Advantech Extends Product Line for Universal PCI Data Acquisition Control Cards

Advantech announced today the release of an enhanced version of the popular PCI-1751 card. PCI-1751U is a 48-bit TTL DI/O card with timer/counter interrupt capability, surge protection, and universal PCI interface for use with 3.3 and 5 volt signals. The new PCI-1751U further extends the broad range of digital data acquisition control cards.

PCI-1751U is fully compliant with the PCI-1751, but users of that card will see two major improvements. The universal PCI interface and the convenient Advantech BoardID™ switch. The universal PCI interface means installations in various applications are easier as it supports both the old 5 V and the new power-saving 3.3 V interfaces.

The BoardID switch takes Plug & Play to the next level. While Plug & Play makes installation easier when you install a PCI card in your PC, Plug & Play cannot deal with two identical cards in the same PC. The PC is simply unable to differentiate the two cards. The BoardID switch gives each card a unique identifier so that the cards can be recognized as different cards by software. There is no need to open the chassis.

Like its predecessor, PCI-1751U has 48 bits that are divided into six 8-bit I/O ports, and each port can be configured as input or output by software. There are also an event counter and two 16-bit timers that can be cascaded to become a 32-bit timer.

If the system is hot reset (power is not shut off), PCI-1751U can either retain the last I/O port setting and output value, or reset to its default configuration, depending on jumper settings. This function protects the system from performing wrong operations during unexpected system resets. Additionally, PCI-1751U supports both dry and wet contacts so that it can easily interface with other devices.

PCI-1751U will be available in early December and drivers have been prepared for Microsoft® Windows® XP/2000/98, ActiveDAQ and LabVIEW®.