Contec AO-1616L-LPE User manual

PC-HELPER
100KSPS 16-bit
Analog Output Board
for PCI Express Low Profile
16ch type
AO-1616L-LPE
8ch type
AO-1608L-LPE
User’s Guide
CONTEC CO., LTD.

AO-1616L-LPE, AO-1608L-LPE 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
[AO-1616L-LPE or AO-1608L-LPE]
- First step guide … 1
- Disk *1 [API-PAC(W32)] …1
- Standard-sized bracket…1
- Warranty Certificate…1
- Serial number label…1
*1 Driver software and User’s Guide (this guide)
[API-PAC(W32)]
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Board First step guide Disk *1
First step guide
Standard size
bracket
Warranty Certificate
Warranty Certificate
Serial No. Label

ii AO-1616L-LPE, AO-1608L-LPE
Copyright
Copyright 2008 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, Windows NT and MS-DOS are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective holder.

AO-1616L-LPE, AO-1608L-LPE 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................................................................................................................................11
Starting the Install Program.............................................................................................................. 12
Step 2 Setting the Hardware....................................................................................................................14
Replacing the Bracket.......................................................................................................................14
Parts of the Board and Factory Defaults.........................................................................................15
Setting the Board ID..........................................................................................................................15
Plugging the Board............................................................................................................................16
Step 3 Installing the Hardware................................................................................................................17
Turning on the PC .............................................................................................................................17

iv AO-1616L-LPE, AO-1608L-LPE
Using the API-AIO(WDM)................................................................................................................ 17
Step4 Initializing the Software................................................................................................................ 19
When Using API-DIO(WDM)........................................................................................................... 19
Step 5 Checking Operations with the Diagnosis Program................................................................... 21
What is the Diagnosis Program?...................................................................................................... 21
Check Method.................................................................................................................................... 21
Using the Diagnosis Program .......................................................................................................... 22
Setup Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................................. 25
Symptoms and Actions..................................................................................................................... 25
If your problem cannot be resolved................................................................................................. 25
3. EXTERNAL CONNECTION 27
How to connect the connectors ............................................................................................................... 27
Connector shape ................................................................................................................................ 27
Connector Pin Assignment............................................................................................................... 28
Analog Output Signal Connection.......................................................................................................... 30
Digital I/O signals, Counter signals and Control signals Connection ................................................31
4. FUNCTIONS 33
Analog Output Function........................................................................................................................... 33
1. Setting the Conversion Conditions.............................................................................................. 34
2. Starting/Stopping Operation ........................................................................................................ 41
3. Monitoring the Status and Acquiring Data ................................................................................ 42
4.Reset ................................................................................................................................................ 43
Counter Function ...................................................................................................................................... 44
1. Setting the Operating Conditions................................................................................................ 44
2. Starting/Stopping Operation ........................................................................................................ 45
3. Monitoring the Status and Acquiring Data ................................................................................ 45
4.Reset ................................................................................................................................................ 46
Digital Input Function.............................................................................................................................. 47
Digital Output Function........................................................................................................................... 48
5. ABOUT SOFTWARE 49
CD-ROM Directory Structure................................................................................................................. 49
About Software for Windows.................................................................................................................. 50
Accessing the Help File.................................................................................................................... 50
Using Sample Programs ................................................................................................................... 51
Usage of Utility Program.................................................................................................................. 53
Uninstalling the Driver Libraries..................................................................................................... 56
About Software for Linux........................................................................................................................ 59
Driver Software Install Procedure................................................................................................... 59
Accessing the Help File.................................................................................................................... 60

AO-1616L-LPE, AO-1608L-LPE v
Using Sample Programs....................................................................................................................60
Uninstalling the driver ...................................................................................................................... 60
6. ABOUT HARDWARE 61
For detailed technical information..........................................................................................................61
Hardware specification.............................................................................................................................62
Block Diagram ..........................................................................................................................................64
Control Signal Timings............................................................................................................................ 66
Control Signal Timings for Analog Output.................................................................................... 66
Control Signal Timings for Counter................................................................................................67
About Calibration .....................................................................................................................................68
Difference from DA16-16(LPCI)L, DA16-8(LPCI)L..........................................................................69

vi AO-1616L-LPE, AO-1608L-LPE

1. Before Using the Product
AO-1616L-LPE, AO-1608L-LPE 1
1. Before Using the Product
About the Board
This product is a Low Profile PCI Express bus-compliant interface board used to provide an analog
signal output function on a PC.
AO-1616L-LPE is multifunction type with 16-bit analog output 16 channels, digital I/O and counter
function.
AO-1608L-LPE is multifunction type with 16-bit analog output 8 channels, digital I/O and counter
function.
This product carries buffer memory for 1K of data, allowing sampling to be performed in a variety of
trigger / clock conditions.
Windows/Linux driver is bundled with this product.
Possible to be used as a data recording device for MATLAB and LabVIEW, with dedicated libraries.
Features
- High precision analog output 16 channels and 8 channels, each 4 channels for digital I/O, counter 1
channel
AO-1616L-LPE has analog output (10µsec, 16-bit, 16 channels), analog output control signal (LVTTL
level 3 channels), digital I/O (each 4 channels for LVTTL level), counter (32-bit, LVTTL level 1
channel).
AO-1608L-LPE has analog output (10µsec, 16-bit, 8 channels), analog output control signal (LVTTL
level 3 channels), digital I/O (each 4 channels for LVTTL level), counter (32-bit, LVTTL level 1
channel).
- The start/end of sampling can be controlled by software, an external trigger, etc.
You can select from software, an external trigger to control the start of sampling. You can select from
completion of sampling for a specified number of sessions, an external trigger or software to control
forcibly the end of sampling. The sampling cycle can be selected from the internal clock or an
external clock.
- 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 adjust output voltage of the
analog output to 0V.
- Equipped with buffer memory (1K data) that can be used in the FIFO or RING format
The block contains buffer memory (1K data) that can be used in the FIFO or RING format. This
allows for background analog output that does not depend on the operation status of the software or
PC.
- Digital filter function included to prevent misdetection due to chattering on external signals
A digital filter is included to prevent misdetection due to chattering on the control signal (external
trigger input signal, sampling clock input signal, etc.), digital input signal and counter input signal.
(Except from external clock input signal and counter gate signal)

1. Before Using the Product
2AO-1616L-LPE, AO-1608L-LPE
- Functions and connectors are compatible with PCI compatible board DA16-16(LPCI)L, DA16-
8(LPCI)L
AO-1616L-LPE : The functions same with PCI compatible board DA16-16(LPCI)L are provided.
AO-1608L-LPE : The functions same with PCI compatible board DA16-8(LPCI)L are provided.
In addition, as there is compatibility in terms of connector shape and pin assignments, it is easy to
migrate from the existing system.
- Support for both of low-profile and standard PCI slots (interchangeable with a bundled bracket)
This product has each bracket for both low-profile size slot and standard size slot. If you wish to
mount this product in a standard size slot, replace this with the standard size bracket.
- 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.
- Windows/Linux compatible driver libraries are attached.
Using the attached driver library API-PAC(W32) makes it possible to create applications of
Window/Linux. In addition, a diagnostic program by which the operations of hardware can be
checked is provided.
- MATLAB and LabVIEW is supported by a plug-in of dedicated library VI-DAQ.
Using the dedicated library MATLAB and VI-DAQ makes it possible to make a LabVIEW
application.
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 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.

1. Before Using the Product
AO-1616L-LPE, AO-1608L-LPE 3
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 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.
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
*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.
* Check the CONTEC’s Web site for more information on these options.

1. Before Using the Product
4AO-1616L-LPE, AO-1608L-LPE
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 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
AO-1616L-LPE, AO-1608L-LPE 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
6AO-1616L-LPE, AO-1608L-LPE
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 the board that need to be set in advance.
Be sure to check these before installing the board.
- Only set the switches and jumpers on the board to the specified settings.
Otherwise, the board may malfunction, overheat, or cause a failure.
- Do not strike or bend the board.
Otherwise, the board may malfunction, overheat, cause a failure or breakage.
- 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 plug or unplug the cables which are connected to the board while the PC or expansion unit
is still turned on.
Otherwise, the board 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 boards installed.
Insufficiently energized boards could malfunction, overheat, or cause a failure.
- When the power supply is turned on, the output voltage of all channels becomes 0 V.
- 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 manual 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.
- 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
AO-1616L-LPE, AO-1608L-LPE 7
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.
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.
- Check that the bus connector
of the board and its cable have
been plugged correctly.
- Check that the board has
no dust or foreign m
atter adhering.
- The gold-plated leads of the bus connector
have no stain or corrosion.

1. Before Using the Product
8AO-1616L-LPE, AO-1608L-LPE

2. Setup
AO-1616L-LPE, AO-1608L-LPE 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 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
10 AO-1616L-LPE, AO-1608L-LPE
Using the board under an OS other than Windows
For using the board under Linux, see the following parts of this manual.
This chapter Step 2 Setting the Hardware
Chapter 3 External Connection
Chapter 5 About Software
Chapter 6 About Hardware
For using the board under an OS other than Windows and Linux, see the following parts of this
manual.
This chapter Step 2 Setting the Hardware
Chapter 3 External Connection
Chapter 6 About Hardware

2. Setup
AO-1616L-LPE, AO-1608L-LPE 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).
Although some user interfaces are different depending on the OS used, the basic procedure is the
same.
About the Driver
Two Analog I/O drivers are available : API-AIO(WDM) and API-AIO(98/PC).
Please use the API-AIO(WDM) with this board. API-AIO(98/PC) is not supported.

2. Setup
12 AO-1616L-LPE, AO-1608L-LPE
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.
Before installing the software in Windows Vista, XP, Server 2003, 2000, or NT, log in as a user
with administrator privileges.
CAUTION

2. Setup
AO-1616L-LPE, AO-1608L-LPE 13
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 "High Functionality WDM Analog I/O driver".
(3) Click on the [Install] button.
* Clicking the [Detail] button displays detailed information about API-AIO(WDM) and
API-AIO(98/PC).
Executing 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.