Comprehensive Product Summary – PXI‑9846DW/512 PXI AD Digitizer Card

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### 1. Product Overview

Product Name: PXI‑9846DW/512
Model: PXI‑9846DW/512
Series: PXI‑98x6 Series (includes PXI‑9816, PXI‑9826, PXI‑9846)
Article Number: PXI‑9846DW/512
Manufacturer: ADLINK Technology Inc.
Part Number: 50‑17031‑1020
Manual Revision: 2.02 (October 5, 2010)

The ADLINK PXI‑9846DW/512 is a high‑performance PXI‑bus analog‑to‑digital (AD) digitizer card designed for high‑speed, high‑resolution waveform acquisition. It belongs to ADLINK’s PXI‑98x6 family of 16‑bit, 4‑channel simultaneous‑sampling digitizers, offering sampling rates up to 40 MS/s per channel and a wide analog bandwidth of 80 MHz. With 512 MB of onboard SDRAM memory, the PXI‑9846DW/512 supports extended waveform capture independent of host transfer rates. It is optimized for applications requiring precise, synchronized, and high‑fidelity signal digitization such as radar, ultrasound, software‑defined radio, and scientific instrumentation.

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### 2. Key Features

- High‑Speed Sampling: 40 MS/s per channel simultaneous sampling across four 16‑bit ADCs.
- High Resolution: True 16‑bit resolution (1 in 65,536) for accurate signal representation.
- Wide Bandwidth: Typical –3 dB bandwidth of 20 MHz (50 Ω input) and up to 80 MHz for ±1 V range.
- Large Onboard Memory: 512 MB SDRAM shared across four channels for long acquisition sessions.
- Programmable Input Range: Software‑selectable ±0.2 V or ±1 V (also ±1 V/±5 V for H‑variants).
- Selectable Input Impedance: 50 Ω or 1 MΩ, software‑configurable for flexible signal interfacing.
- Flexible Triggering: Supports software, external digital, analog, PXI STAR, and PXI Trigger Bus triggers.
- Multiple Trigger Modes: Post‑trigger, pre‑trigger, middle‑trigger, delay‑trigger, and re‑trigger operation.
- Multi‑Module Synchronization: PXI Trigger Bus and SSI interface enable precise synchronization of multiple modules.
- Auto‑Calibration: Built‑in precision 5 V reference with ±3 ppm/°C drift for fully automated calibration.
- Scatter‑Gather DMA: Efficient high‑throughput data transfer to host memory without fragmentation.
- PXI Integration: Full compliance with PXI 3U Eurocard mechanical and electrical standards.
- Software Support: Compatible with ADLINK DAQPilot, DAQMaster, and WD‑DASK drivers for Windows, LabVIEW®, and MATLAB®.
- High Dynamic Performance: Typical SINAD 76 dBc, SFDR 91.6 dBc, ENOB 12.3 bits at 40 MS/s.
- Compact Form Factor: Single‑slot 3U PXI module (100 × 160 mm).

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### 3. Technical Specifications

Analog Input
- Channels: 4 single‑ended, simultaneous sampling
- Connector Type: 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
- Gain Error: ±0.05 % (±1 V range)
- Bandwidth (–3 dB typical): 20 MHz @ 50 Ω, 80 MHz @ ±1 V range
- System Noise: 5 LSB RMS (±1 V range, 50 Ω input)

Spectral Performance (PXI‑9846)
- 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)
- Test Conditions: 0.998 MHz input, 40 MS/s, 50 Ω input, 64 K‑point FFT

Timebase and Sampling
- Internal Oscillator: 40 MHz ±25 ppm stability
- 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

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

Memory and Data Transfer
- Onboard Memory: 512 MB SDRAM shared across four channels
- Data Transfer: Scatter‑gather DMA (bus‑mastering)
- Data Format: 16‑bit straight binary

Physical and Environmental
- PXI Form Factor: 3U Eurocard, 100 mm × 160 mm (excluding connectors)
- Weight: Approx. 0.5 kg (typical)
- Operating Temperature: 0 °C – 55 °C (PXI version)
- Storage Temperature: –20 °C – 85 °C
- Humidity: 10 % – 90 % RH, non‑condensing
- Power Requirements: +12 V @ 0.3 A, +5 V @ 2.0 A, +3.3 V @ 0.8 A (≈ 16.2 W total)
- EMC Compliance: EN 55022 (emission), EN 55024 (immunity)

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### 4. Functionality

The PXI‑9846DW/512 digitizes analog signals into high‑resolution digital data for analysis, storage, or real‑time processing. Each of its four channels operates simultaneously, ensuring phase‑coherent sampling across inputs. The device’s internal 40 MHz oscillator provides the default timebase, while external clocks or PXI backplane clocks can synchronize multiple modules.

Use Cases and Applications:
- Radar, sonar, and lidar waveform capture
- 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 recording and time‑domain analysis

Compatibility:
- PXI backplane with 32‑bit/66 MHz PCI signaling
- Software integration with DAQPilot SDK, DAQMaster, WD‑DASK, LabVIEW®, MATLAB®, and ActiveX environments

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### 5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- PXI‑9846DW/512 digitizer module
- ADLINK All‑in‑One software CD
- Software installation guide
- User’s manual

Front Panel Connectors:
- CH0–CH3 (BNC): Analog input channels
- CLK IN (SMB): External timebase input (50 Ω AC‑coupled)
- TRG IO (SMB): Bidirectional trigger I/O port

Optional Accessories:
- ACL‑SSI‑2/3/4 synchronization cables for multi‑module operation
- PXI chassis and controller
- Shielded BNC cables and adapters

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### 6. Installation & Setup

Requirements:
- PXI chassis with available 3U peripheral slot
- Host controller with compatible ADLINK drivers
- Anti‑static handling precautions

Installation Steps:
1. Power off the PXI chassis and disconnect power.
2. Align the module with the chassis card guide.
3. Insert until the PXI connector engages; secure with front‑panel screws.
4. Power on the chassis and verify detection via DAQMaster.

Software Setup:
- Install DAQPilot or WD‑DASK drivers from the ADLINK All‑in‑One CD.
- Configure device parameters (sampling rate, trigger mode, input range) via DAQMaster or API.
- For synchronization, configure PXI Trigger Bus or SSI connections in software.

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### 7. Performance & Capabilities

Sampling and Throughput:
- Maximum throughput: 40 MS/s × 4 channels × 2 bytes = 320 MB/s (to onboard memory)
- Host transfer via scatter‑gather DMA ensures efficient streaming without memory fragmentation.

Dynamic Range and Accuracy:
- 16‑bit ADC resolution yields fine quantization (30.5 µV LSB at ±1 V range).
- Typical ENOB ≈ 12.3 bits ensures high‑fidelity waveform reconstruction.
- Auto‑calibration maintains accuracy across temperature variations.

Triggering and Timing:
- Supports precise timing control with 24‑bit scan interval counter and 32‑bit delay counter.
- Re‑trigger mode enables segmented acquisitions with minimal dead time (one clock cycle).
- Delay‑trigger allows programmable latency between trigger and acquisition start.

Synchronization:
- PXI Trigger Bus[0–7] and PXI STAR enable deterministic multi‑module synchronization.
- SSI interface (for PCI variants) supports SSI_TIMEBASE, SSI_TRIG1/2, and SSI_START_OP signals.
- Clock and trigger routing configurable via software for master/slave operation.

Limitations:
- Maximum analog input frequency limited by 20 MHz (–3 dB bandwidth).
- External clock must be continuous; discontinuities may cause ADC pipeline errors.
- Onboard memory limits single‑shot acquisition length to 512 MB total.

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### 8. Standards & Compliance

- PXI Specification: Compliant with PXI 3U Eurocard mechanical and electrical standards.
- PCI Interface: 32‑bit, 66 MHz, supporting 3.3 V and 5 V signaling.
- EMC Compliance: EN 55022 (emission), EN 55024 (immunity).
- Safety: Designed for operation within 0–55 °C ambient, 10–90 % RH non‑condensing.
- Calibration Reference: 5 V onboard reference, ±3 ppm/°C drift, 15 min warm‑up recommended.
- Environmental: RoHS‑compliant materials and lead‑free manufacturing.

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### 9. Additional Information

Warranty & Support:
ADLINK provides standard warranty coverage for manufacturing defects and technical support through its global service network. Authorized service centers are located in Taiwan, USA, China, Europe, Japan, Korea, Singapore, and India.

Maintenance:
- Periodic calibration recommended annually or as required by application accuracy.
- Keep module free from dust and moisture; store in anti‑static packaging when not in use.
- Avoid mechanical shock and electrostatic discharge during handling.

Software Updates:
- Latest drivers and SDKs available at [www.adlinktech.com](https://www.adlinktech.com).
- DAQPilot and DAQMaster updates ensure compatibility with new OS versions and PXI controllers.

Safety Notes:
- Operate within specified temperature and humidity limits.
- Disconnect power before installation or removal.
- Use only grounded PXI chassis and shielded cables.
- Lithium battery (RTC) replacement must follow manufacturer’s instructions to avoid explosion risk.

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### Summary

The ADLINK PXI‑9846DW/512 is a precision 4‑channel, 16‑bit, 40 MS/s PXI digitizer engineered for high‑speed, high‑accuracy data acquisition. Its combination of wide bandwidth, deep onboard memory, flexible triggering, and synchronization capabilities makes it ideal for advanced test and measurement systems. The module’s robust PXI integration, auto‑calibration, and comprehensive software support ensure reliable performance in demanding laboratory, industrial, and defense applications.

With its 512 MB SDRAM buffer, programmable input ranges, and multi‑module synchronization via PXI Trigger Bus or SSI, the PXI‑9846DW/512 delivers exceptional versatility for capturing and analyzing complex analog signals with precision and repeatability.