Keithley DDA-16 16-Channel, 12-Bit ISA-BUS Analog Output Module

The Keithley DDA-16 is a 16-channel, 12-bit analog output module for ISA-bus systems, delivering precise voltage and current outputs for industrial control, instrumentation, and dynamic calibration tasks. Four quad DAC4815 converters provide guaranteed monotonicity with ±1 bit integral and differential linearity across selectable output ranges of 0–5V, 0–10V, ±2.5V, ±5V, and ±10V, plus 4–20mA current mode. The module settles in <10µs to 0.01% full-scale step and supports programmable update rates from 50 kSamples/s to 0.004 Samples/s, enabling synchronized multi-channel writes and external clock integration. Hardware trigger/gate inputs and programmable output clock signals accommodate system synchronization, while automatic interrupts flag output updates. All channels power up to 0V or 0mA to protect downstream circuitry.

Technical Specifications

Channels: 16 independent analog outputs via 4 quad DACs

Resolution: 12-bit

Linearity: ±1 bit integral; ±1 bit differential; monotonicity guaranteed

Temperature Stability: 15 ppm full-scale range/°C maximum offset drift

Output Ranges: 0–5V, 0–10V, ±2.5V, ±5V, ±10V, 4–20mA

Load Current: ±15 mA minimum, ±30 mA maximum

Output Impedance: 0.1 Ω typical

Settling Time: <10 µs to 0.01% full-scale step (100 pF typical)

Bipolar Output Accuracy: ±20 mV maximum

Update Rate: 50 kSamples/s to 0.004 Samples/s, programmable via 1 µs–1 s prescaler and 8-bit counter

Power Supply: +5V (320 mA typical, 480 mA max); ±12V (132 mA typical, 185 mA max, no load current)

Key Features

Programmable pacer clock with internal (50 kSamples/s to 0.004 Samples/s) or external sources

Simultaneous multi-channel output updates

Hardware trigger/gate input for output enable/disable control

Programmable output clock signal with selectable polarity and delay

Automatic interrupt generation on output updates

Safe power-up state: all channels default to 0V or 0mA

Typical Applications

Dynamic calibration systems

X-Y table control

Strip chart recorder interfacing

Pressure valve control

Legacy system modernization

Specialized industrial control

Compatibility & Integration ISA-bus interface via standard 37-pin D-type male connector. 32-bit DriverLINX device drivers provide DLL and ActiveX support for Visual Basic, C/C++, and Delphi. Bundled LabVIEW VIs and compatibility with TestPoint application development enable rapid integration. Startup utility allows board operation within minutes.