Meilhaus Electronic ME-582 Series User manual

Meilhaus Electronic Manual
ME-582x Series
Opto-Isolated Digital-I/O Board
with Bit-Pattern Detection, 3 x 16-bit Counters (8254 compatible)
(alternatively: Frequency Measurement and Pulse Generator)

Imprint
Manual ME-582x Series
Revision 0.9
Revised: 2020-11-25
Meilhaus Electronic GmbH
Am Sonnenlicht 2
D-82239 Alling bei München
Germany
www.meilhaus.de
© Copyright 2020 Meilhaus Electronic GmbH
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or dis-
tributed in any form whether photocopied, printed, put on microfilm or be
stored in any electronic media without the expressed written consent of
Meilhaus Electronic GmbH.
Important note:
The information contained in this manual has been reviewed with great
care and is believed to be complete and accurate. Meilhaus Electronic as-
sumes no responsibility for its use, any infringements of patents or other
rights of third parties which may result from use of this manual or the prod-
uct. Meilhaus Electronic assumes no responsibility for any problems or
damage which may result from errors or omissions. Specifications and in-
structions are subject to change without notice.
Note the Meilhaus Electronic general terms of business:
www.meilhaus.de/en/infos/my-shop/tob/
All trademarks acknowledged. All trademarks are property of their respec-
tive owners.

Manual ME-582x Series Revision 0.9
Content page 3 Meilhaus Electronic
Content
1Introduction ..........................................................................5
1.1 Important Notes......................................................................................... 5
1.1.1 Use in Accordance with the Requirements..................................... 5
1.1.2 Improper Application....................................................................... 6
1.1.3 Unforeseeable Misapplications....................................................... 6
1.2 Package Contents ..................................................................................... 6
1.3 Features .................................................................................................... 6
1.4 System Requirements ............................................................................... 8
1.5 Software Support....................................................................................... 8
2Initial Operation....................................................................9
2.1 Software Installation .................................................................................. 9
2.2 Test Program............................................................................................. 9
3Hardware............................................................................10
3.1 Block Picture............................................................................................ 10
3.2 ME-582x PXIe.......................................................................................... 11
3.3 ME-582x PCIe ......................................................................................... 11
3.4 Digital Input/Output.................................................................................. 12
3.4.1 Opto-Isolated Inputs..................................................................... 12
3.4.2 Opto-Isolated Outputs .................................................................. 13
3.4.2.1 Sink Driver ........................................................................ 13
3.4.2.2 Source Driver.................................................................... 15
3.5 Frequency Input/Output........................................................................... 16
3.6 Counters.................................................................................................. 16
3.6.1 Wiring of the Counters.................................................................. 17
3.6.2 Pulse Width Modulation................................................................ 18
3.7 External Interrupt..................................................................................... 19
4Programming......................................................................20
4.1 Single Operation Mode............................................................................ 22
4.1.1 Digital Input/Output....................................................................... 22
4.1.2 Frequency Input/Output................................................................ 23
4.1.2.1 Frequency Measurement .................................................. 24
4.1.2.2 Pulse Generator................................................................ 25
4.1.3 Counters (8254)............................................................................ 25

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4.1.3.1 Standard Operation Modes............................................... 26
4.1.3.2 Pulse Width Modulation .................................................... 26
4.2 Interrupt Operation................................................................................... 26
4.2.1 Bit-Pattern Change....................................................................... 27
4.2.2 Bit-Pattern Compare..................................................................... 28
5Appendix ............................................................................29
ASpecification ............................................................................................ 29
BPinout ...................................................................................................... 36
B1 78-pin D-Sub (ST1) —ME-582x.............................................................. 37
CAccessories ............................................................................................. 38
DTechnical Questions................................................................................ 39
D1 Hotline............................................................................................. 39
EIndex........................................................................................................ 40

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1 Introduction page 5 Meilhaus Electronic
1 Introduction
Valued customer,
Thank you for purchasing this device from Meilhaus Electronic. You have
chosen an innovative high-technology product that left our premises in a
fully functional and new condition.
Please take the time to carefully examine the contents of the package for
any loss or damage that may have occurred during shipping. If there are
any items missing or if an item is damaged, please contact us immedi-
ately.
Before installing the board in your computer, we recommend you read this
manual carefully, especially the chapter describing board installation.
1.1 Important Notes
1.1.1 Use in Accordance with the Requirements
The PC boards of the ME-series are designed for acquisition and output of
digital signals using a PC. Depending on type, install the models of the
ME-series into:
a free PCI-Express slot (PCIe versions) or
a free PXI-Express slot (3 HE PXI express versions)
For information on how to install a plug-in board, read the manual of your
PC.
Please note the instructions and specifications as presented in this manual
(Appendix, from page 29 on):
Please ensure sufficient heat dissipation for the board within the PC
housing.
The opto-isolated inputs and outputs achieve an electrical isolation of
the application relative to PC ground.
Note that the computer must be powered up, prior connecting signals
by the external wiring of the board.
As a basic principle, all connections to the board should only be made
or removed in a powered-down state of all components.
Ensure that no static discharge occurs while handling the board or
while connecting/disconnecting the external cable.
Ensure that the connection cable is properly connected. It must be
seated firmly on the D-Sub connector and must be tightened with both

Manual ME-582x Series Revision 0.9
1 Introduction page 6 Meilhaus Electronic
screws, otherwise proper operation of the board cannot be guaran-
teed!
1.1.2 Improper Application
PC plug-in boards for the PCI-Express- or PXI-Express-bus may not be
taken into operation outside of the PC. Never connect the devices with
voltage-carrying parts, especially not with mains voltage.
Make sure that no contact with voltage-carrying parts can happen by the
external wiring of the device. As a basic principle, all connections should
only be made or removed in a powered-down state.
1.1.3 Unforeseeable Misapplications
The device is not suitable to be used as a children’s toy, in the household
or under unfavourable environmental conditions (e.g. in the open). Appro-
priate precautions to avoid any unforeseeable misapplication must be
taken by the user.
1.2 Package Contents
We take great care to ensure your delivery is complete. Nonetheless,
please check the list enclosed to verify the contents of your delivery. You
should find included:
Opto-isolated digital-I/O boards for the PCI-Express- or PXI-Express-
bus of type ME-5820 or ME-5821
Manual in PDF format on DVD (optionally available in printed form).
Driver software on DVD.
78-pin D-sub mating connector.
1.3 Features
The ME-5820 series PC boards are opto-isolated digital-I/O boards with
bit-pattern detection and counters for PCI-Express- and PXI-Express-sys-
tems. In this user manual “ME-582x” is used for all versions of the cards,
whereas “ME-5820” or “ME-5821” is used to describe special features of
these versions.
If required, certain subdevices can alternatively be configured for fre-
quency measurement or for pulse generation (see chapter 4 from page
20).

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1 Introduction page 7 Meilhaus Electronic
Model overview:
Model
Opto-Dio
Opto-FIO*
Counter
ME-5820
1x 16 bit DI
1x 16 bit DO
4FI channels
4FO channels
3x 16 bit
ME-5821
2x 16 bit DI
2x 16 bit DO
4+4FI channels
4+4FO channels
3x 16 bit
Table 1: Model overview ME-5820 series
Alternative configuration can be selected with ME-iDC.
Opto-isolated digital-inputs: The ME-5820 has 16 opto-isolated in-
puts, ME-5821 has 32 opto-isolated inputs. The inputs run with a volt-
age high level of 5…60 V (specifications see page 29).
Opto-isolated digital outputs: ME-5820 has 16 opto-isolated out-
puts, ME-5821 has 32 opto-isolated outputs. The source-driver can
drive up to 370 mA per pin (all 16 outputs active). The detailed specifi-
cations of the sink and/or source drivers can be found on page 29. The
source drivers are short-circuit-proof and are equipped with a current
limiting per channel. If required, the output driver can send an interrupt
on overload to the PC.
A suitable external source is required to supply the output drivers.
Frequency measurement: With the concept of “configurable subde-
vices” the subdevice 0 and subdevice 5 (ME-5821 only) can also be
used as a frequency counter. Four (8) independent channels are avail-
able to measure the frequency and duty cycle of periodic rectangular
signals (max. 300 kHz)..
Pulse generator: With the concept of “configurable subdevices” the
subdevice 1 and subdevice 6 (ME-5821 only) can also be used as a
rectangular signal generator. Four (8) independent channels are avail-
able to output a periodic rectangular signal up to 3 kHz with selectable
duty cycle.
Sink/source selection: You can switch the output ports over from
sink to source drivers or high impedance by software for an optimal
adaption in industrial applications. “High impedance” means that the
voltage level at the output pin depends on your external application.
Bit-pattern detection: If required, the bit-pattern at the digital input
port can be monitored. Depending on the mode an interrupt can be
generated, if the bit-pattern changes or is equal/not equal to a given
bit-pattern.
The isolation voltage between the opto-isolated inputs/outputs and
PC-ground is 1 kVACRMS.
The opto-isolated digital inputs of the ME-582x are equipped with an
overvoltage protection diode that can discharge voltage pulses to
ground for a short period of time.

Manual ME-582x Series Revision 0.9
1 Introduction page 8 Meilhaus Electronic
Depending on your application you can select between these operating
modes:
Single: In this mode a single value can be read or written under soft-
ware control (see chapter 4.1.1 on page 22).
Interrupt: Used for interrupt processing in bit-pattern change and bit-
pattern compare mode (see chapter 4.3 on page 26).
Custom specific firmware versions are available on request.
1.4 System Requirements
The ME-582x may be installed into any PC (Intel® Pentium® processor)
with a free standard PCI-Express- or PXIExpress-slot. The board is sup-
ported by the Meilhaus Electronic Intelligent Driver System (ME-iDS).
1.5 Software Support
The ME-series is supported by the Meilhaus Electronic Intelligent Driver
System (ME-iDS). The ME-iDS is a unique driver system covering different
devices and operating systems. It supports Windows 7, 8.1, 10 and con-
tains a universal function library (API) for all common programming lan-
guages.
A detailed description of the functions can be found in the ME-iDS manual
on the CD/DVD enclosed.
Please also note the corresponding README-files.

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2 Initial Operation page 9 Meilhaus Electronic
2 Initial Operation
Please read your computer’s instruction manual on how to install new
hardware components before installing the board.
2.1 Software Installation
Installation under Windows
The following basic procedure should be used:
If you have received the driver software as an archive file, please unpack
the software before installing the board. First choose a directory on your
computer (e.g. C:\Temp\Meilhaus\ME-iDS).
Use the Meilhaus Electronic Intelligent Driver System (ME-iDS) for pro-
gramming your new data acquisition hardware. For installation and opera-
tion of the driver system, please follow the documentation in electronic
form included with the software package.
2.2 Test Program
For simple testing of the board use the corresponding test program pro-
vided with the ME-iDS.
ME-PowerLab3. Run the program from the Windows Start menu. This will
allow you to text all the important functions of the hardware.
You will find simple test programs in the SDK of the ME-iDS, in the
“Test Executables32” or “Test Executables64” subfolders.

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3 Hardware page 10 Meilhaus Electronic
3 Hardware
3.1 Block Picture
Picture 1: Block picture of ME-5820/21
Pinout picture of the 78-pin D-sub female connector in the appendix (see
“Pinout” page 36).
In the following chapters you will learn more about the external wiring of
the functional sections. Chapter 4 from page 20 describes the operation
modes and the programming.

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3.2 ME-582x PXIe
Picture 2: ME-5821 PXIe
3.3 ME-582x PCIe
Picture 3: ME-5821 PCIe

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3.4 Digital Input/Output
The ME-582x opto-isolated ports have been designed for applications in
industrial control applications (typ. 24 V). An external power supply (pin:
VCC_EXT) is required for the opto-isolated digital-I/O section. Depending
on the application, the drivers of the output ports can be configured as sink
or source or high impedance via software. The isolation voltage to PC-
ground is 1000 VACRMS.
The ME-5820 has 16 opto-isolated inputs (port A) and 16 opto-isolated
outputs (port B). The ME-5821 has 32 opto-isolated inputs (port A and port
C) and 32 opto-isolated outputs (port B and port D). Due to the opto-isola-
tion, the port direction is fixed.
The programming of the various operating modes is described in chapter
4.1 from page 22.
3.4.1 Opto-Isolated Inputs
The ME-5820 has 16 opto-isolated inputs (port A).ME-5821 has 32 opto-
isolated inputs (port A and port C).
The inputs have been designed for an input high-level Uin,H = 3…60 V. A
reference to the ground of the external circuitry via GND_EXT (pins 9, 11,
59) has to be setup in any case. The input lines show logic “0” if not con-
nected.
Picture 4: Inputs of the ME-5820

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The opto-isolated digital-inputs of the ME-5820 series are protected from
over-voltages with special Z-diodes, so called Transient Voltage Suppres-
sor diodes (TVS diodes). These diodes can discharge short voltage pulses
with URWM (Reverse Working Maximum) greater than 64.4 V to ground
(max. 600 W pulse power at a pulse width of 1 ms).
3.4.2 Opto-Isolated Outputs
The ME-5820 has 16 opto-isolated outputs (port B), ME-5821 has 32 opto-
isolated outputs (port B and port D).
The ME-582x output ports are equipped with special driver chips that allow
a selection of sink and source via software. Depending on the application,
the user can switch between low-active outputs (sink driver = standard set-
ting) and high-active outputs (source driver) via software. Moreover, the
output ports can be set to high impedance. A reference to the ground of
the external wiring via GND_EXT (pins 9, 11, 59) has to be setup in any
case.
3.4.2.1 Sink Driver
Each output is equipped with two sink driver chips of type ULN2803, de-
tailed specifications see page 29.
Picture 5: ME-5820/21 outputs with sink drivers
The maximum current per output (IC= ISink) depends on the saturation volt-
age UCE and is limited by the power loss of the sum of the channels on Ptot
= 1 W per chip (DO_x 0…7 = chip 1, DO_x 8…15 = chip 2), see picture 6
and 7.
Ptot = P0+ … + P7≤ 1 W (per chip by 70 ºC)
with P0= IC0 ⋅UCE0

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Picture 6: Collector current against saturation voltage
Picture 7: Collector current against duty cycle and number of
active channels in use
To supply the sink output drivers, an external power supply has to be con-
nected to VCC_EXT (Pin 10, 20) with sufficient power (depending on the
application). At full load this means min. 0.8 A for the ME-5820 and min.
1.6 A for the ME-5821.

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3.4.2.2 Source Driver
Each input port is equipped with two source driver chips of type
ISO1H811G; detailed specifications see page 29.
The source output drivers are short-circuit-proof and are equipped with a
current limiting per channel. The combination of current limiting, thermal
shutdown, and automatic restart protects the circuitry against overload.
In the case of an overload condition (TTSD = typ. 175 °C) the related chan-
nel will switch off and on again automatically, as soon as the junction tem-
perature has fallen below the threshold of TR= 135 ºC. If a chip tempera-
ture of typ. 130 ºC is still exceeded, the overloaded channel remains disa-
bled and is only reactivated, if the temperature decreases below TCR = 110
ºC. Channels in standard (no overload) condition can be used at any time
without restrictions. In the case of an overload condition the output driver
(per port) can send an interrupt to the PC. A further security feature is a
complete disabling of a port in case of a missing ground connection.
Picture 81: ME-5820/21 outputs with source drivers
The following table shows the maximum output current IOut in dependency
of the number of channels in use.
Table 2: Max current of the source driver
To supply the source output drivers, an external power source has to be
connected to VCC_EXT (pin 10, 20), with sufficient power (depending on
Number Of Channels Used
1
16
32
I OUT[A]
0.625 A
0.370 A
0.180 A

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3 Hardware page 16 Meilhaus Electronic
the application). At full load this means minimum 6 A for the ME-582x. The
output voltage UOut,H can be calculated like this:
Uout, H= Uext –(RON ⋅Iout )
3.5 Frequency Input/Output
With the concept of “configurable subdevices” on the ME-5000 series
boards you can use certain subdevices with an alternative functionality.
The configuration tool ME-iDC is used to change the configuration before
the user application is started.
The following channels are available:
Frequency measurement (FI = “Frequency Input”):
ME-5820 has 4, ME-5821 has 8 independent inputs for measurement
of frequency and duty cycle of periodic rectangular signals (max.
300 kHz).
Pulse generator (FO = “Frequency Output”):
ME-5820 has 4, ME-5821 has 8 independent outputs for a periodic
rectangular signal up to 3 kHz with a selectable duty cycle.
The related pins are marked with FI_x and FO_x in the pinout picture on
page 24. The remaining I/O-channels of the digital-ports cannot be used in
this configuration.
Note: For the configuration “pulse generator” (FO) take care of the level at
the unused pins DO_B4..15 (ME-5820) and DO_D4..15 (ME-5821). When
used as sink drivers the channels are high impedance, when used as
source drivers they are connected to ground!
The specifications of the digital-I/O ports also apply to the FI/FO lines. A
reference to the ground of the external circuitry via GND_EXT (pins 9, 11,
59) has to be setup in any case.
The frequency counters and pulse generators are configured via software.
Chapter 4.1 on page 22 describes the programming of the frequency-I/Os.
3.6 Counters
A standard counter chip of type 82C54 is emulated used on the ME-582x
boards. This versatile chip has 3 independent 16-bit (downward) counters.
All counter signals are available at the D-sub female connector.
With a suitable enabling of the GATE input (0 V) the related counter will
start downward-counting with negative edge control. The counter clock

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3 Hardware page 17 Meilhaus Electronic
(CLK) has to be supplied externally and can be max.300 kHz. With a suita-
ble external wiring the counters also can be cascaded.
All counter signals (CLK, GATE, and OUT) are opto-isolated. The counter
inputs have been designed for 24 V (Rv= 3 kΩ) as used in industrial con-
trol applications. When the counters are used, Uext has to be in the range
of 24…30 V. The counter outputs are equipped with pull-up resistors (RUP
= 4.7 kΩ).
For programming the timers see chapter 4.1 on page 22.
3.6.1 Wiring of the Counters
Picture 9: Wiring of the counters
Notes:
Output OUT_2 is designed as an “Open Collector” output, i.e. as soon
as the output is conducting (logic “1”), the load RLis connected to
ground (GND_EXT). Logic “0” means that the output is in a high-im-
pedance state.
The polarity of the input signals (CLK_x and GATE_x) is inverted by
the opto-couplers.
All counter signals require a reference to external ground GND_EXT
(pins 9, 11, 59).

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3 Hardware page 18 Meilhaus Electronic
The inputs CLK_x and GATE_x have been designed for a voltage
level of +24 V (Rv= 3 kΩ).Note for IF: 7.5 mA ≤ IF≤ 10 mA.
The max. output current of opto-isolated versions may not exceed IOut
= 30 mA.
3.6.2 Pulse Width Modulation
Pulse width modulation (PWM) is a special application of the counters.
With a suitable external wiring a signal with variable duty cycle can be
generated with the help of counters 0…2. The duty cycle can be varied in
the range of 1…99 % in steps of 1.
The prescaler has to be sourced with an external base clock of max.
250 kHz. This results in a max. output signal frequency of 1,25 kHz. Pic-
ture 19 shows the external wiring to be used with the functions meUtili-
tyPWMStart/Stop (see also ME-iDS manual).
fOUT_2 =
Base clock
( with <Prescaler> = 2… ( 2
16
–1 ))
<Prescaler> ⋅100
The following picture shows the external wiring of the counters for the ME-
5820 series.
For programming the PWM output please read the ME-iDS user manual
and the ME-iDS help file (see ME-iDS Control Center).
Picture 10: PWM wiring ME-5820 series

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3.7 External Interrupt
If required, you can also monitor the bit-pattern of a digital input port. You
can select one of the modes “bit-pattern change” and “bit-pattern com-
pare”. As soon as the specified event occurs, an interrupt is issued and
passed directly to the PC.
The digital inputs/outputs are programmed in the single operating mode.
The interrupt handling is carried out with the meIOIrq… functions; see also
chapter 4.3 on page 26.

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4 Programming
For programming the device please use the Meilhaus Electronic Intelligent
Driver System (ME-iDS) included in your package. The ME-iDS is a
unique driver system covering different devices and operating systems. It
supports Windows 7, 8.1 and 10 and contains a universal function library
(API) for all common programming languages (the extent of the current
software support can be found in the README-files of the ME-iDS).
A detailed description of the functions can be found in the ME-iDS manual
(see CD/DVD enclosed or online:
www.meilhaus.de/download/ME-iDS.
Further details regarding the assignment of the subdevices and device
specific arguments can be found in the help file (help file format under
Windows, *.chm) which can be accessed via the „ME-iDS Control Center“
in the info area of the task bar (as a rule in the lower right corner of the
screen) or via the Windows start menu.
ME-5820 board is a device with five subdevices, ME-5821 with seven sub-
devices beginning with index “0”.. The functionality of the subdevices can
be selected by the user from a list of predefined configurations. The de-
sired configuration has to be selected with the configuration tool ME-iDC
before the user application is started. With the standard configuration (ID
0) the board is ready to-use at once. The following tables show an over-
view of the configurations available: