1. Product Overview

Name: PCI Low Profile 8 DA Card 16bit
Model: DA16-8(LPCI)L
Series: L Series – Low-Cost Multi-Function Analog I/O Series
Article Number: DA16-8(LPCI)L
Manufacturer: CONTEC Co., Ltd. (Japan)
Product Category: Industrial Automation / Measurement and Control – Analog I/O Boards

The CONTEC DA16-8(LPCI)L is a low-profile PCI digital-to-analog output board designed for PC-based measurement and control systems. It provides eight 16-bit analog output channels with high precision and fast conversion speed, suitable for industrial automation, data acquisition, and control applications. As part of CONTEC’s L Series, it emphasizes cost efficiency, compact form factor, and reliable analog performance for desktop PCs with PCI or low-profile PCI slots.

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2. Key Features

- Eight 16-bit Analog Output Channels: Provides eight independent D/A conversion channels for precise voltage output control.
- High-Speed Conversion: Maximum conversion speed of 10 µsec per channel, enabling real-time analog signal generation.
- High Precision: 16-bit resolution ensures fine granularity and accurate analog output suitable for instrumentation and control.
- Low-Profile PCI Form Factor: Compliant with PCI and Low Profile PCI standards; includes both low-profile and standard-height brackets for flexible installation.
- Onboard Timing and Synchronization: Integrated timing circuitry allows synchronized output operations and timed waveform generation.
- Digital I/O and Counter Functions: Includes 4 TTL-level digital inputs, 4 TTL-level digital outputs, and one 32-bit up counter for event counting or synchronization.
- Software-Controlled Configuration: Output range, timing, and control parameters can be configured entirely via software—no jumper settings required.
- Onboard Buffer Memory: 1 k-word buffer memory supports background data output independent of host CPU load.
- Windows and Linux Drivers: Fully supported by CONTEC’s API-TOOLs for Windows and Linux, enabling easy integration into custom applications.
- LabVIEW and MATLAB Support: Compatible with VI-DAQ (LabVIEW) and ML-DAQ (MATLAB) libraries for seamless integration into scientific and engineering environments.
- Comprehensive Accessory Ecosystem: Compatible with CONTEC’s range of shielded cables, terminal blocks, and BNC breakout units for flexible system configuration.

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3. Technical Specifications

| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|------------------|
| Analog Output Channels | 8 channels |
| Resolution | 16-bit |
| Output Range | Bipolar: ±10 V |
| Output Impedance | 1 Ω or less |
| Conversion Speed | 10 µsec/channel (maximum) |
| Conversion Accuracy | ±3 LSB |
| Output Drive Capability | ±5 mA maximum |
| Buffer Memory | 1 k-word FIFO |
| Digital Input Channels | 4 × TTL-level (positive logic) |
| Digital Output Channels | 4 × TTL-level (positive logic) |
| Counter | 1 × 32-bit up counter (binary) |
| Counter Input Type | TTL-level |
| Interrupts | 1 interrupt request (INTA) |
| I/O Address | Any 64-byte boundary |
| Bus Interface | PCI (32-bit, 33 MHz, 5 V or 3.3 V) |
| Power Consumption | +5 VDC ± 5%, 380 mA (typical) |
| Dimensions (L × H) | 176.41 mm × 105.68 mm |
| Connector Type | 50-pin Mini-Ribbon (3M 10250-52A2JL or equivalent) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C – 50 °C |
| Storage Temperature | –20 °C – 60 °C |
| Humidity | 10 – 90 % RH (non-condensing) |
| Weight | Approx. 120 g |
| Mounting Brackets | Low-profile and standard PCI brackets included |

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4. Functionality

The DA16-8(LPCI)L performs digital-to-analog conversion across eight independent channels, enabling precise voltage output for control, simulation, or signal generation. Each channel can output bipolar ±10 V analog signals with 16-bit resolution. The onboard timing circuit allows synchronized or timed output operations, making it suitable for waveform generation, actuator control, and closed-loop systems.

Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial process control and automation
- Analog signal simulation and waveform generation
- Test and measurement systems
- Data acquisition and control in laboratory environments
- Control of actuators, valves, and transducers
- Integration into PC-based instrumentation systems

Compatibility:
- Compatible with standard PCI and Low Profile PCI slots in desktop PCs.
- Works with CONTEC’s accessory ecosystem (terminal blocks, shielded cables, BNC panels).
- Supported by Windows, Linux, MATLAB, and LabVIEW environments.

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5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- DA16-8(LPCI)L board
- Low-profile PCI bracket (pre-installed)
- Standard-height PCI bracket (included)
- User documentation and driver software (downloadable)

Optional Accessories:
- Cables:
- PCB50PS-0.5P / PCB50PS-1.5P (shielded 50-pin cable)
- PCA50PS-0.5P / PCA50PS-1.5P (flat cable)
- Terminal Blocks:
- EPD-50A (M3 screw terminal unit)
- ATP-8L (BNC terminal unit for analog output)
- Connector Sets:
- CN5-D50M (50-pin male connector set)
- DIN Rail Adapter:
- DIN-ADP1 for mounting terminal units on DIN rails

Supported Connectors:
50-pin Mini-Ribbon connector (3M 10250-52A2JL or equivalent).

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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)
- Windows 10/11 or Linux kernel with CONTEC API-TOOLs support
- +5 VDC power supply from PCI bus

Installation Steps:
1. Power off the PC and remove the cover.
2. Insert the DA16-8(LPCI)L board into an available PCI slot.
3. Secure the board using the supplied bracket (low-profile or standard).
4. Connect the external analog and digital I/O signals via the 50-pin connector using appropriate shielded cables.
5. Install the driver software (API-TOOLs for Windows or Linux).
6. Verify device recognition in the operating system.
7. Configure output ranges, timing, and synchronization parameters using the provided API or GUI utilities.

Mounting Options:
- Fits both low-profile and standard PCI slots.
- External connections via 50-pin Mini-Ribbon cable to terminal block or BNC panel.

Configuration:
- All range and timing parameters are software-configurable.
- No jumper or DIP switch settings required.

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7. Performance & Capabilities

- Analog Output Performance:
- 16-bit resolution ensures fine voltage control with minimal quantization error.
- ±10 V bipolar range suitable for most industrial and laboratory devices.
- 10 µsec/channel conversion speed supports high-speed waveform generation.
- ±3 LSB accuracy ensures reliable analog output fidelity.

- Digital I/O Performance:
- 4 × TTL inputs and 4 × TTL outputs for control and status signaling.
- Positive logic, 0–5 V TTL-level compatibility.

- Counter Functionality:
- 32-bit up counter for event counting, synchronization, or timing applications.
- TTL-level input, binary counting system.

- Buffer Memory:
- 1 k-word onboard buffer allows background output independent of CPU load.
- Supports continuous waveform output or timed signal generation.

- Efficiency and Reliability:
- Low power consumption (380 mA at 5 V).
- Compact low-profile design minimizes space requirements.
- Software-based calibration and configuration reduce maintenance overhead.

- Limitations:
- No onboard isolation between channels (non-isolated outputs).
- Single ±10 V output range (fixed).
- Limited onboard memory (1 k-word) compared to higher-end F or E series models.

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8. Standards & Compliance

- Bus Interface: PCI Local Bus Specification Revision 2.2 compliant
- Form Factor: Low Profile PCI (includes standard bracket)
- Electrical Standards: TTL-level digital I/O (positive logic)
- Environmental Compliance:
- Operating temperature: 0 °C – 50 °C
- Storage temperature: –20 °C – 60 °C
- Humidity: 10 – 90 % RH (non-condensing)
- Safety and EMC: Designed for industrial environments with noise-resistant circuitry
- Software Standards:
- Windows API (Win32 DLL)
- Linux shared library and kernel module interface
- LabVIEW VI-DAQ and MATLAB ML-DAQ compatibility
- Regulatory Compliance: CE and RoHS compliant (per CONTEC product line standards)

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9. Additional Information

Warranty:
- Standard 1-year manufacturer warranty (extendable via CONTEC service programs).

Technical Support:
- Free driver and software updates available at [www.contec.com](https://www.contec.com).
- Online documentation, sample code, and application notes provided.
- Global technical support via CONTEC regional offices.

Maintenance:
- No periodic calibration required; software-based correction supported.
- Keep connectors and contacts clean; avoid electrostatic discharge during handling.

Software & Updates:
- API-TOOLs for Windows: License-free driver and API library for Win32 applications.
- API-TOOLs for Linux: Open-source compatible driver and shared library.
- LabVIEW VI-DAQ: VI library for National Instruments LabVIEW.
- MATLAB ML-DAQ: MATLAB-compatible library for data acquisition and control.
- Utility Software: Includes diagnostic tools, sample programs, and configuration utilities.

Recommended System Integration:
- For Desktop PCs:
- DA16-8(LPCI)L board
- PCB50PS shielded cable
- ATP-8L BNC terminal unit
- For Laboratory Use:
- DA16-8(LPCI)L with EPD-50A terminal block for screw-type connections
- Integration with LabVIEW or MATLAB for waveform generation and analysis

Series Overview – L Series:
The L Series represents CONTEC’s low-cost, high-precision analog I/O solutions. These boards combine essential analog and digital functions with compact design and software configurability. The series includes:
- ADA16-8/2(LPCI)L: 8 AI + 2 AO multifunction board
- AD16-16(LPCI)L: 16-channel analog input board
- DA16-4(LPCI)L: 4-channel analog output board
- DA16-8(LPCI)L: 8-channel analog output board (this model)

All models share a common driver interface, ensuring software compatibility and easy system scaling.

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Summary

The CONTEC DA16-8(LPCI)L is a compact, high-precision, 16-bit, 8-channel digital-to-analog output board designed for PCI and Low Profile PCI systems. It delivers reliable, high-speed analog output performance with integrated digital I/O and counter functions. Its software-configurable architecture, onboard buffer memory, and broad driver support make it ideal for industrial automation, laboratory instrumentation, and PC-based control systems. With robust accessory support and cross-platform compatibility, the DA16-8(LPCI)L provides a cost-effective and flexible solution for analog signal generation and control applications.