For the data acquisition needs of most spectrometer users, Ocean Optics recommends the ISA-bus ADC1000 A/D converter for spectrometer-desktop PC interface. Another option is the ADC1000-USB, an external A/D converter with 1 MHz sampling frequency that connects to the spectrometer via a DB25-pin connector and to desktop or notebook PCs via the USB port. A PCI-bus A/D converter is also available. 

Ocean Optics spectrometers will also operate with another A/D converter. However, please be advised that using A/D converters from other manufacturers with Ocean Optics spectrometers can be difficult -- at the very least, you will need to write your own software (see OOIWinIP Windows Interface Package). In addition, you may have to make your own interface cable to connect the spectrometer to the A/D converter.

You may have a good reason for using a non-Ocean Optics A/D converter. Perhaps you're working in an environment other than Windows, DOS, Apple^Ò Macintosh^Ò or even LINUX. Or perhaps you're a process engineer working on a PLC controller system for an industrial application. Or maybe you've simply become comfortable with the A/D converter you've been using -- it's already performing functions vital to your application.

First, your A/D converter meets four basic criteria:

• The converter has 2 external timers.
• The converter can be externally triggered.
• The converter has digital I/O capability.
• The converter has a sampling rate of at least 100 kHz.

If your converter meets these criteria, you'll be able to operate the spectrometer by writing software and, if necessary, by building an interface cable to connect the A/D converter to the spectrometer (S2000 Spectrometers have 25-pin connectors).

There is another available option: If you're working in LabVIEW^Ò, you will be able to use certain National Instruments A/D converters, provided you purchase one of the appropriate LabVIEW driver products Ocean Optics offers. 

Contact an Ocean Optics Application Scientist