Low-Cost USB Data Acquisition Modules Feature Fast Sampling, Analog and Digital Input and Output

AKRON, OH, June 1, 2004 — DATAQ® Instruments announces the release of a family of low-cost data acquisition modules with sampling rates unmatched in this class of equipment. Starting at just $99, the DI-158 Series have sampling rates of 14,400 samples/s and feature four fixed differential analog input channels with 12 bits of resolution, a built-in channel gain scan list, two digital-to-analog outputs with ±10 V range, four bits of general-purpose digital I/O, and quick and easy computer interface via USB. Analog outputs allow the DI-158 to be used for closed-loop applications, and can eliminate the need for a separate output module.

The DI-158 series includes three modules varying in interface type and input voltage range. The DI-158-U provides selectable gain ranges per channel of 1,2,4, and 8, with a full scale range of ±10 volts. The DI-158-UP provides ±64 volts full scale at a gain factor of 1, and per-channel selectable gain factors of 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256 and 512.

The USB interface allows you to derive power directly from the host PC and need no external power supply.

DI-158 products are housed in a small plastic enclosure that measures 66D × 66W × 28H mm (2.6D × 2.6W × 1.1H inches). Access to signal commons, digital I/O, and analog inputs is provided through a set of two built-in, eight-position screw terminal blocks.

Major specifications

Number of analog input channels: 4 differential
Number of analog output channels: 2
A/D resolution: 12 bits
Gain Factors "U" Version: 1, 2, 4, 8 "UP" Version: 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512
Interface: USB
Digital I/O: 4 lines

Included software

Both versions of the DI-158 are shipped with WinDaq real time waveform acquisition, display, recording, and analysis software; and ActiveX library.

Key Product Features

Convenient USB Interface — USB interface provides quick and easy installation and does not require an external power source.
Two A/D Analog Input Channels — Allow the DI-158 to be used in closed loop applications, and can eliminate the need for a separate analog output module.
Built-in Channel Gain Scan List — Allows channel number, analog input configuration, and gain to be dynamically selected during scanning to precisely match signal requirements on a channel-by-channel basis.
Wide Sample Rate Throughput Range From Sub-Hertz to 14,400 Hz — Allows the DI-158 to connect to a wide range of both static and dynamic signals.
Low Price — Prices start at $99.

Suggested applications

The DI-158 Series are useful anywhere signals in the range from about ±0.125 V to ±64 V need to be acquired to a laptop or desktop PC for long-term or short-term measurements. These could include high-level signal acquisition for industrial monitoring and recording in maintenance and troubleshooting, as well as quality control applications to measure programmable logic controller (PLC) parameters; general purpose voltage measurements up to 64 volts; and high-level transducer outputs for force, pressure/vacuum, torque, load, distance, etc. Other suggested applications include equipment testing (in-vehicle or industrial) and life-sciences research involving small, medium, and large animals for preamplified blood pressures and flows and electrophysiology measurements like ECG, EMG and EOG signals. The units' two analog outputs greatly broaden their range of applications, including remote actuation and even closed-loop control of processes or experiments, and the digital I/O lines can also be used for general-purpose control.

Pricing and Availability

See the DI-158 Series product page for pricing and availability.

Model	USB	Gains
DI-158U	X	1, 2, 4, 8
DI-158UP	X	1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512

About DATAQ

DATAQ Instruments, Inc., based in Akron, Ohio is a leading producer of PC-based, real-time data acquisition hardware and software. DATAQ supplies the PC-based instrumentation needs for medical research, and industrial test and measurement customers. For more information on the DI-158 USB Data Acquisition Starter Kit Series, call DATAQ Instruments at 330-668-1444 or write to: DATAQ Instruments, Inc., 241 Springside Drive, Akron, OH 44333, or visit the DATAQ Web site at www.dataq.com. E-mail requests for information to info@dataq.com.

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