Measurement Computing USB-TC-AI User manual

USB-TC-AI
Thermocouple and Voltage Measurement
Document Revision 4
March 2013
© Copyright 2013
User's Guide
Distributed by MicroDAQ.com, Ltd. www.MicroDAQ.com [phone]

2
HM USB-TC-AI.docx
Your new Measurement Computing product comes with a fantastic extra —
Management committed to your satisfaction!
Thank you for choosing a Measurement Computing product—and congratulations! You own the finest, and you can now enjoy
the protection of the most comprehensive warranties and unmatched phone tech support. It’s the embodiment of our mission:
To provide data acquisition hardware and software that will save time and save money.
Simple installations minimize the time between setting up your system and actually making measurements. We offer quick and
simple access to outstanding live FREE technical support to help integrate MCC products into a DAQ system.
Limited Lifetime Warranty: Most MCC products are covered by a limited lifetime warranty against defects in materials or
workmanship for the life of the product, to the original purchaser, unless otherwise noted. Any products found to be defective in
material or workmanship will be repaired, replaced with same or similar device, or refunded at MCC’s discretion. For specific
information, please refer to the terms and conditions of sale.
Harsh Environment Program: Any Measurement Computing product that is damaged due to misuse, or any reason, may be
eligible for replacement with the same or similar device for 50% of the current list price. I/O boards face some harsh
environments, some harsher than the boards are designed to withstand. Contact MCC to determine your product’s eligibility for
this program.
30 Day Money-Back Guarantee: Any Measurement Computing Corporation product may be returned within 30 days of
purchase for a full refund of the price paid for the product being returned. If you are not satisfied, or chose the wrong product by
mistake, you do not have to keep it.
These warranties are in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, including any implied warranty of merchantability or
fitness for a particular application. The remedies provided herein are the buyer’s sole and exclusive remedies. Neither
Measurement Computing Corporation, nor its employees shall be liable for any direct or indirect, special, incidental or
consequential damage arising from the use of its products, even if Measurement Computing Corporation has been notified in
advance of the possibility of such damages.
Trademark and Copyright Information
Measurement Computing Corporation, InstaCal, Universal Library, and the Measurement Computing logo are either trademarks
or registered trademarks of Measurement Computing Corporation. Refer to the Copyrights & Trademarks section on
mccdaq.com/legal for more information about Measurement Computing trademarks. Other product and company names
mentioned herein are trademarks or trade names of their respective companies.
© 2013 Measurement Computing Corporation. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a
retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, by photocopying, recording, or otherwise
without the prior written permission of Measurement Computing Corporation.
Notice
Measurement Computing Corporation does not authorize any Measurement Computing Corporation product for use
in life support systems and/or devices without prior written consent from Measurement Computing Corporation.
Life support devices/systems are devices or systems that, a) are intended for surgical implantation into the body, or
b) support or sustain life and whose failure to perform can be reasonably expected to result in injury. Measurement
Computing Corporation products are not designed with the components required, and are not subject to the testing
required to ensure a level of reliability suitable for the treatment and diagnosis of people.
Distributed by MicroDAQ.com, Ltd. www.MicroDAQ.com [phone]

3
Table of Contents
Preface
About this User’s Guide .......................................................................................................................5
What you will learn from this user's guide .........................................................................................................5
Conventions in this user's guide .........................................................................................................................5
Where to find more information.........................................................................................................................5
Chapter 1
Introducing the USB-TC-AI...................................................................................................................6
Functional block diagram...................................................................................................................................6
Connecting a USB-TC-AI to your computer is easy ..........................................................................................7
Chapter 2
Installing the USB-TC-AI.......................................................................................................................8
What comes with your shipment?.......................................................................................................................8
Hardware .......................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Documentation.................................................................................................................................................................. 8
Unpacking...........................................................................................................................................................8
Installing the software ........................................................................................................................................8
Installing the hardware .......................................................................................................................................8
Configuring the hardware...................................................................................................................................9
Calibrating the hardware.....................................................................................................................................9
Chapter 3
Signal I/O Connections.......................................................................................................................10
Screw terminal pinout.......................................................................................................................................10
Voltage input ...................................................................................................................................................................10
Thermocouple input.........................................................................................................................................................11
CJC sensor.......................................................................................................................................................................11
Digital I/O........................................................................................................................................................................11
Counter input...................................................................................................................................................................11
Power output....................................................................................................................................................................11
Ground.............................................................................................................................................................................11
Thermocouple connections...............................................................................................................................11
Wiring configuration........................................................................................................................................................11
Digital I/O connections.....................................................................................................................................12
Chapter 4
Functional Details ...............................................................................................................................13
Thermocouple measurements...........................................................................................................................13
Cold junction compensation (CJC)..................................................................................................................................13
Data linearization.............................................................................................................................................................13
Open-thermocouple detection (OTD) ..............................................................................................................................13
External components ........................................................................................................................................14
Screw terminals................................................................................................................................................................14
USB connector.................................................................................................................................................................14
LEDs................................................................................................................................................................................14
Power................................................................................................................................................................14
Chapter 5
Specifications......................................................................................................................................15
Analog input.....................................................................................................................................................15
Channel configurations.....................................................................................................................................16
Compatible sensors: T0x toT3x.......................................................................................................................................16
Distributed by MicroDAQ.com, Ltd. www.MicroDAQ.com [phone]

USB-TC-AI User's Guide
4
Accuracy...........................................................................................................................................................17
Thermocouple measurement accuracy: T0x to T3x.........................................................................................................17
Absolute accuracy: V0x-V3x...........................................................................................................................................18
Settling time: V0x-V3x....................................................................................................................................................18
Analog input calibration...................................................................................................................................19
Throughput rate ................................................................................................................................................19
Digital I/O.........................................................................................................................................................19
Temperature alarms..........................................................................................................................................20
Counter.............................................................................................................................................................20
Memory ............................................................................................................................................................20
Microcontroller.................................................................................................................................................21
USB +5V voltage .............................................................................................................................................21
Power................................................................................................................................................................21
USB specifications ...........................................................................................................................................21
Environmental ..................................................................................................................................................21
Mechanical .......................................................................................................................................................22
Screw terminal connector .................................................................................................................................22
Declaration of Conformity..................................................................................................................23
Distributed by MicroDAQ.com, Ltd. www.MicroDAQ.com [phone]

5
Preface
About this User’s Guide
What you will learn from this user's guide
This user's guide describes the Measurement Computing USB-TC-AI data acquisition device and lists device
specifications.
Conventions in this user's guide
For more information
Text presented in a box signifies additional information related to the subject matter.
Caution! Shaded caution statements present information to help you avoid injuring yourself and others,
damaging your hardware, or losing your data.
bold text Bold text is used for the names of objects on a screen, such as buttons, text boxes, and check boxes.
italic text Italic text is used for the names of manuals and help topic titles, and to emphasize a word or phrase.
Where to find more information
Additional information about USB-TC-AI hardware is available on our website at www.mccdaq.com. You can
also contact Measurement Computing Corporation with specific questions.
Knowledgebase: kb.mccdaq.com
Phone: [phone] and follow the instructions for reaching Tech Support
Fax: [phone] to the attention of Tech Support
Email: [e-mail]
Distributed by MicroDAQ.com, Ltd. www.MicroDAQ.com [phone]

6
Chapter 1
Introducing the USB-TC-AI
The USB-TC-AI is a USB 2.0 full-speed, thermocouple input module that is supported under popular
Microsoft®Windows®operating systems. The USB-TC-AI is fully compatible with both USB 1.1 and USB 2.0
ports.
The USB-TC-AI provides eight analog input channels that are configured as four differential temperature inputs
and four differential or single-ended voltage inputs. A 24-bit analog-to-digital (A/D) converter is provided for
each pair of analog inputs. Eight independent, TTL-compatible digital I/O channels are provided to monitor
TTL-level inputs, communicate with external devices, and to generate alarms. The digital I/O channels are
software programmable for input or output.
The temperature channels are software programmable for different thermocouple types. You can take
measurements from type J, K, R, S, T, N, E, and B thermocouples.
The voltage input range is software programmable for ±10 V, ±5 V, ±2.5 V, ±1.25 V.
The USB-TC-AI provides a integrated cold junction compensation (CJC) sensor for thermocouple
measurements. An open thermocouple detection feature lets you detect a broken thermocouple.
An on-board microprocessor automatically linearizes the measurement data.
The USB-TC-AI is a standalone plug-and-play module which draws power from the USB cable. No external
power supply is required. All configurable options are software programmable.
The USB-TC-AI is fully software calibrated.
Functional block diagram
USB-TC-AI functions are illustrated in the block diagram shown here.
Figure 1. USB-TC-AI functional block diagram
Distributed by MicroDAQ.com, Ltd. www.MicroDAQ.com [phone]

USB-TC-AI User's Guide Introducing the USB-TC-AI
7
Connecting a USB-TC-AI to your computer is easy
Installing a data acquisition device has never been easier.
The USB-TC-AI relies upon the Microsoft Human Interface Device (HID) class drivers. The HID class
drivers ship with every copy of Windows that is designed to work with USB ports. We use the Microsoft
HID because it is a standard, and its performance delivers full control and maximizes data transfer rates for
your USB-TC-AI. No third-party device driver is required.
The USB-TC-AI is plug-and-play. There are no jumpers to position, DIP switches to set, or interrupts to
configure.
You can connect the USB-TC-AI before or after you install the software, and without powering down your
computer first. When you connect an HID to your system, your computer automatically detects it and
configures the necessary software. You can connect and power multiple HID peripherals to your system
using a USB hub.
You can connect your system to various devices using a standard USB cable. The USB connector replaces
the serial and parallel port connectors with one standardized plug and port combination.
You do not need a separate power supply module. The USB automatically delivers the electrical power
required by each peripheral connected to your system.
Data can flow two ways between a computer and peripheral over USB connections.
Distributed by MicroDAQ.com, Ltd. www.MicroDAQ.com [phone]

8
Chapter 2
Installing the USB-TC-AI
What comes with your shipment?
The following items are shipped with the USB-TC-AI:
Hardware
USB-TC-AI
USB cable (2 meter length)
Documentation
In addition to this hardware user's guide, you should also receive the Quick Start Guide. This booklet provides
an overview of the MCC DAQ software you received with the device, and includes information about installing
the software. Please read this booklet completely before installing any software or hardware.
Unpacking
As with any electronic device, you should take care while handling to avoid damage from static
electricity. Before removing the USB-TC-AI from its packaging, ground yourself using a wrist strap or by
simply touching the computer chassis or other grounded object to eliminate any stored static charge.
If any components are missing or damaged, contact us immediately using one of the following methods:
Knowledgebase: kb.mccdaq.com
Phone: [phone] and follow the instructions for reaching Tech Support
Fax: [phone] to the attention of Tech Support
Email: [e-mail]
For international customers, contact your local distributor. Refer to the International Distributors section on our
website at www.mccdaq.com/International.
Installing the software
Refer to the Quick Start Guide for instructions on installing the software on the MCC DAQ CD. This booklet is
available in PDF at www.mccdaq.com/PDFmanuals/DAQ-Software-Quick-Start.pdf.
Installing the hardware
To connect the USB-TC-AI to your system, turn your computer on, and connect the USB cable to a USB port
on your computer or to an external USB hub that is connected to your computer. The USB cable provides power
and communication to the USB-TC-AI.
When you connect the USB-TC-AI for the first time, a notification message opens as the USB-TC-AI is
detected. When this message closes, the installation is complete. The upper LED (Activity) blinks when initially
connected and then stays on. The lower LED (USB) turns on to indicate that communication is established
between the device and computer.
If the LED turns off
If the LED is on but then turns off, the computer has lost communication with the USB-TC-AI. To restore
communication, disconnect the USB cable from the computer, and then reconnect it. This should restore
communication, and the LED should turn back on.
Distributed by MicroDAQ.com, Ltd. www.MicroDAQ.com [phone]

USB-TC-AI User's Guide Installing the USB-TC-AI
9
Configuring the hardware
All hardware configuration options on the USB-TC-AI are programmable with software. Use InstaCal to set the
thermocouple type for each channel pair.
Use InstaCal to set the thermocouple type for each for each pair of temperature channels, and the range and
input configuration of each voltage channel. Any channel you don’t intend to use should be left disabled.
Configuration options are stored on the USB-TC-AI 's isolated microcontroller in EEPROM, which is non-
volatile memory on the USB-TC-AI module. Configuration options are loaded on power up. The factory default
configuration is Type J thermocouple.
Default configuration
The factory default configuration for the voltage inputs is Disabled. The Disabled mode disconnects the analog
inputs from the terminal blocks and internally grounds all of the A/D inputs.
Warm up
Allow the USB-TC-AI to warm up for 30 minutes after powering up before taking measurements. This warm up
time minimizes thermal drift and achieves the specified rated accuracy of measurements.
Calibrating the hardware
The USB-TC-AI is fully calibrated via InstaCal. Allow the USB-TC-AI to operate for at least 30 minutes before
calibrating. This warm up time minimizes thermal drift and achieves the specified rated accuracy of
measurements.
Distributed by MicroDAQ.com, Ltd. www.MicroDAQ.com [phone]

10
Chapter 3
Signal I/O Connections
Screw terminal pinout
The USB-TC-AI has four rows of screw terminals —two rows on the top edge of the housing, and two rows on
the bottom edge. Each row has 26 connections. Between screw terminals 10 and 11 is the integrated CJC sensor
used for thermocouple measurements. Signals are identified in Figure 2.
Figure 2. USB-TC-AI screw terminal pin numbers
Use 16 AWG to 30 AWG wire for your signal connections.
Tighten screw terminal connections
When making connections to the screw terminals, be sure to tighten the screw until tight. Simply touching the
top of the screw terminal is not sufficient to make a proper connection.
Voltage input
You can connect up to four voltage inputs to the voltage channels (V0H/V0L to V3H/V3L). The input range is
software programmable for ±10 V, ±5 V, ±2.5 V, or ±1.25 V. Each voltage channel is software configurable for
differential or single-ended mode.
When connecting differential inputs to floating input sources, you must provide a DC return path from each
differential input to ground. One way to do this is to connect a resistor from one side of each of the differential
inputs to GND. A value of approximately 100 kΩ can be used for most applications.
Caution! All ground pins on the USB-TC-AI (pins 9, 19, 22, 27, 30, 33, 36, 39, 49) are common and are
isolated from earth ground. If a connection is made to earth ground when using digital I/O and
conductive thermocouples, the thermocouples are no longer isolated. In this case, thermocouples
must not be connected to any conductive surfaces that may be referenced to earth ground.
Distributed by MicroDAQ.com, Ltd. www.MicroDAQ.com [phone]

USB-TC-AI User's Guide Signal I/O Connections
11
Thermocouple input
You can connect up to four thermocouples to the differential sensor inputs (T0H/T0L to T3H/T3L). The device
supports type J, K, R, S, T, N, E, and B thermocouples. You can mix thermocouple types.
Thermocouple selection
The thermocouple type you select will depend on your application needs. Review the temperature ranges and
accuracies of each type to determine which is best suited for your application.
CJC sensor
The USB-TC-AI has one built-in high-resolution temperature sensor. The CJC sensor measures the ambient
temperature at the terminal block so that the cold junction voltage can be calculated.
Digital I/O
You can connect up to eight digital I/O lines to the screw terminals labeled DIO0 to DIO7. Each terminal is
software configurable for input or output.
Counter input
The CTR terminal is the input to the 32-bit event counter. The internal counter increments when the TTL level
transitions from low to high. The counter can count events at frequencies of up to 1 MHz.
Caution! All ground pins on the USB-TC-AI (pins 9, 19, 22, 27, 30, 33, 36, 39, 49) are common and are
isolated from earth ground. If a connection is made to earth ground when using digital I/O and
conductive thermocouples, the thermocouples are no longer isolated. In this case, thermocouples
must not be connected to any conductive surfaces that may be referenced to earth ground.
Power output
The two +5V output terminals are isolated (500 VDC) from the USB +5V.
Caution! Each +5V terminal is an output. Do not connect to an external power supply or you may damage
the USB-TC-AI and possibly the computer.
Ground
The six analog ground terminals (GND) provide a common ground for the input channels and DIO bits and are
isolated (500 VDC) from the USB GND.
Thermocouple connections
A thermocouple consists of two dissimilar metals that are joined together at one end. When the junction of the
metals is heated or cooled, a voltage is produced that correlates to temperature.
The USB-TC-AI makes fully differential thermocouple measurements without the need of ground-referencing
resistors. A 32-bit floating point value in either a voltage or temperature format is returned by software. An
open thermocouple detection feature is available for each thermocouple input which automatically detects an
open or broken thermocouple.
Use InstaCal to select the thermocouple type (J, K, R, S, T, N, E, and B) on one or more sensor input channels
to connect the thermocouple.
Wiring configuration
Connect the thermocouple to the USB-TC-AI using a differential configuration, as shown in Figure 3.
Distributed by MicroDAQ.com, Ltd. www.MicroDAQ.com [phone]

USB-TC-AI User's Guide Signal I/O Connections
12
Figure 3. Typical thermocouple connection
Connect thermocouples to the USB-TC-AI such that they are floating with respect to GND (pins 9, 19, 28, 38).
The USB-TC-AI GND pins are isolated from earth ground, so connecting thermocouple sensors to voltages
referenced to earth ground is permissible as long as the isolation between the GND pins (9, 19, 28, 38) and earth
ground is maintained.
When thermocouples are attached to conductive surfaces, the voltage differential between multiple
thermocouples must remain within ±1.4 V. For best results, we recommend the use of insulated or ungrounded
thermocouples when possible.
Maximum input voltage between analog input and ground
The absolute maximum input voltage between an analog input and the isolated GND pins is ±25 VDC when the
USB-TC-AI is powered on, and ±40 VDC when the USB-TC-AI is powered off.
If you need to increase the length of your thermocouple, use the same type of thermocouple wires to minimize
the error introduced by thermal EMFs.
Digital I/O connections
You can connect up to eight digital I/O lines to the screw terminals labeled DIO0 to DIO7. You can configure
each digital bit for either input or output. All digital I/O lines are pulled up to +5V with a 47 kΩ resistor
(default). You can request the factory to configure the resistor for pull-down to ground if desired.
When you configure the digital bits for input, you can use the USB-TC-AI digital I/O terminals to detect the
state of a TTL-compatible device. Refer to the schematic shown in Figure 4. If you set the switch to the +5V
input, DIO0 reads TRUE (1). If you move the switch to GND, DIO0 reads FALSE (0).
Figure 4. Schematic showing switch detection by digital channel DIO0
All ground pins on the USB-TC-AI (pins 9, 19, 22, 27, 30, 33, 36, 39, 49) are isolated from earth ground. If a
connection is made to earth ground when using digital I/O and conductive thermocouples, the thermocouples
are no longer isolated. In this case, thermocouples must not be connected to any conductive surfaces that may
be referenced to earth ground
For general information regarding digital signal connections and digital I/O techniques, refer to the Guide to
Signal Connections (available on our web site at www.mccdaq.com/signals/signals.pdf).
Distributed by MicroDAQ.com, Ltd. www.MicroDAQ.com [phone]

13
Chapter 4
Functional Details
Thermocouple measurements
A thermocouple consists of two dissimilar metals that are joined together at one end. When the junction of the
metals is heated or cooled, a voltage is produced that correlates to temperature.
The USB-TC-AI hardware level-shifts the thermocouple’s output voltage into the A/D’s common mode input
range by applying +2.5 V to the thermocouple’s low side at the C#L input. Always connect thermocouple
sensors to the USB-TC-AI in a floating fashion. Do not attempt to connect the thermocouple low side C#L to
GND or to a ground referencing resistor.
Cold junction compensation (CJC)
When you connect the thermocouple sensor leads to the sensor input channel, the dissimilar metals at the USB-
TC-AI terminal blocks produce two additional thermocouple junctions. This junction creates a small voltage
error term which must be removed from the overall sensor measurement using a cold junction compensation
technique. The measured voltage includes both the thermocouple voltage and the cold junction voltage. To
compensate for the additional cold junction voltage, the USB-TC-AI subtracts the cold junction voltage from
the thermocouple voltage.
The USB-TC-AI has one high-resolution temperature sensor integrated into the design. The CJC sensor
measures the average temperature at the terminal block so that the cold junction voltage can be calculated. A
software algorithm automatically corrects for the additional thermocouples created at the terminal blocks by
subtracting the calculated cold junction voltage from the analog input's thermocouple voltage measurement.
Increasing the thermocouple length
If you need to increase the length of your thermocouple, use the same type of thermocouple wires to minimize
the error introduced by thermal EMFs.
Data linearization
After the CJC correction is performed on the measurement data, an on-board microcontroller automatically
linearizes the thermocouple measurement data using National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
linearization coefficients for the selected thermocouple type.
The measurement data is then output as a 32-bit floating point value in the configured format (voltage or
temperature).
Open-thermocouple detection (OTD)
The USB-TC-AI is equipped with open-thermocouple detection for each analog input channel. With OTD, any
open-circuit or short-circuit condition at the thermocouple sensor is detected by the software. An open channel
is detected by driving the input voltage to a negative value outside the range of any thermocouple output. The
software recognizes this as an invalid reading and flags the appropriate channel. The software continues to
sample all channels when OTD is detected.
Distributed by MicroDAQ.com, Ltd. www.MicroDAQ.com [phone]

USB-TC-AI User's Guide Functional Details
14
External components
The USB-TC-AI has the following external components, as shown in Figure 5.
1
Screw terminal pins 1 to 26
3
LEDs: Activity (top) and Power (bottom)
2
Screw terminal pins 27 to 52
4
USB connector
Figure 5.External component locations
Screw terminals
The screw terminals provide connections for thermocouples, voltage input, digital I/O, ground and power
output. Refer to the "Signal I/O ConnectionsError! Reference source not found." chapter beginning on page
10 for screw terminal descriptions.
USB connector
The USB connector provides +5V power and communication. No external power supply is required.
LEDs
USB-TC-AI has two LEDs –Activity and Power.
The Activity LED (top) blinks when data is transferred.
The Power LED (bottom) turns on when the device is receiving power from the USB cable .
Power
The two +5V terminals are isolated (500 VDC) from the USB +5V.
Caution! Each +5V terminal is an output. Do not connect to an external power supply or you may damage
the USB-TC-AI and possibly the computer.
Distributed by MicroDAQ.com, Ltd. www.MicroDAQ.com [phone]

15
Chapter 5
Specifications
Typical for 25 °C unless otherwise specified.
All specifications apply to all temperature and voltage input channels unless otherwise specified.
Specifications in italic text are guaranteed by design.
Analog input
Table 1. Generic analog input specifications
Parameter
Conditions
Specification
A/D converter type
T0x-T3x, V0x-V3x
AD42_321
Dual 24-bit Sigma-Delta
Number of channels
Voltage input V0x-V3x
4 differential, 4 single-ended
Temperature input T0x-T3x
4 differential
Input isolation
500 VDC minimum between field wiring and USB
interface
Channel configuration
T0x-T3x
Temperature input.
Software programmable to match sensor type
V0x-V3x
Voltage input
Analog input modes
Power up and reset state
Factory default configuration is Disabled mode.
Once configured, each channel reverts to the mode
previously set by the user.
Single-ended
Vx_H inputs are connected directly to their screw
terminal pins.
Vx_L inputs are disconnected from their screw
terminal pins and internally connected to GND.
Differential
Vx_H and Vx_L inputs are connected directly to
their screw terminal pins.
Tx_H and Tx_L inputs are connected directly to their
screw terminal pins.
Input ranges
Thermocouple
T0x-T3x
±0.080 V
Voltage
V0x to V3x
±10 V, ±5 V, ±2.5 V, ±1.25 V
software selectable
Absolute max input voltage
T0x to T3x relative to GND
±25 V max (power on)
±40 V max (power off)
V0x to V3x relative to GND
±25 V max (power on)
±15 V max (power off)
Input impedance
T0x to T3x
5 GΩ (power on)
1MΩ (power off)
V0x to V3x
10 GΩ (power on)
2.49 kΩ (power off)
Input leakage current
T0x to T3x, with open
thermocouple detect disabled.
30 nA max
T0x-T3x, with open
thermocouple detect enabled.
105 nA max
V0x to V3x
±1.5 nA typ, ±25 nA max
Input bandwidth
(–3 dB)
T0x to T3x
50 Hz
V0x to V3x
3 kHz
Maximum working voltage
(signal + common mode)
V0x to V3x
±10.25 V max
Distributed by MicroDAQ.com, Ltd. www.MicroDAQ.com [phone]

USB-TC-AI User's Guide Specifications
16
Parameter
Conditions
Specification
Common mode rejection ratio
T0x to T3x, fIN = 60 Hz
100 dB
V0x to V3x, fIN = 60 Hz, all
input ranges
83 dB
ADC resolution
24 bits
ADC No missing codes
24 bits
Input coupling
DC
Warm-up time
30 minutes min
Open thermocouple detect
T0x to T3x
Automatically enabled when the channel pair is
configured for thermocouple sensor.
The max open detection time is 3 seconds.
CJC sensor accuracy
T0x to T3x, 15 °C to 35 °C
±0.25 °C typ,±0.5 °C max
T0x to T3x, 0°C to 70 °C
–1.0 to +0.75 °C max
Channel configurations
Table 2. Channel configuration specifications
Channel
Category
Conditions
Specification
T0x to T3x
Disabled
All temperature input channels are disconnected from screw
terminals and internally connected to GND.
See Note 4
T0x to T3x
Thermocouple
Note 1
4 differential channels
V0x to V3x
Disabled
All voltage input channels are disconnected from screw
terminals and internally connected to GND.
See Note 4
V0x to V3x
Differential
Note 2
4 differential channels
V0x to V3x
Single-ended
4 single-ended
channels
Note 1: Internally, the USB-TC-AI has four, dual-channel, fully differential A/Ds providing a total of eight
input channels.
Note 2: When connecting differential inputs to floating input sources, you must provide a DC return path from
each differential input to ground. To do this, connect a resistor from each of the differential inputs to
GND. A value of approximately 1Meg ohm can be used for most applications.
Note 3: Channel configuration information is stored in the EEPROM of the isolated microcontroller by the
firmware whenever any item is modified. Modification is performed by commands issued over USB
from an external application, and the configuration is made non-volatile through the use of the
EEPROM.
Note 4: The factory default configuration is Disabled. The Disabled mode will disconnect the temperature and
voltage inputs from the terminal blocks and internally connect ground (GND) to all of the A/D inputs.
Compatible sensors: T0x toT3x
Table 3. Compatible sensor type specifications
Parameter
Conditions (°C)
Thermocouple
J: –210 to 1200
K: –270 to 1372
R: –50 to 1768
S: –50 to 1768
T: –270 to 400
N: –270 to 1300
E: –270 to 1000
B: 0 to 1820
Distributed by MicroDAQ.com, Ltd. www.MicroDAQ.com [phone]

USB-TC-AI User's Guide Specifications
17
Accuracy
Thermocouple measurement accuracy: T0x to T3x
Table 4. Thermocouple accuracy specifications, including CJC measurement error. All specifications are (±)
Sensor
Type
Sensor temperature
range (°C)
Accuracy error
maximum (°C)
Accuracy error
Typical (°C)
Tempco
(°C/°C)
J
–210
2.028
0.707
0.031
0
0.835
0.278
1200
0.783
0.288
K
–210
2.137
0.762
0.035
0
0.842
0.280
1372
0.931
0.389
S
–50
1.225
0.435
0.021
250
0.554
0.195
1768
0.480
0.157
R
–50
1.301
0.458
0.019
250
0.549
0.190
1768
0.400
0.134
B
250
2.193
2.185
0.001
700
0.822
0.819
1820
0.469
0.468
E
–200
1.976
0.684
0.030
0
0.954
0.321
1000
0.653
0.240
T
–200
2.082
0.744
0.035
0
0.870
0.290
400
0.568
0.208
N
–200
2.197
0.760
0.028
0
0.848
0.283
1300
0.653
0.245
Note 5: Thermocouple measurement accuracy specifications include polynomial linearization, cold-junction
compensation and system noise. These specs are for one year, or 3000 operating hours, whichever
comes first, and for operation of the USB-TC-AI between 15 °C and 35 °C. There is a CJC sensor on
the temperature sensor input side of the module. The accuracy listed above assumes the screw
terminals are at the same temperature as the CJC sensor. Errors shown do not include inherent
thermocouple error. Contact your thermocouple supplier for details on the actual thermocouple
accuracy error.
Note 6: Thermocouples must be connected to the USB-TC-AI such that they are floating with respect to GND.
The USB-TC-AI GND pins are isolated from earth ground. You can connect thermocouple sensors to
voltages referenced to earth ground as long as the isolation between the GND pins and earth ground is
maintained.
Note 7: When thermocouples are attached to conductive surfaces, the voltage differential between multiple
thermocouples must remain within ±1.4 V. For best results, we recommend using insulated or
ungrounded thermocouples when possible.
Distributed by MicroDAQ.com, Ltd. www.MicroDAQ.com [phone]

USB-TC-AI User's Guide Specifications
18
Absolute accuracy: V0x-V3x
Table 5. Calibrated absolute accuracy specifications
Range
Absolute Accuracy
(mV)
±10 V
±2.779
±5 V
±1.398
±2.5 V
±0.707
±1.25 V
±0.362
Note 8: When connecting differential inputs to floating input sources, the user must provide a ground return
path from each differential input to ground. To do this, simply connect a resistor from each of the
differential inputs to GND. A value of approximately 1Meg ohm can be used for most applications.
Note 9: All ground pins are common and are isolated from earth ground. If a connection is made to earth
ground when using both voltage inputs and conductive thermocouples, the thermocouples are no
longer isolated. In this case, thermocouples must not be connected to any conductive surfaces that may
be referenced to earth ground
Note 10: Unused voltage inputs should not be left floating. These inputs should be placed in the Disabled
mode or connected to GND.
Table 6. Accuracy components. All values are (±)
Range
Gain error
(% of reading)
Offset error
(µV)
INL error
(% of range)
Gain Temperature
Coefficient
(ppm/°C)
Offset Temperature
Coefficient
(µV/°C)
±10 V
0.0246
16.75
0.0015
3.68
0.42
±5 V
0.0246
16.75
0.0015
3.68
0.42
±2.5 V
0.0246
16.75
0.0015
3.68
0.42
±1.25 V
0.0246
16.75
0.0015
3.68
0.42
Table 7. Noise performance specifications
Range
Peak to peak noise
(µV)
RMS noise
(µVrms)
Noise-Free resolution
(bits)
±10 V
41.13
6.23
19.09
±5 V
30.85
4.67
18.51
±2.5 V
17.14
2.60
18.36
±1.25 V
11.14
1.69
17.98
Table 7 summarizes the noise performance for the USB-TC-AI. Noise distribution is determined by gathering
1000 samples with inputs tied to ground at the user connector. Samples are gathered at the maximum specified
sample rate of 2 S/s.
Settling time: V0x-V3x
Table 8. Settling time specifications
Range
Accuracy
±0.0004% (seconds)
±10 V
15.0
±5 V
0.40
±2.5 V
0.40
±1.25 V
0.40
Settling time is defined as the time required for a channel to settle within a specified accuracy in response to a
full-scale (FS) step input.
Distributed by MicroDAQ.com, Ltd. www.MicroDAQ.com [phone]

USB-TC-AI User's Guide Specifications
19
Analog input calibration
Table 9. Analog input calibration specifications
Parameter
Specification
Recommended warm-up time
30 minutes min
Calibration
Firmware calibration
Calibration interval
1 year
Calibration reference
+10.000 V, ±5 mV max. Actual measured values stored in EEPROM
Tempco: 5 ppm/°C max
Long term stability: 30 ppm/1000 h
Throughput rate
Table 10. Throughput rate specifications
Number of Input Channels
Maximum throughput
1
2 S/s
2
2 S/s on each channel, 4 S/s total
3
2 S/s on each channel, 6 S/s total
4
2 S/s on each channel, 8 S/s total
5
2 S/s on each channel, 10 S/s total
6
2 S/s on each channel, 12 S/s total
7
2 S/s on each channel, 14 S/s total
8
2 S/s on each channel, 16 S/s total
Note 11: The analog inputs are configured to run continuously. Each channel is sampled twice per second.
The maximum latency between when a sample is acquired and the voltage/temperature data is
provided by the USB unit is approximately 0.4 seconds.
Digital I/O
Table 11. Digital input/output specifications
Parameter
Specification
Digital type
5V CMOS
Number of I/O
8 (DIO0 through DIO7)
Configuration
Independently configured for input or output.
Power on reset is input mode.
Pull-up/pull-down
configuration
All pins pulled up to +5 V via 47 K resistors (default). Contact MCC factory for pull-
down to ground (GND) capability.
Digital I/O transfer rate
(software paced)
Digital input: 50 port reads or single bit reads per second typ
Digital output: 100 port writes or single bit writes per second typ
Input high voltage
2.0 V min, 5.5 V absolute max.
Input low voltage
0.8 V max, –0.5 V absolute min
Output low voltage
(IOL = 2.5 mA max)
0.7 V max
Output high voltage
(IOH = -2.5 mA max)
3.8 V min
Note 12: All ground pins on the USB-TC-AI (pins 9, 19, 22, 27, 30, 33, 36, 39, 49) are common and are
isolated from earth ground. If a connection is made to earth ground when using digital I/O and
conductive thermocouples, the thermocouples are no longer isolated. In this case, thermocouples must
not be connected to any conductive surfaces that may be referenced to earth ground.
Distributed by MicroDAQ.com, Ltd. www.MicroDAQ.com [phone]

USB-TC-AI User's Guide Specifications
20
Temperature alarms
Table 12. Temperature alarm specifications
Parameter
Specification
Number of alarms
8 (one per digital I/O line)
Alarm functionality
Each alarm controls its associated digital I/O line as an alarm output. The input to each
alarm may be any of the analog temperature input channels. When an alarm is enabled, its
associated I/O line is set to output (after the device is reset) and driven to the appropriate
state determined by the alarm options and input temperature. The alarm configurations are
stored in non-volatile memory and are loaded at power on. Alarms will function both in
data logging mode and while attached to USB.
Alarm input modes
Alarm when input temperature > T1
Alarm when input temperature > T1, reset alarm when input temperature goes below T2
Alarm when input temperature < T1
Alarm when input temperature < T1, reset alarm when input temperature goes above T2
Alarm when input temperature is < T1 or > T2
Note: T1 and T2 may be independently set for each alarm.
Alarm output modes
Disabled, digital I/O line may be used for normal operation
Enabled, active high output (digital I/O line goes high when alarm conditions met)
Enabled, active low output (digital I/O line goes low when alarm conditions met)
Alarm update rate
1 second
Counter
Table 13. CTR I/O specifications
Parameter
Specification
Pin name
CTR
Number of channels
1
Resolution
32-bits
Counter type
Event counter
Input type
TTL, rising edge triggered
Input source
CTR screw terminal
Counter read/writes rates
(software paced)
Counter read: system dependent, 33 to 1000 reads per second.
Counter write: system dependent, 33 to 1000 reads per second.
Schmidt trigger hysteresis
20 mV to 100 mV
Input leakage current
±1.0 µA typ
Input frequency
1 MHz max
High pulse width
500 nS min
Low pulse width
500 ns min
Input high voltage
4.0 V min, 5.5 V absolute max
Input low voltage
1.0 V max, –0.5 V absolute min
Note 13: All ground pins are common and are isolated from earth ground. If a connection is made to earth
ground with both the counter (CTR) and conductive thermocouples, the thermocouples are no longer
isolated. In this case, thermocouples must not be connected to any conductive surfaces that may be
referenced to earth ground.
Memory
Table 14. Memory specifications
Parameter
Specification
EEPROM
1,024 bytes isolated micro reserved for sensor configuration
256 bytes USB micro for external application use
Distributed by MicroDAQ.com, Ltd. www.MicroDAQ.com [phone]