New PCI and CompactPCI® analog input boards feature high-resolution A/D converters with "mailbox" memory.

New APC330 and AcPC330 for desktop PCI or industrial CompactPCI computers employ 16-bit A/D converters with advanced memory and scan control for use in data acquisition applications.

Acromag’s new analog input boards, the APC330 for desktop PCI and AcPC330 for CompactPCI, perform high-resolution 16-bit A/D conversion for advanced computing applications. Both boards have 16 differential or 32 single-ended input channels that accept ±10V or 0-10V DC signals in several user-selectable ranges. The 16-bit A/D converter scans channels in just 8µS to achieve 125KHz throughput rates. Each channel has its own memory "mailbox" with one or two storage buffer registers. Mailbox memory allows the CPU to read the latest data in the storage buffer registers without interrupting the A/D converter for optimum performance. The data register indicates new and missed (overwritten) data values in the mailbox.

Programmable scan control with four modes allow users to scan all channels or define a subset for more frequent sampling. A burst mode scans selected channels at the maximum conversion rate. Uniform mode performs conversions at user-defined intervals. Both modes can scan continuously, or execute a single cycle upon receiving a trigger. An interval timer is user-programmable. External trigger inputs and outputs are supported. Post-conversion interrupts can also be configured to simplify data acquisition and provide greater control.

These boards are ideal for manufacturing, defense (COTS), aerospace, and scientific applications. The CompactPCI version of this board offers a more rugged Eurocard format in a 6U size for use in a card cage enclosure for easy board insertion and removal. High channel density helps preserve the limited backplane slots. The PCI version is well suited to desktop computers in laboratories, industrial computers common in manufacturing plants, or embedded systems in machinery or other devices.

For easy integration of the boards with Windows® 95/98/ME and NT/2000 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++ ^TM, and Visual Basic. 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.

For connectivity with real time software application programs, Acromag offers C libraries for VxWorks®, QNX®, 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.

Acromag, a multimillion dollar international corporation, has been manufacturing and developing instrumentation and control products for more than 45 years. They offer a complete line of industrial I/O products including embedded 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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More information on APC330 or AcPC330
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July 29, 2002

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