Measurement Computing Data Translation DT3034, User Manual

Page: 88 / 178

Principles of Operation
87
Analog Output Features
Two analog output (D/A) subsystems are provided on DT3034 boards. The first D/A
subsystem contains the majority of analog output features. The second is dedicated to
threshold triggering only (refer to
page 89 for more information on analog threshold
triggering).
This section describes the following features of the first D/A subsystem:
• Analog output resolution
• Analog output channels
• Output ranges and gains
• Output filters
• D/A output clock sources
• Trigger sources
• Analog output conversion modes
• Data formats and transfer
• Error conditions
Analog Output Resolution
DT3034 boards have a fixed analog output resolution of 16 bits. The analog output resolution
cannot be changed in software.
Analog Output Channels
DT3034 boards support two differential analog output channels (DAC0 and DAC1). Use
software to specify the channel type. Refer to
Chapter 4 starting on page 39 for information on
how to wire analog output signals to the board using the screw terminal panel.
Within each DAC, the digital data is double buffered to prevent spurious outputs, then output
as an analog signal. Both DACs power up to a value of 0 V ±10 mV. Note that resetting the
board does not clear the values in the DACs.
DT3034 boards can output data from a single analog output channel or from two analog
output channels. The following subsections describe how to specify the channels.
Specifying a Single Channel
The simplest way to output data to a single analog output channel is to specify the channel for
a single-value analog output operation using software; refer to
page 90 for more information
on single-value operations.
You can also specify a single analog output channel using an analog output channel list,
described in the next section.