1. Product Overview

Product Name: PCIS-DASK/X
Model: PCIS-DASK/X (Linux Edition)
Series: NuDAQ PCI and NuIPC CompactPCI Data Acquisition (DAQ) Software Drivers
Article Number: PCIS-DASK/X
Manufacturer: ADLINK Technology Inc.
Revision: Manual Rev. 3.00, June 25, 2000
Manufacturer Address: 9F, No. 166, Jian Yi Road, Chungho City, Taipei, 235 Taiwan, R.O.C.
Contact:
- Website: [http://www.adlink.com.tw](http://www.adlink.com.tw)
- Sales & Service: service@adlink.com.tw
- Technical Support: nudaq@adlink.com.tw
- Telephone: +886-2-82265877
- Fax: +886-2-82265717

Product Description:
PCIS-DASK/X is a Linux software driver package developed by ADLINK Technology Inc. for its NuDAQ PCI-bus and NuIPC CompactPCI data acquisition cards. It provides a high-performance, kernel-level driver and shared library interface that allows developers to integrate ADLINK’s DAQ hardware into custom Linux-based applications. The driver supports a wide range of ADLINK PCI and CompactPCI cards, enabling analog and digital I/O, counter/timer operations, and high-speed DMA data transfer under Linux kernel 2.2.x environments.

---

2. Key Features

- Comprehensive Linux Driver Support:
PCIS-DASK/X provides full Linux kernel module support for ADLINK’s NuDAQ PCI and NuIPC CompactPCI DAQ cards, enabling analog input/output, digital I/O, and counter/timer operations.

- Shared Library Architecture:
Includes a shared library (`libpci-dask.so`) for user-space applications, offering a consistent API for C/C++ programming under Linux.

- Kernel Module Integration:
Provides loadable kernel modules for each supported DAQ card, ensuring efficient communication between user applications and hardware.

- Automatic Device Detection:
Utilizes PCI bus architecture for automatic detection of NuDAQ PCI devices, simplifying installation and configuration.

- High-Performance Data Transfer:
Supports DMA (Direct Memory Access) and interrupt-driven data transfer for high-speed continuous data acquisition and output.

- Memory Management:
Includes high-memory management modules for contiguous memory allocation, essential for continuous analog or digital operations.

- Cross-Platform Consistency:
Maintains API compatibility with Windows versions of PCIS-DASK, allowing easy migration of applications between Windows and Linux.

- Extensive Hardware Compatibility:
Supports a wide range of ADLINK PCI and CompactPCI cards, including analog, digital, and multifunction DAQ boards such as PCI-6208, PCI-7200, PCI-9112, PCI-9812, and others.

- Sample Programs and Documentation:
Includes example source code, PDF manuals, and configuration utilities to accelerate development and deployment.

---

3. Technical Specifications

System Requirements:
- Platform: IBM PC/AT or compatible system
- Operating System: Linux Kernel 2.2.x
- Processor: Intel x86 architecture (Pentium-class or higher)
- Memory: Sufficient system RAM; optional reserved high memory for continuous operations
- Storage: Hard disk with adequate space for driver and library installation
- Media: CD-ROM or 3.5-inch floppy drive for installation
- Compiler: GNU C/C++ compiler (gcc or cc)

Software Components:
- Shared Library: `libpci-dask.so` (installed to `/usr/lib`)
- Header Files: `dask.h` for C/C++ programming
- Kernel Modules: Device drivers for each supported NuDAQ PCI card
- Utilities:
- `dask_conf` – driver configuration utility
- `dask_inst.pl` – Perl installation script for module and node creation
- Documentation: PDF manuals and function references
- Sample Programs: Example C/C++ source code for supported cards

Memory Management:
- Supports contiguous memory reservation for DMA operations via kernel boot parameters (e.g., `append="mem=60M"` in `/etc/lilo.conf`).

Supported Hardware (Partial List):
- Analog Output: PCI-6208A, PCI-6308A, PCI-6308V
- Digital I/O: PCI-7200, PCI-7230, PCI-7248, PCI-7250, PCI-7296, PCI-7300A, PCI-7432, PCI-7433, PCI-7434
- Multifunction: PCI-9111, PCI-9112, PCI-9113, PCI-9114, PCI-9118, PCI-9812
- Counter/Timer: PCI-8554

---

4. Functionality

Core Operation:
PCIS-DASK/X provides a kernel-level interface for ADLINK’s DAQ hardware, exposing a unified API for analog input/output, digital I/O, and counter/timer operations. Applications link against the shared library (`libpci-dask.so`) to access device functions.

Use Cases:
- Industrial automation and process control
- Scientific data acquisition and instrumentation
- Real-time signal monitoring and logging
- Embedded measurement systems
- Laboratory test and measurement setups

Applications:
- Continuous analog data acquisition with DMA
- Digital pattern generation and capture
- Counter/timer event counting and frequency measurement
- Triggered data acquisition with pre/post-trigger buffering

Compatibility:
- Compatible with ADLINK’s NuDAQ PCI and NuIPC CompactPCI series
- API consistency with Windows PCIS-DASK versions ensures cross-platform portability

---

5. Components & Accessories

Included Components:
- `Pdask-Lx.tgz` archive containing:
- `lib/` – shared library (`libpci-dask.so`)
- `include/` – header files (`dask.h`)
- `drivers/` – kernel modules and installation scripts
- `docs/` – PDF manuals and function references
- `samples/` – example programs for supported devices
- `util/` – configuration utilities

Optional Add-ons:
- NuDAQ PCI and NuIPC CompactPCI DAQ cards (sold separately)
- ADLINK All-in-One CD containing Windows and Linux driver packages

Connectors:
- Standard PCI or CompactPCI interface connectors
- Device nodes created under `/dev/` for each installed card

---

6. Installation & Setup

Installation Procedure:
1. Unpack the Driver Package:
Insert the ADLINK All-in-One CD and extract the Linux driver archive:
```
tar xvzf Pdask-Lx.tgz
```
This creates a directory `pci-dask_xxx` (where `xxx` is the version number).

2. Reserve Memory (Optional):
For continuous operations requiring contiguous memory, reserve high memory by editing `/etc/lilo.conf`:
```
append="mem=60M"
```
Then run `/sbin/lilo` to apply changes.

3. Install Device Drivers:
Use the provided Perl script to install kernel modules and create device nodes:
```
<InstallDir>/pci-dask_xxx/drivers/dask_inst.pl
```

4. Install Shared Library:
Copy the shared library to the system library directory:
```
cp libpci_dask.so /usr/lib
```

5. Configure Devices:
Run the configuration utility to set up device parameters and save configuration to `pcidask.conf`.

Configuration Files:
- `pcidask.conf` – stores device configuration and memory allocation parameters.

Mounting Options:
- Software-only installation; hardware mounting depends on the specific PCI or CompactPCI card.

---

7. Performance & Capabilities

Data Transfer Modes:
- Interrupt-driven: For moderate-speed operations with minimal CPU load.
- DMA (Direct Memory Access): For high-speed continuous data transfer with minimal latency.

Buffer Management:
- Supports single-buffered and double-buffered continuous data acquisition.
- Double-buffered mode enables seamless data streaming without loss.

Memory Allocation:
- Configurable contiguous memory blocks for analog input/output and digital I/O operations.
- Memory allocation size determines maximum DMA transfer capacity.

Speed and Throughput:
- Dependent on specific DAQ card capabilities (e.g., PCI-9812 supports up to 20 MHz sampling rate).
- Optimized for low-latency data transfer and high throughput under Linux kernel 2.2.x.

Limitations:
- Requires kernel recompilation or boot parameter modification for high-memory reservation.
- Limited to supported ADLINK PCI/CompactPCI hardware.

---

8. Standards & Compliance

Certifications and Compliance:
- Compliant with PCI Local Bus Specification
- Compatible with Linux kernel 2.2.x driver model
- Developed according to ADLINK’s internal quality and reliability standards

Industry Standards:
- Supports standard C/C++ API conventions
- Compatible with GNU toolchain and Linux system libraries

Regulatory Compliance:
- Manufactured under ISO-certified processes by ADLINK Technology Inc.
- Meets CE and FCC requirements for electromagnetic compatibility (as applicable to hardware).

---

9. Additional Information

Warranty:
- Standard ADLINK limited warranty applies to software and hardware components.
- Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship; excludes misuse or unauthorized modification.

Technical Support:
- Email: nudaq@adlink.com.tw
- Phone: +886-2-82265877
- Fax: +886-2-82265717
- Online resources and driver updates available at [www.adlink.com.tw](http://www.adlink.com.tw)

Maintenance:
- Periodic updates available for new kernel versions and additional hardware support.
- Configuration files and modules should be backed up before system upgrades.

Software Updates:
- ADLINK periodically releases updated versions of PCIS-DASK/X to support new DAQ cards and kernel revisions.
- Updates include new driver modules, bug fixes, and expanded hardware compatibility.

Documentation:
- Comprehensive PDF manuals included in the `docs/` directory:
- User Guide
- Function Reference
- Installation Instructions

Support Utilities:
- `dask_conf` – Configures driver parameters and saves settings.
- `dask_inst.pl` – Automates driver installation and device node creation.
- `pci_scan` (DOS utility) – Diagnostic tool for PCI resource conflicts (available on CD).

Troubleshooting:
- Verify kernel version compatibility.
- Ensure device nodes are created correctly under `/dev/`.
- Check `pcidask.conf` for correct device configuration.
- Use `dmesg` to confirm successful module loading.

---

Summary

PCIS-DASK/X is a robust, high-performance Linux driver suite designed for ADLINK’s NuDAQ PCI and NuIPC CompactPCI data acquisition cards. It provides a unified programming interface, kernel-level performance, and comprehensive support for analog, digital, and counter/timer operations. With its modular architecture, shared library interface, and extensive documentation, PCIS-DASK/X enables developers to build reliable, high-speed data acquisition and control applications under Linux environments. The package includes all necessary components—drivers, libraries, utilities, and sample code—to streamline integration and ensure optimal performance across a wide range of ADLINK DAQ hardware.