Pickering 50-412 User manual

pickeringtest.com
Issue 2.3 May 2021
50-412 User Manual
PCI 32 Channel Digital I/O Card
with Programmable Threshold

Page (II) 32-CHANNEL DIGITAL I/O CARD 50-412
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Page (II) REED RELAY MODULE 40-110/115/120/125
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© COPYRIGHT (2021) PICKERING INTERFACES. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, translated or stored in any form, or by
any means without the written permission of Pickering Interfaces.
Technical details contained within this publication are subject to change without notice.
ISO 9001
Reg No. FM38792

Page (III)
32-CHANNEL DIGITAL I/O CARD 50-412
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Page (III)
REED RELAY MODULE 40-110/115/120/125
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TECHNICAL SUPPORT
For Technical Support please contact Pickering Interfaces either by phone, the website or via e-mail.
WARRANTY
All products manufactured by Pickering Interfaces are warranted against defective materials and workmanship for a period of
three years, excluding programmable power supplies, from the date of delivery to the original purchaser. Any product found to be
defective within this period will, at the discretion of Pickering Interfaces be repaired or replaced.
Products serviced and repaired outside of the warranty period are warranted for ninety days.
Extended warranty and service are available. Please contact Pickering Interfaces by phone, the website or via e-mail.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
Pickering Interfaces operates under an environmental management system similar to ISO 14001.
Pickering Interfaces strives to full all relevant environmental laws and regulations and reduce wastes and releases to the
environment. Pickering Interfaces aims to design and operate products in a way that protects the environment and the health and
safety of its employees, customers and the public. Pickering Interfaces endeavours to develop and manufacture products that can
be produced, distributed, used and recycled, or disposed of, in a safe and environmentally friendly manner.
Worldwide Technical Support and Product Information
pickeringtest.com
Germany
Tel: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Sweden
Tel: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
USA
Tel: (West) [phone]
Tel: (East) [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Czech Republic
Tel: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
France
Tel [phone]
E-mail [email protected]
Pickering Interfaces Headquarters
Stephenson Road Clacton-on-Sea CO15 4NL United Kingdom
Tel: [phone]
E-Mail: [email protected]
China
Tel: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]

Page (IV) 32-CHANNEL DIGITAL I/O CARD 50-412
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Page (IV) REED RELAY MODULE 40-110/115/120/125
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MEANING / DESCRIPTION SYMBOL
PROTECTIVE EARTH (GROUND)
To identify any terminal which is intended for connection to an external conductor for
protection against electric shock in case of a fault, or the terminal of a protective earth
(ground) electrode.
DANGEROUS VOLTAGE
To indicate hazards arising from dangerous voltages.
WARNING / CAUTION
An appropriate safety instruction should be followed or caution to a potential hazard
exists.
Refer to the relevant instructions detailed within the product manual.
HEAVY
If this product is heavy reference should be made to the safety instructions for
provisions of lifting and moving.
STATIC SENSITIVE
To indicate that static sensitive devices are present and handling precautions should
be followed.
!
kg
SAFETY SYMBOLS
PRODUCT SAFETY
The following safety symbols may be used on the product and throughout the product documentation.

Page (V)
32-CHANNEL DIGITAL I/O CARD 50-412
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Copyright Statement ...................................................................II
Technical Support and Warranty................................................III
Product Safety .............................................................................IV
Contents (this page)....................................................................V
Warnings and Cautions ..............................................................VII
Section 1
Technical Specication...............................................................1.1
Section 2
Technical Description .................................................................2.1
Functional Description..........................................................2.1
Guidance on Using The 50-412 ............................................2.2
Section 3
Installation....................................................................................3.1
Pre Operation Checks...........................................................3.1
Hardware Installation ............................................................3.2
Software Installation .............................................................3.2
Testing Operation ..................................................................3.3
Section 4
Programming Guide....................................................................4.1
Programming Options for PCI Cards...................................4.1
50-412 Digital Input-Output Sub-Units.................................4.2
Using The Direct Driver or VISA Driver ...............................4.4
Input Threshold Voltage Bit Patterns ..................................4.6
Section 5
Connector Information................................................................5.1
Section 6
Trouble Shooting.........................................................................6.1
Section 7
Maintenance Information............................................................7.1
Verication Procedure ..........................................................7.2
Verication Test Results .......................................................7.5
Input/Output Look-Up Tables ..............................................7.6
Component Layout ...............................................................7.7
CONTENTS

Page (VI) 32-CHANNEL DIGITAL I/O CARD 50-412
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Page (VII)
32-CHANNEL DIGITAL I/O CARD 50-412
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Page (VII)
PCI REED RELAY CARD 50-110 / 115 / 120 / 125
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WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
WARNING - HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENTS SYMBOL
This product is not specically designed for use in hazardous environments, for example in explosive
atmospheres. If the product is to be used in hazardous environments we recommend that the user
ensures suitable protective measures are taken.
!
CAUTION - HANDLING OF ELECTROSTATIC-SENSITIVE DEVICES SYMBOL
Certain semiconductor devices used in this equipment are liable to damage due to static voltage.
Observe the following precautions when handling these devices in their unterminated state, or
sub-assemblies containing these devices:
1. Persons removing sub-assemblies from equipment using these devices must be earthed by a
wrist strap and a resistor at the point provided on the equipment.
2. Soldering irons used during the repair operations must be low voltage types with earthed tips and
isolated from the mains voltage by a double insulated transformer.
3. Outer clothing worn must be unable to generate static charges.
4. Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) tted with these devices must be stored and transported in
anti-static bags.
WARNING - DANGER OF ELECTRIC SHOCK SYMBOL
This card may contain hazardous voltages. Before removing the card from the chassis remove all
supplies and disconnect user I/O signals.
Unused slots in the PC chassis are populated with blanking plates to prevent access to user I/O
signals that may be present. . If the product is not used in this manner for example by using an
extender card then additional care must be taken to avoid contact with exposed signals.
Not to be used in safety critical circuits, refer to the Pickering Interfaces’ terms & conditions of sale.
This card must not be used for the switching of Mains Circuits. For the switching of voltages up to
the card’s full specication, Secondary Circuit power supplies and the Device Under Test must be
fully isolated from the Mains Circuit and the safety earth.
The host chassis must be correctly installed and be connected to mains or factory safety ground,
please refer to your chassis installation manual.
Diagram Showing Separation Between The Mains Circuit and Secondary Circuit / DUT
For the purposes of this document, a Mains Circuit is an installation classied as Overvoltage
Category II up to 300V. Separation between the Secondary Circuit and Mains Circuit is achieved
by a transformer in which the primary windings are separated from the secondary windings by
reinforced insulation, double insulation, or a screen connected to the protective conductor terminal.
PCI Switching
Card
Device
Under Test
Power
Supply
Power
Supply
Host Chassis
Secondary Circuit
Mains
Circuit
Mains
Circuit
Mains/Factory
Safety Ground

Page (VIII) 32-CHANNEL DIGITAL I/O CARD 50-412
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Page (VIII) PCI REED RELAY CARD 50-110 / 115 / 120 / 125
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CAUTION - PRODUCT DOCUMENTATION SYMBOL
Suitably qualied & trained users should ensure that the accompanying documentation is fully read
and understood before attempting to install or operate the product.
!
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
All cleaning and servicing requires the equipment to be isolated and disconnected from the power source and user I/O
signals (refer to the Maintenance Section).
• Appropriate manual handling procedures should be followed as dictated by the weight of the individual module or
the combined weight of the modules & chassis.
• Should a fault occur with the module or chassis, immediately isolate and disconnect the incoming power to the
chassis and the user I/O signals.
• Ensure the equipment is installed, operated and maintained by trained and authorised personnel.
• For suitably equipped products in the event of an emergency press the red “emergency stop” button situated on
the front of the unit.

Page 1.1
32-CHANNEL DIGITAL I/O CARD 50-412
pickering SECTION 1 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
SECTION 1 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
pickeringtest.com
PCI 32 Channel Digital I/O Card 50-412
ISSUE 1.3 MAY 2018
y32-Channel Input
yDual Programmable Voltage Threshold, 0.3 to 50 V
yHigh Input Voltage Tolerance
y32-Channel Output
yHigh Side or Low Side Driving
y0.5 A Low Side Sink Capability
y0.4 A High Side Source Capability
yFully Protected Outputs
yHigh Side External Voltage Input
yVISA, IVI & Kernel Drivers Supplied for Windows
y3 Year Warranty
Functional Diagram 50-412-001 32-Channel Digital I/O
Card With Serial Input Acquisition
PCI
INTERFACE
PCI
BUS
Vext
1
2
32
1
2
32
Digital Outputs
Digital Inputs
High Side
Driver
Low Side
Driver
Vext
GND
En
En
Output 1
Output 2
Output 32
32
Attenuator
MUX
1
Dual
Threshold
Detector
Ref1
Ref2
The 50-412 is a 32-channel Digital I/O card with high output voltage and
current capability and dual variable threshold inputs.
The outputs can be used as high side drivers capable of sourcing 0.4 A
or low side drivers capable of sinking 0.5 A. Accidental operation of both
the high and low side driver is prevented by the supplied software.
The outputs are fully protected against over-voltage, over-current
and thermal overload, ensuring robust and reliable operation in the
toughest test environments. For high side driving, voltage is supplied
from an external source, allowing the card to drive high capacity loads
without impacting the backplane power supply. For low side driving the
external source can be left unconnected, allowing the card to be used
for applications requiring open collector or open drain drivers.
The built in protection systems allow the
card to drive relays without flyback diodes
as an overvoltage clamp is included.
The 32 inputs are read through the PCI
interface by comparing the signal levels
to two threshold voltages. These can be
set between 0.3 V and 50 V with 12.5 mV
resolution. Series acquisition is used to
capture the input status using a single
set of comparators. The driver includes a
facility to capture the input status of all 32
channels from a single command.
The inputs can withstand the accidental
application of more than 100 V. Inputs
can be connected to outputs without
risk of damage, allowing the card to be
configured for operation as 32 channels
of independent input and output or as 32
channels of configurable I/O.
The 50-412 uses a 78-pin D-type connector
which is supported by a full range of
connector accessories.

Page 1.2 32-CHANNEL DIGITAL I/O CARD 50-412
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SECTION 1 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
PCI 32 Channel Digital I/O Card, 50-412
pickeringtest.com
Specifications
Output Specification
No. of Output Channels: 32
Output States: Driven high, driven low or off.
Low Side Driver Output
Resistance: 0.6 Ω at 0.5 A
High Side Driver Output
Voltage: Vext less 1.5 V at 0.4 A
Maximum Current: 0.5 A for Low Side drivers,
0.4 A for High Side drivers,
8 A module total.
Note: for full load conditions,
adequate cooling is assumed.
Maximum Voltage: +50 V*
Output Protection: Current limited, overvoltage
limited, thermal protection.
Overvoltage limit can be used
to limit back emf generated
from inductive loads such as
relay coils.
Vext: User supplied +5 V to +50 V,
applied to multiple pins of
user connector, relative to
front panel ground.
* For full voltage rating, signal sources must be fully
isolated from mains supply and safety earth.
Power Requirements
+3.3 V +5 V +12 V -12 V
200 mA 50 mA 0 A 50 mA
Operating/Storage Conditions
Operating Conditions
Operating Temperature:
Humidity:
Altitude:
0 °C to +55 °C
Up to 90 % non-condensing
5000 m
Storage and Transport Conditions
Storage Temperature:
Humidity:
Altitude:
-20 °C to +75 °C
Up to 90 % non-condensing
15000 m
PXI & CompactPCI Compliance
The 50-412 card complies with the PCI Specification 2.0
(issued Feb 2004).
Signalling Environment: 33 MHz, 32-bit Universal
(+3.3 V & +5 V).
Safety & CE Compliance
All cards are fully CE compliant and meet applicable
EU directives: Low-voltage safety EN61010-1:2010,
EMC Immunity EN61326-1:2013,
Emissions EN55011:2009+A1:2010.
Input Specification
No. of Input Channels: 32
Logic Threshold: Compares selected input
voltage against two reference
voltages, each of which can be
set from 0.3 V to 50 V with
12.5 mV setting resolution.
Settling Time: 50 µs following a state change
or channel selection.
Typical read back time for all
32 states 1.3 ms.
Channel Selection: Single channel selection or
automated sequential access
to all 32 channels.
Maximum Input Voltage: 100 V*
Input Impedance: 1 MΩ
* For full voltage rating, signal sources must be fully
isolated from mains supply and safety earth.
Mechanical Characteristics
Single slot short PCI format.
Card weight: 130 g.
3D models for all versions in a variety of popular file
formats are available on request.
Connectors
Signals via a 78-pin male D-type connector, for pin outs
please refer to the operating manual.

Page 1.3
32-CHANNEL DIGITAL I/O CARD 50-412
pickering SECTION 1 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
PCI 32 Channel Digital I/O Card, 50-412
pickeringtest.com
Ordering Information
Product Order Codes
32-Channel Digital I/O Card - Serial Input
Acquisition, Programmable Threshold 50-412-001
Product Customization
Pickering PCI cards are designed and manufactured on our
own flexible manufacturing lines, giving complete product
control and enabling simple customization to meet very
specific requirements.
All customized products are given a unique part number,
fully documented and may be ordered at any time in the
future. Please contact your local sales office to discuss.
Mating Connectors & Cabling
For connection accessories for the 50-412 card please
refer to the 90-006D 78-pin D-type Connector Accessories
data sheet where a complete list and documentation
can be found for accessories, or refer to the Connection
Solutions catalog.

Page 1.4 32-CHANNEL DIGITAL I/O CARD 50-412
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SECTION 1 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
PCI 32 Channel Digital I/O Card, 50-412
pickeringtest.com
Supporting Products & Software
We also offer customized cabling and have a free online Cable Design Tool
that can be used to create custom cable solutions for many applications.
Visit: pickeringtest.com/cdt to start your design.
Mass Interconnect
We recommend the use of a mass interconnect solution when an
Interchangeable Test Adapter (ITA) is required for a PXI or LXI based
test system. Our modules are fully supported by both Virginia Panel and
MacPanel.
Pickering Reed Relays
We are the only switch provider with in-house reed relay manufacturing
capability via our Relay Division. These instrument grade reed relays feature
SoftCenter™ technology, ensuring long service life and repeatable contact
performance. To learn more, please go to: pickeringrelay.com
Connectivity Solutions
We provide a full range of supporting cable and connector solutions for all our switching products—20 connector families
with 1200+ products. We offer everything from simple mating connectors to complex cables assemblies and terminal blocks.
All assemblies are manufactured by Pickering and are guaranteed to mechanically and electrically mate to our modules.
Connectors & Backshells Multiway Cable Assemblies RF Cable Assemblies Connector Blocks
Programming
Pickering provide kernel, IVI and VISA (NI & Keysight) drivers which are compatible with all Microsoft supported versions of
Windows and popular older versions. For a list of all supporting operating systems, please see: pickeringtest.com/os
The VISA driver is also compatible with Real-Time Operating Systems such as LabVIEW RT. For other RTOS support contact
Pickering. These drivers may be used with a variety of programming environments and applications including:
• Pickering Interfaces Switch Path Manager
• National Instruments products (LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, Switch Executive, MAX, TestStand, VeriStand, etc.)
• Microsoft Visual Studio products (Visual Basic, Visual C+)
• Keysight VEE and OpenTAP
• Mathworks Matlab
• Marvin ATEasy
• MTQ Testsolutions Tecap Test & Measurement Suite
Drivers for popular Linux distributions are available, other environments are also supported, please contact Pickering
with specific enquiries. We provide Soft Front Panels (SFPs) for our products for familiarity and manual control, as well as
comprehensive documentation and example programs to help you develop test routines with ease.
To learn more about software drivers and development environments, please go to: pickeringtest.com/software

Page 1.5
32-CHANNEL DIGITAL I/O CARD 50-412
pickering SECTION 1 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
PCI 32 Channel Digital I/O Card, 50-412
pickeringtest.com
Supporting Products & Software
© Copyright (2021) Pickering Interfaces. All Rights Reserved Pickering Interfaces maintains a commitment to continuous product development, consequently we reserve the right to vary from the description given in this data sheet.
Signal Routing Software
Our signal routing software, Switch Path Manager, automatically selects and energizes
switch paths through Pickering switching systems. Signal routing is performed by simply
defining test system endpoints to be connected together, greatly accelerating Test System
software development. To learn more, please go to: pickeringtest.com/spm
Diagnostic Relay Test Tools
eBIRST Switching System Test Tools are designed specifically for our PXI,
PCI or LXI products, these tools simplify switching system fault-finding by
quickly testing the system and graphically identifying the faulty relay.
To learn more, please go to: pickeringtest.com/ebirst
Three Year Warranty & Guaranteed Long-Term Support
All standard products manufactured by Pickering Interfaces are warranted against defective materials and workmanship
for a period of three years from the date of delivery to the original purchaser. Extended warranty and service agreements
are available for all our modules and systems with various levels to suit your requirements. Although we offer a 3-year
warranty as standard, we also include guaranteed long-term support—with a history of supporting our products for typically
15-20 years. To learn more, please go to: pickeringtest.com/support
Available Product Resources
We have a large library of product resources including success stories, product and support videos, articles and white
papers as well as application specific product brochures to assist when looking for the switching, simulation and
connection solutions you need. We have also published handy reference books on Switching Technology and for the PXI
and LXI standards.
To view, download or request any of our product resources, please visit: pickeringtest.com/resources

Page 1.6 32-CHANNEL DIGITAL I/O CARD 50-412
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SECTION 1 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY BLANK

Page 2.1
32-CHANNEL DIGITAL I/O CARD 50-412
pickering SECTION 2 - TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
SECTION 2 - TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
A functional block diagram is provided in Figure 2.1. The Module is powered by the +3.3V, +5V, +12V and -12V
supplies via the PCI edge connector. The interface to the user’s equipment is via the front panel mounted 78-pin
D-type connector, J2.
The module’s 32 channel output section comprises High Side and Low Side drivers U26 to U89 and Shift Registers
U18 to U25. The shift registers control the output drivers and are supplied with serial data from the PCI Bridge, U1,
via the control logic. Each output can be switched to either sink current to the GND terminal via a Low Side driver
device, or source current from the Vext terminal via a High Side driver device.
The module’s 32 input channels are rst fed through an attenuator circuit, then multiplexed to a single analog stream
using U13 and U14. A programmable threshold detector circuit, U15 and U16, converts the analog signal into a
digital data stream determined by the high and low thresholds programmed by the user. The input data is then read
by the PCI Bridge via the control logic.
The PCI Bridge is congured by EEPROM U2, the module conguration is stored in EEPROM U10.
78-PIN D-TYPE
CONNECTOR
J2
MODULE
CONFIGURATION
U10
PCI
BRIDGE
U1
PCI BRIDGE
CONFIGURATION
U2
COMPACT PCI
BUS
CONNECTOR
J1
+5V
0V
HIGH SIDE &
LOW SIDE
DRIVERS
U26 to U89
SHIFT
REGISTERS
U18 to U25
CONTROL
LOGIC
U2 to U9
+12V
-12V
INPUT
ATTENUATOR
R50 to R145
ANALOG
MUX
U13 & U14
PROGRAMMABLE
THRESHOLD
DETECTOR
U15 & U16
Vext
GND
+3.3V
Figure 2.1 - Digital I/O Card 50-412: Functional Block Diagram

Page 2.2 32-CHANNEL DIGITAL I/O CARD 50-412
pickering
SECTION 2 - TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
GUIDANCE ON USING THE 50-412
Output Drivers
The 50-412 provides two output driver types on each of the 32 channels:
•High Side Driver. The high side driver allows the user to set the output voltage actively high to an externally
supplied voltage source. The external voltage source can be between +5V and +50V relative to ground.
•Low side driver. The low side driver actively connects the output to ground.
The software driver inhibits both the high and low side drivers being turned on at the same time.
Each driver output is fully protected from thermal, voltage or current overloads. However, continuous operation at
voltages beyond the stated ratings may cause damage.
Each driver contains overvoltage protection that can be used to protect the driver from inductive back EMF spikes
generated when turning coil currents off. Using this protection to manage the back EMF will not cause damage to
the driver, however the sudden current change can generate EMC events. Pickering Interfaces recommends that
where possible the user should provision local measures (such as a ywheel diode) to limit the back EMF current
ow through the cables.
The user can select both drivers to be inactive to provide a tri-state (open) output voltage.
The external voltage source needs to be applied only if the high side driver is required to be used, it can be grounded
or left unconnected if the high side driver is not required to be used.
Driving Inductive Loads
Users can use the high/low side drivers to drive highly inductive loads such as the coils of relays or solenoids, the
protection circuits in the 50-412 will ensure the drivers are not easily damaged. However, it is recommended that
precautions are taken to manage the resulting EMC issues that might arise.
High Side
Driver
Vext
FP_GND
En
50-412
GND
D1
D3
D2
Output
External Voltage
Figure 2.2 - Using the 50-412: Driving an inductive load with a High Side Driver
When using the high side driver, on driver closure, current will build in the coil until it reaches a steady state. When
the driver is opened, the energy in the inductor will need to be discharged. This discharge can be through the diode
inside the 50-412 (D1, Figure 2.2) - this will not damage the 50-412. However, the discharge may cause a ground
spike that may result in EMC emission. We recommend that where possible a local diode is tted (D2, Figure 2.2)
which will reduce the ground current owing and reduce the EMC emissions.

Page 2.3
32-CHANNEL DIGITAL I/O CARD 50-412
pickering SECTION 2 - TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
When using the low side driver a similar effect occurs when the driver is opened. The inductive energy stored is
discharged by the voltage on the 50-412 output becoming positive and a clamp diode (D1, Figure 2.3) acting to
protect the driver. It is recommended that the user ts a ywheel diode (D2, Figure 2.3) to discharge the inductive
energy. If a ywheel diode is not tted, the 50-412 will clamp the output at a voltage between 60V and 80V relative
to the front panel ground, the voltage being dependent upon the breakdown voltage of D1, Figure 2.3.
Driving Capacitive Loads
The 50-412 can be used to drive capacitive loads. When the driver is closed, the current limit protection circuit will
limit the current owing into the capacitive load. Continuous rapid connection and disconnection to a capacitive load
may result in the thermal protection circuits preventing further operation. If this occurs, simply allow the 50-412 to
cool down, after which normal operation will resume.
Vext Connection
When using the high side drivers, Vext is required to provide the current to the 50-412 output circuits. The Vext
connection is made using multiple pins on the D-type connector. It is strongly recommended that if high load
currents are expected, then all the available pins are used to spread the current load in order to avoid damaging the
connector. The connections to Vext are internally linked together in the 50-412, so specic pins are not required to
be used for a particular bank of drivers. To maximize connector life we suggest using 5 Amps per pin or less. Users
should not apply negative voltages (relative to ground) to Vext or apply voltages greater than +50V.
FP_GND Connection
When using the low side drivers, FP_GND is required to sink the current from the 50-412 output circuits. The FP_
GND connection is made using multiple pins on the D-type connector. It is strongly recommended that if high load
currents are expected, then all the available pins are used to spread the current load in order to avoid damaging the
connector. The connections to FP_GND are internally linked together in the 50-412, so specic pins are not required
to be used for a particular bank of drivers. To maximize connector life we suggest using 5 Amps per pin or less. Spare
FP_GND Connections can be used for the purpose of screening or shielding in cable assemblies or connector blocks.
Total Current Rating
When many of the output channels are simultaneously switched on and loaded to the rated current (whether they
are the low or high side drivers) there can be an accumulative heating effect in the module which could cause the
drivers to enter their thermal limit and shut down. The rating at which this will happen is dependent on the forced
air ventilation the module receives, the higher the rate of ventilation the more total current that can be supported.
The number given in the data sheet reects the status for each channel being fully loaded (0.4A or 0.5A) and a
reasonable level of ventilation.
Although prolonged operation with thermal protection operating is not recommended, if thermal shutdown of a
driver(s) does occur the module drivers will automatically resume normal operation when temperatures return with
in their normal operating condition.
Using High and Low Side Drivers
The user can select on an individual channel basis whether a high side or low side driver is used. In Figure 2.2, D3
prevents the discharge of energy into Vext when the low side driver is operated.
Low Side
Driver
Vext
FP_GND
En
50-412
GND
D1
D2
Output
C
Figure 2.3 - Using the 50-412: Driving an inductive load with a Low Side Driver

Page 2.4 32-CHANNEL DIGITAL I/O CARD 50-412
pickering
SECTION 2 - TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
INPUT CONNECTION
Each of the 32 channels can be compared to two voltage references levels. The reference level is set by a 12 bit
digital word with full scale corresponding to 50V and zero to 0V. The user selects the channel to be monitored by
setting the input MUX to the required channel. The use of two threshold levels makes it easier for a user to determine
the status of the input. For example, a typical application might be in a system operating from 28V supplies where
the state needs to be established using a criteria equivalent to 20% of the supply:
• First threshold is set to 5.6V (20% of 28V), a low condition will indicate the state is low.
• Second threshold is set to 22.4V (80% of 28V) to conrm a high state.
• Intermediate conditions can be detected since the input is above the rst threshold but below the second
threshold.
Since the state is read at the same instant against each threshold, measurements are not confused by dynamically
changing voltages.
All 32 channels can be monitored by checking each input in turn, but the user should be aware that with dynamically
changing signals these measurements are not made at the same instant in time. A command is also available to
extract the state of all 32 channels by automated sequential sampling.
Vext and GND Break Detection
Some applications require a test to ensure that an input connection is not broken. For a connection that is set be at
Vext the 1MΩ input impedance to the input will drag the voltage down to ground in the event of a break. To detect a
break to a signal that is supposed to be at ground potential this will not give a good indication. However, if the input
is connected by an external 1MΩ resistor to Vext then in the event that there is a break the signal will go to 0.5 of
Vext and the dual detection thresholds can be set to detect this.
Example:
Vext is 28V, the thresholds are set at 4V and 24V. The input will appear to be in the mid voltage state of 14V,
greater than 4V but less than 24V and the signal break can be detected.
Settling Time
The input monitoring is designed for operation with static or relatively infrequently changing inputs, such as those
associated with relay coils, alarms and visual indicators.
The input circuits exhibit an input time constant of approximately 10µs (measured as an RC time constant). Allowing
5 RC time constants is sufcient for a changed state to be accurately returned. A state of change at a rate of greater
than 10kHz may result in an intermediate condition being regularly returned. No damage can result from operation
above 10kHz.
CONNECTING INPUT AND OUTPUT
It is permitted for a user to connect an input and output channel together using external wiring (for example in a
connector block). In this way the input can be used to check that the output connection is being correctly driven.
It should be noted that if the output is set tri-state (both drivers off) the input impedance to the input channel will drag
the output voltage to a low state in the absence of any external source of voltage or current.

Page 3.1
32-CHANNEL DIGITAL I/O CARD 50-412
pickering SECTION 3 - INSTALLATION
Page 3.1
PCI REED RELAY CARD 50-110 / 115 / 120 / 125
pickering SECTION 3 - INSTALLATION
Figure 3.1 - Inserting a PCI Card into a PC Chassis
kg
PREOPERATION CHECKS (UNPACKING)
1. Check the card for transport damage and report any damage immediately to Pickering Interfaces.
Do not attempt to install the product if any damage is evident.
2. Position the PC chassis relative to any other equipment the card(s) will connect with. Ensure the chassis is
not connected to the electrical supply.
3. Ensure that the designated area for the chassis containing the card(s) is of at and solid construction to
withstand and support the total weight of the PC Chassis and cards.
SECTION 3 - INSTALLATION
!
Refer to the Warnings and Cautions at the front of this manual
Modular products require installation in a suitable chassis. The card is designed for indoor use only.

Page 3.2 32-CHANNEL DIGITAL I/O CARD 50-412
pickering
SECTION 3 - INSTALLATION
Page 3.2 PCI REED RELAY CARD 50-110 / 115 / 120 / 125
pickering
SECTION 3 - INSTALLATION
SOFTWARE INSTALLATION
First install the appropriate Pickering PCI switch card drivers by running the installer program Setup.exe (provided
in a compressed zip le), either from the CD-ROM supplied, or by downloading the latest version from our website
pickeringtest.com - the recommended method. Setup is accompanied by a ReadMe le containing
additional installation information. A single installation covers all cards in the System 40, System 45 and System
50 ranges.
When installation completes, the installed drivers’ ReadMe le is offered for display. It can also be displayed
later using a shortcut on the Programs>>Pickering menu.
If you are not a LabVIEW user you should choose the “full” version, and once that has been installed run
the LabVIEW Runtime Engine installer via the shortcut on the Programs>>Pickering menu. In the absence of
LabVIEW the Runtime Engine is required to support the Pickering Test Panels application.
!
HARDWARE INSTALLATION
ELECTRICAL CONNECTION (PC CHASSIS)
1. The PCI card must be electrically installed in accordance with local regional electrical codes by a qualied
engineer.
2. The PC chassis must be grounded.
Electrostatic discharge can damage the components on the card and in the chassis. To avoid such damage
when handling the products refer to page VII.
Ensure that there is adequate ventilation.
The card should be installed in accordance with the following procedure:
1. Ensure that the system is turned OFF but still connected to mains so that it remains grounded.
2. Choose an appropriate free PCI slot in the host system.
3. Remove the blanking plate for the chosen slot and retain the xing screw.
4. Carefully remove the card from its anti-static bag and insert the card’s edge connector into the free slot in
the host system (refer to Figure 3.1).
5. Ensure the card is fully inserted into the edge connector and the front panel is fully in contact with the back
of card aperture in the host chassis.
6. Use the xing screw to secure the front panel of the card to the host chassis’ mounting rail.
7. Replace the chassis cover(s).
8. Power-up the host system.