Contec DA12-16PCI User manual

PC-HELPER
Digital to Analog Output Board for PCI
16ch type
DA12-16(PCI)
8ch type
DA12-8(PCI)
4ch type
DA12-4(PCI)
User’s Guide
CONTEC CO.,LTD.

DA12-16(PCI), DA12-8(PCI), DA12-4(PCI) 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
- Board (One of the following)
[DA12-16(PCI), DA12-8(PCI) or DA12-4(PCI)] …1
- First step guide …1
- CD-ROM *1 [API-PAC(W32)]…1
- Warranty Certificate …1
- Serial number label…1
*1 The CD-ROM contains the driver software and User’s Guide (this guide)
Board
CD-ROM
[API-PAC(W32)]
First step guide
Warranty Certificate
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Serial number label
Warranty
Certificate

ii DA12-16(PCI), DA12-8(PCI), DA12-4(PCI)
Copyright
Copyright 2013 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.

DA12-16(PCI), DA12-8(PCI), DA12-4(PCI) iii
Table of Contents
Check Your Package.................................................................................................................................... i
Copyright .....................................................................................................................................................ii
Trademarks ..................................................................................................................................................ii
Table of Contents .......................................................................................................................................iii
1. BEFORE USING THE PRODUCT 1
About the Board .......................................................................................................................................... 1
Features................................................................................................................................................. 1
Support Software.................................................................................................................................. 2
Cable & Connector (Option)............................................................................................................ 3
Accessories (Option) ........................................................................................................................ 3
Customer Support........................................................................................................................................ 4
Web Site................................................................................................................................................ 4
Limited Three-Years Warranty.................................................................................................................. 4
How to Obtain Service................................................................................................................................ 4
Liability........................................................................................................................................................ 4
Safety Precautions....................................................................................................................................... 5
Safety Information............................................................................................................................... 5
Handling Precautions........................................................................................................................... 6
Environment......................................................................................................................................... 7
Inspection.............................................................................................................................................. 7
Storage .................................................................................................................................................. 7
Disposal ................................................................................................................................................ 7
2. SETUP 9
What is Setup?............................................................................................................................................. 9
Using the Board under Windows Using the Driver Library API-PAC(W32)................................9
Using the Board under Windows Using Software Other than the Driver Library API-
PAC(W32)............................................................................................................................................ 9
Using the Board under an OS Other than Windows.......................................................................10
Step 1 Installing the Software ..................................................................................................................11
About the driver to be used...............................................................................................................11
Starting the Install Program ..............................................................................................................12
When Using API-AIO(WDM).......................................................................................................... 13
When Using API-AIO(98/PC)............................................................................................................ 14
Step 2 Setting the Hardware..................................................................................................................... 16
Parts of the Board and Factory Defaults..........................................................................................16
Setting the Board ID ..........................................................................................................................17
Plugging the Board ............................................................................................................................18
Step 3 Installing the Hardware.................................................................................................................19

iv DA12-16(PCI), DA12-8(PCI), DA12-4(PCI)
Turning on the PC.............................................................................................................................. 19
When Using API-AIO(WDM)............................................................................................................. 19
When Using API-AIO(98/PC).............................................................................................................. 20
Step 4 Initializing the Software................................................................................................................ 24
When Using API-AIO(WDM) ........................................................................................................... 24
When Using API-AIO(98/PC) ........................................................................................................... 26
Step 5 Checking Operations with the Diagnosis Program..................................................................... 27
What is the Diagnosis Program? ...................................................................................................... 27
Check Method.................................................................................................................................... 27
Using the Diagnosis Program for Use of API-AIO(WDM)........................................................... 28
Using the Diagnosis Program for Use of API-AIO(98/PC).............................................................. 30
Setup Troubleshooting.............................................................................................................................. 33
Symptoms and Actions...................................................................................................................... 33
If your problem cannot be resolved.................................................................................................. 33
3. EXTERNAL CONNECTION 35
How to connect the connectors................................................................................................................ 35
Connector shape................................................................................................................................. 35
Connector Pin Assignment................................................................................................................ 36
Connecting the Analog Output Signal..................................................................................................... 39
Connecting the Control Signal................................................................................................................. 40
4. FUNCTIONS 41
Analog Output Function........................................................................................................................... 41
Simple Analog Output....................................................................................................................... 41
High-functional analog output.......................................................................................................... 44
Starting/Stopping Operation ............................................................................................................. 47
Monitoring the Status........................................................................................................................ 48
Reset.................................................................................................................................................... 49
5. ABOUT SOFTWARE 51
CD-ROM Directory Structure.................................................................................................................. 51
About Software for Windows .................................................................................................................. 52
When using the API-AIO(WDM)............................................................................................................ 53
Accessing the Help File..................................................................................................................... 53
Using Sample Programs.................................................................................................................... 54
When using the API-AIO(98/PC)............................................................................................................ 56
Accessing the Help File..................................................................................................................... 56
Using Sample Programs.................................................................................................................... 57
Using the Utility Program................................................................................................................. 59
Uninstalling the Driver Libraries............................................................................................................. 61
About Software for Linux ........................................................................................................................ 63

DA12-16(PCI), DA12-8(PCI), DA12-4(PCI) v
Driver Software Install Procedure....................................................................................................63
Accessing the Help File.....................................................................................................................64
Using Sample Programs.................................................................................................................... 64
Uninstalling the driver....................................................................................................................... 64
6. ABOUT HARDWARE 65
For detailed technical information...........................................................................................................65
Hardware specification .............................................................................................................................66
Block Diagram........................................................................................................................................... 67
Timing for Control Signal ........................................................................................................................68
Timing for External Sampling Clock Input Signal and “Settling Busy Output”..........................68
Timing for External Trigger Input Signal........................................................................................ 68
About Calibration...................................................................................................................................... 69
Different in the specification....................................................................................................................69

vi DA12-16(PCI), DA12-8(PCI), DA12-4(PCI)

1. Before Using the Product
DA12-16(PCI), DA12-8(PCI), DA12-4(PCI) 1
1. Before Using the Product
About the Board
These boards are PCI bus-compliant interface boards that performs digital-to-analog conversion.
The < DA12-16(PCI) > performs D-A conversion using 16 output channels at a conversion speed of
10 µsec [100KSPS] and a resolution of 12bit.
The < DA12-8(PCI) > performs D-A conversion using 8 output channels at a conversion speed of
10 µsec [100KSPS] and a resolution of 12bit.
The < DA12-4(PCI) > performs D-A conversion using 4 output channels at a conversion speed of
10 µsec [100KSPS] and a resolution of 12bit.
Using the bundled driver library [API-PAC(W32)], 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++.
Features
Support for unipolar and bipolar output ranges
An output range can be set for each channel by software.
Two output modes selectable
The board offers a choice of two output modes selectable. One updates only the output voltage of a
specified channel and the other updates the output voltages of all channels.
Capable of updating the output voltage using a sampling clock
The board can update the output voltage periodically using the internal sampling clock or in
synchronization with external events using an external sampling clock.
Safety design to adjust output voltage to 0V when power supply is turned on
To prevent the unstable voltage and the connected device of D/A converter from fault and malfunctions
when the power supply is turned on, the circuit is designed to adjusts output voltage of the analog output
to 0V.
Optional units
Using optional units facilitates connections.
For more details on the option, please refer to this chapter “Cable & Connector” or
“Accessories (Option)”.

1. Before Using the Product
2DA12-16(PCI), DA12-8(PCI), DA12-4(PCI)
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)/API-AIO(98/PC)
[Stored on the bundled CD-ROM driver library API-PAC(W32)]
These drivers are 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.
Linux version of analog I/O driver API-AIO(LNX)
[Stored on the bundled CD-ROM driver library API-PAC(W32)]
The API-AIO(LNX) is the Linux version driver software which provides device drivers (modules) by shared library
and kernel version. Various sample programs of gcc are provided.
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 NationalInstruments 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
DA12-16(PCI), DA12-8(PCI), DA12-4(PCI) 3
Cable & Connector (Option)
Flat Cable with 37-Pin D-SUB Connector at One End : PCA37P-1.5 (1.5m)
Shield Cable with 37-Pin D-SUB Connector at One End : PCA37PS-0.5P (0.5m)
: PCA37PS-1.5P (1.5m)
Flat Cable with 37-Pin D-SUB Connectors at either Ends : PCB37P-1.5 (1.5m)
Shielded Cable with 37-pin D-SUB connectors at either ends: PCB37PS-0.5P (0.5m)
: PCB37PS-1.5P (1.5m)
Coaxial Cable for Single-ended Inputs (16 channels) : PCC16PS-1.5 (1.5m)
: PCC16PS-3 (3m)
37-pin D-SUB (Male) Connector Set (5 Pieces) : CN5-D37M
Accessories (Option)
General Purpose Terminal (M3 x 37P) : DTP-3C *1
Screw Terminal (M2.5 x 37P) : DTP-4C *1
Screw Terminal Unit (M3 x 37P) : EPD-37A *1 *2
Screw Terminal Unit (M3.5 x 37P) : EPD-37 *1
*1 PCB37P-* or PCB37PS-* optional cable is required separately.
*2 "Spring-up" type terminal is used to prevent terminal screws from falling off.
* Check the CONTEC’s Web site for more information on these options.

1. Before Using the Product
4DA12-16(PCI), DA12-8(PCI), DA12-4(PCI)
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 Three-Years Warranty
CONTEC products are warranted by CONTEC CO., LTD. to be free from defects in material and
workmanship for up to three years 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
DA12-16(PCI), DA12-8(PCI), DA12-4(PCI) 5
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.
DANGER
WARNING
CAUTION

1. Before Using the Product
6DA12-16(PCI), DA12-8(PCI), DA12-4(PCI)
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.
- There are switches and jumpers on this product that need to be set in advance.
Be sure to check these before installing to the expansion slot.
- Only set the switches and jumpers on this product to the specified settings.
Otherwise, this product may malfunction, overheat, or cause a failure.
- 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 terminals (edge connector) with your hands.
Otherwise, this product may malfunction, overheat, or cause a failure.
If the terminals are touched by someone's hands, clean the terminals with industrial alcohol.
- Do not install this product to the expansion slot and do not plug or unplug the cables which are
connected to this product while the PC or expansion unit is still turned on.
Otherwise, this product may malfunction, overheat, or cause a failure.
Be sure that the personal computer power is turned off.
- Make sure that your PC or expansion unit can supply ample power to all the product installed.
Insufficiently energized products could malfunction, overheat, or cause a failure.
- The specifications of this product are subject to change without notice for enhancement and quality
improvement.
Even when using the product continuously, be sure to read the user’s guide and understand the
contents.
- Do not modify the 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.
- If you use this product in a noisy environment, attach ferrite cores to the I/O cable to stabilize the
operation.
- Regarding “CE EMC Directive Notice”.
Please connect the Interface Connector with a shielded cable to meet the mentioned standard above.
DANGER
CAUTION

1. Before Using the Product
DA12-16(PCI), DA12-8(PCI), DA12-4(PCI) 7
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 the product in the storage bag.
(2) Wrap it in the packing material, 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.
- The gold-plated leads of the bus connector
have no stain or corrosion.
- Check that the board has
no dust or foreign matter adhering.
- Check that the bus connector
of the board and its cable have
been plugged correctly.

1. Before Using the Product
8DA12-16(PCI), DA12-8(PCI), DA12-4(PCI)

2. Setup
DA12-16(PCI), DA12-8(PCI), DA12-4(PCI) 9
2. Setup
This chapter explains how to set up the board.
What is Setup?
Setup means a series of steps to take before the product can be used.
Different steps are required for software and hardware.
The setup procedure varies with the OS and software used.
Using the Board under Windows
Using the Driver Library API-PAC(W32)
This section describes the setup procedure to be performed before you can start developing application
programs for the board using the bundled CD-ROM “Driver Library API-PAC(W32)”.
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 Installing the Software
Step 2 Setting the Hardware
Step 3 Installing the Hardware
Step 4 Initializing the Software
Step 5 Checking Operations with the Diagnosis Program
If Setup fails to be performed normally, see the “Setup Troubleshooting” section at the end of this
chapter.
Using the Board under Windows
Using Software Other than the Driver Library
API-PAC(W32)
For setting up software other than API-PAC(W32), refer to the user’s guide for that software. See also
the following parts of this user’s guide as required.
This chapter Step 2 Setting the Hardware
This chapter Step 3 Installing the Hardware
Chapter 3 External Connection
Chapter 6 About Hardware

2. Setup
10 DA12-16(PCI), DA12-8(PCI), DA12-4(PCI)
Using the Board under an OS Other than Windows
For using the board under an OS other than Windows, see the following parts of this user’s guide.
This chapter Step 2 Setting the Hardware
Chapter 3 External Connection
Chapter 6 About Hardware

2. Setup
DA12-16(PCI), DA12-8(PCI), DA12-4(PCI) 11
Step 1 Installing the Software
This section describes how to install the Driver libraries.
Before installing the hardware on your PC, install the Driver libraries from the bundled
API-PAC(W32) CD-ROM.
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.
About the driver to be used
Two Analog I/O drivers are available : API-AIO(WDM) and API-AIO(98/PC).
API-AIO(WDM) is a new driver to perform analog I/O under Windows.
API-AIO(WDM) was developed to improve the conventional product version of API-AIO(98/PC) in the
ease of use and functionality.
It is advisable to use API-AIO(WDM) for you to use an analog I/O device. API-AIO(WDM) will
support new OS and devices in the future but will not support Windows NT 4.0, Windows 95, ISA bus.
Use API-AIO(98/PC) if your operating environment contains such an unsupported piece of software or
hardware.
Check the following selection guide to easily select the driver to be used.
OS to be used
Device type
PCI bus, PC Card
Language to be used
API-AIO(WDM) API-AIO(98/PC)
Yes
No
ISA Bus
Use the analog board for
the first time?
The existing system
upgrade using
API-AIO(98/PC)?
Already used.
Yes
Windows 7
Windows Vista
Windows XP/Windows 2000
Windows Me/98
Windows 95
Windows NT 4.0
VC4, VC2, VB4
VC6.5, VB6.5,
Delphi, C++Builder

2. Setup
12 DA12-16(PCI), DA12-8(PCI), DA12-4(PCI)
Starting the Install Program
(1) Load the CD-ROM [API-PAC(W32)] on your PC.
(2) The API-PAC(W32) Installer window appears automatically.
If the panel does not appear, run (CD-ROM drive letter):\AUTORUN.exe.
(3) Click on the [Install Development or Execution Environment] button.
* When using the Windows Vista, driver is automatically installed.
Before installing the software in Windows 7, Vista, XP, Server 2003, 2000, log in as a user with
administrator privileges.
CAUTION

2. Setup
DA12-16(PCI), DA12-8(PCI), DA12-4(PCI) 13
When Using API-AIO(WDM)
Selecting API-AIO(WDM)
(1) The following dialog box appears to select “Driver to install” and “Install option”, “Usage of
driver library”.
(2) Select the "Advanced Analog I/O driver".
(3) Click on the [Install] button.
* Clicking the [API-AIO] button under the “Detail” displays detailed information about API-
AIO(WDM) and API-AIO(98/PC).
Run the installation
(1) Complete the installation by following the instructions on the screen.
(2) The Readme file appears whenthe installation is complete.