Comprehensive Product Summary – ADLINK PCI-9846H/512 PCI AD Digitizer Card

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### 1. Product Overview

Product Name: PCI AD Digitizer Card
Model: PCI-9846H/512
Series: PCI/PXI-9816/26/46 High-Speed Digitizer Series
Article Number: PCI-9846H/512
Manufacturer: ADLINK Technology Inc.
Part Number: 50-17031-1020
Manual Revision: 2.02 (October 5, 2010)

The ADLINK PCI-9846H/512 is a high-performance, four-channel, 16-bit analog-to-digital (A/D) digitizer card designed for high-speed data acquisition applications. It operates on the PCI bus and provides simultaneous sampling at up to 40 MS/s per channel, with a 20 MHz analog input bandwidth and 512 MB of onboard SDRAM for extended waveform recording. The card supports software-selectable input impedance (50 Ω or 1 MΩ) and programmable input voltage ranges (±1 V or ±5 V), making it suitable for a wide range of high-frequency and high-dynamic-range measurement tasks.

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### 2. Key Features

- High-Speed Sampling: Up to 40 MS/s per channel simultaneous sampling across four channels.
- High Resolution: 16-bit ADC resolution (1 part in 65,536).
- Large Onboard Memory: 512 MB SDRAM for long-duration waveform capture independent of PCI bus bandwidth.
- Wide Bandwidth: 20 MHz (-3 dB typical) analog input bandwidth at 50 Ω input impedance.
- Flexible Input Configuration: Software-selectable 50 Ω or 1 MΩ input impedance; DC coupling.
- Programmable Input Ranges: ±1 V or ±5 V (software selectable).
- Multiple Trigger Sources: Software, external digital (SMB), analog threshold, PXI STAR, PXI Trigger Bus, and SSI bus.
- Trigger Modes: Post-trigger, pre-trigger, middle-trigger, delay-trigger, and re-trigger acquisition.
- Multi-Module Synchronization: Supports synchronization via PXI Trigger Bus or SSI interface for multi-board operation.
- Auto Calibration: Built-in precision 5 V reference with ±3 ppm/°C drift for software-controlled self-calibration.
- Scatter-Gather DMA: Efficient high-speed data transfer to host memory without large contiguous memory blocks.
- PCI Interface: 32-bit, 66 MHz PCI bus supporting both 3.3 V and 5 V signaling.
- Comprehensive Software Support: Compatible with ADLINK DAQPilot, DAQMaster, and WD-DASK drivers for Windows, LabVIEW®, and MATLAB®.
- Compact Form Factor: Standard height, half-length PCI card for easy integration into desktop or industrial PCs.

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### 3. Technical Specifications

Analog Input:
- Channels: 4 simultaneous single-ended inputs
- Connector Type: BNC
- Input Impedance: 50 Ω or 1 MΩ (software selectable, default 50 Ω)
- Input Coupling: DC
- Input Voltage Ranges: ±1 V or ±5 V (software selectable)
- Overvoltage Protection: ±15 V for ±1 V/±5 V range
- Crosstalk: ≤ -80 dB at 1 MHz (50 Ω input)
- ADC Resolution: 16-bit
- Bandwidth (-3 dB typical): 20 MHz @ 50 Ω, 90 kHz @ 1 MΩ
- Offset Error: ±0.3 mV typical
- Gain Error: ±0.05% (±1 V range), ±0.06% (±5 V range)
- System Noise: 8 LSB RMS (±1 V), 5 LSB RMS (±5 V)

Spectral Performance (typical at 0.998 MHz input, 40 MS/s, 50 Ω):
- SINAD: 76.06 dBc (±1 V), 71.97 dBc (±0.2 V)
- SNR: 76.17 dBc (±1 V), 71.98 dBc (±0.2 V)
- THD: -90.65 dBc (±1 V), -95.78 dBc (±0.2 V)
- SFDR: 91.62 dBc (±1 V), 96.15 dBc (±0.2 V)
- ENOB: 12.34 bits (±1 V), 11.66 bits (±0.2 V)

Timebase and Sampling:
- Internal Oscillator: 40 MHz ±25 ppm
- External Clock Input: SMB connector, 50 Ω AC-coupled, 1–2 Vp-p sine/square wave
- Sampling Rate Range: 40 MS/s to 2.384 S/s (24-bit divider)
- External Clock Sources: CLK IN, PXI STAR, PXI Trigger Bus[0..7], PXI 10 MHz, SSI bus
- Timebase Export: Selectable PXI Trigger Bus line output

Triggering:
- Sources: Software, external digital (SMB), analog (CH0–CH3), PXI STAR, PXI Trigger Bus, SSI bus
- Modes: Pre-trigger, post-trigger, middle-trigger, delay-trigger, re-trigger
- External Digital Trigger: 3.3 V LVTTL (5 V tolerant), 20 ns minimum pulse width
- Analog Trigger: 8-bit resolution, full-scale range, rising/falling slope selectable
- TRG IO Connector: SMB, bidirectional (input/output)

Data Storage and Transfer:
- Onboard Memory: 512 MB shared among four channels
- Transfer Method: Scatter-gather DMA for efficient host transfer

Onboard Reference:
- Reference Voltage: 5 V
- Temperature Drift: ±3 ppm/°C
- Warm-up Time: 15 minutes

Physical and Environmental:
- Form Factor: Standard height, half-length PCI card
- Dimensions: 167.64 mm (L) × 106.68 mm (H)
- Weight: Approx. 0.3 kg
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to +50°C
- Storage Temperature: -20°C to +85°C
- Humidity: 10%–90% RH, non-condensing
- Power Requirements: +12 V @ 0.3 A, +5 V @ 2.0 A, +3.3 V @ 0.8 A (total ~16.2 W)

EMC Compliance:
- Emissions: EN 55022
- Immunity: EN 55024

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### 4. Functionality

The PCI-9846H/512 digitizer converts analog signals into high-resolution digital data for analysis, recording, or real-time processing. Each of the four input channels is digitized simultaneously using dedicated 16-bit ADCs. The card supports both internal and external clock sources, enabling flexible synchronization with other instruments or systems.

Use Cases and Applications:
- Radar, sonar, and lidar signal acquisition
- Ultrasound and medical imaging systems
- Software-defined radio (SDR) and wireless communication testing
- High-speed transient capture and waveform analysis
- Laboratory and defense research instrumentation

Compatibility:
- PCI bus (32-bit, 66 MHz, 3.3 V/5 V signaling)
- Supported operating systems: Windows (with DAQPilot, DAQMaster, WD-DASK drivers)
- Integration with LabVIEW®, MATLAB®, and other DAQ environments

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### 5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- PCI-9846H/512 digitizer card
- ADLINK All-in-One software CD
- Software installation guide
- User’s manual

Connectors:
- 4 × BNC (CH0–CH3) for analog inputs
- 2 × SMB (TRG IO and CLK IN) for trigger and clock I/O

Optional Accessories:
- ACL-SSI-2/3/4 synchronization cables for multi-module operation
- PXI or PCI chassis (for system integration)
- External clock or trigger sources

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### 6. Installation & Setup

Requirements:
- Available PCI slot (32-bit, 66 MHz)
- Compatible PC or industrial computer
- Anti-static handling precautions

Installation Steps:
1. Power off the host system and remove the cover.
2. Insert the PCI-9846H/512 into an available PCI slot.
3. Secure the bracket and reassemble the system.
4. Power on the system and install ADLINK drivers from the All-in-One CD.
5. Configure the device using DAQMaster or DAQPilot software.

Software Setup:
- DAQPilot: Task-oriented driver and SDK for Windows with graphical configuration.
- DAQMaster: Device manager for configuration and firmware management.
- WD-DASK: Legacy kernel driver for advanced custom DAQ applications.

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### 7. Performance & Capabilities

Sampling and Throughput:
- Maximum throughput: 40 MS/s × 4 channels × 2 bytes = 320 MB/s
- Onboard memory ensures uninterrupted acquisition independent of PCI bus bandwidth.
- Scatter-gather DMA enables efficient transfer of large datasets to host memory.

Dynamic Range and Accuracy:
- 16-bit resolution ensures high precision for both DC and AC signals.
- Typical ENOB of 12.3 bits at 40 MS/s.
- SFDR > 90 dBc ensures low distortion and high signal fidelity.

Limitations:
- Bandwidth limited to 20 MHz (-3 dB) at 50 Ω input.
- 1 MΩ input mode bandwidth limited to 90 kHz.
- External clock must be continuous for stable ADC operation.

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### 8. Standards & Compliance

Electrical and Mechanical Standards:
- PCI Local Bus Specification Revision 2.2 compliant
- PXI 3U Eurocard mechanical compatibility (for PXI variant)
- Supports 3.3 V and 5 V signaling environments

Regulatory Compliance:
- CE Mark (EN 55022, EN 55024)
- RoHS compliant

Safety:
- Designed for operation between 0°C and +50°C
- Overvoltage protection up to ±15 V
- ESD-sensitive components require anti-static handling

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### 9. Additional Information

Calibration and Maintenance:
- Fully automated self-calibration using onboard precision reference
- Calibration data stored in EEPROM for persistent accuracy
- Recommended warm-up time: 15 minutes before measurement

Warranty and Support:
- Standard ADLINK limited warranty (contact local distributor for terms)
- Global technical support available via regional ADLINK offices:
- Taiwan HQ: +886-2-8226-5877, service@adlinktech.com
- USA: +1-800-966-5200, info@adlinktech.com
- Europe: emea@adlinktech.com
- China, Japan, Korea, Singapore, India: regional contacts available

Maintenance Recommendations:
- Operate within specified environmental limits
- Avoid exposure to moisture or excessive vibration
- Periodic calibration verification recommended for precision applications

Software Updates:
- Latest drivers and SDKs available at [www.adlinktech.com](https://www.adlinktech.com)
- DAQPilot and DAQMaster updates ensure compatibility with new OS versions

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### Summary

The ADLINK PCI-9846H/512 is a robust, high-speed, 16-bit, four-channel digitizer card optimized for demanding data acquisition and signal analysis applications. With a 40 MS/s sampling rate, 20 MHz bandwidth, and 512 MB onboard memory, it provides exceptional performance for capturing high-frequency, high-resolution signals. Its flexible triggering, synchronization, and software integration capabilities make it ideal for laboratory, industrial, and defense applications requiring precise, simultaneous multi-channel data capture.

The card’s combination of high dynamic range, auto-calibration, scatter-gather DMA, and multi-module synchronization ensures reliable, accurate, and scalable performance in complex measurement systems.