AI-EXP48

User's Guide

Document Revision 2A, March, 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.
© 2001 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 AI-EXP48.doc

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
Chapter 1

Introducing the AI-EXP48 .....................................................................................................................6
Overview: AI-EXP48 features ............................................................................................................................ 6
Software features ................................................................................................................................................ 6
Chapter 2

Installing the AI-EXP48 .........................................................................................................................7
What comes with your AI-EXP48 shipment? ..................................................................................................... 7
Hardware .......................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Optional components ........................................................................................................................................................ 7
Additional documentation ................................................................................................................................................. 7

Unpacking the AI-EXP48 ................................................................................................................................... 7
Connecting to the parent A/D device with the DSUB25 expansion connector................................................... 8Connecting the device for I/O operations ......................................................................................................... 9User connectors................................................................................................................................................................9
Screw terminal pin out .....................................................................................................................................................10
Expansion connector ........................................................................................................................................................11
Cabling.............................................................................................................................................................................12

Associating CJC channels with thermocouple channels ................................................................................... 12
Chapter 3

Specifications ......................................................................................................................................13
Analog input ..................................................................................................................................................... 13
Accuracy ..........................................................................................................................................................................13
Thermocouples ................................................................................................................................................................13

Power consumption .......................................................................................................................................... 14
Environmental .................................................................................................................................................. 14
Mechanical ....................................................................................................................................................... 14
User connectors ................................................................................................................................................ 14
Declaration of Conformity ..................................................................................................................174

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 AI-EXP48 so that you get the most out of its
analog input 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
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 AI-EXP48 hardware is available on our website at www.mccdaq.com. You canalso 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.

5Chapter 1

Introducing the AI-EXP48
Overview: AI-EXP48 features
The AI-EXP48 is an expansion module used to add 48 single-ended or 24 differential analog inputs tocompatible hardware, such as the USB-1616HS Series devices.
The AI-EXP48 connects to the parent device via a 25-pin expansion connector. The AI-EXP48 supports all of
the analog input and temperature input capabilities of the parent device.
The AI-EXP48 can measure up to 48 channels of voltage or up to 24 channels of temperature. Each input
channel is software configurable for either voltage or thermocouple. The analog inputs are provided on six rowsof removable screw terminals.
The voltage measurement speed is the same as the parent device. When measuring thermocouples, the parent
device must be configured for differential inputs.
The AI-EXP48 receives power from the parent device. An external power supply may be required to supply
sufficient power to both devices.

Software features
For information on the features of InstaCal and the other software included with your AI-EXP48, 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.

6

Chapter 2

Installing the AI-EXP48
What comes with your AI-EXP48 shipment?
The following items are shipped with the AI-EXP48.

Hardware

AI-EXP48



Clips (2) used to lock the AI-EXP48 and parent device together when connected directly

Optional components
You can connect the AI-EXP48 to a USB-1616HS series parent device using the optional CA-96A cable.


CA-96 cable

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 AI-EXP48 and information regarding installation of that software. Please
read this booklet completely before installing any software or hardware.

Unpacking the AI-EXP48
As with any electronic device, you should take care while handling to avoid damage from static
electricity. Before removing the AI-EXP48 from its packaging, ground yourself using a wrist strap or by simply
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
7AI-EXP48 User's Guide

Installing the AI-EXP48

Connecting to the parent A/D device with the DSUB25 expansion
connector
You can use the 25-pin expansion connector to connect to a compatible parent device, such as a USB-1616HS
Series device.
You can either mate the expansion connectors directly or use the optional expansion cable to connect the two
devices. Do the following:
1.

Disconnect the USB cable from the parent device.
If the parent device is connected to an external power supply, remove the external power cable from thedevice.

2.

Connect the two devices together by one of the following methods:oDirect connect method: The parent device must have a female DSUB25 expansion connector to use
this method. Push the expansion module's DSUB25 connector into the DSUB25 connector on theparent device. Lock the two devices together by inserting the two clips provided (one per side).

The image below shows the AI-EXP48 directly connected a USB-1616HS-4.

Figure 1. Direct connect methodoCable method: Connect the appropriate cable (not included) from the DSUB25 connector on the AIEXP48 to the expansion connector on the parent device. The image below shows the AI-EXP48
connected to a USB-1616HS-4 via the CA-96A cable.

Figure 2. Cable method

7

AI-EXP48 User's Guide

3.

Installing the AI-EXP48

Connect the external power supply, if used, to the power input port of the parent device, and then plug it
into an AC outlet.
Note: Connecting external power to the device before connecting the USB cable to the computer allows theparent device to inform the host computer upon connection of the USB cable that the device requires
minimum power from the computer's USB port.
4.

Connect the USB cable from the parent device to the host computer's USB port.
Connect to a USB 2.0 high speed hub to achieve the highest transfer rate (480 Mbps). When connected to a
USB 1.1 full-speed port, the transfer rate is limited to 12 Mbps.

Connecting the device for I/O operations
User connectors
The following table lists the device connectors and compatible hardware for the AI-EXP48.
User connectors and hardware
Connector type
Wire gauge range (screw terminals)

 Six banks of removable screw-terminal blocks
 25-pin male DSUB connector (for connection to parent device)
14 AWG to 30 AWG

9

AI-EXP48 User's Guide

Installing the AI-EXP48

Screw terminal pin out
Single-ended mode pin out
Terminalblock

Analog In
TB1

Analog In
TB2

Analog In
TB3

Devicelabel(Signal description)

Devicelabel(Signal description)

A
16H
24L
A
17H
25L
A
18H
26L
A
19H
27L
A
20H
28L
A
21H
29L
A
22H
30L
A
23H
31L
A
32H
40L
A
33H
41L
A
34H
42L
A
35H
43L

(Analog common)(CH 16)(CH 24)(Analog common)(CH 17)(CH 25)(Analog common)(CH 18)(CH 26)(Analog common)(CH 19)(CH 27)(Analog common)(CH 20)(CH 28)(Analog common)(CH 21)(CH 29)(Analog common)(CH 22)(CH 30)(Analog common)(CH 23)(CH 31)(Analog common)(CH 32)(CH 40)(Analog common)(CH 33)(CH 41)(Analog common)(CH 34)(CH 42)(Analog common)(CH 35)(CH 43)

63L
55H
A
62L
54H
A
61L
53H
A
60L
52H
A
59L
51H
A
58L
50H
A
57L
49H
A
56L
48H
A
47L
39H
A
46L
38H
A
45L
37H
A
44L
36H
A

(CH 63)(CH 55)(Analog common)(CH 62)(CH 54)
Analog common(CH 61)(CH 53)(Analog common)(CH 60)(CH 52)(Analog common)(CH 59)(CH 51)(Analog common)(CH 58)(CH 50)(Analog common)(CH 57)(CH 49)(Analog common)(CH 56)(CH 48)(Analog common)(CH 47)(CH 39)(Analog common)(CH 46)(CH 38)(Analog common)(CH 45)(CH 37)(Analog common)(CH 44)(CH 36)(Analog common)

10

Terminalblock

Analog In
TB6

Analog in
TB5

Analog In
TB4

AI-EXP48 User's Guide

Installing the AI-EXP48

Differential mode pin out
Terminalblock

Analog In
TB1

Analog In
TB2

Analog In
TB3

Devicelabel(Signal description)

Devicelabel(Signal description)

A
16H
24L
A
17H
25L
A
18H
26L
A
19H
27L
A
20H
28L
A
21H
29L
A
22H
30L
A
23H
31L
A
32H
40L
A
33H
41L
A
34H
42L
A
35H
43L

(Analog common)(CH 8 HI)(CH 8 LO)
(Analog common)(CH 9 HI)(CH 9 LO)
(Analog common)(CH 10 HI)(CH 10 LO)(Analog common)(CH 11 HI)(CH 11 LO)(Analog common)(CH 12 HI)(CH 12 LO)(Analog common)(CH 13 HI)(CH 13 LO)(Analog common)(CH 14 HI)(CH 14 LO)(Analog common)(CH 15 HI)(CH 15 LO)(Analog common)(CH 16 HI)(CH 16 LO)(Analog common)(CH 17 HI)(CH 17 LO)(Analog common)(CH 18 HI)(CH 18 LO)(Analog common)(CH 19 HI)(CH 19 LO)

63L
55H
A
62L
54H
A
61L
53H
A
60L
52H
A
59L
51H
A
58L
50H
A
57L
49H
A
56L
48H
A
47L
39H
A
46L
38H
A
45L
37H
A
44L
36H
A

(CH 31 LO)(CH 31 HI)(Analog common)(CH 30 LO)(CH 30 HI)
Analog common(CH 29 LO)(CH 29 HI)(Analog common)(CH 28 LO)(CH 28 HI)(Analog common)(CH 27 LO)(CH 27 HI)(Analog common)(CH 26 LO)(CH 26 HI)(Analog common)(CH 25 LO)(CH 25 HI)(Analog common)(CH 24 LO)(CH 24 HI)(Analog common)(CH 23 LO)(CH 23 HI)(Analog common)(CH 22 LO)(CH 22 HI)(Analog common)(CH 21 LO)(CH 21 HI)(Analog common)(CH 20 LO)(CH 20 HI)(Analog common)

Terminalblock

Analog In
TB6

Analog in
TB5

Analog In
TB4

Expansion connector
The AI-EXP48 has a 25-pin male DSUB connector that connects directly to the 25-pin female DSUB connector
on compatible hardware or through the appropriate cable to compatible hardware.

1

13

14

25

Figure 3. 25-pin male DSUB expansion connector

11

AI-EXP48 User's Guide

Installing the AI-EXP48

Cabling
If the parent device has a 25-pin expansion connector, you can use the CA-96A cable to connect with the AIEXP48.

Figure 4. CA-96A cable

Information on signal connections
General information regarding signal connection and configuration is available in the Guide to Signal
Connections (available at www.mccdaq.com/signals/signals.pdf).

Associating CJC channels with thermocouple channels
TC channels must immediately follow their associated CJC channels in the channel array. For accurate
thermocouple measurements, associate CJC channels with the TC channels as listed below.
CJC channels

TC channels

CJC6
CJC7
CJC8
CJC9
CJC10
CJC11

TC8 through TC11
TC12 through TC15
TC16 through TC19
TC20 through TC23
TC24 through TC27
TC28 through TC31

When measuring thermocouples, the parent device must be configured for differential inputs.

12Chapter 3

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

Analog input
Table 1. Analog input specifications
Number of channels
Voltage measurement speed
Input ranges, software or sequencer programmable
Signal to noise and distortion
Total harmonic distortion
Bias current
Crosstalk
Input impedanceOver-voltage protection

48 single-ended/24 differential inputs
1 µs per channel
Bipolar: ±10 V, ±5 V, ±2 V, ±1 V , ±0.5 V, ±0.2 V, ±0.1 V,
universal thermocouple
72 dB typical for ±10 V range, 1 kHz fundamental-80 dB typical for ±10 V range, 1 kHz fundamental
40 pA typical (0 °C to 35 °C)-75 dB DC to 60 Hz; -65 dB @ 10 kHz, typical
10 MΩ single-ended, 20 MΩ differential±30 V

Accuracy
Table 2. Analog input accuracy specifications
Voltage range(note 1)

Accuracy±(% of reading + % range)
23°C ±10 °C, 1 year

Temperature coefficient±(ppm of reading + ppm range)/°C

Noise (cts
RMS) (note 2)-10 V to 10 V
-5 V to 5 V-2 V to 2 V-1 V to 1 V-500 mV to 500 mV-200 mV to 200 mV-100 mV to 100 mV

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

Note 1: Specifications assume differential input single-channel scan, 1 MHz scan rate, unfiltered,

CMV=0.0 V, 30 minute warm-up, exclusive of noise, -FS to +FS.
Note 2: Noise reflects 10,000 samples at 1 MHz, typical, differential short

Thermocouples
Table 3. TC types and accuracy (Note 3)
TC typeTemperature range (°C)

Accuracy (±°C)

Noise typical (±°C)

J
K
T
E
R
S
N
B

-200 to + 760-200 to + 1200
-200 to + 400-270 to + 650-50 to + 1768
-50 to + 1768
-270 to + 1300
+300 to + 1400

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

Note 3: 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)
13

AI-EXP48 User's Guide

Specifications

Power consumption
Table 4. Power consumption specifications
Power consumption (per board)

400 mW maximum (supplied by parent product, such as USB-1616HS series)

Environmental
Table 5. Environmental specifications
Operating temperature range
Storage temperature range
Relative humidity-30 °C to +70 °C-40 °C to +80 °C
0 to 95% non-condensing

Mechanical
Table 6. Mechanical specifications
Vibration
Dimensions
WeightMIL STD 810E, category 1 and 10
269 mm (W) x 92 mm (D) x 45 mm (H ) (10.6" x 3.6" x 1.6")
400 g (0.88 lbs)

User connectors
Table 7. Screw terminal connector specifications
Connector type
Wire gauge range

Six banks of removable screw-terminal blocks
14 AWG to 30 AWG
Table 8. Expansion connector specifications

Communications connector
Compatible cable25-pin DSUB, male
CA-96A(also mates directly with USB-1616HS series products)

14

AI-EXP48 User's Guide

Specifications

Table 9. Single-ended mode pin out
Terminal block

Analog In

Analog In

Analog In

Device label(Signal description)

Device label(Signal description)

A
16H
24L
A
17H
25L
A
18H
26L
A
19H
27L
A
20H
28L
A
21H
29L
A
22H
30L
A
23H
31L
A
32H
40L
A
33H
41L
A
34H
42L
A
35H
43L

(Analog common)(CH 16)(CH 24)(Analog common)(CH 17)(CH 25)(Analog common)(CH 18)(CH 26)(Analog common)(CH 19)(CH 27)(Analog common)(CH 20)(CH 28)(Analog common)(CH 21)(CH 29)(Analog common)(CH 22)(CH 30)(Analog common)(CH 23)(CH 31)(Analog common)(CH 32)(CH 40)(Analog common)(CH 33)(CH 41)(Analog common)(CH 34)(CH 42)(Analog common)(CH 35)(CH 43)

63L
55H
A
62L
54H
A
61L
53H
A
60L
52H
A
59L
51H
A
58L
50H
A
57L
49H
A
56L
48H
A
47L
39H
A
46L
38H
A
45L
37H
A
44L
36H
A

(CH 63)(CH 55)(Analog common)(CH 62)(CH 54)
Analog common(CH 61)(CH 53)(Analog common)(CH 60)(CH 52)(Analog common)(CH 59)(CH 51)(Analog common)(CH 58)(CH 50)(Analog common)(CH 57)(CH 49)(Analog common)(CH 56)(CH 48)(Analog common)(CH 47)(CH 39)(Analog common)(CH 46)(CH 38)(Analog common)(CH 45)(CH 37)(Analog common)(CH 44)(CH 36)(Analog common)

15

Terminal block

Analog In

Analog in

Analog In

AI-EXP48 User's Guide

Specifications

Table 10. Differential mode pin out
Terminal block

Analog In

Analog In

Analog In

Device label(Signal description)

Device label(Signal description)

A
16H
24L
A
17H
25L
A
18H
26L
A
19H
27L
A
20H
28L
A
21H
29L
A
22H
30L
A
23H
31L
A
32H
40L
A
33H
41L
A
34H
42L
A
35H
43L

(Analog common)(CH 8 HI)(CH 8 LO)
(Analog common)(CH 9 HI)(CH 9 LO)
(Analog common)(CH 10 HI)(CH 10 LO)(Analog common)(CH 11 HI)(CH 11 LO)(Analog common)(CH 12 HI)(CH 12 LO)(Analog common)(CH 13 HI)(CH 13 LO)(Analog common)(CH 14 HI)(CH 14 LO)(Analog common)(CH 15 HI)(CH 15 LO)(Analog common)(CH 16 HI)(CH 16 LO)(Analog common)(CH 17 HI)(CH 17 LO)(Analog common)(CH 18 HI)(CH 18 LO)(Analog common)(CH 19 HI)(CH 19 LO)

63L
55H
A
62L
54H
A
61L
53H
A
60L
52H
A
59L
51H
A
58L
50H
A
57L
49H
A
56L
48H
A
47L
39H
A
46L
38H
A
45L
37H
A
44L
36H
A

(CH 31 LO)(CH 31 HI)(Analog common)(CH 30 LO)(CH 30 HI)
Analog common(CH 29 LO)(CH 29 HI)(Analog common)(CH 28 LO)(CH 28 HI)(Analog common)(CH 27 LO)(CH 27 HI)(Analog common)(CH 26 LO)(CH 26 HI)(Analog common)(CH 25 LO)(CH 25 HI)(Analog common)(CH 24 LO)(CH 24 HI)(Analog common)(CH 23 LO)(CH 23 HI)(Analog common)(CH 22 LO)(CH 22 HI)(Analog common)(CH 21 LO)(CH 21 HI)(Analog common)(CH 20 LO)(CH 20 HI)(Analog common)

16

Terminal block

Analog In

Analog in

Analog In

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

AI-EXP48
to which this declaration relates is in conformity with the relevant provisions of the following standards or otherdocuments:
EC EMC Directive 2004/108/EC: Electromagnetic Compatibility, EN 61326-1:2006, (IEC 61326-1:2005)
Emissions: Group 1, Class A
EN 55022 (1993)/CISPR 22: Radiated and Conducted emissions.

Immunity: EN 61326-1:2006, (IEC 61326-1:2005)






IEC 61000-4-2 (2001): Electrostatic Discharge immunity.
IEC 61000-4-3 (2002): Radiated Electromagnetic Field immunity.
IEC 61000-4-4 (2004): Electric Fast Transient Burst immunity.
IEC 61000-4-5 (2001): Fast Surge immunity.
IEC 61000-4-6 (2003): Radio Frequency Common Mode immunity.

To maintain the safety, emission, and immunity standards of this declaration, the following conditions must be
met.








The host computer, peripheral equipment, power sources, and expansion hardware must be CE compliant.
Equipment must be operated in a controlled electromagnetic environment as defined by Standards EN
61326-1:2006, or IEC 61326-1:2005.
Shielded wires must be used for all I/Os and must be less than 3 meters (9.75 feet) in length. Clips must be used with
the AI-EXP48.

The host computer must be properly grounded.
The host computer must be USB2.0 compliant and IOtech USB cables (CA-179-x) must be used.
A protective ESD wrist strap should be used when connecting or disconnecting leads from screw terminal blocks.
Alternatively, unplug the unit from the host computer when making connections. Protective housings (IOtech p/n
CN-241-12) can be placed over the removable terminal blocks to protect signals from ESD during operation.
If external DC power is needed, a TR-2U power supply must be used.

Note: Data acquisition equipment may exhibit noise or increased offsets when exposed to high RF fields(>1V/m) or transients.
Declaration of Conformity based on tests conducted by Smith Electronics, Inc., Cleveland, OH 44141, USA in
December, 2005. Test records are outlined in Smith Electronics Test Report “Personal Daq/3000 Series with
PDQ30 Expansion Module” and “PDAQ3000-PDQ30 Addenda”. Further testing was conducted by Chomerics
Test Services, Woburn, MA. 01801, USA in January, 2009. Test records are outlined in Chomerics Test report#EMI5245.09.
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