6
Chapter 1
Introducing the USB-TC-AI
The USB-TC-AI is a USB 2.0 full-speed, thermocouple input module that is supported under popular
Microsoft
®
Windows
®
operating systems. The USB-TC-AI is fully compatible with both USB 1.1 and USB 2.0
ports.
The USB-TC-AI provides eight analog input channels that are configured as four differential temperature inputs
and four differential or single-ended voltage inputs. A 24-bit analog-to-digital (A/D) converter is provided for
each pair of analog inputs. Eight independent, TTL-compatible digital I/O channels are provided to monitor
TTL-level inputs, communicate with external devices, and to generate alarms. The digital I/O channels are
software programmable for input or output.
The temperature channels are software programmable for different thermocouple types. You can take
measurements from type J, K, R, S, T, N, E, and B thermocouples.
The voltage input range is software programmable for ±10 V, ±5 V, ±2.5 V, ±1.25 V.
The USB-TC-AI provides a integrated cold junction compensation (CJC) sensor for thermocouple
measurements. An open thermocouple detection feature lets you detect a broken thermocouple.
An on-board microprocessor automatically linearizes the measurement data.
The USB-TC-AI is a standalone plug-and-play module which draws power from the USB cable. No external
power supply is required. All configurable options are software programmable.
The USB-TC-AI is fully software calibrated.
Functional block diagram
USB-TC-AI functions are illustrated in the block diagram shown here.
Figure 1. USB-TC-AI functional block diagram
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