Robust digital I/O cards for PCI bus sense and switch higher voltage and current levels

MARCH 7--Keithley Instruments Inc. (Cleveland, OH) has introduced the KPCI-PIO32IOA and KPCI-PDISO8A isolated digital I/O data-acquisition cards for the PCI bus. These cards provide an optimum solution for high-level digital sensing and switching applications (up to 60 V and 350 mA) that are beyond the capacity of traditional transistor-transistor logic (TTL) based digital I/O cards. With 32 and 16 channels, respectively, the KPCI-PIO32IOA and KPCI-PDISO8A are cost-effective, space-efficient alternatives for monitoring and controlling a wide variety of industry-standard 12-, 24-, and 48-V loads used in applications such as relays, motors, alarms, and lamps; industrial monitoring and control; and electronic manufacturing production testing.

In addition, the KPCI-PIO32IOA and KPCI-PDISO8A use the same software and addressing scheme as Keithley's comparable ISA-bus boards, providing a smooth software transition for users who must upgrade computer platforms and data-acquisition systems from older ISA to the latest PCI architecture.

The KPCI-PIO32IOA offers 32 channels (16 in/16 out), while the KPCI-PDISO8A provides 16 channels (8 in/8 out). Both cards are optically isolated and offer high-voltage transient protection that protects the computer from external noise spikes in the system. Both are capable of direct, nonpolarized switching and sensing of signals in the 0--60-Vdc or 0-30-Vac rms range and can handle load currents up to 350 mA. In comparison, traditional TTL circuits impose limits of 5 V and 64 mA or less.

For more information on the KPCI-PIO32IOA 32-channel digital I/O card, the KPCI-PDISO8A 16-channel digital I/O card, card options and accessories, or any of Keithley's test-and -measurement solutions, go to www.keithley.com.