Meilhaus Electronic ME-5004 User manual

Meilhaus Electronic Manual
ME-5004 3.0E
Plug-on Board for ME-5000 Series
with Opto-Isolated Digital I/Os
(Alternative Configuration: Frequency Measurement and
Pulse Generator)

Imprint
Manual ME-5004
Revision 3.0E
Revised: 2018-03-08
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-
crofilm 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 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 ....................................................... 8
1.5 Software Support ............................................................. 9
2Starting up..........................................................10
2.1 Software Installation ....................................................... 10
2.2 Test Program.................................................................. 10
2.3 Fitting the Plug-on Boards ............................................... 11
3Hardware ............................................................13
3.1 Block Diagram ................................................................. 13
3.2 ME-5004 cPCI/PCIe ......................................................... 14
3.3 Digital Input/Output ......................................................... 14
3.3.1 Opto-Isolated Inputs .................................................... 15
3.3.2 Opto-Isolated Outputs ................................................. 15
3.3.2.1 Sink Driver ........................................................ 16
3.3.2.2 Source Driver .................................................... 18
3.3.3 External Trigger........................................................... 19
3.4 Frequency Input/Output ................................................... 19
3.5 External Interrupt ........................................................... 20
4Programming .......................................................21
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 .................................... 25
4.1.2.2 Pulse Generator ................................................ 25
4.2 Interrupt Operation ......................................................... 25

4.2.1 Bit-Pattern Change...................................................... 26
4.2.2 Bit-Pattern Compare ................................................... 28
5Appendix .............................................................29
ASpecification .......................................................................... 29
BPinout ................................................................................... 35
B1 37-pin D-Sub (ST1) ................................................................. 36
CAccessories........................................................................... 37
DTechnical Questions ................................................................ 38
D1 Hotline ........................................................................... 38
EIndex ..................................................................................... 39

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.
1.1 Important Notes
1.1.1 Use in Accordance with the Requirements
The plug-on boards of the ME-5000 series require a base board of
the ME-5000 series and will be plugged onto these and extend the
functionality of the base boards. Depending on the PC platform the
plug-on board additionally needs:
a free PCI-Express slot (PCIe) or
a free CompactPCI slot (cPCI)
however, without using the PCI slot connector.
Please follow the instructions of chapter 2.3 on page 11 of this
document and the manual of your computer for the procedure when
fitting additional hardware components.
Please follow the notes and the specifications starting on page 29.
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.
When using the configuration “pulse generator” (FO) unused
output pins should not be connected.

The opto-isolated inputs and outputs provide electrical isolation
between device and application of up to 1000 V with respect to
the 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 when handling the
board or when 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 the 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:
Opto-isolated digital-I/O board used as a plug-on board for the
base boards of the ME-5000 series.
Manual in PDF format on CD/DVD.
Driver software on CD/DVD.
37-pin D-Sub mating connector.
1.3 Features
The plug-on board of type ME-5004 is an opto-isolated digital-I/O
board with bit-pattern detection for the base boards of the ME-
5000 series. You can configure individual subdevices alternatively
for frequency measurement resp. pulse generator on demand (see
chapter 4 from page 21).
Overview
Model
DIO
FIO*
Sink/
Source
Bit-Pattern
ME-5004
(Subdevice 0)
16-bit DI
(opto-isolated
8 FI channels
(opto-isolated)
-
- change
- compare
(Subdevice 1)
16-bit DO
(opto-isolated
8 FO channels
(opto-isolated)
✔
-
*Alternative configuration can be activated via ME-iDC.
Opto-isolated digital-inputs: The ME-5004 has 16 opto-iso-
lated inputs (subdevice 0). The inputs run with a voltage high-
level of 24 V typ. (specifications see page 29).
Opto-isolated digital-outputs: The ME-5004 has 16 opto-iso-
lated outputs (subdevice 1). The source-driver can drive up to
500 mA per pin. The detailed specifications of the sink and /or
source drivers can be found on page 15.
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 driv-
ers.

Frequency counter: With the concept of “configurable subde-
vices” the subdevice 0 can also be used as a frequency coun-
ter. Eight independent channels are available to measure the
frequency and duty cycle of periodic rectangular signals (max.
300 kHz).
Pulse generator: With the concept of “configurable sub-
devices” the subdevice 1 can also be used as a rectangular sig-
nal generator. Eight independent channels are available to out-
put 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 of a digital
input port can be monitored. Depending on the mode an inter-
rupt 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-5004 are equipped
with an overvoltage protection diode that can discharge voltage
pulses to ground for a short period of time.
For data transmission between PC memory and the base board the
ME-5004 must share the bandwidth with the base board. The ac-
tual transmission rate depends on the operating mode and on the
configuration of your PC.
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 on page 22).
Interrupt: For interrupt handling in the “bit-pattern change”
and “bit-pattern compare” modes (see chapter 4.2 on page
25).
1.4 System Requirements
The plug-on board requires a base board of the ME-5000 series
and occupies a free PCI-Express- or CompactPCI-slot, however
without using the PCI-slot-connector. This saves the resources of

your PC. The board is supported by the Meilhaus Electronic Intelli-
gent 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 cov-
ering different devices and operating systems. It supports Win-
dows 2000/XP/Vista and Windows 7, 8.1, 10 and contains a uni-
versal 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 di-
rectory 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 documenta-
tion in electronic form included with the software package.
2.2 Test Program
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.

3 Hardware
3.1 Block Diagram
Pinout diagram of the 37-pin D-sub female connector in the appen-
dix (see “Pinout” on page 35).
In the following chapters you will learn more about the external wir-
ing of the individual subdevices. Chapter 4 from page 21 describes
the operation modes and the programming.

3.2 ME-5004 cPCI/PCIe
3.3 Digital Input/Output
The opto-isolated inputs and outputs have been designed for appli-
cations in industrial control applications (typ. 24 V). An external
power supply (pin: VCC_EXT) is required for the opto-isolated digital
outputs. 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 plug-on board of type ME-5004 has 16 opto-isolated inputs
and 16 opto-isolated outputs. Due to the opto-isolation, the port
direction is fixed.
The programming of the various operating modes is described in
chapter 4.1 from page 22.

3.3.1 Opto-Isolated Inputs
The ME-5004 has 16 opto-isolated inputs which have been de-
signed for an input high-level Uin,H typ. 24 V. A reference to the
ground of the external circuitry via GND_EXT (pins 15) has to be
setup in any case. The input lines show logic “0” if not connected.
The opto-isolated digital-inputs of the ME-5004 are protected from
over-voltages with special Z-diodes, so called Transient Voltage
Suppressor diodes (TVS diodes). These diodes can discharge short
voltage pulses with URWM (Reverse Working Maximum) greater
than 30 V to ground (max. 600 W pulse power at a pulse width of
1ms).
3.3.2 Opto-Isolated Outputs
The ME-5004 has 16 opto-isolated outputs. The output port is
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 setting)
and high-active outputs (source driver) via software. Moreover, the
outputs can be set to high impedance port-wise. A reference to
the ground of the external wiring via GND_DO (pin 21) has to be
setup in any case.

3.3.2.1 Sink Driver
Each output port is equipped with two sink driver chips of type
ULN2803; detailed specifications see page 29.
The maximum current per output (IC = ISink) depend on the satura-
tion voltage UCE and is limited by the power loss of the sum of the
channels on Ptot = 1 W per chip (DO_0…7 = chip 1, DO_8…15 =
chip 2), see Diagram 6 and Diagram 7.
Ptot = P0+ …+P7≤1 W (per chip at 70 °C)
with P0= ICO x UCE0

To supply the sink output drivers, an external power supply has to
be connected to VCC_EXT (Pin 1, 2, 20) with sufficient power (de-
pending on the application). At full load this means up to 0.5 A per
channel for the ME-5004.

3.3.2.2 Source Driver
Each input port is equipped with two source driver chips of type
ISO2H811G; 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 lim-
iting, thermal shutdown, and automatic re-start protects the cir-
cuitry against overload. In the case of an overload condition (TTSD =
typ. 175 °C) the related channel will switch off and on again auto-
matically, as soon as the junction temperature has fallen below the
threshold of TR= 135 °C). If a chip temperature of typ. 130 °C is
still exceeded, the overloaded channel remains disabled and is only
reactivated, if the temperature decreases below TCR = 110 °C.
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 miss-
ing ground connection.
The following table shows the maximum output current IOut in de-
pendency of the number of channels in use:
Number of Channels Used
1
16
IOut [A]
0.625 A
0.5 A

To supply the source output drivers, an external power source has
to be connected to VCC_EXT (pins 1, 2, 20), with sufficient power
(depending on the application). At full load this means up to 9 A for
the ME-5004. The output voltage Uout,H can be calculated like this:
Uout,H = Uext –(RON x Iout)
3.3.3 External Trigger
On the ME-5004 no external trigger inputs are available. However
you can monitor the digital inputs on bit-pattern change and bit-
pattern compare. As soon as the specified event occurs, an inter-
rupt can be issued and passed directly to the PC. See chapter 4.2
on page 25.
3.4 Frequency Input/Output
With the concept of “configurable subdevices” on the ME-5000 se-
ries 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”):
8 independent inputs for measuring the frequency and duty cy-
cle of rectangular signals (max. 300 kHz).
Pulse generator (FO=”Frequency Output”):
8 independent outputs for a periodic rectangular signal at up to
3 kHz with a variable duty cycle.
The related pins are marked with FI_ and FO_ in the pinout dia-
gram on page 35. 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_8..15. When used as sink drivers the
outputs are in a high-impedance state, when used as source driv-
ers they are connected to ground!

The specifications of the digital-I/O ports also apply to the FI/FO
lines. For all inputs and outputs a reference to the ground of exter-
nal wiring has to be setup in any case. For the frequency measure-
ment inputs this is the ground of the digital input section (GND_DI,
pin 15) and for the pulse generator outputs this is the ground of
the digital output section (GND_DO, pin 21).
The frequency counters and pulse generators are configured via
software. Chapter 4.1.2 on page 23 describes the programming of
the frequency I/Os.
3.5 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 compare”. 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 4.2 on page 25.