New 16-bit D/A analog output modules feature high channel density to reduce costs and use fewer card slots.

Acromag’s IP236 High-Resolution Analog Output Module for IndustryPack^® (ANSI/VITA-4) carrier cards helps VME and PC system developers interface more D/A converters from a single bus board.

Acromag’s new IP236 provides up to eight high-resolution analog output channels on a single IndustryPack (IP) mezzanine module. Equipped with individual 16-bit D/A converters (DACs) on each output channel, the IP236 can deliver throughput rates as high as 100KHz. Each channel also has a 128-byte FIFO buffer with its own clock to enhance control over the transfer of data to the DAC and improve efficiency. These modules are ideal for generating output waveform control signals. Prices start at $800 for a four-channel model and $1200 for the eight-channel version. Extended temperature models are also available for operation from –40 to 85°C.

Combining multiple IP236 modules on VMEbus, PCI, cPCI, and other IP carrier cards can provide very high channel density. Up to forty output channels can be accessed through a single card slot using Acromag’s PCI carrier card (five IP module slots) or thirty-two ports on Acromag’s VMEbus carrier (four IP slots). Also, by installing different IP modules on a carrier card, engineers can easily build a custom I/O board. Analog I/O, digital I/O, serial communication, and other IP types can be mixed in any combination to meet a developer’s unique needs. The IP236 is compatible with third-party IndustryPack products meeting the ANSI/VITA-4 standard.

Three operating modes offer several options for the data transfer on each channel. Software, external, and internal timer triggers are supported to start the transfer of digital values from the memory buffer to the DAC. Continuous mode cycles data through the buffer for a specified channel and is ideal for waveform generation. As new data loads into the FIFO, the output signal instantly updates without stopping the waveform. Single mode moves one value from the buffer to the converter for each trigger. External trigger mode synchronizes channel conversions to an event or other IP236 modules.

For easy integration of the IP modules with real time software application programs, Acromag offers C libraries for VxWorks^® and other operating systems. The libraries provide generic routines (source code included) to handle reads, writes, interrupts, and other functions. Demonstration programs enable the developer to quickly exercise the I/O modules before attaching the routines to the application program. This diagnostic tool can save hours of troubleshooting and debugging.

For connectivity with Windows^® 95/98/NT^® applications, Acromag developed an ActiveX^® (OLE) controls software package. ActiveX controls are object-based software components that function as drivers to interface the IP modules with compatible software development programs such as Microsoft^® Visual C++™, Visual Basic^®, and Borland Delphi^®. The controls handle many common functions including register reads, writes, and interrupts to eliminate many tedious programming chores. ActiveX controls can also link I/O data to Human Machine Interface (HMI) process control applications, Microsoft Office^® products such as Excel^® and Access^®, as well as many other desktop applications used to display and record data.

The IP mezzanine’s modular format enables multiple functions and high-density I/O on a single board to lower costs and save card slots. With its rugged design, open architecture, and high performance, the IP concept is ideal for a wide variety of I/O applications. Typical uses include data acquisition, process control, test & measurement, motion control, and network data communication.

Acromag, a multimillion dollar international corporation, has been manufacturing and developing instrumentation and control products for more than 40 years. They offer a complete line of industrial I/O products including VMEbus I/O boards, signal conditioners, wiring accessories, and software.

For more information about Acromag products, call Inside Sales or Marketing Communications at (248) 624-1541, (800) 881-0268, FAX (248) 624-9234, or write Acromag, Inc. at P.O. Box 437, Wixom, MI 48393-7037 USA. Information is also available on the Internet at www.acromag.com.

IP236 Data Sheet: HTML, PDF
IP analog section

August 2, 1999

Contact:
Sales - Inside Sales
(e-mail: sales@acromag.com)
Editorial-Robert Greenfield, Marketing Communications Manager
(e-mail: rgreenfield@acromag.com)

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