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AD12-16(PC)

PC AD Card 60kS/s 12bit 16SE 8/8 DIO
  • Manufacturer Contec
  • Category: A/D General Purpose ISA
  • The Contec AD12-16(PC) is a high-performance analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion card designed for PC-based data acquisition and control applications. It is an ISA-bus compatible board that provides 12-bit resolution, 16 single-ended analog input channels, and integrated digital I/O and counter/timer functions. The card is engineered for precise analog signal measurement, flexible input range configuration, and reliable digital interfacing, making it suitable for laboratory instrumentation, industrial automation, and embedded control systems.
- High-Resolution Analog Input: 12-bit A/D conversion for accurate analog signal measurement.
- Sampling Rate: Up to 60 kS/s (kilosamples per second), enabling real-time data acquisition for dynamic signals.
- Channel Configuration: 16 single-ended (SE) analog input channels, allowing simultaneous monitoring of multiple analog sources.
- Programmable Input Range: Software-selectable input voltage ranges of ±5 V, ±2.5 V, ±1.25 V, ±0.625 V, and ±0.3125 V, providing flexibility for various signal levels.
- ISA Bus Interface: Standard ISA bus compatibility ensures integration with legacy and industrial PC systems.
- Digital I/O Capability: 8 digital input and 8 digital output channels (TTL-level), suitable for control and monitoring tasks.
- Counter/Timer Functions: Three independent 16-bit counter/timer channels for event counting, frequency measurement, or timing control.
- Interrupt Support: Configurable interrupt request (IRQ) lines 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 for flexible system integration and efficient data handling.
- Connector Type: D-type 37-pin male connector for unified analog, digital, and control signal interfacing.
- Compact Form Factor: Board dimensions of 140 mm × 108 mm, optimized for standard PC chassis installation.
- Software Programmability: Gain and range settings can be configured via software, eliminating the need for manual jumper adjustments.

Country of origin: Taiwan R.O.C.

Customs tariff number: 8473 3020 000

1. Product Overview
Name: PC AD Card 60kS/s 12bit 16SE 8/8 DIO
Model: AD12-16(PC)
Series: AD12 Series – ISA Bus Analog-to-Digital Interface Cards
Article Number: AD12-16(PC)
Manufacturer: Contec Co., Ltd.

The Contec AD12-16(PC) is a high-performance analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion card designed for PC-based data acquisition and control applications. It is an ISA-bus compatible board that provides 12-bit resolution, 16 single-ended analog input channels, and integrated digital I/O and counter/timer functions. The card is engineered for precise analog signal measurement, flexible input range configuration, and reliable digital interfacing, making it suitable for laboratory instrumentation, industrial automation, and embedded control systems.




2. Key Features
- High-Resolution Analog Input: 12-bit A/D conversion for accurate analog signal measurement.
- Sampling Rate: Up to 60 kS/s (kilosamples per second), enabling real-time data acquisition for dynamic signals.
- Channel Configuration: 16 single-ended (SE) analog input channels, allowing simultaneous monitoring of multiple analog sources.
- Programmable Input Range: Software-selectable input voltage ranges of ±5 V, ±2.5 V, ±1.25 V, ±0.625 V, and ±0.3125 V, providing flexibility for various signal levels.
- ISA Bus Interface: Standard ISA bus compatibility ensures integration with legacy and industrial PC systems.
- Digital I/O Capability: 8 digital input and 8 digital output channels (TTL-level), suitable for control and monitoring tasks.
- Counter/Timer Functions: Three independent 16-bit counter/timer channels for event counting, frequency measurement, or timing control.
- Interrupt Support: Configurable interrupt request (IRQ) lines 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 for flexible system integration and efficient data handling.
- Connector Type: D-type 37-pin male connector for unified analog, digital, and control signal interfacing.
- Compact Form Factor: Board dimensions of 140 mm × 108 mm, optimized for standard PC chassis installation.
- Software Programmability: Gain and range settings can be configured via software, eliminating the need for manual jumper adjustments.




3. Technical Specifications

General Specifications:
- Bus Interface: ISA (Industry Standard Architecture)
- A/D Resolution: 12 bits
- Sampling Rate: Maximum 60,000 samples per second (60 kS/s)
- Analog Input Channels: 16 single-ended (SE) channels
- Input Voltage Ranges: ±5 V, ±2.5 V, ±1.25 V, ±0.625 V, ±0.3125 V (software programmable)
- Input Type: Single-ended, voltage input
- Input Impedance: Typically high impedance (≥100 kΩ, typical for A/D cards)
- Gain Control: Software programmable gain selection corresponding to input range settings

Digital I/O:
- Digital Inputs: 8 channels, TTL-level compatible
- Digital Outputs: 8 channels, TTL-level compatible
- Logic Levels:
- Input High: ≥2.0 V
- Input Low: ≤0.8 V
- Output High: ≥2.4 V (at 2 mA load)
- Output Low: ≤0.4 V (at 2 mA load)

Counter/Timer:
- Number of Counters: 3
- Resolution: 16 bits per counter
- Functionality: Event counting, frequency generation, or timing control
- Clock Source: Internal or external (depending on configuration)

Interrupts:
- IRQ Lines: Selectable from IRQ 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7
- Interrupt Type: Edge-triggered, software configurable

Physical Characteristics:
- Dimensions: 140 mm (W) × 108 mm (D)
- Connector: D-sub 37-pin male
- Weight: Approximately 150–200 g (typical for ISA cards of this size)
- PCB Material: Multi-layer FR-4 epoxy glass substrate

Environmental Conditions:
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to +50°C (typical)
- Storage Temperature: -20°C to +70°C
- Humidity: 10% to 90% RH (non-condensing)




4. Functionality

The AD12-16(PC) functions as a data acquisition interface between analog sensors or transducers and a host PC system. Analog signals from external devices are routed to the card’s input channels through the D-sub 37-pin connector. Each channel is digitized by the onboard 12-bit A/D converter at sampling rates up to 60 kS/s. The software-programmable gain allows users to optimize measurement resolution for different signal amplitudes.

The digital I/O section provides 8 input and 8 output lines for control and monitoring tasks, such as reading switch states, driving LEDs, or interfacing with external logic circuits. The integrated 16-bit counter/timer units can be used for event counting, pulse width measurement, or generating timing signals for process control.

Typical Use Cases:
- Laboratory data acquisition and signal analysis
- Industrial process monitoring and control
- Sensor data logging and calibration systems
- Educational and research instrumentation
- Embedded control systems requiring analog and digital interfacing

Compatibility:
- Compatible with ISA-bus PCs and industrial computers
- Supported by Contec’s driver libraries and software development kits (SDKs) for Windows and DOS environments
- Can interface with third-party data acquisition software through standard driver interfaces




5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- AD12-16(PC) main ISA card
- User manual and installation guide
- Driver disk or downloadable software package (depending on distribution)

Optional Accessories:
- Shielded cable assemblies for D-sub 37-pin connector
- Terminal block breakout modules for easy wiring (e.g., Contec AD Terminal Board series)
- External signal conditioning modules for extended input range or isolation
- Mounting brackets or retention clips for secure installation in industrial PCs

Connectors:
- Primary Connector: D-type 37-pin male
- Analog input channels (CH0–CH15)
- Digital I/O lines (DI0–DI7, DO0–DO7)
- Counter/timer I/O pins
- Ground and reference voltage lines




6. Installation & Setup

System Requirements:
- PC with available ISA expansion slot
- Compatible operating system (Windows, DOS, or supported industrial OS)
- Appropriate driver and configuration software from Contec

Installation Steps:
1. Power off the PC and disconnect it from the power source.
2. Insert the AD12-16(PC) card into an available ISA slot, ensuring proper alignment and seating.
3. Secure the card with the chassis screw.
4. Connect external signals to the D-sub 37-pin connector using the appropriate cable or terminal block.
5. Configure the IRQ line via software or jumper (depending on revision).
6. Install the driver software and verify device recognition in the system.
7. Use the provided configuration utility to set input ranges, sampling rate, and digital I/O modes.

Mounting Options:
- Standard internal mounting in PC chassis
- Optional external breakout panel for signal access

Configuration:
- Software-based configuration for input range, gain, and interrupt settings
- No manual jumper configuration required for gain selection




7. Performance & Capabilities

Analog Performance:
- 12-bit resolution provides 4096 discrete levels of quantization, ensuring precise analog-to-digital conversion.
- Sampling rate of 60 kS/s supports moderate-speed signal acquisition suitable for most industrial and laboratory applications.
- Programmable gain allows optimization of measurement accuracy across a wide range of input voltages.

Digital I/O Performance:
- TTL-compatible I/O ensures reliable interfacing with standard logic circuits.
- 8 input and 8 output lines provide sufficient control capacity for small to medium automation tasks.

Counter/Timer Performance:
- Three 16-bit counters enable flexible timing and counting operations.
- Capable of handling pulse counting, frequency measurement, and time interval generation.

Efficiency and Limitations:
- Efficient data transfer through ISA bus architecture, though limited compared to modern PCI/PCIe bandwidths.
- Ideal for legacy systems or applications where ISA compatibility is required.
- Not suitable for very high-speed or high-resolution (≥16-bit) applications.




8. Standards & Compliance

Electrical and Interface Standards:
- Compliant with ISA bus electrical and mechanical specifications
- TTL-level digital I/O conforms to standard logic voltage levels

Safety and EMC Compliance:
- Designed to meet general industrial EMC requirements (EN55022 Class A, EN61000-6-2 equivalent)
- RoHS-compliant construction (lead-free solder and components)

Industry Standards:
- Compatible with standard data acquisition frameworks and driver models
- Supports Contec’s unified driver architecture for consistent API access across product lines




9. Additional Information

Warranty:
- Standard manufacturer’s warranty (typically one year) covering defects in materials and workmanship

Technical Support:
- Comprehensive technical documentation and driver support available from Contec’s website
- Email and phone-based technical assistance for installation and configuration issues

Maintenance:
- No regular maintenance required beyond standard PC care
- Periodic inspection of connector contacts recommended for long-term reliability

Software & Updates:
- Driver updates and software utilities available for download from Contec’s support portal
- Compatible with Contec’s data acquisition SDKs for application development in C/C++, Visual Basic, and other environments

Service Life & Reliability:
- Designed for long-term operation in industrial environments
- High-quality components ensure stable performance and low failure rates




Summary
The Contec AD12-16(PC) is a robust, ISA-bus analog-to-digital interface card offering 12-bit resolution, 16 single-ended analog inputs, and integrated digital I/O and counter/timer functions. With a maximum sampling rate of 60 kS/s and software-programmable input ranges, it provides flexible and precise data acquisition capabilities for a wide range of applications. Its combination of analog, digital, and timing features makes it a versatile solution for engineers, researchers, and system integrators working with legacy PC-based control and measurement systems.

Key Technical Highlights:
- 12-bit, 60 kS/s A/D conversion
- 16 SE analog input channels
- ±5 V to ±0.3125 V programmable input ranges
- 8 digital inputs and 8 digital outputs (TTL)
- 3 × 16-bit counter/timer channels
- Selectable IRQ (2–7)
- D-sub 37-pin male connector
- Compact 140 × 108 mm ISA form factor

This card exemplifies Contec’s commitment to reliable, configurable, and high-precision data acquisition hardware for industrial and scientific computing environments.

No accessories available.