Contec AI-1664LAX-USB User manual

PC-HELPER
100KSPS 16-bit
Analog Input Unit for USB
AI-1664LAX-USB
User’s Guide
CONTEC CO., LTD.

AI-1664LAX-USB i
Check Your Package
Thank you for purchasing the CONTEC product.
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 Configuration List
- Unit [AI-1664LAX-USB] …1
- AC adaptor …1
- AC Cable (for 125VAC)…1
- USB cable (1.8m) …1
- USB cable attachment on the main unit’s side (For Mini B connector side) …1
- Clamps for prevention of cable on the main unit’s side …1
- CD-ROM *1 [API-USBP(WDM)] …1
- First step guide … 1
- Power connector MC1,5/3-ST-3,5 …1
- Ferrite core …1
- Warranty Certificate …1
- Serial number label …1
*1 The CD-ROM contains the driver software and User’s Guide (this guide)
Unit AC adaptor AC cable Ferrite core
USB cable (1.8m)
USB cable attachment
Power connector
MC1,5/3-ST-3,5
Clamps for prevention
of cable on the main
unit’s side
CD-ROM *1
API-USBP(WDM)]
Product Regi st rat ion
Card &
Warranty Cert ificate
Serial No. Label
First step guide
First step guide
Product Registration Card &
Warranty Certificate

ii AI-1664LAX-USB
Copyright
Copyright 2011 CONTEC CO., LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
No part of this document may be copied or reproduced in any form by any means without prior written
consent of CONTEC CO., LTD.
CONTEC CO., LTD. makes no commitment to update or keep current the information contained in this
document. The information in this document is subject to change without notice.
All relevant issues have been considered in the preparation of this document. Should you notice an
omission or any questionable item in this document, please feel free to notify CONTEC CO., LTD.
Regardless of the foregoing statement, CONTEC assumes no responsibility for any errors that may
appear in this document or for results obtained by the user as a result of using this product.
Trademarks
MS, Microsoft, Windows and Windows NT are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Other brand and
product names are trademarks of their respective holder.

AI-1664LAX-USB iii
Table of Contents
Check Your Package.................................................................................................................................... i
Trademarks ..................................................................................................................................................ii
Table of Contents.......................................................................................................................................iii
1. BEFORE USING THE PRODUCT 1
About the Unit ............................................................................................................................................. 1
Features................................................................................................................................................. 1
Support Software.................................................................................................................................. 3
Cable & Connector (Option)............................................................................................................ 4
Accessories (Option) ........................................................................................................................ 4
Customer Support........................................................................................................................................ 5
Web Site................................................................................................................................................ 5
Limited One-Year Warranty ...................................................................................................................... 5
How to Obtain Service................................................................................................................................ 5
Liability........................................................................................................................................................ 5
Safety Precautions....................................................................................................................................... 6
Safety Information............................................................................................................................... 6
Handling Precautions........................................................................................................................... 6
Environment......................................................................................................................................... 8
Inspection.............................................................................................................................................. 8
Storage .................................................................................................................................................. 8
Disposal ................................................................................................................................................ 8
2. SETUP 9
What is Setup?............................................................................................................................................. 9
Step 1 Setting the Hardware.....................................................................................................................10
Name of each parts ............................................................................................................................ 10
Step 2 Installing the Software ..................................................................................................................11
Illustration of Menu Screen...............................................................................................................11
Installation of API-USBP(WDM) Development Environment .....................................................12
Installing C-LOGGER....................................................................................................................... 13
Step 3 Installing the Hardware.................................................................................................................14
Connection with 5VDC Power Supply for Self-power ..................................................................14
Connecting the Product .....................................................................................................................15
Setting with the Found New Hardware Wizard ..............................................................................17
Setting Properties Using Device Manager....................................................................................... 18
Step 4 Checking Operations with the Diagnosis Program.....................................................................20
What is the Diagnosis Program?.......................................................................................................20
Check Method.................................................................................................................................... 20
Using the Diagnosis Program ...........................................................................................................21

iv AI-1664LAX-USB
Setup Troubleshooting.............................................................................................................................. 24
Symptoms and Actions...................................................................................................................... 24
If your problem cannot be resolved.................................................................................................. 24
3. EXTERNAL CONNECTION 25
How to connect the connectors................................................................................................................ 25
Connector shape................................................................................................................................. 25
Connector Pin Assignment................................................................................................................ 27
Analog Input Signal Connection.............................................................................................................. 35
Single-ended Input............................................................................................................................. 35
Differential Input ............................................................................................................................... 36
Digital I/O signals, Counter signals and Control signals Connection.................................................. 38
4. APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT 39
Reference to Online Help......................................................................................................................... 39
Printing Function Reference..................................................................................................................... 39
Sample Program ........................................................................................................................................ 40
Distributing Developed Application........................................................................................................ 40
Use of utility program............................................................................................................................... 41
Returning to Initial State .......................................................................................................................... 44
5. ABOUT C-LOGGER 45
Outline of C-LOGGER............................................................................................................................. 45
6. FUNCTIONS 47
Analog Input Function.............................................................................................................................. 47
1. Setting the Conversion Conditions .............................................................................................. 48
2. Starting/Stopping Operation......................................................................................................... 55
3. Monitoring the Status and Acquiring Data.................................................................................. 56
4.Reset................................................................................................................................................. 59
Counter Function....................................................................................................................................... 60
1. Setting the Operating Conditions................................................................................................. 60
2. Starting/Stopping Operation......................................................................................................... 61
3. Monitoring the Status and Acquiring Data.................................................................................. 61
4.Reset................................................................................................................................................. 62
Digital Input Function............................................................................................................................... 63
Digital Output Function............................................................................................................................ 64
7. ABOUT HARDWARE 65
Hardware specification............................................................................................................................. 65

AI-1664LAX-USB v
Physical dimensions.................................................................................................................................. 67
Block Diagram........................................................................................................................................... 68
Control Signal Timings............................................................................................................................. 69
Control Signal Timings for Analog Input........................................................................................69
Control Signal Timings for Counter.................................................................................................70
About Calibration......................................................................................................................................71
Difference from AI-1664LA-LPE and AD16-64(LPCI)LA..................................................................72

vi AI-1664LAX-USB

1. Before Using the Product
AI-1664LAX-USB 1
1. Before Using the Product
This chapter provides information you should know before using the product.
About the Unit
This product is a USB2.0-compliant analog input unit that extends the analog input function of USB
port of PCs. This product is multi-channels and multifunction type with 16-bit analog input 64 channels
(single-ended input 64 channels or differential input 32 channels), digital I/O and counter function. This
product carries buffer memory for 1K of data, allowing sampling to be performed in a variety of trigger
/ clock conditions.
As there is compatible with PCI bus-compatible board AD16-64(LPCI)LA and PCI Express bus-
compatible board AI-1664LA-LPE in terms of connector shape and pin assignments, it is easy to
migrate from the existing system.
Using the bundled API function library package [API-USBP(WDM)], you can create Windows
application software for this board in your favorite programming language supporting Win32 API
functions, such as Visual Basic or Visual C/C++.
It can also collect data easily without a program when the data logger software [C-LOGGER] stored on
the attached CD-ROM is used. With plug-ins for the dedicated libraries, this product also supports
MATLAB and LabVIEW.
Features
- High-precision analog input 64 channels, each 4 channels for digital I/O and counter 1 channel
This product has analog input (10µsec / channel, 16-bit, 64 channels), analog input control signal
(LVTTL level 3 channels), digital I/O (each 4 channels for LVTTL level) and counter (32-bit, LVTTL
level 1 channel). Capable of setting the analog input at single-ended input 64 channels and differential
input 32 channels.
- The start/end of sampling can be controlled by software, comparison of conversion data, an external
trigger, etc.
You can select from software, comparison of conversion data or an external trigger to control the start
of sampling. You can select from completion of sampling for a specified number of sessions,
comparison of conversion data, an external trigger or software to control forcibly the end of sampling.
The sampling cycle can be selected from the internal clock or an external clock.
- Equipped with buffer memory (1K data) that can be used in the FIFO or RING format
The analog input block contains buffer memory (1K data) that can be used in the FIFO or RING format.
This allows for background analog input that does not depend on the operation status of the software or
PC.
- Digital filter function included to prevent misdetection due to chattering on external signals
A digital filter is included to prevent misdetection due to chattering on the control signal (external
trigger input signal, sampling clock input signal, etc.), digital input signal and counter input signal.
(except from external clock input signal and counter gate signal)

1. Before Using the Product
2AI-1664LX-USB
- Compatible with PCI / PCI Express bus board in it’s design. Common connector shape and pin
assignment with PCI / PCI Express bus board
This product has the common connector shape and pin assignment with PCI bus board AD16-
64(LPCI)LA, PCI Express bus board AI-1664LA-LPE so you can use the common cables and
accessories, it is easy to migrate from the existing system *1.
- Compatible to USB1.1/USB2.0
Compatible to USB1.1/USB2.0 and capable to achieve high speed transfer at HighSpeed (480 Mbps).
- USB HUB function, the CONTEC’s USB supported products (Max. 4) can be used.
This product has the USB HUB
function. *2 Max. 4 A
I-1664LAX-
USB can be used in 1 USB port of
PC
. When you use 4 or more AI-
16
64LAX-USB, you can do by
connecting
AI-1664LAX-USB to the
another USB port o
f PC side.
Also, you can connect the
CONTEC’s USB supported products
other than
AI-1664LAX-USB to the
USB port of
AI-1664LAX-USB.
*3*4
- Software-based calibration function
Calibration of analog input can be all performed by software. Apart from the adjustment information
prepared before shipment, additional adjustment information can be stored according to the use
environment.
- Data logger software, Windows compatible driver libraries are attached.
The attached data logger software [C-LOGGER] enables the graph display of recorded signal data and
file saving without a program. Also, driver library API-USBP(WDM) that makes it possible to create
applications of Windows is attached.
- Plug-ins for the dedicated libraries, this product also supports MATLAB and LabVIEW.
We offer a dedicated library [ML-DAQ], which allows you to use this product on MATLAB by The
MathWorks as well as another dedicated library [VI-DAQ], which allows you to use the product on
LabVIEW by National Instruments.
These dedicated libraries are available, free of charge (downloadable), on our web site.
*1 There are some differences of the specifications between this product and AI-1664LA-LPE, AD16-
64(LPCI)LA. For more details on this, refer to “Chapter7, Difference from AI-1664LA-LPE,
AD16-64(LPCI)LA”
*2 This product cannot be stacked up for installation.
*3 Do not connect the device other than that of CONTEC’s USB to the USB port included on the AI-
1664LAX-USB. Otherwise, this may cause a failure or malfunction.
*4 When connecting multiple units with USB HUB function and set up them, do one at a time and
complete setup for the previous unit before starting to do the next unit.
USB cable
USB cable USB cable USB cable

1. Before Using the Product
AI-1664LAX-USB 3
Support Software
You should use CONTEC support software according to your purpose and development environment.
Windows version of analog I/O driver API-AIO(WDM)
[Stored on the bundled CD-ROM driver library API-USBP(WDM)]
The API-AIO(WDM) is the Windows version driver library 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.
For more details on the supported OS, applicable language and how to download the updated version, please visit the
CONTEC’s Web site.
Data Logger Software C-LOGGER
[Stored on the bundled CD-ROM driver library API-USBP(WDM)]
C-LOGGER is a data logger software program compatible with our analog I/O products. This program enables the
graph display of recorded signal data, zoom observation, file saving, and dynamic transfer to the spreadsheet software
“Excel”. No troublesome programming is required.
For more details on the supported OS, applicable language and how to download the updated version, please visit the
CONTEC’s Web site.
Data Acquisition library for MATLAB ML-DAQ
(Available for downloading (free of charge) from the CONTEC web site.)
This is the library software which allows you to use our analog I/O device products on MATLAB by the MathWorks.
Each function is offered in accordance with the interface which is integrated in MATLAB’s Data Acquisition Toolbox.
See CONTEC’s Web site for details and download of ML-DAQ.
Data acquisition VI library for LabVIEW VI-DAQ
(Available for downloading (free of charge) from the CONTEC web site.)
This is a VI library to use in National Instruments LabVIEW.
VI-DAQ is created with a function form similar to that of LabVIEW's Data Acquisition VI, allowing
you to use various devices without complicated settings.
See CONTEC’s Web site for details and download of VI-DAQ.

1. Before Using the Product
4AI-1664LX-USB
Cable & Connector (Option)
Shielded cables with two-ended connector for 68-pin half-pitch connector
: PCB68PS-0.5P (0.5m)
: PCB68PS-1.5P (1.5m)
Shielded cables with single-ended connector for 68-pin half-pitch connector
: PCA68PS-0.5P (0.5m)
: PCA68PS-1.5P (1.5m)
68/96-pin conversion shielded cable for analog input/output
: ADC-68M/96F (0.5m)
* Two sets of cables are required to use both connector CNA and CNB.
Accessories (Option)
Terminal Unit for Cables (M3 x 96P) : DTP-64A *1*3
Screw Terminal (M3 x 68P) : EPD-68A *2*3*4
Screw Terminal (M3 x 96P) : EPD-96A *1*3*4
Screw Terminal (M3.5 x 96P) : EPD-96 *1*3
BNC Terminal Unit (analog input 32ch) : ATP-32F *1*3
BNC Terminal Unit (analog input 8ch) : ATP-8 *1*3*5
USB I/O Unit Bracket for X Series : BRK-USB-X
AC adaptor (input : 90 - 264VAC, output : 5VDC 2.0A) : POA200-20-2 *6
AC-DC power supply unit (input: 85 - 132VAC, output: 5VDC 3.0A) : POW-AC13GY
AC-DC power supply unit (input: 85 - 264VAC, output: 5VDC 2.0A) : POW-AD22GY
DC-DC power supply unit (input: 10 - 30VDC, output: 5VDC 3.0A) : POW-DD10GY
DC-DC power supply unit (input: 30 - 50VDC, output: 5VDC 3.0A) : POW-DD43GY
*1 ADC-68M/96F optional cable is required separately.
*2 PCB68PS-0.5P or PCB68PS-1.5P optional cable is required separately.
*3 Two sets of cables are required to use both connector CNA and CNB.
*4 “Spring-up” type terminal is used to prevent terminal screws from falling off.
*5 Can be used in CNA channels 0 - 7 or CNB channels 32 - 39.
*6 It is the same as the one appended to the product. Please buy it necessary for maintenance.
* For details on the range channels available to each terminal panel, see Figure 3.2 "Connecting
example of option".
* Check the CONTEC’s Web site for more information on these options.

1. Before Using the Product
AI-1664LAX-USB 5
Customer Support
CONTEC provides the following support services for you to use CONTEC products more efficiently
and comfortably.
Web Site
https://www.contec.com/
Latest product information
CONTEC provides up-to-date information on products.
CONTEC also provides product manuals and various technical documents in the PDF.
Free download
You can download updated driver software and differential files as well as sample programs available in
several languages.
Note! For product information
Contact your retailer if you have any technical question about a CONTEC product or need its price,
delivery time, or estimate information.
Limited One-Year Warranty
CONTEC products are warranted by CONTEC CO., LTD. to be free from defects in material and
workmanship for up to one year from the date of purchase by the original purchaser.
Repair will be free of charge only when this device is returned freight prepaid with a copy of the
original invoice and a Return Merchandise Authorization to the distributor or the CONTEC group
office, from which it was purchased.
This warranty is not applicable for scratches or normal wear, but only for the electronic circuitry and
original products. The warranty is not applicable if the device has been tampered with or damaged
through abuse, mistreatment, neglect, or unreasonable use, or if the original invoice is not included, in
which case repairs will be considered beyond the warranty policy.
How to Obtain Service
For replacement or repair, return the device freight prepaid, with a copy of the original invoice. Please
obtain a Return Merchandise Authorization number (RMA) from the CONTEC group office where you
purchased before returning any product.
* No product will be accepted by CONTEC group without the RMA number.
Liability
The obligation of the warrantor is solely to repair or replace the product. In no event will the warrantor
be liable for any incidental or consequential damages due to such defect or consequences that arise from
inexperienced usage, misuse, or malfunction of this device.

1. Before Using the Product
6AI-1664LX-USB
Safety Precautions
Understand the following definitions and precautions to use the product safely.
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 indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury.
WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could
result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may
result in minor or moderate injury or in property damage.
Handling Precautions
Do not use the product where it is exposed to flammable or corrosive gas. Doing so may result in an
explosion, fire, electric shock, or failure.
- Do not strike or bend this product.
Otherwise, this may malfunction, overheat, cause a failure or breakage.
- Do not touch this product's terminals (edge connector) with your hands.
Otherwise, this may malfunction, overheat, or cause a failure.
If the terminals are touched by someone's hands, clean the terminals 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.
- Make sure that your PC can supply ample power to all this product connected.
Insufficiently energized products could malfunction, overheat, or cause a failure.
- Do not connect the device other than that of CONTEC’s USB to the USB port included on the AI-
1664LAX-USB. Otherwise, this may cause a failure or malfunction.
- When connecting multiple units and set up them, do one at a time and complete setup for the
previous unit before starting to do the next unit.
- The specifications of this product are subject to change without notice for enhancement and quality
improvement.
Even when using this product continuously, be sure to read the manual and understand the contents.
- Do not modify this product. CONTEC will bear no responsibility for any problems, etc., resulting
from modifying this 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.
DANGER
WARNING
CAUTION
DANGER
CAUTION

1. Before Using the Product
AI-1664LAX-USB 7
- If you use this product in a noisy environment, attach a ferrite core to USB cable or cable of the AC
adaptor to stabilize the operation. When attaching a ferrite core, coil it around once or more near the
connector while leaving it open, and then close it.
Image diagram
- Regarding “CE EMC Directive Notice”.
Please connect the Interface Connector with a shielded cable to meet the mentioned standard above.
FCC PART 15 Class A Notice
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a ClassA 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.
NOTE
FCC WARNING
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void
the user's authority to operate the equipment.
Ferrite core
Cable TURN: 1 TURN: 2
TURN: 4
TURN: 3

1. Before Using the Product
8AI-1664LX-USB
Environment
Use this product in the following environment. If used in an unauthorized environment, the product may
overheat, malfunction, or cause a failure.
Operating temperature
0 - 50°C
Operating humidity
10 - 90%RH (No condensation)
Corrosive gases
None
Floating dust particles
Not to be excessive
Inspection
Inspect the product periodically as follows to use it safely.
Storage
When storing this product, keep it in its original packing form.
(1) Put this product in the storage bag.
(2) Wrap it in the packing material and then put it in the box.
(3) Store the package at room temperature at a place free from direct sunlight, moisture, shock,
vibration, magnetism, and static electricity.
Disposal
When disposing of the product, follow the disposal procedures stipulated under the relevant laws and
municipal ordinances.
POWER
- Check that the connector has no dust or foreign matter adhering.

2. Setup
AI-1664LAX-USB 9
2. Setup
This chapter explains how to set up the product.
What is Setup?
Setup means a series of steps to take before the product can be used.
This section enables you to prepare the software and hardware by operating in accordance with each
step in this chapter using the bundled CD-ROM. Taking the following steps sets up the software and
hardware. You can use the diagnosis program later to check whether the software and hardware function
normally.
Step 1 Setting the Hardware
Step 2 Installing the Software
Step 3 Installing the Hardware
Step 4 Checking Operations with the Diagnosis Program
Uninstall the driver and then set it up again if it cannot be set up properly.
The following shows the basic flow for installing product.
Setting Properties Using
Device Manager
- Setting the Device
Name.
Page 12
Connecting the Product
- Connection with 5VDC
Power Supply for Self-
power
- Connecting the PC
Installing the Software
- API-USBP(WDM)
Development Environment
- C-LOGGER
Page 14 Page 18

2. Setup
10 AI-1664LX-USB
Step 1 Setting the Hardware
This section describes how to set up the product and how to connect it to a PC.
When using the AI-1664LAX-USB, you do not have to set with SW. Connect it to the USB interface
connector of PC that you use.
Name of each parts
LED indicator
The above figure has already attached the USB cable attachment.
Figure 2.1. Name of each parts (Front side)
POWER Status Interface connector
USB TypeA
Interface
connector (CNA)
USB port
[Type A] connector
USB port
[mini B connector]
+5VDC input
terminal
USB cable
attachment
For PC
Interface
connector (CNB)

2. Setup
AI-1664LAX-USB 11
Step 2 Installing the Software
Install software.
The following description assumes the operating system as Windows XP. Although some user interfaces
are different depending on the OS used, the basic procedure is the same.
Points
- If you are using Windows XP please log on as Administrator (authorized account) before
proceeding to the following steps.
Illustration of Menu Screen
Points
- Please set up the supplied CD-ROM if it has not been set up. The menu starts automatically.
- If the menu do not start, launch X:AUTORUN.EXE(X:CD-ROM drive) from [Run…] in Start
menu.
- The screen design may be different.
Install C-LOGGER.
Refer to the content of CD-ROM.
Install Development Environment
such as sample programs and online
help
Refer to the user’s guide.
Install utility.

2. Setup
12 AI-1664LX-USB
Installation of API-USBP(WDM) Development Environment
Installation of development environment is namely installing supplied online help and sample program
in all language in order to use API function.
(1) Clicking on “Install Development or Execution Environment”.
[API-USBP(WDM) Installer] dialog box displays.
(2) Selecting “Advanced Digital I/O driver”.
(3) Clicking on “Install” button.
Please perform installation following the directions on the screen. And thus the installation is
completed.
* The screen design may be different.

2. Setup
AI-1664LAX-USB 13
Installing C-LOGGER
Install the data collection software.
(1) Clicking on “C-LOGER”.
[Choose Setup Language] dialog box displays.
(2) Selecting “English”.
(3) Clicking on “OK” Button.
Please perform installation following the directions on the screen. And thus the installation is
completed.
* The screen design may be different.