Amplicon PCI230 User manual

PCI230/260
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 InstructionManual Part Nº 859 893 84Issue A5
© Amplicon Liveline Limited
Prepared by D.N. Cooper
Approved for issue by A.S. Gorbold, Operations Director

PCI230/260
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
AMPLICON LIVELINE LIMITED
CENTENARY INDUSTRIAL ESTATE
HOLLINGDEAN ROAD
BRIGHTON BN2 4AW UK
We declare that the product(s) described in this Instruction Manual are
manufactured by Amplicon Liveline Limited and perform in conformity
with the following standards or standardisation documents:
Electro Magnetic Compatibility (EMC):
EMC Directive 89/336/EEC
LVD Directive 73/23/EEC
CE Directive 93/68/EEC
Jim Hicks, I. Eng, MIEIE
Managing Director
Amplicon Liveline Limited

PCI230/260
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................................................1
1.1 The Amplicon 200 Series...........................................................................................................1
1.2 The Products Described in this Manual .....................................................................................1
1.3 Features of the PCI230/260.......................................................................................................1
1.4 General Description ...................................................................................................................1
1.4.1 Enhanced Features ............................................................................................................2
1.4.2 The Hardware .....................................................................................................................2
1.4.3 The Software.......................................................................................................................3
1.5 What the Package Contains ......................................................................................................4
1.6 The Amplicon Warranty Covering the PCI230/260....................................................................4
1.7 Contacting Amplicon Liveline Limited for Support or Service....................................................5
1.7.1 Technical Support...............................................................................................................5
1.7.2 Repairs................................................................................................................................5
2 GETTING STARTED ........................................................................................................................6
2.1 General Information ...................................................................................................................6
2.2 Host Computer Requirements ...................................................................................................6
2.3 Installing the Board ....................................................................................................................6
2.4 Software Installation...................................................................................................................6
2.4.1 Windows 95/98/Me Installation ...........................................................................................7
2.4.2 Windows NT 4.0 Installation ...............................................................................................7
2.4.3 Windows 2000 Installation ..................................................................................................8
2.5 Card Configuration.....................................................................................................................9
2.5.1 Base Address Selection......................................................................................................9
2.5.2 Interrupt Level Selection (IRQ) ...........................................................................................9
2.6 Application Software ................................................................................................................10
2.7 Installation Testing ...................................................................................................................10
2.7.1 Verifying Installation for Windows 95/98/Me.....................................................................10
2.7.2 Verifying Installation for Windows NT 4.0.........................................................................10
2.7.3 Verifying Installation for Windows 2000............................................................................11
3 MAKING THE CONNECTIONS......................................................................................................13
3.1 PCI230/260 User Interface Connector pin assignments .........................................................13
3.2 Signal Termination Assemblies................................................................................................14
3.2.1 PCI230 Screw Termination Assembly ..............................................................................15
3.2.2 PCI260 Screw Termination Assembly ..............................................................................15
3.3 Analog Inputs ...........................................................................................................................16
3.4 Use Of Shielded Cables...........................................................................................................16
3.5 PCI Bus Back-plane Bus Connections ....................................................................................16
3.6 The Ground Connections.........................................................................................................18
4 USING THE PCI230/260.................................................................................................................22
4.1 Analog Inputs ...........................................................................................................................22
4.2 Analog Input FIFO....................................................................................................................22
4.3 Analog Input Modes .................................................................................................................22
4.3.1 Software Controlled Sampling ..........................................................................................22
4.3.2 Interrupt Controlled Sampling...........................................................................................23
4.3.3 Chanelling.........................................................................................................................23
4.3.4 ADC Transfer Functions ...................................................................................................24
4.4 Analog Outputs (PCI230 Only) ................................................................................................25
4.5 Analog Output Modes (PCI230 Only) ......................................................................................25
4.5.1 Software Controlled D/A Conversion................................................................................25
4.5.2 Interrupt Controlled D/A Conversion.................................................................................25
4.6 PPI Digital Inputs and Outputs (PCI230 Only).........................................................................26
PCI230 & PCI260
MULTI-FUNCTION ANALOG AND DIGITAL INPUT/OUTPUT BOARDS

PCI230/260
4.6.1 PCI230 Shared I/O Connections ......................................................................................26
4.7 Multiple PCI230/260 Boards in a Single Application................................................................27
4.8 Testing and Troubleshooting ...................................................................................................27
5 STRUCTURE AND ASSIGNMENTS OF THE REGISTERS..........................................................28
5.1 Register Assignments ..............................................................................................................28
5.2 Register Groups .......................................................................................................................28
5.3 Register Assignment Summary ...............................................................................................29
5.3.1 PCI230 I/O Registers........................................................................................................29
5.3.2 PCI260 I/O Registers........................................................................................................30
5.4 The Register Details ................................................................................................................31
5.4.1 DACCON DAC Control Register ( PCI230 Only ).............................................................31
5.4.2 DACOUT1 Output data to DAC1 ( PCI230 Only ) ...........................................................31
5.4.3 DACOUT2 Output data to DAC2 ( PCI230 Only ) ...........................................................31
5.4.4 ADCDATA Input data from FIFO or direct from ADC, or initiate ADC conversion from
software 31
5.4.5 ADCCON Control register for ADC and FIFO ..................................................................32
5.4.6 ADCEN channel enables ..................................................................................................33
5.4.7 ADCG0 channel gain settings 0-7 ....................................................................................33
5.4.8 Timing and Control ...........................................................................................................33
5.4.9 Group X CLOCK Configuration Register ..........................................................................34
5.4.10 Group X GATE Configuration Register.............................................................................34
5.4.11 IER Interrupt Enables / Status Register............................................................................34
6 PROGRAMMING THE PCI230/260................................................................................................35
6.1 Copyright..................................................................................................................................35
6.2 Guide to User Programming ....................................................................................................35
6.3 Interfacing with Commercial Software Packages ....................................................................35
APPENDIX A PCI230/260 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS.......................................................... 1.36
A.1 HARDWARE SPECIFICATION ........................................................................................... 1.36
A.1.1 ANALOG INPUT ........................................................................................................... 1.36
A.1.2 ANALOG OUTPUT (PCI230 Only) ............................................................................... 1.37
A.1.3 COUNTER / TIMER...................................................................................................... 1.38
A.1.4 DIGITAL INPUT/OUTPUT (PCI230 Only) .................................................................... 1.39
A.1.5 PC INTERFACE ........................................................................................................... 1.39
A.2 SOFTWARE SPECIFICATION ............................................................................................ 1.40
A.3 Environmental Conditions .................................................................................................... 1.40
A.3.1 Environment.................................................................................................................. 1.40
A.4 Order Codes......................................................................................................................... 1.41
A.5 Optional Accessories ........................................................................................................... 1.41
A.5.1 Hardware Options......................................................................................................... 1.41
APPENDIX B CIRCUIT LAYOUT AND SCHEMATIC DRAWINGS ...................................................42
B.1 Assembly Detail .......................................................................................................................42

PCI230/260
LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE TITLE PAGE
FIGURE 1.1 PCI230 BLOCK SCHEMATIC ............................................................................................2
FIGURE 1.2 PCI260 BLOCK SCHEMATIC ............................................................................................3
FIGURE 3.1 PCI230 SK1 50 WAY USER INTERFACE PIN DESIGNATIONS....................................13
FIGURE 3.2 PCI260 PL1 25 WAY USER INTERFACE PIN DESIGNATIONS ....................................14
FIGURE 3.3 50-WAY SCREW TERMINAL ASSEMBLY PIN DESIGNATIONS...................................15
FIGURE 3.4 25-WAY SCREW TERMINAL ASSEMBLY PIN DESIGNATIONS...................................15
FIGURE 3.5 PC BACK-PLANE PCI BUS CONNECTIONS..................................................................17
FIGURE 3.6 ANALOG INPUT/OUTPUT WIRING.................................................................................18
FIGURE 3.7 INPUT VOLTAGE RANGES.............................................................................................19
FIGURE 3.8 INPUT ATTENUATORS ...................................................................................................20
FIGURE 4.1 ANALOG TO DIGITAL CONVERTER OUTPUT CODES ................................................24
FIGURE 4.2 PCI230 SHARED I/O CONNECTIONS ............................................................................26
FIGURE 5.1 PCI230 REGISTER ASSIGNMENTS ...............................................................................29
FIGURE 5.2 PCI260 REGISTER ASSIGNMENTS ...............................................................................30
FIGURE B.1 PCI260 LAYOUT ...........................................................................................................42
FIGURE B.2 PCI230 LAYOUT ............................................................................................................42
FIGURE B.3 PCI230 CIRCUIT DIAGRAM (1) ....................................................................................43
FIGURE B.4 PCI230 CIRCUIT DIAGRAM (2).....................................................................................45
FIGURE B.5 PCI260 CIRCUIT DIAGRAM (1) ...................................................................................46
FIGURE B.6 PCI260 CIRCUIT DIAGRAM (2) ...................................................................................47

Page 1 PCI230/260
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. For analog input systems, the capacity of the PC mounted hardware can be
extended by external expansion panels to provide a convenient to use system with low cost per
channel and maintained high performance.
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.
•PCI Bus version 2.1 plug and play interface.
•Device driver software compatible with Windows NT, 95, 98, Me & 2000.
•Flexible, independent addressing
•Low power consumption
•16-channel multiplexed analog to digital conversion
•ADC conversion rates up to 312 ksps.
•4096-sample FIFO memory for analog to digital converter allowing upto 4096 samples for
one channel or 256 samples for sixteen channels to be stored on the card.
•Selectable input voltage ranges
•PCI230 only, 2-channel, 12-bit digital to analog conversion with output voltage ranges of
±10 V bipolar or 0 to +10 V unipolar.
•Three 16-bit counter/timers with on board 10 MHz crystal oscillator timing source.
•A frequency counter facility for measuring external frequencies.
•PCI230 only, 24 bit flexible, programmable digital input/output.
•Interrupt controlled operations, with the facility for interrupts to be generated by the end of a
conversion, by the FIFO, by a regular timer/counter output or by an external signal.
•An on board DC to DC converter which provides power to the analog circuits, thus reducing
the effects of PC induced noise.
•Free demonstration software and the provision of library routines as a DLL for easy user
programming (includes interface files for C and example software written in Delphi 3.0,
Visual Basic 5.0 and HP Vee 5.0).
1.4 General Description
The PCI230/260 range of boards provide multi-channel data acquisition functions for any IBM
PC or compatible computer that supports PCI bus version 2.1

PCI230/260 Page 2
All models are supported by Windows 95, NT and 2000 drivers. These drivers allow the
advanced features of the cards to be fully utilised by the application software. The Windows 95
driver is also compatible with Windows 98 and Windows Me.
PCI230 Provides 16-channel, FIFO buffered, 12-bit analog-to-digital input facilities and 2-
channel, 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, 12-bit analog to digital input facilities and
three 16-bit counter/timers only.
1.4.1 Enhanced Features
The PCI230/260 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. The PCI230 &
PCI260 both have a 4096-sample FIFO for buffering input samples from the ADC. The cards
can be set up to store samples in the FIFO autonomously until the FIFO is full at which time the
card 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 card.
1.4.2 The Hardware
PCI BUS
INTERFACE
16
CHANNEL
MUX
FIFO
4096
SAMPLE
DAC
1&2
TIMER
1 TO 3
USER
PPI
LCA
DATA
ACQUISITION
LOGIC
USER
INTERFACE
CONNECTOR
DATA
CONTROL
ADDRESS
ANALOG
ADC INPUT
BUFFER
&
GAIN
CONTROL
FIGURE 1.1 PCI230 BLOCK SCHEMATIC

Page 3 PCI230/260
PCI BUS
INTERFACE
16
CHANNEL
MUX
FIFO
4096
SAMPLE
TIMER
1 TO 3
LCA
DATA
ACQUISITION
LOGIC
USER
INTERFACE
CONNECTOR
DATA
CONTROL
ADDRESS
ANALOG
ADC INPUT
BUFFER
&
GAIN
CONTROL
FIGURE 1.2 PCI260 BLOCK SCHEMATIC
1.4.3 The Software
The PCI230/260 is supplied with the SOFTMAN CD-ROM Part No 869 865 59, this contains all
the software for the card, and is documented in the Amplicon ADIO manual elsewhere on the
CD ROM.

PCI230/260 Page 4
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 909 893 83
PCI260 PCI Bus Analog input card Part Nº 909 893 73
2. The included distribution software and manual on CD Part Nº 869 865 59
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 in the
current domestic or international Amplicon Liveline catalogue.

Page 5 PCI230/260
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 608 331
International [phone]
Fax: UK 01273 570 215
International [phone]
Email [email protected]
Web: www.amplicon.co.uk
www.amplicononline.com
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 Customer Services by telephone or fax on the above numbers. 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: Customer Services Department
AMPLICON LIVELINE LIMITED
Centenary Industrial Estate
Brighton, East Sussex
BN2 4AW
England