Diamond Systems RUBY-MM-1616A 16-Bit PC/104 Analog Output Modules with Digital I/O for Embedded Systems

Analogue outputs are where a PC/104 control system meets the hardware it drives: drive references, valve positioners, 4-20 mA loops into process instruments and synchronised signals for test fixtures. The Diamond Systems RUBY-MM-1616A series puts up to 16 of those outputs on one PC/104 module, with 16-bit resolution and digital I/O on the same board, so a single module can carry most of a stack’s control interface. The outputs are specified tightly: settling time is 10 µs maximum to ±0.003%, linearity error is ±2 LSB maximum and each output can source ±5 mA into a 2 kΩ minimum load.

Every RUBY-MM-1616A module shares the same board. Each output takes its own range, from 0-5 V, 0-10 V, ±5 V and ±10 V to 0-20 mA, 4-20 mA and 0-24 mA current, and all channels update simultaneously from a software command or an external trigger, so outputs driving one mechanism move without time skew. A waveform generator covers the fitted channels, and individual DC/DC converters supply ±15 V to each DAC from the +5 V bus. Diamond builds the series on a six-layer PCB with split analogue and digital planes, calibrates each output digitally at the factory and resets every line to a known state at power-up. The digital side adds 48 lines with programmable direction, two 32-bit counter/timers and four 24-bit pulse width modulators.

The three models differ only in how many analogue outputs are fitted. The RMM-1616A-XT has all 16 channels for systems with a large bank of setpoints or current loops. The RMM-816A-XT has eight, a common fit for mixed control jobs where digital switching outweighs analogue, and it is a standard stocked item like the 16-channel model. The RMM-416A-XT has four and carries a 50-unit minimum order, which makes it a production choice for volume designs.

RUBY-MM-1616A modules use the PC/104 ISA bus and run from -40 to +85 °C, which suits vehicles, outdoor cabinets and test equipment that sees wide temperature swings. Jumpers can be replaced with 0-ohm resistors for high-vibration installs, Diamond quotes an MTBF of 100,000 hours, and the Universal Driver supports C programming under Windows, Linux and DOS. For PC/104-Plus hosts, the RUBY-MM-1616AP series carries the same outputs with a PCI connector.