AlazarTech ATS9462 User manual

ATS9462 User Manual
16 Bit, 180 MS/s
Waveform Digitizer for PCI Express Bus
Written for Hardware Version 1.1
January 2008 Edition
Part Number: 9462-USR-1

ATS9462 User Manual i
Copyright © 2007 - 2008 AlazarTech. All rights reserved.
AlazarTech Contact Information
AlazarTech, Inc.
3551 St-Charles, Unit 640
Kirkland, Quebec
Canada H9H 3C4
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: www.alazartech.com
To comment on the documentation for ATS9462, send e-mail to
[email protected].
Information required when contacting AlazarTech for technical support:
Owned by: ___________________________
Serial Number: ___________________________
Purchase Date: ___________________________
Purchased From: ___________________________
Software Driver Version: ___________________________
SDK Version: ___________________________
AlazarDSO Version: ___________________________
AlazarDSO Version: ___________________________
Operating System: ___________________________

ii ATS9462 User Manual
Important Information
Warranty
The ATS9462 is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of
one year from the date of shipment, as evidenced by receipts or other documentation.
AlazarTech, Inc. will, at its option, repair or replace equipment that proves to be
defective during the warranty period. This warranty includes parts and labor.
The media on which you receive AlazarTech, Inc. software are warranted not to fail to
execute programming instructions, due to defects in materials and workmanship, for a
period of 90 days from date of shipment, as evidenced by receipts or other
documentation. AlazarTech, Inc. will, at its option, repair or replace software media that
do not execute programming instructions if AlazarTech, Inc. receives notice of such
defects during the warranty period. AlazarTech, Inc. does not warrant that the operation
of the software shall be uninterrupted or error free.
A Return Material Authorization (RMA) number must be obtained from the factory and
clearly marked on the outside of the package before any equipment will be accepted for
warranty work. AlazarTech, Inc. will pay the shipping costs of returning to the owner
parts that are covered by warranty.
AlazarTech, Inc. believes that the information in this document is accurate. The
document has been carefully reviewed for technical accuracy. In the event that
technical or typographical errors exist, AlazarTech, Inc. reserves the right to make
changes to subsequent editions of this document without prior notice to holders of this
edition. AlazarTech, Inc. may also make improvements and/or changes in the products
and/or programs described in this document at any time. The reader should consult
AlazarTech, Inc. if errors are suspected. In no event shall AlazarTech, Inc. be liable for
any damages arising out of or related to this document or the information contained in
it. The latest user manual can be found on the AlazarTech, Inc. web page at
www.alazartech.com/support/downloads.htm.
EXCEPT AS SPECIFIED HEREIN, ALAZARTECH, INC. MAKES NO WARRANTIES,
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY WARRANTY OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. CUSTOMER’S
RIGHT TO RECOVER DAMAGES CAUSED BY FAULT OR NEGLIGENCE ON THE
PART OF ALAZARTECH, INC. SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE AMOUNT
THERETOFORE PAID BY THE CUSTOMER. ALAZARTECH, INC. WILL NOT BE
LIABLE FOR DAMAGES RESULTING FROM LOSS OF DATA, PROFITS, USE OF
PRODUCTS, OR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF ADVISED
OF THE POSSIBILITY THEREOF. This limitation of the liability of AlazarTech, Inc. will
apply regardless of the form of action, whether in contract or tort, including negligence.
Any action against AlazarTech, Inc. must be brought within one year after the cause of
action accrues. AlazarTech, Inc. shall not be liable for any delay in performance due to
causes beyond its reasonable control. The warranty provided herein does not cover
damages, defects, malfunctions, or service failures caused by owner’s failure to follow
the AlazarTech, Inc. installation, operation, or maintenance instructions; owner’s
modification of the product; owner’s abuse, misuse, or negligent acts; and power failure
or surges, fire, flood, accident, actions of third parties, or other events outside
reasonable control.
Copyright
Under the copyright laws, this publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any
form, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, storing in an
information retrieval system, or translating, in whole or in part, without the prior written
consent of AlazarTech, Inc.
Trademarks
AlazarTech, Inc.™, AlazarTech™, alazartech.com™, ATS™, ATS9462™,
AlazarDSO™, are trademarks of AlazarTech, Inc. Product and company names
mentioned herein are trademarks or trade names of their respective companies.

ATS9462 User Manual iii
Warning Regarding Use of AlazarTech Products
1. ALAZARTECH, INC. PRODUCTS ARE NOT DESIGNED WITH COMPONENTS
AND TESTING FOR A LEVEL OF RELIABILITY SUITABLE FOR USE IN OR IN
CONNECTION WITH SURGICAL IMPLANTS OR AS CRITICAL COMPONENTS
IN ANY LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEMS WHOSE FAILURE TO PERFORM CAN
REASONABLY BE EXPECTED TO CAUSE SIGNIFICANT INJURY TO A
HUMAN.
2. IN ANY APPLICATION, INCLUDING THE ABOVE, RELIABILITY OF
OPERATION OF THE SOFTWARE PRODUCTS CAN BE IMPAIRED BY
ADVERSE FACTORS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO FLUCTUATIONS IN
ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY, COMPUTER HARDWARE MALFUNCTIONS,
COMPUTER OPERATING SYSTEM SOFTWARE FITNESS, FITNESS OF
COMPILERS AND DEVELOPMENT SOFTWARE USED TO DEVELOP AN
APPLICATION, INSTALLATION ERRORS, SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE
COMPATIBILITY PROBLEMS, MALFUNCTIONS OR FAILURES OF
ELECTRONIC MONITORING OR CONTROL DEVICES, TRANSIENT FAILURES
OF ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS (HARDWARE AND/OR SOFTWARE),
UNANTICIPATED USES OR MISUSES, OR ERRORS ON THE PART OF THE
USER OR APPLICATIONS DESIGNER (ADVERSE FACTORS SUCH AS THESE
ARE HEREAFTER COLLECTIVELY TERMED “SYSTEM FAILURES”). ANY
APPLICATION WHERE A SYSTEM FAILURE WOULD CREATE A RISK OF
HARM TO PROPERTY OR PERSONS (INCLUDING THE RISK OF BODILY
INJURY AND DEATH) SHOULD NOT BE RELIANT SOLELY UPON ONE FORM
OF ELECTRONIC SYSTEM DUE TO THE RISK OF SYSTEM FAILURE. TO
AVOID DAMAGE, INJURY, OR DEATH, THE USER OR APPLICATION
DESIGNER MUST TAKE REASONABLY PRUDENT STEPS TO PROTECT
AGAINST SYSTEM FAILURES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO BACK-UP
OR SHUT DOWN MECHANISMS. BECAUSE EACH END-USER SYSTEM IS
CUSTOMIZED AND DIFFERS FROM ALAZARTECH, INC.’s TESTING
PLATFORMS AND BECAUSE A USER OR APPLICATION DESIGNER MAY
USE ALAZARTECH, INC. PRODUCTS IN COMBINATION WITH OTHER
PRODUCTS IN A MANNER NOT EVALUATED OR CONTEMPLATED BY
ALAZARTECH, INC., THE USER OR APPLICATION DESIGNER IS
ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE FOR VERIFYING AND VALIDATING THE
SUITABILITY OF ALAZARTECH INC. PRODUCTS WHENEVER ALAZARTECH,
INC. PRODUCTS ARE INCORPORATED IN A SYSTEM OR APPLICATION,
INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE APPROPRIATE DESIGN, PROCESS
AND SAFETY LEVEL OF SUCH SYSTEM OR APPLICATION.

iv ATS9462 User Manual
Compliance
FCC/Canada Radio Frequency Interference Compliance*
Determining FCC Class
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has rules to protect wireless
communications from interference. The FCC places digital electronics into two classes.
These classes are known as Class A (for use in industrial-commercial locations only) or
Class B (for use in residential or commercial locations). Depending on where it is
operated, this product could be subject to restrictions in the FCC rules. (In Canada, the
Department of communications (DOC), of Industry Canada, regulates wireless
interference in much the same way.)
Digital electronics emit weak signals during normal operation that can affect radio,
television, or other wireless products. By examining the product you purchased, you can
determine the FCC Class and therefore which of the two FCC/DOC Warnings apply in
the following sections. (Some products may not be labeled at all for FCC; if so, the
reader should then assume these are Class A devices.)
FCC Class A products only display a simple warning statement of one paragraph in
length regarding interference and undesired operation. Most of our products are FCC
Class A. The FCC rules have restrictions regarding the locations where FCC Class A
products can be operated.
FCC Class B products display either a FCC ID code, starting with the letters EXN, or
the FCC Class B compliance mark.
Consult the FCC web site http://www.fcc.gov for more information.
FCC/DOC Warnings
This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in strict accordance with the instructions in this manual and the CE Mark
Declaration of Conformity**, may cause interference to radio and television reception.
Classification requirements are the same for the Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) and the Canadian Department of Communications (DOC).
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by AlazarTech Inc. could void the
user’s authority to operate the equipment under the FCC Rules.
Class A
Federal Communications Commission
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 interference in which case the
user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
Canadian Department of Communications
This Class A digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-
Causing Equipment Regulations. Cet appareil numérique de la classe A respecte
toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.

ATS9462 User Manual v
Compliance to EU Directives
Readers in the European Union (EU) must refer to the Manufacturer's Declaration of
Conformity (DoC) for information** pertaining to the CE Mark compliance scheme. The
Manufacturer includes a DoC for most every hardware product except for those bought
for OEMs, if also available from an original manufacturer that also markets in the EU, or
where compliance is not required as for electrically benign apparatus or cables.
To obtain the DoC for this product, click Declaration of Conformity at
http://www.alazartech.com/support/documents.htm. This web page lists all DoCs by
product family. Select the appropriate product to download or read the DoC.
* Certain exemptions may apply in the USA, see FCC Rules §15.103 Exempted
devices, and §15.105(c). Also available in sections of CFR 47.
** The CE Mark Declaration of Conformity will contain important supplementary
information and instructions for the user or installer.
Environmental Compliance
Alazar Technologies Inc., hereby certifies that this product is RoHS compliant, as
defined by Directive 2002/95/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27
January 2003 on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical
and electronic equipment. All manufacturing has been done using RoHS-compliant
components and lead-free soldering.

vi ATS9462 User Manual
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION .............................................................1
About Your ATS9462 ..............................................................................2
Acquiring Data with Your ATS9462.........................................................4
Interactively Controlling your ATS9462 with AlazarDSO.....................5
ATS-SDK API .....................................................................................6
ATS-VI LabVIEW VI............................................................................6
ATS-Linux for ATS9462 ......................................................................7
Optional Upgrades ..................................................................................8
CHAPTER 2 - INSTALLATION AND CONFIGURATION.......................9
What You Need to Get Started .............................................................10
Unpacking.............................................................................................12
Installing the ATS9462..........................................................................13
Installing the ATS9462 in a Linux System.............................................24
Compiling the ATS9462 Linux Driver ....................................................25
Updating ATS9462 Driver .....................................................................26
CHAPTER 3 - HARDWARE OVERVIEW .............................................28
Input Connectors...................................................................................29
Signal Connections ...............................................................................30
Analog Input..........................................................................................31
Pipelined ADC...................................................................................32
Multiple Record Acquisition...............................................................32
Specifying Record Length.................................................................32
Specifying Pretrigger Depth ..............................................................32
Specifying Record Count ..................................................................32
Amplifier Bypass Option........................................................................33
Calibration.............................................................................................37
Master/Slave Operation ........................................................................38
Restrictions .......................................................................................39
Optional External Clock ........................................................................41
Fast External Clock...........................................................................42
Slow External Clock ..........................................................................42
10 MHz Clock Reference ..................................................................42
Streaming Using Data FIFO..................................................................43
The Effects of the Operating System ................................................43
Real-Time Operating Systems ..........................................................44
Dual Port Memory .............................................................................45
Asynchronous DMA ..........................................................................46
APPENDIX A - SPECIFICATIONS .......................................................49

ATS9462 User Manual 1
Chapter 1 - Introduction
This chapter describes the ATS9462 and lists additional
equipment.

2 ATS9462 User Manual
About Your ATS9462
Thank you for your purchase of an ATS9462. This PCI
Express (PCIe x4) based waveform digitizer has the following
features:
• Two 16-bit resolution analog input channels
• Real-time sampling rate of 180 MS/s to 1 KS/s
• Streaming of acquired data to PC host memory at
720 MB/s (exact rate is motherboard dependent)
• 65 MHz analog input bandwidth
• DIP switch selectable Amplifier Bypass Mode for
optimum signal integrity
• Half length PCI Express (4 lane) card
• Analog trigger channel with software-selectable level
and slope
• Software-selectable AC/DC coupling and 1MΩ/50Ω
input impedance
• Software-selectable bandwidth limit switch,
independent for each channel
• Pre-trigger and Post-Trigger Capture with Multiple
Record capability
• NIST traceable calibration
• Dual DMA engines for best latency protection against
Windows and Linux operating systems
• Fully asynchronous software driver for fastest DMA
with least CPU overhead

ATS9462 User Manual 3
All ATS9462 digitizers follow industry-standard Plug and Play
specifications on all platforms and offer seamless integration
with compliant systems.
If your application requires more than two channels for data
acquisition, you can synchronize multiple digitizers on all
platforms using a Master/Slave SyncBoard 460.
Detailed specifications of the ATS9462 digitizers are listed in
Appendix A, Specifications.

4 ATS9462 User Manual
Acquiring Data with Your ATS9462
You can acquire data either programmatically by writing an
application for your ATS9462 or interactively with the
AlazarDSO software.
If you want to integrate the ATS9462 in your test and
measurement or embedded OEM application, you can
program the digitizer using C/C++, Visual BASIC or LabVIEW
for Win32 (Windows 2000 and Windows XP) operating
systems or C for Linux operating systems. Note that Windows
98SE is not supported.
For programming in C/C++ or Visual BASIC, you must
purchase the ATS-SDK software development kit that comes
with sample programs and a reference manual describing the
API.
For programming in LabVIEW, you must purchase the ATS-
VI virtual instrument library that comes with a high-level,
easy-to-use VI that makes integrating the ATS9462 into your
own system very simple.
With the upcoming release of Linux drivers for ATS9462, it
will also be possible to program your ATS9462 under Linux
operating system. You will need to purchase the ATS-Linux
software development kit that comes with binary files for the
driver (Fedora Core 5 - kernel 2.6) and C source code for a
sample program. Also supplied is the AlazarDSO graphical
user interface for the ATS9462.
Windows XP x64 drivers will also be available by the end of
Q1-2008.

ATS9462 User Manual 5
Interactively Controlling your ATS9462 with AlazarDSO
The AlazarDSO Soft Front Panel allows you to interactively
control your ATS9462 as you would a desktop oscilloscope.
To launch the Scope Soft Front Panel, select
Start » Programs » AlazarTech » AlazarDSO
The following screen will be displayed. If you connect the
input to a signal generator and click on Start button, you
should see the signal on the screen.
AlazarDSO has been designed to be very intuitive and uses a
user interface similar to most of today’s digital oscilloscopes.

6 ATS9462 User Manual
ATS-SDK API
The ATS-SDK API is used for programming the ATS9462 in
C/C++ or Visual BASIC. It provides the exact same API that
is used for writing AlazarDSO software. To help you get
started, ATS-SDK comes with examples you can use or
modify.
Note that only the Asynchronous API functions should be
used when programming the ATS9462. Traditional API and
AutoDMA API is not supported.
ATS-VI LabVIEW VI
ATS-VI allows you to integrate the ATS9462 into your own
LabVIEW program. A high level VI is supplied that requires
very few controls to get started.
Note that only the AsyncDMA.vi virtual instrument (vi) should
be used when programming the ATS9462. Traditional vi’s
and AutoDMA vi’s are not supported.

ATS9462 User Manual 7
ATS-Linux for ATS9462
The ATS-Linux for ATS9462 can be used for programming
the ATS9462 under Linux operating system. A binary driver
is supplied that has been compiled for Fedora Core 5 (Kernel
2.6) running on an i386 platform. Sample program is
supplied in C. The API is identical to the Windows API.

8 ATS9462 User Manual
Optional Upgrades
AlazarTech offers the following upgrades and accessories for
use with your ATS9462 digitizer:
• ATS9462: External Clock Upgrade
• ATS9462: Master/Slave SyncBoard 2 position
• ATS9462: Master/Slave SyncBoard 4 position
• ATS9462: Master/Slave SyncBoard 8 position
• AlazarDSO – Stream To Disk Module
• AlazarDSO – Plug-In Development Kit

ATS9462 User Manual 9
Chapter 2 - Installation
and Configuration
This chapter describes how to unpack, install, and configure
your ATS9462.

10 ATS9462 User Manual
What You Need to Get Started
To set up and use your ATS9462, you will need the following:
• One or more ATS9462 digitizers
• ATS9462 Install Disk
• For Master/Slave operation only:
SyncBoard of appropriate width
SyncBoard 2X for up to 2 digitizers

ATS9462 User Manual 11
SyncBoard 4X for up to 4 digitizers
SyncBoard 8X for up to 8 digitizers

12 ATS9462 User Manual
Unpacking
Your digitizer is shipped in an antistatic package to prevent
electrostatic damage to the digitizer. Electrostatic discharge
can damage several components on the digitizer. To avoid
such damage in handling the digitizer, take the following
precautions:
• Ground yourself via a grounding strap or by holding a
grounded object.
• Touch the antistatic package to a metal part of your
computer chassis before removing the digitizer from
the package.
• Remove the digitizer from the package and inspect
the digitizer for loose components or any other sign
of damage. Notify AlazarTech if the digitizer appears
damaged in any way. Do not install a damaged
digitizer into your computer.
• Never touch the exposed pins of the connectors.