Measurement Computing DBK70 - Manual (Page 12)

3-2 System Setup 927994 DBK70 User’s Manual
Use the PC’s serial port to configure the DBK70
Configuring a DBK70
The DBK70 generates analog output signals that are proportional to vehicle data the DBK70 acquires from
a vehicle’s data bus.
The DBK70 uses a connection to the vehicle’s diagnostic connector to obtain access to the vehicle’s data
bus and to obtain the power it needs to operate and to create the output signals. A serial connection to a PC
is used when configuring the DBK70’s output channels and/or to monitor the vehicle data being processed
by the DBK70.
Once its output channels are configured, the
operation of the DBK70 is automatic.
Whenever the DBK70 is connected to vehicle
power, it loads the configuration information
last saved in its non-volatile memory, and
begins processing data and generating output
signals. As the DBK70 receives data from the
data bus, it creates scaled analog output signals
based on the received data. Whenever the
data associated with an output channel is
unavailable, a channel specific default
output signal value is generated.
To configure the DBK70, connect it to your PC’s serial port and launch the included software application.
The software provides database management and channel configuration services.
Using a DBK70 in Stand-Alone Mode
The DBK70 can be used with any voltage measurement instrument in a stand-alone mode. After
configuring the DBK70 with the included software, connect it to the vehicle’s diagnostic connector. When
the DBK70 receives power from the vehicle, it will immediately begin monitoring the network and
updating its analog outputs to reflect the values of the desired messages, as per its saved configuration.
Attach your voltage measurement device to the DBK70’s analog outputs through the analog output
connectors.
Reference Note:
Refer to page 4-3 for more information.
The DBK70 provides single-ended analog outputs, where all outputs are referenced to the same internal
analog ground. Follow the recommended guidelines below to get the best quality readings from your
measurement equipment.
Isolated Measurements
When used with a measurement
device having isolated inputs, connect
any of the DBK70’s ground pins to
each of the low-side inputs of the
measurement device. Attach each of
the DBK70 analog outputs to the high-
side inputs of the measurement device.
It is not necessary to tie the ground of
the DBK70 to the ground of the
measurement device.