Specifications

9-170 | OWNER’S GUIDE
Counter Inputs and Counter Expansion
ORION cards also have synchronous counter/encoder inputs
on them, as well as digital I/O lines. These are also imple-
mented in the VIs, using their own functions. The top level
nine functions are shown in the gure at right. Below these
are an array of subfunctions that allow you to read and control
every function of the counters. Certain ORION cards have a
“counter expansion” option installed, which means that not only
that there are additional counters (and digital input) lines are
installed, but also that the counters have adjustable threshold
levels. These advanced capabilities can be controlled from
within the VI, too, if they are installed.
Digital I/O Lines
Every ORION card also provides at least 8 digital input
and 8 digital output lines. These are TTL level lines as a
standard, but can be expanded in quantity and voltage input
capability via various hardware options. Once again, these
lines are accessible via a group of related functions in the VI.
You can query the card to find out how many analog inputs,
counters, and digital I/O lines that are installed, so that you
know exactly what the hardware capabilities are in order to
implement them perfectly in your application.
CAN BUS Input Channel Functions
Finally, ORION cards feature optional CAN BUS interfaces,
and there is a group of nine functions related to controlling
these ports, setting up the messages and channels within
them, scaling them, and more. You can both read from and
write to the CAN BUS, creating a complete implementation
of CAN BUS data in sync with your analog and other digital
channels.
Sample LabVIEW Application
We have written a sample LabVIEW application that works
with our hardware. Installing it will also install the LabVIEW
drivers that you would need to start your own developments.
This is a great time saver and will start you off in the right
direction.
Top level COUNTER related functions,
from the DEWETRON LabVIEW manual