The system is comprised of a 12-channel base system including an I/O controller module and optional 8- or 16-channel expansion backplanes all of which can be panel or DIN rail mounted. It accepts single-channel digital or analog I/O modules and provides 1500Vrms analog I/O isolation. All I/O is channel-to-channel and channel-to-bus isolated. One I/O controller module can operate up to 60 channels of differential analog I/O and 128 channels of digital I/O, using Dataforth's versatile SCM5B analog modules and SCMD digital modules. The I/O controller contains a powerful high-speed microcontroller, A/D and D/A subsystem, communication interface, system memory and status LEDs. The A/D system can convert a maximum 60-channel configuration in 30msec, while the D/A converter can write a maximum 60-channel configuration in 60msec. The highly modular design and ability of all wiring to remain connected to the system when accessing I/O modules, ensures excellent field serviceability and easy upgrades.

The A/D converter system is built around a 16-bit, ±10V input successive approximation device that provides a maximum system throughput rate of 2000 channels-per-second. The D/A converter is also a 16-bit device that provides a maximum system throughput rate of 1000 channels-per-second. These throughput rates are based on 15-channel reads/writes and serial communication at 115.2kbps.

By selecting from Dataforth's 650+ standard and custom single-channel SCM5B analog I/O modules, the isoLynx SLX100 can interface to a broad spectrum of analog signals, including millivolt, volt, milliamp, amp, thermocouple (linearized and non-linearized), RTD, potentiometer, slidewire, strain gage, AC-to- true RMS output, frequency, two-wire transmitter, and transducers requiring DC excitation. Available analog output modules provide a wide selection of current and voltage output ranges, while industry standard miniature digital I/O modules are used for digital AC/DC input and output requirements. The isoLynx SLX100 allows users to mix and match any I/O module type on a per-channel basis, thereby reducing wasted I/O channels and ensuring cost-effectiveness.

All of Dataforth's SCM5B standard and custom modules provide superior specifications, including ±0.03% accuracy, ±0.005% linearity, 1500Vrms isolation, and 240VAC input protection.

The isoLynx® SLX100 communicates on RS-232/485 non-isolated serial links up to 115.2kbps and Ethernet. In the near future, Modbus, Profibus, DeviceNet and other popular fieldbus protocols will be available, as well. Up to 16 systems can be multi-dropped on the RS-485 serial link. Optional fieldbus protocol communication boards are factory installed, but are field-replaceable or upgradeable without processor reconfiguration.

The easy-to-use Application Programming Interface (API) defines a platform-independent, run-time function library used to program Dataforth's isoLynx® SLX100 hardware system under Windows XP/2000/NT/9X. High-level functions are included to encapsulate the transmission and reception of isoLynx commands and responses over the installed communications interface (e.g., RS-232/485). The isoLynx API simplifies the creation of data acquisition and control applications by providing intuitive function calls that hide the complexity of formatting and parsing isoLynx command and response packets. A platform-independent, common API eases application migration from one operating system and/or programming language to another. In addition, the API is based on an open architecture, utilizing "plug-in" communications and I/O processor libraries (i.e., DLLs), allowing for simple API extension and application program deployment.

The isoLynx API includes a suite of sample programs that can be customized to build powerful data acquisition and control applications in Visual C++ and Visual Basic. An OPC server provides OLE for Process Control (OPC) Windows server drivers, allowing isoLynx to communicate with a wide range of HMI/SCADA software packages residing on a host. In addition, Instrument Driver samples are included to demonstrate how the isoLynx API can be used as a foundation for creating sophisticated Virtual Instruments with National Instruments' LabVIEW application development environment.

The isoLynx® SLX100 operation and storage temperature is -40 C to +85 C; the relative humidity range is 0 to 95% non-condensing. Power requirement is +5VDC, 2.5W base system with no modules installed. The system is compliant with the requirements of Emissions EN61000-6-4 (radiated, conducted) and Immunity EN61000-6-2 (RF, ESD, EFT, Surge, Voltage Dips). Modules are certified to CSA, FM, CE, and ATEX requirements; the system is CE Compliant, with CSA, FM, and ATEX Approvals pending.

Prices for the isoLynx® SLX100 system start at $329 for the 12 channel analog base system. Analog and digital I/O modules are priced separately and start at $85 and $11.50, respectively.