Advantech PCI-1715U User manual

PCI-1715U
32-ch Isolated Analog Input Card
User Manual

PCI-1715U User Manual ii
Copyright
The documentation and the software included with this product are copy-
righted 2009 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.
Printed in Taiwan February 2009 1st Edition

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.

PCI-1715U User Manual iv
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 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
Safety Instructions
1. Read these safety instructions carefully.
2. Keep this User's Manual for later reference.
3. Disconnect this equipment from any AC outlet before cleaning.
Use a damp cloth. Do not use liquid or spray detergents for clean-
ing.
4. For plug-in equipment, the power outlet socket must be located
near the equipment and must be easily accessible.
5. Keep this equipment away from humidity.
6. Put this equipment on a reliable surface during installation. Drop-
ping it or letting it 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. Make sure the voltage of the power source is correct before con-
necting the equipment to the power outlet.

v
9. Position the power cord so that people cannot step on it. 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 by transient overvoltage.
12. Never pour any liquid into an opening. This may cause fire or elec-
trical shock.
13. Never open the equipment. For safety reasons, the equipment
should be opened only by qualified service personnel.
14. If one of the following situations arises, get the equipment checked
by service personnel:
a. The power cord or plug is damaged.
b. Liquid has penetrated into the equipment.
c. The equipment has been exposed to moisture.
d. The equipment does not work well, or you cannot get it to work
according to the user's manual.
e. The equipment has been dropped and damaged.
f. The equipment has obvious signs of breakage.
15. DO NOT LEAVE THIS EQUIPMENT IN AN ENVIRONMENT
WHERE THE STORAGE TEMPERATURE MAY GO BELOW -
20° C (-4° F) OR ABOVE 60° C (140° F). THIS COULD DAM-
AGE THE EQUIPMENT. THE EQUIPMENT SHOULD BE IN A
CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT.
16. CAUTION: DANGER OF EXPLOSION IF BATTERY IS
INCORRECTLY REPLACED. REPLACE ONLY WITH THE
SAME OR EQUIVALENT TYPE RECOMMENDED BY THE
MANUFACTURER, DISCARD USED BATTERIES ACCORD-
ING TO THE MANUFACTURER'S INSTRUCTIONS.
The sound pressure level at the operator's position according to IEC 704-
1:1982 is no more than 70 dB (A).
DISCLAIMER: This set of instructions is given according to IEC 704-1.
Advantech disclaims all responsibility for the accuracy of any statements
contained herein.

PCI-1715U 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 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 Table of Contents
Contents
Chapter 1 Overview .......................................................... 2
1.1 Introduction ....................................................................... 2
1.2 Features ............................................................................. 2
1.3 Software Overview............................................................ 2
Chapter 2 Installation ....................................................... 4
2.1 Unpacking ......................................................................... 4
2.2 Driver Installation ............................................................. 5
2.3 Installation Instructions ..................................................... 6
Chapter 3 Signal Connections .......................................... 8
3.1 Overview ........................................................................... 8
3.2 I/O Connector ................................................................... 8
Figure 3.1:I/O Connector Pin Assignments ................... 8
Table 3.1:I/O Connector Signal Description ................. 9
3.3 Analog Input Connections................................................. 9
Figure 3.2:Single Ended Input Channel Connection ..... 9
Figure 3.3:Differential Input-Grounded Signal Source 10
3.4 Field Wiring Considerations ........................................... 12
Chapter 4 Calibration ..................................................... 14
4.1 Introduction ..................................................................... 14
4.2 VR Assignment ............................................................... 14
Figure 4.1:PCL-1715U VR Assignments .................... 14
4.3 A/D Calibration ............................................................... 15
Appendix A Specifications ................................................. 18
A.1 Analog Input.................................................................... 18
A.2 General ............................................................................ 19
A.3 Gain Code........................................................................ 19

PCI-1715U User Manual viii

2
CHAPTER
1
Overview

PCI-1715U User Manual 2
Chapter 1 Overview
1.1 Introduction
The PCI-1715U is a 12-bit 32-channel analog input card for the PCI bus.
It provides 32 analog input channels with a sampling rate up to 500k sam-
ples/s, 12-bit resolution and isolation protection of 2500 VDC.
1.2 Features
• 32 single-ended or 16 differential analog inputs, or a combination
• 12-bit A/D converter, with up to 500 kHz sampling rate
• Programmable gain for each input channel
• Automatic channel/gain scanning
• Onboard 1024 samples FIFO buffer
• Programmable pacer
• BoardID
• PCI Bus-master data transfer
1.3 Software Overview
Advantech offers a rich set of DLL drivers, 3rd -party driver support and
application software to help exploit the functions of your device. Advan-
tech’s Device Drivers feature an I/O function library to help boost your
application performance and works seamlessly with development tools
such as Visual C++, VB, Inprise C++ Builder, and Inprise Delphi.
Please refer to the corresponding sections in these chapters on the Device
Drivers Manual to begin your programming. You can also look at the
example source code provided for each programming tool.
The Device Drivers Manual can be found on the companion CD-ROM.
Alternatively, if you have already installed the Device Drivers, the
Device Drivers Manual can be 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 folder:
\Program Files\Advantech\ADSAPI\Examples

2
CHAPTER
2
Installation

PCI-1715U User Manual 4
Chapter 2 Installation
2.1 Unpacking
After receiving your PCI-1715U package, please inspect its contents first.
The package should contain the following items:
• PCI-1715U Card
• Companion CD-ROM (DLL driver included)
• User Manual
The PCI-1715U card 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 card 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. Or one can also use
a grounding strap.
• Touch the antistatic bag to a metal part of your computer chassis before
opening the bag.
• Take hold of the card only by the metal bracket when removing it out of
the bag.
After taking out the card, you should first:
• Inspect the card for any possible signs of external damage (loose or
damaged components, etc.). If the card is visibly damaged, please
notify our service department or the local sales representative immedi-
ately. Avoid installing a damaged card into your system.
Also pay extra caution to the following to ensure proper installation:
• Avoid physical contact with materials that could hold static electricity
such as plastic, vinyl and Styrofoam.
• Whenever you handle the card, grasp it only by its edges. DO NOT
TOUCH the exposed metal pins of the connector or the electronic com-
ponents.

5 Chapter2
2.2 Driver Installation
We recommend you install the software driver before installing the PCI-
1715U module, since this will guarantee a smooth installation process.
The 32-bit DLL driver Setup program for the PCI-1715U module is
included on the companion CD-ROM that is shipped with your module
package. Please follow the steps on the following page to install the
driver software:
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
\Device Manager\Device Driver’s Manual

PCI-1715U User Manual 6
2.3 Installation Instructions
The PCI-1715U can be installed in any PCI slot in the computer. How-
ever, refer to the computer user's manual to avoid any mistakes and dan-
ger before you follow the installation procedure below:
1. Turn off your computer and any accessories connected to the computer.
Warning!TURN OFF your computer power supply whenever you
install or remove any card, or connect and disconnect cables.
2. Disconnect the power cord and any other cables from the back of the
computer.
3. Remove the cover of the computer.
4. Select an empty +5 V PCI slot. Remove the screw that secures the
expansion slot cover to the system unit. Save the screw to secure the
interface card retaining bracket.
5. Carefully grasp the upper edge of the PCI-1715U. Align the hole in the
retaining bracket with the hole on the expansion slot and align the gold
striped edge connector with the expansion slot socket. Press the card
into the socket gently but firmly. Make sure the card fits the slot
tightly.
6. Secure the PCI-1715U by screwing the mounting bracket to the back
panel of the computer.
7. Attach any accessories (37-pin D-type cable) to the card.
8. Replace the cover of your computer and connect the cables you
removed in step 2.
9. Turn the computer power on.

2
CHAPTER
3
Signal Connections

PCI-1715U User Manual 8
Chapter 3 Signal Connections
3.1 Overview
Correct signal connections are one of the most important factors in ensur-
ing that your application system is sending and receiving data correctly.
A good signal connection can avoid much unnecessary and costly dam-
age to your valuable PC and other hardware devices. This chapter will
provide some useful information about how to connect analog input sig-
nals to the PCI-1715U card via the I/O connector.
3.2 I/O Connector
The I/O connector for the PCI-1715U card is a 37-pin D-type connector
which you can connect to 37-pin D-type accessories with Advantech's
PCL-10137 cable.
Note: The PCI-1715U does not include the PCL-10137 cable assembly.
The following figure shows the pin assignments for the 37-pin I/O con-
nector on the PCI-1715U card.
Figure 3.1: I/O Connector Pin Assignments

9 Chapter3
3.3 Analog Input Connections
This section continues to describe how to make analog input signal con-
nections to the PCI-1715U card via the I/O connector.
Single-ended Channel Connections
The single-ended input configuration has only one signal wire for each
channel, and the measured voltage (Vm) is the voltage of the wire
referred to the common ground.
A signal source without a local ground is also called a “floating source”.
It is fairly simple to connect a single-ended channel to a floating signal
source. In this mode, the PCI-1715U card provides a reference ground
for external floating signal sources.
Figure 3-2 shows a single-ended channel connection between a floating
signal source and an input channel on the PCI-1715U card.
Figure 3.2: Single Ended Input Channel Connection
Table 3.1: I/O Connector Signal Description
Signal Name Reference Direction Description
AI<0…31> GND Input Analog Input Channels 0
through 31.
GND - - Ground
EXT_TRG GND Input A/D External Trigger.
ExternalInternal
Floating
Signal
Source
+
_
Vs
Multiplexers
AI31
AI1
AI0
PGIA
_
+
+
_
Vm
Measured
Voltage
I/O Connector
GND

PCI-1715U User Manual 10
Differential Channel Connections
The differential input configuration has two signal wires for each chan-
nel, and each input responds only to voltage differences between High
and Low inputs. On the PCI-1715U card, when all channels are config-
ured to differential input, up to 16 analog channels are available.
If one side of the signal source is connected to a local ground, the signal
source is ground-referenced. The ground of the signal and the ground of
the PCI-1715U will not be the same voltage, as they are connected
through the ground return of the equipment and building wiring. The dif-
ference between the voltages forms a common-mode voltage (Vcm).
To avoid the ground loop noise effect caused by common-mode voltages,
you can connect the signal ground to the Low input. Figure 3-3 shows a
differential channel connection between a ground-referenced signal
source and an input channel on the PCI-1715U card. With this connec-
tion, the PGIA rejects a common-mode voltage Vcm between the signal
source and the PCI-1715U ground, shown as Vcm in Figure 3-3.
If a floating signal source is connected to the differential input channel,
the signal source may exceed the common-mode signal range of the
PGIA, and the PGIA will be saturated with erroneous voltage-readings.
You must therefore reference the signal source to the AIGND.
Figure 3-4 shows a differential channel connection between a floating
signal source and an input channel on the PCI-1715U card. In this figure,
each side of the floating signal source is connected through a resistor to
the AIGND. This connection can reject the common-mode voltage
between the signal source and the PCI-1715U card ground.
Figure 3.3: Differential Input-Grounded Signal Source
ExternalInternal
Ground-
Referenced
Signal
Source
Multiplexer
Multiplexer
PGIA
AI30
AI31
Measured
Voltage
_
+
AI0
AI2
AI1
AI3
GND
I/O Connector

11 Chapter3
External Trigger Source Connection
In addition to pacer triggering, the PCI-1715U card also allows external
triggering for A/D conversions. A low-to-high edge coming from
EXT_TRG will trigger an A/D conversion on the PCI-1715U board.
Note: Please ascertain that turn on your external trigger source and con-
nect it to "EXT_TRG" BEFORE acquire analog input signals.
Note: Don't connect any signal to the EXT_TRG pin when the external
trigger function is not being used.
Note: If you use external triggering for A/D conversions, we recommend
you choose differential mode for all analog input signals, so as to reduce
the cross-talk noise caused by the external trigger source.
Note: Charge Injection Error
A small electric charge will be produced every time when a multiplexed
data-acquisition device switched channels, and consequently creates a
small voltage drop across that output impedance, which makes the mea-
sured voltage different than its actual value, namely the charge injection
error.
To minimize the charge injection errors, a signal source/ sensor with the
low impendence is recommended, or using a op amplifier connecting to
the signal source can also effectively lower the charge injection errors.

PCI-1715U User Manual 12
3.4 Field Wiring Considerations
When you use the PCI-1715U card to acquire outside data, environmental
noise can seriously affect the accuracy of your measurements if you don’t
provide any protection. The following suggestions will be helpful when
running signal wires between signal sources and the PCI-1715U card.
• Please make sure that you have carefully routed signal cables to the
card. You must separate the cabling from noise sources. Try to keep
video monitors far away from the analog signal cables, because
these are a common noise source in a PCI data acquisition system.
• If you want to reduce common-mode noise, try to use differential
analog input connections.
• If you do not want your signals to be affected when travelling
through areas with high electromagnetic interference or large mag-
netic fields, try the following routing techniques: Use
individually shielded, twisted-pair wires to connect analog input
signals to the board, i.e. the signals connected to the High and Low
inputs aretwisted together and covered with a shield. Finally,
connect the shield only to one point at the signal source ground.
• Make sure that your signal lines do not travel through conduits,
because these may contain power lines. Also, keep your signals far
from electric motors, breakers or welding equipment, as these can
create magnetic fields.
• Keep a reasonable distance between high-voltage (or high-current)
lines and signal cables connected to the PCI-1715U card if the
cables run parallel, or route signal cables at right angles to high
voltage/current cables.