LabJack U3-LV

Name: LabJack U3-LV
Brand: LabJack
Availability: InStock

USB DAQ device with 4 dedicated analog inputs, 12 flexible I/O, and 4 dedicated digital I/O. The flexible I/O can be configured as either digital or analog, thus providing up to 16 to 20 analog inputs, or up to 16 digital I/O. It also has two 10-bit analog outputs, up to 2 counters, and up to 2 timers.

USB Multifunction DAQ

The U3 family devices are versatile for measurement and control within simple analog and digital systems. With the option to configure I/O as either analog or digital, you have flexibility when choosing sensors for your application. Common applications include hobbyist projects, educational programs, industrial control and monitoring, and prototype development.

U3-LV (Low Voltage) 0-2.4v or 0-3.6volts

U3-HV ±10 volts or -10/+20 volts

USB Only Customers needing 16+-bit Analog Inputs should consider the LabJack U6 and customers needing Ethernet or onboard scripting abilities should consider our T-Series devices.

Datasheet & Support

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Warranty

5-Year Warranty

Risk Free

60 Days Money back

Model

U3-LV

U3-LV OEM

Product variants

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$160

Stock status: In Stock

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Description
Specs
Support
FAQs

Description

Description
Specs
Support
FAQs

Compact Yet Powerful, Affordable, Expandable, Multifunction DAQ

The U3 incorporates a wide range of features with unparalleled flexibility, all at a highly competitive price point.

Arduino and Pi users will recognize LabJack as so much more than a GPIO device with a more flexible development platform, robust hardware protections and industry leading support and documentation.

Many LabJack accessories make connecting nearly any sensor a breeze and LabJack's documentation, engineering support and 5 year warranty stand behind every LabJack sold.

U3 Highlights

Flexible I/O:

The first 16 I/O lines (FIO and EIO ports) on the LabJack U3-LV can be individually configured as digital input, digital output, or analog input. In addition, up to 2 of these lines can be configured as timers, and up to 2 of these lines can be configured as counters. On the U3-HV, the first 4 flexible I/O are replaced with dedicated high-voltage analog inputs.

The first 8 flexible I/O lines (FIO0-FIO7) appear on built-in screw terminals. The other 8 flexible I/O lines (EIO0-EIO7) are available on the DB15 connector.

For more information, see Section 2.5 - Flexible I/O (FIO/EIO) of the U3 Datasheet.

Analog Inputs:

The LabJack U3 has up to 16 analog inputs available on the flexible I/O lines. Single-ended measurements can be taken of any line compared to ground, or differential measurements can be taken of any line to any other line.

Analog input resolution is 12-bits. The range of single-ended low-voltage analog inputs on the U3-LV is typically 0-2.4 volts or 0-3.6 volts, and the range of differential analog inputs is typically ±2.4 volts (pseudobipolar only). For valid measurements, the voltage on every analog input pin, with respect to ground, must be within -0.3 to +3.6 volts.

On the U3-HV, the first 4 flexible I/O are replaced with dedicated high-voltage analog inputs. The input range of these channels is ±10 volts or -10/+20 volts. The remaining 12 flexible I/O are still available as described above, so the U3-HV has 4 high-voltage analog inputs and up to 12 low-voltage analog inputs.

Command/response (software timed) analog input reads typically take 0.6-4.0 ms depending on number of channels and communication configuration. Hardware timed input streaming has a maximum rate that varies with resolution from 2.5 ksamples/s at 12-bits to 50 ksamples/s at about 10-bits.

For more information see the U3 Datasheet. For analog input information see Section 2.6 - AIN and Appendix A. For data rate information see Sections 3.1 - Command/Response and Sections 3.2 - Stream Mode.

Analog Outputs:

The LabJack U3 has 2 analog outputs (DAC0 and DAC1) that are available on the screw terminals. Each analog output can be set to a voltage between 0 and 5 volts with 10-bits of resolution.

The analog outputs are updated in command/response mode, with a typical update time of 0.6-4.0 ms depending on communication configuration. The analog outputs have filters with a 3 dB cutoff around 16 Hz, limiting the frequency of output waveforms to less than that.

For more information see the U3 Datasheet. For analog output information see Section 2.7 - DAC and Appendix A. For data rate information see Section 3.1 - Command/Response.

Digital I/O:

The LabJack U3 has up to 20 digital I/O channels. 16 are available from the flexible I/O lines, and 4 dedicated digital I/O (CIO0-CIO3) are available on the DB15 connector. Each digital line can be individually configured as input, output-high, or output-low. The digital I/O use 3.3 volt logic and are 5 volt tolerant.

Command/response (software timed) reads/writes typically take 0.6-4.0 ms depending on communication configuration. The first 16 digital inputs can also be read in a hardware timed input stream where all 16 inputs count as a single stream channel.

For more information see the U3 Datasheet. For digital I/O information see Section 2.8 - Digital I/O and Appendix A. For data rate information see Section 3.1 - Command/Response and Sections 3.2 - Stream Mode.

Timers:

Up to 2 flexible I/O lines can be configured as timers. The timers are very flexible, providing options such as PWM output, pulse/period timing, pulse counting, and quadrature input.

For more information see the U3 Datasheet. For timers information see Section 2.9 - Timers/Counters and Appendix A.

Counters:

Up to 2 flexible I/O lines can be configured as 32-bit counters.

For more information see the U3 Datasheet. For counters information see Section 2.9 - Timers/Counters and Appendix A.

I/O Protection:

All I/O lines on the U3 are protected against minor overvoltages. The FIO lines can withstand continuous voltages of up to ±10 volts, while the EIO/CIO lines withstand continuous voltages of up to ±6 volts.

High Channel Count Applications:

By using USB hubs, many LabJacks can be interfaced to a single PC, providing an inexpensive solution for high channel count applications.

U3-HV vs U3-LV

	U3-LV	U3-HV
# Low-voltage AINs:	16	12
# High-voltage AINs:	0	4
#DIOs	20	16

The U3-HV has the following differences versus the U3-LV:

First 4 flexible I/O are changed to dedicated HV analog inputs.
4 HV inputs have ±10 volt or -10/+20 volt range.
12 LV inputs (flexible I/O) still available, for 16 total analog inputs.

OEM Versions

The U3-LV-OEM or U3-HV-OEM includes the board only without the enclosure and without most through-hole components. See Section 2.12 of the U3 Datasheet for more information.

U3 Package Contents

Package Contents (Non-OEM)

U3 (-HV/-LV) unit itself in red enclosure
USB cable (6 ft / 1.8 m)
Screwdriver
Other package details: No software CD included. Download the software from labjack.com.
Retail packing (Package) size: 7" x 4.5" x 3"
Retail packing (Package) wt: 0.8lb

U3 Analog Inputs

LV (Low-Voltage) Version:

16 Flexible I/O (Digital Input, Digital Output, or Analog Input)
Up to 2 Timers (Pulse Timing, PWM Output, Quadrature Input, ...)
Up to 2 Counters (32-Bits Each)
4 Additional Digital I/O
Up to 16 12-bit Analog Inputs (0-2.4 V or 0-3.6 V, SE or Diff.)
2 Analog Outputs (10-Bit, 0-5 volts)
Supports SPI, I2C, and Asynchronous Serial Protocols (Master Only)
Supports Software or Hardware Timed Acquisition
Maximum Input Stream Rate of 2.5-50 kHz (Depending on Resolution)
Capable of Command/Response Times Less Than 1 Millisecond
Built-In Screw Terminals for Some Signals
OEM Version Available
USB 2.0/1.1 Full Speed Interface
Powered by USB Cable
Drivers Available for Windows, Linux, Mac and Pocket PC
Examples Available for C/C++, VB, LabVIEW, Java, and More
Includes USB Cable and Screwdriver
Free Firmware Upgrades
Money Back Guarantee
Enclosure Size Approximately 3" x 4.5" x 1.2" (75mm x 115mm x 30mm)
Rated for Industrial Temperature Range (-40 to +85 Degrees C)

HV (High-Voltage) Version:

Same features as the LV version except:

First 4 Flexible I/O are Changed to Dedicated HV Analog Inputs.
4 HV Inputs have ±10 Volt or -10/+20 Volt Range.
12 LV Inputs (Flexible I/O) Still Available, for 16 Total Analog Inputs.

For more technical specifications look at the U3's datasheet.

U3 Datasheet and Application Notes

U3 Datasheet

Application Notes

Application Notes - In-depth detail on various DAQ topics.

Visit the Support page for additional information.

Getting Started with LabJack U3

	Install Software 1. Download and install the U3's installation package.
	Connect U3 2. Connect the U3 to the computer via USB.The U3's status LED should blink at power up and then stay solid on. If Windows asks about installing new hardware accept the defaults.
	Run LJControlPanel 3. LJControlPanel is a free application installed by the U3's installation package. You should be able to find it in the Start Menu links.
	U3's Quickstart 4. See the U3's Quickstart page for more detailed instructions.

Example Code/Wrappers: UD Library

UD= U3, U6, UE9

Examples In...	Windows	Mac	Linux
DAQFactory	✔
LabVIEW	✔
C,C++, VC6	✔
C, C++		✔	✔
Python	✔	✔	✔
MATLAB	✔
Visual Basic (VB6, VBA)	✔
Agilent VEE	✔
.Net (C#, VB)	✔
Java	✔
Delphi	✔
Igor Pro	✔
Pure Basic	✔
LabWindows/CVI	✔
DASYLab	✔

Support Resources

Every LabJack includes lifetime technical support. We are committed to providing quality, responsive support for all our products.

Quickstart Tutorials

T-Series

T4
T7

UD Series

Legacy

U12

End of Life

Digit

Application Notes

Software & Driver

Firmware

T-Series

T4
T7

UD Series

End of Life

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Datasheets

T-Series

T4
T7

UD Series

Accessories

Accessories

Legacy

U12

End of Life

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Request Support

LabJack Quickstart Tutorials

LabJack quickstart tutorials show new users how to measure a voltage, change a digital I/O, and set the voltage of an analog output using our free software. These tutorials teaches basic software and device functionality, and is also useful as a quick debugging check to verify that I/O on the device are working properly.

Returns & Exchanges

Return Policy

Everything LabJack sells has a 60-day money-back guarantee and 5-year warranty. Put LabJack to the test. Evaluate our hardware, software, documentation, customer service and support. You can request a full refund if you are not satisfied with a product for any reason. Refund requests are initiated from the Return Material Authorization (RMA) Page

*Please Note

LabJack does not resell any returned products. Don't worry, we also don't discard used LabJacks. Returns are earmarked for donations to STEM students, educators and student led engineering teams.

Exchanges

Product exchanges are treated as returns and a new purchase. Return your unwanted device for a refund, and place a new order for the device or devices that better suit your needs.