Contec CNT24-4(PCI) User manual

PC-HELPER
4ch 24Bit
Up/Down Counter Board for PCI
CNT24-4(PCI)H
User’s Guide
CONTEC CO.,LTD.

CNT24-4(PCI)H 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 discoverdamaged or missing items,
contact your retailer.
Product Configuration List
- CNT24-4(PCI)H …1
- 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).
Board CD-ROM
[API-PAC(W32)]
First step guide

ii CNT24-4(PCI)H
Copyright
Copyright 2005 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 nor 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.

CNT24-4(PCI)H 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
Starting the Install Program....................................................................................................... 11
Selecting the Counter Board Driver .......................................................................................... 12
Executing the Installation.......................................................................................................... 13
Step 2 Setting the Hardware............................................................................................................. 14
Parts of the Board and Factory Defaults ................................................................................... 14
Setting the Board ID.................................................................................................................. 15
Plugging the Board .................................................................................................................... 16

iv CNT24-4(PCI)H
Step 3 Installing the Hardware ......................................................................................................... 17
Turning on the PC......................................................................................................................17
Setting with the Found New Hardware Wizard......................................................................... 17
Step 4 Initializing the Software........................................................................................................ 20
Invoking API-TOOL Configuration.......................................................................................... 20
Updating the Settings.................................................................................................................20
Step 5 Checking Operations with the Diagnosis Program ............................................................... 21
What is the Diagnosis Program?................................................................................................ 21
Check Method............................................................................................................................ 21
Using the Diagnosis Program....................................................................................................22
Setting count conditions ............................................................................................................23
Setup Troubleshooting......................................................................................................................27
Symptoms and Actions.............................................................................................................. 27
If your problem cannot be resolved...........................................................................................27
3. EXTERNAL CONNECTION 29
Using the On-Board Connectors....................................................................................................... 29
Connecting a Board to a Connector........................................................................................... 29
Interface Connector Signal Assignment....................................................................................30
Connection Method to the External device1-Photo coupler isolated Input-.................................... 33
Photo coupler isolated Input Connection ..................................................................................33
Photo coupler Isolated Input Circuit..........................................................................................33
Example Connection with a Rotary Encoder ............................................................................ 34
Example Connection with a Linear Scale..................................................................................34
Connection Method to the External device2-TTL-Level Input-...................................................... 35
TTL-Level Input Connection..................................................................................................... 35
TTL-Level Input Circuit............................................................................................................ 35
Example Connection with a Rotary Encoder ............................................................................ 36
Example Connection with a Linear Scale..................................................................................36
One-shot Pulse Output Connection .................................................................................................. 37
One-shot Pulse Output Connection ........................................................................................... 37
Output Circuit and an Example Connection..............................................................................37
Surge Voltage Countermeasures.......................................................................................................38

CNT24-4(PCI)H v
4. FUNCTION 39
Types and Operations of Pulse Signals............................................................................................ 39
Types of pulse signals................................................................................................................ 39
2-phase Input.............................................................................................................................. 39
Single-phase Input ..................................................................................................................... 40
Single-phase Input with Gate Control....................................................................................... 40
Multiplication of Count Input.................................................................................................... 41
Synchronous Clear..................................................................................................................... 41
Asynchronous Clear................................................................................................................... 42
Phase Z/CLR Input .................................................................................................................... 42
Other Function.................................................................................................................................. 43
Compare Register ...................................................................................................................... 43
Digital Filter............................................................................................................................... 43
Programmable Timer................................................................................................................. 44
One-shot Pulse........................................................................................................................... 44
Status Data................................................................................................................................. 45
5. ABOUT SOFTWARE 47
CD-ROM Directory Structure .......................................................................................................... 47
About Software for Windows........................................................................................................... 48
Accessing the Help File............................................................................................................. 49
Using Sample Programs ............................................................................................................ 50
Uninstalling the Driver Libraries .............................................................................................. 52
About Software for Linux................................................................................................................. 53
Driver Software Install Procedure............................................................................................. 53
Accessing the Help File............................................................................................................. 54
Using Sample Programs ............................................................................................................ 54
Uninstalling the driver............................................................................................................... 54
6. ABOUT HARDWARE 55
Hardware specification..................................................................................................................... 55
Block Diagram.................................................................................................................................. 56
Differences between CNT24-4(PCI)H and CNT24-4(PCI)............................................................. 57

vi CNT24-4(PCI)H

1. Before Using the Product
CNT24-4(PCI)H 1
1. Before Using the Product
This chapter provides information you should know before using the product.
About the Board
The CNT24-4(PCI)H is a PCI bus-compliant interface board that counts input pulse signals from
external devices.
The CNT24-4(PCI)H has four channels of 24-bit up/down counters, allowing external devices such as a
rotary encoder and a linear scale to be connected. Given below are examples of using the board for
“detecting a position of the table of a machine tool” and “detecting a change in weight”.
The pulse signal inputting interface is photo coupler isolated or TTL-level input.
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/C++.
< Example >
Linear Scale
- Detecting a position of the table of a machine tool
Processing thing
Tool
Power supply
RelayBOX
CNT24-4(PCI)H
Encoder
- Detecting a change in weight
Power supply
Rack
CNT24-4(PCI)H
Features
- It is equipped with four channels of 24-bit up/down counters.
- The board can count two-phase signals, which can be outputs of some rotary encoders and linear
scales
- You can select either a photo coupler isolated input or a TTL-level input for each channel by
software command.
- Each channel can generate an interrupt request signal and a one-pulse output signal when the count
data matches a pre-specified value.
- The board is equipped with a programmable timer to allow interrupts to be generated periodically
according to a specified timer value.
-Each Channel is equipped with ageneral-purpose input signal (both photo coupler and TTL-level).

1. Before Using the Product
2CNT24-4(PCI)H
Support Software
You should use CONTEC support software according to your purpose and development environment.
Driver Library API-PAC(W32) (Bundled)
API-PAC(W32) is the library software that provides the commands for CONTEC hardware products in the form of
Windows standard Win32 API functions (DLL). It makes it easy to create high-speed application software taking
advantage of the CONTEC hardware using various programming languages that support Win32 API functions, such as
Visual Basic and Visual C/C++.
It can also be used by the installed diagnosis program to check hardware operations.
CONTEC provides download services (at http://www.contec.com/apipac/) to supply the updated drivers and differential
files.
For details, read Help on the bundled CD-ROM or visit the CONTEC’s Web site.
< Operating environment >
OS Windows XP, 2000, NT, Me, 98, etc..
Adaptation language Visual C/C++, Visual Basic, Delphi, Builder, etc..
Others Each piece of library software requires 50 MB of free hard disk space.
Linux version of general-purpose COUNT driver: API-CNT(LNX) (Supplied within the same
CD-ROM of API-PAC (W32))
This driver is used to control CONTEC counter boards (PC Cards).
You can control CONTEC counterboards easily using the shared library used by gcc, Kylix, the device driver (module)
for each kernel version, and the board (PC Cards) configuration program (config).
CONTEC provides download services (at http://www.contec.co.jp/enom/apipac/) to supply the updated drivers and
differential files.
For details, read Help on the bundled CD-ROM or visit the CONTEC’s Web site.
< Operating environment >
OS RedHatLinux, TurboLinux, etc..
(For details on supported distributions, refer to Help available after installation.)
Adaptation language gcc, Kylix
Others Each piece of library software requires 3 MB of free hard disk space.
Data acquisition VI library for LabVIEW VI-DAQ (Free download)
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.
See http://www.contec.com/vidaq/ for details and download of VI-DAQ.

1. Before Using the Product
CNT24-4(PCI)H 3
Cable & Connector (Option)
Flat cable with both-ends 37-pin D-SUB connector : PCB37P-1.5 (1.5m)
: PCB37P-3 (3m)
: PCB37P-5 (5m)
Shield cable with both-ends 37-pin D-SUB connector : PCB37PS-0.5P (0.5m)
: PCB37PS-1.5P (1.5m)
: PCB37PS-3P (3m)
: PCB37PS-5P (5m)
Flat cable with one-end 37-Pin D-SUB connector : PCA37P-1.5 (1.5m)
:PCA37P-3(3m)
:PCA37P-5(5m)
Shield cable with one-end 37-pin D-SUB connector : PCA37PS-0.5P (0.5m)
:PCA37PS-1.5P(1.5m)
:PCA37PS-3P(3m)
:PCA37PS-5P(5m)
30-pin Pinhead Connector to 37-pin D-SUB Connector : DT/B2 (0.5m)
Conversion Flat Cable : DT/O (1.5m)
37-pin D-SUB(male) connector Five-piece set : CN5-D37M
Accessories (Option)
Screw terminal : EPD-37A *1
Screw terminal (Screw Up type) : EPD-37 *1
Terminal unit for solderless terminal (M3) : DTP-3(PC)
Terminal unit for leads : DTP-4(PC)
*1 Option cable PCB37P or PCB37PS is required separately.
* Check the CONTEC’s Web site for more information on these options.

1. Before Using the Product
4CNT24-4(PCI)H
Customer Support
CONTEC provides the following support services for you to use CONTEC products more efficientlyand
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 Interface boards 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
CNT24-4(PCI)H 5
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
6CNT24-4(PCI)H
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 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 install or remove the board to or from the expansion slot while the computer's power is
turned on.
Otherwise, the board may malfunction, overheat, or cause a failure.
Be sure that the personal computer’s 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.
- 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.

1. Before Using the Product
CNT24-4(PCI)H 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.
- 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.
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.

1. Before Using the Product
8CNT24-4(PCI)H

2. Setup
CNT24-4(PCI)H 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 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 CNT24-4(PCI)H
Using the Board under an OS Other than Windows
For using the board under Linux, see the following parts of this guide.
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 such as MS-DOS other than Windows, see the following parts of this
guide.
This chapter Step 2 Setting the Hardware
Chapter 3 External Connection
Chapter 6 About Hardware

2. Setup
CNT24-4(PCI)H 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.
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 the drivers] button.
CAUTION
Before installing the software in Windows XP, 2000, or NT, log in as a user with administrator
privileges.

2. Setup
12 CNT24-4(PCI)H
Selecting the Counter Board Driver
(1) The following dialog box appears to select “Driver Type” and “Install Type”.
(2) Select “For Counter Board API-CNT(98/PC)NT”.
(3) Select “Driver, Help, etc… (Full install)”.
(4) Click on the [Install] button.

2. Setup
CNT24-4(PCI)H 13
Executing the Installation
(1) Follow the on-screen instructions to proceed to install.
(2) When the required files have been copied, the “Perform a hardware setup now” and “Show readme
file” check boxes are displayed.
When you are installing the software or hardware for the first time:
1) Uncheck “Perform a hardware setup now”.
2) Click on the [Finish] button.
Go to Step 2 to set and plug the hardware.
* When the hardware has already been installed:
Check “Perform a hardware setup now(API-TOOL Configuration)”, then go to Step 4
“Initializing the Software”.
You have now finished installing the software.