Keithley / MetraByte DAS-16F Plug-In Data Acquisition Board

The Keithley/MetraByte DAS-16F is an ISA-bus plug-in data acquisition board that converts IBM PC/XT/AT and compatible computers into high-speed measurement instruments. It delivers 16 single-ended or 8 differential analog input channels with 12-bit resolution, 100 kHz maximum sampling rate, and programmable gain amplification from 0.5× to 10×. The board integrates two 12-bit D/A outputs, eight digital I/O lines, and a 3-channel programmable interval timer for precise timing and control. Switch-selectable input ranges support both unipolar and bipolar configurations, while external references enable custom output ranges. Bundled 16-bit DriverLINX drivers support Visual Basic, C/C++, and Delphi with DLL and ActiveX interfaces, ensuring compatibility with existing applications and TestPoint development environments.

## Technical Specifications

• **Analog Inputs:** 16 single-ended or 8 differential channels
• **Input Resolution:** 12-bit (1/4096 full scale)
• **Sample & Hold:** 2 µs
• **Gain Settings:** 0.5×, 1×, 2×, 5×, 10×
• **A/D Converter:** 774-based
• **Maximum Sampling Rate:** 100 kHz (100,000 samples/second)
• **Multichannel Rate:** 100 kHz ÷ number of active channels
• **Analog Outputs:** Two 12-bit D/A channels (multiplying type)
• **D/A Output Range:** 0 V to +5 V (standard), ±10 V with external reference
• **D/A Transfer:** Program and interrupt capable (no DMA)
• **Digital I/O:** 4 input, 4 output lines
• **Counter/Timer:** Intel 8254 (3-channel programmable interval timer)
• **Timer Resolution:** 1 µs (X1) or 0.1 µs (X10)
• **Frequency Output Range:** 2.5 MHz to 1 pulse per hour
• **Power Supply:** +5 V @ 800 mA typical / 1 A max; +12 V @ 13.5 mA typical / 18 mA max; -12 V @ 23.5 mA typical / 31 mA max

## Key Features

• Full-length ISA board with multilayer construction
• Switch-selectable unipolar (0 to 10 V) and bipolar (±10 V) input ranges
• Onboard -5 V reference for standard D/A output
• Digital lines control multiplexers, monitor external status, and gate timing circuits
• Compatible with VIEWDAC, EASYEST LX, EASYEST AG, and ASYST software packages

## Typical Applications

• High-speed data logging and process monitoring
• Real-time control systems requiring synchronized analog and digital signals
• Laboratory instrument interfacing via ISA expansion
• Frequency and pulse generation with programmable timing

## Compatibility & Integration

Requires ISA-bus expansion slot in IBM PC/XT/AT-compatible host. DriverLINX drivers enable rapid application development in Visual Basic, C/C++, and Delphi. Integrates with TestPoint application development package.