Comprehensive Product Summary: ADLINK PCI-6308A – 8-Channel 12-Bit Isolated Analog Output PCI Card

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### 1. Product Overview

Product Name: PCI-6308A
Model: PCI-6308A
Series: PCI-6308 Series (NuDAQ®)
Article Number: PCI-6308A
Manufacturer: ADLINK Technology Inc.
Product Type: 8-Channel 12-bit Isolated Analog Output PCI Card (Voltage and Current Output)
Form Factor: Half-size PCI card (32-bit PCI bus, Plug and Play compliant with PCI Local Bus Specification Rev. 2.1)
Manufacturer Website: [www.adlinktech.com](http://www.adlinktech.com)

The ADLINK PCI-6308A is a high-performance, isolated analog output card designed for industrial and laboratory applications requiring precise voltage and current signal generation. It combines the PCI-6308V voltage output board with the EXP-8A current output extension module, providing eight fully isolated channels capable of both voltage and current output. The card is ideal for automated test equipment (ATE), process control, servo control, and signal generation systems.

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### 2. Key Features

- 8 Isolated Analog Output Channels: Supports both voltage and current outputs with 12-bit resolution.
- Flexible Output Ranges:
- Voltage: ±10 V, 0–10 V, or 0–EXTREF (user-defined).
- Current: 0–20 mA, 4–20 mA, or 5–25 mA (software programmable).
- High Isolation Protection:
- Analog output isolation: 2500 Vrms.
- Digital I/O isolation: 5000 Vrms.
- Fast Response:
- Voltage output settling time: 16 µs (20 V step).
- Current output settling time: 17 µs (0–20 mA).
- Integrated DC/DC Converter: Provides isolated power for analog and digital sections.
- Digital I/O Support: 4 isolated digital inputs and 4 isolated digital outputs for control and monitoring.
- Precision Components:
- DAC: Burr-Brown DAC4814AP or equivalent.
- Voltage-to-current converter: Burr-Brown XTR110 or equivalent.
- Plug and Play PCI Interface: Automatic resource allocation via BIOS; no manual configuration required.
- Software Support: Comprehensive driver and library support for multiple operating systems and development environments (C/C++, VB, Delphi, LabVIEW®, HP-VEE™, DASYLab™, InTouch™, ISaGRAF™, InControl™, OPC).
- Industrial-Grade Reliability: Designed for continuous operation in harsh environments with wide temperature and humidity tolerance.

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### 3. Technical Specifications

Analog Output (Voltage Mode):
- Channels: 8 (independent, isolated)
- Resolution: 12 bits (no missing codes)
- Output Ranges (jumper selectable):
- Bipolar: ±10 V
- Unipolar: 0–10 V
- User-defined: 0–EXTREF (external reference input)
- Settling Time: 16 µs (20 V step)
- Update Interval: 90 µs (for four channels simultaneously)
- Gain Error: ±0.2% (max)
- Differential Nonlinearity (DNL): ±1 LSB
- Output Drive Capability: ±5 mA
- Output Initial Status: 0 V (after reset or power-on)
- Isolation Voltage: 2500 Vrms
- Data Transfer: Programmed I/O

Analog Output (Current Mode – PCI-6308A only):
- Channels: 8 (isolated)
- Resolution: 12 bits
- Output Ranges (software programmable): 0–20 mA, 4–20 mA, 5–25 mA
- Gain Error: ±0.3%
- Settling Time: 17 µs (0–20 mA)
- Slew Rate: 1.3 mA/µs
- DNL: ±1 LSB
- Output Resistance: 10 GΩ typical
- Load Resistance: 0–500 Ω
- Output Initial Status: 4 mA (after reset or power-on)
- Isolation Voltage: 2500 Vrms

Digital Input (Isolated):
- Channels: 4
- Input Range: 0–24 V (non-polarity)
- Logic Levels:
- Logic High: 5–24 V
- Logic Low: 0–1.5 V
- Input Resistance: 2.4 kΩ @ 0.5 W
- Isolation Voltage: 2500 Vrms

Digital Output (Isolated):
- Channels: 4
- Output Type: Photo-coupler transistor (open collector)
- Supply Voltage: 5–35 V
- Sink Current: 50 mA max
- Isolation Voltage: 2500 Vrms

General:
- I/O Connector: 37-pin D-sub female
- Dimensions: 175 mm × 107 mm (PCB only)
- Operating Temperature: 0–55°C
- Storage Temperature: –20–80°C
- Relative Humidity: 5–95% (non-condensing)
- Power Requirements:
- +5 V @ 220 mA typical
- +12 V @ 250 mA typical (530 mA max when all current outputs at 25 mA)
- Bus Interface: 32-bit PCI, Plug and Play compliant

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### 4. Functionality

The PCI-6308A operates as a multifunction analog output card with both voltage and current generation capabilities. Each of the eight channels can output precise analog signals for controlling actuators, transducers, or other industrial devices. The card’s isolation ensures electrical protection between the PC and external equipment, minimizing noise and ground loop interference.

Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial process control (temperature, pressure, flow regulation)
- Automated test equipment (ATE)
- Servo and motion control systems
- Signal generation and simulation
- Current loop transmitter testing (4–20 mA)
- Laboratory instrumentation and data acquisition systems

Compatibility:
- Fully compatible with PCI Local Bus Specification Rev. 2.1
- Supported operating systems: DOS, Windows 95/98/NT/2000 (via PCIS-DASK drivers)
- Compatible with ADLINK’s NuDAQ® software suite and third-party environments such as LabVIEW®, HP-VEE™, and DASYLab™

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### 5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- PCI-6308A board (assembled PCI-6308V + EXP-8A)
- ADLINK Software CD (drivers, libraries, manuals)
- Software Installation Guide
- User’s Manual

Optional Accessories:
- DIN-37D: Termination board with 37-pin D-sub connector and DIN-rail mounting (includes 1-meter ACL-10137 cable)
- ACLD-9137: General-purpose termination board with 37-pin D-sub male connector
- ACLD-9188: Heavy-duty 37-pin screw terminal board

Connectors:
- CN1: 37-pin D-sub female connector for analog and digital I/O
- Pin assignments include voltage outputs (V0–V7), current outputs (A0–A7), digital I/O (DI0–DI3, DO0–DO3), ±15 V outputs, and external reference input (ExtVref)

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### 6. Installation & Setup

Requirements:
- Available 32-bit PCI slot
- Compatible PC running supported OS
- Anti-static handling precautions during installation

Installation Steps:
1. Power off the computer and disconnect peripherals.
2. Insert the PCI-6308A into an available PCI slot.
3. Secure the card and reconnect system power.
4. Upon boot, Windows Plug and Play automatically detects the card.
5. Install drivers from the ADLINK CD following the Software Installation Guide.
6. Configure jumper settings for desired voltage output ranges (±10 V, 0–10 V, or external reference).
7. Connect external devices via the 37-pin D-sub connector or termination board.

Jumper Configuration:
- JP1–JP8: Select unipolar/bipolar output mode per channel.
- JP9–JP12: Select internal or external reference voltage source.
- External reference voltage applied via CN1 pin “ExtVref.”

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### 7. Performance & Capabilities

Analog Performance:
- 12-bit resolution ensures fine granularity (4096 discrete levels).
- Fast settling times (16–17 µs) enable high-speed waveform generation.
- Excellent linearity and low distortion due to precision DAC and converter design.
- Stable operation with internal DC/DC isolation and onboard ±15 V supply.

Digital I/O Performance:
- Optically isolated digital channels provide robust signal interfacing.
- Supports up to 34 V input and 35 V output levels.

Efficiency & Limitations:
- Designed for moderate-speed analog output applications (update rate limited by 90 µs for four channels).
- Not intended for high-frequency waveform synthesis beyond several kHz.
- Load resistance for current output limited to 500 Ω.

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### 8. Standards & Compliance

- Bus Interface: PCI Local Bus Specification Rev. 2.1 compliant
- Isolation Ratings:
- Analog section: 2500 Vrms
- Digital I/O: 5000 Vrms
- Safety & EMC: Designed for industrial environments with optical isolation and noise immunity
- Software Standards:
- Supports OPC, DDE, and ActiveX interfaces for industrial automation integration
- Compatible with IEC 1131-3 SoftPLC environments (ISaGRAF™ driver)
- Environmental Compliance: Operates within industrial temperature and humidity ranges

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### 9. Additional Information

Warranty:
- One-year limited warranty from date of purchase.
- Covers defects in materials and workmanship.
- Excludes damage from misuse, modification, or operation beyond specifications.
- Warranty service requires proof of purchase; return shipping prepaid.

Support & Maintenance:
- Technical support via ADLINK service channels:
- Website: [www.adlink.com.tw](http://www.adlink.com.tw)
- Email: service@adlink.com.tw, nudaq@adlink.com.tw
- Phone: +886-2-82265877
- Fax: +886-2-82265717
- Address: 9F, No. 166, Jian Yi Road, Chungho City, Taipei, 235 Taiwan, R.O.C.
- Software updates and documentation available on ADLINK’s website.

Software & Driver Support:
- Programming Libraries:
- DOS C/C++ and Windows DLL libraries (PCIS-DASK)
- Functions include initialization, analog output, digital I/O, and current range control.
- Supported Development Environments:
- Visual Basic, Visual C++, Borland C++, Delphi
- LabVIEW®, HP-VEE™, DASYLab™, InTouch™, InControl™, ISaGRAF™, OPC clients
- Example Functions:
- `_6308_Initial()`: Initialize card
- `_6308_DA()`: Write analog output
- `_6308_DI()` / `_6308_DO()`: Read/write digital I/O
- `_6308_I2V_Control()`: Set current output mode

Maintenance:
- Periodic inspection of connectors and cables recommended.
- Avoid exposure to excessive humidity or dust.
- Ensure proper grounding and isolation when interfacing with external equipment.

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### Summary

The ADLINK PCI-6308A is a robust, industrial-grade analog output card offering eight isolated channels with both voltage and current output capabilities. Its 12-bit resolution, fast response, and high isolation make it suitable for precision control and signal generation in automation, testing, and instrumentation environments. With comprehensive software support and flexible configuration options, it integrates seamlessly into PC-based control systems, providing reliable performance and long-term stability in demanding industrial applications.