LabJack U12 USB Data Acquisition Module
SKU: LAJ-001
The LabJack U12 is the simplest member of the family, with 12 analog inputs (12 bit ±10 VDC, programmable gain amplifier), 20 digital IO, 2 voltage outputs and USB interface.
The LabJack data acquisition modules are flexible I/O modules for getting signals in to and out from your computer. The family features wide software support with drivers and code examples for a range of platforms and languages. The U12 was the first LabJack modules released and is very straight-forward to use. Many existing examples and much of the documentation is based on the U12.
The LabJack modules come with Windows software that allows you to be quickly up and logging and graphing data.
Analog Inputs:
The LabJack U12 has 8 screw terminals for analog input signals (AI0-AI7). These can be configured individually as 8 single-ended channels, 4 differential channels, or combinations in between. Each input has a ±10 volt input range, 12-bit resolution, and an input bias current of ±90 microamps. Differential channels can make use of the low noise precision PGA to provide gains up to 20.
The LabJack U12 is capable of both software and hardware timed acquisition. When using software timed acquisition (also called command/response), the PC sends a command to the LabJack, and it responds with data. This mode can acquire 4 channels at up to 50 samples/second per channel, or 8 channels at up to 25 samples/second per channel. When using hardware timed acquisition, the PC sends a command to the LabJack telling it to start a burst or stream mode acquisition. Both burst and stream mode take advantage of the LabJack's precision timing crystal and high-speed sample buffer. In burst mode, up to 4,096 samples will be acquired from 1-4 channels at up to 8,192 samples/second and stored in the buffer. After the acquisition is complete, the data is transferred to the PC. A hardware trigger can be configured for burst mode that starts the acquisition when a digital input changes state. In stream mode, data is acquired from 1-4 channels at up to 1,200 samples/second and stored in the LabJack buffer. Simultaneously, the data is transferred from the LabJack buffer to the PC buffer, allowing the data to be streamed to disk continuously. Click here for more info on data rates.
Analog Outputs:
The LabJack U12 has 2 screw terminals for analog output signals (AO0 & AO1). Each analog output can be set to a voltage between 0 and the supply voltage (+5 volts nominal) with 10-bits of resolution. The analog outputs are controlled in command/response mode at up to 50 Hz per channel.
Digital I/O:
The LabJack U12 has 20 digital I/O channels which can be individually configured as input or output.
Connections to 4 of the digital I/O are made with the built-in screw terminals (IO0-IO3). These 4 channels have built-in over voltage/short-circuit protection. As inputs or outputs, they are controlled/read in command/response mode at up to 50 Hz per bit. As inputs only, they can be read with the high-speed burst and stream modes.
The remaining 16 digital I/O are accessed through the DB-25 connector and controlled/read in command/response mode at up to 50 Hz per bit. These channels can sink or source up to 25 mA each (total sink or source current of 200 mA max for all 16), allowing direct interface to many relays.
Counter:
There is one 32-bit counter available on the LabJack U12 (screw terminal CNT), capable of counting frequencies up to 1 MHz. The counter is read in command/response mode at up to 50 Hz or up to 300 Hz in hardware timed stream mode.
Watchdog Timer Function for Unattended Operation:
The LabJack U12 also has a watchdog timer function available which can change the states of digital I/O if the LabJack does not successfully communicate with the PC within a specified timeout period. This function could be used to reboot the PC allowing for reliable unattended operation.
Portable Data Acquisition and Control:
When used with a notebook PC, the LabJack U12 becomes a convenient portable data acquisition and control system. The watchdog timer function allows the development of a system which has the reliability of a data logger with the power of a PC. The low-power design of the LabJack U12 allows it to draw all it's power from the USB port. Also, no UPS is needed when using a LabJack U12 with a notebook PC. In the event of power loss, both the LabJack and the notebook will continue to operate.
High Channel Count Applications:
By using USB hubs, up to 80 LabJacks can be connected to a single USB host, providing an inexpensive solution for low-speed high channel count applications.
Free Example Application Software:
Includes various example applications, including LJlogger and LJscope. LJlogger provides data logger type functionality. It reads all inputs, controls all outputs, writes real time data to disk, and sends email when events are triggered. LJscope is a simple virtual oscilloscope program. This software is free and can be downloaded from the U12 Support page for evaluation.
Free Driver Software:
Drivers are provided as a DLL which can be called from most programming languages. Also included are an ActiveX wrapper and LabVIEW VIs which call all the functions in the DLL. Most driver functions have a demo input, so applications can be developed and tested without hardware.
Drivers and Examples:
The U12 Support Page has drivers and sample code. LabJack have drivers for the three major operating systems, and examples for most common programming languages.
This product comparison shows the different Labjack models and their features.
Input voltage range: ±10 V
Eight 12 bit analog inputs can be set up as single ended or in pairs as differential inputs
Programmable Gain Amplifier with gains of 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 10, 16, or 20 V/V for differential analog inputs
Up to 8 kSamples/sec (burst) or 1.2 kSamples/sec (stream)
Supports software or hardware timed acquisition
Supports triggered acquisition
Two 0 to 5 VDC analog voltage outputs
20 Digital I/O - 4 accessible on screw terminals and 16 on a DB-25 expansion socket
Up to 50 Hz digital I/O
32-Bit counter input (1 MHz)
Watchdog timer function
Easy to use plug-and-play USB device
Connect up to 80 LabJacks to one USB port
Complete software control, no jumpers or switches
USB bus powered or external power input
Includes DaqFactory Express software for Windows
Includes application and driver software for VB, C++, Delphi, Java
Includes LabVIEW VIs
Works with Windows 98SE through to Windows 7
Includes USB cable and screwdriver
Dimension: 4 × 6 × 1 inches
Faulty Goods and Warranty
Where such goods have been supplied we undertake to repair or replace them as quickly as possible.Prior to returning faulty items, please contact us with a description of the fault as one of our engineers might be able to assist you by resolving the issue over the phone.
A Warranty form must be filled out and returned with any goods.
Our standard warranty period is 12 months from the date of purchase unless stated otherwise.
Other warranty periods:
Labjack Products: 5 Years
Atop Products: 3 Years
MeanWell Products: 3 Years
Terracom Products: 3 Years
Warranty is subject to us being satisfied that a defect was caused by defective workmanship or materials and was not caused by or was not substantially contributed to by other factors beyond our control including incorrect installation, alterations or modifications of the product not recommended by the manufacturer.
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If you are dissatisfied with our goods you may return them within 14 days of the dispatch date. Contact us for an authorisation and we will refund your purchase less shipping costs and restocking fees. All returned goods MUST be in AS NEW condition including ALL PACKAGING and DOCUMENTATION / MANUALS etc.
Please note:
- The product returned will attract a 20% restocking fee.
- The customer must pay the delivery costs.
- Non standard, custom made or a specially manufactured or imported products are not returnable.
- Semiconductors, books and software are not refundable
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