The PC-DIO-96 is a digital I/O board for ISA bus computers, delivering 96 channels of programmable input/output through four 8255A PPI chips. This software-timed device supports unidirectional and bidirectional configurations with handshaking capabilities, achieving data transfer rates up to 780 Kbytes/s. Operating at 5 V TTL/CMOS logic levels, the board accommodates diverse industrial automation, data acquisition, and control workflows including laboratory testing, production validation, and process monitoring.
Technical Specifications
• 96 digital I/O channels via four 8255A PPI chips
• ISA bus interface
• 5 V TTL/CMOS logic levels
• Data transfer rate: Up to 780 Kbytes/s
• Three 8-bit ports per PPI chip (A, B, C); Port C configurable as 4-bit nibbles
• 8253 programmable interval timer for periodic host interrupts
• 100-pin male connector
• Output voltage: Maximum +5 V
• Output current: Maximum 0.5 A per pin
• Input voltage range: −0.5 V to +5.5 V relative to ground
• Pull-up resistors: 100 kΩ on all I/O lines
– Key Features
• Configurable operational modes: unidirectional, bidirectional, handshaking I/O
• Port C splits into PORT C-HI and PORT C-LO for flexible signal routing
• Known power-up state through fixed pull-up configuration
• Interrupt generation capability to host processor
• Pattern matching support
• Programmable interval timer for timing control
– Typical Applications
• Industrial automation and process control
• Laboratory and production testing environments
• Industrial process monitoring systems
• Custom control logic requiring high-channel-count digital I/O
– Compatibility & Integration
Works with NI-DAQ driver software, LabVIEW, and LabWindows/CVI environments. Supports integration with SCXI modules and accessories for extended functionality.
