MB1S Series
DVM Module Features
www.aldinc.com
ADVANCED
LINEAR
DEVICES, INC.
T
he ALD MB1S is a precision ± 5 1/2-digit volt
meter (DVM) board that plugs directly into
the parallel printer port of a PC computer . It can
be also used in the stand-alone mode for a variety of em-
bedded DC voltage measurement or monitoring applica-
tions. When interfaced to a PC computer, the measured
value is displayed as a virtual digital panel meter on a PC
monitor. Operating power is obtained from the PC via the
parallel printer port. Ready-to-use DOS based DVM soft-
ware is provided on a floppy disk for easy uploading. In
the stand-alone mode, an external 5 volt DC power supply
is required to interface with the 3-wire, 24-bit serial digi-
tal output.
This cost-effective DVM module offers the conve-
nience and functionality of a precision, low voltage level
5-1/2 digit voltmeter whose display resolution, conversion
rates and digital calibration can be set under software con-
trol. Accuracy is maintained by the design with state-of-
the-art CMOS components and low drift technology. This
software provides for calibration using your own preci-
sion calibration standards. The default reading rate is typi-
cally set at 2.5 samples per second, although a wide range
of rates from 1-15 samples per second can easily be set up
for specific applications.
ALD’s 18 bit plus sign integrating dual slope analog
processor (ALD500R) IC functions as the principal en-
gine for the DVM module. The ALD521D controller IC
implements the digital conversion, control mode and I/O
functions.
PC Based Software Features
Inset photo illustrates MB1S
without DB25 connector
Functional Block Diagram
• Measurement Range: ± 2.00000V direct input.
(Other ranges are user configurable)
• Self-powered from PC computer or external
+ 5 VDC power source.
• Accuracy ± 0.01%, Linearity of 0.005% full-scale.
• All solid state construction.
• 24 bit serial output.
• Differential analog inputs with auto-polarity
and auto-zero.
• Simple to install and operate - includes software.
• User configurable software & hardware parameters
• Provision for input voltage scaling attenuator network.
• Up to 6-1/2 digit display with Smart (Intelligent
Adaptive) Filtering.
• User selectable ± 3-1/2 to ± 6-1/2 digit DVM
• Two display modes: DVM Window mode and
Engineering mode.
• Software calibration for positive and negative inputs.
• Smart (Adaptive Filtering for fast settling and
accurate) displays.
S1
C
INT
V
INT
R
INT
SWITCH DRIVER
CONTROL
LOGIC
POLARITY CONTROL
REF
SWITCHES
INTEGRATOR
COMPARATOR
PHASE
ANALOG
INPUT
(V
IN
)
INTEGRATOR
OUTPUT
V
IN
≈
V
FULL SCALE
V
IN
≈
1/2
V
FULL SCALE
t
INT
t
DINT
V
INT
=
4.1V MAX
AB
+
+
-
ALD521D
DIGITAL
CONTROLLER
VOLTAGE
REFERENCE
C
OU
T
POLARITY
DETECTION
V
x
≈
0
ALD500R
t
DINT
-
CONTROL
Environmental
Ordering Information *
Key Specifications
Advanced Linear Devices,Inc. develops and
manufactures a full line of precision CMOS
linear integrated circuits, including analog
switches, A/D converters, voltage compara-
tors, operational amplifiers, conventional and
EPAD
®
MOSFET transistors.
Most standard devices are available as ASIC
cells for the development of semi-custom
integrated circuits.
ALD also serves customers through expertise
in full custom design engineering, including
device and process development.
Mechanical
Advanced Linear Devices, Inc. 415 Tasman Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94089 Tel: (408) 747-1144 Fax: (408)747-1286
Configuration & Outline Drawing
MB1S Outline Drawing
The PC version MB1S assembly is packaged as a printed
circuit board, which includes a DB25 pin connector that plugs
directly into the parallel printer port of a desktop or laptop
PC computer.
The embedded microcontroller version MB1S-ND has
cable ready connection for digital interface to the user’s sys-
tem board. Other optional configurations are also available
i.e., IC chipset, modified DVM modules and custom PC boards
for special embedded applications.
• Full Scale Input Range: ± 2.00000V.
• Input Impedance:
1 G Ohm minimum, 100 G Ohm typical.
• Conversion Sample Rate: 3 samples per
second typical (User selectable).
• Input Power Supply requirements:
+ 3.6 to + 5.5V maximum @ 6mA typical,
9mA maximum.
• Accuracy ±.01%; Linearity of 0.005%.
full-scale (23 degrees C, ± 1 degree C).
• Logic Compatibility: CMOS inputs/outputs.
• Maximum Input Voltages: ± Power Supply
Voltages.
• Overvoltage Protection: Not available.
• Operating Temperature Range:
0 to 50 degrees C.
• Storage Temperature:
-40 to +85 degrees C.
• Humidity: To 90% (no condensation).
• Protection: No shielding - open board
construction.
• Outline Dimensions:
2.00 in. x 2.40 in. x 0.5 in.
• Mounting Holes: 0.125” diameter - 4 places.
• Weight: 1 ounce (28 grams).
Applications
• ALDMB1S (includes DB25 connector)
• ALDMB1S-ND (DB25 connector not
included)
* For special requirements contact factory.
Applications for the DVM module include PC
based digital panel meters, embedded customized/
specialized precision analog front-end input for
PC-based controllers and signal conditioners,
laboratory datalogging, process monitors, por-
table/field troubleshooting and calibration.
1.94" - 2.00"
Note:
All dimensions in inches
unless otherwise specified
1/8" Diameter Hole
Typical - (4) Places
.125 from edges
2.39"-2.45"
DB25 Connector
2.71" - 2.72"