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• If using two IPs on a PCI Carrier board, must the resolution (12 or 16-bit) of the IPs (one is A/D, the other D/A) be the same resolution? If not, what is the difference of using two IPs with the same resolution?

  Answer: The resolution of the A/D or the D/A is strictly dependent on the needs of the application, not on the resolution of another IP in the bus. 

  In generating a D/A signal, if the device being controlled is not able to differentiate the small voltage change of a 16-bit D/A output, then there is no advantage in using a more expensive 16-bit analog output board. An analog output board with a 0-10 volt output and a 16-bit A/D converter is able to make voltage changes as small as .000152 volts.

  16 bits of resolution = FFFFh = 65536 discrete changes

  10 volts / 65536 = .000152 volt per 1 bit of change.

  If you are trying to control a mechanical device, such as a valve, it is unlikely the valve's position would be able to change in this small of an increment. In this case, the 12-bit D/A is a better fit.

  12 bits of resolution = 0FFFh = 4096 discrete changes

  10 volts / 4096 = .0024 volts per 1 bit of change.

  For the same reason, there is no advantage in selecting 16-bit resolution for your A/D if the signal to be measured is of low quality. If the signal you are measuring contains a high level of noise or is unable to differentiate small changes (e.g. a thermocouple or RTD sensor) then measuring at the higher resolution would not produce additional useful information.

• Where can I find retired products user manuals?

  Retired products user manuals can be found by using the top bar navigation, Products > Retired Products. Or click here.

• COTS Applications

  Question:
  What does Acromag offer for COTS applications?

  Answer:
  Acromag I/O boards can be ordered with extended temperature ranges and conformal coating. We also have an extensive program to manage component obsolescence. Call factory for details.

• Environmental Issues

  Question:
  What is Acromag's position on environmental issues?

  Answer:
  Acromag Inc. is a company that is very sensitive to the environment. We strive everyday to improve our world and leave it better for future generations. We are interested in the initiatives lead by the European Union (EU) and plan to be an active participant in supporting their programs.

  For more information, see our page on Environmental Issues

• Managed Product Life Cycles, End-Of-Life Procedures

  Question:
  I am beginning a design that will need to be implemented and supported over the next seven years. What is Acromag's policy on the end-of-life of their products?

  Answer:
  Great lengths are taken to accommodate the needs of our OEM and military customers that demand stable designs with long product life cycles. Our goal is to design for an expected life cycle of ten years or more. Acromag design engineers achieve this 10-year goal by starting with careful selection of parts and the availability of second-source suppliers. When necessary, Acromag has made "lifetime" buys for parts that have been discontinued to ensure that we can still supply boards for our existing customer base years into the future. And in other cases, Acromag has redesigned boards to maintain form, fit, and functional equivalency.

  Acromag works hard to maintain close relationships and consult with our customers to provide long range notification when a products nearing retirement. Customers are typically contacted twelve to eighteen months prior to discontinuing a model. Although Acromag makes every effort to accurately estimate a product's end of life, it is not always possible. Constant changes in part availability are an ongoing challenge. Acromag tries to maintain generous part inventories to compensate for cyclical short-term part shortages. In addition, Acromag keeps very close relations with their major suppliers to help prevent forced product terminations due to unforeseen part shortages or discontinued components.

  In addition, Acromag maintains the documentation to repair products for a minimum of 7 years from the date of EOL. Acromag also attempts to maintain an inventory of parts to repair boards for this period. Unfortunately, this is not always possible due to the degradation of some part over time.