I/O expansion modules

Computer/Embedded Technology

Computing hardware suppliers

Computing software suppliers

Computing technology suppliers

printer friendly version

22 June 2011 Computer/Embedded Technology

Diamond Systems recently unveiled a new family of I/O expansion modules for systems based on single-board computers (SBCs) that expand using either PCI/104-Express, PC/104-Plus or SUMIT-ISM.

The modules implement identical analog and digital I/O feature-sets on all three formats, letting customers choose their favourite expansion format now, while reserving the option of migrating to an alternate format in the future without major rework to the application’s I/O software or interfaces.

The E104-DAQ1616, P104-DAQ1616 and SMT-DAQ1616 modules are implemented on the PCI/104-Express, PC/104-Plus and SUMIT-ISM Type1 expansion formats, respectively. Each includes sixteen 16-bit A/D inputs and sixteen 16-bit D/A output channels, with programmable range and polarity. The modules’ A/D converter operates at a 2 MHz sample rate. Each module also includes seven 8-bit digital I/O ports (with a mix of bit-wide and Byte-wide direction control), two 32-bit up/down counter/timers with programmable input source and gate, four 24-bit pulse-width modulation circuits with 0-100% duty cycle, and a watchdog timer.

Diamond’s autocalibration technology, with independent calibration factors for each input and output range, ensures A/D and D/A accuracy across all operating modes and throughout the modules’ -40°C to +85°C operating temperature range.

Like their analog I/O counterparts, Diamond’s new E104-GPIO96, P104-GPIO96 and SMT-GPIO96 modules are implemented on the PCI/104-Express, PC/104-Plus and SUMIT-ISM Type 1 expansion formats, respectively. Each contains a high-capacity FPGA which supports multiple standard I/O personalities, as well as customisation to match the needs of a particular end application.

Each modules set of I/O ports is organised into a combination of Byte-wide, nibble-wide and bit-wide direction control. Outputs implement 3,3 V logic levels with 5,0 V compatibility, and inputs are buffered to protect the FPGA. Although the default configuration supports 96 programmable digital I/O lines, the modules can be reconfigured to enable an array of additional features, including eight 32-bit up/down counter/timers with programmable input source and gate, four 24-bit PWM circuits with 0-100% duty cycle capability, and interrupt/latched mode operation.

The Flash-based design enables easy field upgrades using a Diamond-provided software utility (no cable or third-party software required) as well as custom code development.

Diamond supports each of its six new I/O modules with a free Universal Driver software toolkit, which simplifies the task of implementing data acquisition and control functions in applications under Linux, Windows XP, Windows Embedded Standard and Windows Embedded CE. The toolkits also include demo programs and example code for each supported OS.

Share this article:

Categories

Computer/Embedded Technology

I/O expansion modules

Further reading:

Publications by Technews