Advantech PCIE-1841 User manual

User Manual
PCIE-1841
1MS/s/ch, 18-Bit, Simultaneous
Analog Input Card

PCIE-1841 User Manual ii
Copyright
The documentation and the software included with this product are copyrighted 2023
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 manual may be reproduced, copied, translated, or transmitted
in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Advantech Co.,
Ltd. The information provided in this manual is intended to be accurate and reliable.
However, Advantech Co., Ltd. assumes no responsibility for its use, nor for any
infringements of the rights of third parties that may result from its use.
Acknowledgments
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.
Product Warranty (2 years)
Advantech warrants the original purchaser that each of its products 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 that have been repaired or altered by
persons other than repair personnel authorized by Advantech, or products that have
been subject to misuse, abuse, accident, or improper installation. 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 testing, most
customers never need to use our repair service. If an Advantech product is defective,
it will be repaired or replaced free of charge during the warranty period. For out-of-
warranty repairs, customers will be billed according to the cost of replacement mate-
rials, service time, and freight. Please consult your dealer for more details.
If you believe your product to be defective, follow the steps outlined below.
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 displayed when the prob-
lem occurs.
2. Call your dealer and describe the problem. Please have your manual, product,
and any helpful information readily available.
3. If your product is diagnosed as defective, obtain a return merchandise authori-
zation (RMA) number from your dealer. This allows us to process your return
more quickly.
4. Carefully pack the defective product, a completed Repair and Replacement
Order Card, and a proof of purchase date (such as a photocopy of your sales
receipt) into a shippable container. Products returned without a proof of pur-
chase date are not eligible for warranty service.
5. Write the RMA number clearly on the outside of the package and ship the pack-
age prepaid to your dealer.
Part No. 2003184100 Edition 1
Printed in Taiwan July 2023

iii PCIE-1841 User Manual
Declaration of Conformity
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
type of cable is available from Advantech. Please contact your local supplier for
ordering information.
Test conditions for passing also include the equipment being operated within an
industrial enclosure. In order to protect the product from damage caused by electro-
static discharge (ESD) and EMI leakage, we strongly recommend the use of CE-
compliant industrial enclosure products.
FCC Class A
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A dig-
ital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to pro-
vide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is
operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy, and if not installed and used in accordance with the
user manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of
this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference. In this
event, users are required to correct the interference at their own expense.
Technical Support and Assistance
1. Visit the Advantech website at www.advantech.com/support where you can find
the latest information about the product.
2. Contact your distributor, sales representative, or Advantech's customer service
center for technical support if you need additional assistance. Have the follow-
ing information ready before you call:
–Product name and serial number
–Description of your peripheral attachments
–Description of your software (operating system, version, application software,
etc.)
–A complete description of the problem
–The exact wording of any error messages

PCIE-1841 User Manual iv
Warnings, Cautions, and Notes
Document Feedback
To assist us with improving this manual, we welcome all comments and constructive
criticism. Please send all feedback in writing to [email protected].
Packing List
PCIE-1841 or PCIE-1841L x 1
Startup Manual x 1
Ordering Information
Accessories
Warning! Warnings indicate conditions that if not observed can cause personal
injury!
Caution! Cautions are included to help prevent hardware damage and data
losses. For example,
“Batteries are at risk of exploding if incorrectly installed. Do not attempt
to recharge, force open, or heat the battery. Replace the battery only
with the same or equivalent type as recommended by the manufacturer.
Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions.”
PCIE-1841-A 1MS/s/ch, 18-bit, 16-ch, simultaneous AI card
PCIE-1841L-A 1MS/s/ch, 18-bit, 8-ch, simultaneous AI card
PCL-10162-1E 62-pin D-SUB shielded cable, 1 m
PCL-10162-3E 62-pin D-SUB shielded cable, 3 m
ADAM-3962-AE 62-pin D-SUB DIN-rail wiring board
1700030423-01 10-pin flat cable for MDSI synchronization, 10 cm

v PCIE-1841 User Manual
Safety Instructions
1. Read these safety instructions carefully.
2. Retain this user manual for future reference.
3. Disconnect the equipment from all power outlets before cleaning. Use only a
damp cloth for cleaning. Do not use liquid or spray detergents.
4. For pluggable equipment, the power outlet socket must be located near the
equipment and easily accessible.
5. Protect the equipment from humidity.
6. Place the equipment on a reliable surface during installation. Dropping or letting
the equipment fall may cause damage.
7. The openings on the enclosure are for air convection. Protect the equipment
from overheating. Do not cover the openings.
8. Ensure that the voltage of the power source is correct before connecting the
equipment to a power outlet.
9. Position the power cord away from high-traffic areas. Do not place anything over
the power cord.
10. All cautions and warnings on the equipment should be noted.
11. If the equipment is not used for a long time, disconnect it from the power source
to avoid damage from transient overvoltage.
12. Never pour liquid into an opening. This may cause fire or electrical shock.
13. Never open the equipment. For safety reasons, the equipment should be
opened only by qualified service personnel.
14. If any of the following occurs, have the equipment checked by service person-
nel:
–The power cord or plug is damaged.
–Liquid has penetrated the equipment.
–The equipment has been exposed to moisture.
–The equipment is malfunctioning, or does not operate according to the user
manual.
–The equipment has been dropped and damaged.
–The equipment shows obvious signs of breakage.
15. Do not leave the equipment in an environment with a storage temperature of
below -20 °C (-4 °F) or above 60 °C (140 °F) as this may damage the compo-
nents. The equipment should be kept in a controlled environment.
16. CAUTION: Batteries are at risk of exploding if incorrectly replaced. Replace only
with the same or equivalent type as recommended by the manufacturer. Discard
used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
17. In accordance with IEC 704-1:1982 specifications, the sound pressure level at
the operator’s position does not exceed 70 dB (A).
DISCLAIMER: These instructions are provided according to IEC 704-1 standards.
Advantech disclaims all responsibility for the accuracy of any statements contained
herein.

PCIE-1841 User Manual vi
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 the 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.

vii PCIE-1841 User Manual
Contents
Chapter 1 Start Using
PCIE-1841/L1
1.1 Product Overview...................................................................................... 2
Figure 1.1 Card layout of PCIE-1841/1841L................................ 2
Table 1.1: List of connectors and switches.................................. 2
1.2 Product Features....................................................................................... 2
1.2.1 Board ID........................................................................................ 2
1.3 Driver Installation ...................................................................................... 3
Figure 1.2 XNavi installation interface ......................................... 3
1.4 Software Utility .......................................................................................... 3
1.5 Software Development Using DAQNavi SDK ........................................... 4
1.6 FPGA Code Updates ................................................................................ 4
Chapter 2 Installation Guide ................................5
2.1 Initial Unpacking Check............................................................................. 6
2.2 Hardware Installation ................................................................................ 6
2.3 Signal Connection and Pin Assignment .................................................... 7
2.3.1 Analog Input Connection............................................................... 7
Figure 2.1 Analog input signal connection................................... 7
2.3.2 Digital Trigger Input Connection ................................................... 8
Figure 2.2 Rising edge active digital trigger................................. 8
Figure 2.3 Falling edge active digital trigger ................................ 8
Figure 2.4 Signal connection of the digital trigger....................... 8
2.3.3 Pin Assignment (CN4) .................................................................. 9
Figure 2.5 Pin assignment for PCIE-1841/PCIE-1841L............... 9
Table 2.1: Pin assignment for PCIE-1841/PCIE-1841L............... 9
2.4 Grounding Considerations ...................................................................... 10
2.4.1 Signal Source Type..................................................................... 10
Figure 2.6 Signal source type .................................................... 10
2.4.2 Measuring a Grounded Signal Source........................................ 10
Figure 2.7 Ground loop effect .................................................... 10
2.4.3 Measuring an Ungrounded (Floating) Signal Source.................. 11
Figure 2.8 Differential input configuration with bias resistors .... 11
2.5 Field Wiring Considerations .................................................................... 11
2.6 Board ID Configuration............................................................................ 12
Figure 2.9 Board ID shown in Navigator.................................... 12
Table 2.2: SW1 position for Board ID ........................................ 12
Chapter 3 Function Details.................................13
3.1 Analog Input............................................................................................ 14
3.1.1 Instant Analog Input Acquisition.................................................. 14
Figure 3.1 Instant analog input acquisition ................................ 14
3.1.2 Buffered Analog Input Acquisition............................................... 15
Figure 3.2 Buffered (hardware-timed) analog input acquisition . 15
3.1.3 Analog Input Low-Pass Filter ...................................................... 15
3.2 Trigger Signal.......................................................................................... 16
3.2.1 Digital Trigger.............................................................................. 16
Figure 3.3 Rising edge active digital trigger............................... 16
Figure 3.4 Falling edge active digital trigger .............................. 16
3.2.2 Analog Trigger ............................................................................ 16

PCIE-1841 User Manual viii
Figure 3.5 Rising edge active analog trigger ............................. 16
Figure 3.6 Falling edge active analog trigger ............................ 17
3.3 Clock Signal ............................................................................................ 17
3.4 Synchronization ...................................................................................... 17
3.4.1 Synchronization via External Wiring ........................................... 18
Figure 3.7 Multiple device synchronization with daisy-chain topol-
ogy............................................................................ 18
Figure 3.8 Multiple device synchronization with star topology... 18
3.4.2 Synchronization via MDSI Cables .............................................. 19
Figure 3.9 Synchronize multiple devices through MDSI cables 19
Table 3.1: Software configuration for synchronization by using an
MDSI cable............................................................... 19
3.5 Configuration for Buffered Analog Input Acquisition ............................... 20
3.5.1 One-Buffered Analog Input Acquisition....................................... 20
Figure 3.10 Post-trigger acquisition............................................ 20
Figure 3.11 Post-trigger acquisition with delay........................... 20
Figure 3.12 Pre-trigger acquisition ............................................. 21
Figure 3.13 About-trigger acquisition......................................... 21
3.5.2 Streaming Analog Input Acquisition............................................ 22
Figure 3.14 Streaming acquisition .............................................. 22
3.5.3 Re-Triggerable Analog Input Acquisition .................................... 22
Figure 3.15 Post-trigger acquisition with re-trigger..................... 22
Figure 3.16 Pre-trigger acquisition with re-trigger ...................... 23
Figure 3.17 About-trigger acquisition with re-trigger................... 23
Figure 3.18 Streaming acquisition with re-trigger ....................... 23
3.6 Analog Input Calibration.......................................................................... 24
Figure 3.19 Calibration utility ...................................................... 24
Appendix A Specifications.................................... 25
A.1 Analog Input............................................................................................ 26
A.2 Analog Input Characteristics ................................................................... 27
A.3 Trigger..................................................................................................... 30
A.3.1 Analog Trigger ............................................................................ 30
A.3.2 Digital Trigger ............................................................................. 30
A.4 External Clock Input................................................................................ 30
A.5 Trigger Output......................................................................................... 30
A.6 Clock Output ........................................................................................... 31
A.7 Multi-Device Synchronization Interface (MDSI) ...................................... 31
A.8 General ................................................................................................... 31
A.9 Function Block ........................................................................................ 31
Figure A.1 Function block of PCIE-1841/1841L......................... 31

Chapter 1
1Start Using
PCIE-1841/L

PCIE-1841 User Manual 2
This chapter provides an overview of Advantech PCI express cards for PCIE-1841 &
PCIE-1841L, covering the product lineup, features, and accessories.
PCIE-1841 is a 16-channel simultaneous sampling module. PCIE-1841L on the other
hand, is a reduced version with 8 acquisition channels. They all feature maximum 18-
bit resolution, a sampling rate of 1MS/s for each channel, maximum input range of +/
-20V, and selectable digital filters. They are suitable for high-speed dynamic signal-
sensing scenarios.
1.1 Product Overview
Figure 1.1 Card layout of PCIE-1841/1841L
1.2 Product Features
1.2.1 Board ID
A board ID (BID) can be assigned to Advantech DAQ devices (PCI/PCIe cards and
USB modules) by the DIP switch. The board ID will be shown in the software and can
be used to distinguish modules/devices. When there are multiple cards on the same
chassis, this board ID switch is useful for identifying each card’s device number.
Table 1.1: List of connectors and switches
Component Description Function
SW1 Board ID (BID) Board ID function
JP1 Reserved Reserved (empty component)
CN2 MDSI IN Interface for MDSI synchronization
CN3 MDSI OUT Interface for MDSI synchronization
CN4 D-SUB 62-pin Connector Main-function signal connection

3 PCIE-1841 User Manual
Chapter 1 Start Using PCIE-1841/L
1.3 Driver Installation
The driver package can be found on the Advantech Support Portal (https://
www.advantech.com/support). Search for PCIE-1841 or PCIE-1841L to locate the
corresponding driver/SDK package. You’ll receive the XNavi installer with the down-
load which will start when the download finishes.
Execute the installer, then it will guide you through the session. You can choose the
device and software components you’d like to install in the system (Figure 1.2). After
selecting, click on “start” to begin the installation.
Figure 1.2 XNavi installation interface
1.4 Software Utility
Advantech offers device drivers, SDKs, third-party driver support and application
software to help fully exploit the functions of your DAQ devices. All these software
packages are available on the Advantech website: http://www.advantech.com/.
The Advantech Navigator is a utility that allows you to set up, configure and test your
device, and later stores your settings in a proprietary database.
1. To set up the I/O device for your card, you can first run the Advantech Navigator
program (by accessing Start/Programs/Advantech Automation/DAQNavi/Advan-
tech Navigator). The settings can also be saved.
2. You can then view the device(s) already installed on your system (if any) on the
Installed Device tree view. When the software and hardware installations are
completed, you will see the DAQ devices in the Installed Devices list.

PCIE-1841 User Manual 4
1.5 Software Development Using DAQNavi SDK
DAQNavi SDK is the software development kit for programming applications with
Advantech DAQ products. The necessary runtime DLL, header files, software man-
ual and tutorial videos can be installed via the XNavi installer. They can be found
under C:\Advantech\DAQNavi (default directory) after finishing the installation.
1.6 FPGA Code Updates
The FPGA can also be updated via the interface in Navigator. However, it is not
advised to update FPGA without first doing some research. Advantech strongly sug-
gests you consult your technical support before starting an FPGA update.

Chapter 2
2Installation Guide

PCIE-1841 User Manual 6
2.1 Initial Unpacking Check
Before you install your DAQ devices, please make sure you have the following nec-
essary components when unpacking the package:
1 x PCIE-1841 or PCIE-1841L card
1 x Startup Manual
If any of the above is missing, please contact your local support for further assis-
tance.
2.2 Hardware Installation
After installation of the device drivers is complete, you can install the PCIE-1841/
1841L card on your computer. However, 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 card onto your system.
1. Turn off your computer and unplug the power cord and cables. TURN OFF your
computer before installing or removing any components on the computer.
2. Remove the cover of your computer.
3. Remove the slot cover on the back panel of your computer.
4. Touch the metal part on the surface of your computer to neutralize the static
electricity that might be on your body.
5. Insert the PCIE-1841/1841L card into the PCI Express interface. Hold the card
only by its edges and carefully align it with the slot. Insert the card firmly into
place. Use of excessive force must be avoided; otherwise, the card might be
damaged.
6. Connect the appropriate accessories (62-pin D-SUB Shielded Cable, wiring ter-
minals, etc.) to the card.
7. Replace the cover of your computer chassis. Re-connect the cables you
removed in step 2.
8. Plug in the power cord and turn on the computer.
After your card is properly installed on your system, you can then configure your
device using the Advantech Navigator Program that has already been installed on
your system during driver setup. A complete device installation procedure should
include device setup, configuration, and testing. The following sections will guide you
through the setup, configuration, and testing of your device.

7 PCIE-1841 User Manual
Chapter 2 Installation Guide
2.3 Signal Connection and Pin Assignment
2.3.1 Analog Input Connection
An analog input channel measures the voltage (VS) or current (IS) of the external
source.
If a voltage source is being measured, the voltage difference between the positive
terminal and the negative terminal is being measured.
When measuring current, the current value which flows into the positive terminal is
being measured. The current value will be converted into a voltage value by the mea-
suring resistor (RMEA).
The voltage is then amplified or attenuated by a programmable gain instrumentation
amplifier (PGIA), conditioned by a low-pass filter (LPF), and sampled and converted
into a digital form of data by an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The ADC of every
channel samples the signal at the same time, and this architecture is thus called
simultaneous sampling analog input.
The analog input signal connection and internal functional block diagram is shown in
Figure 2.1.
Figure 2.1 Analog input signal connection
The device only accepts differential input configuration. Connect the external source
between the positive analog input (AI+) terminal and the negative analog input (AI−)
terminal.

PCIE-1841 User Manual 8
2.3.2 Digital Trigger Input Connection
A digital trigger can be configured as rising edge active or falling edge active, as
shown in Figures 2.2 and 2.3, respectively. Figure 2.4 shows the signal connection of
the digital trigger.
Figure 2.2 Rising edge active digital trigger
Figure 2.3 Falling edge active digital trigger
Figure 2.4 Signal connection of the digital trigger

9 PCIE-1841 User Manual
Chapter 2 Installation Guide
2.3.3 Pin Assignment (CN4)
Figure 2.5 Pin assignment for PCIE-1841/PCIE-1841L
* Not available for PCIE-1841L.
Table 2.1: Pin assignment for PCIE-1841/PCIE-1841L
Pin Name Direction Description Pin Number
AI<0..7>+ I Analog input positive terminals for channel 0
~ 7.
14 ~ 21
AI<0..7>- I Analog input negative terminals for channel 0
~ 7.
35 ~ 42
AI<8..15>+* I Analog input positive terminals for channel 8
~ 15.
6 ~ 13
AI<8..15>-* I Analog input negative terminals for channel 8
~ 15.
27 ~ 34
AGND - Ground terminals for analog signals. 47 ~ 62
DTRG<0..1> I Digital trigger input terminals. 5, 26
AI_CLK I Analog input external clock input terminal. 25
ETRG_OUT<0..1> O External trigger output terminals. 3, 24
ECLK_OUT O External clock output terminal. 23
DGND - Ground terminals for digital signals. 43 ~ 46
NC - Not Connected terminals. 2, 4
+12V O +12 V supply output. 22
+5V O +5 V supply output. 1

PCIE-1841 User Manual 10
2.4 Grounding Considerations
2.4.1 Signal Source Type
Signal sources can be categorized as grounded (ground-referenced) signal sources
or ungrounded (floating) signal sources. This is shown in Figure 2.6.
Figure 2.6 Signal source type
The voltage of a grounded signal source is referenced to a system ground, such as
an earth or building ground. That is, the negative terminal of the signal source is con-
nected to the system ground. Examples of grounded signal sources are devices that
are plugged into the building ground through a wall outlet. The grounding of two inde-
pendently grounded devices may not be at the same potential.
An ungrounded signal source is that in which the voltage is not referenced to a sys-
tem ground. Examples of ungrounded signal sources are battery powered devices,
thermocouples, and isolated devices.
2.4.2 Measuring a Grounded Signal Source
For a grounded signal source, it is recommended to measure the signal using differ-
ential input configuration.
As described in the previous section, the grounding of two grounded devices may not
be at the same potential. If a single-ended (grounded) input configuration is used to
measure a grounded signal source, a ground loop is formed and there will be current
flowing between the two grounds, which generates common-mode noise for the mea-
surement. This is shown in Figure 2.7.
Figure 2.7 Ground loop effect
If a differential (ungrounded) input configuration is used instead, the high input
impedance of the negative input terminal prevents ground loop current from flowing,
and therefore rejects the common-mode noise.

11 PCIE-1841 User Manual
Chapter 2 Installation Guide
2.4.3 Measuring an Ungrounded (Floating) Signal Source
For an ungrounded (floating) signal source, both differential input configuration and
single-ended input configuration are suitable.
When using differential input configuration, however, care must be taken to ensure
the input common-mode voltage level remains in the allowable range of the measur-
ing device. Due to the lack of a DC path to the ground, the input bias current of the
input stage amplifier may move the common-mode voltage level of the ungrounded
signal source out of the allowable range of the measuring device. When this hap-
pens, the measured result will be incorrect or saturated (positive full-scale or nega-
tive full-scale). Resistors with equal resistance value connecting between each input
terminal and the ground can be used to alleviate this issue as shown in Figure 2.8.
These resistors are called bias resistors.
Figure 2.8 Differential input configuration with bias resistors
The resistance value should be large enough that it does not load the signal source
and keeps it floating, but small enough to keep the input common-mode voltage level
in the allowable range. Typically, resistance values of between 10 kΩ to 100 kΩ work
well with low-impedance sources such as thermocouples and signal conditioning
module outputs. When using a bias resistor, the measured voltage will be attenuated
by the voltage divider formed by the source resistance of the signal source and bias
resistors. This is shown in the following equation.
If the source impedance of the signal source is low, only one resistor connecting the
negative input terminal and the ground is required to prevent the input common-
mode voltage level issue. However, this will lead to an unbalanced system if the
source impedance is relatively high. A balanced system is desirable from a noise
immunity point of view.
2.5 Field Wiring Considerations
When measuring a signal using the device, noise in the environment might signifi-
cantly affect the performance of the measurement if some cautions are not taken.
Follow these recommendations to avoid degradation of the resulting measurement.
–Make signal lines as short as possible.
–Use shielded, twisted-pair cables.
–Keep signal lines away from noisy environments, high-voltage/current cables,
or equipment which generates large electromagnetic interference, such as
power lines, motors, breakers, or welding equipment.
–Route signal lines at right angles to noise generating cables.
–Use differential input configuration to reduce common-mode noise.
–For externally powered modules, use separate power sources for modules
and other noise generating equipment.

PCIE-1841 User Manual 12
2.6 Board ID Configuration
The Board ID information can be viewed in Advantech Navigator. This is shown in
Figure 2.9. The SW1 on the board sets the number. Table 2.2 shows the switch posi-
tion and corresponding numbering.
Figure 2.9 Board ID shown in Navigator
* Default setting.
Table 2.2: SW1 position for Board ID
Board ID Switch Position
1234
0* UP UP UP UP
1 UP UP UP DOWN
2 UP UP DOWN UP
3 UP UP DOWN DOWN
4 UP DOWN UP UP
5 UP DOWN UP DOWN
6 UP DOWN DOWN UP
7 UP DOWN DOWN DOWN
8 DOWN UP UP UP
9 DOWN UP UP DOWN
10 DOWN UP DOWN UP
11 DOWN UP DOWN DOWN
12 DOWN DOWN UP UP
13 DOWN DOWN UP DOWN
14 DOWN DOWN DOWN UP
15 DOWN DOWN DOWN DOWN