August 16, 2009 - Measurement Computing released two data acquisition products featuring a new O/S-independent protocol that allows DAQ devices to be programmed with simple text-based messages.USB-7202 and USB-7204 boards combine small form-factor, bus-powered USB hardware, and a light and agile software framework that can be ported to multiple operating systems. The software framework, a core technology to the series, is called Message-Based DAQ (MBD).MBD is a well-defined protocol that permits the programming of DAQ devices using simple text-based messages.
The MBD protocol greatly simplifies driver and application development, because all DAQ operations are programmed through a common command interface, which is composed of a consistent, extensible firmware interface and an open-source, cross-platform API. The firmware parses text-based messages transmitted through a device driver, and converts these messages into DAQ-specific commands that control the device. This concise and well-documented interface allows driver development for multiple operating systems, and also supports O/S-independent embedded systems that need to communicate only over a USB root port.The USB-7202 and USB-7204 boards are multifunction measurement and control devices intended specifically for the MBD protocol.
Intended primarily for OEM applications, both are shipped as open stackable PC/104-sized boards without enclosures.
The USB-7202 features:
- Eight analog input channels
- 16-bit resolution
- 100 kS/s max total throughput
- Simultaneous sampling (1 A/D converter per input)
- One 32-bit event counter
- External digital trigger input
- External pacer
- Eight digital I/O lines
- Detachable screw terminalsThe USB-7204 features:
- Eight single-ended, or four differential, analog inputs
- Two 12-bit analog outputs
- 12-bit (differential), 11-bit (single-ended)
- Up to 50 kS/s sample rate
- 16 digital I/O lines
- Detachable screw terminalsBoth the USB-7202 and USB-7204 offer two USB connection options: high retention B-type, and OEM header.Each product ships with a 2-meter long USB cable, four nylon standoffs with screws, and a CD containing a Windows installer file (msi), the MC7000 help file, and an archive file containing installation files for a Linux operating system.
