Dataq Instruments DI-158 Series User manual

The way PC-based instrumentation should be
DI-148U
8-Channel USB Data Acquisition Starter Kit
DI-148U-SP
USB Data Acquisition Starter Kit with Two String Pot Inputs
DI-158 Series
USB Data Acquisition Starter Kit with 4 Fixed Differential Channels
User's Manual
Manual Revision J
Copyright © 2008 by DATAQ Instruments, Inc. The Information contained herein is the exclusive property of
DATAQ Instruments, Inc., except as otherwise indicated and shall not be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored
in a retrieval system, or translated into any human or computer language, in any form or by any means, electronic,
mechanical, magnetic, optical, chemical, manual, or otherwise without expressed written authorization from the com-
pany. The distribution of this material outside the company may occur only as authorized by the company in writing.
DATAQ Instruments' hardware and software products are not designed to be used in the diagnosis and treatment of
humans, nor are they to be used as critical components in any life-support systems whose failure to perform can rea-
sonably be expected to cause significant injury to humans.
DATAQ, the DATAQ logo, and WINDAQ are registered trademarks of DATAQ Instruments, Inc. All rights reserved.
Designed and manufactured in the
United States of America

iii
Warranty and Service Policy
Product Warranty
DATAQ Instruments, Inc. warrants that this hardware will be free from defects in materials and workmanship under
normal use and service for a period of 90 days from the date of shipment. DATAQ Instruments' obligations under this
warranty shall not arise until the defective material is shipped freight prepaid to DATAQ Instruments. The only
responsibility of DATAQ Instruments under this warranty is to repair or replace, at its discretion and on a free of
charge basis, the defective material.
This warranty does not extend to products that have been repaired or altered by persons other than DATAQ Instru-
ments employees, or products that have been subjected to misuse, neglect, improper installation, or accident.
DATAQ Instruments shall have no liability for incidental or consequential damages of any kind arising out of the sale,
installation, or use of its products.
Service Policy
1. All products returned to DATAQ Instruments for service, regardless of warranty status, must be on a freight-pre-
paid basis.
2. DATAQ Instruments will repair or replace any defective product within 5 days of its receipt.
3. For in-warranty repairs, DATAQ Instruments will return repaired items to the buyer freight prepaid. Out of war-
ranty repairs will be returned with freight prepaid and added to the service invoice.

v
CAUTION
READ BEFORE CONNECTING INPUT SIGNALS
The data acquisition device you have purchased and are about to use is NOT an ISOLATED product. This means
that it is susceptible to common mode voltages that could cause damage to the device. SUCH DAMAGE IS NOT
COVERED BY THE PRODUCT’S WARRANTY. Please read the following carefully before deploying the prod-
uct. Contact DATAQ Instruments Support at 330-668-1444 for all questions.
This product can tolerate a maximum applied voltage of only ±20V peak without damage. Although you may be cer-
tain that the signal you want to measure is lower than this level, a common mode voltage (CMV) with an unknown
value may combine with your signal of interest to exceed this ±20V limit. In such instances, the product will be dam-
aged. Verify a CMV does not exist before connecting signals and acquiring data with your device. Use the following
procedure to check for CMV:
1. DO NOT connect your data acquisition device to the device under test. If the device under test is connected to
your data acquisition device, disconnect it.
2. Connect your data acquisition device to the appropriate interface on your PC (USB, Ethernet, RS-232 Serial, or
Parallel Printer Port).
3. Apply power to your data acquisition device, your PC, and the device under test.
4. Use a digital voltmeter to make the following measurements:
a. Measure the voltage (both the AC and DC range) between the ground terminal of your data acquisition
device and Signal+ of the device under test. This measurement should not exceed the Full Scale Range of
your data acquisition device.
b. Measure the voltage (both the AC and DC range) between the ground terminal of your data acquisition
device and Signal- of the device under test. This measurement should be at or very near 0 Volts.
c. Measure the voltage (both the AC and DC range) between the ground terminal of your data acquisition
device and Common of the device under test. This measurement should be at or very near 0 Volts.
5. Should ANY of these measurements exceed their recommendation DO NOT CONNECT SIGNALS to the data
acquisition device. A common mode voltage may exist that could destroy the instrument. You MUST determine
the source of the CMV and eliminate it before taking any measurements.
1Measured signal is not to exceed the Full Scale Range of your data acquisition device.
2Measured signal must be at or very near 0 volts.
3Measured signal must be at or very near 0 volts.
4Connect to AGND (Analog Ground) port on DI-148 or DI-158 instruments.
!
!
Device
Under
Test
Signal + 1
Signal - 2
Common3
Digital Voltmeter
Data
Acquisition
Device
To PC
Ground4

DI-148U, DI-148U-SP, and DI–158 Series Hardware Manual
Table of Contents
vii
Table of Contents
Warranty and Service Policy ................................................................................................................ iii
CAUTION ............................................................................................................................................... v
1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 1
Features .............................................................................................................................................. 1
Analog Inputs .................................................................................................................................... 1
Digital Input and Output .................................................................................................................... 2
Software ............................................................................................................................................. 2
WinDaq® Recording and Playback Software ............................................................................ 2
Dataq Instruments Hardware Manager ....................................................................................... 3
Help ............................................................................................................................................. 3
2. Specifications ...................................................................................................................................... 5
DI-148 Analog Inputs ........................................................................................................................ 5
DI-158 Analog Inputs ........................................................................................................................ 5
A/D Characteristics ............................................................................................................................ 6
Analog Outputs (DI-158 Series only) ................................................................................................ 6
Scanning Characteristics .................................................................................................................... 6
Digital I/O .......................................................................................................................................... 7
Calibration ......................................................................................................................................... 7
USB Interface .................................................................................................................................... 7
General ............................................................................................................................................... 7
3. Installation .......................................................................................................................................... 9
Connecting the Instrument to Your Computer .................................................................................. 9
Installing the Device Drivers ............................................................................................................. 9
Installing WinDaq Software and the Dataq Instruments Hardware Manager ................................... 10
Activation of WinDaq/High Speed Option ....................................................................................... 12
Dataq Instruments Hardware Manager .............................................................................................. 12
4. Connecting Input Signals .................................................................................................................. 13
DI-148U Connections ........................................................................................................................ 13
DI-148U-SP Connections .................................................................................................................. 14
Calibrating String Pot Inputs ....................................................................................................... 15
DI-158 Series Connections ................................................................................................................ 16
Connecting to Ground ................................................................................................................. 16
Port Designations ........................................................................................................................ 16
Connecting Signals ............................................................................................................................ 17
Digital I/O .......................................................................................................................................... 17
Taking Process Current Measurements with a DI-158 ...................................................................... 17
5. Analog Input Diagram ....................................................................................................................... 21
DI-148U ............................................................................................................................................. 21
DI-148U-SP ....................................................................................................................................... 21
DI-158 Series ..................................................................................................................................... 22

DI-148U, DI-148U-SP, and DI–158 Series Hardware Manual
Introduction
1
1. Introduction
This manual contains information designed to familiarize you with the features and functions of the DI-148U, DI-
148U-SP, and the DI-158 Series data recording modules. These high-end Starter kits contain features and functional-
ity normally reserved for more expensive data acquisition systems.
Features
The DI-148U data acquisition instrument is a portable data recording module that communicates through your com-
puter's USB port. Power is derived from the interface port so no external power is required. Features include:
• 8 single-ended analog inputs.
• Six digital I/O for Remote control.
• ±10V full scale measurement range.
• 14,400 samples per second maximum sampling rate.
The DI-148U-SP data acquisition instrument is a portable data recording module designed specifically for use with
String Pots that communicates through your computer's USB port. Power is derived from the interface port so no
external power is required. Features include:
• 2 string pot inputs plus 2 single-ended general purpose analog inputs.
• Six digital I/O for Remote control.
• ±10V full scale measurement range.
• 14,400 samples per second maximum sampling rate.
The DI-158 data acquisition instrument is a portable data recording module that communicates through your com-
puter's USB port. Features include:
• 4 fixed differential analog inputs.
• 4 digital I/O for Remote control.
• Programmable Gain option allowing 10 different gain settings from ±64V FS measurement range to ±0.125V FS
measurement range (depending on model).
• Up to 14,400 samples per second maximum sampling rate.
Analog Inputs
The DI-148U features eight single-ended analog channel inputs located on a single eight-position screw terminal
block for easy connection and operation. The 10-entry input scan list allows you to scan any sequence of input chan-
nels at any software-configurable channel setting. Note: The DI-148U does not support Gain.
The DI-148U-SP features two string pot inputs (three terminals each: ground, voltage, wiper) and two single-ended
analog channel inputs located on a single eight-position screw terminal block for easy connection and operation. The
6-entry input scan list allows you to scan any sequence of input channels at any software-configurable channel set-
ting. Note: The DI-148U-SP does not support Gain.
The DI-158 Series features four differential channel inputs located on a single eight-position screw terminal block for
easy connection and operation. The 6-entry input scan list allows you to scan any sequence of input channels at any
software-configurable gain setting. Standard models (DI-158U) feature 4 programmable gain ranges at a full scale

DI-148U, DI-148U-SP, and DI–158 Series Hardware Manual
Introduction
2
range of ±10 Volts while the DI-158 Programmable Gain option (DI-158UP) allows 10 gain ranges with a full scale
range of ±64 Volts.
Utilize the functionality of WINDAQ software to experience all the features encased in these small, inexpensive
instruments.
Digital Input and Output
The DI-148U and DI-148U-SP contain six software-programmable digital lines (bits) for input/output operations; the
DI-158 Series Instruments contain four. These lines provide an interface for the transfer of data between user memory
and a peripheral device connected to the instrument. Digital inputs can monitor alarms or sensors with TTL outputs,
while digital outputs can drive TTL inputs on control or measurement equipment. Remote control can be utilized with
bits 0 and 1 (for location see “Chapter 4. Connecting Input Signals”) using WINDAQ software. The digital I/O may be
enabled as Channel 9 using a DI-148U or Channel 5 using a DI-148U-SP or DI-158 model in WINDAQ software.
Software
All software required to record and playback waveforms is included with the purchase of any DI-148 or DI-158
Series data acquisition starter kit.
WINDAQ®Recording and Playback Software
WINDAQ Acquisition and WINDAQ Waveform Browser allow you to record and playback data acquired through your
instrument. WINDAQ software is an invaluable resource to record and analyze your data.
WINDAQ Acquisition software can be used to record waveforms directly and continuously to disk while monitoring a
real time display of the waveforms on-screen. It operates and displays waveform signals in real time at the full sample
rate of the instrument being used. There are two versions of WINDAQ Acquisition software available for use with DI-
148 and DI-158 Instruments: WINDAQ/Lite and WINDAQ/HS (High Speed) option. WINDAQ/Lite is free but is
restricted to recording rates of 240 Hz. WINDAQ/HS option is an extra-cost option allowing you to record data at the
speed of your data acquisition system. When you install the software, a trial version of WINDAQ/HS is automatically
installed allowing you to run the software for a limited time. Activation is required for continued use to ensure com-
pliance with the Software License Agreement. WinDaq Acquisition software is accessed via the Dataq Instruments
Hardware Manager located in the Program group as specified during installation.
WINDAQ Waveform Browser playback software (also known as “WWB”) offers an easy way to review and analyze
acquired waveforms. A built-in data file translator allows the user to display multiple waveforms acquired by
WINDAQ Acquisition software or any of a wide range of data acquisition packages. The software’s disk-streaming
design allows data files of any length to be graphically displayed rapidly, in normal or reverse time directions. Seven
standard cursor-based measurements, frequency domain, and statistical analysis functions help simplify waveform
analysis and interpretation. WINDAQ Waveform Browser is free and installed when installing WINDAQ Software.
DI-158U DI-158UP
Gain Range Gain Range
1 ±10V 1 ±64V
2 ±5V 2 ±32V
4 ±2.5V 4 ±16V
8 ±1.25V 8 ±8V
16 ±4V
32 ±2V
64 ±1V
128 ±0.5V
256 ±0.25V
512 ±0.125V

DI-148U, DI-148U-SP, and DI–158 Series Hardware Manual
Introduction
3
Dataq Instruments Hardware Manager
This software can be found in the Start menu under the WINDAQ program group called Dataq Instruments Hard-
ware Manager. Access WinDaq Acquisition software, Digital I/O setup, and more in this easy-to-use point and click
environment. View the Help files by clicking on View Help in the Help menu or by pressing F1.
Help
All WINDAQ software utilizes context-sensitive help. Help may be accessed through the Help menu or by pressing the
F1 key with any pull-down menu item selected. This will take you directly to the Help topic most relevant to that par-
ticular function or feature. Help topics discuss in detail each function available in the software.

DI-148U, DI-148U-SP, and DI–158 Series Hardware Manual
Specifications
5
2. Specifications
DI-148 Analog Inputs
Number of Channels: DI-148U: 8
DI-148U-SP: 2 String Pot and 2 General Purpose
Channel Configuration: Single-Ended
Voltage Measurement Range: DI-148U and DI-148U-SP General Purpose Channels: ±10V Full Scale
DI-148U-SP String Pot Channels: 2.4VFS
Accuracy: ±0.25% of FSR
Resolution: DI-148U and DI-148U-SP General Purpose Channels: ±19.5mV
DI-148U-SP String Pot Channels: ±7.4mV
Input Impedance: 200KΩ
Input bias current: 50µA for a 10V input, single channel
Maximum normal mode voltage: 20V peak to peak
Channel-to-Channel crosstalk rejection: -60db
Gain temperature coefficient: 100ppm/°C
Offset temperature coefficient: .5µV/°C
Output Voltage (DI-148U-SP): String Pot Channels: 2.43 typical
DI-158 Analog Inputs
Number of Channels: 4
Channel Configuration: Fixed Differential
Input Impedance: 500KΩeither input to ground
1MΩdifferential
Input bias current: 10µA for a 10V input, single channel
Maximum normal mode voltage: 100V peak
Maximum common mode voltage: 60V peak
CMR: 60db @ Gain=1; 1KΩunbalance
Channel-to-Channel crosstalk rejection: 100db
Gain temperature coefficient: 100ppm/°C
Offset temperature coefficient: 100µV/°C
Accuracy: ±0.25% of FSR
Voltage Measurement Range (Full Scale) and Resolution:
Gain Range Resolution
DI-158U 1 ±10V 4.88mV
2 ±5V 2.44mV
4 ±2.5V 1.22mV
8 ±1.25V 0.61mV

DI-148U, DI-148U-SP, and DI–158 Series Hardware Manual
Specifications
6
DI-158UP 1±64V±31.3mV
2±32V±15.6mV
4 ±16V ±7.81mV
8 ±8V ±3.90mV
16 ±4V ±1.95mV
32 ±2V ±976µV
64 ±1V ±488µV
128 ±0.5V ±244µV
256 ±0.25V ±122µV
512 ±0.125V ±61µV
A/D Characteristics
Type: Successive approximation
Resolution: DI-148: 10-bit
DI-158: 12-bit
Monotonicity: ±2 LSB
Conversion Time: DI-148: 70µs
DI-158: 71.4µs
Analog Outputs (DI-158 Series only)
Number of channels: 2
Resolution: 12 bits
Integral Nonlinearity: ±2 LSB
Output Noise: 250µVrms
Output Current: ±300µA
Output short circuit current: 15mA
Voltage output Slew rate: Load = 40pF: 0.44 V/µs
Output voltage swing: 0V to 1.25V
Startup time: 10µs
Scanning Characteristics
Maximum throughput sample rate: 14,400 Hz
Minimum throughput sample rate: 0.0137334 Hz
Timing accuracy: 100 ppm of sample rate
Maximum scan list size: DI-148: 10 entries
DI-158: 6 entries
Sample buffer size: 2kb

DI-148U, DI-148U-SP, and DI–158 Series Hardware Manual
Specifications
7
Digital I/O
Channels: DI-148: 6 bi-directional
DI-158: 4 bi-directional
Output voltage levels: Minimum “1”, 3V @ 2.5mA sourcing; Maximum “0”, 0.4V @ 2.5mA
sinking
Output current: Maximum source, -2.5mA; Maximum sink, 2.5mA
Input voltage levels: Minimum required “1”, 2V; Maximum allowed “0”, 0.8V
Calibration
Calibration Cycle: One year
Calibration method: Digital calibration with scale and offset constant per channel.
USB Interface
Connector Type: USB
Maximum data transfer rate: 14,400 samples per second
General
Input connectors: Two 8 position terminal blocks
Operating Environment: 0°C to 70°C
Enclosure: Molded ABS plastic.
Dimensions: 2.6D x 2.6W x 1.1H in.
66D x 66W x 28H mm.
Weight: 3 oz. (85 gr.)
Power Requirements: 80mA max. @ 5 VDC. No external power required—power derived
from communications cable.

DI-148U, DI-148U-SP, and DI–158 Series Hardware Manual
Installation
9
3. Installation
The following items are included with each WINDAQ Starter Kit. Verify that you have the following:
• A DI-148 or DI-158 Instrument.
• The WINDAQ Resource CD-ROM.
• USB cable.
• Screwdriver for securing your signal leads into the screw terminal inputs.
If an item is missing or damaged, call DATAQ Instruments at 330-668-1444. We will guide you through the appropri-
ate steps for replacing missing or damaged items. Save the original packing material in the unlikely event that your
unit must, for any reason, be sent back to DATAQ Instruments.
Connecting the Instrument to Your Computer
DI-148 and DI-158 instruments can be connected to your computer’s USB port using the provided cable. No external
power is required. Connect one end of the communications cable to the instrument port and the other to your PC’s
port. DO NOT CONNECT INPUT SIGNALS TO YOUR DEVICE UNTIL YOU HAVE READ “CAUTION”
on page v.
Installing the Device Drivers
1. With your computer powered, Windows running, and all other applications closed, plug the appropriate end of
the supplied USB communications cable into the USB port on the side of the instrument. Connect the other end
of this cable to one of your computer's USB ports. The addition of this new piece of hardware will be “sensed”
by Windows and the “Found New Hardware Wizard” will automatically be launched, anticipating the installation
of a device driver for the new hardware. If the Wizard asks “Can Windows connect to Windows Update to search
for software?” select “No, not this time” and click on the Next button.
2. Insert The WINDAQ Resource CD-ROM into your CD-ROM drive. It contains the device drivers for the DI-148
and DI-158. If your Windows auto play feature is enabled, the WINDAQ Software Installation will start. Click on
the Exit button to leave the installation.
3. Click through the defaults of the Found New Hardware Wizard. When completed, the Wizard will run again -
and again you should click through the defaults until you exit the Wizard. The DI-148U and DI-158 USB models
require two drivers to be installed, a Serial Port and a USB driver. This will look like two instruments are
installed when there is only one.
Note: If you receive the Microsoft-issued warning that the software “has not passed Windows Logo testing to
verify its compatibility with Windows XP” click “Continue Anyway” to continue with installation. You will see
this warning twice - once for each driver (USB and Serial Port).
4. After the Drivers are installed, click Finish to close the Found New Hardware Wizard. Windows should prompt
you that the device has been installed properly. Repeat this process for every instrument that is plugged in and the
“New Hardware Wizard” runs.

DI-148U, DI-148U-SP, and DI–158 Series Hardware Manual
Installation
10
Installing WINDAQ Software and the Dataq Instruments Hardware Manager
The WINDAQ Resource CD-ROM contains all the software required for use with all DI-148 and DI-158 instruments.
This installation includes the following software: WINDAQ Acquisition software (WINDAQ/HS (High Speed) option
Trial version), WINDAQ Waveform Browser playback software, and the Dataq Instruments Hardware Manager.
Note: For continued use of WINDAQ/HS option, the software must be activated—see “Activation of WinDaq/High
Speed Option” below for details.
1. Re-insert the WINDAQ Resource CD for the auto play feature to run or run the Setup application.
2. In the “What do you want to do?” window, select “Install Software” and click OK.
3. In the “Installing Software” window, select “Install Software for DI-148, DI-158, DI-710, and DI-715B instru-
ments” and click OK.
4. Select the “Install Software” option and click OK to continue. If you wish to view the hardware documentation
you may do so now
5. In the Welcome! box, click OK to continue.
6. Read the License Agreement. If you accept the terms, click “Accept and Continue.” If you choose not to accept,
this will end the installation.
7. When prompted, enter your registration information (name and company) in the appropriate text boxes and click
OK. Confirm your registration information before continuing.
8. When prompted, specify the directory where you want to install your WINDAQ software. It is recommended that
you accept the default.
9. Make sure each instrument is connected to your PC and all device drivers are installed. You must install a
device driver for each USB instrument. Click OK to continue.
10. The DATAQ Installation Manager runs. A Windows Security Alert may pop up asking if you would like to Block
the software from installation.

DI-148U, DI-148U-SP, and DI–158 Series Hardware Manual
Installation
11
Click the Unblock button to continue with installation.
11. The DATAQ Installation Manager shows all DI-148, DI-158, DI-710, and DI-715B devices currently connected
via USB or Ethernet to your PC. Click on the Help button for a description of all the functions in the installation
software.
12. When all desired devices are showing up in the list click on the OK button to continue installation. Click Cancel
to exit without installing.
13. When prompted to Select a Program Manager Group specify a destination (or group window) in the Start Menu
for WINDAQ software icons. It is recommended that you accept the default.
14. In the “Installation Option” Dialog box specify whether you want all users to have access to WinDaq software or
just the current User. Click Yes to allow all users to have access, click No to allow just the current user to have
access.
15. After WINDAQ Software installs, you will prompted to install WINDAQ/XL and Advanced CODAS Analysis
software. If you purchased either software click on Yes in the appropriate dialog box. If you did not - click on
No. Follow the on screen prompts to complete installation.
16. Installation is complete - you will now see a Successful Installation box - click on OK to exit WINDAQ Installa-
tion. If you purchase more devices at a later date you must run the installation again with all devices (old and
new) plugged in.
17. To run WINDAQ Data Acquisition software or the Stand-alone Set Up software go to the appropriate program
group (specified above—default is Start > Programs > WINDAQ) and click on Dataq Instruments Hardware
Manager. All DATAQ Instruments software is located in the same program group.

DI-148U, DI-148U-SP, and DI–158 Series Hardware Manual
Installation
12
Activation of WINDAQ/High Speed Option
Activation is required for continued use of WINDAQ/High Speed option to ensure compliance with the Software
License Agreement. The Software License Agreement can be found in the WINDAQ Software manual or in the
WINDAQ program group (License.txt). The WINDAQ/HS option may be activated through the Help menu by clicking
on Unlock WINDAQ/HS or by waiting for the trial version to expire. Trial versions are good for 40 High Speed
recording sessions. The High Speed version may be purchased after the trial period expires through our online store
or by phone. For help or for questions regarding Activation and/or the Software License Agreement, contact DATAQ
Instruments Customer Support.
Dataq Instruments Hardware Manager
The Dataq Instruments Hardware Manager is installed when installing any DI-148 or DI-158 instrument. This soft-
ware allows you to effectively manage multiple devices installed on the same PC. The Dataq Instruments Hardware
Manager may be accessed through the Windows Program Manager Group as specified during installation (default is
Start > Programs > WINDAQ > Dataq Instruments Hardware Manager). All available devices will automatically
appear in the list box when you run the software. For help with the Dataq Instruments Hardware Manager access the
Help Files using either the Help menu item or by pressing the F1 key to access context-sensitive help.