Measurement Computing introduces Message-Based DAQ protocol

16th August 2009

ES Admin

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Measurement Computing has announced the release of two new data acquisition products featuring a new O/S-independent protocol that allows DAQ devices to be programmed with simple text-based messages. A new 7000 series product line, which includes the USB-7202 and USB-7204 boards, combines 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 terminals

The 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 terminals

Both 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.

“We developed the new architecture specifically for OEMs,” explained Jim Stevens, Measurement Computing’s vice president of R&D, “The Message-Based DAQ architecture is ideal for developers who value a small driver footprint, an easy-to-learn API, and the ability to port their application to virtually any operating system. The MBD software API is open source, so OEM developers can strip it down, enhance it, and otherwise modify it depending on their specific needs. The USB-7202 and 7204 are just the first two in a series of MBD products under development.”