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PCI-9846D/512

PCI AD Digitizer Card 40Ms/s 16bit 4*Chan 1V
  • Manufacturer Adlink Technology Inc.
  • Category: A/D High Speed PCI
  • The ADLINK PCI‑9846D/512 is a high‑performance, four‑channel, 16‑bit analog‑to‑digital (A/D) digitizer card designed for high‑speed data acquisition and waveform recording applications. Operating on the PCI bus, it provides simultaneous sampling across four channels at up to 40 MS/s per channel, with a 20 MHz analog bandwidth (‑3 dB) and 512 MB of onboard SDRAM memory. The card supports software‑selectable input impedance (50 Ω or 1 MΩ) and programmable input ranges (±0.2 V or ±1 V), making it suitable for precision measurement, radar, ultrasound, and communication system testing.
- High‑Speed Sampling: Up to 40 MS/s per channel simultaneous sampling across four channels.
- High Resolution: 16‑bit ADC resolution (1 in 65,536) for precise signal digitization.
- Wide Bandwidth: Typical 20 MHz (‑3 dB) analog input bandwidth at 50 Ω.
- Deep Onboard Memory: 512 MB SDRAM shared across four channels for extended waveform capture.
- Flexible Input Configuration:
- Software‑selectable input impedance: 50 Ω or 1 MΩ.
- Programmable input voltage ranges: ±0.2 V or ±1 V.
- DC coupling for accurate low‑frequency measurements.
- Multiple Trigger Sources: Software, external digital (SMB), analog threshold (CH0–CH3), PXI STAR, PXI Trigger Bus, and SSI bus.
- Trigger Modes: Post‑trigger, pre‑trigger, middle‑trigger, delay‑trigger, and re‑trigger acquisition.
- Clock Sources: Internal oscillator (40 MHz), external clock via SMB, PXI STAR, PXI Trigger Bus, PXI 10 MHz, or SSI bus.
- Scatter‑Gather DMA: Efficient high‑throughput data transfer to host memory.
- Auto‑Calibration: Built‑in precision 5 V reference with ±3 ppm/°C drift for software‑controlled calibration.
- Multi‑Module Synchronization: PXI Trigger Bus or SSI interface for synchronized operation of multiple digitizers.
- Software Support: DAQPilot, DAQMaster, and WD‑DASK drivers for Windows, LabVIEW®, and MATLAB®.
- Form Factor: Standard height, half‑length PCI card (167.64 mm × 106.68 mm).
- Plug‑and‑Play PCI Interface: 32‑bit/66 MHz PCI bus supporting both 3.3 V and 5 V signaling.

Country of origin: Taiwan R.O.C.

Customs tariff number: 8473 3020 000

Comprehensive Product Summary – ADLINK PCI‑9846D/512




### 1. Product Overview

Product Name: PCI AD Digitizer Card
Model: PCI‑9846D/512
Series: PCI/PXI‑9816/26/46 High‑Speed Digitizer Series
Article Number: PCI‑9846D/512
Manufacturer: ADLINK Technology Inc.
Part Number: 50‑17031‑1020
Manual Revision: 2.02 (October 5, 2010)

The ADLINK PCI‑9846D/512 is a high‑performance, four‑channel, 16‑bit analog‑to‑digital (A/D) digitizer card designed for high‑speed data acquisition and waveform recording applications. Operating on the PCI bus, it provides simultaneous sampling across four channels at up to 40 MS/s per channel, with a 20 MHz analog bandwidth (‑3 dB) and 512 MB of onboard SDRAM memory. The card supports software‑selectable input impedance (50 Ω or 1 MΩ) and programmable input ranges (±0.2 V or ±1 V), making it suitable for precision measurement, radar, ultrasound, and communication system testing.




### 2. Key Features

- High‑Speed Sampling: Up to 40 MS/s per channel simultaneous sampling across four channels.
- High Resolution: 16‑bit ADC resolution (1 in 65,536) for precise signal digitization.
- Wide Bandwidth: Typical 20 MHz (‑3 dB) analog input bandwidth at 50 Ω.
- Deep Onboard Memory: 512 MB SDRAM shared across four channels for extended waveform capture.
- Flexible Input Configuration:
- Software‑selectable input impedance: 50 Ω or 1 MΩ.
- Programmable input voltage ranges: ±0.2 V or ±1 V.
- DC coupling for accurate low‑frequency measurements.
- Multiple Trigger Sources: Software, external digital (SMB), analog threshold (CH0–CH3), PXI STAR, PXI Trigger Bus, and SSI bus.
- Trigger Modes: Post‑trigger, pre‑trigger, middle‑trigger, delay‑trigger, and re‑trigger acquisition.
- Clock Sources: Internal oscillator (40 MHz), external clock via SMB, PXI STAR, PXI Trigger Bus, PXI 10 MHz, or SSI bus.
- Scatter‑Gather DMA: Efficient high‑throughput data transfer to host memory.
- Auto‑Calibration: Built‑in precision 5 V reference with ±3 ppm/°C drift for software‑controlled calibration.
- Multi‑Module Synchronization: PXI Trigger Bus or SSI interface for synchronized operation of multiple digitizers.
- Software Support: DAQPilot, DAQMaster, and WD‑DASK drivers for Windows, LabVIEW®, and MATLAB®.
- Form Factor: Standard height, half‑length PCI card (167.64 mm × 106.68 mm).
- Plug‑and‑Play PCI Interface: 32‑bit/66 MHz PCI bus supporting both 3.3 V and 5 V signaling.




### 3. Technical Specifications

Analog Input
- Channels: 4 single‑ended, simultaneous sampling
- Connectors: 4 × BNC (CH0–CH3)
- Input Impedance: 50 Ω or 1 MΩ (software‑selectable, default = 50 Ω)
- Input Coupling: DC
- Input Ranges: ±0.2 V / ±1 V (software‑selectable)
- Overvoltage Protection: ±5 V (for ±0.2 V/±1 V ranges)
- ADC Resolution: 16 bits
- Crosstalk: ≤ ‑80 dB at 1 MHz (50 Ω input)
- Offset Error: ±0.3 mV (typical for PCI‑9846D)
- Gain Error: ±0.05 % (±1 V range)
- Bandwidth (‑3 dB): 20 MHz typical @ 50 Ω
- System Noise: 8 LSB RMS (±0.2 V range), 5 LSB RMS (±1 V range)

Spectral Performance (typical, 0.998 MHz input, 50 Ω)
- SINAD: 76.06 dBc (±1 V), 71.97 dBc (±0.2 V)
- SNR: 76.17 dBc (±1 V), 71.98 dBc (±0.2 V)
- THD: ‑90.65 dBc (±1 V), ‑95.78 dBc (±0.2 V)
- SFDR: 91.62 dBc (±1 V), 96.15 dBc (±0.2 V)
- ENOB: 12.34 bits (±1 V), 11.66 bits (±0.2 V)

Timebase and Sampling
- Internal Clock: 40 MHz ± 25 ppm
- External Clock Input: SMB connector, 50 Ω AC‑coupled, 1–2 V p‑p sine/square wave
- Sampling Rate Range: 40 MS/s – 2.384 S/s (programmable via 24‑bit divider)
- External Clock Sources: CLK IN, PXI STAR, PXI Trigger Bus[0–7], PXI 10 MHz, SSI bus
- Timebase Export: Selectable PXI Trigger Bus line output

Triggering
- Sources: Software, TRG IO (SMB), analog (CH0–CH3), PXI STAR, PXI Trigger Bus[0–7], SSI bus
- Modes: Pre‑trigger, post‑trigger, middle‑trigger, delay‑trigger, re‑trigger
- TRG IO Input: SMB, 3.3 V LVTTL (5 V tolerant), VIH ≥ 2.0 V, VIL ≤ 0.8 V, min pulse 20 ns
- TRG IO Output: SMB, 3.3 V TTL, VOH ≥ 2.4 V, VOL ≤ 0.2 V, drive 8 mA
- Analog Trigger: CH0–CH3, 8‑bit level resolution (256 steps), full‑scale range, rising/falling slope selectable

Data Storage and Transfer
- Onboard Memory: 512 MB SDRAM (shared across 4 channels)
- Transfer Method: Scatter‑gather DMA (bus‑mastering)
- PCI Interface: 32‑bit, 66 MHz, 3.3 V/5 V signaling

Onboard Reference
- Reference Voltage: 5 V
- Temperature Drift: ±3 ppm/°C
- Warm‑up Time: 15 minutes

Environmental
- Operating Temperature: 0 °C – +50 °C (PCI version)
- Storage Temperature: ‑20 °C – +85 °C
- Humidity: 10 % – 90 %, non‑condensing

Physical
- Dimensions: 167.64 mm (L) × 106.68 mm (H) (PCI)
- Slot Width: 1 slot
- Weight: Approx. 300 g (typical)
- Form Factor: Standard height, half‑length PCI card

Power Requirements
- +12 V @ 0.3 A
- +5 V @ 2.0 A
- +3.3 V @ 0.8 A
- Total Power: ≈ 16.2 W

EMC Compliance
- Emission: EN 55022
- Immunity: EN 55024




### 4. Functionality

The PCI‑9846D/512 digitizes analog signals into 16‑bit digital data using four simultaneous ADCs. Each channel’s analog path includes a programmable gain amplifier, anti‑aliasing filter, and precision calibration circuitry. The digitized data is stored in onboard SDRAM before being transferred to the host system via DMA.

Use Cases & Applications:
- Radar, sonar, and lidar signal acquisition
- Ultrasound and medical imaging systems
- Software‑defined radio (SDR) and wireless communication testing
- Scientific research and laboratory instrumentation
- Military and aerospace signal analysis
- High‑speed transient capture and waveform recording

Compatibility:
- PCI bus systems (32‑bit/66 MHz, 3.3 V/5 V signaling)
- Supported operating systems: Windows (via DAQPilot, DAQMaster, WD‑DASK drivers)
- Integration with LabVIEW®, MATLAB®, and ActiveX environments




### 5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- PCI‑9846D/512 digitizer card
- ADLINK All‑in‑One software CD
- Software installation guide
- User’s manual (Rev. 2.02)

Front Panel Connectors:
- CH0–CH3: BNC connectors for analog input
- CLK IN: SMB connector for external timebase input (50 Ω AC‑coupled)
- TRG IO: SMB connector for external digital trigger input/output

Optional Accessories:
- ACL‑SSI‑2/3/4 cables for multi‑module synchronization (2, 3, or 4 modules)
- PXI Trigger Bus or SSI connector for synchronization and timing distribution




### 6. Installation & Setup

Requirements:
- Available PCI slot (32‑bit, 66 MHz)
- Compatible host PC with grounded chassis
- Anti‑static handling precautions (wrist strap, mat)

Installation Steps (PCI version):
1. Power off the computer and remove the cover.
2. Insert the PCI‑9846D into an available PCI slot.
3. Secure the bracket with the retaining screw.
4. Replace the cover and power on the system.
5. Install drivers and software from the ADLINK All‑in‑One CD.

Software Configuration:
- DAQPilot: Graphical SDK for task‑oriented configuration.
- DAQMaster: Device manager for configuration and firmware updates.
- WD‑DASK: Legacy driver for advanced custom applications.

Board Identification:
- DIP switch (1–5) assigns unique board ID (0–31) for multi‑card systems.
- Each card must have a unique ID to avoid resource conflicts.




### 7. Performance & Capabilities

Sampling Performance:
- 40 MS/s per channel (simultaneous)
- 16‑bit resolution
- 20 MHz analog bandwidth (‑3 dB)
- Effective Number of Bits (ENOB): ≈ 12.3 bits typical
- SFDR: > 91 dBc typical
- SINAD: ≈ 76 dBc typical

Data Throughput:
- Raw acquisition rate: 320 MB/s (4 channels × 40 MS/s × 2 bytes)
- PCI bus transfer via scatter‑gather DMA for efficient streaming

Memory & Buffering:
- 512 MB onboard SDRAM enables long waveform capture independent of PCI bandwidth.
- Data stored locally before DMA transfer to host memory.

Triggering & Timing:
- Supports pre‑, post‑, middle‑, delay‑, and re‑trigger modes.
- External digital trigger minimum pulse width: 20 ns.
- Analog trigger resolution: 8 bits (256 steps).
- Delay trigger counter: 32‑bit (max delay ≈ TIMEBASE × (2³² – 1)).
- Re‑trigger counter: 24‑bit (up to 16,777,215 events).

Synchronization:
- PXI Trigger Bus[0–7] or SSI interface for multi‑module synchronization.
- Signals: SSI_TIMEBASE, SSI_TRIG1, SSI_TRIG2, SSI_START_OP.
- Clocked trigger synchronization ensures sub‑clock‑cycle alignment between modules.

Limitations:
- PCI bus bandwidth limits continuous streaming; onboard memory mitigates this.
- External clock must be continuous for proper ADC operation.
- Analog bandwidth limited to 20 MHz (‑3 dB).




### 8. Standards & Compliance

- PCI Interface: 32‑bit, 66 MHz, 3.3 V/5 V signaling compliant
- EMC Compliance: EN 55022 (emission), EN 55024 (immunity)
- Environmental: RoHS‑compliant manufacturing
- Safety: Meets standard industrial operating temperature and humidity ranges
- Calibration: Internal precision 5 V reference, auto‑calibration stored in EEPROM
- PXI Compatibility: PXI Trigger Bus and PXI STAR trigger support for synchronization




### 9. Additional Information

Warranty & Support:
- Standard ADLINK limited warranty (contact regional office for terms).
- Global technical support available via email and phone.
- Service centers in Taiwan, USA, China, Europe, Japan, Korea, Singapore, and India.

Maintenance:
- Periodic calibration recommended using onboard reference.
- Keep card free of dust and static discharge.
- Avoid exposure to moisture or extreme temperatures.

Software Updates:
- Latest drivers and SDKs available from [www.adlinktech.com](http://www.adlinktech.com).
- DAQPilot and DAQMaster provide automatic update and configuration management.

Safety Notes:
- Operate within 0 °C – 50 °C ambient temperature.
- Ensure proper grounding and ESD protection during installation.
- Disconnect power before servicing or removing the card.
- Lithium battery (RTC) replacement must follow manufacturer’s instructions.




### Summary

The ADLINK PCI‑9846D/512 is a high‑speed, high‑resolution PCI digitizer optimized for demanding test and measurement applications. With 40 MS/s sampling, 16‑bit resolution, and 512 MB onboard memory, it delivers precise, simultaneous four‑channel data acquisition. Its flexible triggering, multiple clock sources, and synchronization interfaces make it ideal for complex, multi‑module measurement systems. The card’s robust design, auto‑calibration, and comprehensive software support ensure reliable performance in laboratory, industrial, and research environments.
  • WD-DASK - Windows driver API for PCI/PXI-9820 and PXI-98xx Digitizer
  • SMB-SMB-1m - SMB to SMB cable 1m (PCIe-7350)
  • SMB-BNC-1m - SMB to BNC cable 1m (PXI-9816/26/46)