Advantech USB-4718 User manual

USB-4718
8-Channel Thermocouple
Input Module
User Manual

USB-4718 User Manual ii
Copyright
The documentation and the software included with this product are copy-
righted 2005 by Advantech Co., Ltd. All rights are reserved. Advantech
Co., Ltd. reserves the right to make improvements in the products
described in this manual at any time without notice. No part of this man-
ual may be reproduced, copied, translated or transmitted in any form or
by any means without the prior written permission of Advantech Co., Ltd.
Information provided in this manual is intended to be accurate and reli-
able. However, Advantech Co., Ltd. assumes no responsibility for its use,
nor for any infringements of the rights of third parties, which may result
from its use.
Acknowledgements
Intel and Pentium are trademarks of Intel Corporation.
Microsoft Windows and MS-DOS are registered trademarks of
Microsoft Corp.
All other product names or trademarks are properties of their respective
owners.
Part No. 2003471800 1st Edition
Printed in Taiwan January 2006

iii
Product Warranty (2 years)
Advantech warrants to you, the original purchaser, that each of its prod-
ucts will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for two years
from the date of purchase.
This warranty does not apply to any products which have been repaired or
altered by persons other than repair personnel authorized by Advantech,
or which have been subject to misuse, abuse, accident or improper instal-
lation. Advantech assumes no liability under the terms of this warranty as
a consequence of such events.
Because of Advantech’s high quality-control standards and rigorous test-
ing, most of our customers never need to use our repair service. If an
Advantech product is defective, it will be repaired or replaced at no
charge during the warranty period. For out-of-warranty repairs, you will
be billed according to the cost of replacement materials, service time and
freight. Please consult your dealer for more details.
If you think you have a defective product, follow these steps:
1. Collect all the information about the problem encountered. (For
example, CPU speed, Advantech products used, other hardware
and software used, etc.) Note anything abnormal and list any
onscreen messages you get when the problem occurs.
2. Call your dealer and describe the problem. Please have your man-
ual, product, and any helpful information readily available.
3. If your product is diagnosed as defective, obtain an RMA (return
merchandize authorization) number from your dealer. This allows
us to process your return more quickly.
4. Carefully pack the defective product, a fully-completed Repair and
Replacement Order Card and a photocopy proof of purchase date
(such as your sales receipt) in a shippable container. A product
returned without proof of the purchase date is not eligible for war-
ranty service.
5. Write the RMA number visibly on the outside of the package and
ship it prepaid to your dealer.

USB-4718 User Manual iv
CE
This product has passed the CE test for environmental specifications
when shielded cables are used for external wiring. We recommend the use
of shielded cables. This kind of cable is available from Advantech. Please
contact your local supplier for ordering information.
Technical Support and Assistance
Step 1. Visit the Advantech web site at www.advantech.com/support
where you can find the latest information about the product.
Step 2. Contact your distributor, sales representative, or Advantech's cus-
tomer service center for technical support if you need additional
assistance. Please have the following information ready before
you call:
- Product name and serial number
- Description of your peripheral attachments
- Description of your software (operating system, version, appli-
cation software, etc.)
- A complete description of the problem
- The exact wording of any error messages
Document Feedback
To assist us in making improvements to this manual, we would welcome
comments and constructive criticism. Please send all such - in writing to:
[email protected]
Safety Precaution - Static Electricity
Follow these simple precautions to protect yourself from harm and the
products from damage.
1. To avoid electrical shock, always disconnect the power from your
PC chassis before you work on it. Don't touch any components on
the CPU card or other cards while the PC is on.
2. Disconnect power before making any configuration changes. The
sudden rush of power as you connect a jumper or install a card may
damage sensitive electronic components.

v Table of Contents
Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction ..................................................... 2
1.1 Features ............................................................................. 2
1.2 Applications ...................................................................... 3
1.3 Installation Guide .............................................................. 3
Figure 1.1:Installation Flow Chart ................................. 4
1.4 Software Overview............................................................ 5
1.4.1 Programming Choices for DA&C Module: ................... 5
1.4.2 Device Drivers ............................................................... 5
1.5 Device Driver Programming Roadmap............................. 6
1.5.1 Programming Tools ....................................................... 6
1.5.2 Programming with Device Drivers Function Library .... 7
1.5.3 Troubleshooting Device Drivers Error .......................... 7
Chapter 2 Installation ..................................................... 10
2.1 Unpacking ....................................................................... 10
2.2 Driver Installation ........................................................... 10
Figure 2.1:Automation Software Setup Screen ........... 11
2.3 Hardware Installation ...................................................... 12
Figure 2.2:Device Manager Screen ............................. 13
Figure 2.3:USB-4718 Device Speed ............................ 14
2.4 Device Setup & Configuration........................................ 14
2.4.1 Setting Up the Device .................................................. 15
Figure 2.4:Device Manager Dialog Box ...................... 15
2.4.2 Configuring the Device ................................................ 15
Figure 2.5:The Device Setting Dialog Box ................. 16
2.5 Device Testing................................................................. 16
2.5.1 Testing Analog Input Function .................................... 17
Figure 2.6:Analog Input Tab/Device Test Dialog ....... 17
2.5.2 Testing Analog Output Function ................................. 17
Figure 2.7:Analog Output Function Not Supported .... 17
2.5.3 Testing Digital Input Function ..................................... 18
Figure 2.8:Digital Input Tab/Device Test Dialog ........ 18
2.5.4 Testing Digital Output Function .................................. 18
Figure 2.9:Digital Output Tab/Device Test Dialog ..... 18
2.5.5 Testing Counter Function ............................................ 19
Figure 2.10:Counter Tab Testing Unsupported ........... 19
2.6 Hardware Uninstallation ................................................. 19
Figure 2.11:Unplug or Eject Hardware Dialog ............ 20
Figure 2.12:Stop a Hardware device dialog box .......... 20
Chapter 3 Signal Connections ........................................ 22
3.1 Overview ......................................................................... 22
3.2 I/O Connectors ................................................................ 22
3.2.1 Pin Assignment ............................................................ 22

USB-4718 User Manual vi
Figure 3.1:I/O Connector Pin Assignment .................. 23
3.2.2 I/O Connector Signal Description ................................ 24
Table 3.1:I/O Connector Signal Description ............... 24
3.2.3 LED Indicator Status Description ................................ 24
Table 3.2:LED Indicator Status Description ................ 24
3.3 Analog Input Connections............................................... 25
Figure 3.2:Single-Ended Input Channel Connection ... 25
3.4 Isolated Digital Input Connections.................................. 25
Figure 3.3:Analog Output Channel Connections ......... 26
3.5 Isolated Digital Output Connections ............................... 26
3.5.1 External Trigger Source Connection ........................... 26
3.6 Field Wiring Considerations ........................................... 27
Appendix A Specifications ................................................. 30
A.1 Analog Input.................................................................... 30
Table A.1:Analog Input ............................................... 30
A.2 Accuracy for Thermocouple: .......................................... 31
Table A.2:Accuracy for Thermocouple ....................... 31
A.3 Isolated Digital Input....................................................... 31
Table A.3:Isolated Digital Input .................................. 31
A.4 Isolated Digital Output .................................................... 32
Table A.4:Isolated Digital Output ............................... 32
A.5 General ............................................................................ 32
Table A.5:General ........................................................ 32
Appendix B Function Block............................................... 34
Appendix C Firmware Download Utility ......................... 36
Figure C.1:Install Firmware Download Utility Screen 36
Figure C.2:USB Download Utility .............................. 37
Figure C.3:Firmware Selection .................................... 37
Figure C.4:Firmware Download Completed. ............... 38
Appendix D Analog Input Calibration ............................. 43
D.1 Voltage Input Calibration................................................ 44
Figure D.1:USB-4718 Device Setting window .......... 45
Figure D.2:USB-4718 Calibration Wizard 46
Figure D.3:Zero range calibration complete. ............... 46
Figure D.4:Full range calibration ................................ 47
Figure D.5: Calibration Complete ............................... 47
D.2 Voltage Input Calibration................................................ 48
Figure D.6:Select the current input range setting ........ 48

2
CHAPTER
1
Introduction
This chapter will provide information
on the features of the DAS module, a
quick start guide for installation, and
some brief information on software and
accessories for the USB-4718 Module.
Sections include:
• Features
• Applications
• Installation Guide
• Software Overview
• Device Driver
• Programming Roadmap

USB-4718 User Manual 2
Chapter 1 Introduction
USB-4718 offers 8 thermocouple inputs with 16-bit resolution, up to
0.1% input range accuracy, or 4~20 mA inputs. Reliable and rugged
enough for industrial applications, yet inexpensive enough for home
projects, USB-4718 is the perfect way to add measurement and control
capability to any USB capable computer. The USB-4718 is fully USB
plug and play and easy to use. It obtains all required power from the USB
port, so no external power connection is ever required.
1.1 Features
USB-4718 has the most requested measurement & control functions:
• 8 differential thermocouple input channels
• 16 bits resolution
• Software configurable for thermocouple, low level voltage or current
inputs.
• Wiring burned-out detectable function (Thermo mode)
• 2,500 Vdc isolation
• Watchdog Timer
• Supports 0~20 & 4~20mA current inputs.
• Bus-powered
• Device status LED indicator
• Removable on-module wiring terminal
• USB 2.0 Support
• Hot swappable
1.2 Applications
• Temperature measurement
• Industrial ON/OFF control
• Industrial and Lab. automation
Note: For detailed specifications of USB-4718, please
refer to Appendix A, Specifications.

3 Chapter1
1.3 Installation Guide
Before you install your USB-4718 module, please make sure you have
the following necessary components:
• USB-4718 DAS Module
• USB-4718 User Manual
• Shielded USB 2.0 cable (1.8 m)
• Driver software Advantech DLL drivers (included in the companion
CD-ROM)
• Personal computer or workstation with a USB port (running Windows
2000, or XP)
Some application software is also available for enhanced operation. USB-
4718 works with ActiveDAQ, ActiveDAQ Pro, and other third-party
software packages.
After you have the necessary components and maybe some accessories
for enhanced operation of your USB DAS module, you can then begin the
installation procedure. Figure 1.1 on the next page provides a concise
flow chart to give a broad picture of the software and hardware installa-
tion procedures.

USB-4718 User Manual 4
Figure 1.1: Installation Flow Chart

5 Chapter1
1.4 Software Overview
Advantech offers a rich set of DLL drivers, third-party driver support and
application software to help fully exploit the functions of your USB-4718
module:
• Device Drivers (on the companion CD-ROM)
• LabVIEW driver
• Advantech ActiveDAQ
1.4.1 Programming Choices for DA&C Module:
You may use Advantech application software like Advantech Device
Drivers. On the other hand, advanced users are allowed to use register-
level programming as another option, although this is not recommended
due to its laborious and time-consuming nature.
1.4.2 Device Drivers
The Advantech Device Drivers software is included on the companion
CD-ROM. Advantech’s Device Drivers features a complete I/O function
library to help boost your application performance. The Advantech
Device Drivers for Windows 2000/XP works seamlessly with develop-
ment tools such as Visual C++, Visual Basic, Inprise C++ Builder, and
Inprise Delphi.

USB-4718 User Manual 6
1.5 Device Driver Programming Roadmap
This section will provide a roadmap to demonstrate how to build an appli-
cation from scratch using Advantech Device Drivers with your favorite
development tools such as Visual C++, Visual Basic, Delphi, or C++
Builder. The step-by-step instructions on how to build your own applica-
tions using each development tool will be given in the Device Drivers
Manual. Moreover, a rich set of example source code is also given for
your reference.
1.5.1 Programming Tools
Programmers can develop application programs with the following devel-
opment tools:
• Visual C++
• Visual Basic
• Delphi
• C++ Builder
For instructions on how to begin programming in each development tool,
Advantech offers a Tutorial Chapter in the Device Drivers Manual for
your reference. Please refer to the corresponding sections in this chapter
on the Device Drivers Manual to begin your programming efforts. You
can also look at the example source code provided for each programming
tool, since they can get you very well oriented.
The Device Drivers Manual can be found on the companion CD-ROM.
Alternatively, if you have already installed the Device Drivers on your
system, The Device Drivers Manual can be readily accessed through the
Start button:
Start/Programs/Advantech Automation/Advantech Device Manager
/Device Driver’s Manual
The example source code can be found under the corresponding installa-
tion folder such as the default installation path:
\Program Files\Advantech\ADSAPI\Examples
For information about using other function groups or other development
tools, please refer to Creating Windows 2000/XP Applications with
Device Drivers chapter and the Function Overview chapter in the Device
Drivers Manual.

7 Chapter1
1.5.2 Programming with Device Drivers Function Library
Advantech Device Drivers offer a rich function library that can be utilized
in various application programs. This function library consists of numer-
ous APIs that support many development tools, such as Visual C++,
Visual Basic, Delphi and C++ Builder.
1.5.3 Troubleshooting Device Drivers Error
Driver functions will return a status code when they are called to perform
a certain task for the application. When a function returns a code that is
not zero, it means the function has failed to perform its designated func-
tion. To troubleshoot the Device Drivers error, you can pass the error
code to DRV_GetErrorMessage function to return the error message.
Alternatively, you can refer to the Device Drivers Error Codes Appendix
in the Device Drivers Manual for a detailed listing of Error Codes, Error
IDs and the Error Messages.

USB-4718 User Manual 8

2
CHAPTER
2
Installation
This chapter has a package item check-
list, proper instructions about unpack-
ing and step-by-step procedures for
both driver and USB installation..
Sections include:
• Unpacking
• Driver Installation
• Hardware Installation
• Device Setup & Configuration
• Device Testing
• Hardware Uninstallation

USB-4718 User Manual 10
Chapter 2 Installation
2.1 Unpacking
After receiving your USB-4718 package, please inspect its contents first.
The package should contain the following items:
• USB-4718 Module
• Shielded USB 2.0 Cable (1.8 m)
• Companion CD-ROM (DLL driver included)
• User Manual
The USB-4718 Module harbors certain electronic components vulnerable
to electrostatic discharge (ESD). ESD could easily damage the integrated
circuits and certain components if preventive measures are not carefully
paid attention to. Before removing the module from the antistatic plastic
bag, you should take following precautions to ward off possible ESD
damage:
• Touch the metal part of your computer chassis with your hand to dis-
charge static electricity accumulated on your body. One can also use a
grounding strap.
• Make contact between the antistatic bag and ground before opening the
bag.
After taking out the module, you should first:
Inspect the module for any possible signs of external damage (loose or
damaged components, etc.). If the module is visibly damaged, please
notify our service department or our local sales representative immedi-
ately. Avoid using a damaged module with your system.
• Avoid physical contact with materials that could hold static electricity
such as plastic, vinyl and Styrofoam.

11 Chapter2
2.2 Driver Installation
We recommend you install the software driver before you install the
USB-4718 module into your system, since this will guarantee a smooth
installation process.
The 32-bit DLL driver Setup program for the USB-4718 module is
included on the companion CD-ROM that is shipped with your module
package. Please follow the steps below to install the driver software:
Step 1: Insert the companion CD-ROM into your CD-ROM drive.
Step 2: The Setup program will be launched automatically if you have the
auto-play function enabled on your system. When the Setup Program is
launched, you’ll see the following Setup Screen.
Figure 2.1: Automation Software Setup Screen
Step3: Click Continue, and select the Installation option
Note: If the auto-play function is not enabled on your
computer, use Windows Explorer or Windows Run
command to execute Setup.exe on the companion
CD-ROM.

USB-4718 User Manual 12
Step4: Select the specific device and then just follow the installation
instructions step by step to complete your device driver installation and
setup.
For further information on driver-related issues, an online version of the
Device Drivers Manual is available by accessing the following path:
Start\Programs\Advantech Automation
\Advantech Device Manager\Device Driver’s Manual
2.3 Hardware Installation
After the DLL driver installation is completed, you can now go on to
install the USB-4718 module in any USB port that supports the USB 2.0
standard, on your computer. It is suggested that you refer to the com-
puter’s user manual or related documentation if you have any doubts.
Please follow the steps below to install the module on your system.
Step 1: Touch the metal part on the surface of your computer to neutralize
the static electricity that might be in your body.
Step 2: Plug your USB module into the selected USB port. Hold the mod-
ule only by its edges Plug the module firmly into place. Use of excessive
force must be avoided; otherwise the module might get damaged.
Note: Make sure you have installed the software driver
before you install the module (please refer to
Section 2.2 Driver Installation)
Note: In case you installed the module without installing
the DLL driver first, Windows 2000/XP will recog-
nize your module as an “unknown device” after
reboot, and will prompt you to provide necessary
driver. You should ignore the prompting messages
(just click the Cancel button) and set up the driver
according to the steps described in Section 2.2
Driver Installation.

13 Chapter2
Figure 2.2: Device Manager Screen
You can check the Device Properties to see if your device is running
under "Full Speed" mode (USB 1.1) or "High Speed" mode (USB 2.0).
See figure 2.3 on the next page.
Note: If your module is properly installed, you should
see the device name of your module listed on the
Device Manager tab. If you see your device name
listed, but marked with an exclamation sign “!”
(Fig. 2-4), it means your module has not been
correctly installed. In this case, remove the mod-
ule from Device Manager by selecting its device
name and press the Remove button. Then go
through the driver installation process again.

USB-4718 User Manual 14
Figure 2.3: USB-4718 Device Speed
After your module is properly installed with your system, you can now
configure your device using the Advantech Device Manager that has
itself already been installed on your system during driver setup. A com-
plete device installation procedure should include device setup, configu-
ration and testing. The following sections will guide you through the
Setup, Configuration and Testing of your device.
2.4 Device Setup & Configuration
Advantech Device Manager is a utility that allows you to set up, config-
ure and test your devices, and later stores your settings in the system reg-
istry. These settings will be used when you call the APIs of Advantech
32-bit DLL drivers.