Rev 2.0 © 2012 Advanced Linear Devices, Inc. 415 Tasman Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94089-1706 Tel: (408) 747-1155 Fax: (408) 747-1286

MB201

www.aldinc.com

1 of 3

MB201A2V/MB201A20V

Single Board Precision DVM with direct PC Interface

contains the ALD500R/ALD521D A/D Converter chipset that directly plugs into the parallel printer port

of a PC computer. It features calibrated analog input (w/scalable input ranges), and digital circuitry to

communicate with PC or other microprocessors. It is designed to be used as a stand-alone, embedded

system component in a variety of applications including digital panel meters, customized instrumentation

displays, temperature monitoring, high resolution DVM’s, weigh scales and others. Direct Full-scale

analog input range is +/-2.00000V DC with a linearity of 0.005%. ALD's 18-bit plus sign integrating

dual-slope analog processor (ALD500) functions as the input device and the ALD521D microprocessor

IC implements the digital conversion, control mode and I/O functions.

The MB201 supports two optional versions, each populated with different components and

configurations:

Mode A – calibrated reference used primarily for measurements against a calibrated reference

voltage typically required in precision voltmeter applications. Mode A is the default version of

MB201A.

Mode B – ratio-metric intended for measurements against a ratio-metric reference voltage, such

as those required in weigh scale applications. Mode B is a simple application specific adaptation

of the standard MB201A.

The MB201 board has a provision for PC interface (DB25), BASIC interface modules, and input resistor

divider network for input scaling. Optional MS-DOS Software (P/N - MBCDROM) is also available for

user setup and calibration. Only one copy of the software is necessary, regardless of the number of

boards in use. DC Inputs are single ended or optionally fully differential, and features automatic zero and

automatic input polarity detection. A DB25 connector is provided on-board, to conveniently interconnect

the MB201 to a personal computer (PC) via the parallel printer port for operation, initial setup, and

calibration.

Hardware and Software Features

Directly plug into a PC parallel printer port and displays readings on the monitor.

Measurement Range: +/-2.00000V DC direct input.

(Other ranges are user configurable and scalable, using both hardware and software scaling)

All solid-state construction.

User selectable +/-3½ to +/-6½ digits.

Differential analog inputs with auto-polarity and auto-zero.

Calibration for positive and/or negative inputs.

Smart Input Filtering (Sample Averaging) selection for noise reduction and accurate displays.

Optional MS-DOS software for user operation, setup, and calibration is sold separately.