Meilhaus Electronic ME-5810 Series User manual

Meilhaus Electronic Manual
ME-5810 Series
Opto-Isolated Digital-I/O Board
with Bit-Pattern Detection, 3 x 16-bit Counters (8254)
(alternatively: Frequency Measurement and Pulse Generator)

Imprint
Manual ME-5810 Series
Revision 2.0
Revised: 2019-09-10
Meilhaus Electronic GmbH
Am Sonnenlicht 2
D-82239 Alling bei München
Germany
www.meilhaus.de
© Copyright 2019 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 ............................................................. 6
1.3 Features .......................................................................... 7
1.4 System Requirements ..................................................... 10
1.5 Software Support ........................................................... 10
2Initial Operation ...................................................11
2.1 Software Installation ....................................................... 11
2.2 Test Program.................................................................. 11
2.3 Fitting the Plug-on Boards ............................................... 11
2.4 Power Supply for PCI-Express Models................................ 13
3Hardware ............................................................14
3.1 Block Picture .................................................................. 14
3.2 ME-5810 cPCI ................................................................ 15
3.3 ME-5810 PCIe ................................................................ 15
3.4 ME-5002........................................................................ 16
3.5 Digital Input/Output ......................................................... 16
3.5.1 Opto-Isolated Inputs .................................................... 17
3.5.2 Opto-Isolated Outputs ................................................. 18
3.5.2.1 Sink Driver ........................................................ 18
3.5.2.2 Source Driver .................................................... 20
3.5.3 External Trigger........................................................... 21
3.5.3.1 External Trigger Inputs....................................... 21
3.5.3.2 Edge Detection.................................................. 21
3.6 Frequency Input/Output ................................................... 21
3.7 Counters ........................................................................ 22
3.7.1 Wiring of the Counters................................................. 23
3.7.2 Pulse Width Modulation................................................ 24

3.8 External Interrupt ........................................................... 25
4Programming .......................................................26
4.1 Single Operation Mode ..................................................... 28
4.1.1 Digital Input/Output ..................................................... 29
4.1.2 Frequency Input/Output................................................ 29
4.1.2.1 Frequency Measurement .................................... 31
4.1.2.2 Pulse Generator ................................................ 31
4.1.3 Counters (8254) ......................................................... 32
4.1.3.1 Standard Operation Modes ................................. 32
4.1.3.2 Pulse Width Modulation ...................................... 33
4.2 Streaming Operation Mode............................................... 33
4.2.1 Digital Input/Output ..................................................... 33
4.2.1.1 Stream Timer .................................................... 33
4.2.1.2 Stream Trigger Sample ...................................... 33
4.2.1.3 Wraparound Mode ............................................. 33
4.2.1.4 External Trigger................................................. 34
4.3 Interrupt Operation ......................................................... 35
4.3.1 Bit-Pattern Change...................................................... 36
4.3.2 Bit-Pattern Compare ................................................... 37
5Appendix .............................................................38
ASpecification .......................................................................... 38
BPinout ................................................................................... 46
B1 78-pin D-Sub (ST1) —ME-5810 .............................................. 47
CAccessories........................................................................... 48
DTechnical Questions ................................................................ 49
D1 Hotline ........................................................................... 49
EIndex ..................................................................................... 50

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 PC boards of the ME-series are designed for acquisition and
output of analog and 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 CompactPCI slot (3 HE cPCI 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 38 on):
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 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 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 boards for the PCI-Express- or Com-
pact-PCI-bus of type ME-5810A or ME-5810B (incl. ME-5002)
Manual in PDF format on CD/DVD (optionally available in printed
form).
Driver software on CD/DVD.
78-pin D-sub mating connector.

1.3 Features
The ME-5810 series PC boards are opto-isolated digital-I/O boards
with bit-pattern detection and counters for PCI-Express- and Com-
pactPCI-systems. In this user manual “ME-5810” is used for all
versions of the cards, whereas “ME-5810A” or “ME-5810B” is
used to describe special features of these versions.
If required, certain subdevices can alternatively be configured for
frequency measurement or for pulse generation (see chapter 4
from page 26). As an option, the base-board can be extended with
add-on boards (see table 2 on page 10).
Model overview:
Model
Opto-Dio
Opto-FIO*
Counter
ME-5810A
1x 16 bit DI
1x 16 bit DO
4FI channels
4FO channels
3x 16 bit
ME-5810A/S
...with streaming
operation
1x 16 bit DI
1x 16 bit DO
4FI channels
4FO channels
3x 16 bit
ME-5810B**
(ME-5810A +
ME-5002)
2x 16 bit DI
2x 16 bit DO
4+ 4FI channels
4+ 4 FO channels
3x 16 bit
ME-5810B/S **
(ME-5810A/S with
streaming operation
+ ME-5002)
2x 16 bit DI
2x 16 bit DO
4+ 4FI channels
4+ 4FO channels
3x 16 bit
* Alternative configuration can be selected with ME-iDC.
** ME-5810A(/S) is always registered in the Windows device manager.
Opto-isolated digital-inputs: The ME-5810 has 16 opto-iso-
lated inputs. Further 16 opto-isolated inputs can be added us-
ing the plug-on board ME-5002. The inputs run with a voltage
high level of 3…60 V (specifications see page 38).
Opto-isolated digital outputs: Die ME-5810 has 16 opto-iso-
lated outputs. Further 16 opto-isolated outputs can be added
using the plug-on board ME-5002. The source-driver can drive
up to 370 mA per pin (all 16 outputs active). The detailed spec-
ifications of the sink and/or source drivers can be found on page
38. 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 measurement: With the concept of “configurable
subdevices” the subdevice 0 can also be used as a frequency
counter. Four independent channels are available to measure
the frequency and duty cycle of periodic rectangular signals
(max. 5.5 MHz). 4 further channels can be added using the
plug-on board ME-5002.
Pulse generator: With the concept of “configurable subde-
vices” the subdevice 1 can also be used as a rectangular signal
generator. Four independent channels are available to output a
periodic rectangular signal up to 5.5 MHz with selectable duty
cycle. 4 further channels can be added using the plug-on board
ME-5002.
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 inter-
rupt can be generated, if the bit-pattern changes or is
equal/not equal to a given bit-pattern. In streaming mode bit-
pattern detection can be used to control the input/output oper-
ation depending on the selected operating mode (no interrupt
operation).
The isolation voltage between the opto-isolated inputs/outputs
and PC-ground is 1 kVACRMS.
The opto-isolated digital inputs of the ME-5810 and ME-5002
are equipped with an overvoltage protection diode that can dis-
charge voltage pulses to ground for a short period of time.
Depending on your application you can select between these oper-
ating modes:
Single: In this mode a single value can be read or written under
software control (see chapter 4.1.1 on page 29).
Streaming (“S”-versions only): In this mode data I/O makes use
of the FIFO, either under timer control and/or controlled by ex-
ternal trigger signals. Various trigger options are available that
can be defined as start and stop conditions. Subdevice 0 is de-
fined as a 16-bit input port and subdevice 1 as a 16-bit output
port (see chapter 2.1 on page 11).

Interrupt: Used for interrupt processing in bit-pattern change
and bit-pattern compare mode (see chapter 4.3 on page 35).
Custom specific firmware versions are available on request.
Model
ME-5810 A
ME-5001
ME-5002
ME-5004
PC-Interface
cPCI/PCIe
–
–
–
Board type
base board
plug-on board
plug-on
board
plug-on
board
DIO-channels
1x 16 - bit DI,
1x 16 - bit DO
2x 8-bit D IO +
4x8-bit DIO**
1x 16 - bit DI,
1x 16 -b it DO
1x 16 - bit DI,
1x 16 - bit DO
Streaming
channels*
1x 16 - bit DI,
1x 16- bit DO
–
–
–
I/O rate
DI/DO
30 MS/s /
30 MS/s
–
–
–
Frequency
FI/FO
300 kHz/
3kHz
5.5 MHz/
5.5 MHz
300 kHz/
3kHz
300 kHz/
3kHz
Ext. trigger
for
streaming*
✔
–
–
–
Software-
start/-stop
for
streaming*
✔
–
–
–
Frequency
measurement
4channels
4channels
4channels
4channels
Pulse
generator
4channels
4channels
4channels
4channels
Counter
(8254)
3x 16 bit
–
–
–
Bit-pattern
change
✔
–
✔
✔
Bit-pattern
compare
✔
–
✔
✔
DI/FI level
3…60 V
3.3 V/5 V
(4 x 8 bit***)
3…60 V
3…60 V
DO/FO level
15…30 V
3.3 V/5 V
(4 x 8 bit***)
15…30 V
15…30 V
Active
termination
–
4 x 8 bit***
–
–

Opto-isolation
✔
–
✔
✔
Sink/Source
selection
✔
–
✔
✔
Temperature
monitoring
source driver
–
source
driver
source driver
Field wiring
78-pin D-Sub
female
socket
25-pin D-Sub
female socket
via 78-pin
D-Sub of
base board
37-pin D-Sub
female
socket
Configurable
firmware
✔
✔
✔
✔
Configurable
subdevices
✔
✔
✔
✔
* Streaming mode only for “S”-versions
** opt. via ME-AK-D25F/S (cPCI)
*** only for subdevice 0…3.
1.4 System Requirements
The ME-series may be installed into any PC (Intel® Pentium® pro-
cessor) with a free standard PCI-, 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-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 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 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.
ME-PowerLab3. Run the program from the Windows Start menu.
This will allow you to text all the important functions of the hard-
ware.
You will find simple test programs in the SDK of the ME-iDS, in
the “Test Executables32” or “Test Executables64” subfolders.
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 electrostatic 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 picture 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 blanking plate 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 Picture
*Note: “FIFO IN” and “FIFO OUT” for streaming mode are only avail-
able on “S”-versions.
Pinout picture of the 78-pin D-sub female connector in the appen-
dix (see “Pinout”page 46).
In the following chapters you will learn more about the external wir-
ing of the functional sections. Chapter 4 from page 26 describes
the operation modes and the programming.

3.2 ME-5810 cPCI
3.3 ME-5810 PCIe

3.4 ME-5002
3.5 Digital Input/Output
The ME-5810 series opto-isolated ports have been designed for
applications in industrial control applications (typ. 24 V). An exter-
nal 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-5810 series base board has 16 opto-isolated inputs (port
A) and 16 opto-isolated outputs (port B). In combination with the
plug-on board ME-5002, 16 further opto-isolated inputs (port C)
and 16 opto-isolated outputs (port D) can be added. Due to the
opto-isolation, the port direction is fixed.
In streaming mode ports A and B share the bandwidth for the data
transfer between boards on PC. The bandwidth depends on the

configuration of your PC –a total data throughput of up to
30 MS/s is realistic (see also table 6).
The programming of the various operating modes is described in
chapter 4.1 from page 28.
3.5.1 Opto-Isolated Inputs
The ME-5810 has 16 opto-isolated inputs (port A). In combination
with a plug-on board ME-5002, 16 further opto-isolated inputs
(port C) can be added.
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 connected.
The opto-isolated digital-inputs of the ME-5810 and ME-5002 are
protected from over-voltages with special Z-diodes, so called Tran-
sient Voltage Suppressor diodes (TVS diodes). These diodes can
discharge short voltage pulses with URWM (Reverse Working Maxi-
mum) greater than 64.4 V to ground (max. 600 W pulse power at
a pulse width of 1 ms).

3.5.2 Opto-Isolated Outputs
The ME-5810 has 16 opto-isolated outputs (port B). In combina-
tion with a plug-on board ME-5002, further 16 opto-isolated out-
puts (port D) can be added.
The ME-5810 and ME-5002 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-ac-
tive outputs (sink driver = standard setting) and high-active out-
puts (source driver) via software. Moreover, the output ports can
be set to high impedance. A reference to the ground of the exter-
nal wiring via GND_EXT (pins 9, 11, 59) has to be setup in any
case.
3.5.2.1 Sink Driver
Each output is equipped with two sink driver chips of type
ULN2803, detailed specifications see page 38.
The maximum current per output (IC= ISink) depends 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_x 0…7 = chip 1, DO_x 8…15
= chip 2), see picture 9 and 10.
Ptot = P0+ … + P7≤1 W (per chip bei 70 ºC)
with P0= IC0 ⋅UCE0

To supply the sink output drivers, an external power supply has to
be connected to VCC_EXT (Pin 10, 20) with sufficient power (de-
pending on the application). At full load this means min. 0.8 A for
the ME-5810A and min. 1.6 A for the ME-5810B.

3.5.2.2 Source Driver
Each input port is equipped with two source driver chips of type
ISO1H811G; detailed specifications see page 38.
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 restart 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 automatically, as soon as the
junction temperature has fallen below the threshold of TR=
135 ºC. If a chip temperature of typ. 130 ºC is still exceeded, the
overloaded channel remains disabled 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 re-
strictions. In the case of an overload condition the output driver
(per port) can send an interrupt to the PC. A further security fea-
ture is a complete disabling of a port in case of a missing 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
32
I OUT[A]
0.625 A
0.370 A
0.180 A