V266-ZA21 Kinetic Systems 64-channel, 16-bit D/A Converter

The Kinetic Systems V266 is a single-width, C-size, register-based, VXIbus module with 16, 32, or 64 16-bit analog output voltage channels. Several output options are available. The V266-ZA12 provides ±10 V full-scale outputs, the V266-ZB12 provides 4-20 mA current loop outputs and the V266-ZC12 provides ±16 V full scale. These options provide 32 output channels. Additionally, the V266-ZA22 and -ZA32 provide ±10 V full-scale outputs with a 64-channel density or 16-channel density respectively.

Data values for each channel are written to a 16-bit wide, dual-port memory. This memory is sequentially scanned, and the values are applied to a single 16-bit digital-to-analog converter. The DAC output is then multiplexed to separate high-precision sample-and-hold circuits (one for each channel), and the outputs of these circuits are fed through active, 2-pole, low-pass Bessel filters before being brought to the front panel connector. Bessel filters are provided because of their optimum step response. The nominal cutoff frequency of each filter is set at 500 Hz. Since the voltage outputs of all circuits are accurate to within 1 mV of each other, only one gain and one offset potentiometer are needed to adjust the DAC.

Data can be written to or read from the V266 in either offset binary or two's complement format as determined by the state of a bit in the control register. During power-on, the module initiates a sequence to zero the memory contents. The output signals are available at a pair of high-density connectors on the module's front panel. Paired output signals are provided to eliminate ground offset effects.

The V266 supports both static and dynamic configuration. Access to the dual-port memory is via memory locations indicated by the Offset Register within the VXIbus Configuration Register set through A24/A16 address space using D16 data transfers.