1. Product Overview

Name: PCI Low Profile 16 DA Card 16bit
Model: DA16-16(LPCI)L
Series: L Series – Low-Cost Multi-Function Analog I/O Series
Article Number: DA16-16(LPCI)L
Manufacturer: CONTEC Co., Ltd. (Japan)
Product Category: Industrial Automation / Measurement and Control – Analog I/O Boards

The CONTEC DA16-16(LPCI)L is a 16-channel, 16-bit digital-to-analog (D/A) output board designed for PCI Low Profile bus systems. It belongs to CONTEC’s L Series, which emphasizes cost-effective, high-precision analog I/O solutions for industrial and laboratory measurement applications. The board provides multiple analog output channels, digital I/O, and counter functionality, making it suitable for control, simulation, and signal generation tasks in PC-based measurement systems.

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2. Key Features

- 16-Channel Analog Output: Provides 16 independent analog output channels for voltage signal generation.
- High Resolution: 16-bit D/A conversion ensures fine output granularity and high precision.
- Low Profile PCI Compliance: Designed for compact desktop PCs; includes a bracket for standard PCI slot installation.
- High-Speed Conversion: Maximum conversion rate of 10 µsec per channel, enabling rapid waveform updates.
- Onboard Buffer Memory: 1k-word buffer memory allows background analog output independent of host CPU load.
- Digital I/O and Counter Functions: Includes 4 TTL-level digital inputs, 4 TTL-level digital outputs, and one 32-bit up counter.
- Software-Controlled Configuration: Output range and operational parameters can be configured via software—no jumper settings required.
- Synchronization and Timing Control: Onboard timing circuits support synchronized output and external trigger control.
- Comprehensive Software Support: Compatible with Windows and Linux drivers, as well as LabVIEW and MATLAB libraries.
- Industrial Reliability: Designed for stable operation in industrial environments with noise-resistant circuitry and robust connectors.

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3. Technical Specifications

| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|-------------------|
| Analog Output Channels | 16 channels |
| Resolution | 16-bit |
| Output Range | Bipolar: ±10 V |
| Output Impedance | 1 Ω or less |
| Conversion Speed | 10 µsec per channel (maximum) |
| Conversion Accuracy | ±3 LSB |
| Buffer Memory | 1k-word FIFO |
| Digital Input (DI) | 4 TTL-level (positive logic) |
| Digital Output (DO) | 4 TTL-level (positive logic) |
| Counter | 1 channel, 32-bit up counter |
| Counting System | Binary, up-count |
| Interrupts | 1 interrupt request |
| I/O Address | Any 64-byte boundary |
| Power Consumption | +5 VDC, 440 mA (max.) |
| Bus Interface | PCI (32-bit, 33 MHz, 5 V or 3.3 V) |
| Dimensions | 176.41 mm (L) × 105.68 mm (H) |
| Connector Type | 50-pin Mini-Ribbon (10250-52A2JL [3M] or equivalent) |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +50°C |
| Storage Temperature | -10°C to +60°C |
| Humidity | 10–90% RH (non-condensing) |
| Weight | Approx. 150 g (board only) |

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4. Functionality

The DA16-16(LPCI)L converts digital data from the host PC into analog voltage signals across 16 output channels. Each channel can output a bipolar ±10 V signal with 16-bit resolution, suitable for controlling actuators, generating test waveforms, or simulating sensor outputs.

Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial process control and automation systems
- Signal generation for testing and calibration
- Analog simulation of sensors and actuators
- Laboratory measurement and data acquisition systems
- PC-based control systems for research and development

Compatibility:
- Fully compliant with PCI and Low Profile PCI standards
- Compatible with Windows (API-PAC(W32)) and Linux (API-TOOLs for Linux) environments
- Supported by LabVIEW VI-DAQ and MATLAB ML-DAQ libraries for seamless integration with engineering software

Operational Modes:
- Software-Controlled Output: Analog output values are set via software commands.
- Timed Output: Onboard timing circuits enable periodic or synchronized output.
- External Trigger Mode: Output can be started or stopped by external TTL-level signals.
- Buffered Output: Data stored in onboard memory can be output continuously without CPU intervention.

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5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- DA16-16(LPCI)L board
- Low Profile PCI bracket (pre-installed)
- Standard height PCI bracket (included for full-size slots)
- User documentation and driver software (downloadable)

Optional Accessories:
- Cables:
- PCB50PS-0.5P / PCB50PS-1.5P (Shielded cable, 0.5 m / 1.5 m)
- PCA50PS-0.5P / PCA50PS-1.5P (Flat cable, 0.5 m / 1.5 m)
- Terminal Units:
- EPD-50A (M3 screw terminal block)
- ATP-8L (BNC terminal unit for analog output)
- Connector Type: 50-pin Mini-Ribbon (3M 10250-52A2JL or equivalent)

Software Tools:
- API-PAC(W32): Windows API function library for direct board control via DLL.
- API-TOOLs for Linux: Module-style device drivers and shared libraries for Linux systems.
- LabVIEW VI-DAQ: VI library for National Instruments LabVIEW.
- MATLAB ML-DAQ: MATLAB library for direct data acquisition and control.

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6. Installation & Setup

System Requirements:
- PC with available PCI or Low Profile PCI slot (32-bit, 33 MHz, 5 V or 3.3 V signaling)
- Operating System: Windows 10/11, Windows Server, or Linux kernel supported by CONTEC drivers
- Power Supply: +5 VDC from PCI bus

Installation Steps:
1. Power off the PC and remove the cover.
2. Insert the DA16-16(LPCI)L board into an available PCI slot.
3. Secure the board using the supplied bracket.
4. Connect external devices via the 50-pin Mini-Ribbon connector using the appropriate cable.
5. Install the driver software (API-PAC(W32) or API-TOOLs for Linux).
6. Configure the board using the provided utility or API functions.

Mounting Options:
- Low Profile PCI bracket for compact PCs
- Standard PCI bracket for full-height slots

Configuration:
- All settings (output range, trigger mode, timing) are software-configurable.
- No DIP switches or jumpers are required.

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7. Performance & Capabilities

Analog Output Performance:
- Resolution: 16-bit (1 part in 65,536)
- Accuracy: ±3 LSB typical
- Speed: 10 µsec per channel maximum conversion rate
- Output Range: ±10 V bipolar
- Output Drive: ±5 mA maximum load current per channel
- Output Impedance: ≤1 Ω

Digital I/O Performance:
- Input: 4 TTL-level inputs (positive logic)
- Output: 4 TTL-level outputs (positive logic)
- Response Time: <200 nsec typical

Counter Performance:
- Type: 32-bit up counter
- Input Signal: TTL-level
- Maximum Count: 4,294,967,295 (32-bit binary)
- Interrupt: 1 interrupt request line for event-driven applications

Efficiency and Throughput:
- Onboard buffer memory allows continuous analog output without CPU load.
- Supports background operation for real-time waveform generation.
- Synchronization with external devices via TTL control signals.

Limitations:
- Output range fixed to ±10 V (no current output mode).
- Not isolated; external grounding should be managed to prevent noise coupling.
- Limited onboard memory (1k-word) compared to higher-end E or F series models.

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8. Standards & Compliance

- Bus Interface: PCI Local Bus Specification Revision 2.2 compliant
- Low Profile PCI: Conforms to Low Profile PCI mechanical specification
- Signal Levels: TTL-compatible digital I/O
- Environmental Compliance: RoHS compliant
- Safety and EMC: Designed for industrial environments with noise suppression
- Software Standards:
- Windows API (Win32 DLL)
- Linux shared library interface
- LabVIEW VI-DAQ and MATLAB ML-DAQ compatibility

Industry Standards Supported:
- PCI 32-bit, 33 MHz bus
- TTL logic levels for digital I/O
- IEEE standard voltage ranges for analog output

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9. Additional Information

Warranty & Support:
- Standard manufacturer warranty (typically 1 year, extendable via CONTEC service plans).
- Technical support available through CONTEC’s global portal (www.contec.com).
- Free driver and software updates downloadable from the CONTEC website.

Maintenance:
- Periodic inspection of connectors and cables recommended.
- Keep board free from dust and moisture.
- Firmware and driver updates available online.

Software Updates & Utilities:
- API-PAC(W32): Updated regularly for Windows OS compatibility.
- API-TOOLs for Linux: Open-source compatible driver modules.
- LabVIEW VI-DAQ / MATLAB ML-DAQ: Downloadable integration libraries for data acquisition and control.

Support Resources:
- Online documentation and sample code for C/C++, Visual Basic, and Python.
- Application notes for synchronization, waveform generation, and multi-board configuration.
- Free measurement utilities such as HYPER-LOGGER, FFT Analyzer, Function Generator, and Excel Scope for data visualization and analysis.

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Summary

The CONTEC DA16-16(LPCI)L is a compact, high-precision, 16-channel, 16-bit digital-to-analog output board engineered for Low Profile PCI systems. It delivers reliable, high-speed analog signal generation with integrated digital I/O and counter capabilities. Its software-configurable architecture, onboard buffer memory, and broad software support make it ideal for industrial automation, laboratory instrumentation, and PC-based control systems. With its robust design, flexible connectivity, and comprehensive driver ecosystem, the DA16-16(LPCI)L provides an efficient and cost-effective solution for analog output applications requiring precision, speed, and stability.