PICO ADC-10 User manual

pico ADC-10/12/40/42 user manual
Version 1.0 Page i
Contents
1 Introduction .......................................... 1
2 Safety warning ........................................ 2
3 Specification .......................................... 3
4 EMC ................................................ 4
5 Installation ........................................... 4
Package Contents ................................. 4
Software ........................................ 5
6 Operation ............................................ 6
7 Scaling .............................................. 7
8 Picolog support for ADC-10/12/40/42 ....................... 8
Edit ADC-10 setup ................................ 8
Display Voltages .................................. 9
Edit ADC-10 channel ...............................10
pico ADC-10/12/40/42 user manual
Page ii Version 1.0

pico ADC-10/12/40/42 user manual
Version 1.0 Page i
Contents
1 Introduction .......................................... 1
2 Safety warning ........................................ 2
3 Specification .......................................... 3
4 EMC ................................................ 4
5 Installation ........................................... 4
Package Contents ................................. 4
Software ........................................ 5
6 Operation ............................................ 6
7 Scaling .............................................. 7
8 Picolog support for ADC-10/12/40/42 ....................... 8
Edit ADC-10 setup ................................ 8
Display Voltages .................................. 9
Edit ADC-10 channel ...............................10
pico ADC-10/12/40/42 user manual
Page ii Version 1.0

pico ADC-10/12/40/42 user manual
Version 1.0 Page 1
1 Introduction
The PICO ADC-10, ADC-12, ADC-40 and ADC-42 are very compact single
channel analog to digital converters
The units are supplied with a range of ready-to-use Virtual Instrument and
data logging software: alternatively, you can use the ADC driver software
to develop your own programs to collect and analyse data from the unit.
The software includes:
CPicoScope for DOS and Windows: virtual instrument programs
which enable you to use the ADC like an Oscilloscope, Spectrum
Analyser or Voltmeter
CPicoLog (optional): DOS program for data logging and analysis
CClipboard: Windows program to collect data and write it to the
clipboard- you can then analyse the data using a spreadsheet
Cadcxx.exe: DOS program to read in large amounts of data and
write it to a text file.
This manual describes the physical and electrical properties of the ADCs,
and explains how to install the software. For information about the software
supplied with the unit, please refer to the following documents:
Product Document
PicoScope for DOS PicoScope manual
PicoScope for Windows PicoScope for Windows help file
PicoLog PicoLog manual
Section 8 of this manual
ADC-xx clipboard program Clipboard help file
ADCxx drivers Driver help file
or ADCxx.ASC (text file)
pico ADC-10/12/40/42 user manual
Page 2 Version 1.0
2 Safety warning
For all Pico ADCs, the ground input (BNC outer shell) is connected directly
to the ground of your computer. This is done in order to minimise
interference. As with most oscilloscopes, you should take care not to
connect the ground input of the ADC to anything which may be at some
voltage other than ground: doing so may cause damage to the ADC. If in
doubt, use a meter to check that there is no significant AC or DC voltage.
For computers that do not have an earth connection (for example laptops),
it must be assumed that the ADC is not protected by an earth. For such
computers, we recommend that only class II (double insulated)
oscilloscope probes should be used.
The maximum input voltage range of the ADC is ±5V. Any voltages in
excess of ±30V may cause permanent damage to the unit.
The unit contains no user serviceable parts: repair or calibration of the unit
requires specialised test equipment and must be performed by Pico
Technology Limited or their authorised distributors.

pico ADC-10/12/40/42 user manual
Version 1.0 Page 1
1 Introduction
The PICO ADC-10, ADC-12, ADC-40 and ADC-42 are very compact single
channel analog to digital converters
The units are supplied with a range of ready-to-use Virtual Instrument and
data logging software: alternatively, you can use the ADC driver software
to develop your own programs to collect and analyse data from the unit.
The software includes:
CPicoScope for DOS and Windows: virtual instrument programs
which enable you to use the ADC like an Oscilloscope, Spectrum
Analyser or Voltmeter
CPicoLog (optional): DOS program for data logging and analysis
CClipboard: Windows program to collect data and write it to the
clipboard- you can then analyse the data using a spreadsheet
Cadcxx.exe: DOS program to read in large amounts of data and
write it to a text file.
This manual describes the physical and electrical properties of the ADCs,
and explains how to install the software. For information about the software
supplied with the unit, please refer to the following documents:
Product Document
PicoScope for DOS PicoScope manual
PicoScope for Windows PicoScope for Windows help file
PicoLog PicoLog manual
Section 8 of this manual
ADC-xx clipboard program Clipboard help file
ADCxx drivers Driver help file
or ADCxx.ASC (text file)
pico ADC-10/12/40/42 user manual
Page 2 Version 1.0
2 Safety warning
For all Pico ADCs, the ground input (BNC outer shell) is connected directly
to the ground of your computer. This is done in order to minimise
interference. As with most oscilloscopes, you should take care not to
connect the ground input of the ADC to anything which may be at some
voltage other than ground: doing so may cause damage to the ADC. If in
doubt, use a meter to check that there is no significant AC or DC voltage.
For computers that do not have an earth connection (for example laptops),
it must be assumed that the ADC is not protected by an earth. For such
computers, we recommend that only class II (double insulated)
oscilloscope probes should be used.
The maximum input voltage range of the ADC is ±5V. Any voltages in
excess of ±30V may cause permanent damage to the unit.
The unit contains no user serviceable parts: repair or calibration of the unit
requires specialised test equipment and must be performed by Pico
Technology Limited or their authorised distributors.

pico ADC-10/12/40/42 user manual
Version 1.0 Page 3
3 Specification
ADC-10 ADC-12 ADC-40 ADC-42
Resolution 8 bits 12bits 8 bits 12 bits
Input voltage range 0 to 5V 0 to 5V ±5V ±5V
Input impedance 200kS1MS
Repeatability at 25EC±1lsb ±4lsb ±1lsb ±4lsb
Number of input
channels 1
Maximum sampling rate
on 386/33 20ksps 15ksps 20ksps 15ksps
Absolute accuracy at
25EC±1%
Overvoltage protection ±30V
Input connectors BNC
Output connector 25 way male D-type to computer printer
port
Power requirements No power supply required
Environmental conditions 0 to 70EC
0 to 95% humidity
NOT water resistant
pico ADC-10/12/40/42 user manual
Page 4 Version 1.0
4 EMC
These instruments are designed to comply with the requirements of the
EMC directive 89/336/EEC. The following standards were applied:
Emissions
EN50081-1(1992) Generic emission standard for residential, commercial
and light industry.
CEN55022 Conducted, class B
CEN55022 Radiated, class B
Immunity
These products have demonstrated a satisfactory level of immunity in the
field.
5 Installation
5.1 Package Contents
The ADC-10, ADC-12, ADC-40 and ADC-42 packages should contain the
following items:
CADC unit
CPicoScope diskette
CADC manual
CPicoScope for DOS manual
If you ordered PicoLog, the package will also contain the following items:
CPicoLog diskette
CPicoLog manual

pico ADC-10/12/40/42 user manual
Version 1.0 Page 3
3 Specification
ADC-10 ADC-12 ADC-40 ADC-42
Resolution 8 bits 12bits 8 bits 12 bits
Input voltage range 0 to 5V 0 to 5V ±5V ±5V
Input impedance 200kS1MS
Repeatability at 25EC±1lsb ±4lsb ±1lsb ±4lsb
Number of input
channels 1
Maximum sampling rate
on 386/33 20ksps 15ksps 20ksps 15ksps
Absolute accuracy at
25EC±1%
Overvoltage protection ±30V
Input connectors BNC
Output connector 25 way male D-type to computer printer
port
Power requirements No power supply required
Environmental conditions 0 to 70EC
0 to 95% humidity
NOT water resistant
pico ADC-10/12/40/42 user manual
Page 4 Version 1.0
4 EMC
These instruments are designed to comply with the requirements of the
EMC directive 89/336/EEC. The following standards were applied:
Emissions
EN50081-1(1992) Generic emission standard for residential, commercial
and light industry.
CEN55022 Conducted, class B
CEN55022 Radiated, class B
Immunity
These products have demonstrated a satisfactory level of immunity in the
field.
5 Installation
5.1 Package Contents
The ADC-10, ADC-12, ADC-40 and ADC-42 packages should contain the
following items:
CADC unit
CPicoScope diskette
CADC manual
CPicoScope for DOS manual
If you ordered PicoLog, the package will also contain the following items:
CPicoLog diskette
CPicoLog manual

pico ADC-10/12/40/42 user manual
Version 1.0 Page 5
5.2 Software
The software diskette contains easy-to-use installation programs for DOS
and for Windows that take you, step by step, through the process of setting
up the software.
The Windows software creates a program group for Pico software and help
files: if you wish to use any part of the software under Windows, you
should therefore use the Windows installation program. If you only intend
to use the DOS software, you can use either installation program.
Installing under DOS
1. Insert the software diskette into drive A
2. type A:INSTALL
3. press the Enter key
4. Follow the instructions given to you by the program
Installing under Windows
1. Insert the software diskette into drive A
2. Select File from the program manager main menu
3. Select Run from the File menu
4. Type A:WINSTALL
5. Press the Enter key
6. Follow the instructions given to you by the program
pico ADC-10/12/40/42 user manual
Page 6 Version 1.0
6 Operation
To use the ADC, you should connect the ADC to the printer port on your
computer, either directly or using a good quality extension cable. Next,
connect a voltage source to the BNC connector. The ADC has the same
connectors as an oscilloscope, so you can use standard oscilloscope
probes.
The ADC-40 and ADC-42 have the same input impedance as an
oscilloscope, so the x10 function on a scope probe will give the expected
result. THIS IS NOT TRUE FOR THE ADC-10 AND ADC-12.
To check that the unit is working, start up the PicoScope program.
PicoScope should now display the voltage that you have connected. If you
are using scope probes, when you touch the scope probe tip with your
finger, you should see the a small 50Hz mains signal on the screen.

pico ADC-10/12/40/42 user manual
Version 1.0 Page 5
5.2 Software
The software diskette contains easy-to-use installation programs for DOS
and for Windows that take you, step by step, through the process of setting
up the software.
The Windows software creates a program group for Pico software and help
files: if you wish to use any part of the software under Windows, you
should therefore use the Windows installation program. If you only intend
to use the DOS software, you can use either installation program.
Installing under DOS
1. Insert the software diskette into drive A
2. type A:INSTALL
3. press the Enter key
4. Follow the instructions given to you by the program
Installing under Windows
1. Insert the software diskette into drive A
2. Select File from the program manager main menu
3. Select Run from the File menu
4. Type A:WINSTALL
5. Press the Enter key
6. Follow the instructions given to you by the program
pico ADC-10/12/40/42 user manual
Page 6 Version 1.0
6 Operation
To use the ADC, you should connect the ADC to the printer port on your
computer, either directly or using a good quality extension cable. Next,
connect a voltage source to the BNC connector. The ADC has the same
connectors as an oscilloscope, so you can use standard oscilloscope
probes.
The ADC-40 and ADC-42 have the same input impedance as an
oscilloscope, so the x10 function on a scope probe will give the expected
result. THIS IS NOT TRUE FOR THE ADC-10 AND ADC-12.
To check that the unit is working, start up the PicoScope program.
PicoScope should now display the voltage that you have connected. If you
are using scope probes, when you touch the scope probe tip with your
finger, you should see the a small 50Hz mains signal on the screen.

pico ADC-10/12/40/42 user manual
Version 1.0 Page 7
7 Scaling
PicoScope and PicoLog automatically convert the readings from the ADCs
into voltages. If, however, you use the drivers, it is necessary to convert
the readings within your program.
The ADC-10 is an 8-bit unipolar analog to digital converter. This means
that it produces values in the range 0 to 255 to represent voltages between
0 and 5 volts. To convert from ADC readings to Volts, you should multiply
by 5 and divide by 255. Thus, an ADC reading of 132 represents 132 x 5
/ 255 = 2.588 Volts.
The ADC-12 is a 12-bit unipolar analog to digital converter. This means
that it produces values in the range 0 to 4095 to represent voltages
between 0 and 5 volts. To convert from ADC readings to Volts, you should
multiply by 5 and divide by 4095. Thus, an ADC reading of 132 represents
132 x 5 / 4095 = 0.1612 Volts.
The ADC-40 is an 8-bit bipolar analog to digital converter. This means that
it produces values in the range 0 to 255 to represent voltages between -5
and +5 volts. 128 represents zero volts. To convert from ADC readings to
Volts, you should subtract 128, then multiply by 5 and divide by 128. Thus,
an ADC reading of 132 represents ((132-128) x 5 )/128 = 0.156 Volts.
The ADC-42 is a 12-bit bipolar analog to digital converter. This means that
it produces values in the range 0 to 4095 to represent voltages between -5
and +5 volts. 2048 represents 0 volts. To convert from ADC readings to
Volts, you should subtract 2048, then multiply by 5 and divide by 2048.
Thus, an ADC reading of 132 represents ((132-2048) x 5) / 2048 = -4.677
Volts.
pico ADC-10/12/40/42 user manual
Page 8 Version 1.0
8 Picolog support for ADC-10/12/40/42
This section covers the functions of PicoLog which are specific to the ADC-
10, ADC-12, ADC-40 and ADC-42. This description refers to the ADC-10
only, but the same procedures apply for the other ADCs.
It describes:
Cedit ADC-10 setup: specify which printer port the ADC-10 is
connected to
CDisplay voltages: display the parameters that can be measured
using the ADC-10
CAdd or edit channel: specify details for a channel
8.1 Edit ADC-10 setup
?4444U EDIT ADC-10 SETUP 44444@
* *
* Printer port: LPT1 *
* *
B4444444444444444444444444444A
This option is used to specify which printer port the ADC-10 is connected
to. The port must be LPT1..LPT3.

pico ADC-10/12/40/42 user manual
Version 1.0 Page 7
7 Scaling
PicoScope and PicoLog automatically convert the readings from the ADCs
into voltages. If, however, you use the drivers, it is necessary to convert
the readings within your program.
The ADC-10 is an 8-bit unipolar analog to digital converter. This means
that it produces values in the range 0 to 255 to represent voltages between
0 and 5 volts. To convert from ADC readings to Volts, you should multiply
by 5 and divide by 255. Thus, an ADC reading of 132 represents 132 x 5
/ 255 = 2.588 Volts.
The ADC-12 is a 12-bit unipolar analog to digital converter. This means
that it produces values in the range 0 to 4095 to represent voltages
between 0 and 5 volts. To convert from ADC readings to Volts, you should
multiply by 5 and divide by 4095. Thus, an ADC reading of 132 represents
132 x 5 / 4095 = 0.1612 Volts.
The ADC-40 is an 8-bit bipolar analog to digital converter. This means that
it produces values in the range 0 to 255 to represent voltages between -5
and +5 volts. 128 represents zero volts. To convert from ADC readings to
Volts, you should subtract 128, then multiply by 5 and divide by 128. Thus,
an ADC reading of 132 represents ((132-128) x 5 )/128 = 0.156 Volts.
The ADC-42 is a 12-bit bipolar analog to digital converter. This means that
it produces values in the range 0 to 4095 to represent voltages between -5
and +5 volts. 2048 represents 0 volts. To convert from ADC readings to
Volts, you should subtract 2048, then multiply by 5 and divide by 2048.
Thus, an ADC reading of 132 represents ((132-2048) x 5) / 2048 = -4.677
Volts.
pico ADC-10/12/40/42 user manual
Page 8 Version 1.0
8 Picolog support for ADC-10/12/40/42
This section covers the functions of PicoLog which are specific to the ADC-
10, ADC-12, ADC-40 and ADC-42. This description refers to the ADC-10
only, but the same procedures apply for the other ADCs.
It describes:
Cedit ADC-10 setup: specify which printer port the ADC-10 is
connected to
CDisplay voltages: display the parameters that can be measured
using the ADC-10
CAdd or edit channel: specify details for a channel
8.1 Edit ADC-10 setup
?4444U EDIT ADC-10 SETUP 44444@
* *
* Printer port: LPT1 *
* *
B4444444444444444444444444444A
This option is used to specify which printer port the ADC-10 is connected
to. The port must be LPT1..LPT3.

pico ADC-10/12/40/42 user manual
Version 1.0 Page 9
8.2 Display Voltages
?444U DISPLAY ADC-10 VALUES 44444@
* *
* ADC counts: 132 *
* DC volts: 2.588 *
* AC volts: 0.301 *
* dB -1.65 *
* Frequency 135.5 *
B4444444444444444444444444444444A
This option shows you the current value for each of the measurement
modes that you can select using the ADC-10.
It is useful when checking that the ADC-10 is connected correctly, before
starting a run.
Press Escape to return to the main menu.
8.3 Edit ADC-10 channel
?444444U EDIT ADC-10 CHANNEL W444444444444@
* *
* Name: Inlet temp *
* *
* Heading line 1: Inlet *
* Heading line 2: Temp *
* *
* Measurement mode: DC Volts *
* Min frequency: 100 Hz *
* *
* No of readings: 10 *
* Combination method: Average *
* *
* Total measurement time: 2500 ms *
* *
B44444444444444444444444444444444444444444A
pico ADC-10/12/40/42 user manual
Page 10 Version 1.0
This is used to specify how you wish to collect data from the ADC-10, and
what it is to be called within the program.
The channel name will appear on parameter menus. The two lines of
heading will appear in the headings of tabulation reports.
The measurement mode can be one of the following:
CADC counts
CInstantaneous (Inst) Volts
CAC volts, DC volts
Cfrequency or dB.
ADC counts and Inst Volts are based on a single measurement: the others
are based on a number of measurements dependent on the minumum
frequency. if you wish to collect data at a sampling rate less than a second,
it is advisable to use ADC counts or Inst Volts.
The min frequency specifies the cut-off frequency for the averaging and
frequency measurement techniques use in measurement modes AC and
DC volts, frequency and dB measurements. The lower the minimum
frequency, the longer the time required to take each reading.
The number of readings specifies how many readings will be taken for
this channel during each sample interval. This is useful if the measured
value may change during the sample interval: for example, you might wish
to take several readings of a noise level, but only record the maximum
value.
The combination method defines how the readings will be combined to
forma sample. It can be minimum, maximum or average. Average is
useful to reduce the effects of noise: Minimum and Maximum can be used
to identify extreme values during the sample interval.
The total measurement time is the total time to collect all the readings for
this sample: it must be less than the sample interval.

pico ADC-10/12/40/42 user manual
Version 1.0 Page 9
8.2 Display Voltages
?444U DISPLAY ADC-10 VALUES 44444@
* *
* ADC counts: 132 *
* DC volts: 2.588 *
* AC volts: 0.301 *
* dB -1.65 *
* Frequency 135.5 *
B4444444444444444444444444444444A
This option shows you the current value for each of the measurement
modes that you can select using the ADC-10.
It is useful when checking that the ADC-10 is connected correctly, before
starting a run.
Press Escape to return to the main menu.
8.3 Edit ADC-10 channel
?444444U EDIT ADC-10 CHANNEL W444444444444@
* *
* Name: Inlet temp *
* *
* Heading line 1: Inlet *
* Heading line 2: Temp *
* *
* Measurement mode: DC Volts *
* Min frequency: 100 Hz *
* *
* No of readings: 10 *
* Combination method: Average *
* *
* Total measurement time: 2500 ms *
* *
B44444444444444444444444444444444444444444A
pico ADC-10/12/40/42 user manual
Page 10 Version 1.0
This is used to specify how you wish to collect data from the ADC-10, and
what it is to be called within the program.
The channel name will appear on parameter menus. The two lines of
heading will appear in the headings of tabulation reports.
The measurement mode can be one of the following:
CADC counts
CInstantaneous (Inst) Volts
CAC volts, DC volts
Cfrequency or dB.
ADC counts and Inst Volts are based on a single measurement: the others
are based on a number of measurements dependent on the minumum
frequency. if you wish to collect data at a sampling rate less than a second,
it is advisable to use ADC counts or Inst Volts.
The min frequency specifies the cut-off frequency for the averaging and
frequency measurement techniques use in measurement modes AC and
DC volts, frequency and dB measurements. The lower the minimum
frequency, the longer the time required to take each reading.
The number of readings specifies how many readings will be taken for
this channel during each sample interval. This is useful if the measured
value may change during the sample interval: for example, you might wish
to take several readings of a noise level, but only record the maximum
value.
The combination method defines how the readings will be combined to
forma sample. It can be minimum, maximum or average. Average is
useful to reduce the effects of noise: Minimum and Maximum can be used
to identify extreme values during the sample interval.
The total measurement time is the total time to collect all the readings for
this sample: it must be less than the sample interval.