Measurement Computing PCI-2515 User manual

PCI-2515
User's Guide
Document Revision 1, September, 2006
© Copyright 2006, Measurement Computing Corporation

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HM PCI-2515.doc
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Trademark and Copyright Information
TracerDAQ, Universal Library, Harsh Environment Warranty, Measurement Computing Corporation, and the Measurement
Computing logo are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Measurement Computing Corporation.
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Notice
Measurement Computing Corporation does not authorize any Measurement Computing Corporation product for use
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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.

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Table of Contents
Preface
About this User's Guide .......................................................................................................................7
What you will learn from this user's guide .........................................................................................................7
Conventions used in this user's guide .................................................................................................................7
Where to find more information.........................................................................................................................7
Chapter 1
Introducing the PCI-2515......................................................................................................................8
Overview: PCI-2515 features .............................................................................................................................8
Software features ................................................................................................................................................8
Chapter 2
Installing the PCI-2515..........................................................................................................................9
What comes with your PCI-2515 shipment? ......................................................................................................9
Hardware .......................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Additional documentation................................................................................................................................................10
Unpacking the PCI-2515 ..................................................................................................................................10
Installing the software ......................................................................................................................................10
Installing the hardware .....................................................................................................................................10
Configuring the hardware.................................................................................................................................11
Connecting the board for I/O operations ..........................................................................................................11
Connectors, cables – main I/O connector.........................................................................................................................11
Pin out – main I/O connector ...........................................................................................................................................12
Cabling .............................................................................................................................................................12
Field wiring and signal termination .................................................................................................................................13
Chapter 3
Programming and Developing Applications ....................................................................................14
Programming languages ...................................................................................................................................14
Packaged applications programs.......................................................................................................................14
Chapter 4
Functional Details ...............................................................................................................................15
PCI-2515 block diagram...................................................................................................................................15
Synchronous I/O – mixing analog, digital, and counter scanning ....................................................................15
Bus mastering DMA.........................................................................................................................................16
Analog input .....................................................................................................................................................16
Analog input scanning .....................................................................................................................................................16
Analog output ...................................................................................................................................................16
Digital I/O.........................................................................................................................................................17
Digital input scanning ......................................................................................................................................................18
Digital outputs and pattern generation .............................................................................................................................18
Triggering.........................................................................................................................................................18
Hardware analog triggering .............................................................................................................................................18
Digital triggering..............................................................................................................................................................19
Software-based triggering................................................................................................................................................19
Stop trigger modes ...........................................................................................................................................................19
Pre-triggering and post-triggering modes ........................................................................................................................19
Counter inputs ..................................................................................................................................................20

PCI-2515 User's Guide
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Mapped channels .............................................................................................................................................................20
Counter modes .................................................................................................................................................................21
Debounce modes..............................................................................................................................................................22
Timer outputs....................................................................................................................................................25
Example: Timer outputs...................................................................................................................................................25
Multiple PCI-2515s per PC ..............................................................................................................................25
Chapter 5
Calibrating the PCI-2515.....................................................................................................................26
Chapter 6
Specifications......................................................................................................................................27
Analog input .....................................................................................................................................................27
Accuracy..........................................................................................................................................................................27
Analog outputs..................................................................................................................................................28
Digital input/output...........................................................................................................................................28
Counters............................................................................................................................................................29
Input sequencer.................................................................................................................................................29
Trigger sources and modes ...............................................................................................................................30
Frequency/pulse generators ..............................................................................................................................30
Power consumption ..........................................................................................................................................30
PCI compatibility..............................................................................................................................................30
Environmental ..................................................................................................................................................31
Mechanical .......................................................................................................................................................31
Main connector and pin out ..............................................................................................................................31

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Preface
About this User's Guide
What you will learn from this user's guide
This user's guide explains how to install, configure, and use the PCI-2515 so that you get the most out of its
analog input, digital I/O, and counter/timer I/O features.
This user's guide also refers you to related documents available on our web site, and to technical support
resources that can also help you get the most out of these boards.
Conventions used in this user's guide
For more information on …
Text presented in a box signifies additional information and helpful hints related to the subject matter you are
reading.
Caution! Shaded caution statements present information to help you avoid injuring yourself and others,
damaging your hardware, or losing your data.
<#:#> Angle brackets that enclose numbers separated by a colon signify a range of numbers, such as those assigned
to registers, bit settings, etc.
bold text Bold text is used for the names of objects on the screen, such as buttons, text boxes, and check boxes. For
example:
1. Insert the disk or CD and click the OK button.
italic text Italic text is used for the names of manuals and help topic titles, and to emphasize a word or phrase. For
example:
The InstaCal installation procedure is explained in the Quick Start Guide.
Never touch the exposed pins or circuit connections on the board.
Where to find more information
The following electronic documents provide information that can help you get the most out of your PCI-2515.
MCC's Specifications: PCI-2515 (the PDF version of the Specifications chapter in this guide) is available
on our web site at www.mccdaq.com/pdfs/PCI-2515.pdf.
MCC's Quick Start Guide is available on our web site at
www.mccdaq.com/PDFmanuals/DAQ-Software-Quick-Start.pdf.
MCC's Guide to Signal Connections is available on our web site at
www.mccdaq.com/signals/signals.pdf.
MCC's Universal Library User's Guide is available on our web site at
www.mccdaq.com/PDFmanuals/sm-ul-user-guide.pdf.
MCC's Universal Library Function Reference is available on our web site at
www.mccdaq.com/PDFmanuals/sm-ul-functions.pdf.
MCC's Universal Library for LabVIEW™User’s Guide is available on our web site at
www.mccdaq.com/PDFmanuals/SM-UL-LabVIEW.pdf.
PCI-2515 User's Guide (this document) is also available on our web site at
www.mccdaq.com/PDFmanuals/PCI-2515.pdf.

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Chapter 1
Introducing the PCI-2515
Overview: PCI-2515 features
The PCI-2515 is supported under popular Microsoft®Windows®operating systems.
The PCI-2515 board is a multifunction measurement and control board designed for the PCI bus.
The PCI-2515 provides either eight differential or 16 single-ended analog inputs with 16-bit resolution. It offers
seven software-selectable analog input ranges of ±10 V, ±5 V, ±2 V, ±1 V, ±0.5 V, ±0.2 V, and ±0.1V.
The PCI-2515 also has two 16-bit, 1 MHz analog output channels with an output range of -10V to +10V.
The board has 24 high-speed lines of digital I/O, two timer outputs, and four 32-bit counters. It provides up to
12 MHz scanning on all digital input lines.
You can operate all analog I/O, digital I/O, and counter/timer I/O synchronously and simultaneously.
Software features
For information on the features of InstaCal and the other software included with your PCI-2515, refer to the
Quick Start Guide that shipped with your device. The Quick Start Guide is also available in PDF at
www.mccdaq.com/PDFmanuals/DAQ-Software-Quick-Start.pdf.
Check www.mccdaq.com/download.htm for the latest software version or versions of the software supported
under less commonly used operating systems.

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Chapter 2
Installing the PCI-2515
What comes with your PCI-2515 shipment?
As you unpack your PCI-2515, verify that the following components are included.
Hardware
PCI-2515
Optional components
Cables and signal conditioning accessories that are compatible with the PCI-2515 are not included with PCI-
2515 orders, and must be ordered separately.
If you ordered any of the following products with your board, they should be included with your shipment.
Cables
CA-68-3R
CA-68-3S (3-feet) and CA-68-6S (6-feet)
Signal conditioning accessories
MCC provides signal termination products for use with the PCI-2515. Refer to the "Field wiring and signal
termination" section for a complete list of compatible accessory products.

PCI-2515 User's Guide Installing the PCI-2515
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Additional documentation
In addition to this hardware user's guide, you should also receive the Quick Start Guide (available in PDF at
www.mccdaq.com/PDFmanuals/DAQ-Software-Quick-Start.pdf). This booklet supplies a brief description of
the software you received with your PCI-2515 and information regarding installation of that software. Please
read this booklet completely before installing any software or hardware.
Unpacking the PCI-2515
As with any electronic device, you should take care while handling to avoid damage from static
electricity. Before removing the PCI-2515 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, notify Measurement Computing Corporation immediately by
phone, fax, or e-mail:
Phone: [phone] and follow the instructions for reaching Tech Support.
Fax: [phone] to the attention of Tech Support
Email: [email protected]
Installing the software
Refer to the Quick Start Guide for instructions on installing the software on the Measurement Computing Data
Acquisition Software CD. This booklet is available in PDF at www.mccdaq.com/PDFmanuals/DAQ-Software-
Quick-Start.pdf.
Installing the hardware
The PCI-2515 board is completely plug-and-play. There are no switches or jumpers to set on the board.
Configuration is controlled by your system's BIOS.
Before you install the PCI-2515…
Enable Bus Mastering DMA: For a PCI-2515 to operate properly, you must enable Bus Mastering DMA on the
PCI slot where you will install the board. Make sure that your computer can perform Bus Mastering DMA for
the applicable PCI slot. Some computers have BIOS settings that enable and disable Bus Mastering DMA. If
your computer has this BIOS option, make sure you enable Bus Mastering DMA on the appropriate PCI slot.
Refer to your PC Owner's Manual for additional information regarding your PC and enabling Bus Mastering
DMA for PCI slots.
Install the MCC DAQ software: The driver needed to run your PCI-2515 is installed with the MCC DAQ
software. Therefore, you need to install the MCC DAQ software before you install your board. Refer to the
Quick Start Guide for instructions on installing the software.
To install your PCI-2515, follow the steps below.
1. Turn your computer off, open it up, and insert your board into an available PCI slot that has Bus Mastering
DMA enabled.
2. Close your computer and turn it on.
A dialog opens as the system loads indicating that new hardware has been detected. If the information file
for this board is not already loaded onto your PC, you are prompted for the disk containing this file. The
MCC DAQ software contains this file. If required, insert the Measurement Computing Data Acquisition
Software CD and click OK.