Contec N Series User manual

Ver.1.20
AIO-120802LN-USB 1
N Series for USB
Multifunction DAQ Unit (8ch AI, 2ch AO, 16ch DIO)
AIO-120802LN-USB
*Specifications, color and design of the products are subject to change
without notice.
This product is a USB2.0-compliant analog I/O unit that extends the
analog I/O function of USB port of PCs.
Compact design not restricting installation location (188.0(W) x 78.0(D) ×
30.5(H)) makes it easy to install the product within the panel or device
using DIN rail mounting jigs, or on the floor or wall.
Windows driver library is supplied. Possible to be used as a data
recording device for LabVIEW, with dedicated libraries.
* The contents in this document are subject to change without notice.
* Visit the CONTEC website to check the latest details in the document.
* The information in the data sheets is as of Janey 2019.
Features
Multi-function
Analog I/O can be implemented in a compact system. The series consists
of two different models from which you can select the best model to suit
your application.
This product contains the analog input (12bit, 8ch), analog output (12bit,
2ch). All two models include bi-directional digital inputs / outputs
(16points, TTL level) and a counter (32bit 1ch, TTL level). You can select
the input/output by the application software in eight signals units.
Analog I/O can be synchronized with an internal timer or external
clock.
Analog I/O can both be performed at fixed time intervals and
synchronized with an external signal.
Digital filter function to prevent wrong recognition of external signal
chattering is provided.
This product has analog input / output control signal, digital input signal
and digital filter function to prevent it from chattering in counter input
signal. (Excluding external clock input signal, counter gate signal)
Buffer memory available for background processing independent of
software
The boards include buffer memory (1K Word each for analog input and
output) which can be used in either FIFO or ring format. This allows
analog I/O to be performed independently of the operating state of the
PC or software.
Software-based calibration function
Calibration of analog input/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.
Compact design not restricting installation location (188.0(W) x 78.0(D)
x 30.5(H))
Compact design of 188.0(W) × 78.0(D) × 30.5(H) does not require special
installation location.
Compatible to USB1.1/USB2.0
Compatible to USB1.1/USB2.0 and capable to achieve high speed
transfer at HighSpeed (480 Mbps).
Diverse installations such as screw fastening, magnet, DIN rail are
possible
Installation on the floor / wall /ceiling is possible by screw fastening,
magnet, rubber feet, etc. In addition, DIN rail mounting mechanism is
equipped as standard with the product, making it easy to install the
product within the panel or the device.
Easy-to-wire terminal connector adopted
Adoption of terminal connector (with screws) enables to achieve easy
wiring.
Windows compatible driver libraries are attached.
Using the attached analog I/O driver API-USBP(WDM) makes it possible
to create applications of Windows. In addition, a diagnostic program by
which the operations of hardware can be checked is provided.
Supported to the data logger software [C-LOGGER] (Analog input
only)
Supporting the data logger software [C-LOGGER] that enables the graph
display of recorded signal data, file saving, and dynamic transfer to the
spreadsheet software program “Excel”.
Plug-ins for the dedicated libraries, the board 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.
These dedicated libraries are available, free of charge (downloadable), on
our web site.
Interface Connector
Unit (AIO-120802LN-USB) …1
USB cable (1.8m) …1
USB cable attachment on the main unit’s side …1
First step guide … 1
I/O connector…5
Rubber feet …4
Magnet …2
CD-ROM *1 [API-USBP(WDM)] …1
Warranty Certificate…1
Serial number label …1
*1 The CD-ROM contains the driver software and User’s Guide.
PLUG-IN Electronic GmbH • Am Sonnenlicht 5 • 82239 Alling • Tel.: [phone] • [email protected] • www.plug-in.de

Ver.1.20
AIO-120802LN-USB 2
Specifications
Function specifications
Item
Specification
Analog input
Isolated specification
Un-Isolated
Input type
Single-Ended Input or Differential Input
Number of input channels
8channels (Single-Ended Input) 4channels (Differential Input)
Input range
Bipolar ±10 V, ±5V, ±2.5V or Unipolar 0 - +10V
Absolute max. input voltage
±15V
Input impedance
1MΩor more
Resolution
12bit
Non-Linearity error *1
±20LSB
Conversion speed
5µsec/ch (Max.) *2 [200KSPS]*3
Buffer memory
1K data FIFO or 1K data RING
Conversion start trigger
Software / external trigger
Conversion stop trigger
Number of sampling times / external trigger/software
External start signal
TTL level (Rising or falling edge can be selected by software)
External stop signal
TTL level (Rising or falling edge can be selected by software)
External clock signal
TTL level (Rising or falling edge can be selected by software)
Analog output
Isolated specification
Un-Isolated
Number of output channels
2ch
Output range
Bipolar ±10 V, ±5V or Unipolar 0 - +10V, 0 - +5V
Output current ability
±3mA
Output impedance
1Ωor less
Resolution
12bit
Non-Linearity error *1
±20LSB
Conversion speed
12µsec (Max.) [83KSPS]*3
Buffer memory
1K data FIFO or 1K data RING
Conversion start trigger
Software / external trigger
Conversion stop trigger
Number of sampling times / external trigger/software
External start signal
TTL level (Rising or falling edge can be selected by software)
External stop signal
TTL level (Rising or falling edge can be selected by software)
External clock signal
TTL level (Rising or falling edge can be selected by software)
Digital I/O
Number of I/O Channels
16-bit input lines, 8-bit input/output lines, 16-bit output lines
(programmable)
I/O signal level
TTL level (positive logic)
Counter
Number of channels
1channels
Counting system
Up count
Max. count FFFFFFFFh (Binary data, 32bit)
Number of external inputs
TTL level : 2 (Gate/Up)ch, Gate (High level), Up (Rising edge)
Number of external outputs
TTL level : 1ch, Count match output (positive logic, pulse output)
Frequency response
5MHz (Max.)
USB
Bus specification
USB Specification 2.0/1.1 standard
USB transfer rate
12Mbps (Full-speed), 480Mbps (High-speed) *4
Power supply
Bus power
Common section
Connector
10 pin (screw-terminal) plug header x5
Number of terminals used at the
same time
127 terminals (Max.) *5
Power consumption (Max.) 5VDC 450mA
Operating condition *6
0 - 50
°
C, 10 - 90%RH (No condensation)
Physical dimensions (mm)
180(L) x 140(D) x 34(H) (No protrusions)
Weight
300g
Attached cable length
USB Cable 1.8m
*1: A linearity error approximately 0.1% of full-range may occur when operated at 0ºC or 50ºC ambient
temperature.
*2: The required time is indicated in the analog to digital translation of one channel. When AD of two or more
channels is converted, time of the a few minutes of the channel is necessary.
Conversion time = Number of conversion channelsx2µsec
*3: SPS = Samplings Per Second. The number of data that can be converted in one second is shown.
*4 : The USB transfer speed depends on the host PC environment used (OS and USB host controller).
*5 : As a USB hub is also counted as one device, you cannot just connect 127 USB terminals.
*6 : To suppress the heating, ensure that there are spaces for ventilation (about 5cm) around this product.
Physical Dimensions
Support Software
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 *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 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 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.
Block Diagram
PLUG-IN Electronic GmbH • Am Sonnenlicht 5 • 82239 Alling • Tel.: [phone] • [email protected] • www.plug-in.de

Ver.1.20
AIO-120802LN-USB 3
Connection Method
Connecting an Interface Connector
When connecting the unit to an external device, you can use the supplied
connector plug. When wiring the unit, strip off approximately 7 mm of
the covering for the cable, and insert the bare wire by pressing the
orange button on the connector plug. Releasing the orange button after
the wire is inserted fixes the cable. Compatible wires are AWG 28 - 16.
Removing the connector plug by grasping the cable can break the wire.
Signal Layout
The unit can be connected to an external device using 10-pin connectors
that is provided on the unit face.
Single-Ended Input
Signal
name Meaning
Signal
name Meaning
Signal
name Meaning
AI00 Analog Input 00 DGND DigitalGround DIO00 Digital Input/Output 00
AI01 Analog Input 01 AOSTA
AO External Start
Trigger Input DIO01 Digital Input/Output 01
AI02 Analog Input 02 AOSTP
AO External Stop
Trigger Input DIO02 Digital Input/Output 02
AI03 Analog Input 03 AOCLK AO External Sampling
Clock Input DIO03 Digital Input/Output 03
AGND Analog Ground
(forAI) DGND DigitalGround DGND Digital Ground
AI04 Analog Input 04 CNT O Counter Output DIO04 Digital Input/Output 04
AI05 Analog Input 05 CNT G
Counter Gate
Control Input DIO05 Digital Input/Output 05
AI06 Analog Input 06 RES Reserved DIO06 Digital Input/Output 06
AI07 Analog Input 07 CNT C Counter Up
Clock Input DIO07 Digital Input/Output 07
AGND
Analog Ground
(forAI) DGND DigitalGround DGND DigitalGround
AO00 Analog Output 00 DIO08 Digital Input/Output 08
AGND Analog Ground
(for AO) DIO09 Digital Input/Output 09
AO01 Analog Output 01 DIO10 Digital Input/Output 10
AGND
Analog Ground
(for AO) DIO11 Digital Input/Output 11
N.C. N.C. DGND DigitalGround
DGND Digital Ground DIO12 Digital Input/Output 12
AISTA AI External Start
Trigger Input DIO13 Digital Input/Output 13
AISTP
AI External Stop
Trigger Input DIO14 Digital Input/Output 14
AICLK
AI External Sampling
Clock Input DIO15 Digital Input/Output 15
DGND DigitalGround DGND DigitalGround
Analog Input 00 –Analog Input 07 Analog input signal. The numbers correspond to channel numbers.
Analog Ground (for AI) Common analog ground for analog input signals.
Analog Output 00 –Analog Output 01 Analog output signal. The numbers correspond to channel numbers.
Analog Ground (for AO) Common analog ground for analog output signals.
AI External Start Trigger Input External trigger input for starting analog input sampling.
AI External Stop Trigger Input External trigger input for stopping analog input sampling.
AI External Sampling Clock Input External sampling clock input for analog input.
AO External Start Trigger Input External trigger input for starting analog output sampling.
AO External Stop Trigger Input External trigger inputfor stopping analog output sampling.
AO External Sampling Clock Input External sampling clock input for analog output.
DigitalInput / Output 00 –Digital Input / Output 15 Digital input / Output signal.
Digital Output00 -Digital Output 03 Digital output signal.
Counter Gate Control Input Gate control input signal for counter.
Counter Up Clock Input Count-up clock input signal for counter.
Counter Output Count match output signal for counter.
Digital Ground
Common digital ground for digital I/O signals, external trigger inputs,
external sampling clock inputs, and counter I/O signals.
Reserved Reserved pin.
N.C. No connection to this pin.
Differential Input
Signal
name Meaning
Signal
name Meaning
Signal
name Meaning
AI00 Analog Input 00 [+] DGND DigitalGround DIO00 Digital Input/Output 00
AI01 Analog Input 00 [
- ] AOSTA
AO External Start
Trigger Input
DIO01 Digital Input/Output 01
AI02 Analog Input 01 [+] AOSTP
AO External Stop
Trigger Input
DIO02 Digital Input/Output 02
AI03 Analog Input 01 [
- ] AOCLK AO External Sampling
Clock Input
DIO03 Digital Input/Output 03
AGND
Analog Ground
(forAI)
DGND DigitalGround DGND Digital Ground
AI04 Analog Input 02 [+] CNT O Counter Output DIO04 Digital Input/Output 04
AI05 Analog Input 02 [
- ] CNT G
Counter Gate
Control Input
DIO05 Digital Input/Output 05
AI06 Analog Input 03 [+] RES Reserved DIO06 Digital Input/Output 06
AI07 Analog Input 03 [
- ] CNT C
Counter Up
Clock Input
DIO07 Digital Input/Output 07
AGND
Analog Ground
(forAI)
DGND DigitalGround DGND DigitalGround
AO00 Analog Output 00 DIO08 Digital Input/Output 08
AGND
Analog Ground
(for AO)
DIO09 Digital Input/Output 09
AO01 Analog Output 01 DIO10 Digital Input/Output 10
AGND
Analog Ground
(for AO)
DIO11 Digital Input/Output 11
N.C. N.C. DGND DigitalGround
DGND Digital Ground DIO12 Digital Input/Output 12
AISTA
AI External Start
Trigger Input
DIO13 Digital Input/Output 13
AISTP
AI External Stop
Trigger Input
DIO14 Digital Input/Output 14
AICLK AI External Sampling
Clock Input
DIO15 Digital Input/Output 15
DGND DigitalGround DGND DigitalGround
CAUTION
PLUG-IN Electronic GmbH • Am Sonnenlicht 5 • 82239 Alling • Tel.: [phone] • [email protected] • www.plug-in.de

Ver.1.20
AIO-120802LN-USB 4
Analog Input 00 –Analog Input 03 Analog input signal. The numbers correspond to channel numbers.
Analog Ground (for AI) Common analog ground for analog input signals.
Analog Output 00 –Analog Output 01 Analog output signal. The numbers correspond to channel numbers.
Analog Ground (for AO) Common analog ground for analog output signals.
AI External Start Trigger Input External trigger input for starting analog input sampling.
AI External Stop Trigger Input External trigger input for stopping analog input sampling.
AI External Sampling Clock Input External sampling clock input for analog input.
AO External Start Trigger Input External trigger input for starting analog output sampling.
AO External Stop Trigger Input External trigger inputfor stopping analog output sampling.
AO External Sampling Clock Input External sampling clock input for analog output.
Digital Input / Output 00 –Digital Input / Output 15 Digital input / Output signal.
Digital Output00 -Digital Output 03 Digital output signal.
Counter Gate Control Input Gate control input signal for counter.
Counter Up Clock Input Count-up clock input signal for counter.
Counter Output Count match output signal for counter.
Digital Ground
Common digital ground for digital I/O signals, external trigger inputs,
external sampling clock inputs, and counter I/O signals.
Reserved Reserved pin.
N.C. No connection to this pin.
Analog Input Signal Connection
The procedure for connecting analog signals depends on whether the
analog input signals are single-ended or differential. The sections below
describe how to connect the signals using flat cable and shielded cable.
Single-ended Input
The following figure shows an example of flat cable connection. Connect
separate signal and ground wires for each analog input channel on
interface connector.
The following figure shows an example of shield cable connection. Use
shielded cable if the distance between the signal source and unit is long
or if you want to provide better protection from noise. For each analog
input channel on interface connector, connect the core wire to the signal
line and connect the shielding to ground.
- If the signal source contains over 500 kHz signals, the signal may affect the cross-talk noise between channels.
- If the unit and the signal source receive noise or the distance between the unit and the signal source is too
long, data may not be input properly.
- An input analog signal should not exceed the maximum input voltage (relate to the product analog ground). If
it exceeds the maximum voltage, the unit may be damaged.
- Connect all the unused analog input channels to analog ground.
- In the channel switching, the multiplexer does the electrical charge and discharge on the internal capacitor
according to the signal voltage. Therefore, the voltage from the previous switching state may go into the next
channel. It might cause the error of the signal source action. If this occurs, insert a high-speed amplifier as a
buffer between the signal source and the analog input pin to reduce the fluctuation.
- An input pin may fail to obtain input data normally when the signal source connected to the pin has high
impedance. If this is the case, change the signal source to one with lower output impedance or insert a high-
speed amplifier buffer between the signal source and the analog input pin to reduce the effect.
Differential Input
The following figure shows an example of flat cable connection.
For each analog input channel on interface connector, connect the "+"
input to the signal and connect the "-" input to the signal source ground.
Also connect the analog ground on the unit to the signal source ground.
The following figure shows an example of shielded cable connection. Use
shielded cable if the distance between the signal source and unit is long
or if you want to provide better protection from noise. For each analog
input channel on interface connector, connect the "+" input to the signal
and connect the "-" input to the signal source ground. Also connect the
analog ground on the unit and the signal source ground to the shielding.
- If the signal source contains over 500 kHz signals, the signal may affect the cross-talk noise between channels.
- When the analog ground is not connected, the conversion data is not determined.
- If the unit and the signal source receive noise or the distance between the unit and the signal source is too
long, data may not be input properly.
- An input analog signal should not exceed the maximum input voltage (relate to the unit analog ground). If it
exceeds the maximum voltage, the unit may be damaged.
- Connect all the unused analog input channels to analog ground.
- In the channel switching, the multiplexer does the electrical charge and discharge on the internal capacitor
according to the signal voltage. Therefore, the voltage from the previous switching state may go into the next
channel. It might cause the error of the signal source action. If this occurs, insert a high-speed amplifier as a
buffer between the signal source and the analog input pin to reduce the fluctuation.
- An input pin may fail to obtain input data normally when the signal source connected to the pin has high
impedance. If this is the case, change the signal source to one with lower output impedance or insert a high-
speed amplifier buffer between the signal source and the analog input pin to reduce the effect.
Analog Output Signal Connection
This section shows how to connect the analog output signal by using a
flat cable or a shield cable. The following figure shows an example of flat
cable connection. Connect the signal source and ground to the interface
connector analog output.
The following figure shows an example of shield cable connection. Use
shield cable if the distance between the signal source and this product is
long or if you want to provide better protection from noise. For the
interface connector analog output, connect the core wire to the signal
line and connect the shielding to ground.
- If this product or the connected wire receives noise, or the distance between this product and the target is long,
data may not be outputted properly.
- For analog output signal, the current capacity is ±3mA (Max.). Check the specification of the connected device
before connecting this product.
- Do not short the analog output signal to analog ground, digital ground, and/or power line. Doing so may
damage this product.
- Do not connect an analog output signal to any other analog output, either on this product or on an external
device, as this may cause a fault on this product.
- Analog output signal outputs hundreds of micro voltages when USB cable is inserted.
CAUTION
CAUTION
CAUTION
PLUG-IN Electronic GmbH • Am Sonnenlicht 5 • 82239 Alling • Tel.: [phone] • [email protected] • www.plug-in.de

Ver.1.20
AIO-120802LN-USB 5
Connecting I/O Signals
The following sections show examples of how to connect digital I/O
signals. All the I/O signals are TTL level, and input or output can be set in
8 bit unit by software.
I/O Circuit
Example of Connection
When switch is "ON", the corresponding bit is "0". When switch is "OFF"
in contrast, the corresponding bit is "1". When "1" is output to a
relevant bit, the corresponding LED comes on. When "0" is output to the
bit, in contrast, the LED goes out.
- Take care not to short the outputs to digital ground as this may cause a fault.
Counter signals and Control signals Connection
The following sections show examples of how to connect counter I/O
signals, and other control I/O signals (external trigger input signals,
sampling clock input signals, etc.). All the counter I/O signals and control
signals are TTL level signals.
Counter input and Control input Connection
Counter Output Connection
About the counter input control signal
Counter Gate Control Input (refer to the chapter 3 Connector Pin
Assignment) acts as an input that validate or invalidate the input of an
external clock for the counter. This function enables the control of an
external clock input for the counter. The external clock for the counter is
effective when input is "High” and invalid when input is "Low". If
unconnected, it is a pull-up in this product and remains "High". Therefore
the external clock for the counter is effective when the counter gate
control input is not connected.
- Do not short the output signals to analog ground, digital ground, and/or power line. Doing so may damage
the product.
- If connected to each output, a pull-up resistor must be about 10k฀to pull up with a 5V power source.
- Each input accepts 5V TTL signals.
10kΩ
Vcc
Unit
GND GND
INPUT/OUTPUT
External circuit
74LV245
2kΩ
DIO00
Switch
DGND
DGND
LED
DIO08
Unit side
CAUTION
CAUTION
PLUG-IN Electronic GmbH • Am Sonnenlicht 5 • 82239 Alling • Tel.: [phone] • [email protected] • www.plug-in.de