Jump to content
  • 0

USB-231 AI Gain values


jcoigny

Question

I had written and executed a test (written in C) to measure a differential signal on all 4 channels of my USB-231 using the cbVIn() function passing a gain of UNI5VOLTS and was very happy with the resolution of the readings.  I had to put that project on hold for several months and since that time my laptop was upgraded to windows 11.  Now when I execute that same code I get readings that don't match the signal present on the inputs, its a few hundred millivolts off.  The signals I am measuring are around 3.3VDC but the input is reading 3.47VDC. I played around with the gain settings and set it to UNI10VOLTS and instead of 3.47 its returning 6.94VDC.  This is odd behaviour since I have to assume the gain values are known by the internal method that converts the binary 16 bit reading to a float should know the gain used for the reading and adjust it as necessary.  I then tried to set the gain to BIP5VOLTS and it reads 1.74VDC so it seems that the gain is not being accounted for in the conversion.  The only setting I can get working with BIP10VOLTS.  It does return the correct voltage at the inputs, however at that gain setting the resolution of the reading is far too inaccurate for this particular application.  The entire reason I purchased the USB-231 was for the 16 bit ADC so I can measure the signal with sub-millivolt accuracy.  Did something change in the driver between windows 10 and win11? It used to work extremely well and exceeded the accuracy requirements I needed with UNI5VOLTS set as my gain.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 answers to this question

Recommended Posts

  • 0

Hello @jcoigny.

Which version of InstaCal were you using prior to the Windows 11 upgrade?

With Windows 11, you should be using InstaCal v6.73, which can be found on the MCC Software/Driver Download page.  

https://www.mccdaq.com/Software-Downloads

image.png

No recent changes to the driver, other than Windows 11 support.

The USB-230 Series only supports one gain, BIP10VOLTS (±10 volts).  https://www.mccdaq.com/pdfs/manuals/USB-231.pdf

image.png

 

Also, consider using the cbAIn() function instead of cbVIn().

image.png

 

Regards,

Fausto

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0

Thanks for that quick update.  I am still running 6.7.2 version of instacal and I didn't update it since I first installed it quite some time ago back when the laptop was still version 10.  I also confirmed that the user manual only states a range of +/-10V. I was kind of hoping that was more of a maximum specification vs the only option available.  That is unfortunate since that greatly reduces the resolution even on a 16 bit device such as this but I guess thats the tradeoff for the price of the unit.  I will keep playing with it to see if I can find a method that works best for my application, I certainly appreciate the feedback!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...