Counter Output

Programs the counter outputs of the Q8 data acquisition system.

Library

qctools

Description

The Counter Output Module for the Q8 series of I/O cards programs one of the 32-bit general purpose counters to output a PWM signal on an external pin. The polarity of the CNTR_EN input may also be configured for hardware enabling/disabling of the counter. The CNTR_EN line only affects the COUNTER clock source.

Parameters and Dialog Box

Board Number

The board number of the I/O card. If there is only one Q8 board in your system, then the board number should be zero. The second Q8 board in your system is board number 1, etc.

Clock Source

The clock source to use as the counter. If COUNTER is selected, then the PWM signal will appear on the CNTR_OUT pin of the CONTROL header on the terminal board. If WATCHDOG is selected, then the PWM signal will appear on the WATCHDOG pin of the CONTROL header on the terminal board.

Period

The period in seconds of the output signal. The period may range from 60 ns to 257 seconds (4.3 minutes), in 60 ns units.

Pulse Width

The width of the high pulse as a percentage of the period. The pulse width may range from 0 to 100.

CNTR_EN Polarity

Polarity of the CNTR_EN input. If this option is not checked then the CNTR_EN is an active-low input. Otherwise it is active-high. The CNTR_EN line has a pullup resistor to bring it high when the input is unconnected. Hence, this option is normally checked to enable the counter by default.