PMC modules combine digital I/O and counter/timer functions on a single card to cut costs and save slots.

Acromag’s new multi-function PMC modules with digital I/O and counter/timers replace two I/O modules with one to preserve limited PMC slots on VMEbus and CompactPCI™ boards.

Acromag introduced two new multi-function I/O modules featuring both digital I/O and counter/timer functions on a single PMC module. The new PMC424 provides 40 digital I/O channels for TTL and differential signals plus four 16-bit counter/timers. The PMC464 has 64 TTL digital I/O and four counter/timers. Digital I/O channels are bidirectional for flexibility to meet almost any input/output configuration. Counter/timers can be used for counting events, generating waveform control signals, measuring waveforms, and other process monitoring operations. With more channels on a single card that plugs into PMC slots on VMEbus or CompactPCI™ CPU boards, computer developers can use a single board to perform several I/O functions which greatly reduces the cost of their systems. Standard models sell for $600 (PMC464) and $700 (PMC424) with extended temperature models (–40 to 85°C operation) available for an additional $150.

Both models provide four 16-bit counters with TTL-compatible thresholds. For more flexibility, two 16-bit counters can be combined to form one 32-bit counter. Six operating modes support pulse width modulation; watchdog timer; event counter; frequency, pulse width, or period measurement; and one-shot or repetitive one-shot functions.

PMC424 models offer 24 differential and 16 TTL input/output channels. Input/output direction of the differential channels is selectable in 4-channel groups. Direction on TTL I/O is individually configurable for each channel. Inputs support change-of-state and high/low level transition interrupts.

The PMC464 has 64 TTL I/O channels. These are divided as 16 individually programmable input/output channels and 48 channels with direction configurable on an 8-channel port basis.

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.

For easy integration of the PMC modules 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 PMC modules 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. A Windows® DLL driver software package is also available.

The PMC 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 PMC 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 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 PMC424 / PMC464
For more information about Acromag's Bus Boards click here.

March 20, 2003

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

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