USB-3101FS
Analog Voltage Output
User's Guide

Document Revision 1, November, 2008
© Copyright 2008, Measurement Computing Corporation

Trademark and Copyright Information
Measurement Computing Corporation, InstaCal, Universal Library, and the Measurement Computing logo are either 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.
© 2008 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, orb) support or sustain life and whose failure to perform can be reasonably expected to result in injury. 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 of people.

3

Trademark and Copyright Information
TracerDAQ, Universal Library, Harsh Environment Warranty, Measurement Computing Corporation, and the Measurement
Computing logo are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Measurement Computing Corporation.
Windows, Microsoft, and Visual Studio are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation
LabVIEW is a trademark of National Instruments.
CompactFlash is a registered trademark of SanDisk Corporation.
XBee and XBee-PRO are trademarks of MaxStream, Inc.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Information furnished by Measurement Computing Corporation is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, no
responsibility is assumed by Measurement Computing Corporation neither for its use; nor for any infringements of patents orother rights of third parties, which may result from its use. No license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent or
copyrights of 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 anymeans, 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 which, 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 in injury.
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 of people.

4

Table of Contents
Preface

About this User's Guide .......................................................................................................................6
What you will learn from this user's guide ......................................................................................................... 6
Conventions in this user's guide ........................................................................................................................................ 6

Where to find more information ......................................................................................................................... 6
Safety guidelines ................................................................................................................................................ 7
Chapter 1

Introducing the USB-3101FS................................................................................................................8
Overview: USB-3101FS features ....................................................................................................................... 8
USB-3101FS block diagram .............................................................................................................................. 8
Software features ................................................................................................................................................ 8
Chapter 2

Installing the USB-3101FS....................................................................................................................9
What comes with your USB-3101FS shipment? ................................................................................................ 9
Hardware .......................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Additional documentation ................................................................................................................................................. 9
Optional accessories ......................................................................................................................................................... 9

Unpacking the USB-3101FS .............................................................................................................................. 9
Installing the software ...................................................................................................................................... 10
Installing the hardware ..................................................................................................................................... 10
Calibrating the USB-3101FS ............................................................................................................................ 10
Chapter 3

Functional Details ...............................................................................................................................11
Components ...................................................................................................................................................... 11
Screw terminals................................................................................................................................................................11
Analog outputs (AO 0 to AO 3) .......................................................................................................................................12
USB connector .................................................................................................................................................................12
LED .................................................................................................................................................................................12
Strain relief slot for USB cable ........................................................................................................................................12

High-voltage applications ................................................................................................................................. 12
Connecting a load ............................................................................................................................................. 12
Analog output circuitry ..................................................................................................................................... 13
Chapter 4

Specifications ......................................................................................................................................14
Analog output ................................................................................................................................................... 14
Accuracy ..........................................................................................................................................................................15

Power ................................................................................................................................................................ 15
Bus interface ..................................................................................................................................................... 15
Environmental .................................................................................................................................................. 15
Safety voltages.................................................................................................................................................. 16
Mechanical ....................................................................................................................................................... 16
Screw terminal connector ................................................................................................................................. 16
Accessory products ........................................................................................................................................... 16
Declaration of Conformity ..................................................................................................................175

Preface

About this User’s Guide
What you will learn from this user's guideThis user's guide describes the Measurement Computing USB-3101FS data acquisition board andlists hardware specifications.

Conventions in this user's guide
For more information
Text presented in a box signifies additional information related to the subject matter.
Caution! Shaded caution statements present information to help you avoid injuring yourself and others,
damaging your hardware, or losing your data.
bold text

Bold text is used for the names of objects on a screen, such as buttons, text boxes, and check boxes.

italic text

Italic text is used for the names of manuals and help topic titles, and to emphasize a word or phrase.

Where to find more information
Additional information about USB-3101FS hardware is available on our website atwww.mccdaq.com. You can also contact Measurement Computing Corporation with specific questions.


Knowledgebase: kb.mccdaq.com
Tech support form: www.mccdaq.com/support/support_form.aspx
Email: techsupport@mccdaq.com
Phone: 508-946-5100 and follow the instructions for reaching Tech Support

For international customers, contact your local distributor. Refer to the International Distributors section on our
website at www.mccdaq.com/International.

6

USB-3101FS User's Guide

Safety guidelines
You can connect hazardous voltages to the USB-3101FS screw terminals. A hazardous voltage is a voltage
greater than 42.4 Vpk or 60 VDC to earth ground. Take the following precautions if you connect hazardous
voltages to the USB-3101FS:
Caution! Ensure that hazardous voltage wiring is performed only by qualified personnel adhering to local
electrical standards.
Caution! Do not mix hazardous voltage circuits and human-accessible circuits on the same device.
Caution! Make sure that devices and circuits connected to the USB-3101FS are properly insulated fromhuman contact.
Caution! When device terminals are hazardous voltage LIVE (>42.4Vpk/60 VDC), ensure that devices andcircuits connected to the USB-3101FS are properly insulated from human contact. Use theACC-107 backshell with 10-position connector block to ensure that the terminals are notaccessible.

7Chapter 1

Introducing the USB-3101FS
Overview: USB-3101FS features
This user's guide contains all of the information you need to connect the USB-3101FS to your computer and to
the signals you want to control.
The USB-3101FS is a USB 2.0 full-speed device that is supported under popular Microsoft® Windows®
operating systems. The USB-3101FS is fully compatible with both USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 ports.
The USB-3101FS is a 16-bit, 4-channel, 100 kS/s analog output device. The output range is ±10 V.
All signal connections are made to detachable screw terminals. The USB-3101FS is powered by the +5 volt
USB supply from your computer. No external power is required.

USB-3101FS block diagram
USB-3101FS functions are illustrated in the block diagram shown here.

USB
USB

USB
Microcontroller

Isolation barrier

Hi-SpeedUSB 2.0
CompliantInterface

Isolated
DAC
D/A0

Amplifier

Isolated
DAC
D/A1

Amplifier

Isolated
DAC
D/A2

Isolated
DAC
D/A3

AmplifierAmplifier

Overvoltage
Short-circuitProtection

AO 0
COM

Overvoltage
Short-circuitProtection

AO 1
COM

Overvoltage
Short-circuitProtection

AO 2
COM

Overvoltage
Short-circuitProtection

AO 3
COM

Figure 1. USB-3101FS functional block diagram

Software features
For information on the features of InstaCal and the other software included with your USB-3101FS, refer tothe Quick Start Guide that shipped with your device. The Quick Start Guide is also available in PDF at
www.mccdaq.com/PDFs/manuals/DAQ-Software-Quick-Start.pdf.
Check www.mccdaq.com/download.htm for the latest software version.

8

Chapter 2

Installing the USB-3101FS
What comes with your USB-3101FS shipment?
The following items are shipped with the USB-3101FS.

Hardware

USB-3101FS



USB cable (2 meter length)

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/PDFs/manuals/DAQ-Software-Quick-Start.pdf). This booklet supplies a brief descriptionof the software you received with your USB-3101FS and information regarding installation of that software.
Please read this booklet completely before installing any software or hardware.

Optional accessories

ACC-107 — backshell with 10-position connector block (quantity 1).
ACC-121 — 10-position detachable screw terminal connector block (quantity 10).

Unpacking the USB-3101FS
As with any electronic device, you should take care while handling to avoid damage from static
electricity. Before removing the USB-3101FS 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 your USB-3101FS is damaged, notify Measurement Computing Corporation immediately by phone, fax, or email.


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

For international customers, contact your local distributor. Refer to the International Distributors section on
our website at www.mccdaq.com/International.
9

USB-3101FS User's Guide

Installing the USB-3101FS

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/PDFs/manuals/DAQSoftware-Quick-Start.pdf.

Installing the hardware
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.
Be sure you are using the latest system software
Before you install your USB-3101FS, run Windows Update to update your operating system with the latest
USB drivers.
To connect the USB-3101FS to your system, turn your computer on, and connect the USB cable to a USB port
on your computer or to an external USB hub that is connected to your computer. The USB cable provides powerand communication to the USB-3101FS.
When you connect the USB-3101FS for the first time, a series of Found New Hardware popup balloons(Windows XP) or dialogs (other Windows versions) open as the USB-3101FS is detected by your computer.
When the last balloon or dialog closes, the installation is complete. The LED on the USB-3101FS blinks
steadily to indicate that the device is initialized and receiving power.
Caution! Do not disconnect any device from the USB bus while the computer is communicating with theUSB-3101FS, or you may lose data and/or your ability to communicate with the USB-3101FS.
Allow the USB-3101FS to operate for at least 30 minutes before using the device. This warm up time isrequired to achieve the specified rated accuracy of measurements.

Calibrating the USB-3101FS
The USB-3101FS is shipped fully calibrated. Calibration coefficients are stored in EEPROM. Return the device
to Measurement Computing Corporation when calibration is required. The normal calibration interval is once
per year.

10Chapter 3

Functional Details
Components
The USB-3101FS has the following external components:Screw terminal connectors
USB port
LED
Strain relief slot for USB cable

Figure 2. Front panel (Screw terminal connections)Figure 3. Rear panel (USB connection and LED)

Screw terminals
The USB-3101FS has a ten-position detachable screw terminal block that provide connections for four analog
output channels. Signal assignments are listed in the following table.
Screw terminal pin assignments
Terminal Signal
0
AO 0
1
Common (COM)2
AO 1
3
Common (COM)4AO 2
5Common (COM)6AO 3
7Common (COM)8
NC (No connection)
9
Common (COM)

Connect the positive lead of a voltage signal to the A0 terminals. Use 12 AWG to 24 AWG wires to connect thesignals. Common terminals (COM) are internally connected to the isolated ground reference of the device.

11

USB-3101FS User's Guide

Functional Details

Analog outputs (AO 0 to AO 3)
The voltage output range for each channel is set at ±10 V. The channel outputs may be updated individually or
simultaneously.

USB connector
The USB connector provides +5 V power and communication. The voltage supplied through the USB connector
is system-dependent, and may be less than 5 V. No external power supply is required.

LED
The LED indicates the device status. It uses up to 5 mA of current and cannot be disabled. Refer to thefollowing table for the possible LED states.
LED States
LED State

Device status

Not litContinuous single-blink
Continuous double-blink

The device is not connected to a USB port or hub.
The device is operating normally.
The device is connected to a USB 1.1 Full-Speed port or hub, which may affectperformance.
Optimum performance requires connections to a USB 2.0 Hi-Speed host controller(480 Mbps) and USB 2.0 high-speed hubs.

Strain relief slot for USB cable
Use the strain relief slot to keep the USB cable from disconnecting from the device inadvertently. Feed a tie
wrap through the slot and secure to the USB cable when it is connected to the device.

High-voltage applications
For high voltage applications, we recommend using the ACC-107 backshell with ten-position connector blockto ensure that the terminals are not accessible. The backshell also provides strain relief to protect the screw
terminals.

Figure 4. ACC-107 backshell with ten-position connector block

Connecting a load
Connect the positive lead of the load to the AO terminal, and the ground of the load to the COM terminal.

Figure 5. Connecting a load to the device

12USB-3101FS User's Guide

Functional Details

Analog output circuitry
The USB-3101FS channels share a common ground that is isolated from the system. Each channel has a digitalto-analog converter (DAC) that produces a voltage signal.
Each channel also has ±30 V overvoltage and indefinite short-circuit protection.

Figure 6. Analog output circuitry for one channel

13Chapter 4

Specifications
All specifications are subject to change without notice.
Typical for the range –40 to 70 °C unless otherwise noted.
All voltages are relative to COM unless otherwise noted.

Analog output
Table 1. Analog output specifications
Parameter

Conditions

Specification

Number of channels
D/A converter resolution
D/A converter typeOutput range
Operating voltage

Current drive
Output impedanceStability
Protection
Update time

Update rate
Noise
Slew rate
Crosstalk
Settling time

Glitch energy
Capacitive drive
Monotonicity
Differential non-linearity
Integral non-linearity (endpoint)

Offset drift
Gain drift
Overvoltage
Short-circuit
One channel
Two channels
Three channels
Four channels

100 pF load, to 1 LSB

256 steps, worst case14416-bitString±10 V±10.7 V, nominal±10.3 V, minimum±11 V, maximum±1 mA per channel, maximum
0.1 Ω±80 µV/ºC
6 ppm/ ºC±30 V
Indefinitely
3 µs
5 µs
7.5 µs
9.5 µs
100 kS/s per channel, maximum
260 µVrms
4 V/µs76 dB
FS step:
20 µs
3 V step:
10 µs
0.1 V step:
8 µs
2 mV for 2 µs
1,500 pF, minimum
16-bits–1 to 2 LSBs, maximum
16 LSBs, maximum

USB-3101FS User's Guide

Specifications

Accuracy
Table 2. Analog input accuracy
Measurement conditions

Percent of reading

Percent of range (Note 1)

Calibrated, maximum (–40 to 70 ºC)
Calibrated, typical (25 ºC, ±5 ºC)
Uncalibrated, maximum (–40 to 70 ºC)
Uncalibrated, typical (25 ºC, ±5 ºC)

0.35%
0.01%
2.2%
0.3%

0.75%
0.1%
1.7%
0.25%

Note 1:

The range is equal to ±10.7 V.

Power
Table 3. Power specifications
Parameter

Specification

Power on voltage
Power consumption
Thermal dissipation at 70 ºC

0V
625 mW, maximum
625 mW, maximum

Bus interface
Table 4. General specifications
Parameter

Specification

USB specification

USB 2.0 Hi-Speed mode (480 Mbps) is recommended.
Otherwise, USB 1.1 Full-Speed mode (12 Mbps).

Environmental
Table 5. Environmental specifications
Parameter

Specification

Operating temperature range
Storage temperature range
Ingress protection
Operating humidity
Storage humidity
Maximum altitude
Pollution degree (IEC60664)–40 to 70 °C–40 to 85 °C
IP 40
10 to 90% relative humidity, non-condensing
5 to 95% relative humidity, non-condensing
2000 meters (6561.679 feet)
215

USB-3101FS User's Guide

Specifications

Safety voltages
Table 6. Safety voltage specifications
Parameter
Channel-to-COM
Isolation
Channel-to-earth ground
Note 2:

Conditions

Specification

Channel-to-channelContinuous
Withstand±11 V maximum
No isolation between channels
250 Vrms, Measurement Category II (Note 2)
2,300 Vrms, verified by a 5 second dielectric withstand test

Measurement Category II is for measurements performed on circuits directly connected to theelectrical distribution system. This category refers to local-level electrical distribution, such asthat provided by a standard wall outlet, for example 115 V for U.S. or 230 V for Europe.

Caution! Do not connect the device to signals or use for measurements within Measurement Categories
III or IV.

Mechanical
Table 7. Mechanical specifications
Parameter

Specification

Dimensions
Weight4.5" L x 5.5" W x 1.5" H
1.2 lbs. (544 grams)

Screw terminal connector
Table 8. Screw terminal connector specifications
Connector type
Screw terminal wiring
Torque for screw terminals

Screw terminal
12 to 24 AWG copper conductor wire with 10 mm (0.39 in.) of insulation strippedfrom the end.
0.5 to 0.6 N · m (4.4 to 5.3 lb. · in.)Connector pin out
Terminal Signal
0
AO 0
1
Common (COM)2
AO 1
3
Common (COM)4AO 2
5Common (COM)6AO 3
7Common (COM)8
NC (No connection)
9
Common (COM)

Accessory products
Table 9. Screw terminal connector specifications
ACC-121
ACC-10710-position detachable screw terminal connector blocks (quantity 10)
Backshell with 10-position connector block (quantity 1)

16

Declaration of Conformity
Manufacturer:
Address:

Measurement Computing Corporation
10 Commerce Way
Suite 1008
Norton, MA 02766
USA
Measurement Computing Corporation declares under sole responsibility that the productUSB-3101FS
to which this declaration relates is in conformity with the relevant provisions of the following standards or otherdocuments:
Category: Electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use.
EC EMC Directive 2004/108/EC: General Requirements, EN 61326-1:2006 (IEC 61326-1:2005).
Emissions: IEC 61326-2-1:2005.


EN 55011 (1990)/CISPR 11 Radiated emissions: Group 1, Class A
EN 55011 (1990)/CISPR 11 Conducted emissions: Group 1, Class A

Immunity: EN 61326-1:2006, Table 3.


IEC 61000-4-2 (1995): Electrostatic Discharge immunity, Criteria B.
IEC 61000-4-3 (1995): Radiated Electromagnetic Field immunity, Criteria A.

To maintain compliance to the standards of this declaration, the following conditions must be met.






The host computer, peripheral equipment, power sources, and expansion hardware must be CE
compliant.
All I/O cables must be shielded, with the shields connected to ground.
I/O cables must be less than 3 meters (9.75 feet) in length.
The host computer must be properly grounded.
Equipment must be operated in a controlled electromagnetic environment as defined by Standards EN
61326:2006, or IEC 61326:2005.

Declaration of Conformity based on tests conducted by Chomerics Test Services, Woburn, MA 01801, USA in
September, 2008. Test records are outlined in Chomerics Test Report #EMI5135.08.
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
Norton, Massachusetts 02766(508) 946-5100
Fax: (508) 946-9500
E-mail: info@mccdaq.com
www.mccdaq.com

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Fax: +36 (52) 515414
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