Contec AO-1604LX-USB User manual

PC-HELPER
High-Resolution
Analog Output Unit for USB
AO-1604LX-USB
User’s Guide
CONTEC CO., LTD.

AO-1604LX-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 [AO-1604LX-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
- Disk *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 bundled disk contains the driver software and User’s Guide (this guide)
Clamps for prevention
of cable on the main
unit’s side
Power connector
First step guide Serial Number LabelWarranty Certificate
Warranty
Certificate
First step guide
Unit Ferrite core USB cable attachment
USB cable
AC adaptor AC Cable
Disk
[API-USBP(WDM)]

ii AO-1604LX-USB
Copyright
Copyright 2010 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.

AIO-163202FX-USB iii
Table of Contents
Check Your Package.................................................................................................................................... i
Copyright .....................................................................................................................................................ii
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 .....................................................11
Step 3 Installing the Hardware.................................................................................................................13
Connection with 5VDC Power Supply for Self-power ..................................................................13
Connecting the Product .....................................................................................................................14
Setting with the Found New Hardware Wizard ..............................................................................16
Setting Properties Using Device Manager.......................................................................................17
Step 4 Checking Operations with the Diagnosis Program.....................................................................19
What is the Diagnosis Program?....................................................................................................... 19
Check Method....................................................................................................................................19

iv AO-1604LX-USB
Using the Diagnosis Program........................................................................................................... 20
Setup Troubleshooting.............................................................................................................................. 23
Symptoms and Actions...................................................................................................................... 23
If your problem cannot be resolved.................................................................................................. 23
3. EXTERNAL CONNECTION 25
How to connect the connectors................................................................................................................ 25
Connector shape................................................................................................................................. 25
Connector Pin Assignment................................................................................................................ 26
Analog Output Signal Connection........................................................................................................... 27
Digital I/O signals, Counter signals and Control signals Connection.................................................. 28
4. APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT 29
Reference to Online Help......................................................................................................................... 29
Printing Function Reference..................................................................................................................... 29
Sample Program ........................................................................................................................................ 30
Distributing Developed Application........................................................................................................ 30
Use of utility program............................................................................................................................... 31
Returning to Initial State .......................................................................................................................... 34
5. FUNCTIONS 35
Analog Output Function........................................................................................................................... 35
1. Setting the Conversion Conditions .............................................................................................. 36
2. Starting/Stopping Operation......................................................................................................... 43
3. Monitoring the Status and Acquiring Data.................................................................................. 44
4.Reset................................................................................................................................................. 45
Counter Function....................................................................................................................................... 46
1. Setting the Operating Conditions................................................................................................. 46
2. Starting/Stopping Operation......................................................................................................... 47
3. Monitoring the Status and Acquiring Data.................................................................................. 47
4.Reset................................................................................................................................................. 48
Digital Input Function............................................................................................................................... 49
Digital Output Function............................................................................................................................ 50
6. ABOUT HARDWARE 51
Hardware specification............................................................................................................................. 51
Physical dimensions.................................................................................................................................. 53
Block Diagram........................................................................................................................................... 54
Control Signal Timings............................................................................................................................. 55
Control Signal Timings for Analog Output..................................................................................... 55

AIO-163202FX-USB v
Control Signal Timings for Counter.................................................................................................56
About Calibration...................................................................................................................................... 57
Difference from AO-1604L-LPE and DA16-4(LPCI)L ........................................................................58

vi AO-1604LX-USB

1. Before Using the Product
AO-1604LX-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 output unit that extends the analog output function of USB
port of PCs. This product features high-precision analog outputs, digital inputs, digital outputs, and a
counter function.
As there is compatible with PCI bus-compatible board DA16-4(LPCI)L and PCI Express bus-
compatible board AO-1604L-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++.
With plug-ins for the dedicated libraries, this product also supports MATLAB and LabVIEW.
Features
- Multi-function
The unit contains analog outputs (16bit, 4channels), control signal(3 points) of analog output, digital
inputs (LVTTL level 4channels), digital outputs (LVTTL level 4channels), and counters (32bit binary,
LVTTL level 1channels). Combining all these features on one unit allows complex systems to be
implemented even on PCs with USB port only.
Buffer memory
The analog outputs have their own buffer memory.
You can also perform analog output in the background, independent of software and the current status
of the PC.
- Filter function for easy connection of external signals
The digital input signals, counter input signals, and the external control signals for analog output
incorporate a digital filter to prevent wrong recognition of input signals from carrying noise or a
chattering.
- 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 DA16-4(LPCI)L,
PCI Express bus board AO-1604L-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).

1. Before Using the Product
2AO-1604LX-USB
- USB HUB function, the CONTEC’s USB supported products (Max. 4) can be used.
This product has the USB HUB
function. *2 Max. 4 AO
-1604LX-
USB can be used in 1 USB port of
PC. When you use 4 or more AO
-
1604LX
-USB, you can do by
connecting AO
-1604LX-USB to the
another USB port of PC side.
Also, you can connect
the
CONTEC’s USB supported products
other than AO
-1604LX-USB to the
USB port of AO
-1604LX-USB.
*3*4
- Software-based calibration function
Calibration of analog output 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.
- indows compatible driver libraries are attached.
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 AO-1604L-LPE, DA16-
4L(LPCI)L. For more details on this, refer to “Chapter7, Difference from AO-1604L-LPE, DA16-
4(LPCI)L”
*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 AO-
1604LX-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
AO-1604LX-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 disk 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
*1useful for checking operation is provided.
For more details on the supported OS, applicable language and new information, 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.
For more details on the supported OS, applicable language and new information, please visit the CONTEC’s Web site.
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.
For more details on the library and download of VI-DAQ, please visit the CONTEC’s Web site.

1. Before Using the Product
4AO-1604LX-USB
Cable & Connector (Option)
Shield Cable with 50-Pin Mini-Ribbon Connectors at either Ends : PCB50PS-0.5P (0.5m)
: PCB50PS-1.5P (1.5m)
Shield Cable with 50-Pin Mini-Ribbon Connector at one End : PCA50PS-0.5P (0.5m)
: PCA50PS-1.5P (1.5m)
Accessories (Option)
Screw Terminal Unit (M3 x 50P) : EPD-50A *1*2
BNC Terminal Unit (for analog input 8ch) : ATP-8L *1*3
USB I/O Unit Bracket for X Series : BRK-USB-X
AC adaptor (input : 90 - 264VAC, output : 5VDC 2.0A) : POA200-20-2 *4
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
*1 PCB50PS-0.5P or PCB50PS-1.5P optional cable is required separately.
*2 “Spring-up” type terminal is used to prevent terminal screws from falling off.
*3 Capable of using the analog output of up to 2ch.
*4 It is the same as the one appended to the product. Please buy it necessary for maintenance.
* Check the CONTEC’s Web site for more information on these options.

1. Before Using the Product
AO-1604LX-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
6AO-1604LX-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 installed.
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 AO-
1604LX-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
AO-1604LX-USB 7
- If you use this product in a environment of noisy AC line, attach the ferrite core near the +5VDC
input terminal to stabilize the operation.
- If you use this product in a noisy environment, attach the bundled ferrite core to stabilize the
operation.
When attaching a ferrite core to the USB cable, coil it around once near the connector while leaving
it open, and then close it.
- 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
NOTE
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1)this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
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.
WARNING TO USER
Change or modifications not expressly approved the manufacturer can void the user's authority to operate this
equipment.

1. Before Using the Product
8AO-1604LX-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.
POW
ER
- Check that the connector has no dust or foreign matter adhering.

2. Setup
AO-1604LX-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 disk. 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 13
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 16 Page 19

2. Setup
10 AO-1604LX-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 AO-1604LX-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 (CN1)
USB port
[Type A] connector
USB port
[mini B connector]
+5VDC input
terminal
USB cable
attachment
For PC

2. Setup
AO-1604LX-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 or Windows 2000, please log on as Administrator (authorized
account) before proceeding to the following steps.
Illustration of Menu Screen
Points
- Please set up the supplied disk if it has not been set up. The menu starts automatically.
- If the menu do not start, launch X:AUTORUN.EXE(X: drive letter) from [Run…] in Start menu.
- The screen design may be different.
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.
Install C-LOGGER.
* Cannot be used for this product.
Refer to the content of Disk.
Install Development Environment
such as sample programs and online
help
Refer to the user’s guide.
Install utility.

2. Setup
12 AO-1604LX-USB
(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
AO-1604LX-USB 13
Step 3 Installing the Hardware
Under Windows, information about the converter needs to be detected by the OS. This is called
hardware installation.
To use more than one of USB product with HUB function, make sure to install them one by one,
setting each unit after completing the previous one.
Connection with 5VDC Power Supply for Self-power
This product must be connected with 5VDC power supply (in a self-powered state).
Connect with 5VDC power supply by using +5VDC input pin.
Figure 2.2. +5 VDC Input Terminal Pinouts
When using the attached AC adaptor [POA200-20-2], please connect directly to the input terminals.
When the accompanying power connector (MC1,5/3-ST-3,5, suitable cable: AWG28 - 16) is used to
supply power to this unit, strip the end of the suitable cable and insert it to the power connector before
firmly securing it using a screw.
Figure 2.3. Connecting the AC Adapter POA200-20-2
Beside the AC adaptor, a power supply for installation on a DIN rail is also available (as an option).
Use the appropriate power supply depending on the operating environment and application. When a
power supply for installation on a DIN rail is used, connect the unit using the accompanying power
connector MC1,5/-ST-3,5.
- Connect 5VDC power supply to the main unit. Next, connect the USB cable to the PC. Do not
turn it on or off when using. If you remove, USB cable is first and then 5VDC power supply.
- When the USB module is not used, leave the AC adaptor unplugged.
- Continuously using the AC adaptor heated affects its life.
- Use the AC adaptor not in a closed place but in a well-ventilated place not to be heated.
- Do not remove the power connector [MC1,5/3-ST-3,5] attached to the AC adapter.
CAUTION
Vi+
Power supply (5V)
Vi
-Power supply (GND)
FG
Frame ground
POA200-20-2
Connect to
the ground.