M2i.4912 | Spectrum
16 bit multi-purpose digitizer
- Up to 10 MS/s on 8 channels (Single Ended)
- Up to 10 MS/s on 4 channels (Differential)
- Software selectable single-ended or differential inputs
- Simultaneously sampling on all channels
- Separate ADC and amplifier per channel
- Up to 1 GSample on-board memory
- 256 MSample standard memory installed
- 6 input ranges: +/-200 mV up to +/-10 V
- Programmable input offset of +/-100%
- Window, pulse width, re-arm, spike, OR/AND trigger
- 66 MHz 32 bit PCI-X interface
- 5V / 3.3V PCI compatible
- 100% compatible to conventional PCI >= V2.1
- Sustained streaming mode up to 245 MB/s
- General
- Modes
- Trigger
- Clock
- Input AD
- Software
- Related Products
- Systems & Accessories
- Downloads
- Notes & Studies
General Information
The M2i.49xx series allows recording of up to eight channels with sampling rates of 30 MS/s or four channels with sampling rates of 60 MS/s. These cards offer outstanding A/D features both in resolution and speed for PCI/PCI-X and PCI Express. The cards can be switched between Single-Ended inputs with a programmable offset and true differential inputs. If used in differential mode each two inputs are connected together reducing the number of available channels by half. The 16 bit vertical resolution have four times the accuracy compared to 14 bit cards and sixteen times the accuracy if compared with a 12 bit card. All boards of the M2i.49xx series may use the whole installed on-board memory of up to 1 GSamples, completely for the currently activated number of channels.
The PCI bus in the form that is used today was first introduced in 1995. The last years it has been the most common platform for PC based instrumentation boards. Nowadays PCI based systems are more and more superseded by PCI Express based systems. Its world-wide range of installations, especially in the consumer market, still makes it a platform with good value. Based on the PCI bus the PCI-X bus was specified for applications needing a higher data throughput. On the PCI-X bus there are bus frequencies up to 133 MHz and data bus widths up to 64 bit available. The M2i and M3i cards use the PCI-X bus with 66 MHz to gain a high data throughput. All PCI and PCI-X cards from Spectrum are compatible to PCI as well as to PCI-X with 33 MHz up to 133 MHz bus frequency.

The BaseXIO option offers 8 asynchronous digital I/O lines on the base card. The direction can be selected by software in groups of four. Two of these lines can also be used as additional external trigger sources. This allows the building of complex trigger conjunctions with external gated triggers as well as AND/OR conjunction of multiple external trigger sources like, for example, the picture and row synchronisation of video signals. In addition one of the I/O lines can be used as reference clock for the Timestamp counter.

The FIFO mode is designed for continuous data transfer between measurement board and PC memory (up to 245 MB/s on a PCI-X slot, up to 125 MB/s on a PCI slot and up to 160 MB/s on a PCIe slot) or hard disk. The control of the data stream is done automatically by the driver on interrupt request. The complete installed on-board memory is used for buffer data, making the continuous streaming extremely reliable.

Using the System Star-Hub for M2i series cards it is possible to synchronize several systems with each other having the same advantages that the standard Star-Hub gives. The system star-hub allows to extend the number of synchronous channels or set up multiple synchronous data streaming systems either for data storage or online calculations.

The ring buffer mode is the standard mode of all acquisition boards. Data is written in a ring memory of the board until a trigger event is detected. After the event the posttrigger values are recorded. Because of this continuously recording into a ring buffer there are also samples prior to the trigger event visible: Pretrigger = Memsize - Posttrigger.

The star-hub is an additional module allowing the phase stable synchronization of up to 16 boards in one system. Independent of the number of boards there is no phase delay between all channels. The star-hub distributes trigger and clock information between all boards. As a result all connected boards are running with the same clock and the same trigger. All trigger sources can be combined with OR/AND allowing all channels of all cards to be trigger source at the same time. The star-hub is available as 5 card and 16 card version. The 5 card version doesn't need an extra slot.

The data acquisition boards offer a wide variety of trigger modes. Besides the standard signal checking for level and edge as known from oscilloscopes it's also possible to define a window trigger. Trigger conditions can be combined with logical conjunctions like OR to adopt to different application scenarios.

All boards can be triggered using an external TTL signal. It's possible to use positive or negative edge also in combination with a programmable pulse width. An internally recognized trigger event can - when activated by software - be routed to the trigger connector to start external instruments.

The Gated Sampling option allows data recording controlled by an external gate signal. Data is only recorded if the gate signal has a programmed level. In addition a pre-area before start of the gate signal as well as a post area after end of the gate signal can be acquired. The number of gate segments is only limited by the used memory and is unlimited when using FIFO mode.

The Multiple Recording option allows the recording of several trigger events with an extremely short re-arming time. The hardware doesn't need to be restarted in between. The on-board memory is divided in several segments of the same size. Each of them is filled with data if a trigger event occurs. Pre- and posttrigger of the segments can be programmed. The number of acquired segments is only limited by the used memory and is unlimited when using FIFO mode.

Defines the minimum or maximum width that a trigger pulse must have to generate a trigger event. Pulse width can be combined with channel trigger, pattern trigger and external trigger. This makes it possible to trigger on signal errors like too long or too short pulses.

The trigger event is a slope inside the signal that is larger (or even smaller) than a programmed slope. Internally the difference of two adjacent samples is calculated and then compared to the programmed trigger level. This trigger mode allows the detection of signal distortions as needed for power line monitoring.

The timestamp option writes the time positions of the trigger events in an extra memory. The timestamps are relative to the start of recording, a defined zero time, externally synchronized to a radio clock, or a GPS receiver. With this option acquisitions of systems on different locations can be set in a precise time relation.

Using a dedicated connector a sampling clock can be fed in from an external system. It's also possible to output the internally used sampling clock to synchronize external equipment to this clock.

The internal sampling clock of the card is generated using a high precision PLL. This powerful device allows to select the sampling rate with a fine step size making it possible to perfectly adopt to different measurement tasks. Most other cards on the market only allow the setup of fixed sampling rates like 100 MS/s, 50 MS/s, 25 MS/s, 10 MS/s, ... without any possibility to set the sampling rate to any value in between.

The option to use a precise external reference clock (normally 10 MHz) is necessary to synchronize the board for high-quality measurements with external equipment (like a signal source). It's also possible to enhance the quality of the sampling clock in this way. The driver automatically generates the requested sampling clock from the fed in reference clock.

The on-board calibration can be run on user request and calibrates the amplifier against a dedicated internal high precision calibration source. After this calibration data is stored permanently in an on-board EEPROM and is automatically used for further acquisitions.

With a simple software command the inputs can individually be switched from single-ended (in relation to ground) to differential, without loosing any inputs. When the inputs are used in differential mode the A/D converter measures the difference between two lines with relation to system ground.

This option acquires additional synchronous digital channels phase-stable with the analog data. When the option is installed there are 16/32 additional digital inputs which can be individually mulitplexed into the analog data in different formats reducing the analog resolution.

The analog inputs can be adapted to real world signals using a wide variety of settings that are individual for each channel. By using software commands the input termination can be changed between 50 Ohm and 1 MOhm and one can select an input range matching the real world signal.

Most of the Spectrum A/D cards offer a user programmable signal offset opening the Spectrum boards to a wide variety of setups. The signal offset at least covers a range of +/-100 % of the currently selected input range making unipolar measurements with the card possible. Besides this the input range offset can be programmed individually allowing a perfect match of the A/D card section to the real world signal.

All acquisition cards from Spectrum are built with a completely synchronous design. Every channel has its own independent input amplifier as well as an independent ADC allowing to program all input channel related settings individually for each channel.

A lot of third-party products are supported by the Spectrum driver. Choose between LabVIEW, MATLAB, LabWindows/CVI and IVI. All drivers come with examples and detailed documentation.

Programming examples for C++, Delphi, Visual Basic, C#, J#, VB.Net, Java, Python and LabWindows/CVI are delivered with the driver. Due to the simple interface of the driver, the integration in other programming languages or special measurement software is an easy task.

All cards are delivered with full Linux support. Pre compiled kernel modules are included for the most common distributions like RedHat, Fedora, Suse, Ubuntu or Debian. The Linux support includes SMP systems, 32 bit and 64 bit systems, versatile programming examples for Gnu C++ as well as the possibility to get the driver sources for own compilation.

Using the Spectrum Remote Server it is possible to access the M2p/M2i/M3i/M4i/M4x card(s) installed in one PC (server) from another PC (client) via local area network (LAN), similar to using a digitizerNETBOX. To operate it the remote server option has to be activated by a software license for any of the Spectrum cards in the remote system.

SBench 6 is a powerful and intuitive interactive measurement software. Besides the possibility to commence the measuring task immediately, without programming, SBench 6 combines the setup of hardware, data display, oscilloscope, transient recorder, waveform generator, analyzing functions, import and export functions under one easy-to-use interface.

This standard driver is included in the card delivery and it is possible to get the newest driver version free of charge from our homepage at any time. There are no additional SDK fees for the classical text-based programming. All boards are delivered with drivers for Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10, all 32 bit and 64 bit.
Family | Channels | Max. Samplerate | Max. Bandwidth |
---|---|---|---|
M2i.4911 | 4 | 10 MS/s | 5 MHz |
M2i.4931 | 4 | 30 MS/s | 15 MHz |
M2i.4932 | 8 | 30 MS/s | 15 MHz |
M2i.4960 | 2 | 60 MS/s | 30 MHz |
M2i.4961 | 4 | 60 MS/s | 30 MHz |
M2i.4963 | 4 | 60 MS/s | 30 MHz |
M2i.4964 | 8 | 60 MS/s | 30 MHz |
On different platforms | Bus | Max. Bus Transfer Speed |
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File Name | Info | Last modified | File Size |
---|---|---|---|
AN008_Legacy_Windows_Driver_Installation.pdf | Windows driver installation of driver versions < 4.0 | 05.06.18 | 1 MBytes |
m2i49_datasheet_english.pdf | Data sheet of the M2i.49xx family | 28.05.20 | 866 kBytes |
m2i49_manual_english.pdf | Manual of M2i.49xx family | 28.05.20 | 6 MBytes |
pdn_m2i.49xx.pdf | Product Discontinuance Notification for M2i.49xx Series | 18.01.19 | 240 kBytes |
dock_datasheet_english.pdf | Data sheet of Docking Station | 05.06.18 | 162 kBytes |
m2iclktrg_datasheet_english.pdf | M2i Clock / Trigger distribution card | 15.07.19 | 212 kBytes |
m2istarhub_datasheet_english.pdf | M2i StarHub module datasheet | 15.07.19 | 218 kBytes |
spa_amplifier_datasheet_english.pdf | Data sheet of SPA pre-amplifier | 15.07.19 | 352 kBytes |
spc_streaming_datasheet_english.pdf | Datasheet of Spectrum Terastore Streaming System | 17.10.19 | 889 kBytes |
spcm_ivi_english.pdf | Short Manual for IVI Driver | 15.07.19 | 519 kBytes |
sbench6_datasheet_english.pdf | Data sheet of SBench 6 | 12.11.20 | 737 kBytes |
m2ixxxx_labview_english.pdf | Manual for LabVIEW drivers for M2i/DN2 | 30.01.20 | 1 MBytes |
sbench6_manual_english.pdf | Manual for SBench 6 | 15.07.19 | 6 MBytes |
spcm_matlab_manual_english.pdf | Manual for MATLAB driver M2i/M2p/M3i/M4i/M4x/DN2/DN6 | 15.07.19 | 669 kBytes |
File Name | Info | Last modified | File Size |
---|---|---|---|
spcm_driver_v221b7668.zip | M2i / M3i driver - last Version for Windows 2000 | 08.07.14 | 426 kBytes |
spcm_drv_xp_vista_win32_v330b13487.zip | M2i/M3i/M4i/M4x driver - last Version for Windows 32 XP / Vista | 15.11.17 | 1 MBytes |
spcm_drv_xp_vista_win64_v320b11931.zip | M2i/M3i/M4i/M4x driver - last Version for Windows 64 XP / Vista | 15.11.17 | 2 MBytes |
spcm_drv_install_5.23.17678.exe | M2i/M3i/M4i/M4x/M2p/DN2/DN6 driver for Windows 7, 8, 10 (32/64 bit) | 20.01.21 | 4 MBytes |
c_header_v523b17678.zip | C/C++ driver header and library files | 20.01.21 | 40 kBytes |
spcmcontrol_install_v141b7675.exe | Spectrum Control Center - last Version for Windows 2000 | 16.11.17 | 8 MBytes |
spcmcontrol_install32bit.exe | Spectrum Control Center (32-bit) / Windows 7, 8, 10 | 20.01.21 | 20 MBytes |
spcmcontrol_install64bit.exe | Spectrum Control Center (64-bit) / Windows 7, 8, 10 | 20.01.21 | 22 MBytes |
spcmcontrol_install-1.74b13503_winxp.exe | Spectrum Control Center - last Version for Windows XP | 22.12.17 | 7 MBytes |
specdigitizer.msi | IVI Driver for IVI Digitizer class (32 bit) | 20.01.21 | 3 MBytes |
specscope.msi | IVI Driver for IVI Scope class (32 bit) | 20.01.21 | 2 MBytes |
spcm_remote_install.exe | Windows Installer for Remote Server Option | 20.01.21 | 12 MBytes |
sbench5_install.exe | SBench 5 Installer | 29.08.17 | 4 MBytes |
sbench6_v6.4.21b17691.exe | SBench 6 (32-bit) Installer / Windows 7, 8, 10 | 20.01.21 | 33 MBytes |
sbench6_64bit_v6.4.21b17691.exe | SBench 6 (64-bit) Installer / Windows 7, 8, 10 | 20.01.21 | 36 MBytes |
sbench6_v6.3.5b13450_winxp.exe | SBench6 - last Version for Windows XP | 22.12.17 | 38 MBytes |
spcm_drv_labview_install.exe | M2i/M2p/M3i/M4i/M4x/DN2/DN6 LabView driver installer | 20.01.21 | 23 MBytes |
spcm_drv_matlab_install.exe | M2i/M2p/M3i/M4i/M4x/DN2/DN6 Matlab driver + examples installer | 20.01.21 | 3 MBytes |
examples_install.exe | Windows Examples (C/C++, VB, Delphi, .NET, CVI, Python ...) | 20.01.21 | 2 MBytes |
File Name | Info | Last modified | File Size |
---|---|---|---|
spcm_linux_drv_v523b17678.tgz | M2i/M2p/M3i/M4i/M4x drivers (Kernel + Library) for Linux 32 bit and 64 bit | 20.01.21 | 11 MBytes |
spcm_linux_libs_v523b17678.tgz | Driver libraries (no Kernel) for Linux 32 bit and 64 bit | 20.01.21 | 7 MBytes |
spcm_control_center.tgz | Spectrum Control Center | 20.01.21 | 50 MBytes |
spcm_remote_server.tgz | Spectrum Remote Server Linux Installer Package | 20.01.21 | 11 kBytes |
sbench6_6.4.21b17691-2_i386.deb | SBench 6 Linux 32 (.deb) | 20.01.21 | 25 MBytes |
sbench6-6.4.21b17691-1.32bit.rpm | SBench 6 Linux 32 (.rpm) | 20.01.21 | 24 MBytes |
sbench6_6.4.21b17691-2_amd64.deb | SBench 6 Linux 64 (.deb) | 20.01.21 | 25 MBytes |
sbench6-6.4.21b17691-1.64bit.rpm | SBench 6 Linux 64 (.rpm) | 20.01.21 | 24 MBytes |
spcm_matlab_driver.tgz | Drivers + examples for MATLAB for Linux (DEB + RPM) | 20.01.21 | 178 kBytes |
spcm_examples.tgz | Linux Examples (C/C++, Python ...) | 20.01.21 | 1 MBytes |
File Name | Info | Last modified | File Size |
---|---|---|---|
spcm_firmware.tgz | M2i/M2p/M3i/M4i/M4x firmware update (Linux) | 20.01.21 | 16 MBytes |
firmware_update_install.exe | M2i/M2p/M3i/M4i/M4x firmware update (Windows) | 20.01.21 | 12 MBytes |
Name | Info | Last modified | File Size |
---|---|---|---|
CS Automotive Data Recorder | Case Automotive Data Study Recorder and Playback Solution | 20.02.15 | 271 kBytes |
CS DIAL - Differential Absorption LIDAR | Case Study DIAL - Differential Absorption LIDAR | 22.08.18 | 1 MBytes |
CS Fusion Research | Case Study: Digitizers from Spectrum in Fusion Research | 05.06.19 | 1 MBytes |
OCT Skin Cancer Scanner | OCT application for skin cancer diagnosis | 20.02.15 | 342 kBytes |
CS Time Reversal Focusing | Case Study: High Amplitude Time Reversal Focusing of Acoustic Waves | 23.08.18 | 5 MBytes |
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---|---|---|---|
Digitizer Acquisition Modes | Using modular Digitizer Acquisition Modes | 19.02.15 | 2 MBytes |
Digitizer Front-End | Proper Use of Digitizer Front-End Signal Conditioning | 19.02.15 | 2 MBytes |
High-Res High BW Digitizers | Advantages of High Resolution in High Bandwidth Digitizers | 19.02.15 | 2 MBytes |
General Digitizer Introduction | General Introduction to Waveform Digitizers | 19.02.15 | 572 kBytes |
Digitizer Software Integration | Software Support for Modular Digitizers | 19.02.15 | 707 kBytes |
Trigger and Sync | Trigger, Clock and Synchronization Details at high-speed Digitizers | 19.02.15 | 1 MBytes |
SBench 6 Introduction | SBench 6 - Data Acquisition and Analysis of Digitizer Data | 19.02.15 | 1 MBytes |
PN 16 Bit Digitizer Comparison - high precision design | Product Note: Designing PCIe Digitizers for very high precision measurements | 21.08.18 | 679 kBytes |
Name | Info | Last modified | File Size |
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AN Amplitude Resolution | Application Note: The Amplitude Resolution of Digitizers and how it affects Measurements | 09.05.19 | 541 kBytes |
Common Digitizer Setup Problems | Application Note: Common Digitizer Setup Problems to avoid | 18.03.16 | 1 MBytes |
AN LIDAR Light Detection and Ranging | Application Note LIDAR - Light Detection and Ranging | 22.08.18 | 515 kBytes |
Mass Spectroscopy | Application Note Mass Spectroscopy | 08.06.17 | 858 kBytes |
Mechanical Measurements | Mechanical Measurements Using Digitizers | 05.03.15 | 1 MBytes |
Mechanical Measurements D | Mechanische Messungen mit modularen Digitizern | 29.04.16 | 1 MBytes |
Power Measurements | Power Measurements Using Modular Digitizers | 08.04.15 | 1 MBytes |
Using Probes & Sensors | Using Probes and Sensors with Modular Digitizers | 09.04.15 | 838 kBytes |
Signal Processing Tools | Using Signal Processing Tools to enhance Digitizer Data | 19.02.15 | 1 MBytes |
Solving Data Transfer Bottlenecks on Digitizers | Solving Data Transfer Bottlenecks on Digitizers | 10.11.15 | 1 MBytes |
Teaming AWG with Digitizer | Teaming an Arbitrary Waveform Generator with a Modular Digitizer | 11.01.16 | 897 kBytes |
AN Testing Power Supplies | Application Note: Testing Power Supplies using Modular Digitizers | 23.08.18 | 876 kBytes |
Ultrasonic Applications | Using Digitizers in Ultrasonic Applications | 06.02.15 | 602 kBytes |
Digitizers as Oscilloscope | Using a Digitizer as Oscilloscope | 17.04.15 | 825 kBytes |
AN Vehicular Testing with Modular Instruments | Application Note: Vehicular Testing with Modular Instruments | 21.08.18 | 1 MBytes |
AN008 Install Legacy Win Drivers | Application Note: Legacy Windows Driver Installation | 27.03.20 | 1 MBytes |