Contec PC-HELPER Series User manual

Reference Manual
CONTENTS
PC-HELPER Series
10MSPS 12-bit Analog Input Board for PCI Express
AI-1204Z-PE
Introduction.................................................................. 5
Safety Precautions....................................................13
Setup .............................................................................19
Installation...................................................................33
Software.......................................................................42
Function .......................................................................47
Appendix......................................................................72
Customer Support and Inquiry............................82

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Table of Contents
Introduction ......................................................................5
1. Related Manuals......................................................................................................................................................6
2. About the Product..................................................................................................................................................7
3. Features ......................................................................................................................................................................8
4. Product Configuration List ...............................................................................................................................10
5. Support Software.................................................................................................................................................11
6. Optional Products................................................................................................................................................12
Safety Precautions ......................................................... 13
1. Safety Information...............................................................................................................................................14
2. Handling Precautions.........................................................................................................................................15
1. EN55032Class A Notice ..............................................................................................................................16
3. Environment...........................................................................................................................................................17
4. Inspection ...............................................................................................................................................................17
5. Storage.....................................................................................................................................................................17
6. Disposal ...................................................................................................................................................................18
Setup............................................................................... 19
1. What is Setup? ......................................................................................................................................................20
1. Driver Software Installation.......................................................................................................................20
2. Driver Software Installation .............................................................................................................................21
1. Starting Up the Install Program...............................................................................................................21
3. Hardware Setting.................................................................................................................................................22
1. Nomenclature of Product Components...............................................................................................22
2. Termination Resistor Setting Switch ......................................................................................................23
3. Board ID Setting Switch..............................................................................................................................23
4. Sync Signal Control Connectors..............................................................................................................24
4. Hardware installation .........................................................................................................................................25
1. Plugging the Board ......................................................................................................................................25
2. Turning on the PC.........................................................................................................................................26
5. Driver Software Initialization ...........................................................................................................................27
1. Setting the device name ............................................................................................................................27
6. Operation Check ..................................................................................................................................................29
1. Check Method................................................................................................................................................29
2. Using the Diagnosis Program ..................................................................................................................29
7. Setup Troubleshooting ......................................................................................................................................32
1. Examples and Solution................................................................................................................................32
Installation...................................................................... 33
1. Connecting to an External Device.................................................................................................................34
1. Connecting an Interface Connector.......................................................................................................34

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Table of Contents
2. Signal Layout on the Interface Connector ..........................................................................................35
2. Connecting Analog Input Signal ...................................................................................................................38
1. Single-ended Input.......................................................................................................................................38
3. Connecting Digital I/O & Control Signals..................................................................................................39
1. Digital I/O signals and Control signals Connection ........................................................................39
4. Synchronization Control Connectors...........................................................................................................40
1. Synchronization Control Connectors ....................................................................................................40
2. Connecting the Sync Connectors (CN6, CN7) ...................................................................................41
Software.......................................................................... 42
1. Analog I/O Driver for Windows......................................................................................................................43
1. Accessing the Help File...............................................................................................................................43
2. Using Sample Programs.............................................................................................................................43
3. Running a Sample Program......................................................................................................................44
4. Distributing Developed Application ......................................................................................................45
5. Use of Utility Program.................................................................................................................................45
6. Uninstalling the Driver Software .............................................................................................................46
Function.......................................................................... 47
1. Analog Input Function.......................................................................................................................................48
1. Setting the Conversion Conditions ........................................................................................................49
2. Starting/Stopping Operation....................................................................................................................59
3. Monitoring the Status and Acquiring Data.........................................................................................60
4. Reset...................................................................................................................................................................66
2. Digital Input Function ........................................................................................................................................67
1. Input bit ............................................................................................................................................................67
2. Input in Bits .....................................................................................................................................................67
3. Input in Bytes..................................................................................................................................................67
4. Digital filter ......................................................................................................................................................67
3. Digital Output Function ....................................................................................................................................68
1. Output bit.........................................................................................................................................................68
2. Output in Bits..................................................................................................................................................68
3. Output in Bytes ..............................................................................................................................................68
4. Event Controller Function.................................................................................................................................69
1. Overview of the event controller ............................................................................................................69
2. Example of using the event controller..................................................................................................70
Appendix ........................................................................ 72
1. Hardware Specification .....................................................................................................................................73
2. Physical Dimensions ...........................................................................................................................................76
3. Circuit Block Diagram.........................................................................................................................................77
4. Control Signal Timings ......................................................................................................................................78
1. Control Signal Timings for Analog Input.............................................................................................78
5. About Calibration ................................................................................................................................................80
6. Differences between AI-1204Z-PE and AI-1204Z-PCI...........................................................................81

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Table of Contents
Customer Support and Inquiry..................................... 82
1. Services ....................................................................................................................................................................83

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Introduction
This section provides necessary information of the product
such as the outline, bundled items and manuals before
actual use.

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Introduction
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AI-1204Z-PE Reference Manual
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1.Related Manuals
The manuals related to the product are listed below.
Read them as necessary along with this document.
Must Read the Followings.
Name
Purpose
Contents
How to get
Setup Guide
Must read this after
opening the package.
This lists the product
configuration and describes
the precautions.
Included in the package
(Printed matter)
Reference Manual
(This Document)
Read this when
operating the product.
This describes the hardware
aspects such as functions
and settings.
Download from
the Contec
website (PDF)
Download Manuals
Download the manuals accordingly from the following URL.
Download
https://www.contec.com/download/

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Introduction
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AI-1204Z-PE Reference Manual
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2.About the Product
This product is a PCI Express bus-compliant interface board used to provide an analog signal input
function on a PC.
Maximum conversion speed is 10MSPS (100nsec), with simultaneous sampling of four channels at a
same time. The bus master transfer function allow continuous data acquisition to be performed at
high speed for a long period.
Sampling can be started and stopped by software, conversion data comparison (level comparison,
in-range comparison, out-of-range comparison), external trigger, or event controller output.
Uses a BNC connector that can connect directly to the signal source.
Also features four digital input and output ports respectively (requires the optional DT-E3 cable).

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3.Features
Maximum conversion speed is 10MSPS (100nsec), with
simultaneous sampling of 4channels at a time
The maximum conversion speed is 10MSPS (100nsec) and 4channels can be sampled simultaneously.
The range for each channel can be set independently by software to match the level of the input signal source.
(Input range : ±10V, ±5V, ±2.5V, ±1.25V or 0 - +10V, 0 - +5V, 0 - +2.5V)
Also features digital inputs and outputs (four LVTTL level input and output ports respectively).
(requires the optional DT-E3 cable)
Sampling can be controlled by software, conversion
data comparison, external trigger, event controller
output, and similar start and stop conditions
Sampling can be setup to be started and stopped by software, conversion data comparison, external trigger, or event controller output.
Control of sampling start and stop is completely independent and a separate setting is provided for each. It is also possible to specify
that sampling stop after a specified number of samples.
The conversion data comparison function can perform level, in-range, and out-of-range comparisons on the conversion data.
Incorporates a synchronization control connector for
synchronized operation
A synchronization control connector is provided for synchronized control of up to 16 boards. This means the number of channels can
be increased simply by adding boards. It is also easy to synchronize operation with other CONTEC boards that have a synchronization
control connector.
Bus master transfer function allows continuous data
acquisition at high speed for a long period
The bus master transfer function allows continuous data acquisition to be performed at high speed for a long period. Furthermore, this
function can transfer large volumes of data between the board and the PC.
BNC connector used for analog input pin
The BNC connector used for the analog input has a characteristic impedance of 50Ωand is of a type commonly used for high speed
analog signals. This makes it easy to connect to other devices with a BNC connector.
Termination resistor selection function
A 50Ωtermination resistor can be set to minimize the distortion caused by the reflection of high-speed input signals. The input range
cannot be set to ±10V or 0 to +10V when the termination resistor is used.
Digital filter function included to prevent misdetection
due to chattering on external input signals
A digital filter is included to prevent misdetection due to chattering on the digital input signals.

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Software-based calibration function
Calibration of analog input 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 compatible driver software is provided
Using the driver software API-AIO(WDM) , which can be downloaded from the CONTEC website, makes it possible to create applications
of Windows. In addition, a Diagnostic Program to confirm the hardware operations is included in the software as well.
Functions and connectors are compatible with PCI
compatible board AI-1204Z-PCI
The functions same with PCI compatible board AI-1204Z-PCI is provided. In addition, as there is compatibility in terms of connector
shape and pin assignments, it is easy to migrate from the existing system.

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4.Product Configuration List
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…1
Setup Guide…1
Warranty Certificate…1
Serial Number Label…1
Synchronization
Control Cable…1

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5.Support Software
You can use CONTEC support software according to your purpose and development environment.
For more details on the supported OS, applicable languages, or to download the latest version of
software, visit the CONTEC Web site.
Name
Contents
How to get
Driver software
API-AIO(WDM)
The API-AIO(WDM) is the Windows version driver
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 useful for checking
operation is provided.
Download from the
CONTEC website
Download the files from the following URL.
Download
https://www.contec.com/download/

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6.Optional Products
Optional product items are as follows:
Use these items with the main product as necessary.
Product Name
Model type
Description
BNC Cable
BNC-B100
1m
BNC-B200
2m
BNC-B300
3m
Conversion Cable (16-Pin to 15-Pin) with Bracket
DT-E3
150mm
Shielded Cable with Connector on both sides for 15-pin D-Type
Connector
PCB15PS-1.5P *1*2
1.5m
General Purpose Terminal (M3 x 15P)
FTP-15 *3
*1 DT-E3 is required.
*2 It is required only when FTP-15 is used.
*3 DT-E3 and PCB15PS-1.5P optional cable is required separately.
Visit the CONTEC website for the latest optional products.
Website
https://www.contec.com/

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Safety Precautions
Understand the following definitions and precautions to
use the product safely.
Never fail to read them before using the product.

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1.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
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.

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2.Handling Precautions
DANGER
Do not use the product in locations exposed to a flammable or corrosive gas. It may cause
explosion, fire, electrical shock, or malfunction.
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.
As this product contains components that are designed to operate at high temperature,
please do not touch this product when it is in use.
The 50Ωtermination resistor in particular can become hot if it is used.
Do not install this product to the expansion slot and do not plug or unplug the cables which
are connected to this product while the PC or expansion unit is still turned on.
Otherwise, this product may malfunction, overheat, or cause a failure.
Be sure that the personal computer power is turned off.
Do not touch the external connector (BNC connector) when the power is on.
Otherwise this may malfunction, cause a failure due to static electricity.
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 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.

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1. EN55032Class A Notice
Warning:
Operation of this equipment in a residential environment could cause radio interference.

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3.Environment
Use this product in the following environment. If used in an unauthorized environment, this product may overheat,
malfunction, or cause a failure.
Operating temperature
-20 - 60ºC
Humidity
10 - 90%RH (No condensation)
Corrosive gases
None
Floating dust particles
Not to be excessive
4.Inspection
Inspect the product periodically as follows to use it safely.
5.Storage
When storing this product, keep it in its original packing form.
Put this product in the storage bag.
Wrap it in the packing material, and then put it in the box.
Store the package at room temperature at a place free from direct sunlight, moisture, shock,
vibration, magnetism, and static electricity.

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6.Disposal
When disposing of the product, follow the disposal procedures stipulated under the relevant laws
and municipal ordinances.

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Setup
This section explains how to set up this product.

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Setup
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1.What is Setup?
Setup means a series of steps to take before the product can be used.
Different steps are required for driver software and hardware.
The setup procedure varies with the OS or driver software used.
1. Driver Software Installation
This section describes the procedure to start the application program development using the driver
software API-AIO(WDM).
Taking the following steps sets up the driver software and hardware. You can use the diagnosis
program later on to check whether the driver software and hardware function properly.
Step 1 Driver Software Installation (page21)
Step 2 Hardware Setting (page22)
Step 3 Hardware Installation (page23)
Step 4 Driver Software Initialization (page27)
Step 5 Operation Check (page29)
If Setup fails to be performed properly, see the “Setup Troubleshooting (page32)” section at the
end of this chapter.