The U6 series is great for acquiring signals from thermocouples, strain gages, bridge circuits, encoders, and much more. With instrumentation amplified inputs, and software selectable gain settings, the U6 provides a cost effective method to measure analog signals which can't be resolved by traditional 12-bit DAQ products. Common applications include laboratory research, industrial control and monitoring, and prototype development.
Features
Analog Inputs:
- The LabJack U6 has 14 external analog inputs (AIN0-AIN13). AIN0-AIN3 are available on screw terminals and also on the DB37 connector. All 14 analog inputs
are available on the DB37 connector.
- The maximum input range is up to 10 volts, with software selectable gains of x1, x10, and x100. Each analog input can be measured single-ended, or differentially
in even/odd pairs. Analog input resolution is 16 bits at max speed (~20 ?s conversion time), increasing to 18+ bits at slower speeds (see Section 3.1
- Command/Response and Section 3.2 - Stream Mode). Input impedance is at least 1 Gigaohm, with typical input bias currents of only 20 nA.
- Command/response (software timed) analog input reads typically take 1-4 ms depending on number of channels and communication configuration. Hardware
timed input streaming (supported with hi-speed converter only) has a maximum rate that varies with resolution from 4 ksamples/s at 18 bits to 50 ksamples/s
at 16 bits.
Temperature Sensor:
- The LabJack U6 has a temperature sensor located very close to the AIN0-AIN3 screw-terminals. Accuracy is +/- 2 degrees C (max). This sensor is particularly
useful for thermocouple cold junction compensation (CJC).
Fixed Current Outputs:
- The LabJack U6 has 2 fixed current outputs of 10 ?A and 200 ?A. These are useful for measuring resistance (resistors, thermistors, RTDs).
Analog Outputs:
- The LabJack U6 has 2 analog outputs (DAC0 and DAC1) that are available both on screw terminals and the DB37 connector. Each analog output can be set
to a voltage between about 0 and 5 volts with 12-bits of resolution. The analog outputs are based on a true voltage reference.
- The analog outputs are updated in command/response mode, with a typical update time of 1-4 ms depending on communication configuration.
Digital I/O:
- The LabJack U6 has 20 digital I/O channels which can be individually configured as input, output-high, or output-low.
- The first 4 FIO are available on screw terminals and the DB37 connector. All 8 FIO and 3 MIO are available on the DB37 connector, and 8 EIO and 4 CIO
are available on the DB15 connector. Note that on the U6, CIO0-CIO2 are the same as MIO0-MIO2.
- Command/response (software timed) reads/writes typically take 1-4 ms depending on communication configuration. The digital inputs can also be read in
a hardware timed input stream where up to 16 inputs count as a single stream channel.
Timers:
- Up to 4 digital I/O can be configured as timers. The timers are very flexible, providing options such as PWM output, pulse timing, pulse counting, and
quadrature input.
Counters:
- Up to 2 digital I/O can be configured as 32-bit counters. Since counting is one possible mode of the timers above, the U6 has up to 6 counting inputs.
I/O Protection:
- All I/O lines on the U6 are protected against minor overvoltages. The AIN lines can withstand continuous overvoltage of +/- 20 volts, the FIO lines can
withstand up to 10 volts, while the EIO/CIO/MIO lines can withstand up to 6 volts.
High Channel Count Applications:
- By using USB hubs, many LabJacks can be interfaced to a single PC, providing an inexpensive solution for high channel count applications.
