San Diego, CA. ACCES I/O Products has announced the release of a new family of low-cost USB analog I/O modules—the USB-AIO family. This line of 12- and 16-bit USB modules starts with its flagship model, the USB-AIO16-16F. This high-speed, 16-bit multifunction analog input/output board is suitable for precision measurement, analysis, monitoring, and control in embedded applications. The USB-AIO16-16F can sample inputs at speeds up to 1 MHz for the board’s 16 single-ended or eight differential analog input channels.
The USB-AIO family includes a dozen models with list prices ranging from $374 to $879. The boards feature eight standard analog voltage input ranges, two factory current input ranges (4 to 20 mA or 10 to 50 mA), 16 factory pseudo-differential inputs, a data sample buffer, and hardware real-time calibration capability. A unique channel-by-channel programmable gain feature enables measurement of an assortment of large and small signals in one scan—all under software control at up to 1 MHz. The board’s data buffer and ability to trigger the A/D in real time assures synchronized sampling that is unaffected by other computer operations—an essential requirement for signal, vibration, and transient analysis where high data rates must be sustained for short periods of time. For embedded OEM type applications, an additional miniature USB input header is provided in parallel with the type B connector.
Available accessories include a variety of cables and screw terminal boards for quick and easy connectivity. Customization options include conformal coating, custom software, and product-labeling.
The USB-AIO family is designed to be used in rugged industrial environments but is small enough to fit nicely onto any desk or testing station. The board measures just 3.550 by 3.775 inches and ships inside a steel powder-coated enclosure with an anti-skid bottom. A DIN rail mounting provision is available for installation in industrial environments. What makes the OEM option unique is that its PCB size and pre-drilled mounting holes match the PC/104 form factor (without the bus connections). This ensures easy installation using standard standoffs inside most embedded enclosures or systems. The product can be integrated into any PC/104-based stack by simply connecting it to a USB port included on-board with embedded CPU form factors.
The USB-AIO family utilizes a high-speed custom function driver optimized for maximum continuous data throughput of 4 MB/s that is hundreds to thousands of times faster than the USB human interface device (HID) driver used by some competing products, the company said. This approach maximizes the full functionality of the hardware along with capitalizing on the advantage of high-speed USB 2.0. The module is supported for use in most USB-supported operating systems and includes a free Linux- and Windows-compatible software package. This package contains sample programs and source code in C#, Delphi, and Visual C++ for 32-bit and 64-bit Windows. Also incorporated is a graphical setup program in Windows. Third-party support includes a Windows standard DLL interface usable from the most popular application programs as well as LabVIEW VIs. Embedded OS support includes the family of Windows Operating Systems including IoT.