Amplicon Liveline PCI230+ User manual

PCI230+ & PCI260+
PCI230+ & PCI260+
MULTI-FUNCTION
ANALOG AND DIGITAL
INPUT/OUTPUT
BOARDS
This Instruction Manual is supplied with the PCI230+/260+ to provide the user with sufficient information to utilise the
purchased product in a proper and efficient manner. The information contained has been reviewed and is believed to be
accurate and reliable, however Amplicon Liveline Limited accepts no responsibility for any problems caused by errors or
omissions. Specifications and instructions are subject to change without notice.
PCI230+/260+ Instruction Manual Part Nº 9605 2504 Issue A3
© Amplicon Liveline Limited
Prepared by N. Stubbs
Approved for issue by A.S. Gorbold, Operations Director

PCI230+ & PCI260+

PCI230+ & PCI260+
PCI230+ & PCI260+
MULTI-FUNCTION ANALOG AND DIGITAL INPUT/OUTPUT BOARDS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................6
1.1 The Amplicon 200 Series .........................................................................................................6
1.2 The Products Described in this Manual.....................................................................................6
1.3 Features of the PCI230+/260+ .................................................................................................6
1.4 General Description .................................................................................................................7
1.4.1 Enhanced Features...........................................................................................................7
1.4.2 The Hardware ...................................................................................................................8
1.4.3 The Software ....................................................................................................................9
1.5 What the Package Contains ...................................................................................................10
1.6 The Amplicon Warranty Covering the PCI230+/260+..............................................................10
1.7 Contacting Amplicon Liveline Limited for Support or Service...................................................11
1.7.1 Technical Support ...........................................................................................................11
1.7.2 Repairs ...........................................................................................................................11
2 GETTING STARTED ....................................................................................................................12
2.1 General Information ...............................................................................................................12
2.2 Host Computer Requirements ................................................................................................12
2.3 Installing the Board ................................................................................................................12
2.3.1 Power Supply Jumper .....................................................................................................12
2.3.2 Hardware Installation.......................................................................................................13
2.4 Software Installation...............................................................................................................13
2.4.1 Windows 95/98 Installation..............................................................................................13
2.4.2 Windows NT 4.0 Installation ............................................................................................14
2.4.3 Windows 2000/XP Installation .........................................................................................14
2.5 Card Configuration .................................................................................................................15
2.5.1 Base Address Selection ..................................................................................................15
2.5.2 Interrupt Level Selection (IRQ) ........................................................................................15
2.6 Application Software ..............................................................................................................16
2.7 LabVIEW Software.................................................................................................................16
2.8 Installation Testing .................................................................................................................16
2.8.1 Verifying Installation for Windows 95/98 ..........................................................................16
2.8.2 Verifying Installation for Windows NT 4.0.........................................................................16
2.8.3 Verifying Installation for Windows 2000 ...........................................................................17
2.8.4 Verifying Installation for Windows XP ..............................................................................18
3 MAKING THE CONNECTIONS ....................................................................................................19
3.1 PCI230+/260+ User Interface Connector pin assignments......................................................19
3.2 Pin Descriptions .....................................................................................................................20
3.2.1 Power and ground connections .......................................................................................20
3.2.2 ADC Acquisition Control signals ......................................................................................21
3.2.3 ADC Input signals ...........................................................................................................21
3.2.4 PCI230+ Digital to Analog converter Outputs...................................................................21
3.2.5 PCI230+ Digital I/O signals..............................................................................................21
3.3 Signal Termination Assemblies ..............................................................................................22
3.3.1 PCI230+ Screw Termination Assembly............................................................................22
3.3.2 PCI260+ Screw Termination Assembly............................................................................22
3.4 Analog Inputs.........................................................................................................................23
3.5 Use of Shielded Cables..........................................................................................................23
3.6 The Ground Connections .......................................................................................................23
4 USING THE PCI230+/260+...........................................................................................................25
4.1 Analog Inputs.........................................................................................................................25
4.2 Analog Input Voltage Range...................................................................................................25
4.3 Analog Input FIFO..................................................................................................................25

PCI230+ & PCI260+
4.4 Analog Input Modes ...............................................................................................................26
4.4.1 Software Controlled Sampling .........................................................................................26
4.4.2 Hardware Controlled Sampling ........................................................................................26
4.4.3 Sampling Multiple Channels (Channelling) ......................................................................27
4.4.4 Advanced Acquisition Trigger ..........................................................................................28
4.4.5 External Digital Trigger....................................................................................................28
4.4.6 Analog Trigger ................................................................................................................28
4.4.7 Analog Trigger Hysteresis ...............................................................................................28
4.4.8 Pre-Trigger......................................................................................................................28
4.4.9 Automatic offset calibration .............................................................................................28
4.4.10 ADC Transfer Functions..................................................................................................29
4.5 Analog Outputs (PCI230+ Only) .............................................................................................30
4.6 Analog Output Modes (PCI230+ Only)....................................................................................30
4.6.1 Software Controlled D/A Conversion ...............................................................................30
4.6.2 Interrupt Controlled D/A Conversion ................................................................................30
4.6.3 Power Supplies ...............................................................................................................31
4.7 PPI Digital Inputs and Outputs (PCI230+ Only).......................................................................31
4.7.1 PCI230+ PPI Port Shared I/O Connections......................................................................32
4.7.2 Digital Input/Output Conditions ........................................................................................32
4.7.3 Intersil 82C55 Differences from Oki 82C55......................................................................33
4.7.4 Digital Input/Output Connections .....................................................................................35
4.7.5 Counter Timer Connections.............................................................................................35
4.8 Multiple PCI230+/260+ Boards in a Single Application............................................................35
4.9 Testing and Troubleshooting ..................................................................................................35
A PCI230+/260+ TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS............................................................................36
A.1 HARDWARE SPECIFICATION ..............................................................................................36
A.1.1 ANALOG INPUT .............................................................................................................36
A.1.2 ANALOG OUTPUT (PCI230+ Only) ................................................................................38
A.1.3 COUNTER / TIMER ........................................................................................................39
A.1.4 DIGITAL INPUT/OUTPUT (PCI230+ Only) ......................................................................40
A.1.5 PC INTERFACE..............................................................................................................40
A.2 SOFTWARE SPECIFICATION...............................................................................................41
A.3 Environmental Conditions.......................................................................................................42
A.4 Order Codes ..........................................................................................................................42
A.5 Optional Accessories..............................................................................................................42

PCI230+ & PCI260+
LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE TITLE PAGE
FIGURE 1-1 PCI230+ BLOCK SCHEMATIC......................................................................................8
FIGURE 1-2 PCI260+ BLOCK SCHEMATIC......................................................................................8
FIGURE 3-1 PCI230+ SK1 50 WAY USER INTERFACE PIN DESIGNATIONS................................19
FIGURE 3-2 PCI260+ PL1 25 WAY USER INTERFACE PIN DESIGNATIONS................................20
FIGURE 3-3 ANALOG INPUT/OUTPUT WIRING.............................................................................24
FIGURE 4-1 INPUT VOLTAGE RANGES ........................................................................................25
FIGURE 4-2 MULTI CHANNEL ACQUISITION WITH FIVE CHANNELS ENABLED.........................27
FIGURE 4-3 ANALOG TO DIGITAL CONVERTER OUTPUT CODES..............................................29
FIGURE 4-4 PCI230+ PPI PORT SHARED I/O CONNECTIONS .....................................................32

PCI230+ & PCI260+
Page 6
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 The Amplicon 200 Series
The Amplicon 200 Series of Personal Computer based data acquisition products provides very
high performance, affordable hardware with user sympathetic software. The 200 Series is
designed for users requiring fast or complex data input/output to the host PC and comprises a
range of boards and software to handle most analog and digital signal types.
When a large scale system is required, multiple boards can be added from the 200 Series without
conflict.
1.2 The Products Described in this Manual
The PCI230+/260+ range of boards share some common circuitry and features and are referred to
in this manual either generically or individually:
PCI230+/260+ Refers to both boards
PCI230+ Refers to the PCI230+ only
PCI260+ Refers to the PCI260+ only
1.3 Features of the PCI230+/260+
The PCI230+/260+ range of boards are designed to meet stringent performance requirements and
ease of use.
x PCI Bus, Universal, Plug and play interface
x Device driver software compatible with Windows & Linux providing continuous conversion
rates up to 500,000 samples per second
x 16-channel multiplexed analog to digital conversion with selectable input voltage ranges
x True differential input capability
x 4096-sample FIFO memory for analog to digital conversions allowing up to 4096 samples for
one channel or 256 samples for 16 channels to be stored on the board
x Automatic ADC offset null calibration on power up
x Advanced ADC acquisition trigger modes including; analog trigger (edge or level) with
hysteresis and pre-trigger facility and acquisition trigger on external TTL input
x Three, Intel 82C54 compatible, 16-bit counter/timers with on board 10 MHz crystal oscillator
timing source
x PCI230+ only, 2-channel, 12-bit digital to analog conversion with output voltage ranges of
±10V bipolar or 0 to +10 V unipolar
x PCI230+ only, 1024-sample FIFO memory for digital to analog conversions allowing up to
1024 samples for one channel or 512 samples for two channels to be stored on the board for
smooth waveform generation
x PCI230+ only, DAC FIFO wrap mode allowing arbitrary waveforms to be stored on the board
and played continuously from the DAC outputs
x PCI230+ only, 24-bit flexible, Intel 82C55 compatible, programmable digital input/output
x Interrupt controlled operations, with the facility for interrupts to be generated by the end of a
conversion, by a regular timer/counter output, on FIFO status or by an external signal
x Example software
x LabVIEW compatible, including advanced acquisition trigger modes
x PCI230/260 backward compatible

PCI230+ & PCI260+
Page 7
1.4 General Description
The PCI230+/260+ range of boards provide multi-channel data acquisition functions for any PC
that supports PCI bus version 2.1.
All models are supported by Windows 98, NT, 2000, and XP drivers. These drivers allow the
advanced features of the boards to be fully utilised by the application software. The Windows 98
driver is also compatible with Windows 95.
Linux Comedi drivers are available from www.comedi.org.
PCI230+ Provides 16 channel, FIFO buffered, 16-bit analog-to-digital input facilities and two-
channel, FIFO buffered, 12-bit, digital-to-analog output with interrupt control. It also
provides 24 bits of parallel digital input/output and three 16-bit counter/timers.
PCI260+ Provides 16 channel, FIFO buffered, 16-bit analog to digital input facilities and three
16-bit counter/timers only.
1.4.1 Enhanced Features
The PCI230+ and PCI260+ support all relevant features of the earlier ISA bus products, i.e. the
PC30AT and the PC26AT. In addition the PCI230+/260+ have many advanced features.
In common with the earlier PCI230/260, the PCI230+ and PCI260+ both have a 4096-sample
FIFO for buffering input samples from the A/D converter. The boards can be set up to store
samples in the FIFO autonomously until the FIFO is full, at which time the board will issue an
interrupt to the PC. In many cases this will give vast performance advantages allowing the
processor much more time between requests to service the board.
To further enhance acquisition flexibility, the PCI230+/260+ have advanced acquisition triggering
modes that support an analog trigger on specified input (edge or level) with hysteresis and pre-
trigger facility. Acquisitions can also be triggered from an external TTL input. These features
greatly improve LabVIEW compatibility.
The PCI230+/260+ boards have true differential input capability. They can either have eight
differential or 16 single-ended inputs.
Input signal protection was an option on earlier boards, the PCI230+/260+ boards include
protection circuits on all analog and digital inputs as standard making them more tolerant of
external fault conditions.
The PCI230+ now has a 1024 sample DAC FIFO that works to reduce the demands on the PC in
the same way as the ADC FIFO. The DAC FIFO has a FIFO wrap mode that can be used to replay
the same samples time and again allowing the card to be used for arbitrary waveform generation.

PCI230+ & PCI260+
Page 8
1.4.2 The Hardware
PCI BUS
INTERFACE
8/16
CHANNEL
MUX
DAC
1&2
TIMER
0 TO 2
24-bit
PPI
FPGA
data aquisition
control logic
and ADC
sample FIFO
USER
INTERFACE
CONNECTOR
DATA
CONTROL
ADDRESS
ANALOG
ADC INPUT
BUFFER
&
GAIN
CONTROL
FIGURE 1-1 PCI230+ BLOCK SCHEMATIC
PCI BUS
INTERFACE
8/16
CHANNEL
MUX
TIMER
0 TO 2
FPGA
data aquisition
control logic
and ADC
sample FIFO
USER
INTERFACE
CONNECTOR
DATA
CONTROL
ADDRESS
ANALOG
ADC INPUT
BUFFER
&
GAIN
CONTROL
FIGURE 1-2 PCI260+ BLOCK SCHEMATIC

PCI230+ & PCI260+
Page 9
1.4.3 The Software
Software is supplied with the PCI230+/260+ on the SOFTMAN CD-ROM Part No 8698 6559 as
part of the standard package. This package comprises Windows drivers and application examples
and is documented in the Amplicon ADIO manual elsewhere on the CD ROM.
The distribution software is supplied on compact disk. Optional
software is packed and supplied separately.
The Comedi drivers for Linux, available from www.comedi.org also support the PCI230+/260+
boards.
Languages supported Borland C/C++ V4.5 or later
Microsoft Visual C/C++ V4.2 or later
Borland Delphi V3.0 or later
Visual Basic V5.0 or later
Visual Basic.NET Framework 1.1 or later
Borland C++Builder V2.0 or later
Excel VBA Office97
Agilent VEE V5 or later
LabVIEW 6.0 or later
C#.NET Framework 1.1 or later
Functions supported Initialisation
Analog Input
Analog Output
Analog and Digital Trigger
Digital I/O
Counter / timer operations
Interrupt Handling with buffer transfers as per the Windows 32
DIO Driver version 4.0 or later
LabVIEW Analog input: scope (with trigger), meter, chart recorder.
LabVIEW Analog output: function generator.
LabVIEW Counter timer: count events, generate pulse, generate
frequency, generate strobes, simple frequency
measurement
Example programs Delphi, Visual Basic, VB.NET, Agilent VEE, LabVIEW, DAX,
C#.NET
For the latest information on all software including example programs, functions, operating
systems and languages supported, refer to the Amplicon website.

PCI230+ & PCI260+
Page 10
1.5 What the Package Contains
!CAUTION
Some of the components on the board are susceptible to electrostatic discharge, and proper
handling precautions should be observed. As a minimum, an earthed wrist strap must be
worn when handling the PCI230+/260+ board outside its protective bag.
Full static handling procedures are defined in British Standards Publication
BSEN100015/BSEN10015-1:1992
When removed from the bag, inspect the board for any obvious signs of damage and notify
Amplicon if such damage is apparent. Do not plug a damaged board into the host computer.
Keep the protective bag for possible future use in transporting the board.
The package as delivered from Amplicon Liveline Ltd. contains:-
1. The plug-in card as ordered, in a protective bag. The model will be one of the following, and is
identified by the type number printed on the board.
PCI230+ PCI Bus Analog input/output card Part Nº 9605 2503
PCI260+ PCI Bus Analog input card Part Nº 9605 2513
2. The included distribution software and manual on CD Part Nº 8698 6559
3. Any additional accessories (mating connectors, software etc.) may be packed separately.
1.6 The Amplicon Warranty Covering the PCI230+/260+
This product is covered by the warranty as detailed in the Terms and Conditions stated on the web
site at www.amplicon.co.uk.

PCI230+ & PCI260+
Page 11
1.7 Contacting Amplicon Liveline Limited for Support or Service
The PCI230+/260+ boards are designed and manufactured by Amplicon Liveline Ltd and
maintenance is available throughout the supported life of the product.
1.7.1 Technical Support
Should this product appear defective, please check the information in this manual and any 'Help' or
'READ.ME' files appropriate to the program in use to ensure that the product is being correctly
applied.
If a problem persists, please request Technical Support in one of the following ways:
Telephone: UK 01273 944 835
Fax: UK 01273 570 215
Email [e-mail]
Web: www.amplicon.co
It will assist the support engineer if you have the following information available when you call:
Date of purchase
Your postcode or your account number
The Operating System you are running under
The specification of your computer
The nature of your problem and the results of any tests you have conducted.
1.7.2 Repairs
If the PCI230+/260+ requires repair then please return the goods enclosing a repair order detailing
the nature of the fault. If the PCI230+/260+ is still under warranty, there will be no repair charge
unless any damage is a consequence of improper use.
For traceability when processing returned goods, a Returned Materials Authorisation (RMA)
procedure is in operation. Before returning the goods, please request an individual RMA number
by contacting Amplicon Technical Support. Give the reason for the return and, if the goods are still
under warranty, the original invoice number and date. Repair turnaround time is normally five
working days but the Service Engineers will always try to co-operate if there is a particular problem
of time pressure.
Please mark the RMA number on the outside of the packaging to ensure that the package is
accepted by the Goods Inwards Department.
Address repairs to: The Service Department
AMPLICON LIVELINE LIMITED
Centenary Industrial Estate
Brighton, East Sussex
BN2 4AW
England
m

PCI230+ & PCI260+
Page 12
2 GETTING STARTED
2.1 General Information
The PCI230+/260+ cards are Plug and Play compatible and come complete with all the software
required to install and operate the card in any PCI version 2.1 compliant host PC running under
Windows 95, 98, NT, 2000, or XP and allow full card functionality.
2.2 Host Computer Requirements
When installing one or more PCI230+/260+ series boards, ensure that the host computer has
sufficient capacity. Take into account other boards or adapters that may be installed in the
computer when assessing physical space, address space in the I/O map, interrupt levels and the
power requirements.
This analog interface board is suitable for use in any PC compatible computer that can provide a
single PCI Bus version 2.1 slot, with sufficient space for a half-length card.
In certain circumstances the card can be used in non PCI 2.1 compliant PCI systems that do not
provide 3.3 volt power supply to the PCI bus connector. The card has a jumper selectable option
to derive its own 3.3 volt supply from the 5 volt supply.
The computer must run under one of the following operating systems. Windows 95, Windows 98,
Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000, Windows XP or Linux.
2.3 Installing the Board
CAUTION
BEFORE INSTALLING THE CARD IN THE PC ENSURE THAT THE POWER
SUPPLY JUMPER, ‘J3’ IS IN THE CORRECT POSITION.
ENSURE THAT THE POWER TO THE COMPUTER IS SWITCHED OFF BEFORE
INSTALLING OR REMOVING ANY EXPANSION BOARD. OBSERVE HANDLING
PRECAUTIONS NOTED IN SECTION 1.4.
REPAIR OF DAMAGE CAUSED BY MIS-HANDLING IS NOT COVERED UNDER
THE AMPLICON WARRANTY.
DO NOT MAKE ANY MODIFICATIONS TO A BOARD THAT IS ON EVALUATION
2.3.1 Power Supply Jumper
Before inserting the card in your PC, please ensure that the power supply selection jumper ‘J3’ is
in the correct position for your PC.
Most modern PCs with PCI bus revision 2.1 or later will provide a 3.3V power supply on the PCI
connector. Therefore the jumper should not be moved from the 3V3 position before installation of
the card in these PCs.
If you are sure that your PC does not have a 3.3V supply, but only a 5V power supply on the PCI
connector, then fit jumper ‘J3’ in the 5V position.

PCI230+ & PCI260+
Page 13
If you are unsure in any way the please leave the jumper in the 3V3 position. Damage to the card
or the PC could result from installing he card with the jumper in the 5V position when the PC
already provides 3.3V to the PCI bus connector.
2.3.2 Hardware Installation
The PCI230+/260+ board is a Plug and Play device. The installation software supplied will handle
the configuration of the board.
When the board is physically installed in the PC, and the PC is rebooted, The Windows 95,
Windows 98, Windows 2000, or Windows XP operating system will detect new hardware and
prompt for installation of the device drivers. Windows NT 4.0 will not be aware of the board until
the drivers have been installed.
2.4 Software Installation
The ADIO software manual, supplied with this card has full details of Windows 32-bit driver
installation information. Refer to the Amplicon website for the latest version of the manual.
2.4.1 Windows 95/98 Installation
The Windows 98 drivers supplied with this card are compatible with installation and operation
under Windows 95.
To install the drivers under Windows 95:
1. Turn on the PC and allow the operating system to discover new hardware. Insert the
SOFTMAN CD into the CD-ROM drive and click the ‘Next’ button on the first ‘Update Device
Driver Wizard’ dialog.
2. If Windows fails to find the correct INF file automatically, click on the ‘Other Locations’ button,
browse to the top-level directory of the SOFTMAN CD and click ‘OK’.
3. Windows should correctly identify the board as a PCI230+ or PCI260+. Click the ‘Finish’
button.
4. Windows will now proceed to copy the driver software from the CD. If Windows asks for the
‘Amplicon DIO Drivers Disk’ to be inserted, ensure the SOFTMAN CD is in the drive, click
‘OK’, click ‘Browse’, browse to the top-level directory of the SOFTMAN CD (which contains the
file Windows is trying to find) and click ‘OK’.
5. When Windows has finished installing the driver software, click ‘Yes’ to restart the computer.
To install the example software, rerun Amplicon Softman CD and select the 'Access your manual
and software' button, and then double click on the '32 bit'' software button for the PCI230+/260+.
This will extract and run file AMPDIO.EXE on the SOFTMAN CD. Follow the instructions to install
the samples onto your PC.
To install the drivers under Windows 98:
1. Turn on the PC and allow the operating system to discover new hardware. Insert the
SOFTMAN CD into the CD-ROM drive. On the ‘Add New Hardware Wizard’ dialog, select the
‘Search for the best driver for your device’ option and click ‘Next’.

PCI230+ & PCI260+
Page 14
2. Make sure the ‘CD-ROM drive’ option is checked and click ‘Next’. If Windows fails to find the
correct INF file, click ‘Back’, select the ‘Specify a location’ option, click the ‘Browse’ button,
browse to the top-level directory of the SOFTMAN CD and click ‘OK’.
3. Windows should correctly identify the board as a PCI230+ or PCI260+. Click ‘Next’.
4. Windows will process to copy the driver software from the CD. When it has finished, click the
‘Finish’ button.
To install the example software, rerun Amplicon Softman CD and select the 'Access your manual
and software' button, and then double click on the '32 bit'' software button for the PCI230+/260+.
This will extract and run file AMPDIO.EXE on the SOFTMAN CD. Follow the instructions to install
the samples onto your PC.
2.4.2 Windows NT 4.0 Installation
Please ensure that PLUG & PLAY OS (or equivalent) option on the BIOS settings screen is set to
NO or OFF.
The driver is installed as part of the set-up process for the remaining software.
1. To install the example software, rerun Amplicon Softman CD and select the 'Access your
manual and software' button, and then double click on the '32 bit'' software button for the
PCI230+/260+. This will extract and run file ADIO32.EXE on the SOFTMAN CD. Follow the
instructions to install the samples onto your PC.
2. After rebooting the PC, the PCI230+ or PCI260+ will be detected by the installed driver and
configured automatically.
3. The Amplicon DIO control panel applet can be used to verify that the board has been
detected. This will also show the base address and IRQ settings for the board.
2.4.3 Windows 2000/XP Installation
For AMPDIO software versions 4.32 and later, a ‘Plug and Play’ Windows 2000 driver is used. This
section describes how to install a PCI card to use this Plug and Play driver under Windows 2000 or
Windows XP.
To install the drivers under Windows 2000:
1. Turn on the PC and allow the operating system to discover new hardware. Insert the
SOFTMAN CD into the CD-ROM drive. If Windows opens the ‘Welcome to the Found New
Hardware Wizard’ page, press ‘Next’ and go to step 2. If Windows just asks for a disk labelled
‘Amplicon DIO Drivers Disk’ go to step 5.
2. Select the ‘Search for a suitable driver for my device (recommended)’ option and press ‘Next.
3. Check the ‘CD-ROM drives’ option. Press ‘Next’.
4. On the ‘Driver Files Search Results’ page, Windows should say ‘Windows found a driver for
this device’. Press ‘Next’.
5. If Windows asks for a disk labelled ‘Amplicon DIO Drivers Disk’ when trying to copy files, click
‘OK’ to cancel the alert box, then browse to the root directory on the CD-ROM and press
‘Open’, then ‘OK’. Windows will copy the files and install the driver.

PCI230+ & PCI260+
Page 15
6. On the ‘Completing the Found New Hardware’ screen, Windows should correctly identify the
device as a PCI230+ or PCI260+. Press ‘Finish’
To install the drivers under Windows XP:
1. If installing from CD-ROM rather than from the self-extract target directory, ensure the
Amplicon SOFTMAN CD-ROM is in the CD-ROM drive.
2. When Windows detects the new hardware and opens the 'Welcome to the Found New
Hardware Wizard' page, press 'Next'.
3. If installing from the CD-ROM, select the 'Install the software automatically (Recommended)'
option. If installing from the self-extract target directory, select the 'Install from a list or specific
location (Advanced)' option. Press 'Next'.
4. If installing from the self-extract target directory, select the 'Search for the best driver in these
locations' option, deselect the 'Search removable media (Floppy, CD-ROM...)' option, select
the 'Include this location in the search' option, press the 'Browse' button and browse to the
self-extract target directory. Then press 'Next'.
5. Windows will install the driver and reach the 'Completing the Found New Hardware Wizard'
page.
6. On the 'Completing the Found New Hardware Wizard' page, press 'Finish'.
To install the example software, rerun Amplicon Softman CD and select the 'Access your manual
and software' button, and then double click on the '32 bit' software button for the PCI230+/260+.
This will extract and run file AMPDIO.EXE on the SOFTMAN CD. Follow the instructions to install
the samples onto your PC.
2.5 Card Configuration
2.5.1 Base Address Selection
The plug and play BIOS and/or operating system automatically sets the board’s base address
when the system is started.
2.5.2 Interrupt Level Selection (IRQ)
The interrupt signal from each channel can be assigned to any appropriate IRQ available in the
PC. The Plug and Play BIOS and/or operating system automatically sets the board’s IRQ level
when the system is started.
The interrupt operations comply with the requirements laid down in the PCI Bus version 2.2
specification, allowing full IRQ sharing.
The PCI bus assigns PCI interrupts to PC IRQ levels and allows multiple PCI interrupts to share
the same IRQ. The same IRQ level can be shared with other PCI boards in the PC.
The interrupt request line, signals the host PC (Permanent Master) that the PCI230+/260+ board
requires service. The host PC acknowledges the interrupt and performs the required action using
the appropriate interrupt service routine.

PCI230+ & PCI260+
Page 16
2.6 Application Software
Example application software, including source code for the applications and the DLL are supplied
with the board. The software supplied with this card supports operation with Windows 95, 98, NT,
2000 and XP. Refer to the AMPDIO W32 DRIVERS document for details.
2.7 LabVIEW Software
Software supplied with the board allows the PCI230+ and PCI260+ to be used with the National
Instruments LabVIEW package. It includes ready-to-use examples and a manual covering driver
installation and LabVIEW configuration.
2.8 Installation Testing
2.8.1 Verifying Installation for Windows 95/98
To verify the correct driver has been installed:
(a) Use Windows Explorer to browse to the <WINDOWS>\system directory.
(b) Click on the AMPDIO.VXD file and select ‘Properties’ from the explorer ‘File’ menu.
(c) Click on the ‘Version’ tab on the properties dialog box.
(d) Verify that the file version is at least 4.11.
To verify the card has been detected:
(a) Open the Control Panel, e.g. via ‘Start’ -> ‘Settings’ -> ‘Control Panel’.
(b) Double click the ‘System’ icon (or open it from the Control Panel’s File menu).
(c) On the System Properties dialog box, click the ‘Device Manager’ tab.
(d) Click the ‘View devices by type’ radio button if this is not already selected.
(e) Look for and select the PCI card under the branch labeled ‘Amplicon Analog/Digital IO Counter
Timer Cards’.
(f) Check the device status message box to make sure the device appears to be working
correctly.
(g) Click the ‘Properties’ button.
(h) On the prepares dialog box, check there are no resource conflicts and that the PCI card has
been assigned an IRQ.
2.8.2 Verifying Installation for Windows NT 4.0
Please verify that the Windows NT build is at least 1381 (Service Pack 3). Ensure that the card
has been correctly inserted into a slot on the PC’s PCI bus and the PC has been rebooted.
To verify the correct driver has been installed:
(a) Use Windows NT Explorer to browse to the <WINDOWS>\system32\drivers directory.
(b) Click on the AMPDIO.SYS file and select to ‘Properties’ from the Explorer ‘File’ menu.
(c) Click on the ‘Version’ tab on the properties dialog box.
(d) Verify that the File version is at least 4.11.

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To verify the correct control panel extension has been installed:
(a) Use Windows NT Explorer to browse to the Windows\system32 directory.
(b) Click on the AMPDIO.CPL file and select ‘Properties’ from the Explorer ‘File’ menu.
(c) Click on the ‘Version’ tab on the properties dialog box.
(d) Verify that the file version is at least 2.0.0.0.
To verify that the driver is running:
(a) Open the Control Panel, e.g. via ‘Start’ -> ‘Settings’ -> ‘Control Panel’.
(b) Double click the ‘Devices’ icon (or open it from the Control Panel’s File menu).
(c) Look down the list for the device called ‘AmpDIO’ and verify that its status is ‘Started’.
To verify that the driver has recognised the card:
(a) Open the Control Panel, e.g. via ‘Start’ -> ‘Settings’ -> ‘Control Panel’.
(b) Double click the ‘Amplicon DIO’ icon (or open it from the Control Panel’s File menu).
(c) Select each of the ‘DIOn’ entries from the list in turn. For each selected entry, click the
‘Settings’ button.
(d) For one of the listed DIOnentries, the dialog box which pops up should list the PCI card type,
its location on the PCI bus (e.g. 0/20) and a status in square brackets. If the status says ‘[OK]’,
then a card of the indicated type has been detected at the indicated location on the PCI bus.
N.B.:
(a) If any of the DIOnentries correspond to ISA cards, a different dialog box will be shown when
‘Settings’ is clicked for that entry.
(b) If there are 8 DIOnentries DIO0 through DIO7 and the new card does not appear to be
amongst them or appears to be marked ‘[BAD]’. The new card may have been detected but
not used by the driver. Try deleting one of the DIOnentries. If the ‘Add PCI’ button becomes
active, click it and see if the new card appears in the drop-down list of cards.
(c) PCI cards will also be marked ‘[BAD]’ if the driver has not been started since the system was
last rebooted (e.g. if has been set to start manually).
2.8.3 Verifying Installation for Windows 2000
To verify the correct driver has been installed:
(a) Use Windows 2000 Explorer to browse to the <WINDOWS>\system32\drivers directory.
(b) Click on the AMPDIO2K.SYS file and select ‘Properties’ from the explorer ‘File’ menu.
(c) Click on the ‘Version’ tab on the properties dialog box.
(d) Verify that the file version is at least 4.32.
(e) Use Windows 2000 Explorer to browse to the <WINDOWS>\system32 directory.
(f) Click on the AMPDIOCO.DLL file and select ‘Properties’ from the explorer ‘File’ menu.
(g) Click on the ‘Version’ tab on the properties dialog box.
(h) Verify that the file version is at least 4.32.
To verify the card has been detected:
(a) Open the Control Panel, e.g. via ‘Start’ -> ‘Settings’ -> ‘Control Panel’.
(b) Double click the ‘System’ icon (or open it from the Control Panel’s File menu).
(c) On the System Properties dialog box, click the ‘Hardware’ tab and press the ‘Device Manager’
button.
(d) On the Device Manager dialog box, ensure the ‘Devices by type’ option is selected on the
‘View’ menu.

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(e) Look for and select the PCI card under the branch labeled ‘Amplicon Analog/Digital IO Counter
Timer Cards’.
(f) Double click on the selected card (or select ‘Properties’ on the File menu).
(g) Check the device status message box to make sure the device appears to be working
correctly.
(h) Click the ‘Settings’ tab and check that the card has been assigned a valid DIO port.
(i) Click the ‘Resources’ tab, check there are no resource conflicts and that the PCI card has
been assigned an IRQ.
2.8.4 Verifying Installation for Windows XP
To verify the correct driver has been installed:
(a) Use Windows Explorer to browse to the <WINDOWS>\system32\drivers directory.
(b) Click on the AMPDIO2K.SYS file and select 'Properties' from the explorer 'File' menu.
(c) Click on the 'Version' tab on the properties dialog box.
(d) Verify that the file version is at least 4.32.
(e) Use Windows Explorer to browse to the <WINDOWS>\system32 directory.
(f) Click on the AMPDIOCO.DLL file and select 'Properties' from the explorer 'File' menu.
(g) Click on the 'Version' tab on the properties dialog box.
(h) Verify that the file version is at least 4.32.
To verify the card has been detected:
(a) Open the Control Panel, e.g. via 'Start' -> 'Control Panel' -> 'Performance and Maintenance'.
(b) Double click the 'System' icon.
(c) On the System Properties dialog box, click the 'Hardware' tab and press the 'Device Manager'
button.
(d) On the Device Manager dialog box, ensure the 'Devices by type' option is selected on the
'View' menu.
(e) Look for and select the PCI card under the branch labeled 'Amplicon Analog/Digital IO Counter
Timer Cards'.
(f) Double click on the selected card (or select 'Properties' on the File menu).
(g) Check the device status message box to make sure the device appears to be working
correctly.
(h) Click the 'Settings' tab and check that the card has been assigned a valid DIO port number.
(i) Click the 'Resources' tab, check there are no resource conflicts and that the PCI card has
been assigned an IRQ.

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3 MAKING THE CONNECTIONS
This chapter describes the signal and control connections that the user can make between the
PCI230+/260+ and any external devices. These input/output connections are made through the
D-type connector protruding from the PC adapter slot corresponding to the chosen board position.
The metal shell is connected to the local PC chassis ground. All signals are referred to the relevant
signal ground.
3.1 PCI230+/260+ User Interface Connector pin assignments
Pin assignments for the PCI230+ 50 way connector SK1 are as shown in Figure 3.1. The pin
assignments for the PCI260+ 25 way plug PL1 are shown in Figure 3.2.
1
2
3
4
5
18
19
20
21
6
7
8
9
10
23
24
25
26
22
11
12
27
28
13
14
15
16
17
30
31
32
33
29
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
DAC1 Output
+12 Volts Out
-12 Volts Out
Channel 8
Channel 7
Channel 5
Channel 3
Channel 1
Port B7
Port B5
Port B4
Port A6
Port A4
Port A2
Port A0
Port C6
+5 Volts Out
DAC2 Output
Digital GND
EXTCLK input
Channel 9
Channel 10
Channel 0
Channel 11
Timer 2 Output
Channel 12
Channel 6
Channel 13
Channel 4
Channel 14
Channel 2
Channel 15
EXTCONVCLK / EXTTRIG input (digital)
Analog GND
Port B6
Port B0
Port B3
Port B1
Port A7
Port B2
Port A5
Port C3
Port A3
Port C2
Port A1
Port C1
Port C7
Port C0
Port C5
Port C4
View from Rear
(Sockets)
'Channel' refers to the
Analog Input Channel
'Port' refers to the Digital
Input/Output Ports of PIO
FIGURE 3-1 PCI230+ SK1 50 WAY USER INTERFACE PIN DESIGNATIONS

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FIGURE 3-2 PCI260+ PL1 25 WAY USER INTERFACE PIN DESIGNATIONS
3.2 Pin Descriptions
3.2.1 Power and ground connections
Pin name Function
Analog GND Ground reference connection for analog circuitry
+12 Volts Out + 12 volt power supply for external analog circuitry, fused at 300mA
-12 Volts Out - 12 volt power supply for external analog circuitry, fused at 300mA
+5 Volts Out + 5 volt power supply for external circuitry, fused at 300mA
Digital GND Ground reference connection for digital circuitry
13
12
11
10
9
25
24
23
22
8
7
6
5
4
20
19
18
17
21
3
2
16
15
1
14
Channel 10
Channel 11
Channel 12
Channel 13
Channel 14
Channel 15
Channel 9
Channel 8
Channel 0
Digital GND
+5 Volts Out
Analog GND
Channel 6
Channel 5
Channel 4
Channel 3
Channel 7
Channel 2
Channel 1
Timer 2 ouput
EXTTRIG / EXTCONVCLK
Input
EXTCLK Input
-12 Volts Out
+12 Volts Out
View from Rear
(Pins)
'Channel' refers to the
Analog Input Channel