Dataq DI-2108-P User manual

The way PC-based instrumentation should be
DI-2108-P
8-Channel High Speed USB Data Acquisition System with Programmable Gain
User's Manual
Manual Revision E
Copyright © 2020 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.
DATAQ Instruments, Inc.
241 Springside Drive
Akron, Ohio 44333 U.S.A.
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
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 1 year 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.

DI-2108-P Hardware Manual
Table of Contents
v
Table of Contents
Warranty and Service Policy ................................................................................................................ iii
1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 1
Features .............................................................................................................................................. 1
Analog Inputs .................................................................................................................................... 1
Digital I/O .......................................................................................................................................... 1
Software ............................................................................................................................................. 2
WinDaq Dashboard ..................................................................................................................... 2
WinDaq® Recording and Playback Software ............................................................................ 2
Help ............................................................................................................................................. 2
2. Specifications ...................................................................................................................................... 3
3. Installation .......................................................................................................................................... 7
Install WinDaq Software Suite .......................................................................................................... 7
Connect the Instrument to Your Computer ....................................................................................... 8
4. Controls, Indicators, and Connections ............................................................................................. 9
Mini-B USB Connection ................................................................................................................... 9
Screw Terminals ................................................................................................................................ 9
DI-2108-P Signal Connections ................................................................................................... 10
Connecting Signal Leads ............................................................................................................ 10
Analog Inputs .............................................................................................................................. 11
Digital Ports ................................................................................................................................ 13
WinDaq Remote Events (D0 Event) .................................................................................... 14
WinDaq Remote Storage (D1 Record) ................................................................................. 16
WinDaq Rate (D2 Rate) ....................................................................................................... 16
WinDaq Counter (D3 Count) ............................................................................................... 18
General Purpose Digital Inputs ............................................................................................ 20
General Purpose Digital Outputs .......................................................................................... 21
4-20mA Current Loop Measurements ............................................................................................... 22
LED Status Indicator ......................................................................................................................... 23
USB Drive Port .................................................................................................................................. 24
Control Button ................................................................................................................................... 24
Record Data to USB Thumb Drive ............................................................................................. 24
Stop Recording to USB Thumb Drive ........................................................................................ 25
Fix Errors .................................................................................................................................... 25
Switching between LibUSB and CDC Modes ............................................................................ 25
Save Stand-alone configuration to Thumb Drive ....................................................................... 25
Apply Stand-alone Configuration to Device ............................................................................... 26
WinDaq Dashboard ........................................................................................................................... 26
ChannelStretch™ ............................................................................................................................... 27
Connection .................................................................................................................................. 28
Channel Selection ....................................................................................................................... 29
Sample Rate ................................................................................................................................ 30
5. Unlock WinDaq or Stand-alone Operation ..................................................................................... 31
6. Dimensional Drawing ......................................................................................................................... 33

DI-2108-P Hardware Manual
Introduction
1
1. Introduction
This manual contains information designed to familiarize you with the features and functions of the DI-2108-P USB
data acquisition system.
Features
The DI-2108-P 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 fixed differential analog inputs protected to ±150V (transient).
• Free WinDaq/Lite data acquisition recording software. Records up to four channels of data. Purchase an unlock
code to record more than four channels.
• 7 digital ports protected to +25V.
• 16-bit measurement resolution
• Programmable measurement ranges of ±2.5, ±5, ±10, 0-5, and 0-10 Volts.
• Up to 160 kHz maximum throughput sampling rate.
• A push-button to tag remote events in WINDAQ software.
• LED indication for easy notification of device status.
• Counter channel for counter/timer applications up to 65,536 points.
• Frequency/Rate channel measuring 10Hz to 50kHz.
• ChannelStretch™ Technology allows you to sync up to 16 units with a total throughput of 480kHz or more
(requires unlock code for each device).
• Included .Net Class supports programming the DI-2108-P under any .Net programming language.*
• Fully documented instrument protocol for programming the device in operating systems other than Windows.*
*ChannelStretch requires that each device be unlocked when used with WinDaq software. WinDaq unlock is not
required for ChannelStretch if programming devices yourself using the .Net class or instrument protocol.
Analog Inputs
The DI-2108-P features eight differential channel inputs located on a single sixteen-position screw terminal block for
easy connection and operation. Measurement ranges of ±2.5, ±5, ±10, 0-5, or 0-10 Volts are programmable on a per
channel basis. Analog channels are protected to ±150 V dc or peak ac.
Utilize the functionality of WINDAQ software to experience all the features encased in these small, inexpensive
instruments. Unlock code required to record more than four channels of any type.
Digital I/O
The DI-2108-P contains seven digital ports, that may be used individually as a general-purpose digital input or for a
specific function as designated on the device. Digital port D0 may be used for WinDaq Events; Digital port D1 may
be used for WinDaq remote Start/Stop; Digital port D2 may be used for rate measurements; Digital port D3 may be
used for counts; Digital ports D4-D6 are general purpose digital input port. Please Note: Digital outputs are not sup-
ported in WinDaq software. Each port may be configured as a switch using third-party software.

DI-2108-P Hardware Manual
Introduction
2
Software
All software required to record and playback waveforms is included with the purchase of any DI-2108-P data acqui-
sition system.
WinDaq Dashboard
The WinDaq Dashboard utility allows you to start WinDaq software, configure and start stand-alone data logging,
and set the instrument clock to your PC. Units available for synchronized recording using ChannelStretch™ are
shown in compatible blocks of devices.
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 and is available for free from
our web site (www.dataq.com).
WINDAQ Lite Data Acquisition software (free) can be used to record waveforms directly and continuously to disk
while monitoring a real time display of the waveforms on-screen. It operates, displays, and records up to four chan-
nels in real time. An optional unlock code is available to record the rest of the channels on the device or to allow you
to sync multiple units.
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.
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-2108-P Hardware Manual
Specifications
3
2. Specifications
Analog Inputs
Number of Channels: 8
Channel Configuration: Differential
Measurement range per channel: Programmable ±2.5, ±5, ±10, 0-5, 0-10 Volts
Input impedance: 800 k differential
DC accuracy: ±0.05% of range 25°C, excluding common mode error
Absolute maximum input without damage: ±150 V dc or peak ac (normal mode + common mode)
Common mode range: ±228 V dc or peak ac
Common mode rejection ratio:
dc to 60 Hz 0 unbalanced
90 dB typical
Channel-to-channel crosstalk rejection: 110 dB typical
Digital Ports
Number of Ports: 7
Type: MOSFET switch
Configuration: Programmable as digital input or switch
Pull-up value: 4.7 k
Input high voltage threshold: 2.4V
Input low voltage threshold: 0.8V
Absolute maximum applied voltage (V): 0 ≤ V ≤ 25 V
Reserved Digital Inputs
Port 1: WINDAQ remote events
Port 2: WINDAQ remote start/stop
Port 3: Rate input
Port 4: Count input
ADC Characteristics
Resolution: 16-bit
Resolution applied to measurements: >15.6-bit
Max. sample throughput rate: 160 kHz throughput
Min. sample throughput rate: Hardware: 1.831 kHz with WinDaq software: 0.305 Hz
Sample rate timing accuracy: 50 ppm (typical over 24 hours)
Digital Ports Programmed as Switch
Maximum drain voltage: 25V
Maximum sink current: 100 mA

DI-2108-P Hardware Manual
Specifications
4
Synchronized Performance
Number of synced units (PC-dependent): 16 units max; Throughput ≤ 480 kHz
Channel skew between any 2 units: 10 µS, typical
Setup constraints: Syncs only with other model DI-2108-P instruments.
Same number of enabled channels per synced unit (type does not matter)
Same sample throughput rate per synced unit.
All units connected to the same USB controller using one or more hubs.
Count/Rate
Digital port assignment: Count: Port 2 configured as input
Rate: Port 3 configured as input
Internal pull-up value: 4.7 k
Input high voltage threshold: 2.4V
Input low voltage threshold: 0.8V
Terminal count: 65,535
Maximum rate frequency: 50 kHz (with total160 kHz burst rate)
Minimum rate frequency: 0.5 Hz
Maximum count frequency: 50 kHz
Removable Memory
Type: MLC, pSLC, or SLC flash memory (with USB SD card reader); USB
thumb drive
Required Format: FAT32
Number of Channels: 1; Unlock code required to record 2 or more channels to thumb drive
Indicators and Connections
Interface: USB 2.0 (mini-B style connector)
Indicator light: Multi-color LED
USB A Connector (Drive): USB drive for Stand-alone data logging
Cannot be used concurrently with the USB interface
Input connections: Two 16-position screw terminal strips
Power
Power Consumption: <1.0 Watt, via USB interface
Environmental
Operating Temperature: 0°C to 50°C (32°F to 122°F)
Operating Humidity: 0 to 90% non-condensing
Storage Temperature: -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F)
Storage Humidity: 0 to 90% non-condensing

DI-2108-P Hardware Manual
Specifications
5
Physical Characteristics
Enclosure: Polycarbonate ABS, 0.080 inch thickness
Mounting: Desktop; bulkhead
Dimensions: 6.68D × 3.28W × 1.13H in.
(169.67D × 83.31W × 28.7H cm.)
Weight: 5.7 oz. (162 grams)
Software Support
WINDAQ software: OS support: Check online at http://www.dataq.com/products/windaq/
windows-compatability/
Programming: Instrument Protocol, .NET class

DI-2108-P Hardware Manual
Installation
7
3. Installation
The following items are included with each DI-2108-P USB Data Acquisition System. Verify that you have the fol-
lowing:
• A DI-2108-P USB data acquisition instrument.
• 6-foot USB cable.
• A DATAQ Instruments screwdriver for signal lead connections.
• A 32GB USB flash drive with WinDaq software and an NIST-traceable calibration certificate (.pdf). This drive
can also be used for stand-alone data logging.
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.
Install WINDAQ Software Suite
All software for the DI-2108-P can be installed via a download-able executable directly from the DATAQ Instru-
ments web site. The software is also available on the provided USB flash drive.
1. Disconnect all DATAQ Instruments USB devices from your Computer.
2. Remove the USB flash drive from your device and connect it to your computer’s USB port. Alternately down-
load software at run.dataq.com.
3. Save the executable (Dataq Software Suite Web Setup.exe) to your local hard drive.
4. Double-click on the executable to extract the program and begin software installation.

DI-2108-P Hardware Manual
Installation
8
5. Follow the on-screen prompts and enter all required information.
6. Software installation is complete - you will now see a “Successful Installation” box - click OK to exit WINDAQ
Installation.
You can now plug the device(s) into your PC. Click on the “WinDaq Dashboard” shortcut to access WINDAQ soft-
ware and stand-alone setup.
Connect the Instrument to Your Computer
DI-2108-P instruments can be connected to your computer’s USB port using the provided USB 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. WinDaq Dashboard will recognize your device and appear in the device list.
Note: Use a powered USB hub or a USB port on your PC. Non-powered USB hubs may not have sufficient power to
run the instrument.

DI-2108-P Hardware Manual
Controls, Indicators, and Connections
9
4. Controls, Indicators, and
Connections
D4 D5 D6
Model DI-2108-P
+5V GnD
CH8
CH7CH6
CH5CH4CH3CH2CH1
0-25V Max
D3
Count
D2
Rate
D1
Record
D0
Event
±150V Max
Status
USB
Button
Drive
www.dataq.com
Analog In Channels 1-8
Digital Ports 0-6
Even Marker
Push Button
Status LED
+5V Out Ground
Mini-B USB
Connection
Bulkhead
mounting ear
Bulkhead
mounting ear
USB Drive
Mini-B USB Connection
Use the supplied USB cable to connect and power the instrument through your computer’s USB port.
Screw Terminals
All input signal connections are made to the 16-port screw terminals. Each terminal is labeled on the instrument case.
CAUTION
Never touch exposed screw terminal connector pins or screws.
To avoid ESD damage in handling the device, take the following precautions:
Ground yourself with a grounding strap or by touching a grounded object before and during your handling of the
instrument.
!
!

DI-2108-P Hardware Manual
Controls, Indicators, and Connections
10
DI-2108-P Signal Connections
Refer to the following for screw terminal port identification.
CH#: Analog channels 1-8 (Programmable ±2.5, ±5, ±10, 0-5, 0-10 Volts, ±150V transient max.)
D#: Digital port (0-6). Can also be used for specific WINDAQ functions (+25 Vmax).
D0 Event — WINDAQ Remote Event Marker (or general-purpose)
D1 Record — WINDAQ Remote Start/Stop (or general-purpose)
D2 Rate — Rate Input (or general-purpose)
D3 Count — Counter Input (or general-purpose)
D4 and D5 — General-purpose digital ports
D6 Ext Trig — General-purpose for DI-2108-P
+5V: +5V out. Max current = 100mA.
GnD: Ground.
Connecting Signal Leads
Connect signal leads to the DI-2108-P:
1. Insert the stripped end of a signal lead into the desired terminal directly under the screw.
2. Tighten the pressure flap by rotating the screw clockwise with a small screwdriver. Make sure that the pressure
flap tightens only against the signal wire and not the wire insulation. Do not over-tighten.
3. Tug gently on the signal lead to ensure that it is firmly secured.
D4 D5 D6
Model DI-2108-P
+5V GnD
CH8
CH7CH6
CH5CH4CH3CH2CH1
0-25V Max
D3
Count
D2
Rate
D1
Record
D0
Event
±150V Max
Status
USB
Button
Drive
www.dataq.com

DI-2108-P Hardware Manual
Controls, Indicators, and Connections
11
When an input signal is connected and WINDAQ Acquisition software is run, WINDAQ’s real time display immedi-
ately reveals the input waveform on your computer’s monitor.
Analog Inputs
Eight differential analog inputs measure ±2.5, ±5, ±10, 0-5, 0-10 Volts (CH1 to CH8, programmable per channel).
Designed to withstand ±150 V dc or peak ac.
Use the following diagram to connect Analog Input Channel 1.
400K
AIN
400K
AIN
D0 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6
USB
Button
LED
+5V GnD
CH8
CH7CH6
CH5CH4CH3CH2CH1
0-25V Max
CountRateRecordEvent
Download software at run.dataq.com
Ext Trig
±300V Max
www.dataq.com
Model DI-2108-P High Speed DAQ
D4 D5 D6
Model DI-2108-P
+5V GnD
CH8
CH7CH6
CH5CH4CH3CH2CH1
0-25V Max
D3
Count
D2
Rate
D1
Record
D0
Event
±150V Max
Status
USB
Button
Drive
www.dataq.com
Signal + Signal -

DI-2108-P Hardware Manual
Controls, Indicators, and Connections
12
Specify a full scale range for the channel in the menu item Edit > Channel Settings.
±2.5, ±5, and ±10 Volts are available. Select Unipolar for ranges of 0-5V or 0-10V.
Scroll through all enabled channels with the Next and Previous buttons.

DI-2108-P Hardware Manual
Controls, Indicators, and Connections
13
Digital Ports
The DI-2108 contains 7 general-purpose digital ports. Each digital port can be configured as a digital input or used as a
switch to control an external load (up to 25 V and 100 mA). Many of the ports can also provide specific functionality in
WINDAQ or a third-party program.
D0 Event is for WINDAQ Remote Events. This bit inserts an event marker in your data.
D1 Record is for WINDAQ Remote Storage. This bit can be programmed to begin recording data.
D2 Rate is for Rate measurements: 10Hz to 50kHz.
D3 Count is for Counter/Timer measurements up to 65,536.
D4 and D5 are general-purpose digital inputs.
D6 Ext Trig is a general-purpose digital input on the DI-2108-P.
Equivalent Digital I/O Circuit:
Dig In Dx
Dx
10
4.7K
+5
4.7K
Control
3.3V

DI-2108-P Hardware Manual
Controls, Indicators, and Connections
14
WINDAQ Remote Events (D0 Event)
To use a switch closure or TTL signal to record WINDAQ Event Markers, connect signal leads to the appropriate
Remote Control Event terminals on the DI-2108-P as shown below.
Once the switch closure or TTL signal is connected, activate Remote Events through WINDAQ Acquisition Software.
Events may be automatically placed on the rising or falling edge of the trigger signal. Use the menu command
Options > Remote Events + to set WINDAQ to place event markers on low-to-high transitions of the Event input.
Use the menu command Options > Remote Events - to set WINDAQ to place event markers on high-to-low transi-
tions of the Event input.
Event markers may also be placed in your data file manually by pressing the push button on the DI-2108-P Instru-
ment. You must enable Remote Events in WINDAQ to use the button (use the menu command Options > Remote
Events +or Options > Remote Events -).
Signal + Signal -
D0 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6
USB
Button
LED
+5V GnD
CH8
CH7CH6
CH5CH4CH3CH2CH1
0-25V Max
CountRateRecordEvent
Download software at run.dataq.com
Ext Trig
±300V Max
www.dataq.com
Model DI-2108-P High Speed DAQ
D4 D5 D6
Model DI-2108-P
+5V GnD
CH8
CH7CH6
CH5CH4CH3CH2CH1
0-25V Max
D3
Count
D2
Rate
D1
Record
D0
Event
±150V Max
Status
USB
Button
Drive
www.dataq.com
D0 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6
USB
Button
LED
+5V GnD
CH8
CH7CH6
CH5CH4CH3CH2CH1
0-25V Max
CountRateRecordEvent
Download software at run.dataq.com
Ext Trig
±300V Max
www.dataq.com
Model DI-2108-P High Speed DAQ
D4 D5 D6
Model DI-2108-P
+5V GnD
CH8
CH7CH6
CH5CH4CH3CH2CH1
0-25V Max
D3
Count
D2
Rate
D1
Record
D0
Event
±150V Max
Status
USB
Button
Drive
www.dataq.com