Analog Common

Note 2CNT1Counter Input CTR1

39

XDAC0

Analog Output, DAC0

22

CNT2

Counter Input CTR2

4

AGND

Analog Common

Note 2CNT3Counter Input CTR3

38

XDAC1

Analog Output, DAC1

21

TMR0

Timer Output 0

3

AGND

Analog Common

Note 2

TMR1

Timer Output 1

37

XAPCR

A/D Pacer Clock I/O

2

XDPCR

DAC Pacer Clock I/O

1

GND

Digital Common

Note 1

GND

Digital Common

Note 1

EGND

Earth Ground

N/A

Note 1: Digital Common Pins on the SCSI connector are: 35, 36, and 40.
Note 2: Analog Common Pins on the SCSI connector are: 24, 27, 29, 32, 59, 64, and 67

2-6

Connections & Pinouts

927593

DaqBoard/3000USB Series User’s Manual

TB-101 Terminal Board Option
The TB-101 Terminal Board can be used to connect all signal I/O lines that are associated with a DaqBoard/3000USB Seriesboard. TB-101 plugs into the DaqBoard’s four 40-pin headers (J5, J6, J7, and J8). For purpose of orientation, the notch(following figure, upper left) fits over TB7 on the DaqBoard/3000USB.

WARNING !
Turn off power to all devices connected to the system before making connections. Electrical shock
or damage to equipment can result even under low-voltage conditions.
Avoid redundant connections. Ensure there is no signal conflict between SCSI pins and the
15 terminal blocks of TB-101 [which relate to J5, J6, J7, and J8 on the main board]. Also ensure
there is no conflict between the main board’s TB7 connector and the SCSI and/or the Terminal
blocks of TB-101. Failure to do so could possibly cause equipment damage and/or personal
injury.

CAUTION
The discharge of static electricity can damage some electronic components. Semiconductor
devices are especially susceptible to ESD damage. You should always handle components
carefully, and you should never touch connector pins or circuit components unless you arefollowing ESD guidelines in an appropriate ESD controlled area. Such guidelines include the useof properly grounded mats and wrist straps, ESD bags and cartons, and related procedures.

How to Mount the TB-101(Steps A through D refer to the following illustration)
A – After taking ESD precautions, remove the Hex
Nuts from the 5 existing standoffs.
B – Thread the new ST-6-7 standoffs onto the existing
standoffs. Tighten snug by hand.
C – Align the TB-101 with the new standoffs andposition the board in place.
D – Using the Hex Nuts (removed in Step A), secure
the TB-101 to the new standoffs. Tighten snug.
Over-tightening will damage the board.

Standoff Locations,
5 in Total
DaqBoard/3000USB Series User’s Manual

927593Connections & Pinouts

2-7

TB-101 Mounting Concept

TB-101 Pinouts
Digital GND
CH C0, Digital
CH C1, Digital
CH C2, Digital
CH C3, Digital
Digital GND
Timer 0 (TMR0)
Counter 0 (CNT0)
Counter 2 (CNT2)
Digital GND

Expansion +5V
CH C4, Digital
CH C5, Digital
CH C6, Digital
CH C7, Digital
Timer 1 (TMR1)
Counter 1 (CNT1)
Counter 3 (CNT3)
Digital GND
Digital GND
TB11

TB12

TB10

TB11 is associated with J7, odd # pins 21 through 39 on the main board.
TB12 is associated with J7, even # pins 22 through 40 on the main board.

Digital GND
XAPCR (Note 1)
XTTLTRG
Analog Common
Self Calibration
Analog Common
XDAC1 (Note 3)
XDAC0 (Note 3)
Analog Common+ 13V

XAPCR (Note 1)
CH A4, Digital
CH A5, Digital
CH A6, Digital
CH A7, Digital
TTLTRIGCH B4, Digital
CH B5, Digital
CH B6, Digital
CH B7, Digital

TB10 is associated with J7, even # pins 2
through 20 on the main board.

Digital GND
Digital GND
XDPCR (Note 2)
Analog Common
SGND
Analog Common
XDAC3 (Note 3)
XDAC2 (Note 3)
Analog Common
-13V
TB13

TB14

CH B3, Digital
CH B2, Digital
CH B1, Digital
CH B0, Digital
Digital GND
CH A3, Digital
CH A2, Digital
CH A1, Digital
CH A0, Digital
Digital GND
TB9

TB13 is associated with J8, odd # pins 1 through 21 on the main board.
TB14 is associated with J8, even # pins 2 through 22 on the main board.

TB10 is associated with J7, odd # pins 1
through 19 on the main board.

Note 1: XAPCR is A/D Pacer Clock I/O.
Note 2: XDPCR is DAC Pacer Clock I/O.
Note 3: XDAC0 / 1/ 2 / 3 analog outputs only apply to the DaqBoard/3001USB and /3031USB model boards.

2-8

Connections & Pinouts

927593

DaqBoard/3000USB Series User’s Manual

WARNING !
Before connecting TC wires, ensure that the associated analog channels are not in use.
Failure to do so could possibly cause equipment damage and/or personal injury.
The analog channels associated with thermocouples are:
TB1: Channels 0, 1, 2, and 3
TB2: Channels 8, 9, 10, and 11.

CH 19, Analog
CH 18, Analog
Analog Com.
CH 11, Analog
CH 10, Analog
CH 25, Analog
CH 24, Analog
CH 9, Analog
CH 8, Analog
Analog Com.

CH 31, Analog
CH 30, Analog
CH 15, Analog
CH 14, Analog
CH 21, Analog
CH 20, Analog
CH 5, Analog
CH 4, Analog
Analog Common
Analog Common
TB2

TB4

TB15

TB2 is associated with J5, even # pins 2 through 20 on the main board.
TB4 is associated with J5, even # pins 22 through 40 on the main board.

CH 27, Analog
CH 26, Analog
Analog Com.
CH 3, Analog
CH 2, Analog
CH 17, Analog
CH 16, Analog
CH 1, Analog
CH 0, Analog
Analog Com.

Aux +5 V
Expansion +5 V
Digital GND
Digital GND-- no connection --- no connection --- no connection --- no connection --- no connection --- no connection --TB15 is not directly associated with pins on themain board.

Analog Com.
CH 12, Analog
CH 13, Analog
CH 28, Analog
CH 29, Analog
Analog Com.
CH 6, Analog
CH 7, Analog
CH 22, Analog
CH 23, Analog
TB1

TB3

CH 59, Analog
CH 51, Analog
CH 58, Analog
CH 50, Analog
CH 57, Analog
CH 49, Analog
CH 56, Analog
CH 48, Analog
Analog Common
CH 63, Analog
TB6

TB1 is associated with J5, odd # pins 1 through 19 on the main board.
TB3 is associated with J5, odd # pins 21 through 39 on the main board.

TB6 is associated with J6, even # pins 2
through 20 on the main board.

Regarding Analog Input Channels for DaqBoard/3001USB and DaqBoard/3005USB
Single Ended - only analog channels 0 through 15 apply.
Differential - only analog channels 0 through 7 apply.
Regarding Analog Input Channels for DaqBoard/3031USB and DaqBoard/3035USB
Single Ended - analog channels 0 through 63 apply.
Differential - analog channels 0 through 31 apply.
(Continued)

DaqBoard/3000USB Series User’s Manual

927593Connections & Pinouts

2-9Analog Common
Analog Common
CH 52, Analog
CH 60, Analog
CH 53, Analog
CH 61, Analog
CH 54, Analog
CH 62, Analog
Analog Common
CH 55, Analog

Analog Common
CH 36, Analog
CH 44, Analog
CH 37, Analog
CH 45, Analog
Analog Common
CH 38, Analog
CH 46, Analog
CH 39, Analog
CH 47, Analog
TB8

TB7

CH 32, Analog
CH 40, Analog
CH 33, Analog
CH 41, Analog
Analog Common
CH 34, Analog
CH 42, Analog
Analog Common
CH 35, Analog
CH 43, Analog
TB5

TB8 is associated with J6, even # pins 22 through 40 on the main board.
TB7 is associated with J6, odd # pins 21 through 39 on the main board.

TB5 is associated with J6, odd # pins
1 through 19 on the main board.

TB-101 Differential Connections; 32 Differential Channels
ANALOG CHANNELS
Differential
High (+)
Channel #
CH 0
CH 0
CH 1
CH 1
CH 2
CH 2
CH 3
CH 3
CH 4
CH 4
CH 5
CH 5
CH 6
CH 6
CH 7
CH 7
CH 8
CH 16
CH 9
CH 17
CH 10
CH 18
CH 11
CH 19
CH 12
CH 20
CH 13
CH 21
CH 14
CH 22
CH 15
CH 23

ANALOG CHANNELS
Differential
High (+)
Channel #
CH 16
CH 32
CH 17
CH 33
CH 18
CH 34
CH 19
CH 35
CH 20
CH 36
CH 21
CH 37
CH 22
CH 38
CH 23
CH 39
CH 24
CH 48
CH 25
CH 49
CH 26
CH 50
CH 27
CH 51
CH 28
CH 52
CH 29
CH 53
CH 30
CH 54
CH 31
CH 55

Low (-)
CH 8
CH 9
CH 10
CH 11
CH 12
CH 13
CH 14
CH 15
CH 24
CH 25
CH 26
CH 27
CH 28
CH 29
CH 30
CH 31

Low (-)
CH 40
CH 41
CH 42
CH 43
CH 44
CH 45
CH 46
CH 47
CH 56
CH 57
CH 58
CH 59
CH 60
CH 61
CH 62
CH 63

Regarding Analog Input Channels for DaqBoard/3001USB and DaqBoard/3005USB
Single Ended - only analog channels 0 through 15 apply.
Differential - only analog channels 0 through 7 apply.
Regarding Analog Input Channels for DaqBoard/3031USB and DaqBoard/3035USB
Single Ended - analog channels 0 through 63 apply.
Differential - analog channels 0 through 31 apply.

2-10

Connections & Pinouts

927593

DaqBoard/3000USB Series User’s ManualDBK215 16-Connector BNC Connection Module Option

DBK215

If you are not using a TB-100 terminal board connection option with your DaqBoard/3000USB Seriesboard you can, instead, make use of a DBK215 module. The DBK215 includes:oooo

BNC Access to 16 inputs or outputs (on front panel)
on-board screw-terminal blocks*
on-board socket locations for custom RC Filter networks*
68-pin SCSI connector (on rear panel)* The top cover plate must be removed to access the terminal blocks andthe RC filter network section of the DBK215’s board.

The 68-pin SCSI connector (P5) connects to the DaqBoard/3000USB Series board’s 68-pin SCSI
connector via a CA-G55, CA-G56, or CA-G56-6 cable.
The DBK215 provides BNC and screw-terminal access to all analog and digital I/O from the host dataacquisition device. Related to the screw-terminals is a front panel slot for routing all I/O wiring.

Reference Notes:
For details regarding the DBK215, refer to Appendix A.

DaqBoard/3000USB Series User’s Manual

927593Connections & Pinouts

2-11

Hardware Setups
This section presents three examples of hardware setup. Other scenarios are possible, for example, using a
TB-100 and also using one CA-248 cable. Users may also forgo the use of TB7, even if using
thermocouples. Also note that the optional TR-2 power supply can be used in any scenario.
The most important part of the setup is to avoid making redundant signal connections and to use approved
ESD precautions. Pinouts are presented earlier in this chapter.

WARNING !
Avoid redundant connections. Ensure there is no signal conflict between SCSI pins
and the associated header pin (J5. J6. J7. and J8). Also ensure there is no conflict
between TB7 (thermocouple connections) and the SCSI and/or the 40-pin headers.
Failure to do so could possibly cause equipment damage and/or personal injury.

WARNING !
Turn off power to all devices connected to the system before making connections.
Electrical shock or damage to equipment can result even under low-voltage conditions.

CAUTION
The discharge of static electricity can damage some electronic components.
Semiconductor devices are especially susceptible to ESD damage. You should always
handle components carefully, and you should never touch connector pins or circuitcomponents unless you are following ESD guidelines in an appropriate ESD controlled
area. Such guidelines include the use of properly grounded mats and wrist straps,
ESD bags and cartons, and related procedures.

Scenario 1: Using CA-248 Cables to obtain DB37 Connectors

In this setup a CA-248 cable is connected to each of the 40-pin headers (J5, J6, J7, and J8). The result isfour male DB37 connectors which, as can be seen from the pinouts, offer the same signal connectivity as
the SCSI connector. Note that the J6 header is dedicated entirely to analog expansion and therefore is notapplicable to /3001USB or /3005USB. As in all scenarios, a CA-179-x USB cable is used to connect the/3000USB Series board to a USB2.0 port on the host PC.
2-12

Connections & Pinouts

927593

DaqBoard/3000USB Series User’s ManualScenario 2: Using a TB-100

In this setup a TB-100 screw-terminal board option is connected to the 68-pin SCSI connector via a
CA-G56 shielded cable. However, the use of other cables is possible as noted below. In this example wecan also see that 4 thermocouples are connected at TB7 (on the /3000USB board). This means that 8
analog channels [to obtain 4 differential TC channels] are required (see following figure). Redundantconnections must be avoided.

WARNING !
Before connecting TC wires, ensure that the associatedanalog channels are not in use. Failure to do so could
possibly cause equipment damage and/or personal injury.
The TB7 terminal block can be used to connect up to 4 thermocouples. The
first TC channel makes use of Analog Channel 0 for its positive (+) lead andAnalog Channel 8 for its negative (-) lead. The second TC channel uses
analog Channels 1 and 9, and so on, as indicated in the pinout to the left.
Thermocouples should only be connected in differential mode.
Appendix B includes additional information.
DaqBoard/3000USB Series devices do not have open
thermocouple detection.

As in all scenarios, a CA-179-x USB cable is used to connect the /3000USB Series board to a USB2.0 porton the host PC.

* Any of the following 68-conductor expansion cables can be used to connect the TB-100 option the SCSI
connector:

DaqBoard/3000USB Series User’s Manual

CA-G553 feet, ribbon cable.

CA-G56

3 feet, shielded expansion cable.

CA-G56-6

6 feet, shielded expansion cable.

927593Connections & Pinouts

2-13

Scenario 3: Using a DBK215

In this setup a DBK215 BNC Module is connected to the 68-pin SCSI connector via a CA-G56 shieldedcable. However, the use of other cables is possible as noted below. In this example we can also see that 4
thermocouples are connected at TB7 (on the /3000USB board). This means that 8 analog channels [toobtain 4 differential TC channels] are required (see following figure). Redundant connections must be
avoided. A TR-2 power supply is being used, and is connected to the board’s external power connector.

WARNING !
Before connecting TC wires, ensure that the associatedanalog channels are not in use. Failure to do so could
possibly cause equipment damage and/or personal injury.
The TB7 terminal block can be used to connect up to 4 thermocouples. The
first TC channel makes use of Analog Channel 0 for its positive (+) lead andAnalog Channel 8 for its negative (-) lead. The second TC channel uses
analog Channels 1 and 9, and so on, as indicated in the pinout to the left.
Thermocouples should only be connected in differential mode.
Appendix B includes additional information.
DaqBoard/3000USB Series devices do not have open
thermocouple detection.

As in all scenarios, a CA-179-x USB cable is used to connect the /3000USB Series board to a USB2.0 porton the host PC.

* Any of the following 68-conductor expansion cables can be used to connect the DBK215 module option
the SCSI connector:

2-14Connections & Pinouts

CA-G553 feet, ribbon cable.

CA-G56

3 feet, shielded expansion cable.

CA-G56-6

6 feet, shielded expansion cable.

927593

DaqBoard/3000USB Series User’s ManualCE Compliance & Noise Considerations

3

Overview …… 3-1
Safety Conditions …… 3-1
Emissions/Immunity Conditions …… 3-2
CE Rules of Thumb …… 3-2
Noise Considerations …… 3-3

Overview
CE compliant products bear the “CE” mark and include a Declaration of Conformity stating theparticular specifications and conditions that apply. The test records and supporting documentationthat validate the compliance are kept on file at the factory.
The standards are published in the Official Journal of European Union under direction of CENELEC(European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization). The specific standards relevant to dataacquisition equipment are listed on the product’s Declaration of Conformity.
This product meets the essential requirements of applicable European directives, as amended for
CE markings in accordance with the product family standard for:•electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use•

immunity requirements for equipment used in controlled EM environments

Refer to this product’s Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for any additional regulatory complianceinformation. To obtain the DoC for this product, visit ZZZPFFGDTFRPFDOLEUDWLRQFHUWLILFDWHVDVS[.

Safety Conditions
Users must comply with all relevant safety conditions as stated in the user’s manual and in the pertinent
Declarations of Conformity. Both the documentation and the associated hardware make use of thefollowing Warning and Caution symbols. If you see any of these symbols on a product or in a document,
carefully read the related information and be alert to the possibility of personal injury and/or equipment
damage.
This WARNING symbol is used in documentation and/or on hardware to warn ofpossible injury or death from electrical shock under noted conditions.
This WARNING/CAUTION symbol is used to warn of possible personal injury or
equipment damage under noted conditions.
This CAUTION symbol warns of possible equipment damage due to electrostatic
discharge. The discharge of static electricity can damage some electronic
components. Semiconductor devices are especially susceptible to ESD damage. You
should always handle components carefully, and you should never touch connector
pins or circuit components unless you are following ESD guidelines in an appropriate
ESD-controlled area. Such guidelines include the use of properly grounded mats andwrist straps, ESD bags and cartons, and related procedures.
Unless otherwise stated our data acquisition products contain no user-serviceableparts. Only qualified personnel are to provide service to the devices.

User’s Manual

949290

CE-Compliance & Noise Considerations

3-1

The specific safety conditions for CE compliance vary by product; but general safety conditions include thefollowing bulleted items:•

The operator must observe all safety cautions and operating conditions specified in the
documentation for all hardware used.

•

The host computer and all connected equipment must be CE compliant.

•

All power must be off to the device and externally connected equipment before internal access to thedevice is permitted.

•

Ensure that isolation voltage ratings do not exceed documented voltage limits for power and signal
inputs. All wire insulation and terminal blocks in the system must be rated for the isolation voltage
in use. Voltages above 30 Vrms or ±60 VDC must not be applied if any condensation has formed on
the device.

•

Current and power use must not exceed specifications. Do not defeat fuses or other over-current
protection.

Emissions/Immunity Conditions
The specific immunity conditions for CE compliance vary by product. General immunity conditions include thefollowing:•

Cables must be shielded, braid-type with metal-shelled connectors. Input terminal connections are to bemade with shielded wire. The shield should be connected to the chassis ground with the hardware provided.

•

The host computer must be properly grounded.

•

In low-level analog applications some inaccuracy is to be expected when I/O leads are exposed to RF fields
or transients, as noted on the Declaration of Conformity, if applicable to the device.

CE Rules of Thumb
The IOtech device is CE Compliant at the time it leaves the factory and should remain in compliance as long as theconditions stated on the Declaration of Conformity continue to be met.
A few general rules of thumb:• Use short cables.
• When assembling or disassembling components, take ESD precautions,
including the use of grounded wrist straps.
• Ensure that the host computer is CE Compliant.
• Review the most recent Declaration of Conformity.
• Ensure all system components are properly grounded.

3-2

CE-Compliance & Noise Considerations

949290User’s Manual

Calibration

4
The DaqCal.exe calibration utility does not support DaqBoard/3000USB Seriesboards at present. Please contact the factory for the latest calibration information
concerning these products.

Every range of a DaqBoard/3000USB board is calibrated at the factory using a digital NIST traceablecalibration method. This method works by storing a correction factor for each range on the unit at the timeof calibration. The user can adjust the calibration of the board while it is installed in the acquisition system
without destroying the factory calibration. This is accomplished by having 3 distinct calibration tables in
the on-board EPROM.
The user can select any of the three cal tables provided [factory, user, or self-cal tables] by API call or fromwithin software. Self-cal can be performed automatically via the included software and without the use of
external hardware or instruments. Self-cal derives its tracebility through an on-board reference which has astability of 0.005% per year.
Note that a 2-year calibration period is recommended for /3000USB Series boards.
Using a Temperature Calibrator

DaqBoard/3000USB boards provide accurate and repeatable temperature measurements across a wide
range of operating conditions. However, all instrumentation is subject to drift with time and with ambient
temperature change. If the ambient temperature of the operating environment is below 18°C or above
28°C, or if the product is near or outside its calibration interval, then the absolute accuracy may be
improved through the use of an external temperature calibrator.
A temperature calibrator is a temperature simulation instrument that allows selection of thermocouple type
and temperature. For proper operation, it must be connected to the /3000USB Series board with the same
type thermocouple wire and connector that is used in normal testing. The calibrator then generates andsupplies a voltage corresponding to that which would be generated by the TC type [at the associatedtemperature].
The temperature selected on the calibrator will be dictated by the nature of normal testing. 0°C is usually
the best choice. Calibrators are the most accurate at this setting, and the connecting thermocouple wire willcontribute very little error at this temperature. However, if the dynamic range of the normal testing is, forexample, 100°C to 300°C, a selection of 200°C may give better results. In either case, the level ofadjustment is determined by comparing the unit reading to the selected calibrator temperature. For
example, if the calibrator is set to 0°C output, and the board reads 0.3°C, then an adjustment of minus
0.3°C is required. That is, the adjustment value is determined by subtracting the board’s reading from thecalibrator setting.

To implement the adjustment in DaqView:
1.

Ensure that the acquisition process is turned off.

2.

Click on the cell in the Units column for the channel that is connected to the calibrator. The
engineering units pull-down menu above the grid becomes active.

3.

Click on the down arrow and select the “mx+b” option. This option allows post-acquisition
mathematical manipulation.

4.

For the example adjustment, enter -0.3 for “b.” The channel under calibration will now
read 0°C.

Note that this adjustment is a mathematical operation only, and in no way alters the board’s hardware
calibration. Moreover, it operates on a per channel basis, with the settings for a given channel having noinfluence on any other channels.

DaqBoard/3000 Series User’s Manual

897494

Calibration

4-1

4-2

Calibration

897494

DaqBoard/3000 Series User’s ManualCounter Input Modes

5

Tips for Making High-Speed Counter Measurements ( > 1 MHz ) …… 5-1
Debounce Module …… 5-1
Terms Applicable to Counter Modes…….5-5
Counter Options …… 5-5
Counter/Totalize Mode …… 5-6
Period Mode …… 5-8
Pulsewidth Mode …… 5-11
Timing Mode …… 5-13
Encoder Mode …… 5-15

Note: Each of the high-speed, 32-bit counter channels can be configured for counter,
period, pulse width, time between edges, or encoder modes.

Tips for Making High-Speed Counter Measurements ( > 1 MHz )o

Use coax or twisted-pair wire. Connect one side to Digital Common.

o

If the frequency source is tolerant, parallel-terminate the coax (or twisted-pair) with a 50 ohm or
100 ohm resistor at the terminal block.

o

The amplitude of the driving waveform should be as high as possible without violating the over-voltage
specification.

o

To ensure adequate switching, waveforms should swing at least 0V to 5V and have a high slew rate.

Debounce
Each channel’s output can be debounced with 16 programmable debounce times from 500 ns to 25.5 ms.
The debounce circuitry eliminates switch-induced transients typically associated with electro-mechanicaldevices including relays, proximity switches, and encoders.
From the following illustration we can see that there are two debounce modes, as well as a debounce
bypass. In addition, the signal from the buffer can be inverted before it enters the debounce circuitry. The
inverter is used to make the input rising-edge or falling-edge sensitive.
Edge selection is available with or without debounce. In this case the debounce time setting is ignored andthe input signal goes straight from the inverter [or inverter bypass] to the counter module.
There are 16 different debounce times. In either debounce mode, the debounce time selected determines
how fast the signal can change and still be recognized.
The two debounce modes are “trigger after stable” and “trigger before stable.” A discussion of the twomodes follows.

Debounce Model
DaqBoard/3000USB Series User’s Manual

887794

Counter Input Modes

5-1

Trigger After Stable ModeIn the “Trigger After Stable” mode, the output of the debounce module will not change state until a periodof stability has been achieved. This means that the input has an edge and then must be stable for a periodof time equal to the debounce time.

Debounce Module – Trigger After Stable Mode

The following time periods (T1 through T5) pertain to the above drawing. In Trigger After Stable mode,
the input signal to the debounce module is required to have a period of stability after an incoming edge, inorder for that edge to be accepted (passed through to the counter module.) The debounce time for thisexample is equal to T2 and T5.
T1 – In the example above, the input signal goes high at the beginning of time period T1 but never stays
high for a period of time equal to the debounce time setting (equal to T2 for this example.)
T2 – At the end of time period T2, the input signal has transitioned high and stayed there for the required
amount of time, therefore the output transitions high. If the Input signal never stabilized in the highstate long enough, no transition would have appeared on the output and the entire disturbance on the
input would have been rejected.
T3 – During time period T3 the input signal remained steady. No change in output is seen.
T4 – During time period T4, the input signal has more disturbances and does not stabilize in any state longenough. No change in the output is seen.
T5 – At the end of time period T5, the input signal has transitioned low and stayed there for the required
amount of time, therefore the output goes low.
Trigger Before Stable ModeIn the “Trigger Before Stable” mode, the output of the debounce module immediately changes state, butwill not change state again until a period of stability has passed. For this reason the mode can be used todetect glitches.

Debounce Module – Trigger Before Stable Mode
The following time periods (T1 through T6) pertain to the above drawing.
T1 – In the illustrated example, the Input signal is low for the debounce time (equal to T1); therefore
when the input edge arrives at the end of time period T1 it is accepted and the Output (of thedebounce module) goes high. Note that a period of stability must precede the edge in order for theedge to be accepted.

5-2 Counter Input Modes

887794

DaqBoard/3000USB Series User’s Manual

T2 – During time period T2, the input signal is not stable for a length of time equal to T1 (the debounce
time setting for this example.) Therefore, the output stays “high” and does not change state during
time period T2.
T3 – During time period T3, the input signal is stable for a time period equal to T1, meeting the debounce
requirement. The output is held at the high state. This is the same state as the input.
T4 – At anytime during time period T4, the input can change state. When this happens, the output will
also change state. At the end of time period T4, the input changes state, going low, and the output
follows this action [by going low].
T5 – During time period T5, the input signal again has disturbances that cause the input to not meet thedebounce time requirement. The output does not change state.
T6 – After time period T6, the input signal has been stable for the debounce time and therefore any edge
on the input after time period T6 will be immediately reflected in the output of the debounce module.

Mode Comparison
The following example shows how the two modes interpret the same input signal (which exhibits glitches).
Notice that the Trigger Before Stable mode will recognize more glitches than the Trigger After Stablemode. Use the bypass option to achieve maximum glitch recognition.

Example of Two Debounce Modes Interpreting the Same Signal
Debounce times should be set according to the amount of instability expected in the input signal. Setting adebounce time that is too short may result in unwanted glitches clocking the counter. Setting a debounce
time too long may result in an input signal being rejected entirely. Some experimentation may be required
to find the appropriate debounce time for a particular application.
To see the effects of different debounce time settings, simply view the analog waveform along with thecounter output. This can be done by connecting the source to an analog input.

DaqBoard/3000USB Series User’s Manual

887794

Counter Input Modes

5-3

Use trigger before stable mode when the input signal has groups of glitches and each group is to be
counted as one. The trigger before stable mode will recognize and count the first glitch within a group but
reject the subsequent glitches within the group if the debounce time is set accordingly. The debounce timeshould be set to encompass one entire group of glitches as shown in the following diagram.

Trigger after stable mode behaves more like a traditional debounce function: rejecting glitches and only
passing state transitions after a required period of stability. Trigger after stable mode is used with electromechanical devices like encoders and mechanical switches to reject switch bounce and disturbances due toa vibrating encoder that is not otherwise moving. The debounce time should be set short enough to accept
the desired input pulse but longer than the period of the undesired disturbance as shown in the diagram
below.

5-4 Counter Input Modes

887794

DaqBoard/3000USB Series User’s ManualTerms Applicable to Counter Modes
The following terms and definitions are provided as an aid to understanding counter modes.

Gating: Any counter can be gated by the mapped channel. When the mapped channel is high, thecounter will be allowed to count, when the mapped channel is low, the counter will not count but hold its
value.
Mapped Channel: A mapped channel is one of 4 signals that can get multiplexed into a channel’scounter module. The mapped channel can participate with the channel’s input signal by gating the counter,
clearing the counter, etc. The 4 possible choices for the mapped channel are the 4 input signals (postdebounce).
Start of Scan: The start of scan is a signal that is internal to the 3000USB Series board. It signals thestart of a scan group and therefore pulses once every scan period. It can be used to clear the counters andlatch the counter value into the acquisition stream.

Terminal Count: This signal is generated by the counter value. There are only two possible values forthe terminal count: 65,535 for a 16-bit counter (Counter Low); and 4,294,967,295 for a 32-bit counter(Counter High). The terminal count can be used to stop the counter from rolling over to zero.

Ticksize: The ticksize is a fundamental unit of time and has four possible settings: 20.83ns, 208.3ns,
2083ns, 20833ns. For measurements that require a timebase reference like period or pulsewidth, theticksize is the basic unit of time. Ticksize is derived from the period of the 48 MHz system clock. The
count value returned in the scan is the number of ticks that make up the time measurement.

Counter Options
The following mode options are available with the /3000USB Series board and are detailed in theupcoming pages.
A separate block diagram has been created for each mode. Note that the OPT numbers relate tosections of the block diagrams.

Counter/Totalize Mode (see page 6):
OPT0: Selects totalize or clear on read mode.
OPT1: Determines if the counter is to rollover or “stop at the top.”
OPT2: Determines whether the counter is 16-bits (Counter Low); or 32-bits (Counter High).
OPT3: Determines which signal latches the counter outputs into the data stream back to the/3000USB Series board. Start of scan or mapped channel.
OPT4: Allows the mapped channel to gate the counter.
OPT5: Allows the mapped channel to decrement the counter.
OPT6: Allows the mapped channel to increment the counter.

Period Mode (see page 8):
OPT[1:0]: Determines the number of periods to time, per measurement (1, 10, 100, 1000).
OPT2: Determines whether the period is to be measured with a 16-bit (Counter Low);or 32-bit (Counter High).
OPT4: Allows the mapped channel to gate the counter.
OPT6: Allows the mapped channel to be measured for periods.

Pulsewidth Mode (see page 11):
OPT2: Determines whether the pulsewidth is to be measured with a 16-bit counter (Counter Low);
or a 32-bit counter (Counter High).
OPT4: Allows the mapped channel to gate the counter.
OPT6: Allows the mapped channel to be measured for pulsewidth.

Timing Mode (see page 13).
OPT2: Determines whether the time is to be measured with a 16-bit counter (Counter Low);
or a 32-bit counter (Counter High).

DaqBoard/3000USB Series User’s Manual

887794

Counter Input Modes

5-5Encoder Mode (see page 15).
OPT[1:0]: Determines the encoder measurement mode: 1X, 2X, or 4X.
OPT2: Determines whether the counter is 16-bits (Counter Low); or 32-bits (Counter High).
OPT3: Determines which signal latches the counter outputs into the data stream going back to the/3000USB Series board. Start of scan or mapped channel.
OPT4: Allows the mapped channel to gate the counter.
OPT5: Allows the mapped channel to clear the counter for Z reference.

Counter/Totalize Mode
TIP: When using a counter for a trigger source, it is a good idea to use a pre-trigger with a value of at least 1.
The reason is that all counters start at zero with the initial scan; and there will be no valid reference in regard torising or falling edge. Setting a pre-trigger to 1 or more ensures that a valid reference value is present, and thatthe first trigger will be legitimate.

The counter mode allows basic use of a 32-bit counter. While in this mode, the channel’s input can only
increment the counter upward. When used as a 16-bit counter (Counter Low), one channel can be scannedat the 12 MHz rate. When used as a 32-bit counter (Counter High), two sample times are used to return thefull 32-bit result. Therefore a 32-bit counter can only be sampled at a 6 MHz maximum rate. If only theupper 16 bits of a 32-bit counter are desired then that upper word can be acquired at the 12 MHz rate.
The first scan of an acquisition always zeroes all counters. It is usual for all counter outputs to be latchedat the beginning of each scan; however, there is an option to change this. A second channel, referred to as
the “mapped” channel, can be used to latch the counter output. The mapped channel can also be used to:•••gate the counterincrement the counter
decrement the counter

The mapped channel can be any of the 4 counter input channels (post-debounce), or any of the four
asynchronous read strobes. When a counter is not in the scan it can be asynchronously read with, orwithout, clear on read. The asynchronous read-signals strobe when the lower 16-bits of the counter areread by software. The software can read the counter’s high 16-bits at a later time, after reading the lower
16-bits. The full 32-bit result reflects the timing of the first asynchronous read strobe.

Counter/Totalize Mode
*There is one asynchronous read strobe for each of the four counter channels.

5-6 Counter Input Modes

887794

DaqBoard/3000USB Series User’s ManualAn explanation of the various counter options, depicted in the previous figure, follows.
COUNTER: OPT0: This selects totalize or clear on read mode.
Totalize Mode – The counter counts up and rolls over on the 16-bit (Low Counter) boundary, or on the
32-bit (High Counter) boundary. See OPT2 in regard to choosing 16-bit or 32-bit counters.
Clear On Read Mode – The counter is cleared at the beginning of every scan or synchronous read; andthe final value of the counter [the value just before it was cleared] is latched and returned to the /3000USB
Series board.
COUNTER: OPT1: This determines if the counter is to rollover or “stop at the top.”
Rollover Mode - The counter continues to count upward, rolling over on the 16-bit (Counter Low)
boundary, or on the 32-bit (Counter High) boundary. See OPT2 in regard to choosing 16-bit or 32-bit
counters.
Stop at the Top Mode - The counter will stop at the top of its count. The top of the count is FFFF for the
16-bit option (Counter Low), and FFFFFFFF for the 32-bit option (Counter High).
COUNTER: OPT2: Determines whether the counter is 16-bits or 32-bits (Counter Low, or Counter
High, respectively). This only matters when the counter is using the “stop at the top” option, otherwise thisoption is inconsequential.
COUNTER: OPT3: Determines which signal latches the counter outputs into the data stream back to
the /3000USB Series board. Normally, the start of scan signal latches the counter outputs at the beginningof every scan; but an option is to have the mapped signal latch the counter outputs. This mapped-signal
option allows a second signal to control the latching of the count data. This allows the user to know theexact counter value when an edge is present on another channel. This also allows the counters to be
asynchronously read.
COUNTER: OPT4: Allows the mapped channel to gate the counter if desired. When the mappedchannel is high, the counter is enabled. When the mapped channel is low, the counter is disabled (butholds the count value). The mapped channel can be any other input channel.
COUNTER: OPT5: Allows the mapped channel to decrement the counter. With this option the input
channel [for the counter] will increment the counter. The mapped channel can be used to decrement thecounter.
COUNTER: OPT6: Allows the mapped channel to increment the counter instead of the main
channel. This option allows the counter to be used with any other input channel (post-debounce). If thechannel’s input is used elsewhere, for example, gating another counter, the counter for this channel does
not need to go unused.

Asynchronously Reading These Counters
If the counter is in asynchronous mode the clear on read mode is available. The counter’s lower 16-bit
value should be read first. This will latch the full 32-bit result and clear the counter. The upper 16-bit
value can be read after the lower 16-bit value. Also, counters can only be asynchronously read in modes
that allow the mapped channel to latch the data, i.e., Counter and Encoder modes. However, it is possible
for the user to use that read strobe as a mapped channel elsewhere, if desired. For example, the read strobe
could be used to increment or decrement the counter.

DaqBoard/3000USB Series User’s Manual

887794

Counter Input Modes

5-7

Period Mode
TIP: When using a counter for a trigger source, it is a good idea to use a pre-trigger with a value of at least 1.
The reason is that all counters start at zero with the initial scan; and there will be no valid reference in regard torising or falling edge. Setting a pre-trigger to 1 or more ensures that a valid reference value is present, and thatthe first trigger will be legitimate.

This mode allows for period measurement of the channel input. The measurement period is the time fromedge-to-edge, either both rising or both falling. Period data is latched as it becomes available and the data
is logged by the /3000USB Series board at the scan rate. Therefore, if the scan period is much faster than
the input waveform, there will be a great deal of repetition in the period values. This repetition is due tothe fact that updates take place only when another full period becomes available.

Period Mode
*There is one asynchronous read strobe for each of the four counter channels.
Note 1: Tick-sizes are: 20.83ns, 208.3ns, 2083ns, and 20833ns, derived from the 48 MHz system clock.

An example: One channel’s acquired data might be: 0,0,0,0,80,80,80,80,79,79,79,79,81,81,81,81,…..
This data represents the number of ticksize intervals counted during the period measurement. The firstvalue(s) returned will be zero since the counters are cleared at the beginning of the acquisition. The data
comes in sets of four since the scan period is about one-fourth as long as the input channel’s period. Everytime the period measurement is latched from the counter, the counter is immediately cleared and begins tocount the time for the subsequent period.
If the scan period is a lot slower than the input period, the acquired data will be missing some periods.
To obtain greater resolution, you can increase the scan period, or use an averaging option (see OPT[1:0]).
The data returned is interpreted as time measured in ticks. There are four timebase settings: 20.83 ns,
208.3 ns, 2083 ns, and 20833 ns. These are often referred to as tick-sizes. The /3000USB Series board
uses a 48 MHz, 50 ppm oscillator as a timing source. The tick sizes are derived from 1 period, 10 periods,
100 periods, or 1000 periods of the 48 MHz clock.

5-8 Counter Input Modes

887794

DaqBoard/3000USB Series User’s Manual

PERIOD: OPT[1:0]: Determines the number of periods to time, per measurement. This makes it
possible to average out jitter in the input waveform, sampling error, noise, etc. There are four options:(1) The channel’s measurement is latched every time one complete period has been observed.
(2) The channel’s measurement is latched every time that 10 complete periods have been observed.
The value that gets returned is equal to 10 consecutive periods of the input channel.
(3) The number returned is 100 consecutive periods.
(4) The number returned is 1000 consecutive periods.
PERIOD: OPT2: Determines whether the period is to be measured with a 16-bit (Counter Low), or
32-bit (Counter High) counter. Since period measurements always have the “stop at the top” option
enabled, this option dictates whether the measurement has a range of 0 to 65535 ticks or 0 to
4,294,967,295 ticks.
PERIOD: OPT4: Allows the mapped channel to gate the counter if desired. When the mappedchannel is high, the counter is enabled. When the mapped channel is low, the counter is disabled, but stillholds the count value. The mapped channel can be any other input channel.
PERIOD: OPT6: This allows a mapped channel’s period to be measured, instead of the input channel.
The mapped channel can be any other input channel (post debounce). This option allows the counter to be
used with any other input channel (post-debounce). If the channel’s input is used elsewhere, for example,
gating another counter, the counter for this channel does not need to go unused.
Period and Frequency Accuracy
The /3000USB Series board can measure the period of any input waveform. It does this by counting the
integral number of “ticks” that make up the period, the data returned will always be time measured in“ticks.” The error in each data sample will come from two sources: the sampling error caused by not
being able to count a partial “tick”; and the 3000USB Series Board’s internal timebase inaccuracy. The
board’s internal timebase has an absolute accuracy of 50 ppm. The sampling error will vary with input
frequency, selected ticksize, and selected averaging mode. The absolute error is the “root-sum-of-squares”
of the two independent error sources.
Many times the desired accuracy is much less than what the internal timebase is capable of. Other
applications will require a more accurate period measurement and the effects of sampling error will have to
be averaged out leaving only the inaccuracy associated with the internal timebase. Inaccuracy due to theinternal timebase cannot be averaged out.
For period and frequency measurements, percent sampling error is equal to 100%/(n+1) where n=0 to
65,535 for a 16-bit counter and n=0 to 4,294,967,295 for a 32-bit counter. For small count values, thesampling error is large and for large count values, the sampling error is small. If sampling error is to beless than 0.21%, n must be greater than 480 regardless of counter size.
Sampling error can also be reduced by averaging many samples together. Assuming the input signal isasynchronous to the board’s internal timebase, sampling error can be divided by the square-root of thenumber of samples taken. The averaging can be done with PC-based software.
The board has the ability to measure 1, 10, 100 or 1000 periods, dividing the sampling error by 1, 10, 100,or 1000. This is done within the board circuitry and may eliminate the need for any averaging to be donein the PC. For high accuracy on high frequency inputs, multiple period measurement and PC-based
averaging can be done.
The 3000USB Series board has the ability to provide various frequency ranges that are based upon
different ticksizes, averaging options, and counter size (16 bit or 32 bit values.) The frequency ranges aredesigned to fit a wide array of possible applications. Within each range, the sampling error decreases
dramatically as the input period increases. The ranges will get smaller as required accuracy increases.

DaqBoard/3000USB Series User’s Manual

887794

Counter Input Modes

5-9Upper 16-bits of the 32-bit counter
Range (Hz)Ticksize (nS)
15u – 1500u

20833.333

Averaging
Option1

150u – 15m
1500u – 150m
15m – 1500m
150m – 15
1500m – 150
15 – 1500

2083.333
208.333
20.83320.83320.83320.833

1
1
1
10
100
1000

Lower 16-bits of the 32-bit counter
Range (Hz)Ticksize (nS)1 – 100

20833.333

Averaging
Option1

10 – 1k
100 – 10k
1k – 100k
10k – 1M
100k – 5M
1M – 5M

2083.333
208.333
20.83320.83320.83320.833

1
1
1
10
100
1000

Frequency Ranges for a 16-bit value, sampling error is less than 0.21%
Each frequency range given in the previous table-set can be exceded. If the input waveform goes underrange by too much, the counter value will top out at 65535 indicating you have reached the lowest possible
frequency that can be measured on that range. If the input waveform goes over range by too much, thecounter will return values that are very course and have a lot of sampling error. The values returned will
have a small number of counts for the period duration. If an input waveform cannot fit within one of the
16-bit ranges shown above or requires much higher accuracy, then a 32-bit range should be considered.
Full 32-bit Counter
Range (Hz)15u – 100
150u – 1k
1.5m – 10k
15m – 100k
150m – 1M
1.5 – 5M
15 – 5M

Ticksize (nS)
20833.333
2083.333
208.333
20.83320.83320.83320.833

Averaging Option
1
1
1
1
10
100
1000

Frequency Ranges for a 32-bit Value,
Sampling Error is Less than 0.21%
The 32-bit ranges shown above are much wider than the 16-bit ranges, but also require the full 32-bit value
to be returned. Since digital or counter channels do not take up any time in the scan period there is no
disadvantage in reading a 32-bit counter versus a 16-bit counter. The 32-bit frequency ranges can also be
exceeded with a loss of accuracy or topping out at 4,294,967,295 counts.
Some measurements will require the accuracy of an input waveform to be free of sampling error, having only
the absolute accuracy of the internal timebase as the source of error. Sampling error can be averaged out togive the required result. In most cases, the 3000USB Series board can perform the required averaging on
the values before they are returned to the PC. The frequency ranges shown below will give a sampling errorthat is less than 10ppm or 1ppm.
Full 32-bit Counter <10 ppm
Range (Hz)Ticksize (nS)
15u – 500m
150u – 5
1.5m – 50
15m – 500
150m – 5k
1.5 – 50k
15 – 500k

20833.333
2083.333
208.333
20.83320.83320.83320.833

Averaging
Option
1
1
1
1
10
100
1000

Full 32-bit Counter <1 ppm
Range (Hz)Ticksize (nS)
15u – 50m
150u – 500m
1.5m – 515m – 50150m – 500
1.5 – 5k
15 – 50k

20833.333
2083.333
208.333
20.83320.83320.83320.833

Averaging
Option
1
1
1
1
10
100
1000

High Accuracy Frequency Ranges for a 32-bit Valuethat has little sampling error (<10ppm, <1ppm)
If the input frequency is required to have less than 1 ppm sampling error and is greater than 50kHz, use the15– 50kHz, 1ppm range. The values returned will have sampling error that is greater than 1ppm but they
can be averaged by the PC software to further reduce the sampling error.

5-10 Counter Input Modes

887794

DaqBoard/3000USB Series User’s ManualPulsewidth Mode
TIP: When using a counter for a trigger source, it is a good idea to use a pre-trigger with a value of at least 1.
The reason is that all counters start at zero with the initial scan; and there will be no valid reference in regard torising or falling edge. Setting a pre-trigger to 1 or more ensures that a valid reference value is present, and thatthe first trigger will be legitimate.

This mode provides a means to measure a channel’s pulsewidth. The measurement is the time from therising edge to the falling edge, or visa versa. The measurement will be either pulsewidth low, or
pulsewidth high, depending upon the edge polarity set in the debounce module.
Every time the pulsewidth measurement is latched from the counter, the counter is immediately cleared andenabled to count the time for the next pulsewidth. The pulsewidth measurements are latched as they
become available.

Pulsewidth Mode
*There is one asynchronous read strobe for each of the four counter channels.
Note 1: Tick-sizes are: 20.83ns, 208.3ns, 2083ns, and 20833ns, derived from the 48 MHz system clock.

An example: one channel’s acquired data might be: 0,0,0,0,80,80,80,80,79,79,79,79,81,81,81,81,….
This data represents the number of ticksize intervals counted during the pulsewidth measurement. The firstvalue(s) returned will be zero since the counters are cleared at the beginning of the acquisition. In thisexample the data comes in sets of four because the scan period is about one-fourth as long as the input
channel’s period. Every time the pulsewidth measurement is latched from the counter, the counter isimmediately cleared and enabled to count time for the next pulsewidth.
If the scan period is much slower than the input period, then the acquisitions will miss some pulsewidths.
Decreasing the scan period will increase the number of different pulsewidths received.
The data returned is interpreted as time measured in ticks. There are four timebase settings: 20.833 ns,
208.33 ns, 2.083 µs, and 20.83 µs. These are often referred to as tick-sizes. The 3000USB Series board
uses a 48 MHz, 50 ppm oscillator as a timing source.
If the input signal has a poor slew rate the pulsewidth mode will provide variant results.

DaqBoard/3000USB Series User’s Manual

887794

Counter Input Modes

5-11

PULSEWIDTH: OPT2: Determines whether the pulsewidth is to be measured with a 16-bit (Counter
Low), or 32-bit (counter High) counter. Since pulsewidth measurements always have the “stop at the top”
option enabled, this option dictates whether the measurement has a range of 0 to 65535 ticks, or 0 to
4,294,967,295 ticks.
PULSEWIDTH: OPT4: Allows the mapped channel to gate the counter. When the mapped channel
is high, the counter is enabled to count. When the mapped channel is low, the counter is disabled, butholds the count value. The mapped channel can be any other input channel.
PULSEWIDTH: OPT6: This allows the mapped channel’s pulsewidth to be measured instead of the
input channel. The mapped channel can be any other input channel (post debounce). This option allows
the counter to be used with any other input channel (post-debounce). If the channel’s input is used
elsewhere, for example, gating another counter, the counter for this channel does not need to go unused.
Pulsewidth and Timing mode Accuracy
The 3000USB Series board has the ability to measure the pulsewidth of an input and the time between any
two edges on any two inputs. The time ranges are similar to those shown for period mode except that
averaging is not available. The ranges given below reflect this.
Upper 16-bits of the 32-bit Counter
Range (S)Ticksize (nS)
800 – 80000
80 – 8000
8 – 800
800m – 80

20833.333
2083.333
208.333
20.833

Averaging
Option1
1
1
1

Lower 16-bits of the 32-bit Counter
Range (S)Ticksize (nS)
10m – 1
1m – 100m
100u – 10m
10u – 1m

20833.333
2083.333
208.333
20.833

Averaging
Option1
11
1

Pulsewidth and Time Ranges for a 16-bit Value
Sampling error is less than 0.21%

Full 32-bit Counter
Range (S)Ticksize (nS)
10m – 80000
1m – 8000
100u – 800
10u - 80

20833.333
2083.333
208.333
20.833

Averaging
Option1
11
1

Pulsewidth and Time Ranges for a 32-bit Value
Sampling error is less than 0.21%

Full 32-bit Counter <10 ppm
Range (S)Ticksize (nS)
2 – 80000
200m – 8000
20m – 8002m – 80

20833.333
2083.333
208.333
20.833

Averaging
Option1
1
1
1

Full 32-bit Counter <1 ppm
Range (S)Ticksize (nS)
20 – 80000
2 – 8000
200m – 800
20m – 80

20833.333
2083.333
208.333
20.833

Averaging
Option1
1
1
1High Accuracy Pulsewidth and Time Ranges for a 32-bit Valuethat has little sampling error (<10ppm, <1ppm)

5-12 Counter Input Modes

887794

DaqBoard/3000USB Series User’s Manual

Timing Mode
TIP: When using a counter for a trigger source, it is a good idea to use a pre-trigger with a value of at least 1.
The reason is that all counters start at zero with the initial scan; and there will be no valid reference in regard torising or falling edge. Setting a pre-trigger to 1 or more ensures that a valid reference value is present, and thatthe first trigger will be legitimate.

This mode provides a means of measuring time between two subsequent events, i.e., the edge of one
channel with respect to the edge of another channel. The edge selection is done in each channel’s
debounce setup. Whenever the time measurement is latched from the counter, the counter is immediately
cleared and enabled for accepting the subsequent time period, which starts with the next edge on the main
channel.

Timing Mode
*There is one asynchronous read strobe for each of the four counter channels.
Note 1: Tick-sizes are: 20.83ns, 208.3ns, 2083ns, and 20833ns, derived from the 48 MHz system clock.

DaqBoard/3000USB Series User’s Manual

887794

Counter Input Modes

5-13

An Example of Timing Mode
The following example represents one channel in timing mode. The time desired is between the risingedge on the input channel and the falling edge on the mapped channel. Zeroes are returned, in the scan,
until one complete time measurement has been taken. At that point, the value (time in ticks) is latched andlogged by the /3000USB Series board until the next time measurement has been completed. Rising edges
on the input channel will clear the counter and falling edges on the mapped channel will latch the output of
the counter at that time. If the scan period is much slower than the rate of time-frames coming [available on
the two channels] then the data will miss some time-frames. The scan period can be decreased to capture
more time-frames.
The data returned is interpreted as time measured in ticks. This data represents the number of ticksize
intervals counted during the timing measurement. There are four timebase settings: 20.833 ns, 208.33 ns,
2.083 µs, and 20.83 µs. These are often referred to as tick-sizes. The 3000USB Series board uses a
48 MHz, 50 ppm oscillator as a timing source.
If the input signal has a poor slew rate the timing mode will provide variant results,
dependant upon the input switching threshold.

Example of One Channel in Timing Mode
TIMING: OPT2: This determines whether the time is to be measured with a 16-bit (Counter Low), or
32-bit (Counter High) counter. Since time measurements always have the “stop at the top” option enabled,
this option dictates whether the measurement has a range of 0 to 65535 ticks or 0 to 4,294,967,295 ticks.

5-14 Counter Input Modes

887794

DaqBoard/3000USB Series User’s ManualEncoder Mode
TIP: When using a counter for a trigger source, it is a good idea to use a pre-trigger with a value of at least 1.
The reason is that all counters start at zero with the initial scan; and there will be no valid reference in regard torising or falling edge. Setting a pre-trigger to 1 or more ensures that a valid reference value is present, and thatthe first trigger will be legitimate.

Introduction
Rotary shaft encoders are frequently used with CNC equipment, metal-working machines, packaging
equipment, elevators, valve control systems, and in a multitude of other applications in which rotary shafts
are involved.
The encoder mode allows the 3000USB Series board to make use of data from optical incremental
quadrature encoders. When in the encoder mode, the board accepts single-ended inputs. When reading
phase A, phase B, and index Z signals, the 3000USB Series board provides positioning, direction, andvelocity data.
The 3000USB Series board can only receive input from up to two encoders.

The 3000USB Series board supports quadrature encoders with a 16-bit (Counter Low), or a 32-bit (CounterHigh) counter, 20 MHz frequency, and x1, x2, and x4 count modes. With only phase A and phase B
signals, 2 channels are supported; with phase A, phase B, and index Z signals, 1 channel is supported.
Quadrature encoders generally have 3 outputs: A, B, and Z. The A and B signals are pulse trains driven
by an optical sensor inside the encoder. As the encoder shaft rotates, a laminated optical shield rotates
inside the encoder. The shield has three concentric circular patterns of alternating opaque and transparent
windows through which an LED will shine. There is one LED for each of the concentric circular patterns
and likewise, one phototransistor. One phototransistor produces the A signal, another phototransistor
produces the B signal and the last phototransistor produces the Z signal. The concentric pattern for A has
512 window pairs (or 1024, 4096, etc.)

The concentric pattern for B has the same number of window pairs as A except that the entire patternis rotated by 1/4 of a window-pair. Thus the B signal will always be 90 degrees out of phase from the A
signal. The A and B signals will pulse 512 times (or 1024, 4096, etc.) per complete rotation of theencoder.
The concentric pattern for the Z signal has only one transparent window and therefore pulses
only once per complete rotation. Representative signals are shown in the following figure.

DaqBoard/3000USB Series User’s Manual

887794

Counter Input Modes

5-15

Representation of Quadrature Encoder Outputs: A, B, and Z
As the encoder rotates, the A (or B) signal is indicative of the distance the encoder has traveled. The
frequency of A (or B) indicates the velocity of rotation of the encoder. If the Z signal is used to zero acounter (that is clocked by A) then that counter will give the number of pulses the encoder has rotated fromits reference. The Z signal is a reference marker for the encoder. It should be noted that when the encoder
is rotating clockwise (as viewed from the back), A will lead B and when the encoder is rotating counterclockwise, A will lag B. If the counter direction control logic is such that the counter counts upward when
A leads B and counts downward when A lags B, then the counter will give direction control as well as
distance from the reference.
An Example of Encoder Accuracy
If there are 512 pulses on A, then the encoder position is accurate to within 360 degrees/512. Even greater
accuracy can be obtained by counting not only rising edges on A but also falling edges on A, giving
position accuracy to 360 degrees/1024. The ultimate accuracy is obtained by counting rising and fallingedges on A and on B (since B also has 512 pulses.) This gives a position accuracy of 360 degrees/2048.
These 3 different modes are known as 1X, 2X, and 4X. The 3000USB Series board implements all ofthese modes and functions, as described in the following options.

Encoder Mode

*There is one asynchronous read strobe for each of the four counter channels.

5-16 Counter Input Modes

887794

DaqBoard/3000USB Series User’s Manual

ENCODER: OPT[1:0]: This determines the encoder measurement mode: 1X, 2X, or 4X.
ENCODER: OPT3: This determines which signal latches the counter outputs into the data stream goingback to the /3000USB Series board. Normally, the start of scan signal latches the counter outputs at the
beginning of every scan. The other option is to have the mapped signal latch the counter outputs. This
allows the user to have another signal control the latching of the count data, so the exact value of thecounter is known when an edge is present on another channel.
ENCODER: OPT4: This allows the mapped channel to gate the counter if desired. When the mappedchannel is high, the counter is enabled to count, when the mapped channel is low, the counter is disabled(but holds the count value.) The mapped channel can be any other input channel.
ENCODER: OPT5: This allows the mapped channel to clear the counter if desired. OPT5 implements
the Z-function [described above], allowing the encoder reference to clear the counter. The counter iscleared on the rising edge of the mapped channel.
Encoder Wiring Diagrams
You can use up to two encoders with each 3000USB Series board module in your acquisition system.
Each A and B signal can be made as a single-ended connection with respect to common ground.
Encoder wiring diagrams and example setup tables are included in the following pages; refer to them as
needed.

For Single-ended Connections:
For single-ended applications, the connections made from the encoder to the 3000USB Series board are as
follows:• Signals A, B, and Z connect to the Counter Inputs on 3000USB Series board.
• Each encoder ground connects to GND.
• +5 V is available on the 68-pin SCSI connector for powering encoders.
Differential applications are not supported.

For Open-Collector Outputs: External pullup resistors can be connected to the 3000USB
Series board’s counter input terminal blocks. A pullup resistor can be placed between any input
channel and the encoder power supply.
Choose a pullup resistor value based on the encoder’s output drive capability and the input
impedance of the 3000USB Series board. Lower values of pullup resistors will cause lessdistortion but also cause the encoder’s output driver to pull down with more current.

DaqBoard/3000USB Series User’s Manual

887794

Counter Input Modes

5-17

Wiring for 1 Encoder
The following figure illustrates connections for one encoder to a 68-pin SCSI connector on a
DaqBoard/3000USB Series board.
The “A” signal must be connected to an even-numbered channel and the associated“B” signal must be connected to the next [higher] odd-numbered channel. For example,
if “A” were connected to CTR0, “B” would be connected to CTR1.

Encoder Connections to pins on the SCSI Connector** Connections can instead, be made to the associated screw-terminals of a connected TB-100 terminal
connector option.

In addition to the previous figure, the following table indicates how to connect a single encoder to a
3000USB Series board. Each signal (A, B, Z) can be connected as a single-ended connection with respect
to the common ground. The encoder can draw power from the 3000USB Series board’s +5 VDC power
output (pin 19). Connect the encoder’s power input to the +5V pin and connect the return to digitalcommon (GND) on the same connector.
The programming setup given below is just a representative of possible options.
Single Encoder – Programming Example Setup
SCSI Pin

Connects to:

Example Programming Setup

Pin 5(CTR0)

Encoder – A

Encoder Mode, 4X option, 16-bit counter, Latch on SOS, Map channel
Clears the counter, set Map channel to CTR2.

Pin 39(CTR 1)

Encoder – B

Period Mode, 1Xperiod option, 16-bit counter, Map channel doesn’t gate,
Ticksize to 208.3 ns.

Pin 4(CTR2)

Encoder – Z

Counter in Totalize mode, stop-at-the-top, 16-bit counter.

If the encoder stops rotating, but is vibrating [due to the machine it is mounted to], the debounce feature
can be used to eliminate false edges. An appropriate debounce time can be chosen and applied to each
encoder channel. Refer to the Debounce Module section on page 1 for additional information regarding
debounce times.
Relative position and velocity can be obtained from the encoder. However, during an acquisition, data thatis relative to the Z-position cannot be obtained until the encoder locates the Z-reference.
During an acquisition, data that is relative to the Z-position cannot be obtained until theencoder locates the Z-reference.

Note that the number of Z-reference crossings can be tabulated. If the encoder was turning in only one
direction, then the Z-reference crossings will equal the number of complete revolutions. This means thatthe data streaming to the PC will be relative position, period = 1/velocity, and revolutions.

5-18 Counter Input Modes

887794

DaqBoard/3000USB Series User’s Manual

A typical acquisition might take 6 readings off of the 3000USB Series board module as illustrated below.
The user determines the scan rate and the number of scans to take.

DaqBoard/3000USB Series board Acquisition of Six Readings per Scan

Note: Digital channels do not take up analog channel scan time.

In general, the output of each channel’s counter is latched at the beginning of each scan period (called thestart-of-scan.) Every time the 3000USB Series board receives a start-of-scan signal, the counter values arelatched and are available to the /3000USB Series board.
The 3000USB Series board clears all counter channels at the beginning of the acquisition. This means thatthe values returned during scan period 1 will always be zero. The values returned during scan period 2
reflect what happened during scan period 1.

The scan period defines the timing resolution for the /3000USB Series board.
If you need a higher timing resolution, shorten the scan period.

DaqBoard/3000USB Series User’s Manual

887794

Counter Input Modes

5-19

Wiring for 2 Encoders
The following figure illustrates single-ended connections for two encoders. Differential connections are
not applicable.

Two Encoders Connected to pins on the SCSI Connector** Connections can instead, be made to the associated screw-terminals of a connected TB-100 terminal
connector option.

Connect two encoders to the 3000USB Series board as shown in the table below. Each signal (A, B) can
be connected as a single-ended connection with respect to the common digital ground (GND). Both
encoders can draw their power from the +5V power output (pin 19) on the 68-pin SCSI connector.
Connect each encoder’s power input to +5V power. Connect the return to digital common (GND) on thesame connector. Make sure that the current output spec is not violated. The programming setup given
below is just a representative of possible options.
Two Encoders – Programming Example Setup
SCSI Pin

Connects to:

Example Programming Setup

Pin 5(CTR0)

Encoder #1 – A

Encoder Mode, 1X option, 16-bit counter, Latch on SOS

Pin 39(CTR 1)

Encoder #1 – B

Period Mode, 1Xperiod option, 16-bit counter, Map channel doesn’t gate,
Ticksize to 20833 ns

Pin 4(CTR2)

Encoder #2 – A

Encoder Mode, 2X option, 16-bit counter, Latch on SOS

Pin 38(CTR3)

Encoder #2 – B

Period Mode, 1Xperiod option, 16-bit counter, Map channel doesn’t gate,
Ticksize to 2083.3 ns

With the encoders connected in this manner there is no relative positioning information available on
encoder #1 or #2 since there is no Z signal connection for either. Therefore only distance traveled andvelocity can be measured for each encoder.

5-20 Counter Input Modes

887794

DaqBoard/3000USB Series User’s ManualSetpoint Configuration for Output Control

6

Overview …… 6-1
Detecting Input Values …… 6-3
Controlling Analog, Digital, and Timer Outputs …… 6-4
P2C, DAC, or Timer Update Latency …… 6-6
More Examples of Control Outputs …… 6-7
Detection on an Analog Input, DAC and P2C Updates …… 6-7
Detection on an Analog Input, Timer Output Updates …… 6-8
Using the Hysteresis Function …… 6-8
Using Multiple Inputs to Control One DAC Output …… 6-10
The Setpoint Status Register …… 6- 11

Overview
DaqBoard/3000 Series boards include a setpoint configuration feature which allows the user to individuallyconfigure up to 16 detection setpoints associated with channels within a scan group. Each detection
setpoint can be programmed in the following ways:oooSingle Point referenced – above, below, or equal to the defined setpoint
Window (dual point) referenced – inside, or outside the window
Window (dual point) referenced, Hysterisis Mode – outside the window high forces
one output (designated “Output 2”; outside the window low forces another output,
designated as “Output 1.”

A digital detect signal is used to indicate when a signal condition is True or False, i.e., whether or not thesignal has met the defined criteria. The detect signals themselves can be part of the scan group and can bemeasured as any other input channel; thus allowing real time data analysis during an acquisition.
Each setpoint can update the following, allowing for real time control based on acquisition data:oooP2C digital output port with a data byte and mask byte
analog outputs (DACs)
timersThe detection module looks at the 16-bit data being returned on a given channel and generates anothersignal for each channel with a setpoint applied: Detect1 for Channel 1, Detect2 for Channel 2, etc. Thesesignals serve as data markers for each channel’s data. It doesn’t matter whether that data is volts, counts,
period, pulsewidth, timing, or encoder position.
A channel’s detect signal will show a rising edge and will be True (1) when the channel’s data meets the
setpoint criteria. The detect signal will show a falling edge and will be False (0) when the channel’s data
does not meet the setpoint criteria. The true and false states, for each setpoint criteria, appear in the
Setpoint Status Register (see page 6-11).

DaqBoard/3000 Series User’s Manual

887794

Setpoint Configuration for Output Control

6-1

Criteria
Input Signal is Equal to X
CompareX To:
Limit A or
Limit B

Setpoint Definition:

Window*(nonHysterisis
Mode)• Inside• Outside

Window*(Hysterisis
Mode)• Above A• Below B• Equal to A
• Below A• Above B(Choose 1)

ActionDriven by Condition
Update Conditions:

X=A
X<A
X>B

True Only:
If True, then Output Value 1; If False, then perform no action
True and False:
If True, then Output Value 1; If False, then Output Value 2

B<X<A
B > X; or X > A

True Only:
If True, then Output Value 1; If False, then perform no action(Choose 1)

True and False:
If True, then Output Value 1; If False, then Output Value 2
X>A
X<B(Both conditions arechecked when in
Hysterisis Mode)

Hysterisis Mode (Forced Update):
If X > A is True, then Output Value 2 until
X < B is True, then Output Value 1.
If X < B is True, then Output Value 1 until X > A is True, thenOutput Value 2.
This is saying: (a) If the input signal is outside the window “high”,
then Output Value 2 until the signal goes outside the window “low”
and (b) if the signal is outside the window low, then Output Value 1
until the signal goes outside the window “high.” There is nochange to the detect signal while within the window.

* Value A defines the upper limit of the Window and Value B defines the low limit.

The detect signal has the timing resolution of the scan period as seen in the diagram below. The detectsignal can change no faster than the scan frequency (1/scan period.)

Example Diagram of Detection Signals for Channels 1, 2, and 3
Each channel in the scan group can have one detection setpoint. There can be no more than 16 setpoints,
in total, applied to channels within a scan group.
Detection setpoints act on 16-bit data only. Since the DaqBoard/3000 Series boards have 32-bit counters,
data is returned 16-bits at a time. The lower word, the higher word or both lower and higher words can bepart of the scan group. Each counter input channel can have 1 detection setpoint for the counter’s lower
16-bit value and 1 detection setpoint for the counter’s higher 16-bit value.
6-2 Setpoint Configuration for Output Control

887794

DaqBoard/3000 Series User’s ManualDetecting Input Values
All setpoints are programmed as part of the pre-acquisition setup, similar to setting up the analog path,debounce mode, or counter mode setup. Since each setpoint acts on 16-bit data, each has two 16-bit
compare values: Limit A (High Limit) and Limit B (Low Limit). These limits define the setpoint
window.
There are several possible conditions (criteria) and effectively 3 update modes, as can be seen in thefollowing configuration summary.

Setpoint Configuration Summary◊ 16-bit High Limit

Identified as “Limit A” in software◊ 16-bit Low Limit

Identified as “Limit B” in software◊ Criteria:

Inside window
Outside window
Greater than valueLess than value
Equal to value
Hysteresis mode

Signal is below Limit A and Above Limit B
Signal is above Limit A, or below Limit B
Signal is above Limit B, Limit A is not used
Signal is below Limit A, Limit B is not used
Signal is equal to Limit A, Limit B is not used. Note that the
Equal to mode is intended for use with counter or digital input
channels [as the source channel]. See the TIP below.
Outside the window high forces Output 2 until an outside thewindow low condition exists; then Output 1 is forced. Output 1
continues until an outside the window high condition exists.
The cycle repeats as long as the acquisition is running in
Hysterisis mode.

◊ Update Mode:
Update on True Only
Update on True and False
None - Do not update◊ 16-bit DAC value, P2C value, or Timer value when input meets criteria◊ 16-bit DAC value, P2C value, or Timer value when input does not meet criteria◊ Type of Action:
None
Update P2C (see note)
Update DACx
Update TImerx

By software default, P2C comes up as a digital input. If you want the P2C signal
to be a digital output [in some initial state before an acquisition is started] andP2C is to be updated by set point criterion, then you must do an asynchronous
write to P2C before the acquisition is started. The initial value will only be output
if the asynchronous write to P2C has been performed.
When using setpoints with triggers other than immediate, hardware analog, or
TLL, the setpoint criteria evaluation will begin immediately upon arming theacquisition.
TIP: It is recommended that the “Equal to Limit A” mode only be used withcounter or digital input channels as the channel source. If similar functionality isdesired for analog channels, then the “Inside Window” mode should be used.

DaqBoard/3000 Series User’s Manual

887794

Setpoint Configuration for Output Control

6-3

Controlling Analog, Digital, and Timer Outputs
Each setpoint can be programmed with an 8-bit digital output byte and corresponding 8-bit mask byte.
When the setpoint criteria has been met, the P2C digital output port can be updated with the given byte andmask. Alternately, each setpoint can be programmed with a 16-bit DAC update value, any one of the 4
DAC outputs can be updated in real time. Any setpoint can also be programmed with a timer update value.
In hysteresis mode each setpoint has two forced update values. Each update value can drive one DAC, one
timer, or the P2C digital output port. In hysteresis mode the outputs do not change when the input values
are inside the window. There is one update value that gets applied when the input values are less than thewindow and a different update value that gets applied when the input values are greater than the window.
Update on True and False uses two update values. There is one update value that gets applied when thespecified criteria is met (True) and a different update value that gets applied when the specified criteria is
not met (False). The update values can drive DACs, P2C, or timer outputs.

Example: Setpoint Detection on a Totalizing CounterIn the following figure Channel 1 is a counter in totalize mode. Two setpoints are used to define a point ofchange for Detect 1 as the counter counts upward. The detect output will be high when inside the window(greater than Limit B (the low limit) but less than Limit A (the high limit). In this case, the Channel 1
setpoint is defined for the 16 lower bits of channel 1’s 32-bit value. The P2C digital output port could be
updated on a True condition (the rising edge of the Detection signal). Alternately, one of the DAC output
channels, or timer outputs, could be updated with a value.

Limit A
Limit B

Detection

Channel 1 in Totalizing Counter Mode, Inside the Window Setpoint

The detection circuit works on data that is put into the acquisition stream at the scan rate. This data is
acquired according to the pre-acquisition setup (scan group, scan period, etc.) and returned to the PC.
Counters are latched into the acquisition stream at the beginning of every scan. The actual counters may be
counting much faster than the scan rate and therefore only every 10th, 100th, or nth count will show up in theacquisition data. Therefore it is possible to set a small detection window on a totalizing counter channel
and have the detection setpoint “stepped over” since the scan period was too long. Even though the countervalue stepped into and out of the detection window, the actual values going back to the PC may not. Thisis true no matter what mode the counter channel is in.

6-4 Setpoint Configuration for Output Control

887794

DaqBoard/3000 Series User’s Manual

The setting of a detection window must be done with a scan period in mind. This applies to analog inputs
and counter inputs. Quickly changing analog input voltages can step over a setpoint window if not
sampled often enough.
There are three possible solutions for overcoming this problem:(1)

The scan period could be shortened to give more timing resolution on the counter values oranalog values(2)

The setpoint window can be widened by increasing Limit A and/or lowering Limit B.

(3)

A combination of both solutions (1 and 2) could be made.

Example: Setpoint Detection on a Counter in Encoder Mode.

Limit A
Limit B
Encoder
Position

P2C

Example of a Counter in Encoder Mode

The figure above shows values pertaining to a Counter in Encoder Mode. The acquisition is started
and 16-bit data [from the counter] streams into the PC at the scan rate. The 16-bit counter data isinterpreted as the position from an encoder, which is connected to the counter inputs.
The update on True and False mode is being used. Thus, one value is output on P2C when theposition is outside of the window (a value of 10h in the example); and a second value is output on P2C
when the position is inside the window (a value of 20h in the example).
In the True and False mode, each setpoint has two DAC update values, two P2C update values, or 2
timer update values. One of the two values is used to update the DACs, P2C, or timers when it is truethat the input channel meets the setpoint criteria. The second value is used to update the DACs, P2C,
or timers when the condition is false, i.e., when the setpoint criteria is not met.

By software default, P2C comes up as a digital input. If you want the P2C signal
to be a digital output [in some initial state before an acquisition is started] andP2C is to be updated by set point criterion, then you must do an asynchronous
write to P2C before the acquisition is started. The initial value will only be output
if the asynchronous write to P2C has been performed.

DaqBoard/3000 Series User’s Manual

887794

Setpoint Configuration for Output Control

6-5

P2C, DAC, or Timer Update Latency
Setpoints allow DACs, timers, or P2C digital outputs to be updated very quickly. Exactly how fast an
output can be updated is determined by the following three factors:oooscan ratesynchronous sampling mode
type of output to be updated

Example:We set an acquisition to have a scan rate of 100 kHz. This means each scan period is 10µs. Within
the scan period we will sample six analog input channels. These are shown in the following figure as
Channels 1 through 6. The ADC conversion occurs at the beginning of each channel’s 1µs time block.

Example of P2C or DAC Latency

If we apply a setpoint on analog input Channel 2, then that setpoint will get evaluated every 10µs withrespect to the sampled data for Channel 2.
Due to the pipelined architecture of the Analog-to-Digital Converter system, the setpoint cannot be
evaluated until 2µs after the ADC conversion. In the example above, the P2C digital output port can be
updated no sooner than 2µs after Channel 2 has been sampled, or 3µs after the start of the scan. This 2µs
delay is due to the pipelined ADC architecture. The setpoint is evaluated 2µs after the ADC conversion
and then P2C can be updated immediately.
P2C digital outputs can be updated immediately upon setpoint detection. This is not the case for analog
outputs, as these incur another 3µs delay. This is due to the shifting of the digital data out to the D/Aconverter which takes 1µs, plus the actual conversion time of the D/A converter, i.e., another 2µs (worstcase). Going back to the above example, if the setpoint for analog input Channel 2 required a DAC update
it would occur 5µs after the ADC conversion for Channel 2, or 6µs after the start of the scan.

When using setpoints to control any of the DAC outputs, increased latencies may occur
if attempting to stream data to DACs or pattern digital output at the same time. The
increased latency can be as long as the period of the DAC pacer clock. For thesereasons, avoid streaming outputs on any DAC or pattern digital output when using
setpoints to control DACs.

6-6 Setpoint Configuration for Output Control

887794

DaqBoard/3000 Series User’s ManualMore Examples of Control Outputs
Detection on an Analog Input, DAC and P2C Updates
Update Mode: Update on True and False
Criteria: Ch 5 example: Below Limit; Ch 4 example: Inside Window

In this example Channel 5 has been programmed with reference to one setpoint [Limit A], defining a low
limit; and Channel 4 has been programmed with reference to two setpoints [Limits A and B] which define
a window for that channel.

Channel54Condition

State of
Detect Signal

ActionBelow Limit A(for Channel 5)

True

When Channel 5 analog input voltage is below the limit A,
update DAC1 with Output Value 0.0V.

False

When the above stated condition is false, update DAC1 with
the Output Value of minus 1.0V.

True

When Channel 4 analog input voltage is within the window,
update P2C with 70h.

False

When the above stated condition is false (Channel 4 analog
input voltage is outside the window) update P2C with 30h.

Within Window(Between Limit A
and Limit B) for
Channel 4

Limit A
(for Channel 5)

DAC1

Detection(for Channel 5)

Limit A
(for Channel 4)
Limit B
(for Channel 4)

P2C

Detection
Signal(for Channel 4)

Analog Inputs with Setpoints
Update on True and False

DaqBoard/3000 Series User’s Manual

887794

Setpoint Configuration for Output Control

6-7

In the example [upper portion of the preceding figure], the setpoint placed on analog Channel 5 updated
DAC1 with 0.0V. The update occurred when Channel 5’s input was less than the setpoint (Limit A).
When the value of Channel 5’s input was above setpoint Limit A, the condition of <A was false and DAC1
was then updated with minus1.0V.
Control outputs can be programmed on each setpoint. Detection for Channel 4 could be used to update theP2C digital output port with one value (70h in the example) when the analog input voltage is within theshaded region and a different value when the analog input voltage is outside the shaded region (30h in theexample).

Detection on an Analog Input, Timer Output Updates
Update Mode: Update on True and False
Criteria Used: Inside Window
The figure below shows how a setpoint can be used to update a timer output. Channel 23 is an analog
input channel. It could be any analog input channel but in this example it happens to be on a PDQ30
expansion module. A setpoint is applied using Update on True and False, with a criteria of inside-thewindow, where the signal value is inside the window when simultaneously less than Limit A but greaterthan Limit B.
Whenever the Channel 23 analog input voltage is inside the setpoint window (condition True), timer0 will
be updated with one value; and whenever the Channel 23 analog input voltage is outside the setpoint
window (condition False) timer0 will be updated with a second output value. An output value of 65535
will stop the timer.

Limit A
(for Channel 23)
Limit B
(for Channel 23)

Detection Signal
Timer0Updating a Timer Output
Update on True and False

6-8 Setpoint Configuration for Output Control

887794

DaqBoard/3000 Series User’s Manual

Using the Hysterisis Function
Update Mode: N/A, the Hysterisis option has a forced update built into the function
Criteria Used: window criteria for above and below the set limits
The figure below shows analog input Channel 3 with a setpoint which defines two 16-bit limits, Limit A(High) and Limit B (Low). These are being applied in the hysteresis mode and DAC Channel 0 will beaccordingly.
In this example Channel 3’s analog input voltage is being used to update DAC0 as follows:oWhen outside the window, low (below Limit B) DAC0 is updated with 3.0V. Thisupdate will remain in effect until the analog input voltage goes above Limit A.

o

When outside the window, high (above Limit A) DAC0 is updated with 7.0V. This update willremain in effect until the analog input signal falls below Limit B. At that time we are again
outside the limit “low” and the update process repeats itself.

Hysteresis mode can also be done with P2C digital output port, or a timer output, instead of a DAC.

Ch 3 Analog
Input Voltage
Limit A
Limit B

Detection
DAC0

Channel 3 in Hysterisis Mode

DaqBoard/3000 Series User’s Manual

887794

Setpoint Configuration for Output Control

6-9

Using Multiple Inputs to Control One DAC Output
Update Mode: Rising Edge, for each of 2 channels
Criteria Used: Inside Window, for each of 2 channels

The figure below shows how multiple inputs can update one output. In the following figure the DAC2
analog output is being updated. Analog input Channel 3 has an inside-the-window setpoint applied.
Whenever Channel 3’s input goes inside the programmed window, DAC2 will be updated with 3.0V.
Analog input Channel 7 also has an inside-the-window setpoint applied. Whenever Channel 7’s input goesinside the programmed window, DAC2 will be updated with minus 7.0V.
Limit A
(for Ch3)
Limit B
(for Ch3)

Limit A
(for Ch7)
Limit B
(for Ch7)

Detection (Ch3)

Detection (Ch7)+3.0 VDAC2 0.0 V-7.0 V

Using Two Criteria to Control an Output** The update on True Only mode was selected and therefore the updates for DAC2 will only occur when the criteria ismet. However, in the above figure we see that there are 2 setpoints acting on one DAC. We can also see that the two
criteria can be met simultaneously. When both criteria are True at the same time, the DAC2 voltage will be associatedwith the criteria that has been most recently met.

6-10 Setpoint Configuration for Output Control

887794

DaqBoard/3000 Series User’s Manual

The Setpoint Status Register
Regardless of which software application you are using with a DaqBoard/3000 Series device, a setpoint
status register can be used to check the current state of the 16 possible setpoints. In the register, Setpoint 0
is the least significant bit and Setpoint 15 is the most significant bit. Each setpoint is assigned a value of 0
or 1. 0 indicates that the setpoint criteria is not met, i.e., the condition is false. 1 indicates that the criteria
has been met, i.e., the condition is true. Related information is provided in the overview (pages 6-1 and
6-2.)
In the following example, the criteria for setpoints 0, 1, and 4 is satisfied (True); but the criteria
for the other 13 setpoints has not been met.
Setpoint #

15

14

13

12

11

10

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

0

True ( 1 )False ( 0 )

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

0

1

1

<<<

Most Significant Bit

Least Significant Bit >>>From the above table we have 10011 binary, or 19 decimal, derived as follows:
Setpoint 0, having a True state, shows “1;” giving us decimal “1.”Setpoint 1, having a True state, shows “1;” giving us decimal “2.”Setpoint 4, having a True state, shows “1;” giving us decimal “16.”For proper operation, the Setpoint Status Register must be the last channel in the scanlist.

DaqBoard/3000 Series User’s Manual

887794

Setpoint Configuration for Output Control

6-11

6-12 Setpoint Configuration for Output Control

887794

DaqBoard/3000 Series User’s ManualSpecifications – DaqBoard/3000USB Series

7

I/O Comparison Matrix
Model
DaqBoard/

Analog Input
Channels (ADC)

Analog Output
Channels (DAC)

Digital I/O
Channels

Counter
InputsTimer
Outputs

3001USB

16SE / 8DE

4

24

4

2

3005USB

16SE / 8DE

0

24

4

2

3031USB

64SE / 32DE

4

24

4

2

3035USB

64SE / 32DE

0

24

4

2

General Specifications
Power Consumption (per board):
ModelPower Consumption (Typical)**An optional power adapter (TR-2) will be required if the/3001USB/3005USB/3031USB/3035USB

3000 mW
2000 mW
3400 mW
2400 mW

USB port cannot supply adequate power. USB2 ports
are, by USB2 standards, required to supply 2500 mW(nominal at 5V, 500 mA).

Power Output for DaqBoard/3000 USB
Output Power
Supply Voltage

Tolerance

Pin Numbers

Power Allowed whenusing USB PowerPower Allowed whenusing External Power

+5 V

± 20%

P5-19; J7-22; J8-25

2 mA

10 mA

+13 V

± 10%

J8-1

1 mA

5 mA

- 13 V

± 10%

J8-2

1 mA

5 mA

Environment:
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, USB1.1 full-speed mode (12 Mbps)
Acquisition Data Buffer: 1 MSample
Vibration: MIL STD 810E Category 1 and 10
Signal I/O Connectors: (see chapter 2 for pinouts)
68-pin standard “SCSI type III” female connector (P5); Four 40-pin headers (J5, J6, J7, J8),
AMP# 2-103328-0
Option TB-100: An optional TB-100 terminal board can be connected to the 3000USB board’s 68pin SCSI connector via a CA-G55, CA-56, or CA-56-6 cable. The TB-100 provides access to
16SE/8DE analog inputs, up to 4 analog outputs, 24 digital I/O, and all counter/timers. Whenusing TB-100 with 3035 or 3031 models the remaining 48SE/24DE are accessed through 40-pin
headers (see chapter 2 for details).
Option TB-101: An optional TB-101 screw terminal board can be mounted directly to a 3000USB
Series board, providing screw terminal connections for all of the board’s I/O (see chapter 2 fordetails).
Temperature Measurement Connector: (see chapter 2 for pinouts)
4-channel TC screw-terminal block (TB7); Phoenix # MPT 0.5/9-2.54
External Power:
Connector: Switchcraft#RAPC-712
Power Range: 6 to 16 VDC (used when USB port supplies insufficient power,
or when an independent power supply is desired)
Over-Voltage: 20 V for 10 seconds, max.

Note: Specifications are subject to change without notice.

928691

Specifications - DaqBoard/3000USB Series

7-1Physical Attributes:
Dimensions: 152.4 mm W x 150.62 mm D (6.0” x 5.93”)
Weight: 147 g (0.32 lbs)

Analog Inputs
Channels: 16 single-ended or 8 differential. Programmable on a per-channel basis as single-ended ordifferential. 4 differential channels can be assigned to thermocouples=
Over-Voltage Protection: ±30V without damage
Voltage Measurement Speed: 1 µs per channel
Ranges: Software or sequencer selectable on a per-channel basis.
±10V, ±5V, ±2V, ±1V, ±0.5V, ±0.2V, ±0.1V
Input Impedance: 10MΩ single-ended; 20MΩ differential
Total Harmonic Distortion: -80 db, typical for ±10V range, 1 kHz fundamental
Signal to Noise and Distortion: 72 db, typical for ±10V range, 1 kHz fundamental
Bias Current: 40pA typical (0°C to 35°C)
Crosstalk: -67 dB typical DC to 10 kHz
Common Mode Rejection: -70 dB typical DC to 1 kHz
Maximum Usable Input Voltage+ Common Mode Voltage*
RangesMaximum(CMV + Vin)
5, 10V
10.5V
0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2V
6.0V=

DaqBoard/3035USB and DaqBoard/3031USB each support a total of 64SE (or 32 differential) channels.

Worst Case Temperature Measuerment Error vs. PDaq3000 Ambient Temperature
with Thermocouple at 0ºC (Excludes Thermocouple Error)
AutoZero Enabled

Temperature Measurement Error (ºC) for Types T, J, K, E,
R, S

3.0

T

2.5

K
2.0
E
1.5
J
1.0

0.5

0.0
-30

-20

-10

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Ambient Temperature (ºC)

7-2

DaqBoard/3000USB Series Specifications

928691

Note: Specifications are subject to change without notice.

70

Worst Case Temperature Measuerment Error vs. PDaq3000 Ambient Temperature
with Thermocouple at 0ºC (Excludes Thermocouple Error)
AutoZero Disabled

Temperature Measurement Error (ºC) for Types T, J, K, E,
R, S

8

K

7

T
6

5

4
E
3
J
2

1

0
-30

-20

-10

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

Ambient Temperature (ºC)

Voltage Measurement Noise vs. Oversampling
100.00Note: does not include noise due to quantizing of returned data

Noise (RMS Counts), Typical

10.00

1.00

Range
100mV
0.10

200mV
500mV
1V
2V

0.01

10V
1

10

100

1000

10000

100000Oversampling Rate

Note: Specifications are subject to change without notice.

928391

Specifications

7-3

Voltage
Range*
-10V
-5V
-2V
-1V
-500 mV-200 mV-100 mV

to
to
to
to
to
to
to

10V
5V
2V
1V
500 mV
200 mV
100 mV

Accuracy±(% Reading + % Range)
23ºC ± 10°C, 1 year

Temperature Coefficient± (ppm of Reading + ppm Range)/ºC-30ºC to 13°C and 33ºC to 70ºC

Noise**(cts RMS)

0.031% + 0.008%
0.031% + 0.009%
0.031% + 0.010%
0.031% + 0.02%
0.031% + 0.04%
0.036% + 0.05%
0.042% + 0.10%

14 + 8
14 + 914 + 10
14 + 12
14 + 18
14 + 12
14 + 18

2.0
3.0
2.0
3.5
5.5
8.0
14.0

*

Specifications assume differential input single-channel scan, 1-MHz scan rate, unfiltered,
CMV=0.0V, 30 minute warm-up, exclusive of noise, range is -FS to +FS.

**

Noise reflects 10,000 samples at 1-MHz, typical, differential short.
1

TC Types and Accuracy
TC Type
J
K
T
E
R
S
N
B
1

Temperature
Range (°C)-200 to+760-200 to+1200-200 to+400-270 to+650-50 to+1768-50 to+1768-270 to+1300+300 to+1400

Accuracy(±°C)

Noise, Typical
(±°C)

1.7
1.8
1.8
1.7
4.8
4.7
2.7
3.0

0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
1.5
1.5
0.3
1.0

Assumes 16384 oversampling applied, CMV = 0.0V, 60 minute warm-up, still environment,
and 25°C ambient temperature; excludes thermocouple error; TCIN = 0°C for all types except
B (1000 °C), TR-2 for External Power.

10 1

Noise in ºC, Peak to PeakType T thermocouple
Lines represent theoretical noise
Symbols are measured data - 1000 samples with 60Hz
rejection enabled

256
512

1.0
0.1

1024
2048
4096
8291
16384

0.1
0.01
-300

-200

-100

0

100

200

300

400

Measured Temperature (ºC)

7-4

DaqBoard/3000USB Series Specifications

928691

Note: Specifications are subject to change without notice.

A/D Specifications
Type: Successive approximation
Resolution: 16 bit
Maximum Sample Rate: 1 MHz
Nonlinearity (Integral): ±2 LSB maximum
Nonlinearity (Differential): ±1 LSB maximum

Input Sequencer
Analog, digital and counter inputs can be scanned synchronously based on either an internal programmable
timer, or an external clock source. Analog and digital outputs can be synchronized to either of these clocks.

S c a n Clo c k S o u rc e s : 2
No te : The maximum scan clock rate is the inverse of the minimum scan period. The minimum scan period
is equal to 1µs times the number of analog channels. If a scan contains only digital channels thenthe minimum scan period is 250 ns.
1. Internal, programmable

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

2. External, TTL level input

Analog Channels down to 1 µs minimum
Digital Channels and Counters down to 250 ns minimum
Programmable Parameters per Scan: Channel (random order), gain
Depth: 512 locations
On-board Channel-to-Channel Scan Rate:
Analog: 1 MHz maximum
Digital: 4 MHz if no analog channels are enabled, 1 MHz with analog channels enabled

External Acquisition Scan Clock Input
Maximum rate: 1.0 MHz
Clock Signal Range: Logical zero 0V to 0.8V; Logical one 2.4V to 5.0V
Minimum Pulse Width: 50 ns high, 50 ns low

Note: Specifications are subject to change without notice.

928391

Specifications

7-5

Triggering
Trigger Sources: 7, individually selectable for starting and stopping an acquisition. Stop acquisition can occur
on a different channel than start acquisition; stop acquisition can be triggered via modes 2, 4, 5, or 6 described
below.
1. Single-Channel Analog Hardware Trigger: Any analog input channel can be software programmed
as the analog trigger channel, including any of the analog expansion channels.
Input Signal Range: -10 to +10V max
Trigger Level: Programmable; 12-bit resolution
Hysteresis: Programmable; 12-bit resolution
Latency: 350 ns typical, 1.3 µs max
Accuracy: ±0.5% of reading, ±2 mV offset
Noise: 2 mV RMS
2. Single-Channel Analog Software Trigger: Any analog input channel, including any of the analog
expansion channels, can be selected as the software trigger channel. If the trigger channel involves a
calculation, such as temperature, then the driver automatically compensates for the delay required toobtain the reading, resulting in a maximum latency of one scan period.
Input Signal Range: Anywhere within the range of the selected trigger channel
Trigger Level: Programmable; 16-bit resolution, including “window triggering”
Latency: One scan period max
3. Single-Channel Digital Trigger: A separate digital input is provided for digital triggering.
Input Signal Range: -15V to +15V
Trigger Level: TTL
Minimum Pulse Width: 50 ns high; 50 ns low
Latency: 100 ns typical, 1.1 µs max
4. Digital Pattern Triggering: 8 or 16-bit pattern triggering on any of the digital input ports.
Programmable for trigger on equal, above, below, or within/outside of a window. Individual bits can bemasked for “don’t care” condition.
Latency: One scan period max
5. Counter/Totalizer Triggering: Counter/totalizer inputs can trigger an acquisition. User can select totrigger on a frequency or on total counts that are equal, above, below, or within/outside of a window.
Latency: One scan period max
6. Software Triggering: Trigger can be initiated under program control.
7. Multi-Channel Triggering: Up to 16 channels can be used to generate a trigger condition for any
combination of analog, digital, or counter inputs. Multiple channels can either be combined in a logical“or” or “and” condition, with hysteresis programmable per channel. Maximum latency in this mode isone scan period.

7-6

DaqBoard/3000USB Series Specifications

928691

Note: Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Analog Outputs/3001USB and /3031USB models only

Analog output channels are updated synchronously relative to scanned inputs, and clocked from either aninternal onboard clock, or an external clock source. Analog outputs can also be updated asynchronously,
independent of any other scanning in the system. Streaming from disk or memory is supported, allowing
continuous waveform outputs (limited only by available PC system resources).
Channels:
4 DAC channels (DAC0, DAC1, DAC2, DAC3)
Resolution: 16 bits
Data Buffer: PC based memory
Output Voltage Range: ±10V
Output Current: ±1 mA max; sourcing more current may require a TR-2 power adapter option.
Offset Error: ±0.0045V maximum
Digital Feedthrough: <10 mV when updated
DAC Analog Glitch: <12 mV typical at major carry
Gain Error: ±0.01%
Update Rate: 1 MHz maximum, 19 hours minimum (no minimum with external clock); resolution: 20.83 ns.
Settling Time: 2 µs to rated accuracy
Clock Sources: 4 programmable
1. Onboard D/A clock, independent of scanning input clock
2. Onboard scanning input clock
3. External D/A input clock, independent of external scanning input clock
4. External scanning input clock

Digital I/O

One Digital I/O Channel, Typical
Channels: 24
Ports: 3 x 8-bit. Each port is programmable as input or output.
Input Scanning Modes: 2 programmable
1. Asynchronous, under program control at any time relative to input scanning
2. 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 when there is no external driver.
Input Protection: ±15 kV ESD clamp diodes parallel
Input Levels:
Low: 0 to 0.8V
High: +2.0V to +5.0V
Output Levels:
Low: < 0.8V
High: >2.0V
Output Characteristics: Output 1.0 mA per pin; ; sourcing more current may requirea TR-2 power adapter option.
Sampling Rate: 4 MHz maximum
Update Rate: 4 MHz maximum; 19 hours minimum (no minimum with external clock); resolution: 20.83 ns.

Note: Specifications are subject to change without notice.

928391

Specifications

7-7

Pattern Generation Output
Two of the 8-bit ports can be configured for 16-bit pattern generation. The pattern can be updated
synchronously with an acquisition at up to 1 MHz.

Counters

One Counter Channel, Typical
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 alongwith 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 maximum
Input Signal Range: -5V to +10V
Input Characteristics: 10 kΩ pull-up, 200Ω series resistor, ±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 (0º to 50ºC)
Five Programmable Modes: Counter, Period, Pulsewidth, Timing, Encoder
1. Counter Mode Options: Totalize, Clear on Read, Rollover, Stop at all Fs, 16-bit or 32-bit, any otherchannel can gate or decrement the counter
2. Period Mode Options: Measure x1, x10, x100, or x1000 periods, 16-bit or 32-bit, 4 time bases tochoose from (20.83 ns, 208.3 ns, 2.083 µs, 20.83 µs), any other channel can gate the period
measurement
3. Pulsewidth Mode Options: 16-bit 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 pulsewidth measurement
4. Timing Mode Options: 16-bit or 32-bit values, 4 time bases to choose from (20.83 ns, 208.3 ns,
2.083 µs, 20.83 µs)
5. Encoder Mode Options: x1, x2, x4 options, 16-bit or 32-bit values, Z-channel clearing of the counter,any other channel can gate the counter
Multi-axis Quadrature Encoder Inputs:
o 1 channel with A (phase), B (phase), and Z (index)
o 2 channel with A (phase) and B (phase)o x1, x2, and x4 count modeso Single-ended TTL

7-8

DaqBoard/3000USB Series Specifications

928691

Note: Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Frequency/Pulse Generators

One Timer Channel, Typical
Channels: 2 x 16-bit
Output Waveform: Square wave
Output Rate: 1 MHz base rate divided by 1 to 65535 (programmable)
High Level Output Voltage: 2.0V minimum @ -1.0 mA, 2.9V minimum @ -400 µA
Low Level Output Voltage: 0.4V maximum @ 400 µA

Software
DaqViewXL/Plus

DaqView add-on for seamless execution with Microsoft Excel’s tool palette

DaqView/Pro

DaqView add-on includes all of the features of DaqViewXL/Plus, plus
frequency-domain analysis

DASYLabIcon-based data acquisition, graphics,
control, and analysis software

Note: Specifications are subject to change without notice.

928391

Specifications

7-9

Accessories and Cables
Termination Board (TB-100): Termination board with screw terminals for access to DaqBoard/3000USB Series
I/O. The TB-100 terminal board connects to the DaqBoard/3000USB’s 68-pin SCSI connector via a CA-G55,
CA-56, or CA-56-6 cable (see chapter 2 for details).
Termination Board (TB-101) Termination board with screw terminals for access to DaqBoard/3000USB Series
I/O; mounts directly to the 3000USB Series board, providing screw terminal connections for all of the board’s
I/O. Includes mounting stand-offs (see chapter 2 for details).
External Power Supply: TR-2: 120VAC to 9VDC, 1A
Rack Mount Kit for TB-100 (Rack3): Kit for mounting the TB-100 termination board to a rack.
DBK215 Termination Module: Includes 16 BNC connectors and internal screw-terminals. DBK215 connects to
the DaqBoard’s 68-pin SCSI connector via a CA-G55, CA-56, or CA-56-6 cable.
CA-G55: 68-conductor ribbon expansion cable. Can be used to connect a DaqBoard/3000 Series board to a
TB-100 or DBK215. Cable length: 3 ft.
CA-G56: 68-conductor shielded expansion cable. Can be used to connect a DaqBoard/3000 Series board to a
TB-100 or DBK215. Cable length: 3 ft.
CA-G56-6: 68-conductor shielded expansion cable. Can be used to connect a DaqBoard/3000 Series board toa TB-100 or DBK215. Cable length: 6 ft.
CA-179-1: USB Cable, 1 meter.
CA-179-3: USB Cable, 3 meters.
CA-179-5: USB Cable, 5 meters.
CA-248: Ribbon cable, 40-pin header to male 37-pin DSUB connector. 9 inches in length.

7-10

DaqBoard/3000USB Series Specifications

928691

Note: Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Dimensions

DaqBoard/3000USB Series – Board Dimensions
In general, all standoffs should be used to mount the board to a metal frame.
Note 1: The standoff at this location connects to the USB chassis for shunting electrostatic discharge.
Note 2: The standoff at this location connects to the DaqBoard/3000USB board’s internal chassis plane forshunting electrostatic discharge.

Note: Specifications are subject to change without notice.

928391

Specifications

7-11

This page is intentionally blank.

7-12

DaqBoard/3000USB Series Specifications

928691

Note: Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Appendix A

DBK215 16-Connector BNC Connection Module

With 68-Pin SCSI Adaptability for Analog I/O, Digital I/O, & Pulse/Frequency
Overview …… 1
Block Diagram …… 2
Connection Tips…… 3
System Examples …… 4
Using the Screw-Terminal Blocks …… 6
Adding RC Filter Networks …… 12
Specifications …… 14
DBK215 Front Panel
Upper Slot for Terminal Board Wiring Pass-ThroughLower section of 16 BNC Connectors

The DBK215 module is compatible with the following product series:• DaqBoard/500 • DaqBoard/1000 • DaqBoard/3000 • DaqBoard/3000USB

Overview

DBK215 Rear Panel
Includes a 68-pin SCSI connector designated as P5.

The DBK215 module includes:oooo

BNC Access to 16 inputs or outputs (on front panel)
on-board screw-terminal blocks*
on-board socket locations for custom RC Filter networks*
68-pin SCSI connector (on rear panel)* The top cover plate must be removed to access the terminal blocks andthe RC filter network section of the board.

DBK215’s SCSI connector (P5) connects to a second 68-pin SCSI connector on the board, i.e.,
DaqBoard/500, /1000, /3000, or /3000USB Series. Connection is made via a CA-G55, CA-G56,
or CA-G56-6 cable. Cable descriptions are provided on page A-2.
The DBK215 provides BNC and screw-terminal access to all analog and digital I/O from the host dataacquisition device. Related to the screw-terminals is a front panel slot for routing all I/O wiring.

Reference Note:
DBK215 is intended for DaqBoard/500, /1000, /3000, and /3000USB Series applications.
Refer to the associated documentation as needed. For information concerning similar16
channel BNC connectivity/interface boards, designed for use with other products, refer to the
DBK213 and DBK214 sections of the DBK Options manual (p/n 457-0905).

Appendix A

886994

DBK215

A-1

TB15 supports BNCA thru BNCD
TB16 Supports BNCE thru BNCF

DBK215 Block Diagram* Accessory Kit p/n 1139-0800 includes jumper wires and a screw driver.

Note that the 68-pin SCSI (P5) connector typically connects to a SCSI connector via a CA-G55,
CA-G56, or CA-G56-6 cable.
oooDBK215, pg. A-2

CA-G55 is a 3-foot long cable.
CA-G56 is a 3-foot long shielded cable.
CA-G56-6 is a 6-foot long shielded cable.

886994

Appendix A

Connection Tips
CAUTION
Turn off power to the host PC and externally connected equipment prior to connecting
cables or signal lines to DBKs. Electric shock or damage to equipment can result evenunder low-voltage conditions.
Take ESD precautions (packaging, proper handling, grounded wrist strap, etc.)
Use care to avoid touching board surfaces and onboard components. Only handle
boards by their edges (or ORBs, if applicable). Ensure boards do not come into
contact with foreign elements such as oils, water, and industrial particulate.
1.

Ensure power is removed from all device(s) to be connected.

2.

As soon as the DBK215 cover is removed, verify that the Host
Power LED is “Off.” See figure at right for location.

3.

Observe ESD precautions when handling the board and making
connections.

4.

You do not need to remove the cover unless you need toaccess a terminal block, customize an RC filter network,or set a BNC channel to Single-Ended mode or to Differential
mode (via Jumpers J0 through J7). Information regarding thesetasks follows shortly.

5.

DBK215’s 68-pin SCSI (P5) connector typically connects to a board’s SCSI connector via a
CA-G55, CA-G56, or CA-G56-6 cable.
oooAppendix A

Location of DBK215’s
Host Power LED

CA-G55 is a 3-foot long cable.
CA-G56 is a 3-foot long shielded cable.
CA-G56-6 is a 6-foot long shielded cable.

886994

DBK215A-3

System Examples
Example 1: System with a DaqBoard/3000 Series Board (non-USB version)

DBK215 and PDQ30 Connection to a DaqBoard/3000 Series Board

Notes regarding the above system example:

DBK215, pg. A-4

1)

Any of three 68-conductor SCSI ribbon cables can be used to connect the DBK215 to the board’s SCSI.
o CA-G55 is a 3-foot long cable.
o CA-G56 is a 3-foot long shielded cable.
o CA-G56-6 is a 6-foot long shielded cable.

2)

Signal lines connect to the DBK215’s front panel BNC connectors or to the internal screw-terminal board.

3)

When signal lines are connected to the DBK215’s terminal blocks (instead of the BNC connectors) the wires arerouted out through the upper slot of the front panel.

4)

The PDQ30 analog input expansion module can be connected to a /3000 Series board’s HDMI connector. It does
not apply to DaqBoard/500 Series or /1000 Series boards.

886994

Appendix A

Example 2: System with a DaqBoard/3000USB Series Board

In this example a DBK215 BNC Module is connected to the 68-pin SCSI connector of a /3000USB Seriesboard via a CA-G56 shielded cable. However, the use of other cables is possible as noted below. Fourthermocouples are connected at the board’s TB7 Terminal Block. This means that 8 analog channels [toobtain 4 differential TC channels] are required (see following figure). Redundant connections must be
avoided. A TR-2 power supply is being used, and is connected to the board’s external power connector.

WARNING !
Before connecting TC wires, ensure that the associatedanalog channels are not in use. Failure to do so could
possibly cause equipment damage and/or personal injury.
The TB7 terminal block can be used to connect up to 4 thermocouples. The
first TC channel makes use of Analog Channel 0 for its positive (+) lead andAnalog Channel 8 for its negative (-) lead. The second TC channel uses
analog Channels 1 and 9, and so on, as indicated in the pinout to the left.
Thermocouples should only be connected in differential mode.
Appendix B includes additional information.
DaqBoard/3000USB Series devices do not have open
thermocouple detection.

Note that a CA-179-x USB cable is being used to connect the /3000USB Series board to a USB port on thehost PC.

* Any of the following 68-conductor expansion cables can be used to connect the DBK215 module option
the SCSI connector:

Appendix A

CA-G553 feet, ribbon cable.

CA-G56

3 feet, shielded expansion cable.

CA-G56-6

6 feet, shielded expansion cable.

886994

DBK215A-5

Using the Screw-Terminal Blocks
You must remove the DBK215 module’s cover plate to access the screw terminal blocks.
This is described in steps 1 and 2 below.
1.

Remove the top inward screws from each of the 4 mounting brackets. See following figure.
To remove the cover plate you
must first remove the top
inward screw from each of the
4 mounting brackets.

The Cover Plate is Secured by 4 Srews [2 Screws per-side]2.

After the 4 screws have been removed, carefully remove the cover plate.

3.

As soon as the DBK215 cover is removed, verify that the Host Power LED is “Off.”See following figure for location.

Host Power LED Location

DBK215, pg. A-6

4.

Make the wiring connections to the terminals. Refer to the board’s silkscreen and to
the pin correlations on the next few pages.

5.

Tighten the terminal block screws snug; but do not over-tighten.

6.

After all terminal connections are made and verified correct, return the cover to the unit andsecure in place with the 4 screws removed earlier. Tighten snug, but do not over-tighten.

886994

Appendix A

In general, the following terminal block-to-signal relationships apply:*

DBK215
Terminal
BlocksUsed for . . .

Alternative

TB9
TB10

ANALOG INPUT

BNC 0 thru 7

TB11
TB12

ANALOG INPUT

N/A

TB5
TB6
TB7
TB8

DIGITAL I/O

N/A

TB13**
TB14**ANALOG INPUTBNC Channels
0 thru 7**

TB9,TB10

TB15
TB16(Note 1)USER
CONFIGURABLEB
NC Channels
A thru H(See Note 1)

TB1
TB2

-- Not Used---

N/A

TB3
TB4

PULSE/
FREQUENCY
ANALOG OUTPUT

N/A

DBK215 Board

P4 is used for connecting to DaqBoard/2000 Series devices.

** TB13 and TB14 are “virtual” terminal blocks which are routed in the printed circuit board to TB9 and TB10. The TB13 and TB14
silk-screened locations on the DBK215 board do not have physical screw terminal blocks.

Note 1:

TB15 and TB16 are used for optional user-configured BNC connectors A through H. These connectors can be configured on a
per-channel basis as Analog [Input or Output], Digital I/O, or Counter/Timer. When BNC A through H are used, the user mustroute wires from the “BNC routing terminal blocks” (TB15 and TB16) to the appropriate functional TB termination points.
Accessory Wire Kit, p/n 1139-0800 includes jumper wires and a screwdriver.

The following pages correlate the DBK215 terminal block connectors with the 68-pin SCSI connector.

Appendix A

886994

DBK215A-7

Analog I/O Correlation to 68-pin SCSI
Also see “Correlation to BNC Terminations (TB13 and TB14) on page DBK215-11.”
TB9
DIFF
SE
0H
0
0L
8
1H
1
1L
9
2H
2
2L
10
3H
3
3L
11
FILT CAP LO
SGND
TB10
DIFF
SE
4H
4
4L
12
5H
5
5L
13
6H
6
6L
14
7H
7
7L
15
FILT CAP LO
SGND

Pin Number and Description
68
34
33
66
65
31
30
63
N/A
62

CH 0 IN (Single-Ended Mode) / CH 0 HI IN (Differential Mode)
CH 8 IN (Single-Ended Mode) / CH 0 LO IN (Differential Mode)
CH 1 IN (Single-Ended Mode) / CH 1 HI IN (Differential Mode)
CH 9 IN (Single-Ended Mode) / CH 1 LO IN (Differential Mode)CH 2 IN (Single-Ended Mode) / CH 2 HI IN (Differential Mode)
CH 10 IN (Single-Ended Mode) / CH 2 LO IN (Differential Mode)
CH 3 IN (Single-Ended Mode) / CH 3 HI IN (Differential Mode)
CH 11 IN (Single-Ended Mode) / CH 3 LO IN (Differential Mode)
For RC filter networks install a wire jumper between the relevant FILT CAP LO and
AGND. Note that there is no association between FILT CAP LO and P4.
Signal Ground, Sense Common; reference ground, not for general use.

P1 – TB9(Note 2)

Pin Number and Description
28
61
60
26
25
58
57
23
N/A
62

CH 4 IN (Single-Ended Mode) / CH 4 HI IN (Differential Mode)
CH 12 IN (Single-Ended Mode) / CH 4 LO IN (Differential Mode)
CH 5 IN (Single-Ended Mode) / CH 5 HI IN (Differential Mode)
CH 13 IN (Single-Ended Mode) / CH 5 LO IN (Differential Mode)
CH 6 IN (Single-Ended Mode) / CH 6 HI IN (Differential Mode)
CH 14 IN (Single-Ended Mode) / CH 6 LO IN (Differential Mode)
CH 7 IN (Single-Ended Mode) / CH 7 HI IN (Differential Mode)
CH 15 IN (Single-Ended Mode) / CH 7 LO IN (Differential Mode)
For RC filter networks install a wire jumper between therelevant FILT CAP LO and AGND.
Signal Ground, Sense Common; reference ground, not for general use.

TB11
TTL TRIG
A/I CLK
EXP 5
EXP 6
EXP 7
EXP 8
EXP 9
EXP 10
EXP 11AGND

Pin Number and Description
6
TTL Trigger, Digital IN, External TTL Trigger Input
2
A/I Clock, External ADC Pacer Clock Input/ Internal ADC Pacer Clock Output
Expansion 5. Digital OUT, external GAIN select bit 1
N/A
Expansion 6. Digital OUT, external GAIN select bit 0
N/A
Expansion 7. Digital OUT, external ADDRESS, select bit 3
N/A
Expansion 8. Digital OUT, external ADDRESS, select bit 2
N/A
Expansion 9. Digital OUT, external ADDRESS, select bit 1
N/A
Expansion 10. Digital OUT, external ADDRESS, select bit 0
N/A
Expansion 11. Simultaneous Sample and Hold (SSH)
N/A*
Analog Ground, Common

TB12
AGND
AGND
AGND
AGND
AGND
AGND
+ 15 V- 15 V
AGND+5V

Pin Number and Description*
Analog Ground, Common*
Analog Ground, Common*
Analog Ground, Common*
Analog Ground, Common*
Analog Ground, Common*
Analog Ground, Common
Expansion, +15 V Power
N/A
Expansion, -15 V Power
N/A*
Common Ground
19
Expansion, +5 V PowerP1 – TB10(Note 2)

P1 – TB11

P1 – TB12*The following SCSI Pins connect to Analog Common: 24, 27, 29, 32, 55, 56, 59, 64, and 67.

Note 2: For TB9 and TB10, the filter network portion of the silkscreen is not shown. Instead, the DIFF and SE channel
identifiers have been moved next to the screws for ease in identification.
DBK215, pg. A-8886994

Appendix A

Digital I/O Correlation to 68-pin SCSI
TB5
DGND
DGND
A7
A6
A5
A4
A3
A2
A1
A0

Pin Number and Description**
Digital Ground, Common**
Digital Ground, Common
49
Digital I/O: Port A, Bit 7
15
Digital I/O: Port A, Bit 6
50
Digital I/O: Port A, Bit 5
16
Digital I/O: Port A, Bit 4
51
Digital I/O: Port A, Bit 3
17
Digital I/O: Port A, Bit 2
52
Digital I/O: Port A, Bit 1
18
Digital I/O: Port A, Bit 0

TB6
+5 V
+5 V
DGND
DGND
DGND
DGND
DGND
DGND
DGND
DGND

Pin Number and Description
19
Expansion +5 V Power
19
Expansion +5 V Power**
Digital Ground, Common**
Digital Ground, Common**
Digital Ground, Common**
Digital Ground, Common**
Digital Ground, Common**
Digital Ground, Common**
Digital Ground, Common**
Digital Ground, Common

TB7
DGND
DGND
C7
C6
C5
C4
C3
C2
C1
C0

Pin Number and Description**
Digital Ground, Common**
Digital Ground, Common
41
Digital I/O: Port C, Bit 7
7
Digital I/O: Port C, Bit 6
42
Digital I/O: Port C, Bit 5
8
Digital I/O: Port C, Bit 4
43
Digital I/O: Port C, Bit 3
9Digital I/O: Port C, Bit 2
44
Digital I/O: Port C, Bit 1
10
Digital I/O: Port C, Bit 0

TB8
DGND
DGND
B0
B1
B2
B3
B4
B5
B6
B7

Pin Number and Description**
Digital Ground, Common**
Digital Ground, Common
14
Digital I/O: Port B, Bit 0
48
Digital I/O: Port B, Bit 1
13
Digital I/O: Port B, Bit 2
47
Digital I/O: Port B, Bit 3
12
Digital I/O: Port B, Bit 4
46
Digital I/O: Port B, Bit 5
11
Digital I/O: Port B, Bit 6
45
Digital I/O: Port B, Bit 7

P2 – TB5

P2 – TB6

P2 – TB7

P2 – TB8* The following SCSI Pins connect to Analog Common: 24, 27, 29, 32, 55, 56, 59, 64, and 67.
** The following SCSI Pins connect to Digital Common: 35, 36, 40, and 53.

Appendix A

886994

DBK215

A-9

Pulse/Frequency Correlation to 68-pin SCSI
TB1
D0
D1
D2
D3
D4
D5
D6
D7
DGND
+5V

Pin Number and Description
N/A P3 Digital Port Bit 0
N/A P3 Digital Port Bit 1
N/A P3 Digital Port Bit 2

TB2
D8
D9
D10
D11
D12
D13
D14
D15
DGND
DGND

Pin Number and Description
N/A P3 Digital Port Bit 8
N/A P3 Digital Port Bit 9
N/A P3 Digital Port Bit 10

TB3

Pin Number and Description

N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A

N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A

P3 Digital Port Bit 3
P3 Digital Port Bit 4
P3 Digital Port Bit 5
P3 Digital Port Bit 6
P3 Digital Port Bit 7
Digital Ground, Common
Expansion, +5 Volt PowerTB1 is NOT USED

P3 – TB1 (not used)

P3 Digital Port Bit 11
P3 Digital Port Bit 12
P3 Digital Port Bit 13
P3 Digital Port Bit 14
P3 Digital Port Bit 15
Digital Ground, Common
Digital Ground, Common

TB2 is NOT USED

P3 – TB2 (not used)

CH0 (DAC0)22

Analog Out; Analog DAC 0 Output

AGND

*

Analog Ground, Common; intended for use with DACs

EXP 0 (DAC2)

N/A

Analog Out; Analog DAC 2 Output

AGND

*

Analog Ground, Common; intended for use with DACs

CH1 (DAC1)

21

Analog Out; Analog DAC 1 Output

A/O CLK

1

Analog Out Clock; External DAC Pacer Clock Input/
Internal DAC Pacer Clock Output

EXP 1 (DAC3)

N/A

Analog Out; Analog DAC 3 Output

DGND

**

Digital Ground, Common

+15 V

N/A

Expansion, + 15 VDC

N/AExpansion, -15 VDC

-15 V
TB4

P3 – TB3

Pin Number and Description

EXP 2

N/A

Reserved

EXP 3

N/A

Reserved

EXP 4

N/A

Reserved

TMR 0

3

P3 Timer 0 Output

TMR 1

37

P3, Timer 1 Output

CNT 3

38

P3 Counter 3 Input

CNT 2

4

P3 Counter 2 Input

CNT 1

39

P3 Counter 1 Input

CNT0

5

P3 Counter 0 Input

DGND

**

Digital Ground, Common

P3 – TB4* The following SCSI Pins connect to Analog Common: 24, 27, 29, 32, 55, 56, 59, 64, and 67.
** The following SCSI Pins connect to Digital Common: 35, 36, 40, and 53.

DBK215, pg. A-10

886994

Appendix A

Correlation to Analog Input BNC Terminations – BNC 0 through BNC 7“Virtual” Terminal Blocks TB13 and TB14 for ANALOG INPUT connect to TB9 and TB10 through the printed circuit board.
TB13 (“Virtual” Terminal Block)
BNC CH
DIFF
SE
BNC0+
0H
0
BNC00L
8
BNC1+
1H
1
BNC11L
9
BNC2+2H
2
BNC22L
10
BNC3+
3H
3
BNC0+
3L
11
AGND
AGND

N/A
N/A

N/A
N/A

TB14 (“Virtual” Terminal Block)
BNC CH
DIFF
SE
BNC4+
4H
4
BNC44L
12
BNC5+
5H
5
BNC55L
13
BNC6+
6H
6
BNC66L
14
BNC7+
7H
7
BNC7+
7L
15
AGND
AGND

N/A
N/A

N/A
N/A

68-Pin SCSI Connector, Pin Number and Description
Pin
SE = Single Ended ; DIFF = Differential Jumper Used68
CH 0 IN (SE) / CH 0 HI IN (DIFF)
J0
34
CH 8 IN (SE) / CH 0 LO IN (DIFF)
33
CH 1 IN (SE) / CH 1 HI IN (DIFF)
J1
66
CH 9 IN (SE) / CH 1 LO IN (DIFF)
65
CH 2 IN (SE) / CH 2 HI IN (DIFF)
J2
31
CH 10 IN (SE) / CH 2 LO IN (DIFF)30
CH 3 IN (SE) / CH 3 HI IN (DIFF)
J3
63
CH 11 IN (SE) / CH 3 LO IN (D DIFF)**

Analog Ground
Analog Ground

N/A
N/A

68-Pin SCSI Connector, Pin Number and Description
Pin
SE = Single Ended ; DIFF = Differential Jumper Used28
CH 4 IN (SE) / CH 4 HI IN (DIFF)
J4
61
CH 12 IN (SE) / CH 4 LO IN (DIFF)60
CH 5 IN (SE) / CH 5 HI IN (DIFF)
J5
26
CH 13 IN (SE) / CH 5 LO IN (DIFF)25
CH 6 IN (SE) / CH 6 HI IN (DIFF)
J6
58
CH 14 IN (SE) / CH 6 LO IN (DIFF)57
CH 7 IN (SE) / CH 7 HI IN (DIFF)
J7
23
CH 15 IN (SE) / CH 7 LO IN (DIFF)**

Analog Ground
Analog Ground

N/A
N/A

TB13 does not physically exist on
DBK215. A silkscreen of TB13 ispresent as a visual aid to signal
routing and configuration.

A header located beneath TB14 andTB16 is used to set the BNC
channels to Single-Ended or to
Differential. Simply place channel’s
2-pin jumper in the appropriate
position (SE or DIFF).
TB14 does not physically exist on
DBK215. A silkscreen of TB14 ispresent as a visual aid to signal
routing and configuration.

A header located beneath TB14 andTB16 is used to set the BNC
channels to Single-Ended or to
Differential. Simply place channel’s
2-pin jumper in the appropriate
position (SE or DIFF).

Correlation to Custom BNC Terminations – BNC A through BNC H
Pertains to Terminal Blocks TB15 and TB16 for Custom Configuration on a per-channel basis.
TB15 (“Routing” Terminal Block)
BNC CH
Description
BNCA+
BNCABNCB+BNCBBNCC+BNCCBNCD+
BNCD+
AGND
AGND

BNC channels A through D are configured on a per-channel basis by the user. TB15 is a routing
terminal block used to connect BNCs (A thru D) to the desired signals, which are selected via a second
DBK215 terminal block. For example: a user could run a wire from BNCA+ to TB4 screw terminal“TMR0” and BNCA- to TB4 DGND to create a BNC timer connection.
Accessory Wire Kit, p/n 1139-0800 includes jumper wires and a screwdriver.

Analog Ground *Analog Ground *TB15

TB16 (“Routing” Terminal Block)
BNC CH
Description
BNCA+
BNCABNCB+BNCBBNCC+BNCCBNCD+
BNCD+
AGND
AGND

BNC channels E through H are configured on a per-channel basis by the user. TB16 is a routing
terminal block used to connect BNCs (E thru H) to the desired signals, which are selected via a second
DBK215 terminal block.
Customizing is as described for BNCA through BNCD above.
Accessory Wire Kit, p/n 1139-0800 includes jumper wires and a screwdriver.
Analog Ground *Analog Ground *TB16* The following SCSI Pins connect to Analog Common: 24, 27, 29, 32, 55, 56, 59, 64, and 67.

Appendix A

886994

DBK215A-11

Adding Resistor/Capacitor Filter Networks
WARNING
Disconnect the DBK215 from power and signal sources prior to installing capacitors or
resistors.

CAUTION
Ensure wire strands do not short power supply connections to any terminal potential.
Failure to do so could result in damage to equipment.
Do not exceed maximum allowable inputs (as listed in product specifications). There
should never be more than 30 V with reference to analog ground (AGND) or earth
ground.
You must provide strain-relief (lead slack) to all leads leaving the module. Use tie-wraps[not included] to secure strain-relief.
Always connect the CHASSIS terminal to earth ground. This will maximize static
protection.
If a channel is not associated with a DBK expansion option you can install a customized RC filter network
to improve the signal-to noise ratio, assuming that an unacceptable level of noise exists. DBK215’s
internal board includes silk-screened sockets for installing RC filter networks. The following tablecontains values that are typical for RC filter network components.
Typical One-Pole Low Pass Filter
Valuesfor DBK215

R
Ohms

C
µF

510
510
510
510
510
510
510
510
470

1
0.47
0.22
0.1
0.047
0.022
0.01
0.00470.0033f
Hertz(-3dB)
312
664
1419
3122
6643
14192
31223
66431
102666

Do not use RC filters in conjunction with additional DBK expansion
accessories.

f
kHz(-3dB)
0.31
0.66
1.42
3.12
6.64
14.19
31.22
66.43
102.67

An Example of Customer-Installed
Capacitors and Filters for RC Networks
In this example Channels 0 and 8 are shown as Single-Ended.
Channel 1 is Differential, i.e., using 1H and 1L (channel High and Low).

The following three notes pertain to the above figure.
Note 1: The 3 horizontal capacitors [as oriented in the illustration] are optional filter capacitors.
Note 2: The vertical capacitor [as oriented in the illustration] is an optional isolation capacitor used for the
reduction of Differential noise. Such capacitor placement is not used in Single-Ended applications.
Note 3: If installing filter resistors, carefully drill out the indicated centers with a 1/16 inch drill-bit. Otherwise
the resistor will be short-circuited.

Prior to installing RC components, review the previous Warning and Caution
statements, then read over the following information regarding resistors andcapacitors.
DBK215, pg. A-12

886994

Appendix A

• Do not use RC filters in conjunction with additional DBK expansion accessories.
• Prior to installing a resistor to the filter network you must drill a 1/16” holethrough the center pinhole [beneath the board’s silkscreen resistor symbol] as
indicated in the preceding figure. Failure to do so will short-circuit the resistor.
• Do not drill holes on the board for channels, unless those channels are to receive afilter network (see preceding statement).
• Resistors should be ¼ watt, film-type with up to 5% tolerance. Do not use wirewound resistor types.
• A resistor value of 510 Ω is recommended. Do not exceed 510 Ω.
• Capacitors used are to be of the film dielectric type (e.g., polycarbonate or
NPO ceramic), above 0.001 µF.
• RECOMMENDED: For reduction of both Common Mode Noise and Differential
Mode Noise, use one capacitor between Channel High and AGND; and use asecond capacitor between Channel Low and AGND.
• For reduction of Differential Noise [when no reduction of Common Mode Noise isneeded] position a capacitor across the respective Channel High and Channel
Low.
• When in Differential Mode, using capacitors between Channel High, Channel
Low, and AGND may cause a slight degradation of wideband Common Moderejection.
• When making a RC filter network, always install a wire jumper between therelevant FILT CAP LO and AGND. FILT CAP LO terminals are located on
TB9 and TB10.

Appendix A

886994

DBK215

A-13

Specifications for DBK215
Operating Environment:
Temperature: -30°C to 70°C
Relative Humidity: 95% RH, non-condensing

Connectors:
P5: 68-Pin SCSI
Screw Terminals: 14 banks of 10-connector blocks
Wire Size: 12 TO 28 AWG

Dimensions:
285 mm W x 220 mm D x 45 mm H (11” x 8.5” x 2.7”)

Weight:1.36 kg (3 lbs)

Cables and Accessories:
Item Description

Part Number

Rack Mount Kit, p/n

RackDBK4

68-conductor expansion cables; mate with P5 (SCSI, 68-pin) connectors:
3 ft., non-shielded
CA-G553 ft., shielded
CA-G566 ft., shielded
CA-G56-6
Accessory Wire Kit
Includes jumper wires and ascrewdriver.

1139-0800

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

DBK215, pg. A-14

886994

Appendix A

Appendix B

Signal Modes and System Noise

Signal Modes …… B-1
Connecting Thermocouples to Screw-Terminal Blocks …… B-2
Shielding …… B-3
TC Common Mode …… B-3
Cold Junction Compensation Techniques …… B-4

System Noise …… B-5
Averaging …… B-5
Analog Filtering …… B-5
Input and Source Impedance …… B-5
Crosstalk …… B-5
Floating Differential Inputs …… B-6
Oversampling and Line Cycle Rejection …… B-6

Signal Modes
DaqBoard/3000USB units can make use of single-ended mode, or differential modes. Mode selection ismade in software.
Single-ended mode refers to a mode, or circuit set-up, in which a voltage is measured between one signal
line and common ground voltage (Analog Common, or ACOM). The advantage of a single-ended nondifferential mode [over differential mode] is that it provides for a higher channel count, for example: 16
channels instead of 8.
In DaqBoard/3000USB applications, thermocouples should never be connected single-ended.
Doing so can result in noise and false readings.
Differential mode refers to a mode, or circuit set-up, in which a voltage is measured between two signallines. The measured differential voltage is used for a single channel. An advantage of using differential
inputs is that they reduce signal errors and the induction of noise resulting from ground current. The
following illustration is an example of how noise is reduced, or canceled-out, when using the differentialmode.
In the schematic, voltage signal S2 is subtracted from signal S1, resulting in the output signal shown. Noise
spikes with the same polarity, phase, and magnitude in each input signal cancel out—resulting in a cleandifferential signal (S1 - S2).
In the schematic, signals S1 and S2 are shown in-phase;
however, even if these signals were out of phase, thenoise in each (indicated by jagged lines) would still havethe same magnitude, phase, and polarity. For thatreason, they would still cancel out.

Noise Reduction in Differential Mode
Differential signal hookups do not provide isolation or any kind of circuit
protection.
Resolution: An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) converts an analog voltage to a digital number. The
digital number represents the input voltage in discrete steps with finite resolution. ADC resolution isdetermined by the number of bits that represent the digital number. An n-bit ADC has a resolution of
1 part in 2n. Thus, 12-bit and 16-bit resolutions are as follows:••

Appendix B

12-bit resolution: 1 part in 4096 (212), corresponding to 2.44 mV in a 10 V range.
16-bit resolution: 1 part in 65,536 (216), corresponding to 0.153 mV in a 10 V range.

938390Signal Modes and System Noise

B-1

Connecting Thermocouples to Screw Terminal Blocks
DaqBoard/3000USB Series boards can use single-ended or differential modes to measure voltage input; oruse differential mode to measure temperature. You can, of course, mix signal types, for example have somechannels connected to thermocouples and others connected to voltage signals.
In DaqBoard/3000USB Series applications, thermocouples must be connecteddifferentially. Failure to do so will result in false readings.
DaqBoard/3000USB Series devices do not have open thermocouple detection.
Differential connection is made as follows:(a) the red TC wire connects tothe channel’s Low (L)connector.
(b) the other color TC wire
connects to the channel’sHigh (H) connector.

Single-Ended and Differential Connections to TB7
The figure shows voltage Single-ended connections for V1 (Channel 0) and V2 (Channel 8); it also showsV3 and V4, each resulting from a different thermocouple. In the case of V3 and V4, Differential mode isbeing used. The HI (+) line from the thermocouple is shown connected to Channel 1 HI; and the LO(negative) side is connected to Channel 1 LO. Notice that Channel 1 LO is the same screw terminal
connection that would be used for CH 9 Single-Ended. V4 is connected in a similar manner (see figure).
Thermocouple wire is standardized, color-coded, and polarized, as noted in the following table.

T/C
Type
J
K
T
E
N28
N14
S
R
B

Thermocouple Standards(+) Lead to(-) Lead toChannel High
Channel Low
White
Red
Yellow
Red
Blue
Red
VioletRed
OrangeRed
Orange
Red
Black
Red
Black
Red
Gray
Red

Thermocouples output very small voltages and long thermocouple leads can pickup a large amount of noise.
If desired, noise reduction can be achieved through the use of shielded thermocouples and/or averaging.
You can minimize the effect of noise by employing one or more of the following practices.
Using all three is best.
(1) Use shielded thermocouples (see Shielding, page B-3)
(2) Average readings (see Averaging, page B-4)
(3) Route thermocouple wires away from others. Wires adjacent or close to TC wires
may introduce noise into the TC wires. For example, you should never route TC wires
in a conduit that is being used for mains or motor drive power. Such practices could
introduce a great deal of signal noise.
B-2

Signal Modes and System Noise938390Appendix B

Shielding
Using shielded TC wire with the shield connected to analog common will result in further noise reduction.
DaqBoard/3000USB Series boards have one analog common screw-terminal on TB7 and have several analog
common pins on the headers (see Chapter 2 pinouts). You can connect the shield of a shielded thermocouple to oneof the analog commons. When this connection is made the shield at the other end of the thermocouple is to be left
unconnected.
If a thermocouple shield is connected to the DaqBoard/3000USB Series board, leave the shieldunconnected at the other end of the thermocouple. Connecting the shield to common at bothends will result in a ground loop.

TC Common Mode
The maximum common-mode voltage for a DaqBoard/3000USB
board is ±10 volts. Common-mode voltage is the DC or AC
voltage signal that is applied equally to both sides of adifferential input. Since thermocouples are measured using the
100 mV range, their maximum common mode voltage is ±6.0
volts.
If a thermocouple is connected directly to an engine component
in a motor vehicle, at a potential that is over the maximum
common-mode voltage, then very noisy or incorrect readings will
be seen. Thermocouple connections that are made directly to analternator or engine block may also result in high noise. Two
methods of reducing noise are:(a) Run a ground line from the screw (or bolt), as
indicated in the first figure.
(b) Isolate the thermocouple leads with a set of
washers, one of which is electrically insulating(such as mica), as indicated in the second figure.

Running a Ground Wire to theBattery’s Negative Terminal

The length of the insulating
shoulder washer’s hub must
not exceed the combined
thickness of the terminal ringand mica washer.

A thin layer of heat-sinkcompound on the indicatedsurfaces will improve
thermal conductivity.

* The insulating shoulder washer
is non-metallic. It is made ofinsulating material, such as
plastic.

*

Using a Washer Set and Heat Sink
to Isolate the Thermocouple

Appendix B

938390Signal Modes and System NoiseB-3

Cold Junction Compensation Techniques
The DaqBoard/3000USB Series boards can measure up to 4 channels of temperature. Each board employs threethermistors to measure the junction temperature (at the TB7 terminal block) for each thermocouple connection. The
thermistors are located just behind the terminal block. The actual junction is on the TB7 terminal block, andtherefore there is some amount of error in each thermistor’s ability to measure actual junction temperature.
DaqBoard/3000USB software compensates for the thermal error between the CJC thermistor temperature and theactual junction temperature at the terminal block. The units are profiled under controlled conditions (still air, 25°C,
60 minute warm-up, lying on a flat surface) and the thermal error is measured on a per channel basis. The perchannel CJC temperature offsets are then stored inside the unit in non-volatile memory, along with the calibration
constants.

Tips for Making Accurate Temperature Measurementso

Use as much oversampling as possible (See Oversampling and Line Cycle Rejection, page B-6).

oApply Line Cycle Noise Reduction (See Oversampling and Line Cycle Rejection, page B-6).

oMake sure the unit has been warmed up for at least 60 minutes, including thermocouple wires. This
allows the unit to thermally stabilize so the CJC thermistors can accurately measure the junction at theterminal block.

o

Make sure the surrounding environment is thermally stabilized and ideally around 20°C to 30°C. If theboard’s ambient temperature is changing due to a local heating or cooling source, then the TC junction
temperature may be changing and the CJC thermistor will have a larger error.

o

Use small diameter thermocouple wire that is “instrument grade.” Small diameter thermocouple wire
will have less effect on the thermocouple junction at the terminal block, as less heat will be transferredfrom the ambient environment to the junction.

oMake sure the board is mounted on a flat surface.

o

If the unit will have a sustained ambient operating environment outside of the 20°C to 30°C range,
consider autozero mode as a way to reduce the effects of offset drift. Performing a Y=MX+B
adjustment at a desired ambient temperature can also be done. Make sure the unit has stabilized forat least 60 minutes.

oBe careful to avoid loading down the digital outputs or DAC outputs too heavily (>1 mA). Heavy loaddown will cause significant heat generation inside the unit and increase the CJC thermistor error.

System Noise
Laboratory and industrial environments often have multiple sources of electrical noise. An AC power line
is a source of 50/60 Hz noise. Heavy equipment (air conditioners, elevators, pumps, etc.) can be a source ofnoise, particularly when turned on and off. Local radio stations are a source of high-frequency noise, andcomputers and other electronic equipment can create noise in a multitude of frequency ranges. Thus, anabsolute noise-free environment for data acquisition is not realistic. Fortunately, noise-reduction techniquessuch as averaging, filtering, differential voltage measurement, and shielding are available to reduce noise toan acceptable level.

Averaging
Certain acquisition programs apply averaging after several samples have been collected. Depending on thenature of the noise, averaging can reduce noise by the square root of the number of averaged samples.
Although averaging can be effective, it suffers from several drawbacks. Noise in measurements only
decreases as the square root of the number of measurements—reducing RMS noise significantly may
require many samples. Thus, averaging is suited to low-speed applications that can provide many samples.
Note: Only random noise is reduced or eliminated by averaging. Averaging does not reduce or eliminate
periodic signals. Refer to the section, Oversampling and Line Cycle Rejection (page B-6 ).

B-4Signal Modes and System Noise938390Appendix BAnalog Filtering
A filter is an analog circuit element that attenuates an incoming signal according to its frequency. A lowpass filter attenuates frequencies above the cutoff frequency. Conversely, a high-pass filter attenuatesfrequencies below the cutoff. As frequency increases beyond the cutoff point, the attenuation of a singlepole, low-pass filter increases slowly. Multi-pole filters provide greater attenuation beyond the cutoff
frequency but may introduce phase (time delay) problems that could affect some applications.

Input and Source Impedance
As illustrated in the following figure, input impedance (Ri) of a measurement system combines with thetransducer’s source impedance (Rs) forming a voltage divider. This divider distorts the voltage being read.
The actual voltage read is represented by the equation: VADC = VT × Ri / (Rs + Ri)

With input impedance (Ri) of 10 MΩ, which is a realistic value for many measurement systems, a low
source impedance (Rs) of less than 100Ω usually presents no problem. Signals from sources withimpedance greater than 100Ω should have appropriate signal conditioning.

Crosstalk

Crosstalk is a type of noise related to source impedance and capacitance, in which signals from one channel
leak into an adjacent channel, resulting in interference or signal distortion. The impact of source impedanceand stray capacitance can be estimated by using the following equation.
T = RC
Where T is the time constant, R is the source impedance, and C is the stray capacitance.
High source (transducer) impedance can be a problem in multiplexed A/D systems. When using more than
1 channel, the channel input signals are multiplexed into the A/D. The multiplexer samples one channel andthen switches to the next channel. A high-impedance input interacts with the multiplexer’s stray
capacitance and causes crosstalk and inaccuracies in the A/D sample.
A solution to high source impedance in relation to multiplexers involves the use of buffers. The term buffer
has several meanings; but in this case, buffer refers to an operational amplifier having high input impedance
but very low output impedance. Placing such a buffer on each channel (between the transducer and themultiplexer) prevents the multiplexer’s stray capacitance from combining with the high input impedance.
This use of a buffer also stops transient signals from propagating backwards from the multiplexer to thetransducer.
An example of a buffer is illustrated by the simple op-amp schematic at theright. The op-amp should have a bandwidth between 8MHz and 50MHz,
even if the signal being measured is DC. This allows the op-amp torecover quickly from the DaqBoard’s input multiplexer charge injection.
Note that characteristics of the op-amp (offset voltage, bias current, etc.)
should be chosen with serious consideration for the signal being measured.
DaqBoard/3000USB Series boards do not have a buffer for each analog
input channel, due to power restrictions. Crosstalk is particularly troublesome when measuring highamplitude signals (+/-10V) along with low level signals (+/- 100mV.) All temperature measurements are
low level signals that use the +/- 100mV range of the boards.

Appendix B

938390Signal Modes and System NoiseB-5

If an acquisition’s scan group includes both high level signals and low level signals, here are some tips on
how to reduce the amount of crosstalk.
• Use as much oversampling as possible.
• Within the scan group, group high level signals together, group low level signals together• Place a shorted channel in the scan group between the high level signals and the low levelsignals. The shorted channel should have the same gain as the last high level signal. This may
allow for a faster scan rate with less oversampling.

Floating Differential Inputs
The DaqBook/3000 series and DaqBoard/3000 series products have fully differential input capability.
However, they are not intended for use as floating differential inputs.
The low input of the differential pair is intended to remotely sense a signal that has a low resistance path toanalog ground (variously referred to as ANALOG COMMON and AGND). Although a resistive path of up
to 50kΩ may be acceptable, a lower resistive path is preferable.
The ideal ground connection is one that is made directly to analog common. But connections to mainspowered computer grounds have also functioned well.

Oversampling and Line Cycle Rejection
The DaqBoard/3000USB Series boards allow for oversampling and line cycle rejection to be done. Whenthe units are put into oversampling mode, noise is reduced and ambient 60Hz or 50Hz pick up can berejected. When enabled, oversampling is adjustable from 2 to 16384. The more oversampling that is done,
the less noise present in the readings. Line cycle rejection is just another mode of oversampling where
16384; 8192; 4096; etc. consecutive samples are averaged over one line cycle of 50Hz or 60Hz.
When oversampling is employed it is done for all analog channels in the scan group: voltage, temperature,
CJC, and autozero. Digital channels are not oversampled. Increasing the amount of oversampling will
drastically decrease the maximum allowable scan rate. During acquisitions, the system controller reads
each of the channel entries in the scan list and measures each channel according to the desired channel
number and gain. If oversampling is enabled, the acquisition engine reads each of the channel entries in thescan list and takes multiple consecutive measurements without changing the channel or gain. All
consecutive 16-bit measurements are averaged and then returned to the software.
In the case of line cycle rejection, the acquisition engine adjusts the conversion time of the ADC slightly sothat 16384; 8192; 4096; etc. samples will fit inside one line cycle of 50 Hz (20ms) or 60Hz (16.666ms.)

B-6Signal Modes and System Noise938390Appendix BGlossary
Acquisition

A collection of scans acquired at a specified rate as controlled by the sequencer.

AnalogA signal of varying voltage or current that communicates data.

Analog-to-Digital
Converter (ADC)

A circuit or device that converts analog values into digital values, such as binary bits, for use in digitalcomputer processing.

API

Application Program Interface. The interface program within the Daq system’s driver that includes function
calls specific to Daq hardware and can be used with user-written programs (several languages supported).

BipolarA range of analog signals with positive and negative values (e.g., -5 to +5 V); see unipolar.

BufferBuffer refers to a circuit or device that allows a signal to pass through it, while providing isolation, or anotherfunction, without altering the signal. Buffer usually refers to:(a)

A device or circuit that allows for the temporary storage of data during data transfers. Such storage cancompensate for differences in data flow rates. In a FIFO (First In - First Out) buffer, the data that isstored first is also the first data to leave the buffer.

(b)

A follower stage used to drive a number of gates without overloading the preceding stage.

(c)

An amplifier which accepts high source impedance input and results in low source impedance output(effectively, an impedance buffer).

Buffer Amplifier

An amplifier used primarily to match two different impedance points, and isolate one stage from a succeeding
stage in order to prevent an undesirable interaction between the two stages. (Also see, Buffer).

ChannelIn reference to Daq devices, channel simply refers to a single input, or output entity.
In a broader sense, an input channel is a signal path between the transducer at the point of measurement andthe data acquisition system. A channel can go through various stages (buffers, multiplexers, or signal
conditioning amplifiers and filters). Input channels are periodically sampled for readings.
An output channel from a device can be digital or analog. Outputs can vary in a programmed way in responseto an input channel signal.

Common mode

Common mode pertains to signals that are identical in amplitude and duration; also can be used in reference
to signal components.

Common mode voltage

Common mode voltage refers to a voltage magnitude (referenced to a common point) that is shared by two or
more signals. Example: referenced to common, Signal 1 is +5 VDC and Signal 2 is +6 VDC. The common
mode voltage for the two signals is +5.5 VDC [(5 + 6)/2].

CrosstalkAn undesired transfer of signals between systems or system components. Crosstalk causes signal
interference, more commonly referred to as noise.

DigitalA digital signal is one of discrete value, in contrast to a varying signal. Combinations of binary digits (0s and1s) represent digital data.

Digital-to-Analog
Converter (DAC)

A circuit or device that converts digital values (binary bits), into analog signals.

DIP switch

A DIP switch is a group of miniature switches in a small Dual In-line Package (DIP). Typically, users set theseswitches to configure their particular application.

Differential mode

The differential mode measures a voltage between 2 signal lines for a single channel. (Also see single-endedmode).

Glossary

887194G-1

Differential mode
voltage

Differential mode voltage refers to a voltage difference between two signals that are referenced to a common
point. Example: Signal 1 is +5 VDC referenced to common. Signal 2 is +6 VDC referenced to common.
If the +5 VDC signal is used as the reference, the differential mode voltage is +1 VDC(+ 6 VDC - +5 VDC = +1 VDC).
If the +6 VDC signal is used as the reference, the differential mode voltage is -1 VDC(+ 5 VDC - +6 VDC = -1 VDC).

ESDElectrostatic discharge (ESD) is the transfer of an electrostatic charge between bodies having different
electrostatic potentials. This transfer occurs during direct contact of the bodies, or when induced by anelectrostatic field. ESD energy can damage an integrated circuit (IC).

Excitation

Some transducers [e.g. strain gages, thermistors, and resistance temperature detectors (RTDs)] require aknown voltage or current. Typically, the variation of this signal through the transducer corresponds to thecondition measured.

Gain

The degree to which an input signal is amplified (or attenuated) to allow greater accuracy and resolution; canbe expressed as ×n or ±dB.

Isolation

The arrangement or operation of a circuit so that signals from another circuit or device do not affect theisolated circuit.
In reference to Daq devices, isolation usually refers to a separation of the direct link between the signal source
and the analog-to-digital converter (ADC). Isolation is necessary when measuring high common-mode
voltage.

Linearization

Some transducers produce a voltage in linear proportion to the condition measured. Other transducers (e.g.,thermocouples) have a nonlinear response. To convert nonlinear signals into accurate readings requires
software to calibrate several points in the range used and then interpolate values between these points.

Multiplexer (MUX)

A device that collects signals from several inputs and outputs them on a single channel.

Range

For the purposes of calculating accuracy, range is equal to the full dynamic input voltage. For example, thefull-scale range is 20V for the -10 to +10V range.

Sample (reading)

The value of a signal on a channel at an instant in time. When triggered, the ADC reads the channel andconverts the sampled value into a 12- or 16-bit value.

Scan

A series of measurements across a pre-selected sequence of channels.

Sequencer

A programmable device that manages channels and channel-specific settings.

Simultaneous Sampleand-Hold

An operation that gathers samples from multiple channels at the same instant and holds these values until all
are sequentially converted to digital values.

Single-ended mode

The single-ended mode measures a voltage between a signal line and a common reference that may beshared with other channels. (Also see differential mode).

Trigger

An event to start a scan or mark an instant during an acquisition. The event can be defined in various ways;e.g., a TTL signal, a specified voltage level in a monitored channel, a button manually or mechanicallyengaged, a software command, etc. Some applications may use pre- and post-triggers to gather dataaround an instant or based on signal counts.

TTL

Transistor-Transistor Logic (TTL) is a circuit in which a multiple-emitter transistor has replaced the multiple
diode cluster (of the diode-transistor logic circuit); typically used to communicate logic signals at 5 V.

Unipolar

A range of analog signals that is always zero or positive (e.g., 0 to 10 V). Evaluating a signal in the right
range (unipolar or bipolar) allows greater resolution by using the full-range of the corresponding digitalvalue. See bipolar.

G-2887194

Glossary