Two New High-Speed USB Modules

By Anthony J. Lockwood

Measurement Computing Corp. (Norton, MA) has released a pair of high-speed USB modules: the USB-1608HS and the USB-1608HS-2AO. These USB-based data-acquisition modules provide true simultaneous data capture of up to eight channels of 16-bit single-ended or differential analog input at 250 kHz per channel. Both units include 16 bits of digital I/O and a suite of complementary software.

The pair differs in that the USB-1608HS-2AO has two additional channels of 16-bit analog output with a range of -10 to +10 volts. The two independent 16-bit analog output channels can be configured with a remote sensing option to compensate for voltage drop errors that may occur at the field device.

Both the USB-1608HS and 1608HS-2AO use a separate A/D converter for each channel, and each device can acquire data in either a software-paced or continuous-scan mode. Both units have an analog trigger function that lets you start and control analog input acquisitions based on the value of a digital or analog signal. Their synchronization input line lets you provide an external sampling clock for the analog inputs, and their synchronization output line lets you output the internal or external sampling clock of the analog inputs to synchronize other devices in your system.

 Among the other common features are differential inputs to reduce measurement errors caused by ground loops and noise. Additionally, both the USB-1608HS and USB-1608HS-2AO come with the MCC DAQ Software CD. This CD provides applications, drivers, and a programming library for developing applications to control Measurement Computing data acquisition hardware using Windows and .NET programming languages.  Other software includes TracerDAQ application, which features strip chart, oscilloscope, function generator, and rate generator virtual instruments.; and InstaCal, an installation, calibration, and test utility. Both the USB-1608HS-2AO are also compatible with Measurement Studio—MCC Edition, DASYLab, and other third-party data acquisition application software.

Measurement Computing’s entire USB family is said to be fully compatible with both USB 1.1 and USB 2.0, and is supported by the Windows 2000/XP/Vista operating systems. The USB-1608HS has a list price of $1,199, while the USB-1608HS-2AO lists for $1,399. For complete details, go to Measurement Computing Corporation.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.