Diamond Systems Ruby-MM-1612

Introduction

The Ruby-MM series provides 4, 8 or 16 channels of 12-bit resolution analog voltage outputs plus 24 digital I/O lines on a single PC/104 module. An on-board precision voltage reference circuit offers analog output ranges of 0-2.5V, 0-5V, and 0-10V in unipolar mode or ±2.5V, ±5V, and ±10V in bipolar mode. All analog outputs can source or sink up to 5mA simultaneously.

The analog outputs are based on the DAC8412 quad 12-bit D/A converter chip. This chip resets all outputs to mid-scale on power-up, meaning 0V for bipolar ranges and 1/2 the full-scale voltage for unipolar ranges. To obtain power-on reset to 0V for unipolar ranges, a special-order version is available using the DAC8413 which powers up to zero scale instead.

On the 16-channel model, each group of 8 channels can be set for a different output range. On the 4- and 8-channel models, all outputs have the same output range. All outputs are updated simultaneously, either with a software command or in response to an external trigger.

The board includes 24 digital I/O lines using an 82C55 chip. All I/O lines have 10K Ohm pull-up resistors for guaranteed logic levels on power-up.

Ruby-MM-1612 is designed and tested for extended temperature operation (-40 to +85oC). It requires only +5VDC from the system power supply via the PC/104 bus. Analog ±15V supplies are derived from miniature DC/DC converters on the board. All I/O is contained on a single 50-pin connector compatible with standard .1" connector ribbon cables, such as Diamond Systems' C-50-18.

Analog Output Features

The analog output ranges are selected with a jumper block on the board. The table below lists the possible ranges and the associated output resolution.

The 0-2.5V and +/-2.5V ranges are user-adjustable and can be set anywhere between 0V and 2.5V by adjusting a potentiometer on the board.

Block Diagram

Software

The industry-leading Universal Driver software is available free with all Diamond Systems I/O boards. Universal Driver provides programming support for the most popular embedded operating systems, including Linux, Windows 95/98/NT/2000/XP/XP embedded, Windows CE.NET, QNX, VxWorks, and DOS. Example programs are provided for each function and each operating system to help you get started with your application development quickly.