USB-4704

48 kS/s, 14-bit, USB

Multifunction Module

User Manual
 Copyright
The documentation and the software included with this product are copy-
righted 2010 by Advantech Co., Ltd. All rights are reserved. Advantech
Co., Ltd. reserves the right to make improvements in the products
described in this manual at any time without notice. No part of this man-
ual may be reproduced, copied, translated or transmitted in any form or
by any means without the prior written permission of Advantech Co., Ltd.
Information provided in this manual is intended to be accurate and reli-
able. However, Advantech Co., Ltd. assumes no responsibility for its use,
nor for any infringements of the rights of third parties, which may result
from its use.

Acknowledgements
Intel and Pentium are trademarks of Intel Corporation.
Microsoft Windows and MS-DOS are registered trademarks of
Microsoft Corp.
All other product names or trademarks are properties of their respective
owners.

1st Edition
Printed in Taiwan January 2010

USB-4704 User Manual ii

Product Warranty (2 years)
Advantech warrants to you, the original purchaser, that each of its prod-
ucts will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for two years
from the date of purchase.
This warranty does not apply to any products which have been repaired or
altered by persons other than repair personnel authorized by Advantech,
or which have been subject to misuse, abuse, accident or improper instal-
lation. Advantech assumes no liability under the terms of this warranty as
a consequence of such events.
Because of Advantech’s high quality-control standards and rigorous test-
ing, most of our customers never need to use our repair service. If an
Advantech product is defective, it will be repaired or replaced at no
charge during the warranty period. For out-of-warranty repairs, you will
be billed according to the cost of replacement materials, service time and
freight. Please consult your dealer for more details.

If you think you have a defective product, follow these steps:

1. Collect all the information about the problem encountered. (For
example, CPU speed, Advantech products used, other hardware
and software used, etc.) Note anything abnormal and list any
onscreen messages you get when the problem occurs.
2. Call your dealer and describe the problem. Please have your man-
ual, product, and any helpful information readily available.
3. If your product is diagnosed as defective, obtain an RMA (return
merchandize authorization) number from your dealer. This allows
us to process your return more quickly.
4. Carefully pack the defective product, a fully-completed Repair and
Replacement Order Card and a photocopy proof of purchase date
(such as your sales receipt) in a shippable container. A product
returned without proof of the purchase date is not eligible for war-
ranty service.
5. Write the RMA number visibly on the outside of the package and
ship it prepaid to your dealer.

iii
 CE
This product has passed the CE test for environmental specifications
when shielded cables are used for external wiring. We recommend the use
of shielded cables. This kind of cable is available from Advantech. Please
contact your local supplier for ordering information.

Technical Support and Assistance

Step 1. Visit the Advantech web site at www.advantech.com/support
where you can find the latest information about the product.
Step 2. Contact your distributor, sales representative, or Advantech's cus-
tomer service center for technical support if you need additional
assistance. Please have the following information ready before
you call:
- Product name and serial number
- Description of your peripheral attachments
- Description of your software (operating system, version, appli-
cation software, etc.)
- A complete description of the problem
- The exact wording of any error messages

Document Feedback
To assist us in making improvements to this manual, we would welcome
comments and constructive criticism. Please send all such - in writing to:
support@advantech.com

Safety Precaution - Static Electricity

Follow these simple precautions to protect yourself from harm and the
products from damage.
1. To avoid electrical shock, always disconnect the power from your
PC chassis before you work on it. Don't touch any components on
the CPU card or other cards while the PC is on.
2. Disconnect power before making any configuration changes. The
sudden rush of power as you connect a jumper or install a card may
damage sensitive electronic components.

USB-4704 User Manual iv

 Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction ..................................................... 2
1.1 Features ............................................................................. 2
1.2 Software Overview............................................................ 3
1.2.1 More on the CD ............................................................. 3
Chapter 2 Installation ....................................................... 6
2.1 Unpacking ......................................................................... 6
2.2 Driver Installation ............................................................. 7
2.3 Hardware Installation ........................................................ 9
2.4 Hardware Uninstallation ................................................... 9
Figure 2.1:Unplug or Eject Hardware Dialog .............. 10
Figure 2.2:Stop a Hardware Device Dialog Box ......... 10
Chapter 3 Signal Connections ........................................ 12
3.1 Overview ......................................................................... 12
3.2 I/O Connectors ................................................................ 12
3.2.1 Pin Assignments .......................................................... 12
Figure 3.1:I/O Connector Pin Assignment .................. 12
3.2.2 I/O Connector Signal Description ............... 13
Table 3.1:I/O Connector Signal Description ............... 13
3.3 Analog Input Connections............................................... 13
3.3.1 Single-ended Channel Connections ............................. 13
Figure 3.2:Single-Ended Input Channel Connection ... 14
3.3.2 Differential Input Connections .................................... 14
Figure 3.3:Differential Input Channel Connection ...... 15
3.4 Analog Output Connections (Voltage)............................ 15
Figure 3.4:Analog Output Channel Connections ......... 15
3.5 External Trigger Source Connections ............................. 16
3.6 Field Wiring Considerations ........................................... 16
Appendix A Specifications ................................................. 18
A.1 Analog Input ................................. 18
A.2 Analog Output ................................ 19
A.3 Non-Isolated Digital Input/Output ................ 19
A.4 Counter ..................................... 19
A.5 General ............................................................................ 19

v Table of Contents
USB-4704 User Manual vi
 1

CHAPTER
2

Introduction
This chapter will provide information
on the features of the DAS module, a
quick start guide for installation, and
some brief information on software and
accessories for USB-4704 Module.
Sections include:

• Features
• Software Overview
Chapter 1 Introduction
Thank you for buying the Advantech USB-4704 data acquisition module.
The Advantech USB-4704 is a powerful data acquisition (DAS) module
for the USB port. It features a unique circuit design and complete func-
tions for data acquisition and control.

1.1 Features

USB-4704 has the most requested measurement & control functions:

• 8 single-ended/ 4 differential or combination analog input channels
• 14-bit resolution A/D converter, with up to 48 kS/s sampling rate
• 8 digital input & 8 digital output channels (TTL Level)
• 2 analog output channels
• 16-bit programmable counter/timer x 1
• Programmable gain for each analog input channel
• Automatic channel/gain scanning
• Onboard 512K samples FIFO buffer for AI channels
• DIN-rail mounting
• Bus-powered
• Supports high-speed USB 2.0
• Auto calibration function
• Hot swappable

Note: If high speed AI sampling is running along with DI/O

operation, the maximum AI sampling rate is 40 kS/s.

Note: The USB chip on your system may have a limitation on

the number of USB devices it will support. Normally,
only five USB-4704 devices can be supported.

Note: The power output of an USB port is 500 mA, while the
USB-4704 requires 500 mA (max.). This means that if
an USB hub is used, it will need an external power sup-
ply to support more than one USB-4704 device.

USB-4704 User Manual 2

1.2 Software Overview

Advantech offers a rich set of DLL drivers, third-party driver support and
application software on the companion CD-ROM to help fully exploit the
functions of your device. Advantech’s Device Drivers feature a complete
I/O function library to help boost your application performance and work
seamlessly with development tools such as Visual C++, Visual Basic,
Inprise C++ Builder, and Inprise Delphi.

1.2.1 More on the CD

For instructions on how to begin programming in each development tool,
Advantech offers some tutorial chapters in the Device Drivers Manual for
your reference. Please refer to the corresponding sections in these chap-
ters on the Device Drivers Manual to begin your programming efforts.
You can also look at the example source code provided for each program-
ming tool, since they can get you very well oriented.
The Device Drivers Manual can be found on the companion CD-ROM.
Alternatively, if you have already installed the Device Drivers on your
system, The Device Drivers Manual can be readily accessed through the
Start button:
Start/Programs/Advantech Automation/Advantech Device Manager /
Device Driver’s Manual
After you install the examples, (in CD-ROM:\Example\) the example
source code can be found under the corresponding installation folder such
as the default installation path:
\Program Files\Advantech\ADSAPI\Examples

3 Chapter 1
USB-4704 User Manual 4
 2

CHAPTER
2

Installation
Sections include:

• Unpacking
• Driver Installation
• Hardware Installation
• Hardware Uninstallation
Chapter 2 Installation
2.1 Unpacking

After receiving your USB-4704 package, please inspect its contents first.
The package should contain the following items:
• USB-4704 Module
• Shielded USB 2.0 Cable (1.8 m)
• Companion CD-ROM (DLL driver included)
• User Manual

The USB-4704 Module harbors certain electronic components vulnerable

to electrostatic discharge (ESD). ESD could easily damage the integrated
circuits and certain components if preventive measures are not carefully
paid attention to. Before removing the module from the antistatic plastic
bag, you should take following precautions to ward off possible ESD
damage:
• Touch the metal part of your computer chassis with your hand to dis-
charge static electricity accumulated on your body. One can also use a
grounding strap.
• Make contact between the antistatic bag and ground before opening.

After taking out the module, you should first:

Inspect the module for any possible signs of external damage (loose or
damaged components, etc.). If the module is visibly damaged, please
notify our service department or our local sales representative immedi-
ately. Avoid using a damaged module with your system.

• Avoid physical contact with materials that could hold static electricity
such as plastic, vinyl and Styrofoam.

USB-4704 User Manual 6

2.2 Driver Installation

We recommend you install the software driver before you install the
USB-4704 module into your system, since this will guarantee a smooth
installation process.

The 32-bit DLL driver Setup program for the USB-4704 module is
included on the companion CD-ROM that is shipped with your module
package. Please follow the steps on the following page to install the
driver software:

7 Chapter 2
 For further information on driver-related issues, an online version of the
Device Drivers Manual is available by accessing the following path:
Start\Programs\Advantech Automation
\Device Manager\Device Driver’s Manual
USB-4704 User Manual 8
2.3 Hardware Installation

Note: Make sure you have installed the software driver

before you install the module (please refer to
Section 2.2 Driver Installation)

After the DLL driver installation is completed, you can now go on to

install the USB-4704 module in any USB port that supports the
USB 1.1/2.0 standard, on your computer. Please follow the steps below to
install the module on your system.

Step 1: Touch the metal part on the surface of your computer to neutralize
the static electricity that might be in your body.

Step 2: Plug your USB module into the selected USB port. Use of exces-
sive force must be avoided; otherwise the module might get damaged.

Note: In case you installed the module without installing

the DLL driver, Win2000/XP will recognize your
module as an “unknown device”. After reboot,it will
prompt you to provide necessary driver. You should
ignore the prompting messages and set up the
driver according to the steps described in Sec.2.2.

After your module is installed, you can configure it using the Advantech
Device Manager. The Device Driver's Manual can be found at:
Start\Programs\Advantech Automation\Advantech Device Man-
ager\Device Driver’s Manual

2.4 Hardware Uninstallation

Though the Advantech USB modules are hot swappable, we still recom-
mend you to follow the hardware un-installation procedure to avoid any
unpredictable damages to your device or your system.
Step1: Close the applications of the USB module.
Step2: Right click the “Unplug or Eject Hardware” icon on your task bar.

9 Chapter 2
 Figure 2.1: Unplug or Eject Hardware Dialog

Step3: Select “Advantech USB-4704 Device” and press “Stop” Button.

Figure 2.2: Stop a Hardware Device Dialog Box

Step4: Unplug your USB device from the USB port.

Note: Please make sure that you have closed the application
before unplugging the USB device, otherwise unex-
pected system error or damage may occur.

USB-4704 User Manual 10

 3

CHAPTER
2

Signal Connections
This chapter provides useful informa-
tion on how to connect input and output
signals to the USB-4704 via the I/O
connectors.
Sections include:

• Overview
• I/O Connectors
• Analog Input Connections
• Analog Output Connections
• Trigger Source Connections
• Field Wiring Considerations
Chapter 3 Signal Connections
3.1 Overview

Maintaining good signal connections is one of the most important factors

in ensuring that your application system is sending and receiving data
correctly. A good signal connection can avoid unnecessary and costly
damage to your PC and other hardware devices.

3.2 I/O Connectors

USB-4704 is equipped with plug-in screw-terminal connectors that facili-

tate connection to the module without terminal boards or cables.
3.2.1 Pin Assignments

Warning: The two ground references AGND and DGND should

be used separately for their designated purpose.
Do not connect them together.

Figure 3.1: I/O Connector Pin Assignment

USB-4704 User Manual 12

 3.2.2 I/O Connector Signal Description
Table 3.1: I/O Connector Signal Description
Signal Name Reference Direction Description
AI<0…7> AGND Input Analog Input Channels 0
through 7.
AO0, AO1 AGND Output Analog Input Channels 0 and 1.
AGND - - Analog Ground.
DI<0…7> DGND Input Digital Input Channels 0
through 7.
DO<0…7> DGND Output Digital Output Channels 0
through 7.
DGND - - Digital Ground.
CNT DGND Input Counter Input.
TRIG DGND Input A/D External Trigger.
+2.5V AGND Output 2.5V DC Voltage Output.
+5V AGND Output 5V DC Voltage Output.

3.3 Analog Input Connections

USB-4704 supports 8 single-ended/ 4 differential analog inputs. Each

individual input channel is software-selected.

3.3.1 Single-ended Channel Connections

The single-ended input configuration has only one signal wire for each
channel, and the measured voltage (Vm) is the voltage of the wire as ref-
erenced against the common ground.
A signal source without a local ground is also called a “floating source”.
It is fairly simple to connect a single-ended channel to a floating signal
source. In this mode, USB-4704 provides a reference ground for external
floating signal sources.
Figure 3.2 shows a single-ended channel connection between a floating
signal source and an input channel on USB-4704.

13 Chapter 3
 Figure 3.2: Single-Ended Input Channel Connection

3.3.2 Differential Input Connections

The differential input channels operate with two signal wires for each
channel, and the voltage difference between both signal wires is mea-
sured. On USB-4704, when all channels are configured to differential
input, up to 4 analog channels are available.

If one side of the signal source is connected to a local ground, the signal
source is ground-referenced. Therefore, the ground of the signal source
and the ground of the card will not be exactly of the same voltage. The
difference between the ground voltages forms a commonmode voltage
(Vcm ).
To avoid the ground loop noise effect caused by common-mode voltages,
you can connect the signal ground to the Low input. Figure 3.3 shows a
differential channel connection between a grounded-reference signal
source and an input channel on USB-4704. With this connection, the
PGIA rejects a common-mode voltage Vcm between the signal source and
USB-4704 ground, shown as Vcm in Figure 3.3.

Note: In differential input mode, the input channel n should be used with
channel n+1. (n=0,2,4,6)

USB-4704 User Manual 14

 Figure 3.3: Differential Input Channel Connection

3.4 Analog Output Connections (Voltage)

USB-4704 provides two analog output channels, AO0 and AO1. Figure
3.4 shows how to make analog output connections on USB-4704.

Figure 3.4: Analog Output Channel Connections

15 Chapter 3
3.5 External Trigger Source Connections

In addition to pacer triggering, USB-4704 also allows external triggering

for A/D conversions. The external trigger function is thereby disabled.
And the external trigger function will be enabled once the +5V DC source
is removed.A low-to-high edge coming from TRIG will trigger an A/D
conversion on the USB-4704 board.

3.6 Field Wiring Considerations

• When you use USB-4704 to acquire data from outside, noises in the
environment might significantly affect the accuracy of your measure-
ments if due cautions are not taken. The following measures will be
helpful to reduce possible interference running signal wires between
signal sources and the USB-4704.
• The signal cables must be kept away from strong electromagnetic
sources such as power lines, large electric motors, circuit breakers or
welding machines, since they may cause strong electromagnetic inter-
ference. Keep the analog signal cables away from any video monitor,
since it can significantly affect a data acquisition system.
• If the cable travels through an area with significant electromagnetic
interference, you should adopt individually shielded, twisted-pair wires
as the analog input cable. This type of cable has its signal wires twisted
together and shielded with a metal mesh. The metal mesh should only
be connected to one point at the signal source ground.
• Avoid running the signal cables through any conduit that might have
power lines in it.
• If you have to place your signal cable parallel to a power line that has a
high voltage or high current running through it, try to keep a safe dis-
tance between them. Or place the signal cable in a right angle to the
power line to minimize the undesirable effect.

USB-4704 User Manual 16

 A

APPENDIX
2

Specifications
Appendix A Specifications
A.1 Analog Input

Channels 8-ch Single-ended/ 4-ch differential

Resolution 14 bits

FIFO Size 512 bytes

Sampling Rate 48 kS/s*

Input Range Gain 1 20 16 10 8 5 4 2 1
and Gain List Gain Code 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
S/E (V) ±10 - - - - - - -
Differential (V) - ±1 ±1.25 ±2 ±2.5 ±4 ±5 ±10 ±20
Drift Gain G = 1 to 20 V/V
Zero (uV/’C) 9
Gain (ppm/’C) 30
Small Signal Gain G = 1 to 20 V/V
Bandwidth for Bandwidth 0.01
PGA (MHz)
Input 30V max.
Protection
Input 127 k
Impedance
Input Common 100mV
Mode Voltage
Accuracy DC Gain G = 1 to 20 V/V
INLE (LSB) ±3
DNLE (LSB) ±1.5
Gain Error 0.15
(%FSR)

*Note: If high speed AI sampling is running along with DI/O

operation, the maximum AI sampling rate is 40 kS/s.

USB-4704 User Manual 18

A.2 Analog Output

Channels 2
Resolution 12 bits
Output range 0~5 V
Output Impedance 51
Driving Capability 5mA
Accuracy DC INLE ±8LSB
DNLE ±5LSB
Dynamic Performance Slew rate 0.7 V/us
Setting Time 10uS

A.3 Non-Isolated Digital Input/Output

Input Channels 8 TTL

Input Voltage Low 0.8 V max.
High 2.0 V min.
Output Channels 8 TTL
Output Voltage Low 0.4V max.
High 3.5V min.

A.4 Counter

Channels 1
Resolution 32 bits
Input Frequency 5 MHz max.
Input Voltage Low 0.8 V max.
High 2.0 V min.

A.5 General

I/O Connector Type Removable 10-pin screw terminal x 4

Dimensions 132 X 80 X 32 mm (5.2” x 3.2” x 1.3”)
Power Consumption 360mA @ +5.0V typical; 450mA @ +5.0V max.
Temperature Operation 0~60° C (32~140° F) (refer to IEC 68-2-1,2)
Storage -20~70° C (-4~158° F)
Relative Humidity 5~95% RH non-condensing (refer to IEC 68-2-1,2)

19 Appendix A
USB-4704 User Manual 20