Keithley KPCMCIA-12AIAOH User manual

KPCMCIA-12AIAOH
Type II PCMCIA Card
User’s Manual
A GREATER MEASURE OF CONFIDENCE

WARRANTY
Hardware
Keithley Instruments, Inc. warrants that, for a period of one (1) year from the date of shipment (3 years for Models 2000, 2001, 2002, 2010 and 2700), the
Keithley Hardware product will be free from defects in materials or workmanship. This warranty will be honored provided the defect has not been caused
by use of the Keithley Hardware not in accordance with the instructions for the product. This warranty shall be null and void upon: (1) any modification of
Keithley Hardware that is made by other than Keithley and not approved in writing by Keithley or (2) operation of the Keithley Hardware outside of the
environmental specifications therefore.
Upon receiving notification of a defect in the Keithley Hardware during the warranty period, Keithley will, at its option, either repair or replace such Keithley Hard-
ware. During the first ninety days of the warranty period, Keithley will, at its option, supply the necessary on site labor to return the product to the condition prior to
the notification of a defect. Failure to notify Keithley of a defect during the warranty shall relieve Keithley of its obligations and liabilities under this warranty.
Other Hardware
The portion of the product that is not manufactured by Keithley (Other Hardware) shall not be covered by this warranty, and Keithley shall have no duty of
obligation to enforce any manufacturers' warranties on behalf of the customer. On those other manufacturers’ products that Keithley purchases for resale,
Keithley shall have no duty of obligation to enforce any manufacturers’ warranties on behalf of the customer.
Software
Keithley warrants that for a period of one (1) year from date of shipment, the Keithley produced portion of the software or firmware (Keithley Software) will
conform in all material respects with the published specifications provided such Keithley Software is used on the product for which it is intended and other-
wise in accordance with the instructions therefore. Keithley does not warrant that operation of the Keithley Software will be uninterrupted or error-free and/
or that the Keithley Software will be adequate for the customer's intended application and/or use. This warranty shall be null and void upon any modification
of the Keithley Software that is made by other than Keithley and not approved in writing by Keithley.
If Keithley receives notification of a Keithley Software nonconformity that is covered by this warranty during the warranty period, Keithley will review the
conditions described in such notice. Such notice must state the published specification(s) to which the Keithley Software fails to conform and the manner
in which the Keithley Software fails to conform to such published specification(s) with sufficient specificity to permit Keithley to correct such nonconfor-
mity. If Keithley determines that the Keithley Software does not conform with the published specifications, Keithley will, at its option, provide either the
programming services necessary to correct such nonconformity or develop a program change to bypass such nonconformity in the Keithley Software.
Failure to notify Keithley of a nonconformity during the warranty shall relieve Keithley of its obligations and liabilities under this warranty.
Other Software
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Other Items
Keithley warrants the following items for 90 days from the date of shipment: probes, cables, rechargeable batteries, diskettes, and documentation.
Items not Covered under Warranty
This warranty does not apply to fuses, non-rechargeable batteries, damage from battery leakage, or problems arising from normal wear or failure to follow
instructions.
Limitation of Warranty
This warranty does not apply to defects resulting from product modification made by Purchaser without Keithley's express written consent, or by misuse
of any product or part.
Disclaimer of Warranties
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4/02

KPCMCIA-12AIAOH
Type II PCMCIA Card
User’s Manual
©1999, Keithley Instruments, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A.
Second Printing, July 2002
Document Number: 98936 Rev. B

Manual Print History
The print history shown below lists the printing dates of all Revisions and Addenda created for this manual. The Revision
Level letter increases alphabetically as the manual undergoes subsequent updates. Addenda, which are released between Revi-
sions, contain important change information that the user should incorporate immediately into the manual. Addenda are num-
bered sequentially. When a new Revision is created, all Addenda associated with the previous Revision of the manual are
incorporated into the new Revision of the manual. Each new Revision includes a revised copy of this print history page.
Revision A (Document Number 98936) ........................................................................................ September 1999
Revision B (Document Number 98936) ............................................................................................. July 2002
All Keithley product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of Keithley Instruments, Inc.
Other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

Safety Precautions
The following safety precautions should be observed before using
this product and any associated instrumentation. Although some in-
struments and accessories would normally be used with non-haz-
ardous voltages, there are situations where hazardous conditions
may be present.
This product is intended for use by qualified personnel who recog-
nize shock hazards and are familiar with the safety precautions re-
quired to avoid possible injury. Read and follow all installation,
operation, and maintenance information carefully before using the
product. Refer to the manual for complete product specifications.
If the product is used in a manner not specified, the protection pro-
vided by the product may be impaired.
The types of product users are:
Responsible body is the individual or group responsible for the use
and maintenance of equipment, for ensuring that the equipment is
operated within its specifications and operating limits, and for en-
suring that operators are adequately trained.
Operators use the product for its intended function. They must be
trained in electrical safety procedures and proper use of the instru-
ment. They must be protected from electric shock and contact with
hazardous live circuits.
Maintenance personnel perform routine procedures on the product
to keep it operating properly, for example, setting the line voltage
or replacing consumable materials. Maintenance procedures are de-
scribed in the manual. The procedures explicitly state if the operator
may perform them. Otherwise, they should be performed only by
service personnel.
Service personnel are trained to work on live circuits, and perform
safe installations and repairs of products. Only properly trained ser-
vice personnel may perform installation and service procedures.
Keithley products are designed for use with electrical signals that
are rated Installation Category I and Installation Category II, as de-
scribed in the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)
Standard IEC 60664. Most measurement, control, and data I/O sig-
nals are Installation Category I and must not be directly connected
to mains voltage or to voltage sources with high transient over-volt-
ages. Installation Category II connections require protection for
high transient over-voltages often associated with local AC mains
connections. Assume all measurement, control, and data I/O con-
nections are for connection to Category I sources unless otherwise
marked or described in the Manual.
Exercise extreme caution when a shock hazard is present. Lethal
voltage may be present on cable connector jacks or test fixtures. The
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) states that a shock
hazard exists when voltage levels greater than 30V RMS, 42.4V
peak, or 60VDC are present. A good safety practice is to expect
that hazardous voltage is present in any unknown circuit before
measuring.
Operators of this product must be protected from electric shock at
all times. The responsible body must ensure that operators are pre-
vented access and/or insulated from every connection point. In
some cases, connections must be exposed to potential human con-
tact. Product operators in these circumstances must be trained to
protect themselves from the risk of electric shock. If the circuit is
capable of operating at or above 1000 volts, no conductive part of
the circuit may be exposed.
Do not connect switching cards directly to unlimited power circuits.
They are intended to be used with impedance limited sources.
NEVER connect switching cards directly to AC mains. When con-
necting sources to switching cards, install protective devices to lim-
it fault current and voltage to the card.
Before operating an instrument, make sure the line cord is connect-
ed to a properly grounded power receptacle. Inspect the connecting
cables, test leads, and jumpers for possible wear, cracks, or breaks
before each use.
When installing equipment where access to the main power cord is
restricted, such as rack mounting, a separate main input power dis-
connect device must be provided, in close proximity to the equip-
ment and within easy reach of the operator.
For maximum safety, do not touch the product, test cables, or any
other instruments while power is applied to the circuit under test.
ALWAYS remove power from the entire test system and discharge
any capacitors before: connecting or disconnecting cables or jump-
ers, installing or removing switching cards, or making internal
changes, such as installing or removing jumpers.
Do not touch any object that could provide a current path to the com-
mon side of the circuit under test or power line (earth) ground.Always
make measurements with dry hands while standing on a dry, insulated
surface capable of withstanding the voltage being measured.
The instrument and accessories must be used in accordance with its
specifications and operating instructions or the safety of the equip-
ment may be impaired.
Do not exceed the maximum signal levels of the instruments and ac-
cessories, as defined in the specifications and operating informa-
tion, and as shown on the instrument or test fixture panels, or
switching card.
When fuses are used in a product, replace with same type and rating
for continued protection against fire hazard.
Chassis connections must only be used as shield connections for
measuring circuits, NOT as safety earth ground connections.
If you are using a test fixture, keep the lid closed while power is ap-
plied to the device under test. Safe operation requires the use of a
lid interlock.
5/02

If or is present, connect it to safety earth ground using the
wire recommended in the user documentation.
The symbol on an instrument indicates that the user should re-
fer to the operating instructions located in the manual.
The symbol on an instrument shows that it can source or mea-
sure 1000 volts or more, including the combined effect of normal
and common mode voltages. Use standard safety precautions to
avoid personal contact with these voltages.
The WARNING heading in a manual explains dangers that might
result in personal injury or death. Always read the associated infor-
mation very carefully before performing the indicated procedure.
The CAUTION heading in a manual explains hazards that could
damage the instrument. Such damage may invalidate the warranty.
Instrumentation and accessories shall not be connected to humans.
Before performing any maintenance, disconnect the line cord and
all test cables.
To maintain protection from electric shock and fire, replacement
components in mains circuits, including the power transformer, test
leads, and input jacks, must be purchased from Keithley Instru-
ments. Standard fuses, with applicable national safety approvals,
may be used if the rating and type are the same. Other components
that are not safety related may be purchased from other suppliers as
long as they are equivalent to the original component. (Note that se-
lected parts should be purchased only through Keithley Instruments
to maintain accuracy and functionality of the product.) If you are
unsure about the applicability of a replacement component, call a
Keithley Instruments office for information.
To clean an instrument, use a damp cloth or mild, water based
cleaner. Clean the exterior of the instrument only. Do not apply
cleaner directly to the instrument or allow liquids to enter or spill
on the instrument. Products that consist of a circuit board with no
case or chassis (e.g., data acquisition board for installation into a
computer) should never require cleaning if handled according to in-
structions. If the board becomes contaminated and operation is af-
fected, the board should be returned to the factory for proper
cleaning/servicing.
!

Table of Contents
i
1 Introduction
Getting started......................................................................................................................................................1-2
Features ................................................................................................................................................................1-3
Technical support.................................................................................................................................................1-4
2 Installation
Hardware setup ....................................................................................................................................................2-2
Software setup......................................................................................................................................................2-2
3 Theory of Operation
Introduction..........................................................................................................................................................3-2
DC/DC power supply...........................................................................................................................................3-2
Analog input multiplexer .....................................................................................................................................3-3
Programmable gain control..................................................................................................................................3-3
Scan list................................................................................................................................................................3-3
Trigger circuit ......................................................................................................................................................3-4
A/D converter and data FIFO...............................................................................................................................3-4
Interrupt and status...............................................................................................................................................3-5
Digital I/O ............................................................................................................................................................ 3-5
A/D state machine................................................................................................................................................3-6
D/A circuit............................................................................................................................................................3-7
Timer counter.......................................................................................................................................................3-7
4 I/O Connections
Introduction..........................................................................................................................................................4-2
Cable assembly ....................................................................................................................................................4-2
5 Optional Accessories

ii
A Specifications
B PCMCIA Interface
Introduction .........................................................................................................................................................B-2
Configuration and option register (COR)............................................................................................................B-3
Card configuration and status register (CCSR)...................................................................................................B-3
C I/O Registers
Introduction .........................................................................................................................................................C-2
Data FIFO register (base + 0)..............................................................................................................................C-3
Data FIFO operation modes ........................................................................................................................C-3
Mode setting ................................................................................................................................................C-4
FIFO flags....................................................................................................................................................C-5
Scan list queue register (base + 1, write only).....................................................................................................C-6
Scan list queue programming ......................................................................................................................C-6
Channel configuration .................................................................................................................................C-7
Analog input offset correction.....................................................................................................................C-8
Control register (base + 2, write only).................................................................................................................C-8
Clock source ................................................................................................................................................C-8
Expansion mode ..........................................................................................................................................C-8
A/D interrupt enable....................................................................................................................................C-8
Trigger mode ...............................................................................................................................................C-9
Trigger source..............................................................................................................................................C-9
Trigger edge.................................................................................................................................................C-9
Analog trigger threshold..............................................................................................................................C-9
Status register (base + 2, read only) ..................................................................................................................C-10
Digital output register (base + 3, write only) ....................................................................................................C-11
Digital input register (base + 3, read only)........................................................................................................C-11
Pacer clock (base + 4, + 5, + 6; write only).......................................................................................................C-12
Command register (base + 7, write only) ..........................................................................................................C-12
Trigger/arm command...............................................................................................................................C-13
Flush data FIFO command ........................................................................................................................C-13
Flush scan list queue command.................................................................................................................C-13
Stop A/D command ...................................................................................................................................C-14
Latch timer/counter command...................................................................................................................C-14
Data FIFO program/access control............................................................................................................C-14
Scan rate selection .....................................................................................................................................C-15
D/A data port (base + 8, base + 9).....................................................................................................................C-15
D/A channel output....................................................................................................................................C-15
D/A port interface......................................................................................................................................C-15
D/A update modes .....................................................................................................................................C-16
Timer/counter port (base + 10, base + 11) ........................................................................................................C-17
Timer/counter operation modes.................................................................................................................C-17
Timer/counter clock source .......................................................................................................................C-18
Reading the contents of the timer/counter.................................................................................................C-18
Timer divisor or counter modulus .............................................................................................................C-18
Timer/counter overflow.............................................................................................................................C-18
Auxiliary control register (base + 15, write only) .............................................................................................C-19
Auxiliary status register (base + 15, read only).................................................................................................C-20

List of Illustrations
iii
3 Theory of Operation
Figure 3-1 State transition diagram of A/D conversion process............................................................................................3-6
4 I/O Connections
Figure 4-1 KPCMCIA-12AIAOH PC card D-37 output connector, KCAB-AIAO..............................................................4-3
C I/O Registers
Figure C-1 Pacer clock block diagram ................................................................................................................................ C-12

List of Tables
v
4 I/O Connections
Table 4-1 KPCMCIA-12AIAOH PC card cable mapping...................................................................................................4-2
B PCMCIA Interface
Table B-1 PCMCIA configuration registers ........................................................................................................................ B-2
Table B-2 COR bit definitions ............................................................................................................................................. B-3
Table B-3 CCSR bit definitions ........................................................................................................................................... B-3
C I/O Registers
Table C-1 KPCMCIA-12AIAOH PC card register map...................................................................................................... C-2
Table C-2 Data FIFO register bit allocation ........................................................................................................................ C-3
Table C-3 Data FIFO operation mode ................................................................................................................................. C-3
Table C-4 Data FIFO threshold setting................................................................................................................................ C-4
Table C-5 Data FIFO flag status .......................................................................................................................................... C-5
Table C-6 Scan list queue entry bit definitions.................................................................................................................... C-6
Table C-7 Scan list queue programming example 1 ............................................................................................................ C-7
Table C-8 Scan list queue programming example 2 ............................................................................................................ C-7
Table C-9 Control register bit definitions ............................................................................................................................ C-8
Table C-10 Status register bit definitions............................................................................................................................. C-10
Table C-11 Digital output register bit definitions ................................................................................................................ C-11
Table C-12 Digital input register bit definitions .................................................................................................................. C-11
Table C-13 Command register bit definitions...................................................................................................................... C-13
Table C-14 Data FIFO threshold setting.............................................................................................................................. C-14
Table C-15 D/A data port definitions................................................................................................................................... C-15
Table C-16 D/A update modes............................................................................................................................................. C-16
Table C-17 Timer/counter mode.......................................................................................................................................... C-17
Table C-18 Auxiliary control register bit definitions........................................................................................................... C-19
Table C-19 Auxiliary status register bit definitions............................................................................................................. C-20

1
Introduction

1-2 Introduction KPCMCIA-12AIAOH User’s Manual
Getting started
The KPCMCIA-12AIAOH PC card is a PCMCIA type II data acquisition system with four dif-
ferential or eight single-ended analog input channels. The number of input channels can be
expanded to 128 with input expansion cards. Each channel has a bipolar input range from ±0.01V
(gain = 1000), ±0.1V (gain =100), ±1V (gain =10), and ±10V (gain = 1) with programmable gains
of 1, 10, 100, and 1000. The KPCMCIA-12AIAOH PC card supports sampling rates up to 100
kHz at either 12-bit or 16-bit resolution.
Equipped with a data FIFO of 2048 samples, the KPCMCIA-12AIAOH PC card can achieve full
speed data acquisition under Windows 95/98 and Windows NT. It also has a scan FIFO of the
same size that supports full-speed, random-order channel scanning and gain selection for all the
input channels (up to 128 channels when using the input expansion cards).
The KPCMCIA-12AIAOH PC card has a 24-bit pacer clock and a programmable divided-by-2,
by-10, or by-100 pre-scaler. The pacer clock can also be used with an external clock source. With
the 10MHz internal clock source, the pacer clock can generate accurate sampling rates from
0.006Hz to 100kHz.
The KPCMCIA-12AIAOH PC cards are also equipped with two independent 12-bit D/A output
channels with a bipolar output range from -5 to +5V. The D/A channels can be updated directly
when writing to the corresponding D/A port (direct mode) or simultaneously when a synchroni-
zation signal (timer overflow, gate control goes low to high, or pacer clock fires) comes.
The analog trigger and pre-trigger are two new features added to the KPCMCIA-12AIAOH PC
cards. One of the D/A channels (channel 1) can be used to set up the analog trigger level anywhere
in the full input range of the A/D converter (±10V). The pre-trigger mode, when enabled, keeps
the most recently received data samples in the data FIFO before the actual trigger comes so these
samples can be recorded together with those after the trigger.
The 16-bit timer/counter with auto-reload and read-out latch provides independent timing for the
D/A channels. It can also be used as an independent timer/counter for other purposes. The timer/
counter operates with internal or external clock sources and with internal or external gate control.
Its latched read-out guarantees the integrity whenever the timer/counter’s content is referenced.
The KPCMCIA-12AIAOH PC card also has four digital input and four digital output channels,
all are TTL compatible, which may be used for controlling or monitoring in addition to analog
data acquisition.
The DriverLINX software drivers provided support various programming languages including
Visual C/C++, Visual Basic and Delphi. A Dynamic Link Library (DLL) is provided for all types
of programming languages under Microsoft Windows and Visual Basic Controls (VBX). The
KPCMCIA-12AIAOH PC card also has turn-key software support for TestPoint with optional
software support for LabView.
The KPCMCIA-12AIAOH PC card is packaged with a cable terminating in a 37-pin
D-type female connector. Refer to Section 6 for a description of the connector pin assignments.
For applications requiring discrete wire hook-ups, an optional screw terminal adapter is also
available to convert the D-37 connector into 37 discrete screw terminal blocks.

KPCMCIA-12AIAOH User’s Manual Introduction 1-3
Features
The KPCMCIA-12AIAOH PC card offers the following features:
•
12- or 16-bit A/D resolution.
•
Four differential or eight single-ended analog input channels, expandable to 128 channels.
•
Bipolar input range up to ±10V.
•
Truly programmable gains of 1, 10, 100, and 1000.
•
Programmable scan list with up to 2048 channels and gain entries. Selectable scan speed (10,
20, or 40µs).
•
Data FIFO of 2048 samples.
•
24-bit pacer clock with variable pre-scalers to generate sampling rates from 0.006Hz to
100kHz (0 to 100kHz with external clock source).*
•
Software, TTL, or analog trigger with programmable threshold. Pre-trigger capability up to
the size of the data FIFO.
•
Two 12-bit D/A channels with direct or synchronized update.
•
Additional 16-bit timer/counter with auto-reload, read-out latch, overflow latch, internal/
external gate control, and internal/external clock source.
•
Digital input/output channels.
•
Software drivers for Windows 95/98 and Windows NT, and TestPoint. An optional driver is
available for LABView.
*NOTE In “Paced” mode, the same input pin is shared between external clock
and external trigger, hence only one function can be used (not both si-
multaneously).

1-4 Introduction KPCMCIA-12AIAOH User’s Manual
Technical support
Before returning any equipment for repair, call Keithley Instruments, Inc., for technical support
at:
1-888-KEITHLEY
Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time
An applications engineer will help you diagnose and resolve your problem over the telephone.
If a telephone resolution is not possible, the applications engineer will issue you a Return Material
Authorization (RMA) number and ask you to return the equipment. Include the RMA number
with any documentation regarding the equipment.
When returning equipment for repair, include the following information:
•
Your name, address, and telephone number.
•
The invoice or order number and date of equipment purchase.
•
A description of the problem or its symptoms.
•
The RMA number on the outside of the package.
Repackage the equipment using the original anti-static wrapping, if possible, and handle it with
ground protection. Ship the equipment to:
ATTN: RMA #_________
Repair Department
Keithley Instruments, Inc.
28775 Aurora Road
Cleveland, OH 44139
Telephone 1-888-KEITHLEY
FAX [phone]
NOTES If you are submitting your equipment for repair under warranty, you
must include the invoice number and date of purchase.
To enable Keithley Instruments, Inc., to respond as quickly as possible,
you must include the RMA number on the outside of the package.

2
Installation

2-2 Installation KPCMCIA-12AIAOH User’s Manual
Hardware setup
To install a KPCMCIA-12AIAOH PC card, insert the adapter into any type II PCMCIA socket.
All other configuration options are determined by the DriverLINX software and operating
system, as discussed in your DriverLINX documentation.
Software setup
Refer to your DriverLINX documentation for a detailed description of the software
installation procedure.

3
Theory of Operation

3-2 Theory of Operation KPCMCIA-12AIAOH User’s Manual
Introduction
The KPCMCIA-12AIAOH PC card consists of four differential or eight single-ended analog
input channels, each having a bipolar input range of ±0.01V (gain = 1000), ±0.1V (gain = 100),
±1V (gain = 10), or ±10V (gain = 1) with programmable gains of 1, 10, 100, and 1000). The A/
D converter, either 12-bit or 16-bit, can be operated at its top speed of 100,000 samples per second
(10µs per sample).
The A/D converter uses left-justified 2’s complement coding. For the 16-bit version, its output
ranges from -32768 to 32767 as usual. However, the 12-bit version has its 12-bit result occupying
the most significant 12 bits and pads its least significant four bits with zeroes to make a 16-bit
output word for each converted input sample.
The KPCMCIA-12AIAOH PC card can be operated as an I/O device, occupying 16 consecutive
bytes in the I/O address space. It can also be configured to operate via memory mapped I/O. It
fully complies with the PCMCIA standard 2.1 as a type II card. The card does not have any jump-
ers or DIP switches; all of its configurable features are programmable.
Functionally, the KPCMCIA-12AIAOH PC card consists of the following components:
•
DC/DC power supply
•
Analog input multiplexer
•
Programmable gain control
•
A/D converter
•
Data FIFO
•
Scan list
•
Trigger control
• Pacer clock
•
Interrupt and status
•
Digital I/O
•
D/A circuit
•
16-bit timer/counter circuit
•
Associated control circuits
DC/DC power supply
The KPCMCIA-12AIAOH PC card uses a standard 5V power supply for its digital circuit. The
±15V power supplies are used for the analog front end, and the analog +5V power supply is used
for the A/D converter. All are generated by a DC/DC converter off of the +5 digital input power
supply from the PCMCIA connector. The DC/DC converter takes 140mA, two-thirds of the
210mA total load current, from the input power supply.
According to the new PCMCIA specification, any card that takes more than 100mA must not be
blindly turned on when the card is inserted; the card must be intentionally accessed.The
KPCMCIA-12AIAOH PC card will support the new specification by providing a unique power-
down mode control. When the card is first plugged in, powered up, or reset, the DC/DC converter
shuts off so only the digital portion is up and running, taking only 70mA from the input +5 power
supply. Full-powered mode can then be activated by software.

KPCMCIA-12AIAOH User’s Manual Theory of Operation 3-3
Analog input multiplexer
The differential or single-ended configuration is selected via software.The expansion cards can
only be used on single-ended channels. The single-ended/differential selection should be the
same for all the internal channels (e.g., all four channels as differential, or all eight channels as
single-ended). Having some channels configured as single-ended and others as differential, pos-
sible as it is, may cause confusion and unexpected signal errors.
In a differential configuration, there are, at most, four channels. However, if you specify channels
4 to 7 in a differential configuration, the inputs to ground for system offset measurement will
short. The readings taken under such a circumstance can be used for offset correction.
The input multiplexers have built-in protection against overvoltage when the board is both pow-
ered on and powered down. The protection mechanism isolates the input from the rest of the board
as long as the input voltage is within the protection range of ±30V.
Programmable gain control
The KPCMCIA-12AIAOH PC card has an internal gain of 1, 10, 100, and 1000. The gain can be
changed “on the fly” from channel to channel when scanning through the channels. There is a pro-
grammable gain instrumentation amplifier with gains of 1, 10, 100, and 1000. The internal gain
selection is specified in the scan list entry via software.
The settling time of the analog front end meets the speed requirement. However, if the amplifier
is saturated, it may need a longer time to recover, which may cause distortion in the input signal
to the A/D converter. Amplifier saturation should be avoided (use low gains, attenuate the input
signal, etc.).
Scan list
One entry to the scan list contains a 16-bit word, or two 8-bit bytes. It specifies the internal chan-
nel selection and gain selection (in the high byte, or MSB), the external channel and gain selection
(in the low byte, or LSB), and other control and configuration settings.
The external selections are used for channels on the expansion cards, while internal selections are
used for channels on the KPCMCIA-12AIAOH PC card.
The expansion cards are not included as part of the KPCMCIA-12AIAOH data acquisition sys-
tem. However, they can be purchased separately from Keithley.
The number of entries in the scan list ranges from 1 to 2048. No dependencies are implied among
the entries of the scan list.You may choose any valid gain combinations for any channel, internal
or external. The channels can be scanned in any order as required, repeated or not, with the same
or different gain for each entry.
The differential/single-ended control bit (at bit 14, MSB) should be the same for all the entries in
the scan list, which is most likely the case for normal operations. Single-ended configurations
should be selected if one or more expansion cards are connected to the KPCMCIA-12AIAOH PC
card.
The synchronous sample hold bit (or SSH at bit 6, LSB) is reserved for the expansion cards.

3-4 Theory of Operation KPCMCIA-12AIAOH User’s Manual
Trigger circuit
The KPCMCIA-12AIAOH PC card can be triggered by the software (i.e., an internal trigger), an
external TTL input,* the analog input passing through the preset threshold, or the pacer clock.
For the TTL or analog trigger, an active trigger edge can be selected for either the low-to-high
transition or the high-to-low transition.
In one-shot trigger mode, one trigger, either internal or external, starts one scan of all the channels
specified in the scan list. The pacer clock does not have any effect in this mode. Multiple scans
can be set up by issuing (or receiving) multiple triggers.
In continuous trigger mode (without pre-trigger), a software, TTL, or analog trigger starts a series
of scans in which the first is initiated immediately upon receiving the trigger and the rest occur
each time the pacer clock fires. The process continues until the software issues an A/D stop
command.
If the internal trigger (or the software trigger) is selected, a trig/arm command from software
serves as a trigger as soon as it is received by the PC card. For the external trigger sources (TTL
or analog), the same command is taken as an arm command, which arms the PC card so the first
proper trigger edge since the reception of the arm command serves as the trigger. Any trigger
edges before the first one will be ignored. Unexpected edge transitions during the configuration
of the trigger source and edge will not be taken as triggers as long as the PC card is not armed.The
pre-trigger option can be selected in continuous mode (not allowed in one-shot mode) with exter-
nal trigger sources (TTL or analog but not with internal trigger). If the option is selected, the arm
command will actually start the pacer clock so the input channels specified in the scan list are
scanned each time the pacer clock fires and the scan results are placed in the data FIFO. However,
once the almost-full threshold (programmed as an integer multiple of the scan list length) of the
data FIFO is reached, the least recent scan is automatically discarded and the most recent one is
placed in the data FIFO. This filling and discarding continues until the external trigger (TTL or
analog) activates. At that point, no more discarding will be performed, and the normal data acqui-
sition process starts with half FIFO full of data samples right before the trigger. A/D event bits
are not set until the trigger activates, guaranteeing that no interrupts can be sent before the trigger
eventually activates.
*NOTE In “Paced” mode, the same input pin is shared between external clock
and external trigger, hence only one function can be used (not both si-
multaneously).
A/D converter and data FIFO
The KPCMCIA-12AIAOH PC card always assumes a bipolar input range of ±10V if the gain is
one. The output data format will always be in 2’s complement (and left justified for 12-bit ver-
sions). The data acquisition time of theA/D converter is 2µs, while its conversion time is no more
than 8µs. The A/D converter output is fed into the data FIFO providing data buffering of 2048
samples.
The hardware design guarantees that theA/D converter, once triggered, will perform a conversion
for every analog input channel specified in the scan list at the selected scan speed and feed the
results into the data FIFO. In between scans, the PC card waits until another trigger activates (one-
shot mode) or the pacer clock fires (continuous mode).
The data FIFO has two programmable thresholds: one for almost full and the other for almost
empty. The KPCMCIA-12AIAOH PC card only uses the almost-full threshold and ignores the
other. Upon power up or reset, the almost-full threshold is defaulted to 7 bytes to full (3.5 samples).
When the FIFO is full, no more samples can be written into the FIFO. At the end of each scan,
the KPCMCIA-12AIAOH PC card sets a data-lost flag if the data FIFO is already full.