Summary of ACROMAG COMBINES A/D, D/A, DIGITAL I/O AND COUNTER/TIMER CHANNELS ON ACROPACK
Acromag's AP730 is a military-grade AcroPack mini PCIe I/O module combining analog input, analog output, discrete I/O, and counter/timer functions in a 30 x 70 mm rugged mezzanine. It offers 28 I/O channels, 32-bit counter/timers, 8 differential 16-bit A/D inputs (up to ~800 kHz), 4 independent 16-bit D/A outputs (7.5 µs settling), bidirectional digital I/O in two 8-channel groups, DMA support, and programmable interrupts and triggering for SWaP-constrained defense, aerospace, and industrial COTS systems.
Parts used in the AP730 multi-function I/O module project:
- Acromag AP730 multi-function AcroPack mini PCIe module
- Carrier cards (PCIe, VPX, XMC, CompactPCI-Serial, mini-ITX)
- 8 differential analog input channels (0-10V, ±10V ranges) with 16-bit A/D converter
- 4 analog output channels with individual 16-bit D/A converters
- Bidirectional digital I/O groups (two 8-channel TTL-compatible groups)
- 32-bit counter/timers supporting quadrature, frequency, period, PWM, waveform generation
- DMA transfer support for PCIe bus
- External triggering and programmable interrupts and sequencing controls
- Mezzanine form factor: 30 x 70 mm ruggedized AcroPack
Acromag adds another military-grade measurement and control module to its AcroPack series of ruggedized mini PCIe I/O modules. The new AP730 multi-function I/O module performs analog input, analog output, discrete I/O and counter/timer functions. A variety of carrier cards can host up to four modules and are available in PCIe, VPX, XMC, CompactPCI-Serial, and mini-ITX embedded computing platforms. These boards are designed for commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) applications in defense, aerospace, and industrial systems to provide a high-density mix of I/O signal interfaces in compact computing environments. With the AP730’s single-module combination of analog and digital I/O functions, system integrators can use remaining carrier mezzanine slots for serial, Ethernet, avionics, and CAN interfaces, or FPGA signal processing with other AcroPack modules.
Each AP730 module features a high-density mix of 28 I/O channels and 32-bit counter/timers in a 30 x 70mm card. Eight differential analog inputs (0-10V, ±10V ranges) feed a 16-bit A/D converter capable of sampling at nearly 800KHz. Four analog output channels have individual 16-bit D/A converters with a 7.5µS settling time. Programmable I/O ranges, sequencing, interrupts, memory allocation, and other controls are supported, as well as external triggering. The bidirectional digital I/O is configured as two 8-channel groups with TTL-compatible thresholds and programmable change-of-state or level interrupts. Counter/timers perform quadrature, frequency, and period measurement functions plus pulse width modulation and waveform generation operations. DMA transfer support efficiently moves data between module memory and the PCIe bus to unburden the system CPU and increase performance.
Increasing demand for more efficient size, weight, and power (SWaP) computing is driving the need for high-density, multi-function I/O modules like the AP730,” stated Robert Greenfield, Acromag’s Business Development Manager. “The compact yet rugged AcroPack mezzanine is ideal for interfacing a mix of signals in the tightest footprint on PCIe servers, VPX chassis or small form factor computers.
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- What functions does the AP730 module perform?
The AP730 performs analog input, analog output, discrete digital I/O, and counter/timer functions. - How many I/O channels does the AP730 provide?
The module features a high-density mix of 28 I/O channels. - What are the specifications of the analog inputs?
There are eight differential analog inputs supporting 0-10V and ±10V ranges feeding a 16-bit A/D converter sampling at nearly 800 kHz. - What are the analog output capabilities?
Four analog output channels each have individual 16-bit D/A converters with a 7.5 microsecond settling time. - How is digital I/O configured on the AP730?
Bidirectional digital I/O is configured as two 8-channel groups with TTL-compatible thresholds and programmable change-of-state or level interrupts. - What counter/timer functions are supported?
Counter/timers perform quadrature, frequency, and period measurement, plus pulse width modulation and waveform generation. - Can the AP730 use DMA to transfer data?
Yes, DMA transfer support moves data between module memory and the PCIe bus. - What form factor does the AP730 use?
The AP730 is a rugged AcroPack mezzanine in a 30 x 70 mm mini PCIe card. - What carrier platforms can host AP730 modules?
Carrier cards are available for PCIe, VPX, XMC, CompactPCI-Serial, and mini-ITX platforms.
