New multifunction PCI and CompactPCI^® I/O boards can replace four separate A/D, D/A, DIO, counter/timer cards.

New APC730 and AcPC730 for desktop PCI or CompactPCI computers save card cage slots by performing analog input, analog output, digital I/O and counter/timer functions on a single card.

 Acromag’s new multifunction I/O boards, the APC730 for desktop PCI and AcPC730 for CompactPCI, combine the capabilities of four separate I/O boards on a single card. Since the APC730 and AcPC730 perform analog input, analog output, digital I/O and counter/timer functions from a single slot, embedded computer designers can use fewer boards to handle more I/O functions which greatly reduces the cost of their systems. Typical uses include data acquisition, monitoring & control, and test & measurement. Standard models are priced at $1600 with extended temperature models ($1700) also available for operation from –40 to 85°C.

Analog input functions are handled by 16 differential or 32 single-ended input channels with four selectable unipolar and bipolar input ranges up to 10V DC. A 16-bit A/D converter with 512 sample RAM scans inputs in just 10µS per channel for 100KHz throughput.

For analog output functions, eight channels are provided with a ±10V signal range. Each channel has a 16-bit D/A converter to deliver 80.8KHz processing speed with a 12.375µS settling time. A 1024 sample FIFO buffer enables waveform generation functions.

Digital I/O tasks are accommodated with 16 TTL transceivers. The input/output direction is selectable on an 8-channel basis. Interrupt support and programmable debounce are included.

And, a 32-bit counter/timer is provided for a broad range of functions. Common applications include watchdog timer, event counting, pulse measurement, period measurement, and output waveform generation (pulse width modulation, continuous/single pulse, continuous waveform).

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 3U size for use in a card cage enclosure with 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 I/O boards with compatible software development programs such as Microsoft® Visual C++™, 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. Free example programs for use with Linux systems are available for download on the website. 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 measurement and control products for more than 45 years. They offer a complete line of embedded I/O products including bus boards, mezzanine modules, 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.

More information on AcPC730, APC730
For more information about Acromag's Bus Boards click here.

February 12, 2003

Contact: Sales - Inside Sales
(e-mail: sales@acromag.com)

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