PCI-INT32
Interrupt/Counter Board
User's Guide

Document Revision 6A, June, 2006
© Copyright 2006, Measurement Computing Corporation

Trademark and Copyright Information
Measurement Computing Corporation, InstaCal, Universal Library, and the Measurement Computing logo areeither trademarks or registered trademarks of Measurement Computing Corporation. Refer to the Copyrights &Trademarks section on mccdaq.com/legal for more information about Measurement Computing trademarks.
Other product and company names mentioned herein are trademarks or trade names of their respective
companies.
© 2006 Measurement Computing Corporation. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, by
photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the prior written permission of Measurement Computing
Corporation.
NoticeMeasurement Computing Corporation does not authorize any Measurement Computing Corporation product for
use in life support systems and/or devices without prior written consent from Measurement Computing
Corporation. Life support devices/systems are devices or systems that, a) are intended for surgical implantation
into the body, or b) support or sustain life and whose failure to perform can be reasonably expected to result ininjury. Measurement Computing Corporation products are not designed with the components required, and are
not subject to the testing required to ensure a level of reliability suitable for the treatment and diagnosis ofpeople.

HM PCI-INT32.dociii

Table of Contents
About this User's Guide .......................................................................................................................v
What you will learn from this user's guide .........................................................................................................v
Conventions in this user's guide .........................................................................................................................v
Where to find more information .........................................................................................................................v
Chapter 1

Introducing the PCI-INT32 ................................................................................................................ 1-1
Software features ............................................................................................................................................ 1-1
Chapter 2

Installing the PCI-INT32 .................................................................................................................... 2-1
What comes with your PCI-INT32 shipment?................................................................................................ 2-1
Hardware ....................................................................................................................................................................... 2-1
Additional documentation.............................................................................................................................................. 2-1
Optional components ..................................................................................................................................................... 2-1

Unpacking the PCI-INT32.............................................................................................................................. 2-2
Installing the software .................................................................................................................................... 2-2
Installing the PCI-INT32 ................................................................................................................................ 2-2
Connecting the board for I/O operations ........................................................................................................ 2-2
Connectors, cables – main I/O connector....................................................................................................................... 2-2
Field wiring and signal termination accessories............................................................................................................. 2-3
Chapter 3

Programming and Developing Applications .................................................................................. 3-1
Programming languages ................................................................................................................................. 3-1
Packaged applications programs..................................................................................................................... 3-1
Register-level programming ........................................................................................................................... 3-1
Chapter 4

Functional Details ............................................................................................................................. 4-1
PCI-INT32 block diagram .............................................................................................................................. 4-1
DIO signals..................................................................................................................................................... 4-1
Pull-up/down resistors ................................................................................................................................................... 4-2
Chapter 5

Specifications.................................................................................................................................... 5-1
Power consumption ........................................................................................................................................ 5-1
Counter/timer and parallel I/O........................................................................................................................ 5-1
Interrupts......................................................................................................................................................... 5-1
Environmental ................................................................................................................................................ 5-2
Main connector and pin out ............................................................................................................................ 5-2

iv

Preface

About this User's Guide
What you will learn from this user's guideThis user's guide explains how to install, configure, and use the PCI-INT32 so that you get the most out of theboard's interrupt and counter features.
This user's guide also refers you to related documents available on our web site, and to technical support
resources.

Conventions in this user's guide
For more information on …
Text presented in a box signifies additional information and helpful hints related to the subject matter you arereading.
Caution! Shaded caution statements present information to help you avoid injuring yourself and others,
damaging your hardware, or losing your data.
<#:#>

Angle brackets that enclose numbers separated by a colon signify a range of numbers, such as those assigned
to registers, bit settings, etc.

bold text

Bold text is used for the names of objects on the screen, such as buttons, text boxes, and check boxes. For
example:1. Insert the disk or CD and click the OK button.

italic text

Italic text is used for the names of manuals and help topic titles, and to emphasize a word or phrase. For
example:The InstaCal installation procedure is explained in the Quick Start Guide.
Never touch the exposed pins or circuit connections on the board.

Where to find more information
Additional information about PCI-INT32 hardware is available on our website at www.mccdaq.com. You canalso contact Measurement Computing Corporation with specific questions.


Knowledgebase: kb.mccdaq.com
Phone: 508-946-5100 and follow the instructions for reaching Tech Support
Fax: 508-946-9500 to the attention of Tech Support
Email: techsupport@mccdaq.comvChapter 1

Introducing the PCI-INT32
The PCI-INT32 is intended to be used in conjunction with the ZILOG Z8036/Z8536 Product Specification. This
document is available on our web site at www.mccdaq.com/PDFmanuals/Z8536.pdf.
The PCI-INT32 can accept up to 32 vector interrupts and output an interrupt to the PC. The board has a pair of
Z8536 I/O chips interfaced to the PCI bus. Each Z8536 accepts up to 16 independent inputs that can be used togenerate interrupts from bit patterns or individual bit states or transitions. The interrupt outputs from two X8536
chips can be ANDed using software.
Many other functions can be performed by the PCI-INT32 including digital pattern recognition, counting withsix 16-bit counters, and up to 40 bits of digital I/O.
The 16-bit counters can be set up independently or chained together in groups of three.
The I/O pins of the Z8536 are TTL levels. All I/O lines are accessible through a 50-pin header connector.
Connections to the board typically use the C50FF-# cable and the CIO-MINI50 terminal board.

Software features
For information on the features of InstaCal and the other software included with your PCI-INT32, refer to the
Quick Start Guide that shipped with your device. The Quick Start Guide is also available in PDF at
www.mccdaq.com/PDFmanuals/DAQ-Software-Quick-Start.pdf.
Check www.mccdaq.com/download.htm for the latest software version or versions of the software supported
under less commonly used operating systems.

1-1

Chapter 2

Installing the PCI-INT32
What comes with your PCI-INT32 shipment?
Hardware!

PCI-INT32

Additional documentation
In addition to this hardware user's guide, you should also receive the Quick Start Guide (available in PDF at
www.mccdaq.com/PDFmanuals/DAQ-Software-Quick-Start.pdf). This booklet supplies a brief description of
the software you received with your PCI-DIO96 and information regarding installation of that software. Please
read this booklet completely before installing any software or hardware..

Optional components!

Cables

C500FF-x!

Signal termination and conditioning accessories
MCC provides signal termination and signal conditioning products for use with the PCI-INT32. Refer tothe Field wiring, signal termination and conditioning section for a complete list of compatible accessory
products.
2-1

PCI-INT32 User's Guide

Installing the PCI-INT32

Unpacking the PCI-INT32
As with any electronic device, you should take care while handling to avoid damage from static
electricity. Before removing the PCI-INT32 from its packaging, ground yourself using a wrist strap or bysimply touching the computer chassis or other grounded object to eliminate any stored static charge.
If any components are missing or damaged, notify Measurement Computing Corporation immediately byphone, fax, or e-mail:!
!
!

Phone: 508-946-5100 and follow the instructions for reaching Tech Support.
Fax: 508-946-9500 to the attention of Tech Support
Email: techsupport@mccdaq.com

Installing the software
Refer to the Quick Start Guide for instructions on installing the software on the Measurement Computing Data
Acquisition Software CD. This booklet is available in PDF at www.mccdaq.com/PDFmanuals/DAQ-SoftwareQuick-Start.pdf.

Installing the PCI-INT32
The PCI-INT32 board is completely plug-and-play, with no switches or jumpers to set. Configuration iscontrolled by your system's BIOS. To install your board, follow the steps below.
Install the MCC DAQ software before you install your board
The driver needed to run your board is installed with the MCC DAQ software. Therefore, you need to install the
MCC DAQ software before you install your board. Refer to the Quick Start Guide for instructions on installingthe software.
1.

Turn your computer off, open it up, and insert your board into an available PCI slot.

2.

Close your computer and turn it on.
A dialog box pops up as the system loads indicating that new hardware has been detected. If theinformation file for this board is not already loaded onto your PC, you will be prompted for the disk
containing this file. The MCC DAQ software contains this file. If required, insert the Measurement
Computing Data Acquisition Software CD and click OK.

3.

To test your installation and configure your board, run the InstaCal utility installed in the previous section.
Refer to the Quick Start Guide that came with your board for information on how to initially set up andload InstaCal.

Connecting the board for I/O operations
Connectors, cables – main I/O connector
Table 2-1 lists the board connectors, applicable cables and compatible accessory boards.
Table 2-1. Board connectors, cables, accessory equipment
Connector typeCompatible cables
Compatible accessory products

50-pin, high-density IDC header connector
C50FF-x (Figure 2-1)
CIO-MINI50

The PCI-INT32 I/O connector is a 50-pin header type connector accessible from the rear of the PC through the
expansion backplate. The signals available are direct connections to the Z8536 digital I/O chips.
2-2

PCI-INT32 User's Guide

Installing the PCI-INT32

Signal nameGND
C3 OUT C0
C3 TRIG C2INT INPUTNC
C2 OUT B0
C2 TRIG B2C1 OUT B4
C1 TRIG B6
A0
A2
A4
A6
C3 OUT C0
C3 TRIG C2
2.5 MHz OUTINTA OUTC2 OUT B0
C2 TRIG B2C1 OUT B4
C1 TRIG B6
A0
A2
A4
A6

Pin
50
48
46
44
42
40
38
36
34
32
30
28
26
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2

••
••
••
••
••
••
••
••
••
••
••
••
••
••
••
••
••
••
••
••
••
••
••
••
••

Pin
49
47
45
43
41
39
37
35
33
31
29
27
25
23
21
19
17
15
13
11
9
7
5
3
1

Signal name
+5V
C1 C3 INC3 C3 GATEINT ENABLE
NC
B1 C2 INB3 C2 GATE
B5 C1 IN
B7 C1 GATE
A1
A3
A5
A7
C1 C3 INC3 C3 GATE
5 MHz
INTB OUT
B1 C2 INB3 C2 GATE
B5 C1 IN
B7 C1 GATE
A1
A3
A5
A7

First Z8536
BADR + 0, 1, 2Second Z8536
BADR + 4, 5, 6

Figure 2-1. PCI-INT32 board I/O connector

2

1

50

49

The red stripe
identifies pin # 1

50-pin Female
IDC Connector

2

1

50

49

50-pin Female
IDC connector

Figure 2-1. C50FF-x cable

Field wiring and signal termination accessories
You can use the CIO-MINI50 (50-pin screw terminal board) to terminate field signals and route them into the PCI-INT32
using the C50FF-x cable.
For additional information about digital interfacing…
Detailed information regarding digital interfacing is contained in MCC's Guide to Signal Connections. This
document is available on our web site at www.mccdaq.com/signals/signals.pdf.

2-3Chapter 3

Programming and Developing Applications
After following the installation instructions in Chapter 2, your board should now be installed and ready for use.

Programming languages
Measurement Computing’s Universal Library™ provides access to board functions from a variety ofWindows programming languages. If you are planning to write programs, or would like to run the example
programs for Visual Basic or any other language, please refer to the Universal Library User's Guide.

Packaged applications programs
Many packaged application programs, such as SoftWIRE, Labtech Notebook™, and HP-VEE™, now have
drivers for your board. If the package you own does not have drivers for your board, please fax or e-mail the
package name and the revision number from the install disks. We will research the package for you and advise
how to obtain drivers.
Some application drivers are included with the Universal Library package, but not with the application package.
If you have purchased an application package directly from the software vendor, you may need to purchase ourUniversal Library and drivers. Please contact us by phone, fax or e-mail:!
!
!

Phone: 508-946-5100 and follow the instructions for reaching Tech Support.
Fax: 508-946-9500 to the attention of Tech Support
Email: techsupport@mccdaq.com

Register-level programming
You should use the Universal Library or one of the packaged application programs mentioned above to control
your board. Only experienced programmers should try register-level programming.
If you need to program at the register level in your application, refer to the Register Map for the PCI-INT32.
This document is available on our web site at www.mccdaq.com/registermaps/RegMapPCI-INT32.pdf.

3-1

Chapter 4

Functional Details
PCI-INT32 block diagram
PCI-DIO96 functions are illustrated in the block diagram shown here.

Figure 4-1. PCI-INT32 functional block diagram

DIO signals
All digital outputs and inputs on the PCI-INT32 connector are TTL (Transistor-Transistor-Logic). TTL is anelectronics industry term which describes a standard for digital signals which are either at 0 V or 5 V (nominal).
Under normal operating conditions, the voltages on the Z8536 pins range from near 0 volts for the low state tonear 5.0 volts for the high state. The current handling capability of these inputs / outputs is limited to a few
milliamps. This is typical of TTL devices.
4-1

PCI-INT32 User's Guide

Functional Details

Caution! The voltages and currents associated with external devices range from less than a hundred mA at a
few volts for a small flash light bulb to 50 Amps at 220 volts for a large electric range. Attempting
to connect either of these devices directly to the PCI-INT32 would destroy the I/O chip.
For general information regarding digital I/O techniques, including signal conditioning and low pass filters,
refer to the Guide to Signal Connections. This document is available on our web site atwww.mccdaq.com/signals/signals.pdf).
IMPORTANTThe Z8536 digital I/O chip initializes all ports as inputs on power up and reset. A TTL input is a highimpedance input. If you connect another TTL input device to the Z8536 it will probably be turned ON every
time the Z8536 is reset, or, it might be turned OFF instead. Remember, and Z8536 which is reset is in INPUT
mode.
It cannot be stated often enough to those unfamiliar with the Z8536 — whenever the Z8536 is powered on or
reset, all pins are set to high impedance input.
Output devices such as solid state relays may be switched on whenever the computer is powered-on or reset. To
prevent unwanted switching and to drive all outputs to a known state after power-on or reset, pull pins either
high or low with a pull-up or pull-down resistor.

Pull-up/down resistors
When the Z8536 digital I/O chip is powered-on or reset, the control register is set to a known state. When used
as an output device to control other TTL input devices, the Z8536 applies a voltage level of 0 V for low and
2.5 V to 5 V for high. The device being controlled responds to the output voltage level of the Z8536 chip.
The concept of voltage level of a Z8536 chip in input mode is meaningless. Do not connect a volt meter to thefloating input of a Z8536. It will show you nothing of meaning. In input mode, the Z8536 is in 'high Z' or highimpedance. If your Z8536 was connected to another input chip (the device you are controlling), the inputs ofthat chip are left floating whenever the Z8536 is in the input mode. If the inputs of the device you arecontrolling are allowed to float, they may float up or down. The direction they float is dependent on thecharacteristics of the circuit and is unpredictable. This is why it often appears that the Z8536 has gone 'high'after power up. The result is that the controlled device gets turned on. That is why you need pull up/down
resistors.Figure 4-2 shows a Z8536 digital output with a pull-up resistor attached.
+5V
Z8536
2.2K
A0
Controlled Device

Figure 4-2. Z8536 digital output with pull-up resistor

The pull-up resistor provides a reference to +5V, while its value of 2,200 Ω allows only a little current to flow
through the circuit.
If the Z8536 is reset and enters high impedance input, the line is pulled high. At that point, both the Z8536
AND the device being controlled will sense a high signal. If the Z8536 is in output mode, the Z8536 has morethan enough power to override the pull-up resistor's high signal and drive the line to 0 volts (nominal).
4-2

PCI-INT32 User's Guide

Functional Details

With a pull-down resistor installed, the line is pulled low when the Z8536 is reset. The Z8536 has more thanenough power to drive the line high.
To safeguard against unwanted signal levels, all devices that are controlled by the Z8536 chip should be tied
low or high as required by a 2.2K Ω resistor. Open positions are located on the board to install resistor Single
Inline Packages (SIP). The positions are marked A, B, and C and are adjacent to the Z8536.
The SIP is made up of eight 2.2 K resistors. One side of each resistor is connected to a single common point andbrought out to a pin. The common line is marked with a dot or line at one end of the SIP. The remaining resistor
ends are brought out to the other eight pins (refer to Figure 4-3).
2.2KOhm SIP
Dot indicates thecommon line

(LO or HI)

I/O Lines

Figure 4-3. Eight-resistor SIP schematic

Figure 4-4 shows a schematic of an SIP installed in both the pull-up and pull-down positions.

HI

2.2 K SIP
COM

n6

n6

User Connector
Digital I/O Lines

n7

n4
n3
n2

n = A, B, or C

HI

n7

n5

DigitalI/O
Port+5 VDCDot

n1

2.2 K SIP

User Connector
Digital I/O Lines+5 VDCn5

Digital
I/O
Port

n4
n3
n2

n = A, B, or C

n1

n0

n0

LO
(GND)

LO
(GND)

2.2 K SIP installed for pull-up

COM

Dot

2.2 K SIP installed for pull-downFigure 4-4. Pull-up and pull-down resistor SIP schematic

When installed, the SIP establishes either a high or low logic level at each of the eight I/O lines on the port. At
each board location, A, B, and C, there are 10 holes in a line. The hole on one end is marked "HI" and isconnected to +5V. The other end is marked "LO" and is connected to GND. The eight holes in the middle
connect to eight lines of the port, A, B or C.
To pull-up lines, orient the SIP with the common pin (dot) toward the HI end; to pull-down, install the resistor
with the common pin in the LO hole.
Note:
We recommend using 2.2K SIPs (MCC part number SP-K2.29C). Use a different value only if necessary.

4-3Chapter 5

Specifications
Typical for 25 °C unless otherwise specified.
Specifications in italic text are guaranteed by design.

Power consumption
Table 1. Power consumption specifications+5V operating

620 mA typical, 925 mA max

Counter/timer and parallel I/O
Table 2. Counter/timer and parallel I/O specifications
DeviceOutput highOutput low
Input highInput low
Power-up / reset state

Zilog Z85C36 (2)2.4 volts minimum @ -250 uA
0.5 volts maximum @ +3.2 mA
2.0 volts minimum, 7 volts absolute max
0.8 volts maximum, -0.3 volts absolute min
Input mode (high impedance)

Configured as digital input/output ports:
Digital configuration
Number of channels

4 banks of 8 (Ports A and B), 2 banks of 4 (Port C), programmable by bit or bank as
input or output
40 I/O

Configured as counter/timers: (Port A is a digital I/O port only)
Counter typeCounter configuration
Clock input frequency
High pulse width (clock input)
Low pulse width (clock input)
Trigger pulse width (high, low)

Zilog Z85C36
Six 16-bit counter/timers (Port B - High and Low nibble - and Port C)
All Trigger (C1-C3 TRIG), Source (C1-C3 IN), Gate (C1-C3 GATE), and Output (C1C3 OUT) for each chip are available at the user connector.
3 MHz max
150 ns min
150 ns min
130 ns min

Interrupts
The Z8536 is programmable to generate interrupts based on bit change, pattern recognition, level or edge
triggered, whether configured as a digital I/O port or counter port. Refer to the ZILOG Z8036/Z8536 ProductSpecification for further options. This document is available on our web site atwww.mccdaq.com/PDFmanuals/Z8536.pdf.
Table 3. Interrupt specifications
Interrupts
Interrupt enable
Interrupt sources
Interrupt output
Interrupt priority

INTA# - mapped to IRQn via PCI BIOS at boot-time
Programmable (enabled by default) and external (INT ENABLE), active low(pulled high through resistor).
Programmable: 8536A interrupt output, 8536B interrupt output, 8536A OR'ed with
8536B, external (INT INPUT, active low) or None.
Buffered output for each chip available at user connector (INTA OUT, INTB OUT).
Programmable: No priority or 8536A interrupt has priority over 8536B interrupt.

5-1

PCI-INT32 User's Guide

Specifications

Environmental
Table 4. Environmental specifications
Operating temperature range
Storage temperature range
Humidity

0 to 50 °C-20 to 70°C
0 to 90% non-condensing

Main connector and pin out
Table 5. Main connector specifications
Connector typeCompatible cables
Compatible accessory products

50-pin, high-density IDC header connector
C50FF-x
CIO-MINI50
Table 6. Main connector pin out

Signal nameGND
C3 OUT C0
C3 TRIG C2INT INPUTNC
C2 OUT B0
C2 TRIG B2C1 OUT B4
C1 TRIG B6
A0
A2
A4
A6
C3 OUT C0
C3 TRIG C2
2.5 MHz OUTINTA OUTC2 OUT B0
C2 TRIG B2C1 OUT B4
C1 TRIG B6
A0
A2
A4
A6

Pin
50
48
46
44
42
40
38
36
34
32
30
28
26
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2

••
••
••
••
••
••
••
••
••
••
••
••
••
••
••
••
••
••
••
••
••
••
••
••
••

Pin
49
47
45
43
41
39
37
35
33
31
29
27
25
23
21
19
17
15
13
11
9
7
5
3
1

Signal name
+5V
C1 C3 INC3 C3 GATEINT ENABLE
NC
B1 C2 INB3 C2 GATE
B5 C1 IN
B7 C1 GATE
A1
A3
A5
A7
C1 C3 INC3 C3 GATE
5 MHz
INTB OUT
B1 C2 INB3 C2 GATE
B5 C1 IN
B7 C1 GATE
A1
A3
A5
A7

5-2

First Z8536
BADR + 0, 1, 2Second Z8536
BADR + 4, 5, 6

Declaration of Conformity
Manufacturer:
Address:

Category:

Measurement Computing Corporation
10 Commerce Way
Suite 1008
Norton, MA 02766
USAElectrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use.

Measurement Computing Corporation declares under sole responsibility that the product

PCI-INT32
EU EMC Directive 89/336/EEC: Electromagnetic Compatibility, EN55022 (1995), EN55024 (1998)
Emissions: Group 1, Class B!

EN55022 (1995): Radiated and Conducted emissions.

Immunity: EN55024
!
!
!
!
!
!
!

EN61000-4-2 (1995): Electrostatic Discharge immunity, Criteria A.
EN61000-4-3 (1997): Radiated Electromagnetic Field immunity Criteria A.
EN61000-4-4 (1995): Electric Fast Transient Burst immunity Criteria A.
EN61000-4-5 (1995): Surge immunity Criteria A.
EN61000-4-6 (1996): Radio Frequency Common Mode immunity Criteria A.
EN61000-4-8 (1994): Power Frequency Magnetic Field immunity Criteria A.
EN61000-4-11 (1994): Voltage Dip and Interrupt immunity Criteria A.

Declaration of Conformity based on tests conducted by Chomerics Test Services, Woburn, MA 01801, USA in
September, 2001. Test records are outlined in Chomerics Test Report #EMI3053.01.
We hereby declare that the equipment specified conforms to the above Directives and Standards.

Carl Haapaoja, Director of Quality Assurance

Measurement Computing Corporation
10 Commerce Way
Suite 1008
Norton, Massachusetts 02766(508) 946-5100
Fax: (508) 946-9500
E-mail: info@mccdaq.com
www.mccdaq.com