ITC-1600: 16-bit multi-channel data acquisition system

ITC-1600-2: dual rack version shown
ITC-1600 system features
  • Expandable fully synchronized data acquisition system
  • All synchronous analog and digital channels are optically isolated
  • Easy installation
  • Compatible with Windows9x, ME, NT, 2000, XP, Vista, MacOS classic, MacOS X (PPC and Intel), LabView for Windows, and MatLab

I-1600 rack features

  • Eight differential analog input channels
  • Two 16-bit 200kHz A/D converters multiplexed into two banks of four input channels
  • Simultaneous sampling on two channels (one from each bank) at 200kHz per channel
  • Analog input range: + 10.24Volts
  • Four pseudo differential analog output channels
  • Four 24-bit D/A converters (16-bit data)
  • Analog output range: + 10.24Volts
  • Sixteen synchronous digital input channels
  • Thirty-two synchronous digital output channels, fourteen with current sink
  • Sixteen asynchronous digital output channels

PCI-1600 features

  • Each PCI-1600 host supports two fully synchronized I-1600 rack units
  • Bus Mastering PCI host interface
  • Universal PCI, 3.3 or 5Volt bus
  • Phase Lock Loop clock IN/OUT for multi card synchronization

PCI-1600e features

  • Each PCI-1600e host supports two fully synchronized I-1600 rack units
  • Bus Mastering PCIexpress host interface
  • PCIexpress 1X lane
  • Phase Lock Loop clock IN/OUT for multi card synchronization

 

InstruTECH Corporation is proud to introduce the ITC-1600, expandable 16-bit data acquisition system.  The ITC-1600 is not only a product of our historical commitment to designing high resolution, low-noise scientific data acquisition systems, but also a technological leap forward.  The ITC-1600 utilizes the newest fiber optic and digital signal processing technologies, in addition to many of the exceptional features of its predecessors the ITC-16 and ITC-18.  The ITC-1600 provides expandability and versatility that will satisfy both current and future needs.

 

Hardware Configuration

The ITC-1600 system comprises of a PCI-1600 or a PCI-1600e computer interface card, one or two I-1600 analog rack units connected by the InstruLINK fiber optic data cables.  Each PCI-1600 or PCI-1600e Bus mastering host interface card supports one or two I-1600 rack units.  If two rack units are used, then all input and output channels are doubled and fully synchronized.  For systems requiring even more channels, multiple PCI-1600 / PCI-1600e and I-1600 units can be used.  Multiple PCI-1600 / PCI-1600e cards installed in the same or in separate computers will be fully synchronized.

 

This split configuration offers major advantages over traditional data acquisition designs.  One advantage is noise performance.  Most data acquisition devices are printed circuit boards installed directly into the computer.  The interior of a computer is an electrically noisy environment that will dramatically affect the noise performance of high speed D/A and A/D converters.  Mounting all of the analog electronic components in an external box provides the most effective means of shielding the analog signal from this noise.

 

Another advantage is the capability to use the analog front end (I-1600 rack unit) with a variety of host interfaces, as they become available.  Moving the I-1600 from one computer platform to another is a simple matter of using the appropriate host interface, and installing compatible software.  Utilizing the same hardware when changing computer platforms provides a cost effective upgrade path to newer computer technologies without sacrificing your initial investment.

 

Optical Isolation

 

The analog electronics of the I-1600 rack unit are optically isolated from the digital circuitry of the computer via the InstruLINK fiber optic circuitry.  This circuitry provides superb optical isolation, virtually eliminating ground loops, while increasing the distance between the computer and the recording setup to at least five meters.  The inter-connecting fiber optic cables are small, flexible, and, unlike conventional electrical cables do not emit electromagnetic radiation.

 

Optical isolation provides complete electrical isolation between the computer and the measuring equipment.  Computers contain digital electronics that switch at high speed, producing large electrical transients.  The computer ground functions as the return path for these transients, resulting in substantial high frequency ground noise.  Each I-1600 (rack unit) has a separate analog ground that is isolated from the computer ground.

 

Optical Isolation is essential if low-noise analog outputs are desired.

 

Analog I/O

 

Each I-1600 rack unit provides eight differential analog input channels that are separated into two banks of four.  Each bank uses one 16-bit 200kHz A/D converter multiplexed into four inputs.  Both A/D converters sample simultaneously and synchronously at the maximum conversion rate resulting in a total throughput of 400kHz.  This unique arrangement allows pairs of channels to be digitized without phase-shift.  If the bandwidth of the experiment calls for lower sampling rates, the DSP decimates and/or filters the data.  An added benefit of filtering is the reduction of noise.

 

Each I-1600 rack unit provides four 24-bit D/A converters, stripped to 16-bit data.  This results to outputs that feature high accuracy with less than 1 bit (~300 µV) of noise.  This extremely low noise allows for the observation of least significant bit transitions. The D/A circuitry used in the I-1600 rack unit is temperature stabilized and “De-glitched” for ideal performance.  A typical D/A circuit will have a large glitch energy around zero and major bit transitions, the I-1600's D/A converters are free from this artifact.

 

In addition, each I-1600 rack unit provides four 12-bit asynchronous “telegraphing” ADC channels are available for monitoring slow changing parameters.

 

Digital I/O

 

Each I-1600 rack unit has twenty digital inputs and thirty-six digital output channels all sampling synchronously.  The digital input channels feature level sensitive or latched modes.  For maximum versatility the inputs can be inverted, allowing rising or falling edge triggering.

 

Available Host Interfaces

 

PCI-1600

 

The PCI-1600 host interface card is a Bus mastering short form factor, 32-bit, 33 MHz Universal PCI (5 or 3.3Volt) plug in card.  The PCI-1600 is compatible with Apple, PC, and other computer systems that feature PCI Bus slots.

PCI-1600e

 

The PCI-1600e host interface card is a Bus mastering short form factor, 32-bit, 1X lane PCIexpress plug in card.  The PCI-1600e is compatible with Apple, PC, and other computer systems that feature PCIexpress slots.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Technical Specifications

Analog inputs:

Number of channels        8, 2 ADC

                                       MUXA channels 0-3,

                                       MUX B channels 4-7

Input type                       differential, optically isolated

Type of ADC                   successive approximation

Input connector               BNC on front panel

Resolution                       16-bit, 1 in 65536

Acquisition rate               400kHz aggregate

                                        200kHz per ADC

Input range                      -10.24 to +10.239Volts

Aperture delay                10 ns maximum

Aperture jitter                  50 ps rms maximum

Conversion speed           software selectable

                                        minimum 5µs per ADC

Differential nonlinearity   ±0.002% of FSR

Drift                                 ±2 ppm/°C

Input impedance              1MΩ

Signal-to-noise ratio        86dB at DC to 160kHz

                                        < 1mV PP

No missing codes            16-bit

Crosstalk between ADC not measurable

Crosstalk between MUX -110dB 20Volt 1kHz sine

Maximum over voltage    ±40Volts

Analog outputs:

Number of channels        4, individual D/A converters

Output type                     pseudo differential

                                        optically isolated

Type of DAC                   double buffered, multiplying

Output connector            BNC

Resolution                       24-bit converter

                                        16-bit data (1 in 65536)

Output range                   -10.24 to +10.239Volts

Conversion speed           software selectable

                                        minimum 5µs each

Settling time                     <4µs to 0.001%

Gain error                        0.2% of FSR

Gain linearity                   <2dB

Drift                                 ±4 ppm/°C,

                                        after 10 minute warm up

Signal-to-noise ratio        116dB

Output impedance           10Ω

                                        (for output overload protection)

Short circuit to ground    indefinite

Current output                 ±20mA maximum

Capacitance drive           200pF

Asynchronous “telegraphing” inputs:

Number of channels        4, single-ended

Input connector               BNC on rear panel

Resolution                       12-bit

Acquisition rate               5kHz aggregate

Input range                      ±10Volts

Max. input over voltage   ±40Volts

Digital inputs:

Number of inputs             20, logic level

                                        optically isolated

Input type                        3.3 and 5Volt logic

Operational mode            selectable,

                                        level or latching,

                                        active high or low

Minimum pulse width       150 ns

Input connectors             4 front panel BNC, 16 on rear panel connector

Maximum over voltage    ±30Volts D.C.

Trigger In:

Number of inputs             1, optically isolated

Input type                        3.3 and 5Volt logic

Operational mode            selectable, edge,

                                        level, active high or low

Minimum pulse width       150 ns

Input connector               BNC on front panel

Maximum over voltage    ±30Volts D.C.

Digital outputs:

Number                            36, optically isolated

Output driver                   3.3 Volt, TTL, LS, ACT,

                                        and HCT compatible

Output connectors          4 on front panel BNC with

                                        LED indicators

                                        32 on rear panel connector

Sink output current          6.4 mA (front panel),

                                        3.2 mA (rear panel)

Source output current     6.4 mA (front panel),

                                        3.2 mA (rear panel)

Power-on state               logic low

Trigger Out:

Number of outputs          1, optically isolated

Output driver                   3.3Volt, TTL, LS, ACT,

                                        and HCT compatible

Output connector            BNC on front panel

Output current                 6.4mA sink or source

Software and Drivers:

* MacOS Classic             C/C++ Metrowerks libraries

                                        Carbon Driver and Framework library

                                        Wavemetrics IGOR Pro XOP’s

                                        AxoGraph

MacOS X (PPC)               Carbon Driver and Framework library

                                        Wavemetrics IGOR Pro Carbon XOP’s

                                        AxoGraphX
InstruTECH AcquireT

MacOS X (Intel)               Framework library

                                        Wavemetrics IGOR Pro Carbon XOP’s

                                        AxoGraphX
InstruTECH AcquireT

* Windows 9x, ME, NT,   32 bit C/C++ library, DLL and driver

2000, XP, Vista               Wavemetrics IGOR Pro XOP’s
National Instruments LabView
MathWorks MATLAB

                                        AxoGraphX

                                        Strathclyde WinWCP
InstruTECH AcquireT and ECELL

 

* No longer supported but still available upon request.

All drivers are available for download.

PCI-1600 host interface:

Form factor                     short, 32-bit, 33MHz,

3.3 or 5Volt PCI

Type                                Bus mastering, PCI 2.1 compliant

Cable                               1 pair 5 meter fiber optic

1 pair per I-1600 rack unit

Connectors                     2 pair InstruLINK fiber (TX/RX),

Unisolated Trigger In,

Unisolated Trigger Out,

PLL Clock-In,

PLL Clock-Out

PCI-1600e host interface:

Form factor                     short, 32-bit, 33MHz

Type                                Bus mastering, 1X lane PCIexpress

Cable                               1 pair 5 meter fiber optic

1 pair per I-1600 rack unit

Connectors                     2 pair InstruLINK fiber (TX/RX),

Unisolated Trigger In,

Unisolated Trigger Out,

PLL Clock-In,

PLL Clock-Out

A note about Macintosh G5 computers

Apple has once again changed the PCI bus on their Power Mac G5 desktop computers.  The latest release, as of November 2005, use’s a PCIexpress bus architecture, including Intel based systems.  The PCIexpress bus IS NOT compatible with the PCI-1600 host interface.  For PCIexpress computer system please order the PCI-1600e host instead.

 

Power Mac G5 computers before November 2005, used a 3.3 Volt PCI /PCI-X bus architecture.  These systems are compatible with PCI-1600’s built after April 2004.

Model Numbers:

ITC-1600:                         Single rack system:  Includes 1 I-1600 rack unit, 1 PCI-1600 and 1 pair InstruLINK fiber optic cables.

ITC-1600e:                       Single rack system:  Includes 1 I-1600 rack unit, 1 PCI-1600e and 1 pair InstruLINK fiber optic cables.

ITC-1600/2:                      Dual rack system:  Includes 2 I-1600 rack unit, 1 PCI-1600 and 2 pair InstruLINK fiber optic cables.

ITC-1600/2e:                    Dual rack system:  Includes 2 I-1600 rack unit, 1 PCI-1600e and 2 pair InstruLINK fiber optic cables.

I-1600:                             I-1600 analog rack unit for expanding ITC-1600 system.  Includes 1 pair InstruLINK fiber optic cables.

OEM version also available.  Please contact us with your requirements

Dimensions:

Width: 19" (47.5cm)

Height: 1.75" (4.375cm),

Depth: 6" (15 cm)

Weight: 8 pounds (3.6 kg)

Power requirements:

85-264VAC, 47-440 Hz, 25 Watts

Warranty:

Two years parts and labor

 

Specifications are typical at 25oC unless otherwise noted.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Useful Downloads

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Download ITC-1600 literature in Adobe Acrobat format.

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Download the ITC-1600 manual in Adobe Acrobat format.

 

 

 

 

 

Specifications subject to change without prior notice.
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