Contec AI-1216B-RB1-PCI User manual

PC-HELPER
Unisolated Analog Input Board
for PCI
AI-1216B-RB1-PCI
AI-1216B-RU1-PCI
User’s Guide
CONTEC CO.,LTD.

AI-1216B-RB1-PCI, AI-1216B-RU1-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) …1
[AI-1216B-RB1-PCI or AI-1216B-RU1-PCI]
- First step guide … 1
- CD-ROM *1 [API-PAC(W32)] …1
*1 The CD-ROM contains the driver software and User’s Guide (this guide)
CD-ROM
[API-PAC(W32)]
Board First step guide

ii AI-1216B-RB1-PCI, AI-1216B-RU1-PCI
Copyright
Copyright 2007 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 MS-DOS are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Other brand and
product names are trademarks of their respective holder.

AI-1216B-RB1-PCI, AI-1216B-RU1-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 Product............................................................................................................................... 1
Features........................................................................................................................................ 1
Support Software ......................................................................................................................... 2
Cable & Connector (Option) ...................................................................................................... 2
Accessories (Option) .................................................................................................................. 2
Customer Support ............................................................................................................................... 3
Web Site....................................................................................................................................... 3
Limited Three-Years Warranty .......................................................................................................... 3
How to Obtain Service ....................................................................................................................... 3
Liability............................................................................................................................................... 3
Safety Precautions .............................................................................................................................. 4
Safety Information....................................................................................................................... 4
Handling Precautions................................................................................................................... 5
Environment................................................................................................................................. 6
Inspection..................................................................................................................................... 6
Storage ......................................................................................................................................... 6
Disposal ....................................................................................................................................... 6
2. SETUP 7
What is Setup?.................................................................................................................................... 7
Using the Board under Windows Using the Driver Library API-PAC(W32)............................ 7
Using the Board under Windows Using Software Other than the Driver Library API-
PAC(W32) ................................................................................................................................... 7
Using the Board under an OS Other than Windows ................................................................... 8
Step 1 Installing the Software ............................................................................................................ 9
Which Driver to Use.................................................................................................................... 9
Starting the Install Program....................................................................................................... 10
When Using the API-AIO(WDM)................................................................................................. 11
Step 2 Setting the Hardware............................................................................................................. 12
Parts of the Board and Factory Defaults ................................................................................... 12
Setting the Board ID.................................................................................................................. 13
Plugging the Board .................................................................................................................... 14
Step 3 Installing the Hardware......................................................................................................... 15
Turning on the PC...................................................................................................................... 15

iv AI-1216B-RB1-PCI, AI-1216B-RU1-PCI
Using the API-AIO(WDM)......................................................................................................... 15
Step4 Initializing the Software .........................................................................................................17
When Using the API-AIO(WDM).............................................................................................17
Step 5 Checking Operations with the Diagnosis Program ...............................................................19
What is the Diagnosis Program?................................................................................................ 19
Check Method............................................................................................................................ 19
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 Input Signal Connection ......................................................................................................27
Single-ended Input..................................................................................................................... 27
Digital I/O signals Connection .........................................................................................................28
4. FUNCTIONS 29
Analog Input Function......................................................................................................................29
Digital Input Function....................................................................................................................... 31
Digital Output Function....................................................................................................................32
5. ABOUT SOFTWARE 33
CD-ROM Directory Structure .......................................................................................................... 33
About Software for Windows........................................................................................................... 34
When using the API-AIO(WDM).....................................................................................................34
Accessing the Help File.............................................................................................................34
Using Sample Programs............................................................................................................. 35
Uninstalling the Driver Libraries...............................................................................................37
6. ABOUT HARDWARE 39
For detailed technical information....................................................................................................39
Hardware specification..................................................................................................................... 40
Block Diagram..................................................................................................................................42

1. Before Using the Product
AI-1216B-RB1-PCI, AI-1216B-RU1-PCI 1
1. Before Using the Product
About the Product
This product is a non-isolated, PCI-bus-compatible analog input board with a limited input range of
bipolar ±10V(AI-1216B-RB1-PCI) or unipolar 0-10V (AI-1216B-RU1-PCI). With a sole focus on the
basic analog input function, the product offers high cost-effectiveness.
AI-1216B-RB1-PCI has an input range of bipolar ±10V, 12-bit resolution, 16 channels of single-end
input as well as analog input at a conversion speed of 20µsec/ch. In addition, it comes with digital
input/output (non-isolated TTL level: 8 each).
AI-1216B-RU1-PCI has an input range of unipolar 0-10V, 12-bit resolution, 16 channels of single-end
input as well as analog input at a conversion speed of 20µsec/ch. In addition, it comes with digital
input/output (non-isolated TTL level: 8 each).
Using the bundled API function library package [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
-Equipped with analog inputs in a range of ±10V or 0-10V, 12-bit single-end input x 16ch,
conversion speed: 20µsec/ch
AI-1216B-RB1-PCI is a non-isolated analog input board equipped with functions such as bipolar
±10V, 12-bit resolution, single-end input x 16ch and a conversion speed of 20µsec/ch.
AI-1216B-RU1-PCI is a non-isolated analog input board equipped with functions such as unipolar
0-10V, 12-bit resolution, single-end input x 16ch and a conversion speed of 20µsec/ch.
-Unisolated TTL level digital input / output 8ch for each
-Windows compatible driver libraries are attached.
Using the attached driver library API-PAC(W32) makes it possible to create applications of Windows.
In addition, a diagnostic program by which the operations of hardware can be checked is provided.
-A/D conversion enabled for a specified channel or multiple channels by software command
Setting a channel by software enables analog input for the specified channel or multiple channels
(consecutive channels starting from channel 0). A/D conversion is performed for each software
command.

1. Before Using the Product
2AI-1216B-RB1-PCI, AI-1216B-RU1-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)
[Stored on the bundled CD-ROM driver library API-PAC(W32)]
The API-AIO(WDM) is the Windows version driver library software that provides products in the form of Win32 API
functions (DLL). Various sample programms such as Visual Basic and Visual C++, etc and diagnostic program useful
for checking operation is provided.
< Operating environment >
OS Windows Vista, XP, 2000
Adaptation language Visual C++ .NET, Visual C# .NET, Visual Basic .NET, Visual C++, Visual Basic, Delphi,
C++Builder, etc..
You can download the updated version from the CONTEC’s Web site (http://www.contec.com/apipac/). For more
details on the supported OS, applicable language and new information, please visit the CONTEC’s Web site.
Cable & Connector (Option)
Flat Cable with Two 37-pin D- SUB Connectors : PCB37P-1.5 (1.5m)
Shielded Cable with Two 37-pin D- SUB Connectors : PCB37PS-0.5P (0.5m)
: PCB37PS-1.5P (1.5m)
Flat Cable with One 37-pin D- SUB Connector : PCA37P-1.5 (1.5m)
Shielded Cable with One 37-pin D- SUB Connector : PCA37PS-0.5P (0.5m)
: PCA37PS-1.5P (1.5m)
D-SUB37P Male Connector Set (5pieses) : CN5-D37M
Accessories (Option)
Screw Terminal (M3 x 37P) : EPD-37A *1*2
Screw Terminal (M3.5 x 37P) : EPD-37 *1
General Purpose Terminal : DTP-3A *1
Screw Terminal : DTP-4A *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
AI-1216B-RB1-PCI, AI-1216B-RU1-PCI 3
Customer Support
CONTEC provides the following support services for you to use CONTEC products more efficiently and
comfortably.
Web Site
Japanese http://www.contec.co.jp/
English http://www.contec.com/
Chinese http://www.contec.com.cn/
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 boards. 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
4AI-1216B-RB1-PCI, AI-1216B-RU1-PCI
Safety Precautions
Understand the following definitions and precautions to use the product safely.
Safety Information
This documentprovides safety information using the following symbols to prevent accidents resulting in
injury or death and the destruction of equipment and resources. Understand the meanings of these labels
to operate the equipment safely.
DANGER DANGER indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury.
WARNING WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could
result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may
result in minor or moderate injury or in property damage.

1. Before Using the Product
AI-1216B-RB1-PCI, AI-1216B-RU1-PCI 5
Handling Precautions
DANGER
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.
CAUTION
- There are switches and jumpers on this product that need to be set in advance.
Be sure to check these before installing this product.
- 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 plug or unplug the cables which are connected to this productwhile the PC or expansionunit
is still turned on.
Otherwise, this product may malfunction, overheat, or cause a failure.
Be sure that the personal computer power is turned off.
- Do not install or remove this product to or from the expansion slot while the computer's power or
expansion unit is 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 products 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 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.

1. Before Using the Product
6AI-1216B-RB1-PCI, AI-1216B-RU1-PCI
Environment
Use this product in the following environment. If used in an unauthorized environment, the board 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.
- 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.
- The gold-plated leads of the bus connector
have no stain or corrosion.
Storage
When storing this product, keep it in its original packing form.
(1) Put the board 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.

2. Setup
AI-1216B-RB1-PCI, AI-1216B-RU1-PCI 7
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 applications 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 manual for that software. See also the
following parts of this manual 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
8AI-1216B-RB1-PCI, AI-1216B-RU1-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 manual.
This chapter Step 2 Setting the Hardware
Chapter 3 External Connection
Chapter 6 About Hardware

2. Setup
AI-1216B-RB1-PCI, AI-1216B-RU1-PCI 9
Step 1 Installing the Software
This section describes how to install the Driver libraries.
Before installing the hardware on the PC, install the driver library from the API-PAC(W32)
CD-ROM provided with the board.
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.
Which Driver to Use
CONTEC has two analog I/O drivers: API-AIO(WDM) and API-AIO(98/PC).
API-AIO(WDM) is a new driver for analog I/O under Windows.
This driver was developed to be easier to use and to provide additional functions above those provided
by the previous API-AIO(98/PC) driver.
Please use the API-AIO(WDM) with this board. API-AIO(98/PC) is not supported.

2. Setup
10 AI-1216B-RB1-PCI, AI-1216B-RU1-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.
CAUTION
Before installing the software in Windows Vista, XP and 2000, log in as a user with administrator
privileges.

2. Setup
AI-1216B-RB1-PCI, AI-1216B-RU1-PCI 11
When Using the 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 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 when the installation is complete.
You have now finished installing the software.

2. Setup
12 AI-1216B-RB1-PCI, AI-1216B-RU1-PCI
Step 2 Setting the Hardware
This section describes how to set the board and plug it on your PC.
The board has some switches and jumper to be preset.
Check the on-board switches and jumpers before plugging the board into an expansion slot.
The board can be set up even with the factory defaults untouched. You can change board settings later.
Parts of the Board and Factory Defaults
Figure 2.1. shows the names of major parts on the board.
Note that the switch setting shown below is the factory default.
CN1
SW1
BOARD ID
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
9
A
B
C
D
E
F
8
- Board ID setting switch
(SW1)
- Interface connector
(CN1)
SW1
BOARD ID
Figure 2.1. Part Names

2. Setup
AI-1216B-RB1-PCI, AI-1216B-RU1-PCI 13
Setting the Board ID
If you install two or more boards on one personal computer, assign a different ID value to each of the
boards to distinguish them.
The board IDs can be set from 0 - Fh to identify up to sixteen boards.
If only one board is used, the original factory setting (Board ID = 0) should be used.
Setting Procedure
To set the board ID, use the rotary switch on the board. Turn the SW1 knob to set the board ID as shown
below.
BOARD ID
SW1
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
9
A
B
C
D
E
F
8
(Board ID = 0)
Factory setting:
Figure 2.2. Board ID Settings (SW1)

2. Setup
14 AI-1216B-RB1-PCI, AI-1216B-RU1-PCI
Plugging the Board
(1) Before plugging the board, shut down the system, unplug the power code of your PC.
(2) Remove the cover from the PC so that the board can be mounted.
(3) Plug the board into an expansion slot.
(4) Attach the board bracket to the PC with a screw.
(5) Put the cover back into place.
Applicable PCI bus slots
PCI bus slots used in PCs have keys to prevent 5V and 3.3V PCI bus boards from being accidentally
plugged into wrong bus slots. This board can be plugged into both of the 5V and 3.3V PCI bus slots.
AB
5V key
3.3V key
<PCI bus slot> <PCI bus board>
5-V PCI bus slot
3.3-V PCI bus slot
A :
B : Slit for 5-V PCI bus slot
Slit for 3.3-V PCI bus slot
CAUTION
- Do not touch the board's metal plated terminals (edge connector) with your hands.
Otherwise, the board 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 or remove the board to or from the slot while the computer's power is turned on.
Otherwise, the board may malfunction, overheat, or cause a failure.
Doing so could cause trouble. Be sure that the personal computer or the I/O expansion unit power is
turned off.
- Make sure that your PC or expansion unit can supply ample power to all the boards installed.
Insufficiently energized boards could malfunction, overheat, or cause a failure.
- Power supply from the PCI bus slot at +5V is required.

2. Setup
AI-1216B-RB1-PCI, AI-1216B-RU1-PCI 15
Step 3 Installing the Hardware
Windows needs to detect the I/O address and interrupt used by the board. This is called hardware
installation.
When using more than one board, install the boards one at a time and do not install the next board until
setup is complete for the previous board.
Turning on the PC
Turn on the power to your PC.
CAUTION
- The board cannot be properly installed unless the resources (I/O addresses and interrupt level) for
the board can be allocated. Before attempting to install the board, first determine what PC resources
are free to use.
- The resources used byeach board do not depend on the location of the PCI bus slot or the board itself.
If you remove two or more boards that have already been installed and then remount one of them on
the computer, it is unknown that which one of the sets of resources previously assigned to the two
boards is assigned to the remounted board. In this case, you must check the resource settings.
Using the API-AIO(WDM)
(1) The “Found New Hardware Wizard” will be started.
Select “Install from a list or specific location[Advanced]”, then click on the [Next] button.