Sunnysoft PCI-3018 Instructions For Use Manual

The Sunnysoft PCI-3018 is a professional-grade data acquisition card designed for industrial measurement and control applications. It features 16 single-ended or 8 differential analog inputs, 12-bit resolution, programmable gain, two 12-bit analog outputs, 16 digital I/O lines, and three 16-bit counter/timers. Compatible with PCI bus, it supports software-triggered and interrupt-driven data acquisition. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, configuration, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Configuration 4. Specifications 5. Hardware Description 6. Software Setup 7. Operation Modes 8. Calibration Procedure 9. Maintenance & Storage 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: PCI-3018 card, low-noise signal conditioning circuitry, on-board FIFO buffer, interrupt controller, and screw terminal panel connector.

Feature	Description
Analog Inputs	16 single-ended or 8 differential channels, 12-bit resolution
Input Range	Software selectable: ±10V, ±5V, ±2.5V, 0-10V
Sampling Rate	Up to 100 kHz aggregate
Analog Outputs	2 channels, 12-bit resolution
Digital I/O	16 lines, TTL compatible, programmable direction
Counter/Timers	Three 16-bit 8254 compatible counters
Trigger Modes	Software trigger, external digital trigger
FIFO Buffer	1K sample buffer for continuous acquisition
Bus Interface	32-bit PCI, 5V signaling
Operating Temp	0°C to 70°C (industrial grade)

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure anti-static precautions.

Power off computer and disconnect AC power cable.
Open computer case and locate available PCI slot.
Remove slot cover plate.
Insert PCI-3018 card firmly into PCI slot, ensuring full contact.
Secure card with screw to chassis.
Connect signal cables to terminal panel.
Close computer case, reconnect power, and power on.

WARNING! Handle card by edges only to avoid electrostatic discharge. Ensure computer is powered off during installation.

First-Time Configuration

After hardware installation, install drivers and configure software.

Install driver software from provided CD or website.
Restart computer if prompted.
Launch configuration utility to verify card detection.
Set base address and interrupt (IRQ) if conflicts occur (default: auto-assign).
Configure analog input mode (single-ended/differential) and range.
Test analog and digital channels using diagnostic utility.

CAUTION! Avoid bending card during installation. Use proper grounding wrist strap if available.

Specifications

Analog Input Channels: 16 SE / 8 DIFF.
Resolution: 12 bits.
Accuracy: ±2 LSB typical.
Input Impedance: >10 MΩ.
Analog Output Channels: 2.
Output Range: 0-10V, ±10V software selectable.
Digital I/O: 16 lines, TTL (0-5V).
Counters: Three 16-bit, max input frequency 10 MHz.
Power Consumption: +5V @ 500 mA typical.
Connector: 37-pin D-sub female.
Supported OS: Windows 2000/XP/7/10, Linux (driver provided).

Hardware Description

Board Layout: PCI edge connector, analog input section (multiplexer, PGA, ADC), analog output DACs, digital I/O buffer, counter/timer chips, interrupt controller.

Connector Pinout: - Pins 1-16: Analog Inputs CH0-CH15 (or DIFF CH0-CH7) - Pins 17-20: Analog Outputs AO0, AO1, AGND - Pins 21-36: Digital I/O DIO0-DIO15 - Pins 37-68: Counter I/O, triggers, +5V, DGND

LED Indicators: Power (red) indicates +5V present; Activity (green) blinks during data transfer.

Software Setup

Install Sunnysoft DAQ Suite or use provided APIs (C/C++, VB, LabVIEW, MATLAB).

Run Setup.exe from installation media.
Follow on-screen instructions; select PCI-3018 as target device.
After installation, configure device in "Sunnysoft Device Manager".
Set sampling rate, channel list, trigger conditions for acquisition tasks.
For programming, include "SunnysoftDAQ.h" and link to "SunnysoftDAQ.lib".

Tip: Update to latest drivers from www.sunnysoft.com/support.

Operation Modes

Supports single-point, finite, and continuous acquisition.

Single-point: Read immediate voltage from selected channel.
Finite sampling: Acquire specified number of samples at fixed rate.
Continuous sampling: Stream data to buffer using interrupt or DMA.
Analog output: Generate static voltage or waveform updates.
Digital I/O: Read input states or set output lines.
Counter/timer: Frequency measurement, pulse generation, event counting.

WARNING! Do not exceed maximum input voltage (±15V absolute maximum) to avoid damage.

Calibration Procedure

Factory calibrated; user calibration recommended annually or after temperature extremes.

Connect precision voltage source to analog input CH0.
Follow prompts: apply 0V, +full scale, -full scale reference voltages.
Utility calculates offset and gain coefficients, stores in EEPROM.
Repeat for analog outputs using precision multimeter.

Note: Calibration requires stable environment (23°C ±5°C).

Maintenance & Storage

Keep card in anti-static bag when not installed. Clean connector pins with isopropyl alcohol if corroded.

CAUTION! Do not expose to moisture, dust, or extreme temperatures. Store in dry environment.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15 Class A: Complies with limits for industrial environments. CE marked per EMC Directive. RoHS compliant. Copyright © 2023 Sunnysoft Technologies. For technical support, visit www.sunnysoft.com/support or contact +1-800-555-3018.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Card not detected	Driver/PCI slot	Reinstall drivers; try different PCI slot; check BIOS settings.
Noisy readings	Grounding/signal source	Use differential mode; ensure proper grounding; shield cables.
Analog output incorrect	Calibration/load	Recalibrate; ensure load impedance >1 kΩ.
Digital I/O not working	Direction configuration	Set correct direction (input/output) in software.
Sampling rate too slow	Software overhead	Use interrupt or DMA mode; optimize code; reduce channels.

Reset: Power cycle computer; reinitialize software.

Service: +1-800-555-3018; www.sunnysoft.com/support