Advantech PCI-1742U User manual

PCI-1742U
16-bit, 1MS/s High-Resolution
Multifunction Card
User Manual

PCI-1742U User Manual ii
Copyright
The documentation and the software included with this product are copy-
righted 2006 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
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. 2003174200 1st Edition
Printed in Taiwan March 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.

PCI-1742U User Manual iv
CE
This product has passed the CE test for environmental specifications. Test condi-
tions for passing included the equipment being operated within an industrial
enclosure. In order to protect the product from being damaged by ESD (Electro-
static Discharge) and EMI leakage, we strongly recommend the use of CE-com-
pliant industrial enclosure products.
FCC Class A
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide 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 instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful inter-
ference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at own
expense.
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:
- Product name and serial number
- Description of your peripheral attachments
- Description of your software (OS, version, software, etc.)
- A complete description of the problem
- The exact wording of any error messages
Packing List
Before setting up the system, check that the items listed below are
included and in good condition. If any item does not accord with the
table, please contact your dealer immediately.
• 1 x PCI-1742U card
• 1 x Companion CD-ROM (DLL driver included)
• 1 x User Manual (This manual)

v Table of Contents
Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction ..................................................... 2
1.1 Introduction ....................................................................... 2
1.2 Features ............................................................................. 2
1.2.1 Auto-Calibration Function ............................................. 2
1.2.2 BoardID ......................................................................... 3
1.2.3 Plug-and-Play Function ................................................. 3
1.2.4 Onboard FIFO Memory ................................................. 3
1.2.5 Onboard Programmable Timer/Counter ........................ 3
1.3 Installation Guide .............................................................. 4
Figure 1.1:Installation Flow Chart ................................. 5
1.4 Software ............................................................................ 5
1.5 Accessories........................................................................ 6
1.5.1 PCL-10168 Wiring Cable .............................................. 6
1.5.2 ADAM-3968 Wiring Boards ......................................... 6
1.5.3 PCLD-8710 .................................................................... 6
Chapter 2 Installation ....................................................... 8
2.1 Unpacking ......................................................................... 8
2.2 Driver Installation ............................................................. 9
Figure 2.1:Setup Screen ................................................. 9
Figure 2.2:Driver Setup ............................................... 10
2.3 Hardware Installation ...................................................... 11
Figure 2.3:Device Manager ......................................... 12
2.4 Device Configuration & Testing..................................... 13
Figure 2.4:Device Manager Dialog Box ...................... 13
Figure 2.5:The Device Setting Dialog Box ................. 14
2.5 Device Testing................................................................. 15
2.5.1 Testing the Analog Input Function .............................. 15
Figure 2.6:Analog Input tab ......................................... 16
2.5.2 Testing the Analog Output Function ........................... 16
Figure 2.7:Analog Output Tab ..................................... 16
2.5.3 Testing Digital Input Function ..................................... 17
Figure 2.8:Digital Input Tab ........................................ 17
2.5.4 Testing Digital Output Function .................................. 17
Figure 2.9:Digital Output Tab ..................................... 17
2.5.5 Testing Counter Function ............................................ 18
Figure 2.10:Counter Tab .............................................. 18
Chapter 3 Signal Connections ........................................ 20
3.1 I/O Connector.................................................................. 20
3.1.1 I/O Connector Signal Description ................................ 20
3.1.2 Pin Assignment ............................................................ 22
Figure 3.1:I/O Connector Pin Assignments ................. 22
3.2 Analog Input Connections .............................................. 23

PCI-1742U User Manual vi
3.2.1 Single-ended Channel Connections ............................. 23
Figure 3.2:Single-ended Channel Connections .......... 23
3.2.2 Differential Channel Connections ............................... 24
Figure 3.3:Differential Connection - Ground Signal ... 24
Figure 3.4:Differential Connection - Floating Signal .. 25
Figure 3.5:Example ...................................................... 25
3.3 Analog Output Connections ........................................... 26
Figure 3.6:Analog Output Connections ....................... 26
3.4 Trigger Source Connections ........................................... 26
3.4.1 Internal Pacer Trigger Connection ............................... 26
3.4.2 External Trigger Source Connection ........................... 27
3.5 Field Wiring Considerations .......................................... 27
3.6 BoardID Switch Settings................................................. 28
Figure 3.7:Jumpers and Switch Locations ................... 28
Table 3.2:BoardID Setting ........................................... 29
Chapter 4 Software Overview ........................................ 32
4.1 Software Overview.......................................................... 32
4.2 Programming Choices .................................................... 32
4.2.1 DLL Driver .................................................................. 32
4.2.2 Register-Level Programming ....................................... 32
4.3 DLL Driver Programming Roadmap ............................. 32
4.3.1 Programming Tools ..................................................... 33
4.3.2 Programming with DLL Driver Function Library ....... 33
4.3.3 Troubleshooting DLL Driver Error ............................. 34
Chapter 5 Calibration ..................................................... 36
5.1 VR Assignment ............................................................... 36
Figure 5.1:Locations of VR1 and TP3 ......................... 36
5.1.1 Calibration Utility ........................................................ 37
Figure 5.2:AD and DA Auto Calibration Utility ......... 37
Figure 5.3:Calibration Utility Instruction .................... 38
Appendix A Specifications ................................................. 40
A.1 Analog Input.................................................................... 40
A.2 Analog Output:................................................................ 41
A.3 Digital Input /Output:...................................................... 42
A.4 Counter/Timer: ................................................................ 42
A.5 General ............................................................................ 42
Appendix B Block Diagram............................................... 44
Appendix C 82C54 Counter Chip Function..................... 46
C.1 Intel 82C54...................................................................... 46
C.2 Counter Read/Write & Control Registers ....................... 47
C.3 Counter Operating Modes ............................................... 50

2
CHAPTER
1
Introduction
This chapter introduces PCI-1742U and
shows how to install the software and
information on useful accessories.
Sections include:
• Introduction
• Features
• Installation Guide
• Software
• Accessories

PCI-1742U User Manual 2
Chapter 1 Introduction
1.1 Introduction
Thank you for buying the Advantech PCI-1742U PCI card. PCI-1742U is
a powerful high-resolution multifunction DAS card with 1MS/s sampling
rate and 16-bit resolution, fulfills the needs of most data acquisition appli-
cations. PCI-1742U provides 16 single-ended or 8 differential analog
input channels, two 16-bit D/A output channels, 16 digital input/output
channels, and one 10 MHz 16-bit counter channel.
The following sections will provide further information about features of
the multifunction cards, a quick installation guide, and some brief infor-
mation on software and accessories for the PCI-1742U card.
1.2 Features
The Advantech PCI-1742U provides users with the most requested mea-
surement and control functions as below:
• 16 S.E.or 8 Diff. analog input channels with 1K FIFO.
• 16-bit ADC with max. 1MS/s sampling rate
• Two 16-bit analog output channels
• 16DI/16DO TTL channels
• One 16-bit/ 10MHz counter
• Auto calibration function
• Universal PCI Bus (Support 3.3/5 V PCI Bus signal)
• Board ID switch
1.2.1 Auto-Calibration Function
The PCI-1742U provides an auto-calibration function with an calibration
utility. The built-in calibration circuitry of the PCI-1742U corrects gain
and offset errors in analog input channels, thereby eliminating the need
for external equipment and user adjustments.

3 Chapter1
1.2.2 BoardID
The PCI-1742U has a built-in DIP switch that helps define each card’s
unique ID when multiple PCI-1742U cards have been installed on the
same PC chassis. The BoardID setting function is very useful when build-
ing a system with multiple PCI-1742U cards. With the correct BoardID
settings, you can easily identify and access each card during hardware
configuration and software programming.
1.2.3 Plug-and-Play Function
The PCI-1742U is a Plug-and-Play device, which fully complies with PCI
Specification Rev 2.2. During card installation, there is no need to set
jumpers or DIP switches. Instead, all bus-related configurations such as
base I/O address and interrupt are automatically done by the Plug & Play
function.
1.2.4 Onboard FIFO Memory
PCI-1742U provides 1K samples on-board FIFO (First In First Out)
memory buffer for AD. This is an important feature for faster data trans-
fer and more predictable performance under the Windows system.
1.2.5 Onboard Programmable Timer/Counter
PCI-1742U provides a programmable timer counter for generating a
pacer trigger for the A/D conversion. The timer/counter chip is 82C54,
which includes three 16-bit counter 10 MHz clocks. One counter is used
as an event counter for counting events coming from the input channel.
The other two are cascaded together to make a 32-bit timer for pacer trig-
ger time base.

PCI-1742U User Manual 4
1.3 Installation Guide
Before you install your PCI-1742U card, please make sure you have the
following necessary components:
• PCI-1742U Multifunction Card
• PCI-1742U User Manual
• Driver software Advantech DLL Drivers (in the companion CD-ROM)
• Computer: PC with a PCI-bus slot running Windows 2000/XP
• Application software: ActiveDAQ, ActiveDAQ Pro, 3rd party software
After you get the necessary components and maybe some of the accesso-
ries for enhanced operation of your Multifunction card, you can then
begin the Installation procedures. Fig. 1-1 on the next page provides a
concise flow chart to give users a broad picture of the software and hard-
ware installation procedures:

5 Chapter1
Figure 1.1: Installation Flow Chart
1.4 Software
Advantech offers a rich set of DLL drivers, 3rd-party driver support and
application software to help fully exploit the functions of your
PCI-1742U card:
• DLL driver (on the companion CD-ROM)
• LabVIEW driver
• Advantech ActiveDAQ
• Advantech ActiveDAQ Pro

PCI-1742U User Manual 6
For more information on software, please refer to Chapter 4, Software
Overview.
Users who intend to program directly at the registers of the Multifunction
card have register-level programming as an option. Since register-level
programming is often difficult and labor-intensive, it is usually recom-
mended only for experienced programmers. For more information, please
refer to Appendix C, Register Structure & Format.
1.5 Accessories
Advantech offers a complete set of accessory products to support the PCI-
1742U cards. These accessories include:
1.5.1 PCL-10168 Wiring Cable
The PCL-10168 shielded cable is specially designed for PCI-1742U cards
to provide high resistance to noise. To achieve a better signal quality, the
signal wires are twisted in such a way as to form a “twisted-pair cable”,
reducing cross-talk and noise from other signal sources. Furthermore, its
analog and digital lines are separately sheathed and shielded to neutralize
EMI/EMC problems.
1.5.2 ADAM-3968 Wiring Boards
The ADAM-3968 is a 68-pin SCSI wiring terminal module for DIN-rail
mounting. This terminal module can be readily connected to the Advan-
tech PC-Lab cards and allow easy yet reliable access to individual pin
connections for the PCI-1742U card.
1.5.3 PCLD-8710
PCLD-8710 is a DIN-rail-mounted screw-terminal board to be used with
any PC-LabCard products with a 68-pin SCSI connector. PCLD-8710
features the following functions:
• Two additional 20-pin flat-cable connectors for digital input and output
• Reserved space on board to meet future needs for signal-conditioning
circuits (e.g. low-pass filter, voltage attenuator and current shunt)
• Industrial-grade screw-clamp terminal blocks for heavy-duty and reli-
able connections.

2
CHAPTER
2
Installation
This chapter provides a packaged item
checklist, proper instructions about
unpacking and step-by-step procedures
for both driver and card installation.
Sections include:
• Unpacking
• Driver Installation
• Hardware Installation
• Device Configuration & Testing
• Device Testing

PCI-1742U User Manual 8
Chapter 2 Installation
2.1 Unpacking
After receiving your PCI-1742U package, please inspect its contents first.
The package should contain the following items:
• PCI-1742U card
• Companion CD-ROM (DLL driver included)
• User Manual
The PCI-1742U 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.

9 Chapter2
• 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.
2.2 Driver Installation
We recommend installing the driver before you plug the PCI-1742U Card
into your system, since this will guarantee a smooth installation process.
The 32-bit DLL driver Setup program for the PCI-1742U card is included
on the companion CD-ROM that is shipped with your DAS card 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
Autorun function enabled on your system. When the Setup program is
launched, you’ll see the following setup screen.
Figure 2.1: Setup Screen
Note Keep the antistatic bag for future use. You might
need the original bag to store the card if you have
to remove the card from the PC or transport it else-
where.

PCI-1742U User Manual 10
Step 3: Select the Installation option, then the Individual Drivers option.
Step 4: Select the specific device then just follow the installation instruc-
tions step by step to complete your device driver setup.
Figure 2.2: Driver Setup
For further information on driver-related issues, an online version of the
DLL Drivers Manual is available by accessing the following path:
Start/ Programs/ Advantech Automation/ Device Manager/ Device
Driver's Manual.
Note If the autoplay function is not enabled on your computer,
use Windows Explorer or Windows Run command to
execute Autorun.exe in the companion CD-ROM.

11 Chapter2
2.3 Hardware Installation
After the DLL driver installation is completed, you can install the PCI-
1742U card in any PCI slot. It is suggested that you refer to the user man-
ual or related documents if you have any doubts. Please follow the steps
below to install the card on your system:
Step 1: Turn off your computer and unplug the power cord and cables.
Turn off your computer before installing or removing any components.
Step 2: Remove the cover of your computer.
Step 3: Remove the slot cover on the back panel of your computer.
Step 4: Touch the metal part on the surface of your computer to neutralize
any static electricity that might be in your body.
Step 5: Insert the PCI-1742U card into a PCI slot. 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; or the card might be dam-
aged.
Step 6: Fasten the bracket of the PCI card on the back panel rail of the
computer with screws.
Step 7: Connect appropriate accessories (68-pin cable, wiring terminals,
etc. if necessary) to the PCI card.
Step 8: Replace the cover of your computer chassis. Re-connect the
cables you removed in step 2.
Step 9: Plug in the power cord and turn on the computer.
Note: Make sure you install the driver before you install
the card (Refer to 2.2 Driver Installation)
Note If you installed the card without installing the
DLL driver first, Windows 2000/XP will recognize
your card as an “unknown device” after reboot-
ing, and will prompt you to provide the neces-
sary driver. You should ignore the prompting
messages (just click the Cancel button) and set
up the driver according to the steps described in
2.2 Driver Installation.

PCI-1742U User Manual 12
After the PCI-1742U card is installed, you can verify whether it is prop-
erly installed on your system in the Device Manager:
1. Access the Device Manager through
Start/ Control Panel/ System/ Device Manager.
2. The device name of PCI-1742U should be listed on the Device
Manager.
Figure 2.3: Device Manager
Note If your card is properly installed, you should see
the device name of your card listed on the Device
Manager tab. If you see your device name listed,
but marked with an exclamation sign “!”, it means
your card has not been correctly installed. In this
case, remove the card device from the Device
Manager by selecting its device name and press
the Remove button. Then go through the driver
installation process again.

13 Chapter2
After your card is properly installed on your system, you can now config-
ure your device using the Device Manager program that has itself already
been installed on your system during driver setup. A complete device
installation procedure should include device setup, configuration and test-
ing. The following sections will guide you through the setup, configura-
tion and testing of your device.
2.4 Device Configuration & Testing
The Device Manager program is a utility that allows you to configure and
test your device, and later stores your settings on the system registry.
These settings will be used when you call the APIs of Advantech Device
Drivers.
After properly installing PCI-1742U, you can now proceed to configure
and test the device by clicking the Setup/Test button on the I/O Device
Manager dialog box. (Fig. 2-4).
Figure 2.4: Device Manager Dialog Box

PCI-1742U User Manual 14
Device Configuration
In the Device Setting dialog box (Figure2.5), you can configure the A/D
channel as Single-ended or Differential and choose the D/A channel ref-
erence voltage source type.
.
Figure 2.5: The Device Setting Dialog Box
Note As we have noted, the device name "000:<PCI-
1742U BoardID=1 I/O=ec000H" begins with
device number "000", which is specifically
assigned to each card. The device number is
passed to the driver to specify which device you
wish to control.