New simultaneous sample & hold analog input module performs sixteen 14-bit A/D conversions in only 16µS. 

Acromag’s IP340 Analog Input IndustryPack^® Module has two 8-channel banks and eight A/D converters with simultaneous sampling capability to achieve megahertz throughput scanning rates.

Acromag’s new IP340 IndustryPack (IP) mezzanine module provides sixteen analog inputs which are sampled as two eight-channel banks. Eight A/D converters (ADCs) permit simultaneous conversion of all eight channels in a bank. A FIFO buffer holds the first bank’s data while the second bank is converted. Conversion of each bank requires only 8µS, and all 16 channels can be sampled in just 16µs. Prices start at $1000 for a 12-bit A/D model and $1200 for 14-bit A/D version. Extended temperature models are also available for operation from –40 to 85°C.

Flexible configuration options offer extensive control over the conversion process. The channels or bank to be converted, timing, scan mode, and other parameters are user-programmable. Interrupt support adds further control to flag a FIFO that is full or filled to a user-defined threhold level. The FIFO buffers can hold up to 512 samples. And for accurate operation, precision calibration voltages are stored on-board.

Combining multiple IP340 modules on VMEbus, PCI, cPCI, and other IP carrier cards can provide very high channel density. Up to eighty input channels can be accessed through a single card slot using Acromag’s PCI carrier card (five IP module slots) or sixty-four 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 IP340 is compatible with third-party IndustryPack products meeting the ANSI/VITA-4 standard.

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.

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Data Sheet: HTML, PDF (176 KB)

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April 11, 2000

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