The National Instruments PC-DIO-96/PnP is a 96-channel parallel digital I/O interface card for ISA bus computers, delivering high-performance digital signal control and acquisition for laboratory testing, production validation, and industrial process monitoring. Built around four Intel 82C55A Programmable Peripheral Interface chips, the board provides flexible port configuration with each PPI delivering three 8-bit ports independently selectable for unidirectional or bidirectional operation. This architecture supports 24-bit parallel transfers per chip and enables handshaking I/O and pattern matching to minimize CPU overhead when paired with NI-DAQ driver software.
Technical Specifications
• Digital I/O Channels: 96
• Bus Interface: ISA
• Control Architecture: Four 82C55A PPI chips; One 82C53 counter/timer for periodic interrupts
• Data Transfer Rate: Up to 780 kbytes/s
• Logic Levels: 5 V TTL/CMOS
• Output Current: 2.5 mA per pin maximum
• Voltage Rating: -0.5 V to +5.5 V (referenced to ground)
• Power Consumption: 400 mA at +5 VDC (±5%)
• Connector: Standard 100-pin male
• Handshaking: 2-wire capability
• Card Form Factor: Half-length, half-height
• Weight: 0.20 lbs
– Key Features
• Four 82C55A PPIs with three 8-bit ports each for flexible I/O configuration
• Programmable port direction control—ports A and B dedicated to digital I/O; Port C for digital I/O, control, status, or handshake signals
• 82C53 counter/timer for interrupt generation and timing control
• Configurable power-up state with 100 kΩ pull-up resistors
• Plug and Play auto-configuration in compatible systems
• 2-wire handshaking reduces CPU load in real-time control loops
• Pattern matching functionality for event detection without processor intervention
– Typical Applications
• Laboratory instrument control and test automation
• Manufacturing production test systems
• Industrial process monitoring and closed-loop control
• Digital device interfacing and protocol emulation
– Compatibility & Integration
The board operates under Windows 95 with Traditional NI-DAQ (Legacy) driver version 6.9.3. Full API support exists for LabVIEW and LabWindows/CVI development environments. Signal conditioning expansion via SCXI modules and compatible accessories extends functionality for applications requiring analog integration or specialized conditioning.
