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.