Analog Input Boards

16- and 12-Bit, 16-Channel,
100 kHz PC/104 Analog Input Boards
for Embedded Applications Requiring High Speed/Resolution

Introduction

The Analogic AIM16-1/104 and AIM12-1/104 are 16-channel, 16- and 12-bit,
100 kHz analog input boards that conform to the PC/104 standard. The
AIM16/12-1/104 Series provides 16 bits of digital I/O, flexible triggering options,
direct memory access (DMA), and interrupt operation. This series was designed
specifically for embedded applications requiring high speed and high
resolution characteristics. The analog input multiplexer is software-configurable
for up to 16 single-ended or 8 differential channels, with an on-board
programmable gain amplifier providing bipolar or unipolar input ranges of 10V, 5V,
2.5V, and 1.25V for the AIM16-1/104, and 10V, 1V, and 100 mV for the AIM12-
1/104. The PGA, programmable "on the fly," drives a 16-bit or 12-bit, 100 kHz
sampling ADC capable of 85 dB of spurious free dynamic range for the AIM16-
1/104, and 75 dB for the AIM12-1/104. The data is first passed through a 256 x
16 bit FIFO before transferring to the host via programmed I/O or DMA in 16-bit
format. The AIM16/12-1/104 series also provides 16 digital I/O bits that can be
programmed as inputs and/or outputs in 8-bit bytes.

Noise immunity within the AIM16/12-1/104 series is achieved by use of proven
high frequency layout techniques, including short, guarded signal paths, and
use of separate power and ground planes within the printed circuit board. The
use of an on-board DC-to-DC converter, powered from a single +5V supply,
provides noise isolation from the system switching power supply.

Features

> 12- or 16-Bit Resolution
> On-Board Sample and Hold
  Amplifier and DC/DC Converter
> 100 kHz Throughput Rate
> 8 Differential or 16 Single-ended
  Inputs
> Software-Selectable Input Ranges -
  AIM16-1/104:
   10V, 5V, 2.5V, and 1.25V
  AIM12-1/104:
   10V, 1V, and 100 mV
> PC/AT Stack-Through Configuration
> Operates from Single +5V Supply
> DMA and Interrupt Operation
> Flexible Triggering Capabilities
> 16 Digital I/O lines
> Conforms to PC/104 Standard
  SPECIFICATIONS (1)

                                          AIM16-1/104                  AIM12-1/104

ANALOG INPUTS (2)
Resolution                                16 Bits                      12 Bits
Analog Input Voltage Range
  AIM16/12-1/104B                         +/-1.25V, +/-2.5V, +/-5V,    +/-100 mV, +/-1V, +/-10V
                                            +/-10V
  AIM16/12-1/104U                         0V to +1.25V, 0V to +2.5V,   0V to +100 mV, 0V to +1V,
                                            0V to +5V, 0V to +10V        0V to +10V
Maximum Input Without Damage
  With power applied                      +/-35V                       +/-35V
  With power off                          +/-20V                       +/-20V
Input Configuration                       16 SE or 8 Diff. Channels    16 SE or 8 Diff. Channels
Input Impedance                           100 Mohm//50pF Typ.          100 Mohm//50pF Typ.
Input Bias Current                        100 nA Max.                  100 nA Max.
Small Signal Bandwidth                    1 MHz Typ.
Large Signal Bandwidth                    100 kHz Typ.                 1 MHz (10V and 1V ranges)
                                                                       500 kHz (100 mV ranges)
Common Mode Rejection from DC to
  60 Hz with 1 Kohm Source Imbalance      -80 dB Min., -100 dB Typ.    -70 dB Min., -100 dB Typ.
Integral Nonlinearity                     +/-0.0045% Max.              +/-0.024% Max.
Differential Nonlinearity                 +/-0.0045% Max.              +/-0.024% Max.
Monotonicity                              Guaranteed                   Guaranteed
Missing Codes over
  Specified Temperature Range             None                         None
Absolute Accuracy, Software Calibration   +/-3 LSB                     +/-1 LSB
Offset Error before Software Calibration  +/-3 mV Max.                 +/-3 mV Max.
Offset Tempco                             +/-150 microV/¡C Max. RTO    +/-150 microV/¡C Max. RTO
Gain Error before Software Calibration    +/-0.15% FSR Max.            +/-0.15% FSR Max.
Gain Tempco                               +/-25 PPM/¡C Max.            +/-25 PPM/¡C Max.
Noise (RTI)
  20V p-p FSR                             1.5 LSBs RMS Max.            1.0 LSB RMS Max.
  10V p-p FSR                             2.0 LSBs RMS Max.            N/A
  5V p-p FSR                              2.6 LSBs RMS Max.            N/A
  2.5V p-p FSR                            4.0 LSBs RMS Max.            N/A
  2V p-p FSR                              N/A                          2.0 LSBs RMS Max.
  200 mV p-p FSR                          N/A                          3.0 LSBs RMS Max.
Maximum Throughput Rate                   100 kHz Min.                 100 kHz Min
Signal to Noise Ratio
  1 kHz Input @ -1 dB (3)                 80 dB Min.                   67 dB Min.
SFDR @ 1 kHz Input @ -1 dB (4)            85 dB Min.                   75 dB Min.
THD @ 1 kHz Input @ -1 dB (5)             -80 dB Max.                  -74 dB Max.
Channel-to-Channel Crosstalk              -70 dB @ 10 kHz input        -70 dB @ 10 kHz input
Step Response, Max.                       +/-2 LSBs for 1/2 FSR Step   +/-2 LSBs for 1/2 FSR Step


DATA TRANSFER
Output Coding                             Offset Binary, Binary,       Offset Binary, Binary,
                                            2's Complement               2's Complement
Transfer to Host                          PI/O or DMA (3 Channels)     PI/O or DMA (3 Channels)
Interrupts                                6-Level (jumper-selectable)  6-Level (jumper-selectable)
FIFO (6)                                  256 x 16                     256 x 16


TRIGGERING OPTIONS (SOFTWARE-PROGRAMMABLE)
External
  Polarity                                Negative Slope               Negative Slope
  Minimum Pulse Width                     100 nS                       100 nS
  Loading                                 1 CMOS Load                  1 CMOS Load
  Aperture Delay (Mode 0)                 40 nS                        40 nS
24-Bit Counter, Internal
  Minimum Timing                          10 microS                    10 microS
  Maximum Timing                          1.67 Sec.                    1.67 Sec.
Host Software                             Programmable                 Programmable


DIGITAL INPUT/OUTPUTS
Compatibility                             TTL, HCT, and ACT            TTL, HCT, and ACT
Number of I/O Lines (configurable
  as inputs or outputs)                   Two 8-bit bytes              Two 8-bit bytes
Input Load                                1 CMOS Load                  1 CMOS Load
Fanout                                    +/-10 mA sink/source         +/-10 mA sink source
Logic "0" Input                           +0.8V Max.                   +0.8V Max.
Logic "1" Input                           +2.0V Min.                   +2.0V Min.


POWER REQUIREMENTS & ENVIRONMENTAL
+5V @ 0.5A (PC/AT bus)                    +/-5%                        +/-5%
Total Power Consumption                   2.5W Typ.                    2.5W Typ.
+/-15V Current Externally Available       3 mA Max.                    3 mA Max.
Operating Temperature Range               +5¡C to +50¡C                +5¡C to +50¡C
Dimensions, PC/104 Stack-through
  Configuration                           3.6" x 3.8"                  3.6" x 3.8"
MTBF @ 40¡C per MIL HDBK 217F             280,000 Hrs                  280,000 Hrs


Notes:

(l). All specifications guaranteed at 25¡C unless otherwise noted and power supply at +5.0V
 Subject to change without notice.                                        

(2). All dynamic characteristics measured on the +/-5V input range.
                    
(3). Signal to Noise Ratio represents the ratio expressed in dB, between the RMS value of the 
 signal and the total RMS noise below the Nyquist rate. Note that all frequency bins that are
 correlated with the test frequency are removed and replaced with an average of the remaining
 bins. 
                                   
(4). SFDR (Spurious Free Dynamic Range) represents the ratio, expressed in dB, between the RMS
 value of the full scale input signal and the RMS value of the highest spurious spectral
 component below the Nyquist rate.

(5). THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) represents the ratio, expressed in dB, between the RMS sum
 of all harmonics up to the 100th harmonic and the RMS value of the signal. 

(6). For larger FIFO requirements, consult factory.
                                    

  Modes of Operation

The AIM16-1/104 and AIM12-1/104 boards offer three
software-selectable acquisition modes of operation.
Interface to the host is by programmed I/O or DMA.

Mode 0

This mode of operation initiates a conversion each time any
one of three preselected trigger signals occur. There are
two programmable selections: a burst mode; and a nonburst mode.
In the non-burst mode, only one conversion is made on one
preprogrammed channel for each trigger.  The conversion is
synchronized to the trigger signal. In the burst mode, each
preprogrammed channel will be converted once at a 100 kHz
rate for each trigger signal.

Mode 1

This mode uses the external trigger or the software trigger
to enable the 24-bit on-board trigger counter. The counter
is loaded with a preset value and clocked until it overflows.
Each time the counter overflows, a burst of conversions is
initiated and each preprogrammed channel will be converted
once at a 100 kHz rate. Conversions are synchronized
to the on-board 10 MHz clock. The conversion process
stops until the counter overflows again. This process
continues until the software stops it by resetting the GO Bit.

Mode 2

This mode provides a means for taking continuous conversions
through all preprogrammed channels at the maximum rate of the
card. There are two programmable options to this mode. One
uses the external trigger or the software trigger as a gate
for taking conversions. The process continues until the
external trigger or the software trigger is reset. The other
option allows the internal trigger counter to set the GO Bit
and start the conversion process.  Conversions continue until
the counter overflows stopping the process. All conversions
in Mode 2 are synchronized to the on-board 10 MHz clock.

I/O Header

All I/O analog and digital signals are interfaced through a
40-pin right angle male header. Pinout described below.

    AGND   1   2   Vref
     Ch0   3   4   Ch8 HI, 0 LO
     Chl   5   6   Ch9 HI, 1 LO
     Ch2   7   8   Ch10 HI, 2 LO
     Ch3   9   lO  Ch1l Hl, 3 LO
     Ch4  11   12  Ch12 HI, 4 LO
     Ch5  13   14  Ch13 HI, 5 LO
     Ch6  15   16  Ch14 HI, 6 LO
     Ch7  17   18  Ch15 HI, 7 LO
    AGND  19   20  +15V
    -15V  21   22  DGND
      D0  23   24  D1
      D2  25   26  D3
      D4  27   28  D5
      D6  29   30  D7
      D8  31   32  D9
     D10  33   34  D10
     D12  35   36  D13
     D14  37   38  D15
Ext Trig  39   40  DGND

Software Description

"C" functions, with source code to control low level board
interfacing, are provided with the AIM16-1/104 and AIM12-
1/104 boards. Two example routines (one acquisition under
programmed I/O), the other under DMA, are also provided.

Ordering Guide

              Specify:
12-Bit, 16-Ch., Bipolar Analog Input Module   AIM12-1/104B
12-Bit, 16-Ch., Unipolar Analog Input Module  AIM12-1/104U
16-Bit, 16-Ch., Bipolar Analog Input Module   AIM16-1/104B
16-Bit, 16-Ch., Unipolar Analog Input Module  AIM16-1/104U
AIM16/12-1/104 User Manual                    16-400626

(A manual is included free of charge with the placement of an initial order.
To receive additional manuals, order 16-400626)
  WHAT IS PC/104?

The Need for an Embedded-PC Standard:

Over the past decade, the PC architecture has become an accepted platform
for far more than desktop applications. Dedicated and embedded
applications for PCs are beginning to be found everywhere! PCs are used as
controllers within vending machines, laboratory instruments, communications
devices, and medical equipment, to name a few examples.

By standardizing hardware and software around the broadly supported PC
architecture, embedded system designers can substantially reduce development
costs, risks, and time. This means faster time to market and hitting critical
market windows with timely product introductions. Another important advantage
of using the PC architecture is that its widely available hardware and
software are significantly more economical than traditional bus architectures
such as STD, VME, and Multibus. This means lower product costs.

For these reasons, companies that embed microcomputers as controllers within
their products seek ways to reap the benefits of using the PC architecture.
However, the standard PC bus form factor (12.4" x 4.8") and its associated
card cages and backplanes are too bulky (and expensive) for most embedded
control applications.

The only practical way to embed the PC architecture in space- and power-
sensitive applications has been to design a PCÑ chip-by-chip Ñdirectly into
the product.

But this runs counter to the growing trend away from "reinventing the wheel."
Wherever possible, top management now encourages out-sourcing of components
and technologies to reduce development costs and accelerate product design
cycles.

A need therefore arose for a more compact implementation of the PC bus,
satisfying the reduced space and power constraints of embedded control
applications. Yet these goals had to be realized without sacrificing full
hardware and software compatibility with the popular PC bus standard. This
would allow the PC's hardware, software, development tools, and system design
knowledge to be fully leveraged.

PC/104 was developed in response to this need. It offers full architecture
and hardware and software compatibility with the PC bus, but in ultra-compact
(3.6" x 3.8") stackable modules. PC/104 is therefore ideally suited to the
unique requirements of embedded control applications.

A Proposed Extension to IEEE-P996:

Although PC/104 modules have been manufactured since 1987, a formal
specification was not published until 1992. Since then, interest in PC/104 has
skyrocketed, with numerous PC/104 modules introduced by more than one hundred
manufacturers of PC/104 compatible products. Like the original PC bus. PC/104
is thus the expression of a de facto standard, rather than the invention and
design of a committee.

In 1992, the IEEE began a project to standardize a reduced form factor
implementation of the IEEE P996 (draft) specification for the PC and PC/AT
buses, for embedded applications. The PC/104 Specification has been adopted as
the "base document" for this new IEEE draft standard, called the P996.1 Standard
for Compact Embedded PC Modules.

The key differences between PC/104 and the regular PC bus (IEEE P996) are:

 Compact form factor. Size reduces to 3.6 by 3.8 inches.

 Unique self-stacking bus. Eliminates the cost and bulk of backplanes and card
cages.

 Pin-and-socket connectors. Rugged and reliable 64- and 40- contact male/female
headers replace the standard PC's edgecard connectors.

 Relaxed bus drive (6 mA). Lowers power consumption (to 1-2 watts per module)
and minimizes component count.

By virtue of PC/104, companies embedding PC technology in limited space 
applications can now benefit from a standardized system architecture complete 
with a wide range of multi-vendor support.

Two Ways to Use PC/104 Modules:

Although configuration and application possibilities with PC/104 modules are
practically limitless, there are two basic ways they tend to be used in embedded
system designs:

 Standalone module stacks: As shown in Figure 2, PC/104 modules are self-stacking.
In this approach, the modules are used like ultra-compact bus boards, but without
needing backplanes or card cages. Stacked modules are spaced 0.6 inches apart. (The
three-module stack shown in Figure 2 measures just 3.6 by 3.8 by 2 inches.)
Companies using PC/104 module stacks within their products frequently create one or
more of their own application-specific PC/104 modules.

 Component-like applications. Another way to use PC/104 modules is illustrated in
Figure 3. In this configuration, the modules function as highly integrated components,
plugged into custom carrier boards which contain application-specific interfaces and
logic. The modules' self-stacking bus can be useful for installing multiple modules
in one location. This facilitates future product upgrades or options, and allows
temporary addition of modules during system debug or test.

About the PC/104 Consortium:

The purpose of the PC/104 Consortium is to establish PC/104 as a broadly supported
industry standard architecture for embedded-PC applications. The PC/104 Consortium
maintains and distributes the PC/104 Specification and other PC/104-related documents,
serves as a liaison to standards bodies such as IEEE P996.1, and engages in a variety
of public relations activities on behalf of PC/104. Consortium membership is open to
companies who offer or use PC/104 modules, as well as to companies who provide products
that target PC/104 applications. 

"What is PC/104?" reprinted courtesy of the PC/104 Consortium.
PC/104 and the PC/104 Logo are Trademarks of the PC/104 Consortium

Analogic Corporation
Data Conversion Products Group
360 Audubon Road
Wakefield, MA 01880-9863, USA
Tel: (508) 977-3000
Fax: (617) 245-1274
Technical support: (800) 446-8936

European Sales Centre
Analogic Ltd
Ascot House
Doncastle Road
Bracknell, Berks. RG12 8PE
England
Tel: 44-344-860111
Fax: 44-344-860478
 

Last modified: Wed Sep 6 00:19:51 1995