Contec AI-1608AY-USB User manual

PC-HELPER
High-Resolution Analog Input
Terminal for USB2.0
AI-1608AY-USB
User’s Guide
CONTEC CO.,LTD.

AI-1608AY-USB 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
- USB terminal [AI-1608AY-USB]…1
- Interface connector plugs…2
- First step guide…1
- CD-ROM *1 [API-USBP(WDM)]…1
- USB Cable(1.8m)…1
- USB Cable Attachment…1
*1 The CD-ROM contains the driver software and User’s Guide (this guide)
CD-ROM
[API-USBP(WDM)]
USB terminal USB Cable
(1.8m)
USB Cable
Attachment
Interface
connector plug
First step guide
x 2

ii AI-1608AY-USB
Copyright
Copyright 2006 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 Windows NT are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Other brand and
product names are trademarks of their respective holder.

AI-1608AY-USB 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) ...................................................................................................... 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................................................................................................................... 5
Environment................................................................................................................................. 7
Inspection..................................................................................................................................... 7
Storage ......................................................................................................................................... 7
Disposal ....................................................................................................................................... 7
2. SETUP 9
What is Setup?.................................................................................................................................... 9
Installing the driver...................................................................................................................... 9
Step 1 Setting the Hardware............................................................................................................. 10
Name of each parts .................................................................................................................... 10
Step 2 Initializing the Software........................................................................................................ 11
Illustration of Menu Screen....................................................................................................... 11
Installation of API-USBP(WDM) Development Environment ................................................ 12
Installing C-LOGGER............................................................................................................... 13
Step 3 Installing the Hardware......................................................................................................... 14
Connecting the Product ............................................................................................................. 14
Setting with the Add New Hardware Wizard............................................................................14
Setting Properties Using Device Manager ................................................................................ 16
Step 4 Checking Operations with the Diagnosis Program............................................................... 18
What is the Diagnosis Program? ............................................................................................... 18

iv AI-1608AY-USB
Check Method............................................................................................................................18
Using the Diagnosis Program.................................................................................................... 19
3. EXTERNAL CONNECTION 23
Using the On-terminal Connectors...................................................................................................23
Connecting a terminal to a Connector....................................................................................... 23
Connector Pin Assignment ........................................................................................................24
Cable connection........................................................................................................................ 25
Analog Signal Connection................................................................................................................ 26
Single-ended Input..................................................................................................................... 26
Digital I/O signals Connection .........................................................................................................27
4. APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT 29
Reference to Online Help .................................................................................................................29
Printing Function Reference............................................................................................................. 29
Sample Program................................................................................................................................30
Distributing Developed Application................................................................................................. 30
Use of utility program....................................................................................................................... 31
Returning to Initial State .................................................................................................................. 34
5. ABOUT C-LOGGER 35
6. FUNCTIONS 37
Analog Input Function...................................................................................................................... 37
1. Setting the Conversion Conditions........................................................................................38
2. Starting/Stopping Operation..................................................................................................44
3. Monitoring the Status and Acquiring Data............................................................................ 44
4.Reset........................................................................................................................................47
Digital Input Function ......................................................................................................................48
Digital Output Function.................................................................................................................... 49
7. ABOUT HARDWARE 51
Hardware specification..................................................................................................................... 51
External dimensions.......................................................................................................................... 54
Block Diagram.................................................................................................................................. 55
Control Signal Timings.....................................................................................................................56
Control Signal Timings for Analog Input .................................................................................56
About Calibration ............................................................................................................................. 57

1. Before Using the Product
AI-1608AY-USB 1
1. Before Using the Product
About the Product
This product is a USB2.0 compatible terminal module that extends the analog input function of USB port
of PCs. 8ch/16bits analog inputs are employed and signal lines can be directly connected to the screw
terminals in the system. Compact design to match Note PCs and excellent in mobility as operation is
powered by USB bus. This product accompanies Windows driver and full-fledged data logger software
“C-LOGGER”.
Possible to be used as a data recording device for MATLAB or LabVIEW, with dedicated libraries.
Features
- Conversion speed 10μsec/ch, 16bit resolution, analog input 8ch
Equipped with the analog input (10μsec/ch, 16bit, 8ch) and digital I/O (4ch each, LVTTL level)
- Compatible to USB1.1/USB2.0 and not necessary to power this product externally as the bus power is
used.
Compatible to USB1.1/USB2.0 and capable to achieve high speed transfer at HighSpeed (480 Mbps).
Not necessary to power this product externally as the bus power of USB is used.
- Sampling can be driven by a clock or by various triggers
Sampling can be started and stopped by software or by an external trigger (timing controlled by an
externally input control signal).
The sampling period can be controlled by the internal clock (high-precision timer included on the board)
or by an external clock (externally input control signal).
- Windows compatible driver libraries are attached.
Using the attached driver library API-USBP(WDM) makes it possible to create applications of Windows.
In addition, a diagnostic program by which the operations of hardware can be checked is provided.
- Easy-to-wire terminal connector adopted
Adoption of terminal connector (with screws) enables to achieve easy wiring.
- 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.
- MATLAB and LabVIEW is supported by a plug-in of dedicated library.
Using the dedicated library makes it possible to create each application for MATLAB and LabVIEW.

1. Before Using the Product
2AI-1608AY-USB
Support Software
You should use CONTEC support software according to your purpose and development environment.
Driver Library API-USBP(WDM) (Bundled)
It is the library software, and which supplies command of hardware produced by our company in the
form of standard Win32 API function(DLL). Using programming languages supporting Win32API
functions, such as Visual Basic and Visual C++ etc., you can develop high-speed application software
with feature of hardware produced by our company.
In addition, you can verify the operation of hardware using Diagnostic programs.
CONTEC provides download services (at http://www.contec.com/apiusbp/) to supply the updated
drivers and differential files.
Further details may be found in the help within supplied CD-ROM or the homepage of our company.
< Operating Environment >
OS Windows Vista, XP, Server 2003, 2000, Me, 98
Adaptation language Visual Basic, Visual C++, Visual C#, Delphi, C++ Builder
Data Logger Software C-LOGGER (Supplied: Stored on the API-USBP(WDM) CD-ROM)
C-LOGGER is a data logger software program compatible with our analog I/O products. This program
enables the graph display of recorded signal data, zoom observation, file saving, and dynamic transfer to
the spreadsheet software “Excel”. No troublesome programming is required.
CONTEC provides download services (at http://www.contec.co.jp/clogger) to supply the updated
drivers.
For details, refer to the C-LOGGER Users Guide or our website.
< Operating Environment >
OS Windows Vista, XP, Server 2003, 2000
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.
See http://www.contec.com/mldaq/ for details and download of ML-DAQ.
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.
See http://www.contec.com/vidaq/ for details and download of VI-DAQ.

1. Before Using the Product
AI-1608AY-USB 3
Cable & Connector (Option)
14pin Screw Terminal Connector Set(6 pieces) : CN6-Y14
Accessories (Option)
Bracket for USB I/O Terminal products : BRK-USB-Y
* Check the CONTEC’s Web site for more information on these options.

1. Before Using the Product
4AI-1608AY-USB
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 products. 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
AI-1608AY-USB 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 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.
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
- Do not strike or bend the converter.
Otherwise, the converter may malfunction, overheat, cause a failure or breakage.
- Do not touch the converter's pin parts (USB connector) with your hands.
Otherwise, the converter may malfunction, overheat, or cause a failure.
If the pin parts are touched by someone's hands, clean the parts with industrial alcohol.
- Do not touch the external connector (14 pin plug header) when the power is on.
Otherwise this may malfunction, overheat, 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.