Measurement Computing WBK Options - Manual (Page 148)

Operational Aspects
The WBK25 provides an interface for high-speed Ethernet connectivity. The module contains one 10/100BaseT
Ethernet port for connection to a PC’s Ethernet jack or to an Ethernet network hub. The WBK25 also includes three
parallel ports, which are designated as “expansion ports.” Each port can be attached to a to one device, such as a:
WaveBook/512A, /516, /516A, DaqBook/2000A, DaqBook/2000X, WBK40, or a WBK41.
WBK25’s three parallel ports are labeled as expansion ports 1 through 3. They are used to
connect to WaveBook, DaqBook, WBK40, and WBK41 systems via parallel cables. The ports
cannot be used for other parallel devices, such as printers and scanners.
Data transfer rates with the WBK25 depend on the network to which it is attached. If the WBK25 is used in a
point-to-point configuration, where the WBK25 and the PC are the only devices on the network, then data transfers
that exceed 2 Mbytes per second can be expected. The point-to-point scenario is recommended for WaveBook
applications where data transfer speeds may be critical.
A single WaveBook, attached to a WBK25, can operate at its maximum 1 Msamples/s sampling rate while
transferring data continuously to the PC. If the application requires that more than one WaveBook be attached to
one WBK25, with each operating at its maximum 1 Mreading/s sampling rate, contact the factory for the latest
information on data transfer rates. We will continue to improve the WBK25’s data transfer rates as PCs and
networks themselves increase in speed. Users will be able to perform the upgrades in the field.
If the WBK25 is used with DaqBook/2000A, DaqBook/2000X, and/or WBK40 series options, then up to three of
these devices can be attached to one WBK25 and will be capable of simultaneously transferring data at their
maximum sampling rate.
If the WBK25 is attached to a shared Ethernet network the data transfer rates will be dependent on the network
traffic at the time. It is not possible to guarantee maximum data transfer rates in this mode. However, the
WaveBook offers internal memory option cards (WBK30 series) for applications such as this, so that the acquired
data can be locally stored in the event that the shared network traffic prohibits the WaveBook from transferring data
at the same rate at which it was acquired.
Note: It is possible to attach multiple WBK25 units to a single PC that has more than one Ethernet port. It is also
possible to attach several WBK25 units to a multi-port Ethernet hub. Performance under these conditions
will be dependent on the PC’s ability to handle multiple networks.
WBK25 Ethernet Interface Module User’s Guide 919896 WBK25, pg. 3