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ACL-6128A

Isolated 2 DA ISA-AT Card 12bit 15kS/s
  • Manufacturer Adlink Technology Inc.
  • Category: D/A Isolated ISA
  • The ADLINK ACL‑6128A is a two‑channel isolated analog output card designed for IBM PC/AT and compatible systems. It provides 12‑bit resolution, simultaneous update capability, and multiple voltage and current output ranges. The card supports both unipolar and bipolar voltage outputs as well as current sink modes, making it suitable for industrial control, signal generation, and instrumentation applications.
- Two Independent Analog Output Channels: Each channel operates independently with full isolation.
- High Isolation Protection: 5000 Vrms channel‑to‑channel and channel‑to‑system isolation ensures safety and noise immunity.
- 12‑bit Resolution: Double‑buffered D/A converters provide precise analog signal generation.
- Multiple Output Ranges:
- Bipolar: ±10 V, ±5 V
- Unipolar: 0–10 V, 0–5 V
- Current Sink: 0–20 mA, 4–20 mA
- Integral DC/DC Converters: Two onboard isolated DC/DC converters provide stable power for each channel.
- High Throughput: Up to 16 kHz update rate per channel.
- Fast Settling Time: ≤ 30 µs typical.
- Compact Half‑Size ISA‑AT Form Factor: 4‑layer PCB with integral ground plane for noise reduction.
- Compatibility: Fully register‑compatible with Advantech PCL‑728, simplifying migration.
- Software Support: Includes DOS programming library, Windows DLLs, and LabVIEW drivers (ACLS‑DLL2 and ACLS‑LVIEW).
- Flexible Reference Sources: Selectable internal (–5 V/–10 V) or external (±10 V max) reference voltage.
- Robust Design: Surface‑mount components, single +5 V power supply, and opto‑isolated outputs for industrial reliability.

Country of origin: Taiwan R.O.C.

Customs tariff number: 8473 3020 000

Comprehensive Product Summary – ADLINK ACL‑6128A Isolated 2‑Channel 12‑bit Analog Output ISA‑AT Card




### 1. Product Overview

Product Name: ACL‑6128A
Model: ACL‑6128A
Series: NuDAQ ISA‑Bus Analog Output Series
Article Number: 91‑11002‑011 (Product Part No.), 91‑11002‑001 (Product Name Reference)
Manufacturer: ADLINK Technology Inc.
Manufacturer Address: 9F, No.166 Jian Yi Road, Chungho City, Taipei 235, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Telephone: +886‑2‑8226‑5877
Fax: +886‑2‑8226‑5717 / +886‑2‑8226‑5729 (Sales)
Website: [www.adlinktech.com](http://www.adlinktech.com)

Product Description:
The ADLINK ACL‑6128A is a two‑channel isolated analog output card designed for IBM PC/AT and compatible systems. It provides 12‑bit resolution, simultaneous update capability, and multiple voltage and current output ranges. The card supports both unipolar and bipolar voltage outputs as well as current sink modes, making it suitable for industrial control, signal generation, and instrumentation applications.

Product Status: End of Life (EOL) – EOL No. 20030122‑008, published January 22, 2003.
Suggested Replacement: ADLINK PCI‑6308V.
Warranty: Standard ADLINK limited one‑year warranty applies to remaining stock.




### 2. Key Features

- Two Independent Analog Output Channels: Each channel operates independently with full isolation.
- High Isolation Protection: 5000 Vrms channel‑to‑channel and channel‑to‑system isolation ensures safety and noise immunity.
- 12‑bit Resolution: Double‑buffered D/A converters provide precise analog signal generation.
- Multiple Output Ranges:
- Bipolar: ±10 V, ±5 V
- Unipolar: 0–10 V, 0–5 V
- Current Sink: 0–20 mA, 4–20 mA
- Integral DC/DC Converters: Two onboard isolated DC/DC converters provide stable power for each channel.
- High Throughput: Up to 16 kHz update rate per channel.
- Fast Settling Time: ≤ 30 µs typical.
- Compact Half‑Size ISA‑AT Form Factor: 4‑layer PCB with integral ground plane for noise reduction.
- Compatibility: Fully register‑compatible with Advantech PCL‑728, simplifying migration.
- Software Support: Includes DOS programming library, Windows DLLs, and LabVIEW drivers (ACLS‑DLL2 and ACLS‑LVIEW).
- Flexible Reference Sources: Selectable internal (–5 V/–10 V) or external (±10 V max) reference voltage.
- Robust Design: Surface‑mount components, single +5 V power supply, and opto‑isolated outputs for industrial reliability.




### 3. Technical Specifications

Analog Output (D/A):
- Channels: 2 isolated channels
- Resolution: 12‑bit, double‑buffered
- Throughput: 16 kHz per channel
- Settling Time: ≤ 30 µs
- Output Ranges (jumper‑selectable):
- Bipolar: ±10 V, ±5 V
- Unipolar: 0–10 V, 0–5 V
- Current Sink: 0–20 mA, 4–20 mA
- Reference Voltage:
- Internal: –5 V and –10 V precision sources
- External: DC or AC, ±10 V maximum
- Output Drive Current: ±5 mA
- Current Loop Excitation Voltage: +8 V (min) to +36 V (max)
- Isolation Voltage: ≥ 500 V DC (specification sheet) / 5000 Vrms (manual)
- Converter Type: AD7541 or equivalent
- Accuracy: ±0.012 % of full‑scale range (FSR)
- Linearity: ±½ LSB
- Trigger Mode: Software trigger
- Data Transfer: Program control
- Temperature Coefficient: 5 ppm typical, 15 ppm maximum

General Specifications:
- Bus Type: PC/AT (ISA‑AT)
- Connectors: Two 9‑pin D‑type female connectors (CN1, CN2)
- Operating Temperature: 0 °C – 55 °C
- Storage Temperature: –20 °C – 70 °C
- Humidity: 5 – 95 % non‑condensing
- Power Consumption: +5 V @ 780 mA typical, 1 A max
- Dimensions: 163 mm (L) × 107 mm (W) (approx. 155 × 89 mm in EOL notice)
- PCB: 4‑layer, half‑size ISA card




### 4. Functionality

Operating Principle:
The ACL‑6128A converts digital data into analog voltage or current outputs using two independent 12‑bit D/A converters. Each channel can be configured for voltage or current output, with selectable unipolar or bipolar ranges. The card uses double‑buffered DACs to ensure glitch‑free updates—data is written in two bytes (high and low) and transferred simultaneously to the output upon completion.

Use Cases and Applications:
- Arbitrary waveform generation
- Programmable voltage or current source
- Servo and actuator control
- Process control and instrumentation
- Relay and switch control
- Industrial automation systems requiring isolated analog outputs

Compatibility:
- Hardware: IBM PC/AT and compatible ISA‑bus systems
- Software: Compatible with ADLINK NuDAQ series drivers and libraries
- Programming: Supports DOS, Windows 3.1/95/98/NT environments via ACLS‑DLL2 and LabVIEW via ACLS‑LVIEW




### 5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- ACL‑6128A 2‑channel isolated analog output card
- ADLINK CD containing drivers, libraries, and utilities
- User’s Manual (Rev. 2.22, June 29 2000)

Connectors:
- CN1 (Channel 1): 9‑pin D‑type female
- Pin 1 – V.OUT
- Pin 2 – A.GND
- Pin 3 – REF.IN
- Pin 4 – A.GND
- Pin 6 – A.GND
- Pin 7 – I.SINK
- Pin 8 – A.GND
- Pin 9 – +15 V output
- CN2 (Channel 2): identical pin assignment for second channel

Optional Accessories:
- External reference voltage source (±10 V max)
- Shielded D‑sub cables for analog output
- Calibration tools (digital multimeter, calibration software)




### 6. Installation & Setup

System Requirements:
- IBM PC/AT or compatible computer with available ISA‑AT slot
- +5 V DC power supply (from system bus)
- Operating environment: 0–55 °C, 5–95 % RH

Installation Steps:
1. Unpack the card on a grounded anti‑static mat; wear an ESD wrist strap.
2. Inspect for shipping damage and ensure all ICs are seated.
3. Insert the card into an available ISA‑AT slot.
4. Configure base I/O address via DIP switch SW1 (default: 2C0h).
5. Set jumpers for reference source (internal/external), output range (unipolar/bipolar), and current sink mode.
6. Connect analog outputs via CN1 and CN2 connectors.
7. Install software drivers and libraries from the ADLINK CD.

Base Address Configuration:
- Selectable range: 200h – 3F0h (16 consecutive I/O addresses)
- Default: 2C0h
- Configured via 8‑position DIP switch SW1 (A9–A3 correspond to DIP1–DIP7).

Jumper Settings:
- JP4/JP8: Reference source (INT/EXT)
- JP3/JP7: Internal reference voltage (–5 V/–10 V)
- JP1/JP5 (CH1), JP2/JP9 (CH2): Output range (Unipolar/Bipolar)
- JP6 (CH1), JP10 (CH2): Current sink range (0–20 mA or 4–20 mA)

Signal Connection Examples:
- Voltage Output: Connect V.OUT to load input, A.GND to ground.
- Current Sink: Connect I.SINK to load, return to A.GND; external supply +8 V–36 V required.
- Floating Load: Use onboard +15 V output if no external supply is available.




### 7. Performance & Capabilities

Speed and Throughput:
- 16 kHz update rate per channel allows smooth waveform generation and control.
- ≤ 30 µs settling time ensures rapid response to digital input changes.

Accuracy and Stability:
- ±0.012 % FSR accuracy and ±½ LSB linearity provide high‑precision analog output.
- Temperature coefficient of 5 ppm typical ensures minimal drift.
- Internal precision references (–5 V/–10 V) maintain stable output levels.

Capacity and Range:
- 12‑bit resolution (4096 discrete levels) across selectable voltage/current ranges.
- Output drive capability ±5 mA supports moderate load impedance.
- Current loop excitation up to 36 V supports industrial 4–20 mA loops.

Limitations:
- ISA‑bus interface limits data transfer rate compared to modern PCI/PCIe cards.
- Software‑triggered updates only (no hardware trigger).
- End‑of‑life product; replacement recommended (PCI‑6308V).




### 8. Standards & Compliance

Electrical Isolation:
- 5000 Vrms isolation between channels and system bus.

Environmental Compliance:
- Operating temperature: 0–55 °C
- Storage temperature: –20–70 °C
- Humidity: 5–95 % non‑condensing

Bus Interface:
- Fully compliant with PC/AT ISA‑bus electrical and mechanical standards.

Safety and Quality:
- Designed with surface‑mount components and 4‑layer PCB for EMI reduction.
- Manufactured under ADLINK’s quality management system.

Certifications:
- Internal ADLINK product documentation (RSM‑012‑01, Revision 1.1)
- EOL notice issued under DCC control (EOL No. 20030122‑008).




### 9. Additional Information

Calibration and Maintenance:
- Twelve variable resistors (VR1–VR12) allow fine calibration of internal references, gain, and offsets for each channel.
- CH1: VR1–VR6; CH2: VR7–VR12.
- VR1/VR8: –10 V reference adjustment
- VR2/VR7: –5 V reference adjustment
- VR3/VR9: Gain calibration
- VR4/VR10: Unipolar offset
- VR5/VR11: Bipolar offset
- VR6/VR12: Current sink offset (4 mA)
- Test points TP1 (CH1) and TP2 (CH2) provided for calibration verification.
- Calibration requires a 4½‑digit digital multimeter and the included calibration program.

Software Support:
- ACLS‑DLL2: Development kit for NuDAQ ISA‑bus cards (supports VC++, VB, Delphi).
- ACLS‑LVIEW: LabVIEW driver package for Windows 95/98/NT.
- DOS Library: Includes functions `_6128_Initial`, `_6128_Switch_Card_No`, and `_6128_DA` for initialization, card selection, and D/A conversion.
- Example programs and utilities provided on ADLINK CD.

Programming Interface Summary:
- _6128_Initial(int card_number, int base_address): Initializes card.
- _6128_Switch_Card_No(int card_number): Selects active card in multi‑card systems.
- _6128_DA(int da_ch_no, unsigned int da_data): Writes 12‑bit data to specified channel.

Warranty and Service:
- One‑year limited warranty from date of purchase.
- Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship; excludes misuse, modification, or operation beyond specifications.
- Returns must be prepaid and securely packaged; proof of purchase required.
- Liability limited to original purchase price; no consequential damages covered.

Support Contacts:
- Sales & Service: service@adlink.com.tw
- Technical Support (NuDAQ): nudaq@adlink.com.tw
- Software Support: sw@adlink.com.tw
- Website: [www.adlinktech.com](http://www.adlinktech.com)

End‑of‑Life Notice:
- EOL Publication Date: January 22 2003
- Reason: Material EOL, market phase‑out, replaced by PCI‑6308V.
- Last‑time‑buy orders non‑cancelable; no remaining stock at time of notice.




### Summary

The ADLINK ACL‑6128A is a robust, isolated, dual‑channel 12‑bit analog output card for ISA‑AT systems, engineered for industrial control and signal generation applications. It offers flexible voltage and current output ranges, high isolation, and precise calibration capability. The card’s compatibility with Advantech PCL‑728 and ADLINK’s NuDAQ software ecosystem ensures easy integration into legacy systems. Although discontinued, the ACL‑6128A remains a reference design for reliable, isolated analog output in PC‑based data acquisition systems.

Recommended Successor: ADLINK PCI‑6308V – providing similar functionality on the PCI bus with enhanced performance and modern driver support.




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