Contec N Series User manual

Reference Manual
CONTENTS
N Series for USB
Isolated 32-bit Up/Down Counter Unit
CNT-3204IN-USB
Introduction.................................................................. 5
Safety Precautions....................................................12
Setup .............................................................................18
Installation...................................................................37
Software .......................................................................54
Function .......................................................................61
Appendix......................................................................88
Customer Support and Inquiry............................95

—2 —
Table of Contents
Introduction....................................................................... 5
1. Related Manuals......................................................................................................................................................6
2. About the Product..................................................................................................................................................7
3. Features ......................................................................................................................................................................8
4. Product Configuration List..................................................................................................................................9
5. Support Software.................................................................................................................................................10
6. Optional Products ...............................................................................................................................................11
Safety Precautions...........................................................12
1. Safety Information...............................................................................................................................................13
2. Handling Precautions.........................................................................................................................................14
1. FCC PART15 Subpart B Class A ................................................................................................................15
2. CE EMC Directive Class A Notice.........................................................................................................15
3. Environment...........................................................................................................................................................16
4. Inspection ...............................................................................................................................................................16
5. Storage.....................................................................................................................................................................17
6. Disposal ...................................................................................................................................................................17
Setup.................................................................................18
1. What is Setup?......................................................................................................................................................19
1. Driver Software Installation.......................................................................................................................19
2. Driver Software Installation .............................................................................................................................20
1. Starting Up the Install Program...............................................................................................................20
3. Hardware Setting.................................................................................................................................................21
1. Nomenclature of Product Components...............................................................................................21
2. Input Resistance Setting Switch ..............................................................................................................22
3. LED Indicator...................................................................................................................................................23
4. Setting Switches ............................................................................................................................................24
5. USB Port............................................................................................................................................................24
6. Power Supply Connector............................................................................................................................25
7. Pull-Up Setting Switch ................................................................................................................................26
4. Hardware installation .........................................................................................................................................27
1. Connecting the external power supply by self-powered ..............................................................27
2. Connecting the Product .............................................................................................................................29
5. Driver Software Initialization...........................................................................................................................30
1. Setting the device name ............................................................................................................................30
6. Operation Check ..................................................................................................................................................32
1. Check Method................................................................................................................................................32
2. Using the Diagnosis Program ..................................................................................................................32
7. Setup Troubleshooting......................................................................................................................................36
1. Examples and Solution................................................................................................................................36

—3 —
Table of Contents
Installation and connection ...........................................37
1. Installing the Product.........................................................................................................................................38
1. Installation Conditions ................................................................................................................................38
2. Mounting on/Removing from a DIN Rail ............................................................................................41
3. Desktop Installation .....................................................................................................................................43
4. Mounting on the Wall .................................................................................................................................43
5. Installation Using the Magnet..................................................................................................................44
2. Connecting to an External Device.................................................................................................................46
1. Connecting an Interface Connector.......................................................................................................46
2. Connecting Cable..........................................................................................................................................47
3. Signal Layout on the Interface Connector ..........................................................................................48
4. Counter Input Circuit and Control Input Circuit ...............................................................................49
5. Control Output Circuit ................................................................................................................................51
6. Surge voltage countermeasure ...............................................................................................................52
7. Sampling Control Input Circuit................................................................................................................53
Software ...........................................................................54
1. Counter Input Driver for Windows ...............................................................................................................55
1. Accessing the Help File...............................................................................................................................55
2. Using Sample Programs.............................................................................................................................55
3. Running a Sample Program......................................................................................................................56
4. Distributing Developed Application ......................................................................................................56
5. Uninstalling the Driver Software .............................................................................................................57
6. Returning to Initial State ............................................................................................................................58
2. CONTEC Device Utility.......................................................................................................................................59
1. Updating Firmware.......................................................................................................................................59
Function............................................................................61
1. Explanation of Pulse Signals............................................................................................................................62
1. Types of Pulse Signals .................................................................................................................................62
2. Pulse Input.......................................................................................................................................................62
3. Multiplication of Count Input...................................................................................................................64
4. Count Clear......................................................................................................................................................65
2. Control of a counter ...........................................................................................................................................68
1. Counter Start/Counter Stop......................................................................................................................68
2. Preset .................................................................................................................................................................69
3. Zero-clear.........................................................................................................................................................70
4. Register .............................................................................................................................................................71
3. Obtaining the count value ...............................................................................................................................72
1. Obtaining the count value.........................................................................................................................72
2. Counter mode ................................................................................................................................................72
3. Sampling mode..............................................................................................................................................73
4. Totalizing/Differential counter .................................................................................................................74
4. Sampling function ...............................................................................................................................................75
1. Sampling function.........................................................................................................................................75
2. Status, Count...................................................................................................................................................76

—4 —
Table of Contents
3. Control of a sampling..................................................................................................................................77
5. Hardware event ....................................................................................................................................................78
1. Types of hardware events..........................................................................................................................78
2. Control input signal .....................................................................................................................................79
3. Control output signal ..................................................................................................................................80
4. Count match ...................................................................................................................................................82
5. Counter error ..................................................................................................................................................84
6. Status input............................................................................................................................................................86
1. Pulse signal input states.............................................................................................................................86
2. Control input signal states ........................................................................................................................86
3. Error.................................................................................................................................................................... 86
4. Carry/Borrow...................................................................................................................................................86
5. Count match ...................................................................................................................................................86
7. Other functions.....................................................................................................................................................87
1. Digital filter ......................................................................................................................................................87
Appendix..........................................................................88
1. Hardware Specification .....................................................................................................................................89
2. Physical Dimensions ...........................................................................................................................................93
1. Product..............................................................................................................................................................93
2. Physical dimensions of supplied AC adapter (POA201-10-2) .............................................93
3. Circuit Block Diagram ........................................................................................................................................94
Customer Support and Inquiry......................................95
1. Services....................................................................................................................................................................96

—5 —
Introduction
This section provides necessary information of the product
such as the outline, bundled items and manuals before
actual use.

—
Introduction
—
CNT-3204IN-USB Reference Manual
—6 —
1.Related Manuals
The manuals related to the product are listed below.
Read them as necessary along with this document.
Must Read the Followings.
Name
Purpose
Contents
How to get
Setup Guide
Must read this after
opening the package.
This lists the product
configuration and describes
the precautions.
Included in the package
(Printed matter)
Reference Manual
(This Document)
Read this when
operating the product.
This describes the hardware
aspects such as functions
and settings.
Download from
the Contec
website (PDF)
Download Manuals
Download the manuals accordingly from the following URL.
Download
https://www.contec.com/download/

—
Introduction
—
CNT-3204IN-USB Reference Manual
—7 —
2.About the Product
This product is a USB 2.0 supporting counter unit, which adds the function of counting pulse signals
input from external devices through a USB port to a PC.
It has four channels of 32-bit up/down counters, allowing external devices such as a rotary encoder
and a linear scale to be connected.
The pulse signal inputting interface is optocoupler isolated.
Compact design, (188.0(W)×78.0(D)×30.5(H)mm), features flexibility in installation. The product can
be set on the floor, wall, and inside the console or equipment with the DIN rail.
Input interface of pulse signal is opto-coupler isolated input.

—
Introduction
—
CNT-3204IN-USB Reference Manual
—8 —
3.Features
32-bit up-and-down counter
The 32 bit up-and-down counter could have four channels and up to 500kHz maximum speed pulse input. Moreover, it can count 2-
phase signals and mono-phase signals such as a rotary encoder and a linear scale.
Bus isolation
The USB (PC) is isolated from I/O interface by an isolators, this product has excellent noise performance.
Control input/output signals and input signals for
controlling sampling functions
One control input signal and one control output signal are provided for each channel.
This product can generate an interrupt, output an external signal, preset the counter, and clear it to zero when the count value matches
the arbitrary value that is set. Moreover, this product has input signals (start/stop/clock) for controlling sampling functions.
Compact design not restricting installation location
Compact design of 188.0(W) × 78.0(D) × 30.5(H) does not require special installation location.
Compatible to USB1.1/USB2.0
Compatible to USB1.1/USB2.0 and capable to achieve high speed transfer at High Speed (480 Mbps)
Diverse installations such as screw fastening, with
magnet(optional),and DIN rail mounting are possible
Installation on the floor / wall /ceiling is possible by screw fastening, with magnet, rubber feet, etc.
In addition, DIN rail mounting mechanism is equipped as standard with the product, making it easy to install the product within the
panel or the device.
Easy-to-wire terminal connector adopted
Adoption of terminal connector (with screws) enables to achieve easy wiring.
Windows compatible driver software
Using the counter input driver API-CNT(WDM) for USB makes it possible to create applications of Windows. In addition, a diagnostic
program by which the operations of hardware can be checked is provided.

—
Introduction
—
CNT-3204IN-USB Reference Manual
—9 —
4.Product Configuration List
The product consists of the items listed below.
Check, with the following list, that your package is complete.
If you discover damaged or missing items, contact your retailer.
Product…1
Setup Guide…1
Warranty Certificate…1
Serial Number Label…1
Interface Connector
(8-pin)…2
Interface Connector
(4-pin)…2
USB Cable (1.8m)…1
USB Cable Attachment on
the main unit’s side (For
Mini B connector side)…1
Rubber feet…4
AC adapter…1
AC cable…1

—
Introduction
—
CNT-3204IN-USB Reference Manual
—10 —
5.Support Software
You can use CONTEC support software according to your purpose and development environment.
For more details on the supported OS, applicable languages, or to download the latest version of
software, visit the CONTEC Web site.
Name
Contents
How to get
Driver software
API-CNT(WDM) for USB
The API-CNT(WDM) is the Windows version driver
software that provides products in the form of
Win32 API functions (DLL). Various sample
programs such as Visual Basic and Visual C++, etc
and diagnostic program useful for checking
operation is provided.
Download from the
CONTEC website
Download the files from the following URL.
Download
https://www.contec.com/download/

—
Introduction
—
CNT-3204IN-USB Reference Manual
—11 —
6.Optional Products
Optional product items are as follows:
Use these items with the main unit as necessary.
Product Name
Model type
Description
AC adapter
POA201-10-2 *1
Input: 90 - 264VAC, Output: 12VDC 1.0A
DIN rail fitting power supply
CPS-PWD-90AW24-01 *2
90W (Input: 100-240VDC, Output: 12VDC 3.8A)
CPS-PWD-30AW24-01 *2
30W (Input: 100-240VDC, Output: 12VDC 1.3A)
CPS-PWD-15AW12-01 *2
15W (Input: 100-240VDC, Output: 12VDC 1.3A)
Magnet
CPS-MAG01-4
Magnet (Four Piece Set)
*1 The specification of the operating ambient temperature is 0 to 40 °C. It is the same adapter
included in this package.
*2 The specification of the operating ambient temperature is -20 to 70 °C.
Visit the CONTEC website for the latest optional products.
Website
https://www.contec.com/

—12 —
Safety Precautions
Understand the following definitions and precautions to
use the product safely.
Never fail to read them before using the product.

—
Safety Precautions
—
CNT-3204IN-USB Reference Manual
—13 —
1.Safety Information
This document provides safety information using the following symbols to prevent accidents
resulting in injury or death and the destruction of equipment and resources.
Understand the meanings of these labels to operate the equipment safely.
DANGER
DANGER indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING
WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION
CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury or in property damage.

—
Safety Precautions
—
CNT-3204IN-USB Reference Manual
—14 —
2.Handling Precautions
DANGER
Do not use the product in locations exposed to a flammable or corrosive gas. It may cause
explosion, fire, electrical shock, or malfunction.
Do not place the product in an unstable location or use incomplete mountings. Otherwise, it
may cause the device to fall.
CAUTION
Do not strike or bend this product.
Otherwise, this product may malfunction, overheat, cause a failure or breakage.
Do not touch this product's metal plated units (USB connector) with your hands.
Otherwise, the product may malfunction, overheat, or cause a failure. When you touch the
product, wipe it clean with industrial alcohol.
Do not close the ventilation hole(s) of this product by, for example, placing an object.
This may cause overheating, malfunction, and/or failure of the product.
Do not touch the external connector when the power is on. Otherwise this product may
malfunction, overheat, or cause a failure due to static electricity.
Do not set or remove the power supply connector and interface connector when the power is
on. This may cause a failure.
When the product is self-powered, do not plug or unplug the 12-24VDC power with the
product while the 12-24VDC is outputting the voltage. This may cause a failure.
Do not operate switches when the power is on. This may cause a failure.
When connecting multiple products, set one product at a time. Complete the setup before
starting to connect the next product.
If you use this product in a noisy environment, connect the FG pin of the product to the
ground (earth) to stabilize the operation.
The specifications of the product are subject to change without notice for enhancement and
quality improvement. Even when using the product continuously, be sure to read the manual
in the CONTEC's website and understand the contents.
Do not modify the product. CONTEC will bear no responsibility for any problems, etc.,
resulting from modifying the product.
Regardless of the foregoing statements, CONTEC is not liable for any damages whatsoever
(Including damages for loss of business profits) arising out of the use or inability to use this
CONTEC product or the information contained herein.

—
Safety Precautions
—
CNT-3204IN-USB Reference Manual
—15 —
1. FCC PART15 Subpart B Class A
NOTE
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.
FCC WARNING
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
2. CE EMC Directive Class A Notice
EN55032 Class A Notice
Warning:
Operation of this equipment in a residential environment could cause radio interference.
Relevant Provisions
Please use the shielded cable for the signal cable to meet “CE EMC Directive”.

—
Safety Precautions
—
CNT-3204IN-USB Reference Manual
—16 —
3.Environment
Use this product in the following environment. If used in an unauthorized environment, this product may overheat,
malfunction, or cause a failure.
Operating temperature
-20 - 60ºC
Humidity
10 - 90%RH (No condensation)
Corrosive gases
None
Floating dust particles
Not to be excessive
4.Inspection
Inspect the product periodically as follows to use it safely.
CAUTION
Check that the ventilation slit has no obstruction and has no dust or foreign matter adhering.
Moreover, if there is the slit on the case side, please confirm it to the slit similarly.

—
Safety Precautions
—
CNT-3204IN-USB Reference Manual
—17 —
5.Storage
When storing this product, keep it in its original packing form.
Put this product in the storage bag.
Wrap it in the packing material, and then put it in the box.
Store the package at room temperature at a place free from direct sunlight, moisture, shock,
vibration, magnetism, and static electricity.
6.Disposal
When disposing of the product, follow the disposal procedures stipulated under the relevant laws
and municipal ordinances.

—18 —
Setup
This section explains how to set up this product.

—
Setup
—
CNT-3204IN-USB Reference Manual
—19 —
1.What is Setup?
Setup means a series of steps to take before the product can be used.
Different steps are required for driver software and hardware.
The setup procedure varies with the OS or driver software used.
1. Driver Software Installation
This section describes the procedure to start the application program development using the driver
software API-CNT(WDM) for USB.
Taking the following steps sets up the driver software and hardware. You can use the diagnosis
program later on to check whether the driver software and hardware function properly.
Step 1 Driver Software Installation (page20)
Step 2 Hardware Setting (page21)
Step 3 Hardware Installation (page27)
Step 4 Driver Software Initialization (page30)
Step 5 Operation Check (page32)
If Setup fails to be performed properly, see the “Setup Troubleshooting (page36)” section at the
end of this chapter.

—
Setup
—
CNT-3204IN-USB Reference Manual
—20 —
2.Driver Software Installation
This section describes how to install the driver software.
Before connecting this product to a PC, install the device driver.
Although some user interfaces are different depending on the OS used, the basic procedure is the
same. For detailed OS installation procedure, refer to Help (APIUSBP.chm) in the folder that installed
the development environment package from CONTEC website.
1. Starting Up the Install Program
1Download the API-CNT(WDM) for USB from CONTEC website.
2Expand the downloaded file.
3Execute the installer in the expanded folder. As the installer differs depending on OS used,
check the list below to execute.
Other than Windows 10 :
(Expanded folder)\INF\WDM\CNT\Setup.exe
Windows 10 :
(Expanded folder)\INF\WDM\CNT_ForWin10\Setup.exe