Comprehensive Product Summary: ADLINK PCI-8124-C 4-Channel Encoder Motion Card

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### 1. Product Overview

Product Name: PCI-8124-C
Model: PCI-8124
Series: PCI Encoder Motion Control Series
Article Number: PCI-8124-C
Manufacturer: ADLINK Technology Inc.
Part Number: 50-11138-1000
Manual Revision: 2.00 (February 12, 2007)
Manufacturer Website: [www.adlinktech.com](http://www.adlinktech.com)
Contact: service@adlinktech.com | Tel: +886-2-82265877 | Fax: +886-2-82265717
Address: 9F, No. 166, Jian Yi Road, Chungho City, Taipei 235, Taiwan

The ADLINK PCI-8124-C is a high-performance PCI bus motion control card designed for industrial automation, machine vision, and precision motion applications. It provides four differential quadrature encoder counter input channels with high-speed triggering and comparison capabilities, enabling precise synchronization between motion and vision systems.

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### 2. Key Features

- PCI Bus Compatibility:
Compliant with PCI Rev. 2.2, 32-bit/33 MHz interface; supports both 3.3V (PCI-X) and 5V (PCI) slots.

- Multi-Board Support:
4-bit board ID switch allows up to 16 boards in one system, providing up to 64 encoder channels.

- Encoder Input Channels:
Four differential quadrature encoder counter inputs supporting 1x, 2x, and 4x AB phase decoding, CW/CCW, and OUT/DIR modes.

- High-Speed Triggering:
Four trigger output channels (open collector and TTL) with programmable pulse width from 0.1 µs to 3.2765 ms and maximum output frequency of 5 MHz.

- Advanced FPGA Architecture:
Utilizes an ACTEL A3P1000 FPGA with 40 MHz reference clock for high-speed comparison, FIFO buffering, and linear function generation.

- Flexible Comparison Functions:
14 comparators (4 FIFO-based, 10 linear-based) for position comparison and trigger generation.

- FIFO and Linear Functions:
FIFO depth of 1023×32 bits for random position comparison; linear function supports continuous triggering with programmable intervals.

- Isolated I/O:
Optically isolated encoder, latch, and trigger channels (2500 Vrms isolation using PS9115 photo-couplers).

- Programmable Interrupts:
Multiple interrupt sources including FIFO status, latch events, TTL input, and linear function completion.

- Software Support:
Includes Windows 2000/XP/Vista WDM driver and DLL function library for C/C++ and Visual Basic development.

- Ease of Integration:
Plug-and-Play compliant; automatic resource allocation by system BIOS.

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### 3. Technical Specifications

Main Chip:
- Vendor: ACTEL
- Model: A3P1000 FPGA
- Power: 3.3V core, 1.5V internal logic
- Reference Clock: 40 MHz

Encoder Counters:
- Channels: 4
- Input Type: Differential or single-ended
- Isolation: 2500 Vrms (PS9115)
- Max Input Frequency: 10 MHz
- Modes: AB phase (x1/x2/x4), CW/CCW, OUT/DIR
- Data Width: 32-bit
- Zero Reference: EZ input

Comparators:
- Total: 14 (4 FIFO + 10 Linear)
- Data Width: 32-bit
- Trigger Pulse Width: 0.1 µs – 3.2765 ms (programmable)

Timers:
- Quantity: 4
- Base Period: 400 ns
- Resolution: 14-bit
- Start/Stop Control: TTL input or register setting

Trigger Outputs:
- Channels: 4
- Max Frequency: 5 MHz
- Output Type: Open collector (isolated) or TTL (non-isolated)
- Isolation: 2500 Vrms (PS9115)

FIFO:
- Quantity: 4
- Depth: 1023 × 32 bits
- Interrupts: Empty, full, low (¼, ½, ¾)
- Auto Reload: Supported

Linear Functions:
- Quantity: 10
- Start Address: 32-bit
- Repeat Count: 32-bit
- Interval: 13-bit
- Direction: 1-bit (positive/negative)
- Auto Reload: Supported

Latch Inputs:
- Channels: 4
- Isolation: 2500 Vrms
- Bandwidth: 10 MHz
- Edge Selectable: Rising or falling

TTL I/O:
- Inputs: 4 (non-isolated)
- Outputs: 4 (non-isolated)
- Max Voltage: 4.6 V (input), 5 V (output)
- Max Sink Current: 25 mA per channel

Environmental:
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to 70°C
- Storage Temperature: -20°C to 80°C
- Humidity: 5–85% RH, non-condensing

Power Requirements:
- +5V DC ±5%, 450 mA max
- +12V DC ±5%, 100 mA max
- Isolation power derived from PCI bus

Physical Dimensions:
- PCB Size: 151 mm (L) × 107 mm (W)
- Connector: 50-pin SCSI-type

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### 4. Functionality

The PCI-8124-C functions as a high-speed encoder counter and trigger generator. It captures encoder feedback signals, compares position data against preset values, and outputs synchronized trigger pulses for motion or vision systems.

Operating Modes:
- Single Pulse (OUT/DIR): EA counts pulses, EB defines direction.
- Dual Pulse (CW/CCW): EA counts up, EB counts down.
- Quadrature (AB Phase): Counts up/down based on phase relationship.

Use Cases:
- Machine vision synchronization (line-scan cameras)
- Precision motion control and inspection systems
- Automated optical inspection (AOI)
- Semiconductor equipment and robotics

Compatibility:
- PCI and PCI-X slots (3.3V/5V)
- Windows 2000/XP/Vista via ADLINK WDM driver
- Supports multiple boards (up to 16) with unique board IDs

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### 5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- PCI-8124-C 4-channel encoder motion card
- ADLINK All-in-One software CD (drivers, DLLs, manuals)
- User’s Manual

Connectors:
- CN1: 50-pin SCSI connector for encoder, trigger, latch, and TTL I/O
- CN2: 6-pin header for TTL outputs (+5V, DGND, TTL-OUT1–4)

Switches:
- SW1: Board ID selector (0–15)
- SW2: Default trigger output level selector (+5V or 0V)

Optional Accessories:
- Shielded SCSI-50 cables
- Terminal boards for signal breakout

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### 6. Installation & Setup

Hardware Installation:
1. Power off the PC and peripherals.
2. Insert the PCI-8124-C into an available 32-bit PCI slot.
3. Secure the card and reconnect power.
4. BIOS automatically assigns I/O and IRQ resources.

Software Installation:
1. Insert the ADLINK All-in-One CD.
2. Run the installer and follow on-screen instructions.
3. Reboot the system after installation.

Configuration:
- Set board ID via SW1 (0–15).
- Set default trigger level via SW2 (ON = +5V, OFF = 0V).
- Verify card detection in Windows Device Manager.

Signal Wiring:
- CN1 provides isolated encoder, latch, and trigger connections.
- TTL I/O and EGND pins share common ground references.

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### 7. Performance & Capabilities

- Encoder Input Frequency: Up to 10 MHz
- Trigger Output Frequency: Up to 5 MHz
- Trigger Pulse Width: 0.1 µs to 3.2765 ms (programmable)
- FIFO Depth: 1023 × 32 bits per channel
- Linear Function: 10 independent sets for continuous triggering
- Timer Resolution: 400 ns base, 14-bit counter
- Interrupt Latency: Hardware-level interrupt generation for real-time response

Performance Highlights:
- FPGA-based processing minimizes CPU load.
- Continuous triggering supported via FIFO or linear function.
- Supports simultaneous multi-channel comparison and output.
- High isolation ensures signal integrity in noisy environments.

Limitations:
- TTL I/O not isolated; external protection recommended for harsh environments.
- Maximum of 16 boards per system (64 channels total).

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### 8. Standards & Compliance

- Bus Interface: PCI Rev. 2.2, 32-bit/33 MHz
- Electrical Compatibility: PCI (5V) and PCI-X (3.3V)
- Isolation: 2500 Vrms (photo-coupler PS9115)
- Environmental: Industrial-grade operating range (0–70°C)
- Software: Windows 2000/XP/Vista WDM driver certified
- Safety & EMC: Designed for compliance with CE and FCC industrial standards (typical for ADLINK PCI products)

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### 9. Additional Information

Warranty:
- Standard 2-year limited warranty (1 year in China)
- Coverage begins from factory shipment date
- Excludes damage from misuse, environmental factors, or unauthorized repair

Support & Service:
- Technical support via email: service@adlinktech.com
- RMA service and warranty policy available at [http://rma.adlinktech.com/policy](http://rma.adlinktech.com/policy)
- Customers responsible for shipping costs to ADLINK service centers

Maintenance:
- Keep card and connectors free of dust and moisture
- Avoid exceeding voltage/current ratings on I/O pins
- Use proper ESD precautions during handling

Software Updates:
- Driver and library updates available from ADLINK’s website
- Function library includes over 50 API calls for encoder, trigger, FIFO, linear, and interrupt control

Programming Support:
- Languages: C, C++, Visual Basic
- Libraries: DLL and header files (pci_8124.h, type_def.h)
- Example functions include:
- `_8124_initialSw()` – Initialize card
- `_8124_get_encoder_value()` – Read encoder count
- `_8124_set_pwm_pulse_width()` – Configure trigger pulse width
- `_8124_wait_single_int()` – Wait for interrupt event

Error Handling:
- Comprehensive return codes for diagnostics (e.g., ERR_NoDeviceFound, ERR_TimeOut, ERR_ParametersInvalid)

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### Summary

The ADLINK PCI-8124-C is a robust, high-speed encoder and trigger interface card engineered for industrial automation and vision synchronization. Its FPGA-based architecture, 10 MHz encoder input capability, and 5 MHz trigger output performance make it ideal for precision motion control and inspection systems. With 14 comparators, 4 timers, and extensive software support, it provides deterministic, low-latency control for demanding applications. The combination of isolated and TTL I/O, flexible comparison modes, and multi-board scalability ensures adaptability across a wide range of industrial and research environments.