ACCES I/O Products Introduces USB Analog Input Series

The USB-AI16-16A can sample inputs at speeds up to 500kHz for the board's 16 single-ended or 8 differential analog input channels. Standard features in the USB-AI Series include 16 digital I/O lines and a 16-bit counter/timer - all packaged in a small, rugged, industrial enclosure. With an excellent price/performance value, this family of boards also includes models with slower A/D speeds and a group of 12-bit modules for less demanding applications. The OEM USB/104 version provides just the board without the enclosure and is ideal for a variety of embedded OEM applications - simply connect to any available USB port.

The USB-AI Series includes five models (USB-AI16-16A, USB-AI16-16E, USB-AI12-16A, USB-AI12-16, and USB-AI12-16E) with list prices ranging from only $339 to $639, an unprecedented value. The boards feature eight standard analog voltage input ranges, two factory current input ranges (4-20mA or 10-50mA) and includes a data sample buffer and hardware real-time calibration capability. A unique channel-by-channel programmable gain feature enables measurement of an assortment of large and small signals in one scan - all under software control at up to 500kHz.

The board's data buffer and ability to trigger the A/D in real time assures synchronized sampling that is unaffected by other computer operations - an essential requirement for signal, vibration and transient analysis where high data rates must be sustained for short periods of time. For embedded OEM type applications, an additional miniature USB input header is provided in parallel with the type B connector. Available accessories include a wide variety of cables and screw terminal boards for quick and easy connectivity.

The USB-AI Series was designed to be used in rugged industrial environments but is small enough to fit nicely onto any desk or testing station. The board measures just 3.550 by 3.775 inches and ships inside a steel powder-coated enclosure with an anti-skid bottom. A DIN rail mounting provision is available for installation in industrial environments. What makes the OEM option unique is that its PCB size and pre-drilled mounting holes match the PC/104 form factor (without the bus connections). This ensures easy installation using standard standoffs inside most enclosures or systems. The USB-AI Series can be integrated into any PCI-104 or PC/104 stack by connecting it to a USB 2.0 port usually included on-board with embedded CPU form factors such as EBX, EPIC, and PC/104 especially important since many newer CPU chipsets do not support ISA and have plenty of USB ports.

The USB-AI16-16A is supported for use in most operating systems and includes a free Linux (including Mac OS X) and Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP/2003-compatible software package. This package contains sample programs and source code in Visual Basic, Delphi, C++ Builder and Visual C++ for Windows. Also incorporated is a graphical setup program in Windows. Third-party support includes a Windows standard DLL interface usable from most popular application programs, and includes example LabVIEW VIs. Embedded OS support includes Windows XPe.