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DAI12-8C(PC)

Isolated 8 DA Card 12bit 40kS/s
  • Manufacturer Contec
  • Category: D/A Isolated ISA
  • The Contec DAI12-8C(PC) is a high-performance, isolated digital-to-analog output card designed for PC-based data acquisition and control systems. It provides eight independent analog output channels with 12-bit resolution and a maximum sampling rate of 40 kS/s. The card is engineered for industrial and laboratory environments requiring precise analog signal generation, robust electrical isolation, and reliable performance under demanding conditions.
- Eight Isolated Analog Output Channels: Provides 8 independent digital-to-analog (DA) outputs, each capable of generating precise voltage or current signals.
- 12-bit Resolution: Delivers fine granularity and accuracy in analog signal generation, suitable for control and simulation applications.
- Sampling Rate up to 40 kS/s: Supports high-speed output updates for dynamic signal generation and real-time control.
- Voltage and Current Output Modes: Each channel can output either 0–5 V or 4–20 mA signals, making it compatible with a wide range of industrial sensors, actuators, and control systems.
- No External Power Supply Required: The card draws power directly from the PC bus, simplifying installation and reducing wiring complexity.
- Bus Isolation up to 350 Vrms: Provides galvanic isolation between the PC bus and analog output circuitry, protecting both the host system and connected devices from voltage surges and ground loops.
- Opto-Isolated Digital I/O: Includes 2 or 4 TTL-level digital input/output lines with optical isolation rated up to 5 kV, ensuring safe interfacing with external control signals.
- Standard D-Sub 37-pin Female Connector: Facilitates easy connection to external devices and wiring harnesses using a widely available connector type.
- Compact Form Factor: Measures 160 mm × 122 mm, suitable for installation in standard PC slots or industrial enclosures.
- Industrial-Grade Design: Engineered for reliability, noise immunity, and long-term operation in harsh environments.

Country of origin: Japan

Customs tariff number: 8473 3020 000

1. Product Overview
Product Name: Isolated 8 DA Card 12bit 40kS/s
Model: DAI12-8C(PC)
Series: DAI12 Series – Isolated Digital-to-Analog (DA) Output Cards
Article Number: DAI12-8C(PC)
Manufacturer: Contec Co., Ltd.

The Contec DAI12-8C(PC) is a high-performance, isolated digital-to-analog output card designed for PC-based data acquisition and control systems. It provides eight independent analog output channels with 12-bit resolution and a maximum sampling rate of 40 kS/s. The card is engineered for industrial and laboratory environments requiring precise analog signal generation, robust electrical isolation, and reliable performance under demanding conditions. With built-in isolation between the bus and output channels, as well as opto-isolated TTL I/O lines, the DAI12-8C(PC) ensures signal integrity and protection against electrical noise and ground potential differences.




2. Key Features
- Eight Isolated Analog Output Channels: Provides 8 independent digital-to-analog (DA) outputs, each capable of generating precise voltage or current signals.
- 12-bit Resolution: Delivers fine granularity and accuracy in analog signal generation, suitable for control and simulation applications.
- Sampling Rate up to 40 kS/s: Supports high-speed output updates for dynamic signal generation and real-time control.
- Voltage and Current Output Modes: Each channel can output either 0–5 V or 4–20 mA signals, making it compatible with a wide range of industrial sensors, actuators, and control systems.
- No External Power Supply Required: The card draws power directly from the PC bus, simplifying installation and reducing wiring complexity.
- Bus Isolation up to 350 Vrms: Provides galvanic isolation between the PC bus and analog output circuitry, protecting both the host system and connected devices from voltage surges and ground loops.
- Opto-Isolated Digital I/O: Includes 2 or 4 TTL-level digital input/output lines with optical isolation rated up to 5 kV, ensuring safe interfacing with external control signals.
- Standard D-Sub 37-pin Female Connector: Facilitates easy connection to external devices and wiring harnesses using a widely available connector type.
- Compact Form Factor: Measures 160 mm × 122 mm, suitable for installation in standard PC slots or industrial enclosures.
- Industrial-Grade Design: Engineered for reliability, noise immunity, and long-term operation in harsh environments.




3. Technical Specifications
- Analog Output Channels: 8 isolated channels
- Resolution: 12 bits
- Maximum Sampling Rate: 40 kS/s (aggregate)
- Output Range:
- Voltage Output: 0 to +5 V
- Current Output: 4 to 20 mA
- Output Type: Single-ended, isolated per channel
- Isolation:
- Bus-to-output isolation: up to 350 Vrms
- Digital I/O opto-isolation: up to 5 kV
- Digital I/O:
- 2 or 4 TTL-level input/output lines
- Optically isolated for protection and noise immunity
- Connector Type: D-type 37-pin female
- Board Dimensions: 160 mm (L) × 122 mm (W)
- Power Requirements: Powered directly from PC bus (no external supply required)
- Operating Environment:
- Designed for PC-based industrial and laboratory systems
- Suitable for environments with electrical noise and potential ground differences
- Construction: High-quality PCB with industrial-grade components for durability and stability




4. Functionality
The DAI12-8C(PC) functions as a digital-to-analog conversion interface between a host PC and external analog devices. It receives digital data from the PC via the system bus and converts it into corresponding analog voltage or current signals on each of its eight output channels.

Each channel can be configured for either voltage (0–5 V) or current (4–20 mA) output, enabling flexible integration with a variety of industrial control systems, such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), actuators, transducers, and process control instruments.

The card’s isolation design ensures that the analog outputs are electrically separated from the PC bus, preventing ground loops and protecting both the host computer and connected equipment from transient voltages or electrical interference.

Typical Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial process control and automation
- Analog signal simulation and testing
- Data acquisition and control systems
- Laboratory instrumentation and measurement setups
- Equipment calibration and diagnostics
- Control of analog actuators, valves, and drives
- Integration with SCADA and DCS systems

Compatibility:
The DAI12-8C(PC) is designed for PC-based systems and is compatible with standard PC bus architectures. It can be integrated into custom data acquisition frameworks or used with Contec’s software tools and drivers for Windows or other supported operating systems.




5. Components & Accessories
Included Items:
- DAI12-8C(PC) main board
- D-type 37-pin female connector interface
- User documentation and installation guide (may include driver software or configuration utilities depending on package)

Optional Accessories (available separately):
- Shielded cable assemblies for D-Sub 37-pin connectors
- Terminal block breakout modules for easy wiring
- Mounting brackets or DIN-rail adapters for industrial enclosures
- Software development kits (SDKs) and driver libraries for integration with custom applications

Connectors and Interfaces:
- Analog Output Connector: D-Sub 37-pin female, providing access to all 8 analog output channels and ground references
- Digital I/O Lines: Accessible through the same connector or auxiliary header, depending on configuration
- Bus Interface: Standard PC bus interface (specific type depends on system configuration, e.g., PCI or ISA variant)




6. Installation & Setup
Requirements:
- Compatible PC with an available expansion slot (PCI or ISA, depending on model variant)
- Operating system supported by Contec drivers (typically Windows or Linux)
- Appropriate software or control application to generate and manage analog output signals

Mounting Options:
- Direct installation into a PC chassis expansion slot
- Optional use of industrial enclosures or rack-mount systems with extension cables

Configuration:
- The card is recognized by the host system via the bus interface.
- Channel configuration (voltage/current mode) is typically set via software or onboard jumpers.
- Digital I/O lines can be configured as input or output depending on application requirements.
- Calibration and scaling can be performed through Contec’s software utilities or user-developed applications.

Setup Procedure:
1. Power off the PC and insert the DAI12-8C(PC) card into an available slot.
2. Secure the card using the chassis mounting screw.
3. Connect external devices to the D-Sub 37-pin connector using appropriate cables.
4. Power on the PC and install the required drivers.
5. Verify device recognition in the system’s device manager or Contec configuration tool.
6. Configure output ranges and test analog channels using provided software or custom code.




7. Performance & Capabilities
Speed and Throughput:
- Capable of updating analog outputs at up to 40,000 samples per second, allowing for smooth waveform generation and responsive control.

Resolution and Accuracy:
- 12-bit resolution provides 4096 discrete output levels, enabling fine control over analog signal amplitude.

Capacity and Channel Independence:
- Eight independent channels allow simultaneous control of multiple analog devices or processes.
- Each channel can operate in voltage or current mode independently, offering flexibility in mixed-signal environments.

Efficiency and Reliability:
- No external power supply reduces system complexity and potential points of failure.
- Isolation barriers protect against electrical faults and noise, ensuring stable operation even in electrically noisy industrial settings.

Limitations:
- Output range limited to 0–5 V or 4–20 mA; not suitable for applications requiring higher voltage or bipolar outputs.
- Aggregate sampling rate may limit simultaneous high-speed operation across all channels.
- Requires appropriate driver support for full functionality under specific operating systems.




8. Standards & Compliance
Electrical Isolation:
- Bus isolation rated up to 350 Vrms, compliant with industrial safety and EMC standards for isolation protection.
- Opto-isolation for digital I/O rated up to 5 kV, ensuring compliance with high-voltage isolation requirements.

Regulatory Compliance:
- Designed and manufactured in accordance with Contec’s quality management systems.
- Meets typical industrial and laboratory equipment standards for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and safety.
- RoHS-compliant construction (lead-free components and environmentally responsible materials).

Industry Standards:
- Compatible with standard PC bus interfaces and D-Sub 37-pin connector pinouts.
- Supports integration with standard industrial control and data acquisition systems.




9. Additional Information
Warranty:
- Standard manufacturer’s warranty provided by Contec (typically one year, extendable depending on region and distributor).

Technical Support:
- Comprehensive technical documentation, driver downloads, and software tools available from Contec’s official website.
- Customer support includes email and phone assistance, as well as online knowledge base and FAQs.

Maintenance:
- Minimal maintenance required; periodic inspection of connectors and cables recommended.
- Ensure proper grounding and shielding to maintain signal integrity.
- Firmware or driver updates may be released periodically to enhance performance or compatibility.

Software and Updates:
- Compatible with Contec’s driver libraries and SDKs for Windows and Linux.
- Supports integration with third-party data acquisition and control software via standard APIs.
- Regular updates ensure compatibility with new operating systems and hardware platforms.




Summary
The Contec DAI12-8C(PC) is a robust, isolated 8-channel digital-to-analog output card offering 12-bit resolution and a 40 kS/s sampling rate. Designed for industrial and laboratory applications, it provides both voltage (0–5 V) and current (4–20 mA) outputs without requiring an external power supply. Its 350 Vrms bus isolation and 5 kV opto-isolated digital I/O ensure safe and reliable operation in electrically noisy environments. With a compact 160 × 122 mm form factor, standard D-Sub 37-pin connector, and compatibility with PC-based systems, the DAI12-8C(PC) delivers precision, flexibility, and durability for a wide range of analog control and signal generation tasks.
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