1. Product Overview

Product Name: Sample & Hold Panel for 16 Single-Ended Inputs
Model: ATSS-16
Article Number: ATSS-16
Series: E Series Analog I/O Accessories
Manufacturer: CONTEC Co., Ltd.
Product Category: Signal Conditioning / Analog Input Accessory Board
Dimensions: 230 mm (W) × 105 mm (D)
Compatible Main Boards: AD12-16, AD12-16U, AD16-16, AD16-16U (PCI and ISA bus types)

The CONTEC ATSS-16 is a dedicated signal conditioning accessory designed to provide simultaneous sample-and-hold functionality for up to sixteen single-ended analog input channels. It is intended for use with CONTEC’s E Series analog input boards, enabling precise, synchronized sampling across multiple channels. The ATSS-16 ensures high-speed, low-jitter acquisition for applications requiring accurate timing alignment between analog signals.

---

2. Key Features

- Simultaneous Sampling Capability:
The ATSS-16 allows all 16 single-ended input channels to be sampled at the same instant, eliminating phase skew between channels. This is critical for time-correlated measurements such as vibration analysis, transient capture, and multi-sensor synchronization.

- High-Speed Performance:
- Acquisition Time: 1.5 µs
- Settling Time: 350 ns
- Aperture Time: 25 ns
- Aperture Jitter: 0.3 ns
These parameters ensure precise timing and minimal distortion during high-speed sampling operations.

- Wide Input Range and High Impedance:
Supports ±10 V analog input range with 3 MΩ input impedance, ensuring compatibility with a wide variety of signal sources while minimizing loading effects.

- Optimized for CONTEC E Series Boards:
Designed specifically for use with AD12-16, AD12-16U, AD16-16, and AD16-16U analog input boards, both PCI and ISA versions. The ATSS-16 integrates seamlessly with these boards’ analog input channels.

- Compact and Modular Design:
The 230 × 105 mm form factor allows easy installation within measurement systems or control panels. It can be DIN-rail mounted using the optional DIN-ADP1 adapter.

- Industrial-Grade Reliability:
Built for industrial measurement and control environments, the ATSS-16 provides stable operation under demanding electrical and environmental conditions.

- Low Crosstalk and High Accuracy:
The simultaneous sample-and-hold circuitry ensures minimal channel-to-channel interference, maintaining signal integrity across all 16 channels.

---

3. Technical Specifications

| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|-------------------|
| Number of Channels | 16 single-ended analog inputs |
| Input Type | Single-ended |
| Input Range | ±10 V |
| Input Impedance | 3 MΩ |
| Acquisition Time | 1.5 µs |
| Settling Time | 350 ns |
| Aperture Time | 25 ns |
| Aperture Jitter | 0.3 ns |
| Compatible Boards | AD12-16, AD12-16U, AD16-16, AD16-16U (PCI/ISA) |
| Dimensions | 230 mm × 105 mm |
| Manufacturer | CONTEC Co., Ltd. |
| Mounting | Panel or DIN rail (with DIN-ADP1) |
| Operating Voltage | Derived from host board (no separate power supply required) |
| Construction | Industrial-grade PCB with precision analog circuitry |
| Connector Type | 37-pin D-SUB (compatible with E Series analog input connectors) |

---

4. Functionality

The ATSS-16 operates as an external signal conditioning module that interfaces directly with CONTEC’s E Series analog input boards. Each of the 16 input channels is connected to a dedicated sample-and-hold circuit. When a trigger signal is received—either from the host board or an external synchronization source—all channels capture their instantaneous analog voltage simultaneously. The held voltages are then sequentially converted by the A/D converter on the main board.

Typical Use Cases:
- Multi-channel data acquisition requiring simultaneous sampling
- Vibration and acoustic analysis
- Transient event capture and waveform reconstruction
- Synchronous measurement of multiple sensors or transducers
- Industrial process monitoring and control systems

Compatibility and Integration:
- Fully compatible with CONTEC’s E Series analog input boards (AD12-16, AD12-16U, AD16-16, AD16-16U).
- Connects via standard 37-pin D-SUB interface.
- Can be combined with other E Series accessories such as ATII-8A (Isolated Signal Conditioning Board) or ATLF-8 (Low-Pass Filter Board) for advanced signal conditioning.

---

5. Components & Accessories

Included Components:
- ATSS-16 main board (sample & hold panel)
- Mounting hardware (screws and standoffs)
- Connector interface compatible with E Series analog input boards

Optional Accessories:
- DIN-ADP1: DIN rail adapter for panel mounting
- PCA37P / PCB37P / PCA37PS / PCB37PS: 37-pin D-type cables (flat or shielded, 0.5–5 m lengths)
- EPD-37 / DTP-3(PC) / DTP-4(PC): Terminal units for wiring and signal distribution
- ATP-16: BNC terminal panel for analog signal connection
- ATII-8A: Isolated signal conditioning terminal board (for channel isolation)
- ATLF-8: Low-pass filter terminal board (for anti-aliasing and noise reduction)

Supported Connectors:
- 37-pin D-SUB (female) for analog input connection
- Compatible with CONTEC’s standard analog I/O cabling system

---

6. Installation & Setup

Requirements:
- Compatible CONTEC E Series analog input board installed in a PC (PCI or ISA bus)
- Available 37-pin analog input connector on the host board
- Proper grounding and shielding for analog signal integrity

Mounting Options:
- Panel mounting using supplied hardware
- DIN rail mounting using optional DIN-ADP1 adapter

Configuration:
1. Connect the ATSS-16 to the analog input connector of the host board using a 37-pin cable (e.g., PCB37PS-1.5P).
2. Connect analog signal sources to the ATSS-16 input terminals or BNC connectors (if using ATP-16).
3. Configure the host board’s software to enable simultaneous sampling mode.
4. Verify synchronization and timing parameters through CONTEC’s API-TOOLs or LabVIEW/Matlab libraries.

Environmental Considerations:
- Operate within 0–50°C ambient temperature range.
- Avoid exposure to excessive vibration, moisture, or electrical noise.
- Ensure proper grounding to minimize interference.

---

7. Performance & Capabilities

- High-Speed Sampling:
The ATSS-16 supports acquisition times as low as 1.5 µs, enabling high-frequency signal capture when paired with compatible A/D boards.

- Precision Timing:
Aperture time of 25 ns and jitter of 0.3 ns ensure minimal timing uncertainty between channels, critical for phase-sensitive measurements.

- Signal Integrity:
High input impedance (3 MΩ) minimizes loading effects on signal sources.
Low crosstalk design maintains channel isolation and accuracy.

- Scalability:
Multiple ATSS-16 units can be combined with multiplexer sub-boards (ATCH-16 or ATUH-16) to expand the number of simultaneously sampled channels.

- Limitations:
- Designed for single-ended input only (not differential).
- Requires compatible CONTEC E Series analog input boards for operation.
- External power supply not supported; powered via host board interface.

---

8. Standards & Compliance

- Electrical Standards:
Designed to meet industrial analog I/O interface standards for ±10 V signal levels and 3 MΩ input impedance.

- Bus Compatibility:
Fully compatible with PCI and ISA bus systems through the host analog input board.

- Regulatory Compliance:
- CE Mark (Conformité Européenne)
- RoHS compliant (Restriction of Hazardous Substances)
- Manufactured under ISO 9001 quality management standards

- Industry Standards Supported:
- IEEE analog signal conventions for single-ended voltage measurement
- Compatible with CONTEC’s E Series architecture and API-PAC(W32) software framework

---

9. Additional Information

Warranty & Support:
- Standard CONTEC limited warranty (typically one year from date of purchase)
- Technical support available via CONTEC’s global portal (www.contec.com)
- Free driver and software updates available online

Maintenance:
- Periodic inspection of connectors and cables recommended
- Keep terminals clean and free of oxidation
- Avoid electrostatic discharge during handling

Software & Driver Support:
- Windows: API-TOOLs for Windows (Win32 API DLL-based driver)
- Linux: API-TOOLs for Linux (module-style device driver and shared library)
- LabVIEW: VI-DAQ library for integration with National Instruments LabVIEW
- MATLAB: ML-DAQ library for integration with MATLAB Data Acquisition Toolbox

Integration with CONTEC Ecosystem:
The ATSS-16 is part of CONTEC’s modular analog I/O accessory lineup, which includes:
- ATII-8A: Isolated signal conditioning terminal board
- ATLF-8: Low-pass filter terminal board
- ATCH-16 / ATUH-16: Multiplexer sub-boards for channel expansion
- ATP-16: BNC terminal panel for analog signal connection
- FTP-15: Terminal panel for digital I/O and control signals

These accessories can be combined to create a complete, high-performance data acquisition system tailored to specific measurement and control applications.

Typical System Configuration Example:
- Main Board: AD16-16U(PCI)EH (16-bit, 1 µs/ch A/D conversion)
- Accessory: ATSS-16 (Simultaneous Sample & Hold Panel)
- Cabling: PCB37PS-1.5P shielded cable
- Terminal Unit: ATP-16 BNC panel
- Software: API-PAC(W32) with LabVIEW VI-DAQ library

This configuration enables high-speed, synchronized sampling of 16 analog channels with precise timing control and minimal CPU load.

---

Summary

The CONTEC ATSS-16 Sample & Hold Panel is a precision-engineered accessory designed to enhance the performance of CONTEC’s E Series analog input boards. By providing simultaneous sampling across 16 single-ended channels, it ensures accurate, time-aligned data acquisition for demanding industrial and scientific applications. With its high-speed performance, low jitter, and robust construction, the ATSS-16 is an essential component for engineers and researchers requiring synchronized analog measurements in PC-based data acquisition systems.