Meilhaus Electronic ME-5100 Series User manual

Meilhaus Electronic Manual
ME-5100 Series 3.0E
32-Channel High-Speed Digital-I/O Board
(alternatively: Frequency Measurement and Pulse Generator)

Imprint
Manual ME-5100 Series
Revision 3.0E
Revised: 2018-05-08
Meilhaus Electronic GmbH
Am Sonnenlicht 2
D-82239 Alling bei München
Germany
www.meilhaus.de
© Copyright 2018 Meilhaus Electronic GmbH
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced
or distributed in any form whether photocopied, printed, put on mi-
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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 assumes 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 product. Meilhaus Electronic assumes no
responsibility for any problems or damage which may result from
errors or omissions. Specifications and instructions 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
respective owners.

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 ............................................................. 7
1.3 Features .......................................................................... 7
1.4 System Requirements ..................................................... 10
1.5 Software Support ........................................................... 10
2Starting up..........................................................11
2.1 Software Installation ....................................................... 11
2.2Test Program.................................................................. 11
2.3 Fitting the Plug-on Boards ............................................... 12
2.4 Power Supply for PCI-Express Models................................ 13
3Hardware ............................................................15
3.1 Block Diagram ................................................................. 15
3.2 ME-5100 cPCI ................................................................ 16
3.3 ME-5100 PCIe ................................................................ 16
3.4 Digital Input/Output ......................................................... 17
3.4.1 Digital Inputs .............................................................. 17
3.4.2 Digital Outputs............................................................ 18
3.4.3 External Trigger........................................................... 18
3.4.3.1 External Trigger Inputs....................................... 18
3.4.3.2 Edge Detection.................................................. 18
3.5 Frequency Input/Output ................................................... 19
3.6External Interrupt ........................................................... 20
3.7. Additional Functions ........................................................ 20
3.7.1 System Clock Output ................................................... 20
3.7.2 Termination ................................................................. 20
3.7.3 Logic Level Matching.................................................... 21
3.7.4 ”DATA_VALID” Pin ....................................................... 21

4Programming .......................................................22
4.1 Single Operation Mode ..................................................... 24
4.1.1 Digital Input/Output ..................................................... 24
4.1.2 Frequency Input/Output................................................ 25
4.1.2.1 Frequency Measurement .................................... 26
4.1.2.2 Pulse Generator ................................................ 27
4.2 Streaming Operation Mode............................................... 27
4.2.1 Digital Input/Output ..................................................... 27
4.2.1.1 Stream Timer .................................................... 28
4.2.1.2 Stream Trigger Sample ...................................... 28
4.2.1.3 Burst Mode....................................................... 28
4.2.1.4 Wraparound Mode ............................................. 28
4.2.1.5 External Trigger................................................. 28
4.3 Interrupt Operation ......................................................... 30
4.3.1 Bit-pattern Change...................................................... 31
5Appendix .............................................................32
ASpecifications ........................................................................ 32
BPinout ................................................................................... 36
B1 78-pin D-Sub (ST1) –ME-5100 ............................................... 37
B2 Adapter Board –ME AB-D78/IDC ............................................. 38
CAccessories........................................................................... 41
DTechnical Questions ................................................................ 42
D1 Hotline ........................................................................... 42
EIndex ..................................................................................... 43

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 pack-
age for any loss or damage that may have occurred during shipping.
If there are any items missing or if an item is damaged, please con-
tact us immediately.
Before installing the board in your computer, we recommend you
read this manual carefully, especially the chapter describing board
installation.
The descriptions in this manual concern PCI-Express- and Com-
pactPCI-versions of the ME-5100 series if not otherwise noted.
1.1 Important Notes
1.1.1 Use in Accordance with the Requirements
The PC boards of the ME-5000 series are designed for acquisition
and output of digital signals with a PC. Depending on type install
the models of the ME-5000 series into:
a free PCI-Express slot (PCIe) or
a free CompactPCI-slot (cPCI)
For information on how to install a plug-in board or connect a USB
device, please read the manual of your PC.
Please note the instructions and specifications as presented in
this manual (Appendix A, Specifications):
Please ensure sufficient heat dissipation for the board within
the PC housing.
All unused inputs should be connected to the ground reference
of the appropriate functional section. This avoids cross talk be-
tween the input lines.
The opto-isolated inputs and outputs achieve an electrical isola-
tion of the application relative to PC ground.

Note that the computer must be powered up prior to connect-
ing 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 screws, otherwise proper operation of the
board cannot be guaranteed.
1.1.2 Improper Application
PC plug-in boards for the PCI-, PCI-Express- or CompactPCI-bus
may not be taken into operation outside of the PC. Never connect
the devices with voltage-carrying parts, especially not with mains
voltage. As power supply for the USB models only an authorized
power adaptor may be used.
Make sure that no contact with voltage-carrying parts can happen
by the external wiring of the device. As a basic principle, all connec-
tions 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). Appropriate precautions to avoid any unforeseeable mis-
application must be taken by the user.

1.2 Package Contents
We take great care to ensure your delivery is complete. Nonethe-
less, please check the list enclosed to verify the contents of your
delivery. You should find included:
Digital-I/O board in one of the versions:
ME-5100 PCIe or cPCI.
ME-5100A with additional add-on board ME-5001.
ME-5100B with additional add-on board ME-5004.
Manual in PDF format on CD/DVD.
Driver software on CD/DVD.
78-pin D-Sub mating male connector, ME-5100A additional
25-pin mating male connector, ME-5100B additional 37-pin
mating male connector.
1.3 Features
There are different versions of ME-5100:
Model
TTL I/Os/Counters
ME-5100 PCIe/cPCI
ME-5100
32 I/O, TTL
ME-5100A PCIe/cPCI
ME-5100 +ME-
5001
32 I/O, TTL
ME-5100B PCIe/cPCI
ME-5100 +ME-
5004
32 I/O, 16 inputs, 16 out-
puts, opto-isolated,
3 counters, 16 bit, opto-
isolated
The ME-5100 is a fast digital-I/O board for the PCI-Express- and
CompactPCI-systems. The base board can optionally be extended
with plug-on boards (see Table 2 on page 10).
Overview:
Model
DIO
FIO*
3.3 V/5 V
Termination
ME-5100
(subdevice 0)
16 bit DIO
4 FI channels
✔
✔
(subdevice 1)
16 bit DIO
4 FO channels
✔
✔
*Alternative configuration can be activated via ME-iDC.

High-speed digital-I/O ports: The ME-5100 has two 16-bit digi-
tal-I/O ports and a number of control lines. When operating in
single mode, the two ports can be configured, independently of
one another, as input or output. The direction of the ports is
defined in software. Immediately after powering up, all the
ports are configured as inputs. When operating in streaming
mode, the direction of the ports is specified by hardware: port
A is the input port, while port B is the output port.
Frequency counter: The concept of the “configurable subde-
vices” allows subdevice 0 to be employed as a frequency coun-
ter. Four independent channels are available for measuring the
frequency and duty cycle of rectangular signals (max. 5.5 MHz).
Pulse generator: The concept of the “configurable subdevices”
allows subdevice 1 to be employed as a rectangular wave gener-
ator. Four independent channels are available for the output of
a periodic, rectangular signal at up to 5.5 MHz with a variable
duty cycle.
Signal level 3.3/5 V: the signal level of all the digital inputs/out-
puts and of the control lines can be switched together between
3.3 V and 5 V, depending on the external circuitry.
For optimum signal matching, you are able to activate, via soft-
ware, an active 110 Ω termination at the digital inputs/outputs
of each port.
The DATA_VALID and L_CLK signals are available for synchroni-
zation with the external circuitry. The DATA_VALID pin indi-
cates the validity of the data during output in streaming mode
operation, while the 66 MHz system clock can be accessed at
the L-CLK pin.
Bit-pattern detection: The bit-pattern at the digital inputs can
be monitored if required. Depending on the configuration, an in-
terrupt can be triggered in response to a change in the bit-pat-
tern. In streaming mode operation, the bit-pattern detection
can also be used to control the input/output operation, depend-
ing on the selected operation mode (not using interrupts).
Thanks to the DMA architecture, the data can be transferred very
quickly between the PC’s working memory and the board. In
streaming mode, an input/output rate of up to 30 MS/s, in which all
the ports must participate, is possible. (See also Table 3 on page
22). The actual transmission rate will depend on the operating
mode and the configuration of your computer.
Depending on requirements, you can select from the following oper-
ating modes:

Single: In this operating mode, a single value can be read or
written under software control (see chapter 4.1.1 on page 24).
Streaming: Data is read in/output in this operating mode via a
FIFO. It is possible to choose between a timer and/or external
trigger signals for timing control. A large number of trigger op-
tions, with which you can define start and stop conditions, are
available. Port A is specified as a 16-bit input port, and Port B
as a 16-bit output port (see chapter 4.2 on page 27).
Interrupt: For interrupt handling in the “bit-pattern change”
and “bit-pattern comparison” modes (see chapter 4.3 on page
30).
Customer-specific versions of the firmware are available on re-
quest.
Model
ME-5100
ME-5001
ME-5004
PC interface
cPCI/PCIe
-
-
Board type
base board
plug-on board
plug-on board
DIO channels
2 x 16 bit DIO
4 x 8 bit DIO
1 x 16 bit DI
1 x 16 bit DO
Streaming
channels
1 x 16 bit DI 1
x 16 bit DO
-
-
DI/DO/ I/O rate
30 MS/s /
30 MS/s
-
-
FI/FO frequency
5.5 MHz/
5.5 MHz
5.5 MHz/
5.5 MHz
300 kHz/
3 kHz
External trigger for
streaming
✔
-
-
Software Start/Stop
for streaming mode
operation
✔
-
-
Frequency
measurement
4 channels
8 channels
8 channels
Pulse generator
4 channels
8 channels
8 channels
Bit-pattern change
✔
✔
✔
Bit-pattern
compare
-
-
✔
DI/FI level
3.3 V/5 V (TTL)
3.3 V/5 V (4 x
8 bit**)
3…60 V
DO/FO level
3.3 V/5 V (TTL)
3.3 V/5 V (4 x
8 bit**)
15…30 V
Active termination
✔
4 x 8 bit**
-

Opto-isolation
-
-
✔
Sink/source
selection
-
-
✔
Temperature
monitoring
-
-
✔
External wiring
78-pin D-Sub
socket
25-pin D-Sub
socket
37-pin D-Sub
socket
Configurable
firmware
✔
✔
✔
Configurable
subdevices
✔
✔
✔
*opt. via ME-AK-D25F/S (cPCI) **only for subdevices 0..3
1.4 System Requirements
The ME-5000 series may be installed into any PC with PCI-
Express- resp. CompactPCI-slot (32 bit, 33 MHz, 5 V). The board
is supported by the Meilhaus Electronic Intelligent Driver System
(ME-iDS).
1.5 Software Support
The ME-5000 series is supported by the Meilhaus Electronic Intel-
ligent Driver System (ME-iDS). The ME-iDS is a unique driver sys-
tem covering different devices and operating systems. It supports
Windows 2000, XP, Vista, 7, 8.1, 10 and contains a universal
function library (API) for all common programming languages.
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.

2 Starting up
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 un-
pack the software before installing the board. First choose a direc-
tory on your computer (e.g. C:\Temp\Meilhaus\ME-iDS).
Use the Meilhaus Electronic Intelligent Driver System (ME-iDS) for
programming your new data acquisition hardware. For installation
and operation of the driver system please follow the documentation
in electronic form included with the software package.
2.2 Test Program
ME-PowerLab3: Run the program from the Windows Start menu.
This will allow you to test all the important functions of the hard-
ware.
For simple testing of the board use the corresponding test pro-
gram provided with the ME-iDS.

2.3 Fitting the Plug-on Boards
The boards should be handled with care in order to make sure that
the device is not damaged by electrostatic discharge (ESD), me-
chanical stress or unsuitable current surges. Precautions should
also be taken to avoid an electric shock. Ensure that standard ESD
safety precautions are taken. At least one hand should be
grounded in order to dissipate any static charge.
Observe the following procedure:
1. If the base board is installed, you must first remove it in or-
der to be able to insert the plug-on board. Here you should
observe the procedure as described in the manual for your
PC system.
2. Make sure that electrostatic discharges cannot take place
through the plug-on board or the base board as you plug it
in. Follow the standard ESD safety precautions.
3. Push the plug-on board carefully, and with only a little force,
on to the male connector provided for it (see Diagram 1,
items 1, 2 and 3). Check that the board is fully plugged in.
4. Choose two adjacent slots for the installation. If necessary,
remove an additional mounting bracket for the slot of the
plug-on board.
5. Carefully plug the combination of the base and plug-on board
into the computer.
6. Screw the two slot brackets down firmly.
7. Close the PC system again.

2.4 Power Supply for PCI-Express Models
Because of the PCI-Express slot drive’s insufficient current for op-
erating the board, an additional supply is required via the PC power
supply. For that purpose connect a free “MOLEX” connector of the
PC (as used for power supply of drives) with the appropriate termi-
nal of the board (see the following diagram). Otherwise the board
may be irreversibly damaged!

3 Hardware
3.1 Block Diagram
Subdevice 0 (port A) Single mode operation: bidirectional,
specified as an input port for operation in streaming mode.
Subdevice 1 (port B) Single mode operation: bidirectional,
specified as an output port for operation in streaming mode.
*SPI:”Serial Programming Interface”
The pin assignment for the 78-pin D-Sub socket can be found in
the appendix (see “Pinout” on page 36).
You will find a description of the circuitry of the individual function
groups in the following sections. Please read the chapter 4 from
page 22 for operating modes and programming.

3.2 ME-5100 cPCI
3.3 ME-5100 PCIe

3.4 Digital Input/Output
The ME-5100 has two 16-bit digital-I/O ports and a number of con-
trol lines. When operating in single mode, the two ports can be
configured, independently of one another, as input or output. The
direction of the ports is defined in software. When operating in
streaming mode, the direction of the ports is specified by hard-
ware: port A is the input port, while port B is the output port.
In streaming mode, ports A and B must share the bandwidth for
the data transfer between the board and the PC. This depends on
the configuration of your computer - a total data throughput of up
to 30 MS/s is realistic (see also Table 4 on page 23).
Please read chapter 4.1.1 from page 24 for programming the dif-
ferent operating modes.
3.4.1 Digital Inputs
When wiring the inputs, note that the voltage level must be ob-
served (see the specifications on page 32) and that a reference to
the PC ground (GND_PC) must be established (see Diagram 6).

3.4.2 Digital Outputs
When wiring the outputs, note that the voltage level must be ob-
served (see the specifications on page 35) and that a reference to
the PC ground (GND_PC) must be established (see Diagram 6).
IOut= IOL = IOH = 24 mA per pin.
3.4.3 External Trigger
3.4.3.1 External Trigger Inputs
In addition to the trigger inputs TRIG_A and TRIG_B, any of the digi-
tal inputs can also be used as a trigger input. You can therefore
configure the trigger conditions for starting and stopping a timer-
controlled input/output (streaming mode operation) very flexibly.
See also Diagram 7 on page 18, and the trigger matrix, Diagram
12 on page 29.
The specifications for the digital inputs apply to the wiring of the
trigger inputs TRIG_A and TRIG_B.
Note: The input/output cannot be externally triggered in single
mode operation. Compare here chapter 3.6 “External Interrupt” on
page 20.
3.4.3.2 Edge Detection
You can specify, both for the trigger inputs TRIG_A and TRIG_B and
for all the usable digital inputs, whether the operation is to be
started by a rising edge, falling edge, or by any edge (i.e. equally by
rising or falling edges).

3.5 Frequency Input/Output
The concept of the „configurable subdevices“ of the ME-5000 se-
ries gives you the option of using individual subdevices with an al-
ternative functionality. The associated configuration is carried out
with the ME-iDC configuration tool before your application is called.
The following channels are available:
Frequency counter (FI = “Frequency Input”):
4 independent inputs for measuring the frequency and duty cy-
cle of rectangular signals (max. 5.5 MHz).
Pulse generator (FO = “Frequency Output”):
4 independent outputs for the output of a periodic rectangular
signal at up to 5.5 MHz with a variable duty cycle.
The associated pins are identified as FI_A0..3 and FO_B0..3 in the
terminal assignment on page 37. In this configuration, the remain-
ing inputs/outputs of the digital ports cannot be used.
Please note: In the “pulse generator” (FO) configuration, the un-
used pins DIO_B4..15 are connected to ground!
The specifications for the digital-I/O ports apply to the wiring of the
inputs and outputs. A reference to the PC ground (PC_GND) must
always be established. The maximum output current is IOUT = IOL =
IOH = 24 mA.
The frequency counters and pulse generators are configured by
software. Please read chapter 4.1.2 on page 25 for programming
the frequency input/output.

3.6 External Interrupt
If required, you can also monitor the bit-pattern of a digital input
port. The “bit-pattern change” mode is available on the ME-5100.
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 func-
tions; see also chapter 4.3 on page 30.
3.7. Additional Functions
You can make the following settings for adapting to your application
regardless of the operating mode.
3.7.1 System Clock Output
If required, you can output the 66 MHz clock (L_CLK) at pin 29 of
the 78-pin D-Sub connector. A 100 Ωresistor must be fitted at
R55 for this purpose. You can find the position of R55 with the aid
of Figs. 4 and 5 (page 16).
Note: Remember that crosstalk between the clock and the signal
lines can easily happen in the external wiring. We recommend use
of the optional ME AB-D78/IDC adapter board, where a ground line
is included between each signal line. Used together with a suitable
ribbon cable, you can minimize the crosstalk in this way.
3.7.2 Termination
For optimum signal matching, you can enable via software, an ac-
tive 110 Ωtermination at the digital inputs/outputs of each port.
The termination circuits are effectively protected against overload
by the combination of current limiting and thermal shutdown (with
automatic return to service).