The PCI Express Mini Card, part of the mPCIe-DAAI16-8F Family. | Source: Acces I/O Products
ACCES I/O Products Inc. this week released the mPCIe-DAAI16-8F, a high-performance PCI Express Mini Card (mPCIe) multifunction analog output/input module. The company said the module delivers 16-bit precision, simultaneous analog output and input, and flexible digital I/O.
The module comes in a small, rugged design suitable for embedded and OEM applications, according to ACCES. It integrates eight 16‑bit analog outputs supporting both voltage and current outputs. The San Diego-based company said it has designed the module for applications that need 4-20mA control.
In addition to the flexible DAC outputs, ACCES included eight 16-bit analog input channels. These are software‑selectable as eight single‑ended or four differential inputs.
An aggregate analog‑input sampling rate up to 1 MSPS supports dynamic measurements, while each DAC channel can perform hardware‑paced waveform playback up to 125 kSPS per channel simultaneously. A compact, double‑stack mPCIe Type F1 form factor with latching I/O connectors enables reliable operation in shock and vibration-prone environments, claimed ACCES.
Factory options include extended temperature of -40°C to +85°C (-40°C to 185°C), current inputs (4-20mA, 10-50mA), voltage dividers for higher voltage inputs, and HART modem capability. Additional customization options include conformal coating, custom software / product-labeling, and more.
ACCESS said it offers entirely new features customized to a customer’s specific needs, enabled by its FPGA-based design.
Key features of the PCI Express Mini Card
ACCES I/O Products listed features of its mPCIe-DAAI16-8F family, including:
- mPCIe Type F1 (full length) with high-retention latching connectors against shock and vibration
- Eight 16‑bit analog outputs with software selectable current (4–20 mA, 0–20 mA, 0–24 mA) and voltage ranges
- Up to 1 MSPS aggregate ADC rate
- Seven per‑channel programmable differential, bipolar input ranges
- Eight digital I/O pins (four inputs and four outputs) usable for triggering, status, or control, and optional digital integration features (pulse/PWM generation and measurement, edge‑specific IRQs, and counting)
- Flexible A/D triggering — start sources include software, internal timer, external start, and externally triggered timer start for precise synchronization
- Onboard watchdog with status output
- Factory options: HART modem (on DAC #0), 4–20 mA / 10–50 mA ADC inputs, per-channel input voltage dividers, conformal coating, and more
- Made in the U.S.; compliant with the European Union’s Restriction of Hazardous Substances directive (RoHS)
ACCES also said the module’s small size — mPCIe Type F1: 30 x 50.95 mm (1.1 to 2 in.) — allows for maximum performance in embedded applications where space is a valuable resource.
ACCES designs for compatibility
These cards are compatible with most operating systems and include a free software package for Linux and Windows. This package contains sample programs and source code in C# and Delphi for Windows. Linux support includes installation files and samples for programming level via the company’s open-source kernel driver.
Third-party support includes a Windows-standard Dynamic Link Library application programming interface (DLL API) usable by most popular programs. Embedded OS support includes the family of Windows operating systems, including the Internet of Things (IoT).
ACCES also now offers a VxWorks driver/library for real-time process monitoring and control. It offers a range of analog, digital, serial communication, and isolated I/O boards and systems, including a line of rugged USB hubs.
In addition, ACCES offers complete systems, integration services, and enclosures. The company said it designs its products for use with mPCIe, M.2, PCI Express, PCIe/104, Ethernet, USB, PCI, PC/104, and ISA, as well as distributed, wireless I/O, and computer-on-module (COM) form factors.
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