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M3i.4120-Exp 14 bit multi-purpose digitizer - SPECTRUM Instrumentation
M3i.4120-Exp
14 bit multi-purpose digitizer
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Product:

M3i.4120-Exp

14 bit multi-purpose digitizer

Description:

The 6 models of the M3i.41xx Express series are designed for the fast and high quality data acquisition. Each of the input channels has its own monolithic A/D converter and its own programmable input amplifier. This allows the recording of signals simultaneously on both channels with 14 bit resolution without any phase delay between them. The card uses only one A/D converter even when running with 400 MS/s, guaranteeing best signal quality without any interleaving technology. The extremely large on-board memory allows long time recording even with the highest sampling rates.

Facts & Features:

  • Up to 250 MS/s on 1 channel
  • Simultaneously sampling on all channels
  • Separate monolithic ADC and amplifier per channel
  • Up to 2 synchronous digital channels with multi-purpose I/O
  • Up to 2 GSample on-board memory
  • 256 MSample standard memory installed
  • 6 input ranges: +/-200 mV up to +/-10 V
  • Window, re-arm, OR/AND trigger
  • Synchronization of up to 8 cards
  • PCIe x1 Gen1 Interface
  • Works with x1/x4/x8/x16 PCIe slots
  • Software compatible to PCI
  • Sustained streaming mode up to 160 MB/s

Technical Drawing:

Application examples:

  • High Energy Physics
  • Research and Development
  • Radar
  • Spectroscopy
  • Laser Applications

ABA Mode

The ABA mode combines slow continuous data recording with fast acquisition on trigger events. The ABA mode works like a slow data logger combined with a fast digitizer. The exact position of the trigger events is stored as timestamps in an extra memory.

BaseXIO (Optional)

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.

FIFO mode

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.

Ring buffer mode

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.

Star-Hub (Optional)

The star-hub is an additional module allowing the phase stable synchronization of up to 8 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 allowing all channels of all cards to be trigger source at the same time. The star-hub is available as 4 card and 8 card version. The 4 card version doesn't need an extra slot.

Channel Trigger

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.

External Trigger

All boards can be triggered using a separate external trigger signal with a two level programmable window comparator. It's possible to use positive or negative edge. An internally recognized trigger event can - when activated by software - be routed to a multi purpose i/o connector to start external instruments.

Multi Purpose I/O

The card offers universal multi purpose I/O lines, which can be separately programmed as either input or output. These lines can be used as additional TTL trigger inputs for more complex trigger conditions.

Multiple Recording

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.

Timestamp

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.

External Clock

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.

High Precision PLL

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.

Reference Clock

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.

Selectable AC/DC Coupling

Each analog channel contains a software selectable AC/DC coupling. When using the DC coupling all frequency parts of the signal including the DC offset are acquired. Selecting the AC coupling will only acquire frequency parts of the signal that are above a defined minimum bandwidth.

On-board Calibration

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.

Digital Inputs (Optional)

This option acquires additional synchronous digital channels phase-stable with the analog data. When the option is installed and activated additional digital inputs are stored in the unused bits of each ADC word (2 digital inputs on 14 bit A/D and 4 digital inputs on 12 bit A/D)

Programmable Input Amplifiers

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.

Selectable Input Path

For each of the analog channels the user has the choice between two analog input paths, both offering the highest flexibility when it comes to input ranges. The Buffered path has 1 MOhm termination that allows to connect standard oscilloscope probes to the card. The HF path on the other hand provides the highest bandwidth and the best signal integrity having a fixed 50 Ohm termination.

Synchronous Sampling

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.

Selectable Low Pass Filter

Each analog channel contains a software selectable low-pass filter to limit the input bandwidth. Reducing the analog input bandwidth results in a lower total noise and can be usefull especially with low voltage input signals.

Multi Purpose I/O

All M3i cards offer two universal multi purpose I/O lines, which can be separately programmed as either input or output. When used as outputs, these lines can be used to output card status signals like trigger-armed or to output the trigger to synchronize external equipment.

SMA Connectors (Optional)

As an alternative to the standard SMB and MMCX connections the card can also be equipped with SMA connectors. The SMA connections are available for the analog input signals as well as for two of the additonal connections. These connections must be defined on the purchase order and can be a selection of: Trig-In, Trig-Out, Multi-Purpose X0, Clk-In, Clk-Out.

3rd Party Drivers

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

Programming examples for C++, Delphi, Visual Basic, C#, VB.Net, Java, Python, Julia 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.

Linux

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.

Remote Server (Optional)

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.

SBench6

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.

Windows

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, Windows 10 and Windows 11, all 32 bit and 64 bit.

Related products
Product Channels Max. Samplerate Max. Bandwidth
M3i.4110-Exp 1 100 MS/s 50 MHz
M3i.4111-Exp 2 100 MS/s 50 MHz
M3i.4121-Exp 2 250 MS/s 125 MHz
M3i.4140-Exp 1 400 MS/s 200 MHz
M3i.4142-Exp 2 400 MS/s 200 MHz
Other platforms
On different platforms Bus Max. Bus Transfer speed
M3i.4120 PCI-X 245 MByte/s

A/D External Amplifiers (Optional)

Independent external pre-amplifiers allow to acquire extremely small signals with a reasonable quality. The external amplifiers are optimized for low noise inputs. The amplifiers of the SPA series are available with different bandwidth and input impedance options. No programming is needed to operate the amplifiers.

Docking Stations (Optional)

All Spectrum products can be used in 3rd party docking stations, connected by either PCIe interface card or by Thunderbolt interface. Docking stations can extend a standard PC by up to 16 PCIe slots.

Streaming Systems (Optional)

Combining a number of Spectrum M2p/M2i/M3i/M4i/M5i PCIe digitizers with a Tera-Store Data Streaming solution allows the capture and storage of long complex signals for extended periods of time. With systems available offering from 1 to 32 TB of storage and streaming rates up to 3 GB/s signals can be digitized and stored seamlessly for hours on end.

Documents

Legacy Windows Driver Installation

Windows driver installation of driver versions < 4.0

21.02.20221 M
M3i.41xx Datasheet

Datasheet of the M3i.41xx family

21.02.2022941 K
M3i.41xx Manual

Manual of M3i.41xx family

21.02.20227 M
PDN M3i.41x Series (200 and 400 MS/s)

Product Discontinuance Notification for M3i.41xx/M3i.41xx-exp Series (200 and 400 MS/s versions)

21.02.2022231 K
PDN M3i.41x Series (100 MS/s)

Product Discontinuance Notification for M3i.41xx/M3i.41xx-exp Series, versions with 100 MS/s

21.02.2022235 K
Streaming System

Datasheet of Spectrum Terastore Streaming System

21.02.2022910 K
M3i StarHub Datasheet

M3i StarHub module datasheet

21.02.2022142 K
SPA Datasheet

Data sheet of SPA pre-amplifier

08.12.2023580 K
Docking Station

Data sheet of Docking Station

21.02.2022166 K
IVI Driver Manual

Short Manual for IVI Driver

21.02.2022532 K
SBench 6 data sheet

Data sheet of SBench 6

15.01.2024999 K
MATLAB Manual

Manual for MATLAB driver M2p/M4i/M4x/M5i/M2i/M3i/DN2/DN6

13.12.20231 M
M3i LabVIEW Manual

Manual for LabVIEW drivers for M3i

21.02.20222 M
SBench 6 Manual

Manual for SBench 6

21.02.20227 M

WINDOWS DRIVER + SOFTWARE

Win32 Driver Win2k

M2i / M3i driver - last Version for Windows 2000

221.02.2022437 K
Driver Win7/8/10/11

M2p/M4i/M4x/M5i/M2i/M3i/DN2/DN6 driver for Windows 7, 8, 10, 11 (32/64 bit)

7.0425.10.20245 M
Win32 Driver WinXP/Vista

M2i/M3i/M4i/M4x driver - last Version for Windows 32 XP / Vista

3.3021.02.20222 M
Win64 Driver WinXP/Vista

M2i/M3i/M4i/M4x driver - last Version for Windows 64 XP / Vista

3.2021.02.20223 M
c_header

C/C++ driver header and library files

7.0425.10.202444 K
Control Center Win2k

Spectrum Control Center - last Version for Windows 2000

1.4121.02.20228 M
Control Center (32-bit)

Spectrum Control Center (32-bit) / Windows 7, 8, 10

2.3825.10.202424 M
Control Center (64-bit)

Spectrum Control Center (64-bit) / Windows 7, 8, 10, 11

2.3825.10.202436 M
Control Center WinXP

Spectrum Control Center - last Version for Windows XP

1.7421.02.20228 M
SBench6 (32-bit)

SBench 6 (32-bit) Installer / Windows 7, 8, 10

6.5.0925.10.202436 M
SBench6 (64-bit)

SBench 6 (64-bit) Installer / Windows 7, 8, 10, 11

6.5.0925.10.202449 M
SBench6 WinXP

SBench6 - last Version for Windows XP

6.3.521.02.202241 M
Remote Server Windows

Windows Installer for Remote Server Option

10.03.202113 M
IVI Scope

IVI Driver for IVI Scope class (32 bit)

25.10.20243 M
LabView driver

M2i/M2p/M3i/M4i/M4x/M5i/DN2/DN6 LabView driver installer

11.11.202420 M
Matlab driver

M2p/M4i/M4x/M5i/M2i/M3i/DN2/DN6 Matlab driver + examples installer

11.11.202425 M
Examples for Windows

Windows Examples (C/C++, .NET, Delphi, Java, Python, Julia ...)

7.0425.10.20242 M

LINUX DRIVER + SOFTWARE

Linux Driver Complete

M2p/M4i/M4x/M5i/M2i/M3i drivers (Kernel + Library) for Linux 32 bit and 64 bit

7.0425.10.202436 M
Linux Driver Library

Driver libraries (no Kernel) for Linux 32 bit and 64 bit

7.0425.10.20249 M
Remote Server Linux

Spectrum Remote Server Linux Installer Package

11.03.202112 K
Control Center

Spectrum Control Center

2.3825.10.202421 M
SBench6

SBench 6 Linux 32 (.rpm)

6.5.0822.04.202426 M
SBench6

SBench 6 Linux 64 (.rpm)

6.5.0917.09.202423 M
SBench6

SBench 6 Linux 32 (.deb)

6.5.0822.04.202423 M
SBench6

SBench 6 Linux 64 (.deb)

6.5.0925.10.202422 M
MATLAB Driver

Drivers + examples for MATLAB for Linux (DEB + RPM)

25.10.2024156 K
Examples for Linux

Linux Examples (C/C++, Python, Julia ...)

7.0425.10.2024569 K

Firmware

Firmware Update (Windows)

M2i/M2p/M3i/M4i/M4x/M5i firmware update (Windows)

17.09.202424 M
Firmware Update (Linux)

M2i/M2p/M3i/M4i/M4x/M5i firmware update (Linux)

17.09.202430 M

Case Studies

OCT Skin Cancer Scanner

OCT application for skin cancer diagnosis

21.02.2022351 K
CS Mass Spectroscopy

Case Study: Digitizer in Mass Spectroscopy

21.02.2022533 K

Product Notes

General Digitizer Introduction

General Introduction to Waveform Digitizers

21.02.2022587 K
High-Res High BW Digitizers

Advantages of High Resolution in High Bandwidth Digitizers

21.02.20222 M
Digitizer Acquisition Modes

Using modular Digitizer Acquisition Modes

21.02.20223 M
Digitizer Front-End

Proper Use of Digitizer Front-End Signal Conditioning

21.02.20223 M
Trigger and Sync

Trigger, Clock and Synchronization Details at high-speed Digitizers

21.02.20221 M
Digitizer Software Integration

Software Support for Modular Digitizers

21.02.2022724 K
SBench 6 Introduction

SBench 6 - Data Acquisition and Analysis of Digitizer Data

21.02.20221 M

Application Notes

Ultrasonic Applications

Using Digitizers in Ultrasonic Applications

21.02.2022617 K
Signal Processing Tools

Using Signal Processing Tools to enhance Digitizer Data

21.02.20221 M
Using Probes & Sensors

Using Probes and Sensors with Modular Digitizers

21.02.2022858 K
Digitizers as Oscilloscope

Using a Digitizer as Oscilloscope

21.02.2022845 K
Solving Data Transfer Bottlenecks on Digitizers

Solving Data Transfer Bottlenecks on Digitizers

21.02.20222 M
Teaming AWG with Digitizer

Teaming an Arbitrary Waveform Generator with a Modular Digitizer

21.02.2022919 K
Common Digitizer Setup Problems

Application Note: Common Digitizer Setup Problems to avoid

21.02.20221 M
AN Amplitude Resolution

Application Note: The Amplitude Resolution of Digitizers and how it affects Measurements

21.02.2022555 K
AN008 Install Legacy Win Drivers

Application Note: Legacy Windows Driver Installation

21.02.20221 M
Contact

On location for you. Choose your region.

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Contact Europe
Phone +49 (0)4102 6956-0
Fax +49 (0)4102 6956-66
E-Mail info@spec.de
Contact USA
Phone +1 (201) 562-1999
Fax +1 (201) 820-2691
E-Mail sales@spectrum-instrumentation.com
Contact Asia
Phone +61 402 130 414
E-Mail greg.tate@spectrum-instrumentation.com
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