USB-2404-60
USB-based Analog Input Device
User's Guide

Document Revision 2A, November, 2009
© Copyright 2009, 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.
© 2009 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 USB-2404-60.docx

3Table of Contents
Preface

About this User's Guide .......................................................................................................................5
What you will learn from this user's guide .........................................................................................................5
Conventions in this user's guide .........................................................................................................................5
Where to find more information .........................................................................................................................5
Safety guidelines ................................................................................................................................................5
Chapter 1

Introducing the USB-2404-60 ...............................................................................................................6
Overview: USB-2404-60 features ......................................................................................................................6
USB-2404-60 block diagram ..............................................................................................................................6
Software features ................................................................................................................................................7
Chapter 2

Installing the USB-2404-60 ...................................................................................................................8
What comes with your USB-2404-60 shipment? ...............................................................................................8
Hardware .......................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Additional documentation ................................................................................................................................................. 8
Optional accessories ......................................................................................................................................................... 8

Unpacking the USB-2404-60 .............................................................................................................................8
Installing the software ......................................................................................................................................9
Installing the hardware .....................................................................................................................................9Calibrating the USB-2404-60 ...........................................................................................................................9
Chapter 3

Functional Details ...............................................................................................................................10
Components ......................................................................................................................................................10
Screw terminals (CH0 to CH3) ........................................................................................................................................10
USB connector .................................................................................................................................................................11
LED .................................................................................................................................................................................11
Strain relief slot for USB cable ........................................................................................................................................11

High-voltage applications .................................................................................................................................11
Signal source connections.................................................................................................................................11
Analog input circuitry .......................................................................................................................................12
Filtering ............................................................................................................................................................12

Passband bandwidth .........................................................................................................................................................12
Stopband bandwidth ........................................................................................................................................................13
Alias-free bandwidth........................................................................................................................................................13

Sample rates......................................................................................................................................................13
Chapter 4

Specifications ......................................................................................................................................14
Analog input .....................................................................................................................................................14
Accuracy ..........................................................................................................................................................................15

Power ................................................................................................................................................................15
Bus interface .....................................................................................................................................................15
Environmental ..................................................................................................................................................15
Mechanical .......................................................................................................................................................15
Safety voltages..................................................................................................................................................16
Screw terminal connectors................................................................................................................................16
Accessory products ...........................................................................................................................................16
Declaration of Conformity ..................................................................................................................18
4

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 USB-2404-60, and 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
For additional information relevant to the operation of your hardware, refer to the Documents subdirectory
where you installed the MCC DAQ software (C:\Program Files\Measurement Computing\DAQ by default), or
search for your device on our website at www.mccdaq.com.

Safety guidelines
You can connect hazardous voltages to the USB-2404-60 device's 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-2404-60:
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-2404-60 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-2404-60 are properly insulated from human contact. Use theACC-160 connector backshell kit to ensure that the terminals are not accessible.

5Chapter 1

Introducing the USB-2404-60
Overview: USB-2404-60 features
This user's guide contains all of the information you need to connect the USB-2404-60 to your computer and to
the signals you want to measure.
The USB-2404-60 is a USB 2.0 high-speed device that is supported under popular Microsoft® Windows®
operating systems. The USB-2404-60 is fully compatible with both USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 ports.
The USB-2404-60 provides four channels of 24-bit simultaneous analog inputs.
The maximum sampling rate is 50 kS/s per channel, and the input voltage range is ±60 V, nominal.
An anti-alias filter removes noise that may be present in the signals prior to conversion. A 250 Vrms channelto-channel and channel-to-ground isolation protects the device and computer from ground spikes, and ensures a
reliable data stream. An on-board LED indicates the status of the device.
Field connections are made to four 2-position detachable screw terminals. Ten additional two-position
connectors are available with the optional ACC-102 connector kit.
The USB 2.0 high-speed driver transfers data at rates up to 480 Mbps. The USB-2404-60 is powered by the+5 volt USB supply from your computer. No external power is required.

USB-2404-60 block diagram
USB-2404-60 functions are illustrated in the block diagram shown here.

CH0+
CH0-

Overvoltage
Protection+-

Isolated
ADC

AmplifierPrefilter

Isolation barrier
CH1+
CH1-

Overvoltage
Protection+-

Isolated
ADC

AmplifierPrefilterUSB
USB
Hi-SpeedUSB 2.0
CompliantInterface

Isolation barrier
CH2+
CH2-

Overvoltage
Protection+
Amplifier

Isolated
ADC
Prefilter

Isolation barrier
CH3+
CH3-

Overvoltage
Protection+-

Isolated
ADC

AmplifierPrefilter

Figure 1. USB-2404-60 functional block diagram

6

USB
MicrocontrollerUSB-2404-60 User's Guide

Introducing the USB-2404-60

Software features
For information on the features of InstaCal and the other software included with your USB-2404-60, 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.

7

Chapter 2

Installing the USB-2404-60
What comes with your USB-2404-60 shipment?
As you unpack your USB-2404-60, verify that the following components are included.

Hardware

USB-2404-60



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/PDFmanuals/DAQ-Software-Quick-Start.pdf). This booklet supplies a brief description of
the software you received with your USB-2404-60 and information regarding installation of that software.
Please read this booklet completely before installing any software or hardware.

Optional accessories

ACC-102 — Two-position screw terminal connector blocks (quantity ten). Additional details are available
on our web site at www.mccdaq.com/daq-accessory/acc-102.aspx.
ACC-160 — Backshell for use with the ACC-102 two-position screw terminal connector blocks. Provides
strain relief and operator protection from high-voltage signals (quantity six). Additional details areavailable on our web site at www.mccdaq.com/daq-accessory/acc-160.aspx.

Unpacking the USB-2404-60
As with any electronic device, you should take care while handling to avoid damage from static
electricity. Before removing the USB-2404-60 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-2404-60 is damaged, notify Measurement Computing Corporation immediately by phone, fax, ore-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

For international customers, contact your local distributor where you purchased the USB-2404-60. Click on thislink www.measurementcomputing.com/sales.asp to locate your distributor.
8USB-2404-60 User's Guide

Installing the USB-2404-60

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 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-2404-60, run Windows Update to update your operating system with the latest
USB drivers.
To connect the USB-2404-60 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-2404-60.
When you connect the USB-2404-60 for the first time, a series of Found New Hardware popup balloons(Windows XP) or dialogs (other Windows versions) open as the USB-2404-60 is detected by your computer.
When the last balloon or dialog closes, the installation is complete. The LED on the USB-2404-60 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-2404-60, or you may lose data and/or your ability to communicate with the device.
Allow the USB-2404-60 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-2404-60
The USB-2404-60 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.

9Chapter 3

Functional Details
Components
The USB-2404-60 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 (CH0 to CH3)
The USB-2404-60 has four 2-terminal detachable screw terminals for connection to four isolated analog inputs.
The maximum sampling rate is 50 kS/s per channel, and the input voltage range is ±60 V, nominal. The
channels may be sampled individually or simultaneously. Signal assignments are listed in the following table.
Screw terminal pin assignments
Screw terminal
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1

SignalCH0+ (CH0 IN HI)
CH0– (CH0 IN LO)
CH1+ (CH1 IN HI)
CH1– (CH1 IN LO)
CH2+ (CH2 IN HI)
CH2– (CH2 IN LO)
CH3+ (CH3 IN HI)
CH3– (CH3 IN LO)

Use 16 AWG to 28 AWG wires to connect signals to the device.
10

USB-2404-60 User's Guide

Functional Details

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. When connected to a USB port, the LED blinks steadily to indicate thatthe device is initialized and receiving power. Refer to the following table for the possible LED states.
LED States
LED Statedevice 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-160 backshell to ensure that the terminals are notaccessible. The backshell also provides strain relief to protect the screw terminals.

Figure 4. Connector backshell (ACC-160 accessory)

Additional details on this product are available on our web site at www.mccdaq.com/daq-accessory/acc160.aspx.

Signal source connections
You can connect ground-referenced or floating signal sources to the USB-2404-60.
Connect the positive signal of the signal source to the CH+ screw terminal.
Connect the negative signal of the signal source to the CH – screw terminal.

The following figures show the connections between the USB-2404-60 and both a grounded signal source and afloating signal source.
SignalSourceCH++
USB-2404-60

CH-

Figure 5. Connecting a grounded signal source11USB-2404-60 User's Guide

Functional Details

When making a ground-referenced connection between the signal source and the USB-2404-60, make sure thevoltage on the CH+ and CH– connections are within the channel-to-earth safety voltage range. Refer to theSpecifications chapter for information about operating voltages and overvoltage protection.
SignalSourceCH++
USB-2404-60

CH-

Figure 6. Connecting a floating signal source

Don't connect to signals or use for measurements within category III or IV
Refer to the "Safety voltages" section in the Specifications chapter for information about Measurement
Categories.

Analog input circuitry
The USB-2404-60 analog input channels are floating with respect to earth ground and to each other. The
incoming analog signal on each channel is conditioned, buffered, and then sampled by a 24-bit Delta-Sigma
ADC. Each channel provides an independent signal path and ADC, enabling you to sample all four channels
simultaneously. Figure 7 shows the circuitry for one analog input channel.

CH+
CH-

Overvoltage
Protection

ADC
Amplifier Prefilter

USB-2404-60

Figure 7. Analog input circuitry for one channel

Filtering
The USB-2404-60 uses a combination of analog and digital filtering to provide an accurate representation of
in-band signals while rejecting out-of-band signals. The filters discriminate between signals based on thefrequency range, or bandwidth, of the signal. The passband, stopband, and alias-free bandwidths are important.
The USB-2404-60 represents signals within the passband frequency, as quantified primarily by passband ripple
and phase nonlinearity. All signals within the alias-free bandwidth are either unaliased signals or signals thathave been filtered by at least the amount of the stopband rejection.

Passband bandwidth
The signals within the passband bandwidth have frequency-dependent gain or attenuation. The small amount ofvariation in gain with respect to frequency is called the passband flatness. The device's digital filters adjust thefrequency range of the passband to match the data rate. Therefore, the amount of gain or attenuation at a given
frequency depends on the sample rate. Figure 8 shows typical passband flatness for the 50 kS/s sample rate.

12USB-2404-60 User's Guide

Functional Details

Figure 8. Passband response (typical)

Stopband bandwidth
The filter significantly attenuates all signals above the stopband frequency (0.547 · , where is the samplerate). The filter is used primarily to prevent aliasing. Therefore, the stopband frequency scales precisely with thesample rate.
The stopband rejection (100 dB) is the minimum amount of attenuation applied by the filter to all signals withfrequencies within the stopband bandwidth.

Alias-free bandwidth
Any signal that appears in the alias-free bandwidth of the USB-2404-60 is not an aliased artifact of signals at ahigher frequency. The alias-free bandwidth (0.453 ·is defined by the ability of the filter to reject frequencies
above the stopband frequency. The alias-free bandwidth equals the sample rate minus the stopband frequency.

Sample rates
A master timebase frequency (frequency is 12.8 MHz.

) controls the USB-2404-60 sample rate ( ). The internal master timebase

The equation below provides the available sample rates of the USB-2404-60:, where n is any integer from 1 to 31.

The sample rate must keep the device within the sample rate range. Refer to the Specifications chapter for more
information about the sample rate range.
Using the internal master timebase of 12.8 MHz results in sample rates of 50 kS/s, 25 kS/s, 16.67 kS/s and so on
down to 1.613 kS/s, depending on the value of n.

13

Chapter 4

Specifications
All specifications are subject to change without notice.
Typical for the range 0 to 60 °C unless otherwise noted.
All voltages are relative to the CH– signal on each channel unless otherwise noted.

Analog input
Table 1. Analog input specifications
Parameter

Conditions

Specification

Number of channels
A/D converter resolution
A/D converter type
Sampling mode
Sample rate range )Sample rates

424-bitDelta-Sigma with analog pre-filtering
Simultaneous
Minimum: 1.613 kS/s
Maximum: 50 kS/s (Note 1))

Internal master timebase)

Input voltage ranges

Overvoltage protection
Input coupling
Input impedance
Input noise
Gain drift
Offset drift
Post calibration gain match
CrosstalkPhase mismatch
Phase nonlinearity
Input delay
Passband frequency
Passband flatness
Stopband frequency
Stopband rejection
Alias-free bandwidth–3 dB pre-filter bandwidth
Common mode rejection ratio(CMRR)
Spurious free dynamic range(SFDR)
Total harmonic distortion
Note 1:

CH+ to CH–

CH+ to CH–

channel-to- channel, 20 kHz
1 kHz
channel-to- channel= 50 kS/s

Frequency: 12.8 MHz
Accuracy: ±100 ppm maximum±60 V, nominal±62.64 V, typical±61.5 V, minimum±100 VDC
1 MΩ
320 µV rms±5 ppm/ºC±150 µV/ºC
0.22 dB maximum–130 dB
0.045º/kHz maximum
0.11º maximum= 50 kS/s

38.4+2.6 µs
0.453 ·
±100 mdB maximum= 50 kS/s= 60 Hz0.547 ·
100 dB
0.453 ·
24.56 kHz116 dB

1 kHz, –60 dBFS

–128 dBFS

1 kHz, –1 dBFS
1 kHz, –20 dBFS

–99 dB–105 dB

Full performance requires connections to a USB 2.0 Hi-Speed host controller and USB 2.0 highspeed hubs.) The maximum sample rate may be lower on USB 1.1 ports.

14

USB-2404-60 User's Guide

Specifications

Accuracy
Table 2. Analog input accuracy
Measurement conditions

Percent of reading(gain error)

Percent of range(offset error) (Note 2)

Calibrated maximum (–0 to 60 ºC)
Calibrated typical (25 ºC, ±5 ºC)
Uncalibrated, maximum(–0 to 60 ºC)
Uncalibrated, typical(25 ºC, ±5 ºC)±0.13%±0.03%±1.2%±0.05%±0.008%±0.55%±0.3%±0.11%

Note 2:

The range is equal to 62.64 V.

Power
Table 3. Power specifications
Parameter

Specification

Current consumption from USB

500 mA, maximum

Bus interface
Table 4. Bus 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
Operating humidity
Storage humidity
Maximum altitude
Pollution degree (IEC60664)

0 to 60 °C–40 to 85 °C
10 to 90% relative humidity, non-condensing
5 to 95% relative humidity, non-condensing
2000 meters (6561.679 feet)2

Mechanical
Table 6. Mechanical specifications
Parameter

Specification

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

15USB-2404-60 User's Guide

Specifications

Safety voltages
Table 7. Safety specifications (Note 3)
Parameter

Conditions

Specification

Channel-to-earth ground isolation

Continuous
WithstandContinuous
Withstand

250 Vrms, Measurement Category II (Note 4)
2,300 Vrms, verified by a 5 sec dielectric withstand test
250 Vrms, Measurement Category II (Note 4)1390 Vrms, verified by a 5 sec dielectric withstand test

Channel-to-channel isolation

Connect only voltages that are within the limits specified in this table.
Note 4: 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 US or 230 V for Europe.
Note 3:

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

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

Screw terminal
16 to 28 AWG copper conductor wire with 7 mm (0.28 in.) of insulation strippedfrom the end.
0.22 to 0.25 N· m (1.95 to 2.21 lb. · in.)
Table 9. Screw terminal assignments
Screw terminal
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1

SignalCH0+ (CH0 IN HI)
CH0– (CH0 IN LO)
CH1+ (CH1 IN HI)
CH1– (CH1 IN LO)
CH2+ (CH2 IN HI)
CH2– (CH2 IN LO)
CH3+ (CH3 IN HI)
CH3– (CH3 IN LO)

Accessory products
Table 10. Screw terminal connector specifications
ACC-102
ACC-160

Two-position detachable screw terminal connector blocks (quantity ten)
Backshell for use with the ACC-102 two-position screw terminal connector blocks. Provides
strain relief and operator protection from high-voltage signals (quantity four)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-2404-60
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
Suite 1008
Norton, Massachusetts 02766(508) 946-5100
Fax: (508) 946-9500
E-mail: info@mccdaq.com
www.mccdaq.com