DA720

User’s Manual

Real Time Devices, Inc.

“Accessing the Analog World”®
 DA720
User’s Manual

REAL TIME DEVICES, INC.

Post Office Box 906
State College, Pennsylvania 16804
Phone: (814) 234-8087
FAX: (814) 234-5218
 Published by
Real Time Devices, Inc.
P.O. Box 906
State College, PA 16804

Copyright © 1993 by Real Time Devices, Inc.

All rights reserved

Printed in U.S.A.

9329
 Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................... i-1

Digital-to-Analog Conversion ................................................................................................................................. i-3
What Comes With Your Board ............................................................................................................................... i-3
Board Accessories ................................................................................................................................................... i-3
Using This Manual .................................................................................................................................................. i-3
When You Need Help ............................................................................................................................................. i-3
CHAPTER 1 — BOARD SETTINGS .................................................................................................. 1-1
Factory-Configured Switch and Jumper Settings .................................................................................................. 1-3
P3 Through P10 — DAC1 Through DAC8 Output Range Select (Factory Setting: -5 to +5 Volts) ................ 1-4
S1 — Base Address (Factory Setting: 300 hex (768 decimal)) ............................................................................. 1-5
CHAPTER 2 — BOARD INSTALLATION ....................................................................................... 2-1
Board Installation ................................................................................................................................................... 2-3
External I/O Connections ....................................................................................................................................... 2-3
Connecting the Analog Outputs — Voltage Outputs ........................................................................................ 2-4
Running the 720DIAG Diagnostics Program ........................................................................................................ 2-4
CHAPTER 3 — HARDWARE DESCRIPTION ................................................................................. 3-1
D/A Conversion ..................................................................................................................................................... 3-3
CHAPTER 4 — BOARD OPERATION AND PROGRAMMING ................................................... 4-1
Defining the I/O Map ............................................................................................................................................. 4-3
BA + 0: D/A Converter 1 LSB/Update All DACs (Read/Write) ..................................................................... 4-4
BA + 1: D/A Converter 1 MSB (Write Only) .................................................................................................. 4-4
BA + 2: D/A Converter 2 LSB (Write Only) .................................................................................................... 4-4
BA + 3: D/A Converter 2 MSB (Write Only) .................................................................................................. 4-4
BA + 4: D/A Converter 3 LSB (Write Only) .................................................................................................... 4-4
BA + 5: D/A Converter 3 MSB (Write Only) .................................................................................................. 4-4
BA + 6: D/A Converter 4 LSB (Write Only) .................................................................................................... 4-4
BA + 7: D/A Converter 4 MSB (Write Only) .................................................................................................. 4-4
BA + 8: D/A Converter 5 LSB (Write Only) .................................................................................................... 4-4
BA + 9: D/A Converter 5 MSB (Write Only) .................................................................................................. 4-4
BA + 10: D/A Converter 6 LSB (Write Only) .................................................................................................. 4-4
BA + 11: D/A Converter 6 MSB (Write Only) ................................................................................................ 4-4
BA + 12: D/A Converter 7 LSB (Write Only) .................................................................................................. 4-5
BA + 13: D/A Converter 7 MSB (Write Only) ................................................................................................ 4-5
BA + 14: D/A Converter 8 LSB (Write Only) .................................................................................................. 4-5
BA + 15: D/A Converter 8 MSB (Write Only) ................................................................................................ 4-5
Programming the DA720 ....................................................................................................................................... 4-6
Clearing and Setting Bits in a Port ..................................................................................................................... 4-7
D/A Conversions ................................................................................................................................................ 4-8
Example Programs ............................................................................................................................................... 4-10
C and Pascal Programs .................................................................................................................................... 4-10
BASIC Programs ............................................................................................................................................. 4-10

i
CHAPTER 5 — CALIBRATION ......................................................................................................... 5-1
Required Equipment ............................................................................................................................................... 5-3
D/A Calibration ...................................................................................................................................................... 5-4
X2 Voltage Multiplier ........................................................................................................................................ 5-4
APPENDIX A — DA720 SPECIFICATIONS ..................................................................................... A-1
APPENDIX B — I/O CONNECTOR PIN ASSIGNMENTS ............................................................. B-1
APPENDIX C — WARRANTY ............................................................................................................ C-1

ii
 List of Illustrations

1-1 Board Layout Showing Factory-Configured Settings .............................................................................. 1-4

1-2 AOUT1 Through AOUT8 DAC Output Ranges Select, P3 Through P10 ............................................... 1-5
1-3 Base Address Switch, S1 .......................................................................................................................... 1-6
2-1 P2 I/O Connector Pin Assignments .......................................................................................................... 2-3
2-2 Voltage Output Connections .................................................................................................................... 2-4
3-1 DA720 Block Diagram ............................................................................................................................. 3-3
5-1 Board Layout ............................................................................................................................................ 5-3

iii
iv
 INTRODUCTION

i-1
i-2
 The DA720 Low Cost Industrial Control series analog output board turns your IBM PC/XT/AT or compatible
into a high-performance testing and control system. Installed within a single short or full-size expansion slot in the
computer, the DA720 board features:
• 8 fast-settling 12-bit analog output channels,
• ±5, ±10, 0 to +5, or 0 to +10 volt analog output range,
• Simultaneous updating of all output channels,
• BASIC, Turbo Pascal & Turbo C source code; diagnostic program.
The following paragraphs briefly describe the major functions of the board. More detailed discussions of board
functions are included in Chapter 3, Hardware Description, and Chapter 4, Board Operation and Programming. The
board setup is described in Chapter 1, Board Settings.

Digital-to-Analog Conversion
The digital-to-analog (D/A) circuitry features two 12-bit converter channels in each AD7237 D/A converter IC
for a total of eight output channels. The two channels in each AD7237 are internally double buffered and all
channels are simultaneously updated by issuing a single command. Each channel can be jumpered to one of four
output voltage ranges, ±5, ±10, 0 to +5, or 0 to +10.

What Comes With Your Board

You receive the following items in your DA720 package:
• DA720 interface board
• Software and diagnostics diskette with BASIC, Turbo Pascal, and Turbo C source code
• User’s manual
If any item is missing or damaged, please call Real Time Devices’ Customer Service Department at
(814) 234-8087. If you require service outside the U.S., contact your local distributor.

Board Accessories
In addition to the items included in your DA720 package, Real Time Devices offers a full line of accessories.
Call your local distributor or our main office for more information about these accessories and for help in choosing
the best items to support your board’s application.
Accessories for the DA720 include the TB50 terminal board and XB50 prototype/terminal board for prototype
development and easy signal access, and the XT50 twisted pair wire flat ribbon cable assembly for external interfac-
ing.

Using This Manual

This manual is intended to help you install your new board and get it running quickly, while also providing
enough detail about the board and its functions so that you can enjoy maximum use of its features even in the most
complex applications. We assume that you already have an understanding of data acquisition principles and that you
can customize the example software or write your own applications programs.

When You Need Help

This manual and the example programs in the software package included with your board provide enough
information to properly use all of the board’s features. If you have any problems installing or using this board,
contact our Technical Support Department, (814) 234-8087, during regular business hours, eastern standard time or
eastern daylight time, or send a FAX requesting assistance to (814) 234-5218. When sending a FAX request, please
include your company’s name and address, your name, your telephone number, and a brief description of the
problem.

i-3
i-4
 CHAPTER 1

BOARD SETTINGS

The DA720 board has jumper and switch settings you can
change if necessary for your application. The board is factory-
configured as listed in the table and shown on a diagram in the
beginning of this chapter. Should you need to change these set-
tings, use these easy-to-follow instructions before you install the
board in your computer.

1-1
1-2
Factory-Configured Switch and Jumper Settings
Table 1-1 lists the factory settings of the user-configurable jumper and switches on the DA720 board. Fig-
ure 1-1 shows the board layout and the locations of the factory-set jumpers. The following paragraphs explain how
to change the factory settings. Pay special attention to the setting of S1, the base address switch, to avoid address
contention when you first use your board in your system.

Table 1-1: Factory Settings

Switch/ Factory Settings
Jumper Function Controlled (Jumpers Installed)
Configures the output voltage range settings Jumpers installed on ±5 & X1
P3 for DAC1 to set output at -5 to +5 volts
Configures the output voltage range settings Jumpers installed on ±5 & X1
P4 for DAC2 to set output at -5 to +5 volts
Configures the output voltage range settings Jumpers installed on ±5 & X1
P5 for DAC3 to set output at -5 to +5 volts
Configures the output voltage range settings Jumpers installed on ±5 & X1
P6 for DAC4 to set output at -5 to +5 volts
Configures the output voltage range settings Jumpers installed on ±5 & X1
P7 for DAC5 to set output at -5 to +5 volts
Configures the output voltage range settings Jumpers installed on ±5 & X1
P8 for DAC6 to set output at -5 to +5 volts
Configures the output voltage range settings Jumpers installed on ±5 & X1
P9 for DAC7 to set output at -5 to +5 volts
Configures the output voltage range settings Jumpers installed on ±5 & X1
P10 for DAC8 to set output at -5 to +5 volts

S1 Sets the base address 300 hex (768 decimal)

1-3
 BASE ADDRESS TR1 TR2 TR3 TR4 TR5 TR6 TR7 TR8

S1

SWITCH R
USA
,, ,,
Accessing the Analog World
R RN3 RN6

RN1 RN2 RN5

U6
U7
P4 P3
5 5

AOUT2

AOUT1
+ +
C10
5 5 C25

C17
C18
C9
AD7237 - - AD712 RN4
X1 X1 C26
P2
X2 X2
U8 U9
5 P6 P5 5

AOUT4

AOUT3
+ 5 + 5
C12

C19
C27

C11
- -

C20
AD7237 AD712
X1 X1 C28

X2 X2
U10 U11
5 P8 P7 5

AOUT6

AOUT5
+ +

C13
5 5 C29
C14

C21
C22
AD7237 - - AD712 RN7
X1 X1 C30

X2 X2
U12 U13
5 P10 P9 5

AOUT8

AOUT7
+ +

C15
5 5 C31

C23
C16

C24
AD7237 - - AD712
X1 X1 C32

X2 X2

C3
8 Channel Digital / Analog Converter Board
74LS139 DA720 12 Bit Resolution

+ C7
C4 U3 C2 C5 C1

74LS688 74LS367 74LS32 74LS245 + C8

U4 U2 U5 U1 + C33
C9
+
Copyright C 1993 Real Time Devices, Inc. State College, PA 16804 USA P1
A31 A1

Fig. 1-1 — Board Layout Showing Factory-Configured Settings

P3 Through P10 — DAC1 Through DAC8 Output Range Select (Factory Setting: -5 to +5 Volts)
These identical header connectors, shown in Figure 1-2, let you independently set the output of each D/A
converter to one of four voltage ranges. AOUT1 is set on P3, AOUT2 is set on P4, and so on through AOUT8,
which is set on P10. Figure 1-2 shows all four possible configurations for these headers, and the table below
summarizes these settings. The top pair of pins, 5V, is jumpered when operating in a unipolar voltage range. The
next pair of pins, ±5V, is jumpered when operating in a bipolar voltage range (±5 or ±10 volts). The X1 and X2 pins
set the range multiplier. When a jumper is installed across X1, the multiplier is set at times 1 for 0 to +5 and ±5 volt
ranges. When the jumper is installed across X2, the multiplier is times 2 for 0 to +10 and ±10 volt ranges. The
factory setting of each DAC is shown in Figure 1-2a, ±5 volts.

Output Range
Jumpers
(left to right) ±5V 0 to +5V ±10V 0 to +10V

5V OFF ON OFF ON

±5V ON OFF ON OFF

X1 ON ON OFF OFF

X2 OFF OFF ON ON

1-4
 5 5 5 5
±5 ±5 ±5 ±5
X1 X1 X1 X1
X2 X2 X2 X2

Fig. 1-2a — ±5V Output Fig. 1-2b — 0 to +5V Output Fig. 1-2c — ±10V Output Fig. 1-2d — 0 to +10V Output

Fig. 1-2 — AOUT1 Through AOUT8 DAC Output Range Select, P3 Through P10

S1 — Base Address (Factory Setting: 300 hex (768 decimal))

One of the most common causes of failure when you are first trying your board is address contention. Some of
your computer’s I/O space is already occupied by internal I/O and other peripherals. When the DA720 board
attempts to use I/O address locations already used by another device, contention results and the board does not work.
To avoid this problem, the DA720 has an easily accessible DIP switch, S1, which lets you select any one of 32
starting addresses in the computer’s I/O. Should the factory setting of 300 hex (768 decimal) be unsuitable for your
system, you can select a different base address simply by setting the switches to any value shown in Table 1-2. The
table shows the switch settings and their corresponding decimal and hexadecimal (in parentheses) values. Make sure
that you verify the order of the switch numbers on the switch (1 through 5) before setting them. When the switches
are pulled forward, they are OPEN, or set to logic 1, as labeled on the DIP switch package. When you set the base
address for your board, record the value in the table inside the back cover. Figure 1-3 shows the DIP switch set for a
base address of 300 hex (768 decimal).

Table 1-2 Base Address Switch Settings, S1

Base Address Switch Setting Base Address Switch Setting
Decimal / (Hex) 5 4 3 2 1 Decimal / (Hex) 5 4 3 2 1
512 / (200) 0 0 0 0 0 768 / (300) 1 0 0 0 0
528 / (210) 0 0 0 0 1 784 / (310) 1 0 0 0 1
544 / (220) 0 0 0 1 0 800 / (320) 1 0 0 1 0
560 / (230) 0 0 0 1 1 816 / (330) 1 0 0 1 1
576 / (240) 0 0 1 0 0 832 / (340) 1 0 1 0 0
592 / (250) 0 0 1 0 1 848 / (350) 1 0 1 0 1
608 / (260) 0 0 1 1 0 864 / (360) 1 0 1 1 0
624 / (270) 0 0 1 1 1 880 / (370) 1 0 1 1 1
640 / (280) 0 1 0 0 0 896 / (380) 1 1 0 0 0
656 / (290) 0 1 0 0 1 912 / (390) 1 1 0 0 1
672 / (2A0) 0 1 0 1 0 928 / (3A0) 1 1 0 1 0
688 / (2B0) 0 1 0 1 1 944 / (3B0) 1 1 0 1 1
704 / (2C0) 0 1 1 0 0 960 / (3C0) 1 1 1 0 0
720 / (2D0) 0 1 1 0 1 976 / (3D0) 1 1 1 0 1
736 / (2E0) 0 1 1 1 0 992 / (3E0) 1 1 1 1 0
752 / (2F0) 0 1 1 1 1 1008 / (3F0) 1 1 1 1 1
0 = closed, 1 = open

1-5
Fig. 1-3 — Base Address Switch, S1

1-6
 CHAPTER 2

BOARD INSTALLATION

The DA720 board is easy to install in your IBM PC/XT/AT or

compatible computer. This chapter tells you step-by-step how to
install and connect the board for voltage outputs.
After you have installed the board and made all of your con-
nections, you can turn your system on and run the 720DIAG board
diagnostics program included on your example software disk to
verify that your board is working.

2-1
2-2
Board Installation
Keep the board in its antistatic bag until you are ready to install it in your computer. When removing it from the
bag, hold the board at the edges and do not touch the components or connectors.
Before installing the board in your computer, check the jumper settings. Chapter 1 reviews the factory settings
and how to change them. If you need to change any settings, refer to the appropriate instructions in Chapter 1. Note
that incompatible settings can result in unpredictable board operation and erratic response.
To install the board:
1. Turn OFF the power to your computer.
2. Remove the top cover of the computer housing (refer to your owner’s manual if you do not already know
how to do this).
3. Select any unused short or full-size expansion slot and remove the slot bracket.
4. Touch the metal housing of the computer to discharge any static buildup and then remove the board from its
antistatic bag.
5. Holding the board by its edges, orient it so that its card edge (bus) connector lines up with the expansion slot
connector in the bottom of the selected expansion slot.
6. After carefully positioning the board in the expansion slot so that the card edge connector is resting on the
computer’s bus connector, gently and evenly press down on the board until it is secured in the slot.
NOTE: Do not force the board into the slot. If the board does not slide into place, remove it and try again.
Wiggling the board or exerting too much pressure can result in damage to the board or to the computer.
7. After the board is installed, secure the slot bracket back into place and put the cover back on your computer.
The board is now ready to be connected via the external I/O connector at the rear panel of your computer.

External I/O Connections

Figure 2-1 shows the DA720’s P2 I/O connector pinout. Refer to this diagram as you make your I/O connec-
tions.

AOUT1 1 2 ANALOG GND

AOUT2 3 4 ANALOG GND
AOUT3 5 6 ANALOG GND
AOUT4 7 8 ANALOG GND
AOUT5 9 10 ANALOG GND
AOUT6 11 12 ANALOG GND
AOUT7 13 14 ANALOG GND
AOUT8 15 16 ANALOG GND
N. C. 17 18 N. C.
N. C. 19 20 N. C.
N. C. 21 22 N. C.
N. C. 23 24 N. C.
N. C. 25 26 N. C.
N. C. 27 28 N. C.
N. C. 29 30 N. C.
N. C. 31 32 N. C.
N. C. 33 34 N. C.
N. C. 35 36 N. C.
N. C. 37 38 N. C.
N. C. 39 40 N. C.
N. C. 41 42 N. C.
N. C. 43 44 N. C.
N. C. 45 46 N. C.
+12 VOLTS 47 48 +5 VOLTS
-12 VOLTS 49 50 DIGITAL GND

Fig. 2-1 — P2 I/O Connector Pin Assignments

2-3
Connecting the Analog Outputs — Voltage Outputs
To connect a channel’s voltage output, the high side of the device receiving the output is connected to an AOUT
line and the low side is connected to the corresponding ANALOG GND. Figure 2-2 shows how to connect the
DA720 outputs to a load.

720
I/ O CONNECTOR
P2
OP- AMP
BUFFERS

PIN 1 AOUT 1
AD7 1 2

LOAD
PIN 2 ANALOG GND

PIN 15 AOUT 8
AD7 1 2

LOAD
PIN 16 ANALOG GND

Fig. 2-2 — Voltage Output Connections

Running the 720DIAG Diagnostics Program

Now that your board is ready to use, you will want to try it out. An easy-to-use, menu-driven diagnostics
program, 720DIAG, is included with your example software to help you verify your board’s operation. You can also
use this program to make sure that your current base address setting does not contend with another device.

2-4
 CHAPTER 3

HARDWARE DESCRIPTION

This chapter describes the features of the DA720’s D/A circuit.

3-1
3-2
 The DA720 provides eight analog output channels with voltage outputs, as shown Figure 3-1. This chapter
describes the hardware which makes up this circuit.

AOUT1
12-BIT VOLTAGE SELECT
D/A
ADDRESS ADDRESS CONVERTER AOUT2
DECODE VOLTAGE SELECT

AOUT3
12-BIT VOLTAGE SELECT
D/A
CONVERTER AOUT4
VOLTAGE SELECT

I/O CONNECTOR
AOUT5
12-BIT VOLTAGE SELECT
PC BUS

D/A
CONVERTER AOUT6
VOLTAGE SELECT

DATA AOUT7
12-BIT VOLTAGE SELECT
D/A
CONVERTER AOUT8
VOLTAGE SELECT

±12 VOLTS
CONTROL +5 VOLTS

Fig. 3-1 — DA720 Block Diagram

D/A Conversion
The DA720 board performs digital-to-analog conversions on eight independent analog output channels. The
output of each conversion channel is jumper-selectable for ±5, ±10, 0 to +5, or 0 to +10 volts.
The AD7237 12-bit D/A converter contains two independent D/A converter channels in a single CMOS
package. The data to be converted is double buffered at the D/A input, which allows simultaneous updating of all
eight D/A output channels.
The AD712 precision operational amplifier provides complete coverage of the output voltage ranges. The
exceptionally low offset voltage and drift ensure an accurate analog output on each channel.

3-3
3-4
 CHAPTER 4

BOARD OPERATION AND PROGRAMMING

This chapter shows you how to program and use your DA720
board. It provides a complete description of the I/O map and
programming operations to aid you in programming. The example
programs included on the disk in your board package are listed at
the end of this chapter. These programs, written in Turbo C, Turbo
Pascal, and BASIC, include source code to simplify your
applications programming.

4-1
4-2
Defining the I/O Map
The I/O map for the DA720 is shown in Table 4-1 below. As shown, the board occupies 16 consecutive I/O port
locations. The base address (designated as BA) can be selected using DIP switch S1 as described in Chapter 1,
Board Settings. This switch can be accessed without removing the board from the connector. The following sections
describe the register contents of each address used in the I/O map.

Table 4-1: DA720 I/O Map

Address *
Register Description Read Function Write Function (Decimal)
D/A Converter 1 LSB/ Updates the outputs of all
Update All DACs DACs Program DAC1 LSB BA + 0
D/A Converter 1 MSB Reserved Program DAC1 MSB BA + 1
D/A Converter 2 LSB Reserved Program DAC2 LSB BA + 2
D/A Converter 2 MSB Reserved Program DAC2 MSB BA + 3
D/A Converter 3 LSB Reserved Program DAC3 LSB BA + 4
D/A Converter 3 MSB Reserved Program DAC3 MSB BA + 5
D/A Converter 4 LSB Reserved Program DAC4 LSB BA + 6
D/A Converter 4 MSB Reserved Program DAC4 MSB BA + 7
D/A Converter 5 LSB Reserved Program DAC5 LSB BA + 8
D/A Converter 5 MSB Reserved Program DAC5 MSB BA + 9
D/A Converter 6 LSB Reserved Program DAC6 LSB BA + 10
D/A Converter 6 MSB Reserved Program DAC6 MSB BA + 11
D/A Converter 7 LSB Reserved Program DAC7 LSB BA + 12
D/A Converter 7 MSB Reserved Program DAC7 MSB BA + 13
D/A Converter 8 LSB Reserved Program DAC8 LSB BA + 14
D/A Converter 8 MSB Reserved Program DAC8 MSB BA + 15
* BA = Base Address

4-3
BA + 0: D/A Converter 1 LSB/Update All DACs (Read/Write)
A write programs the DAC1 LSB (eight bits).
A read simultaneously updates the outputs of all eight channels.

BA + 1: D/A Converter 1 MSB (Write Only)

Programs the DAC1 MSB (four bits) into D0 through D3; D4 through D7 are irrelevant.

DAC LSB D7 D6 D5 D4 D3 D2 D1 D0
Bit 7 Bit 6 Bit 5 Bit 4 Bit 3 Bit 2 Bit 1 Bit 0

DAC MSB D7 D6 D5 D4 D3 D2 D1 D0
X X X X Bit 11 Bit 10 Bit 9 Bit 8

BA + 2: D/A Converter 2 LSB (Write Only)

Programs the DAC2 LSB (eight bits).

BA + 3: D/A Converter 2 MSB (Write Only)

Programs the DAC2 MSB (four bits) into D0 through D3; D4 through D7 are irrelevant.

BA + 4: D/A Converter 3 LSB (Write Only)

Programs the DAC3 LSB (eight bits).

BA + 5: D/A Converter 3 MSB (Write Only)

Programs the DAC3 MSB (four bits) into D0 through D3; D4 through D7 are irrelevant.

BA + 6: D/A Converter 4 LSB (Write Only)

Programs the DAC4 LSB (eight bits).

BA + 7: D/A Converter 4 MSB (Write Only)

Programs the DAC4 MSB (four bits) into D0 through D3; D4 through D7 are irrelevant.

BA + 8: D/A Converter 5 LSB (Write Only)

Programs the DAC5 LSB (eight bits).

BA + 9: D/A Converter 5 MSB (Write Only)

Programs the DAC5 MSB (four bits) into D0 through D3; D4 through D7 are irrelevant.

BA + 10: D/A Converter 6 LSB (Write Only)

Programs the DAC6 LSB (eight bits).

BA + 11: D/A Converter 6 MSB (Write Only)

Programs the DAC6 MSB (four bits) into D0 through D3; D4 through D7 are irrelevant.

4-4
BA + 12: D/A Converter 7 LSB (Write Only)
Programs the DAC7 LSB (eight bits).

BA + 13: D/A Converter 7 MSB (Write Only)

Programs the DAC7 MSB (four bits) into D0 through D3; D4 through D7 are irrelevant.

BA + 14: D/A Converter 8 LSB (Write Only)

Programs the DAC8 LSB (eight bits).

BA + 15: D/A Converter 8 MSB (Write Only)

Programs the DAC8 MSB (four bits) into D0 through D3; D4 through D7 are irrelevant.

4-5
Programming the DA720
This section gives you some general information about programming and the DA720 board, and then walks you
through the major DA720 programming functions. These descriptions will help you as you use the example pro-
grams included with the board. All of the program descriptions in this section use decimal values unless otherwise
specified.
The DA720 is programmed by writing to and reading from the correct I/O port locations on the board. These
I/O ports were defined in the previous section. Most high-level languages such as BASIC, Pascal, C, and C++, and
of course assembly language, make it very easy to read/write these ports. The table below shows you how to read
from and write to I/O ports using some popular programming languages.

/DQJXDJH 5HDG :ULWH

%$6,& 'DWD ,13 $GGUHVV 287$GGUHVV'DWD

7XUER& 'DWD LQSRUWE $GGUHVV RXWSRUWE $GGUHVV'DWD

7XUER3DVFDO 'DWD 3RUW>$GGUHVV@ 3RUW>$GGUHVV@ 'DWD

PRYG[$GGUHVV PRYG[$GGUHVV
$VVHPEO\ LQDOG[ PRYDO'DWD
RXWG[DO

In addition to being able to read/write the I/O ports on the DA720, you must be able to perform a variety of
operations that you might not normally use in your programming. The table below shows you some of the operators
discussed in this section, with an example of how each is used with Pascal, C, and BASIC. Note that the modulus
operator is used to retrieve the least significant byte (LSB) of a two-byte word, and the integer division operator is
used to retrieve the most significant byte (MSB).

/DQJXDJH 0RGXOXV ,QWHJHU'LYLVLRQ $1' 25

  _
&
D EF D EF D E F D E_F

02' ',9 $1' 25

3DVFDO
D E02'F D E',9F D E$1'F D E25F

02' ? $1' 25
%$6,&
D E02'F D E?F D E$1'F D E25F

Many compilers have functions that can read/write either 8 or 16 bits from/to an I/O port. For example, Turbo
Pascal uses Port for 8-bit port operations and PortW for 16 bits, Turbo C uses inportb for an 8-bit read of a port
and inport for a 16-bit read. Be sure to use only 8-bit operations with the DA720!

4-6
Clearing and Setting Bits in a Port
When you clear or set one or more bits in a port, you must be careful that you do not change the status of the
other bits. You can preserve the status of all bits you do not wish to change by proper use of the AND and OR
binary operators. Using AND and OR, single or multiple bits can be easily cleared in one operation.
To clear a single bit in a port, AND the current value of the port with the value b, where b = 255 - 2 bit.
Example: Clear bit 5 in a port. Read in the current value of the port, AND it with 223
(223 = 255 - 25), and then write the resulting value to the port. In BASIC, this is programmed as:
V = INP(PortAddress)
V = V AND 223
OUT PortAddress, V

To set a single bit in a port, OR the current value of the port with the value b, where b = 2bit.
Example: Set bit 3 in a port. Read in the current value of the port, OR it with 8 (8 = 23), and then
write the resulting value to the port. In Pascal, this is programmed as:
V := Port[PortAddress];
V := V OR 8;
Port[PortAddress] := V;

Setting or clearing more than one bit at a time is accomplished just as easily. To clear multiple bits in a port,
AND the current value of the port with the value b, where b = 255 - (the sum of the values of the bits to be cleared).
Note that the bits do not have to be consecutive.
Example: Clear bits 2 ,4, and 6 in a port. Read in the current value of the port, AND it with 171
(171 = 255 - 22 - 24 - 26), and then write the resulting value to the port. In C, this is programmed
as:
v = inportb(port_address);
v = v & 171;
outportb(port_address, v);

To set multiple bits in a port, OR the current value of the port with the value b, where b = the sum of the
individual bits to be set. Note that the bits to be set do not have to be consecutive.
Example: Set bits 3, 5, and 7 in a port. Read in the current value of the port, OR it with 168
(168 = 23 + 25 + 27), and then write the resulting value back to the port. In assembly language, this
is programmed as:
mov dx, PortAddress
in al, dx
or al, 168
out dx, al

Often, assigning a range of bits is a mixture of setting and clearing operations. You can set or clear each bit
individually or use a faster method of first clearing all the bits in the range then setting only those bits that must be
set using the method shown above for setting multiple bits in a port. The following example shows how this two-
step operation is done.
Example: Assign bits 3, 4, and 5 in a port to 101 (bits 3 and 5 set, bit 4 cleared). First, read in the
port and clear bits 3, 4, and 5 by ANDing them with 199. Then set bits 3 and 5 by ORing them
with 40, and finally write the resulting value back to the port. In C, this is programmed as:
v = inportb(port_address);
v = v & 199;
v = v | 40;
outportb(port_address, v);

4-7
 A final note: Don’t be intimidated by the binary operators AND and OR and try to use operators for which you
have a better intuition. For instance, if you are tempted to use addition and subtraction to set and clear bits in place
of the methods shown above, DON’T! Addition and subtraction may seem logical, but they will not work if you try
to clear a bit that is already clear or set a bit that is already set. For example, you might think that to set bit 5 of a
port, you simply need to read in the port, add 32 (25) to that value, and then write the resulting value back to the port.
This works fine if bit 5 is not already set. But, what happens when bit 5 is already set? Bits 0 to 4 will be unaffected
and we can’t say for sure what happens to bits 6 and 7, but we can say for sure that bit 5 ends up cleared instead of
being set. A similar problem happens when you use subtraction to clear a bit in place of the method shown above.
Now that you know how to clear and set bits, we are ready to look at the programming steps for the DA810
board functions.

D/A Conversions
D/A conversions are performed on the eight analog output channels, AOUT1 through AOUT8, by writing data
to the D/A converter registers and then issuing an update command by performing a read at BA + 0 which simulta-
neously updates the outputs of all eight channels.
The 12-bit digital data for each channel is loaded in a two step process, LSB followed by MSB. After the data
has been loaded for all desired channels, the channels are simultaneously updated by issuing the update command. If
a channel’s data has not been updated since the last conversion, the output of the DAC will not change. The digital
data is converted to a corresponding voltage which is present at the output until new data is loaded and another
update command is issued.
The output voltage ranges are determined by the settings of the AOUT channel jumpers on P3 through P10. The
following tables show key digital inputs and their corresponding outputs for unipolar and bipolar voltage ranges.
The resolution for 0 to +5 volts is 1.22 millivolts; for 0 to +10 and ±5 volts, 2.44 millivolts; and for ±10 volts, 4.88
millivolts.

D/A Converter Unipolar Calibration Table

Ideal Output Voltage (in millivolts)

D/A Bit Weight 0 to +5 V 0 to +10 V

4095 (Max. Output) 4998.8 9997.6

2048 2500.0 5000.0

1024 1250.0 2500.0

512 625.00 1250.0

256 312.50 625.00

128 156.250 312.50

64 78.125 156.250

32 39.063 78.125

16 19.5313 39.063

8 9.7656 19.5313

4 4.8828 9.7656

2 2.4414 4.8828

1 1.2207 2.4414

0 0.0000 0.0000

4-8
 D/A Converter Bipolar Calibration Table
Ideal Output Voltage (in millivolts)

D/A Bit Weight ±5 V ±10 V

4095 (Max. Output) +4997.6 +9995.1

2048 0.0 0.0

1024 -2500.0 -5000.0

512 -3750.0 -7500.0

256 -4375.0 -8750.0

128 -4687.5 -9375.0

64 -4843.8 -9687.5

32 -4921.9 -9843.8

16 -4960.9 -9921.9

8 -4980.5 -9960.9

4 -4990.2 -9980.5

2 -4995.1 -9990.2

1 -4997.6 -9995.1

0 -5000.0 -10000.0

4-9
Example Programs
Included with the DA720 is a set of example programs that demonstrate the use of many of the board’s features.
These examples are in written in C, Pascal, and BASIC. Also included is an easy-to-use menu-driven diagnostics
program, 720DIAG, which is especially helpful when you are first checking out your board after installation.
Before using the software included with your board, make a backup copy of the disk. You may make as many
backups as you need.

C and Pascal Programs

This program is source code files so that you can easily develop your own custom software for your DA720.
DAC Simple program that shows how to program the D/A converters.

BASIC Programs
This program is source code files so that you can easily develop your own custom software for your DA720.
DAC Simple program that shows how to program the D/A converters.

4-10
 CHAPTER 5

CALIBRATION

This chapter tells you how to calibrate the DA720 using the
720DIAG calibration program included in the example software
package and eight trimpots on the board. These trimpots calibrate
the D/A X2 multiplier output.

5-1
5-2
 This chapter tells you how to calibrate the D/A converter X2 voltage multiplier. The X1 range does not have to
be calibrated. All D/A ranges are factory-calibrated before shipping. Any time you suspect inaccurate readings, you
can check the accuracy of your conversions using the procedure below, and make adjustments as necessary. Using
the 720DIAG diagnostics program is a convenient way to monitor conversions while you calibrate the board.
Calibration is done with the board installed in your system. You can access the trimpots along the top edge of
the board. Power up the system and let the board circuitry stabilize for 15 minutes before you start calibrating.

Required Equipment
The following equipment is required for calibration:
• Digital Multimeter: 5-1/2 digits
• Small Screwdriver (for trimpot adjustment)
While not required, the 720DIAG diagnostics program (included with example software) is helpful when
performing calibrations. Figure 5-1 shows the board layout with the eight trimpots located along the top edge of the
board (TR1 through TR8, left to right).

BASE ADDRESS TR1 TR2 TR3 TR4 TR5 TR6 TR7 TR8

S1

SWITCH R
USA
,, ,,
Accessing the Analog World
R RN3 RN6

RN1 RN2 RN5

U6
U7
P4 P3
5 5
AOUT2

AOUT1

+5 +5
C10

C25

C17
C18
C9

AD7237 - - AD712 RN4

X1 X1 C26
P2
X2 X2
U8 U9
5 P6 P5 5
AOUT4

AOUT3

+5 +5
C12

C19
C27
C11

- -
C20

AD7237 AD712
X1 X1 C28

X2 X2
U10 U11
5 P8 P7 5
AOUT6

AOUT5

+5 +5
C13

C29
C14

C21
C22

AD7237 - - AD712 RN7

X1 X1 C30

X2 X2
U12 U13
5 P10 P9 5
AOUT8

AOUT7

+5 +5
C15

C31
C23
C16

C24

AD7237 - - AD712
X1 X1 C32

X2 X2

C3
8 Channel Digital / Analog Converter Board
74LS139 DA720 12 Bit Resolution

+ C7
C4 U3 C2 C5 C1

74LS688 74LS367 74LS32 74LS245 + C8

U4 U2 U5 U1 + C33
C9
+
Copyright C 1993 Real Time Devices, Inc. State College, PA 16804 USA P1
A31 A1

Fig. 5-1 — Board Layout

5-3
D/A Calibration

X2 Voltage Multiplier
The D/A converter requires no calibration for the X1 ranges (0 to +5 and ±5 volts). The following paragraph
describes the calibration procedure for the X2 multiplier ranges.
To calibrate for X2 (0 to +10 or ±10 volts), set the DAC output voltage range to 0 to +10 volts (jumpers on 5V
and X2 on the corresponding header connector which configures the DAC output for the channel you are calibrat-
ing). Then, program the D/A converter of the channel you are calibrating with the digital value 2048. The ideal DAC
output for 2048 at X2 (0 to +10 volt range) is 5.0000 volts. Adjust the appropriate trimpot as listed in Table 5-1 until
an output of 5.0000 volts is obtained. Repeat this procedure for all channels. Table 5-2 list the ideal output voltages
for all bit weights in the unipolar ranges, and Table 5-3 lists the ideal output voltages for the bipolar ranges.

Table 5-1: X2 Voltage Adjustment

AOUT1 TR1

AOUT2 TR2
AOUT3 TR3

AOUT4 TR4

AOUT5 TR5

AOUT6 TR6

AOUT7 TR7

AOUT8 TR8

Table 5-2: D/A Converter Unipolar Calibration Table

Ideal Output Voltage (in millivolts)

D/A Bit Weight 0 to +5 V 0 to +10 V

4095 (Max. Output) 4998.8 9997.6

2048 2500.0 5000.0

1024 1250.0 2500.0

512 625.00 1250.0

256 312.50 625.00

128 156.250 312.50

64 78.125 156.250

32 39.063 78.125

16 19.5313 39.063

8 9.7656 19.5313

4 4.8828 9.7656

2 2.4414 4.8828

1 1.2207 2.4414

0 0.0000 0.0000

5-4
 Table 5-3: D/A Converter Bipolar Calibration Table
Ideal Output Voltage (in millivolts)

D/A Bit Weight ±5 V ±10 V

4095 (Max. Output) +4997.6 +9995.1

2048 0.0 0.0

1024 -2500.0 -5000.0

512 -3750.0 -7500.0

256 -4375.0 -8750.0

128 -4687.5 -9375.0

64 -4843.8 -9687.5

32 -4921.9 -9843.8

16 -4960.9 -9921.9

8 -4980.5 -9960.9

4 -4990.2 -9980.5

2 -4995.1 -9990.2

1 -4997.6 -9995.1

0 -5000.0 -10000.0

5-5
5-6
 APPENDIX A

DA720 SPECIFICATIONS

A-1
A-2
DA720 Characteristics Typical @ 25° C

Interface
Switch-selectable base address, I/O mapped
D/A Converter ......................................................................................... AD7237
Analog outputs ............................................................................................. 8 channels
Resolution ........................................................................................................... 12 bits
Output ranges ............................................................ 0 to +5, ±5, 0 to +10, or ±10 volts
Relative accuracy ...................................................................................... ±1 LSB, max
Full-scale accuracy .................................................................................... ±5 LSB, max
Non-linearity .............................................................................................. ±1 LSB, max
Settling time .................................................................................................. 5 µsec, typ
Current Requirements
66 mA @ +5V; 22 mA @ +12V; 16 mA @ –12V
P2 I/O Connector
50-pin right angle shrouded box header
Size
3.875"H x 5.25"W (99mm x 134mm)

A-3
A-4
 APPENDIX B

I/O CONNECTOR PIN ASSIGNMENTS

B-1
B-2
I/O Connector P2:

AOUT1 1 2 ANALOG GND

AOUT2 3 4 ANALOG GND
AOUT3 5 6 ANALOG GND
AOUT4 7 8 ANALOG GND
AOUT5 9 10 ANALOG GND
AOUT6 11 12 ANALOG GND
AOUT7 13 14 ANALOG GND
AOUT8 15 16 ANALOG GND
N. C. 17 18 N. C.
N. C. 19 20 N. C.
N. C. 21 22 N. C.
N. C. 23 24 N. C.
N. C. 25 26 N. C.
N. C. 27 28 N. C.
N. C. 29 30 N. C.
N. C. 31 32 N. C.
N. C. 33 34 N. C.
N. C. 35 36 N. C.
N. C. 37 38 N. C.
N. C. 39 40 N. C.
N. C. 41 42 N. C.
N. C. 43 44 N. C.
N. C. 45 46 N. C.
+12 VOLTS 47 48 +5 VOLTS
-12 VOLTS 49 50 DIGITAL GND

P2 Mating Connector Part Numbers

Manufacturer Part Number

AMP 1-746094-0

3M 3425-7650

B-3
B-4
 APPENDIX C

WARRANTY

C-1
C-2
 LIMITED WARRANTY

Real Time Devices, Inc. warrants the hardware and software products it manufactures and produces to be free
from defects in materials and workmanship for one year following the date of shipment from REAL TIME DE-
VICES. This warranty is limited to the original purchaser of product and is not transferable.
During the one year warranty period, REAL TIME DEVICES will repair or replace, at its option, any defective
products or parts at no additional charge, provided that the product is returned, shipping prepaid, to REAL TIME
DEVICES. All replaced parts and products become the property of REAL TIME DEVICES. Before returning any
product for repair, customers are required to contact the factory for an RMA number.
THIS LIMITED WARRANTY DOES NOT EXTEND TO ANY PRODUCTS WHICH HAVE BEEN DAM-
AGED AS A RESULT OF ACCIDENT, MISUSE, ABUSE (such as: use of incorrect input voltages, improper or
insufficient ventilation, failure to follow the operating instructions that are provided by REAL TIME DEVICES,
“acts of God” or other contingencies beyond the control of REAL TIME DEVICES), OR AS A RESULT OF
SERVICE OR MODIFICATION BY ANYONE OTHER THAN REAL TIME DEVICES. EXCEPT AS EX-
PRESSLY SET FORTH ABOVE, NO OTHER WARRANTIES ARE EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING,
BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND REAL TIME DEVICES EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES NOT
STATED HEREIN. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING IMPLIED WARRANTIES FOR
MECHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE LIMITED TO THE DURATION
OF THIS WARRANTY. IN THE EVENT THE PRODUCT IS NOT FREE FROM DEFECTS AS WARRANTED
ABOVE, THE PURCHASER’S SOLE REMEDY SHALL BE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT AS PROVIDED
ABOVE. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL REAL TIME DEVICES BE LIABLE TO THE PURCHASER
OR ANY USER FOR ANY DAMAGES, INCLUDING ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAM-
AGES, EXPENSES, LOST PROFITS, LOST SAVINGS, OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE
OR INABILITY TO USE THE PRODUCT.
SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSE-
QUENTIAL DAMAGES FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS, AND SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITA-
TIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLU-
SIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER
RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.

C-3
 DA720 Board User-Selected Settings

Base I/O Address:

(hex) (decimal)