6. Comedi Reference

Reference for functions, macros, and constants.

6.1. Constants and Macros

6.1.1. CR_PACK

CR_PACK is used to initialize the elements of the chanlist array in the comedi_cmd structure, and the chanspec member of the comedi_insn structure.

The channel argument is the channel you wish to use, with the channel numbering starting at zero.

The range is an index, starting at zero, whose meaning is device dependent. The comedi_get_n_ranges() and comedi_get_range functions are useful in discovering information about the available ranges.

The aref argument indicates what reference you want the device to use. It can be any of the following:

AREF_GROUND

is for inputs/outputs referenced to ground

AREF_COMMON

is for a `common' reference (the low inputs of all the channels are tied together, but are isolated from ground)

AREF_DIFF

is for differential inputs/outputs

AREF_OTHER

is for any reference that does not fit into the above categories

Particular drivers may or may not use the AREF flags. If they are not supported, they are silently ignored.

6.1.2. RANGE_LENGTH (deprecated)

Rangetype values are library-internal tokens that represent an array of range information structures. These numbers are primarily used for communication between the kernel and library.

The RANGE_LENGTH() macro returns the length of the array that is specified by the rangetype token.

The RANGE_LENGTH() macro is deprecated, and should not be used in new applications. It is scheduled to be removed from the header file at version 1.0. Binary compatibility may be broken for version 1.1.

6.2. Data Types and Structures

6.2.1. comedi_t

typedef struct comedi_t_struct comedi_t;

The data type comedi_t is used to represent an open Comedi device. A valid comedi_t pointer is returned by a successful call to comedi_open(), and should be used for subsequent access to the device. It is a transparent type, and pointers to type comedi_t should not be dereferenced by the application.

6.2.2. sampl_t

typedef unsigned short sampl_t;

The data type sampl_t is one of the generic types used to represent data values in Comedilib. It is used in a few places where a data type shorter than lsampl_t is useful. On most architectures, sampl_t is defined to be uint16.

Most drivers represent data trasferred by read() and write() using sampl_t. Applications should check the subdevice flag SDF_LSAMPL to determine if the subdevice uses sampl_t or lsampl_t.

6.2.3. lsampl_t

typedef unsigned int lsampl_t;

The data type lsampl_t is the data type typically used to represent data values in libcomedi. On most architectures, lsampl_t is defined to be uint32.

6.2.4. comedi_trig (deprecated)

typedef struct comedi_trig_struct comedi_trig;

struct comedi_trig_struct{
	unsigned int subdev;		/* subdevice */
	unsigned int mode;		/* mode */
	unsigned int flags;
	unsigned int n_chan;		/* number of channels */
	unsigned int *chanlist; 	/* channel/range list */
	sampl_t *data;			/* data list, size depends on subd flags */
	unsigned int n;			/* number of scans */
	unsigned int trigsrc;
	unsigned int trigvar;
	unsigned int trigvar1;
	unsigned int data_len;
	unsigned int unused[3];
};

The comedi_trig structure is a control structure used by the COMEDI_TRIG ioctl, an older method of communicating instructions to the driver and hardware. Use of comedi_trig is deprecated, and should not be used in new applications.

6.2.5. comedi_sv_t

typedef struct comedi_sv_struct comedi_sv_t;

struct comedi_sv_struct{
	comedi_t *dev;
	unsigned int subdevice;
	unsigned int chan;

	/* range policy */
	int range;
	int aref;

	/* number of measurements to average (for ai) */
	int n;

	lsampl_t maxdata;
};

The comedi_sv_t structure is used by the comedi_sv_*() functions to provide a simple method of accurately measuring slowly varying inputs. See the relevant section for more details.

6.2.6. comedi_cmd

typedef struct comedi_cmd_struct comedi_cmd;

struct comedi_cmd_struct{
	unsigned int subdev;
	unsigned int flags;

	unsigned int start_src;
	unsigned int start_arg;

	unsigned int scan_begin_src;
	unsigned int scan_begin_arg;

	unsigned int convert_src;
	unsigned int convert_arg;

	unsigned int scan_end_src;
	unsigned int scan_end_arg;

	unsigned int stop_src;
	unsigned int stop_arg;

	unsigned int *chanlist;
	unsigned int chanlist_len;

	sampl_t *data;
	unsigned int data_len;
};

More information on using commands can be found in the command section.

6.2.7. comedi_insn

typedef struct comedi_insn_struct comedi_insn;

struct comedi_insn_struct{
	unsigned int insn;
	unsigned int n;
	lsampl_t *data;
	unsigned int subdev;
	unsigned int chanspec;
	unsigned int unused[3];
};

Comedi instructions are described by the comedi_insn structure. Applications send instructions to the driver in order to preform control and measurement operations that are done immediately or synchronously, i.e., the operations complete before program control returns to the application. In particular, instructions cannot describe acquisition that involves timers or external events.

The field insn determines the type of instruction that is sent to the driver. Valid instruction types are

INSN_READ

read values from an input channel

INSN_WRITE

write values to an output channel

INSN_BITS

read/write values on multiple digital I/O channels

INSN_CONFIG

configure a subdevice

INSN_GTOD

read a timestamp, identical to gettimeofday()

INSN_WAIT

wait a specified number of nanoseconds

The number of samples to read or write, or the size of the configuration structure is specified by the field n, and the buffer for those samples by data. The field subdev is the subdevice index that the instruction is sent to. The field chanspec specifies the channel, range, and analog reference (if applicable).

Instructions can be sent to drivers using comedi_do_insn(). Multiple instructions can be sent to drivers in the same system call using comedi_do_insnlist().

6.2.8. comedi_range

typedef struct comedi_range_struct comedi_range;

struct comedi_range_struct{
	double min;
	double max;
	unsigned int unit;
}comedi_range;

The comedi_range structure conveys part of the information necessary to translate sample values to physical units, in particular, the endpoints of the range and the physical unit type. The physical unit type is specified by the field unit, which may take the values UNIT_volt for volts, UNIT_mA for milliamps, or UNIT_none for unitless. The endpoints are specified by the fields min and max.

6.2.9. comedi_krange

typedef struct comedi_krange_struct comedi_krange;

struct comedi_krange_struct{
	int min;
	int max;
	unsigned int flags;
};

The comedi_krange structure is used to transfer range information between the driver and Comedilib, and should not normally be used by applications. The structure conveys the same information as the comedi_range structure, except the fields min and max are integers, multiplied by a factor of 1000000 compared to the counterparts in comedi_range.

In addition, kcomedilib uses the comedi_krange structure in place of the comedi_range structure.

6.2.10. comedi_insnlist

typedef struct comedi_insnlist_struct comedi_insnlist;

struct comedi_insnlist_struct{
	unsigned int n_insns;
	comedi_insn *insns;
};

An instruction list (insnlist) structure is used to communicate a list of instructions.

6.3. Interface reference

This chapter is meant to be a reference for some of the advanced features of Comedi.

6.3.1. Digital input combining machines

When one or several digital inputs are used to modify an output value, either an accumulator or a single digital line or bit, a bitfield structure is typically used in the Comedi interface. The digital inputs have two properties, "sensitive" inputs and "modifier" inputs. Edge transitions on sensitive inputs cause changes in the output signal, whereas modifier inputs change the effect of edge transitions on sensitive inputs. Note that inputs can be both modifier inputs and sensitive inputs.

For simplification purposes, it is assumed that multiple digital inputs do not change simultaneously.

The combined state of the modifier inputs determine a modifier state. For each combination of modifier state and sensitive input, there is a set of bits that determine the effect on the output value due to positive or negative transitions of the sensitive input. For each transition direction, there are two bits defined as follows:

00

transition is ignored

01

accumulator is incremented, or output is set

10

accumulator is decremented, or output is cleared

11

reserved

For example, a simple digital follower is specified by the bit pattern 01 10, because it sets the output on positive transitions of the input, and clears the output on negative transitions. A digital inverter is similarily 10 01. These systems have only one sensitive input.

As another example, a simple up counter, which increments on positive transitions of one input, is specified by 01 00. This system has only one sensitive input.

When multiple digital inputs are used, the inputs are divided into two types, inputs which cause changes in the accumulator, and those that only modify the meaning of transitions on other inputs. Modifier inputs do not require bitfields, but there needs to be a bitfield of length 4*(2^(N-1)) for each edge sensitive input, where N is the total number of inputs. Since N is usually 2 or 3, with only one edge sensitive input, the scaling issues are not significant.

6.3.2. INSN_CONFIG

Configuration instructions are used to access device and driver features that do not fit well into other parts of the Comedi interface. This includes changing the direction of configurable digital I/O lines, configuring complex triggering engines, and counter/timer configuration.

If a specified ID is not supported, the driver must return -EINVAL.

6.3.2.1. Digital I/O configuration

Status: Implemented
ID: COMEDI_INPUT, COMEDI_OUTPUT, COMEDI_OPENDRAIN
Length: 1
Chanspec: used to specify channel

These IDs are used to configure direction of digital I/O lines. Direction is chosen by the ID. On typical devices, multiple channels are grouped together in blocks for determining direction. Configuring one channel in a block configures the entire block.

There should also be a method to read the configuration.

Errors: Should return -EINVAL if the ID is not supported.

6.3.2.2. Analog conversion configuration

Status: design
ID: not assigned
Length:
Chanspec: used to specify channel

Some devices have the capability to add white noise (dithering) to analog input measurement. This additional noise can then be averaged out, to get a more accurate measurement of the input signal. It should not be assumed that channels can be separately configured. A simple design can use 1 bit to turn this feature on/off.

Some devices have the capability of changing the glitch characteristics of analog output subsytems. The default (off) case should be where the average settling time is lowest. A simple design can use 1 bit to turn this feature on/off.

Some devices have a configurable analog filters as part of the analog input stage. A simple designe can use 1 bit to enable/disable the filter. Default is disabled, i.e., the filter being bypassed, or if the choice is between two filters, the filter with the largest bandwidth.

6.3.2.3. Analog Output Waveform Generation

Status: design
ID: not assigned
Length:
Chanspec: ignored

Some devices have the ability to cyclicly loop through samples kept in an on-board analog output FIFO. This config should allow the user to enable/disable this mode.

This config should allow the user to configure the number of samples to loop through. It may be necessary to configure the channels used.

6.3.2.4. Extended Triggering

Status: alpha
ID: not assigned
Chanspec: ignored

This section covers common information for all extended triggering configuration, and doesn't describe a particular type of extended trigger.

Extended triggering is used to configure triggering engines that do not fit into commands. In a typical programming sequence, the application will use configuration instructions to configure an extended trigger, and the issue a command, specifying TRIG_OTHER as one of the trigger sources.

Extended trigger configuration should be designed in such a way that the user can probe for valid parameters, similar to how command testing works. An extended trigger config instruction should not configure the hardware directly, rather, the configuration should be saved until the subsequent command is issued. This allows more flexibility for future interface changes.

It has not been decided whether the config stage should return a token that is then used as the trigger argument in the command. Using tokens is one method to satisfy the problem that extended trigger configurations may have subtle compatiblity issues with other trigger sources/arguments that can only be determined at command test time. Passing all stages of a command test should only be allowed with a properly configured extended trigger.

Extended triggers must use data[1] as flags. The upper 16 bits are reserved and used only for flags that are common to all extended triggers. The lower 16 bits may be defined by the particular type of extended trigger.

Various types of extended triggers must use data[1] to know which event the extended trigger will be assigned to in the command structure. The possible values are an OR'd mask of the following:

  • COMEDI_EV_START

  • COMEDI_EV_SCAN_BEGIN

  • COMEDI_EV_CONVERT

  • COMEDI_EV_SCAN_END

  • COMEDI_EV_STOP

6.3.2.5. Analog Triggering

Status: alpha
ID: not assigned
Implementation: ni_mio_common
Chanspec: ignored

data 1 - trigger and combining machine configuration
data 2 - analog triggering signal chanspec
data 3 - primary analog level
data 4 - secondary analog level

Analog triggering is described by a digital combining machine that has two sensitive digital inputs. The sensitive digital inputs are generated by configurable analog comparators. The analog comparators generate a digital 1 when the analog triggering signal is greater than the comparator level. The digital inputs are not modifier inputs. Note, however, there is an effective modifier due to the restriction that the primary analog comparator level must be less than the secondary analog comparator level.

If only one analog comparator signal is used, the combining machine for the secondary input should be set to ignored, and the secondary analog level should be set to 0.

The interpretation of the chanspec and voltage levels is device dependent, but should correspond to similar values of the analog input subdevice, if possible.

Notes: Reading range information is not addressed. This makes it difficult to convert comparator voltages to data values.

Possible extensions: A parameter that specifies the necessary time that the set condition has to be true before the trigger is generated. A parameter that specifies the necessary time that the reset condition has to be true before the state machine is reset.

6.3.2.6. Bitfield Pattern Matching Extended Trigger

Status: design
ID: not assigned
Chanspec: ignored

data 1 - trigger flags
data 2 - mask
data 3 - pattern

The pattern matching trigger issues a trigger when all of a specifed set of input lines match a specified pattern. If the device allows, the input lines should correspond to the input lines of a digital input subdevice, however, this will necessarily be device dependent. Each possible digital line that can be matched is assigned a bit in the mask and pattern. A bit set in the mask indicates that the input line must match the corresponding bit in the pattern. A bit cleared in the mask indicates that the input line is ignored.

Notes: This only allows 32 bits in the pattern/mask, which may be too few. Devices may support selecting different sets of lines from which to match a pattern.

Discovery: The number of bits can be discovered by setting the mask to all 1's. The driver must modify this value and return -EAGAIN.

6.3.2.7. Counter configuration

Status: design
ID: not assigned
Chanspec: used to specify counter

data 1 - trigger configuration
data 2 - primary input chanspec
data 3 - primary combining machine configuration
data 4 - secondary input chanspec
data 5 - secondary combining machine configuration
data 6 - latch configuration

Counters can be operated either in synchronous mode (using insn_read) or asynchronous mode (using commands), similar to analog input subdevices. The input signal for both modes is the accumulator. Commands on counter subdevices are almost always specified using scan_begin_src=TRIG_OTHER, with the counter configuration also serving as the extended configuration for the scan begin source.

Counters are made up of an accumulator and a combining machine that determines when the accumulator should be incremented or decremented based on the values of the input signals. The combining machine optionally determines when the accumulator should be latched and put into a buffer. This feature is used in asynchronous mode.

Notes: How to access multiple pieces of data acquired at each event?

6.3.2.8. One source plus auxiliary counter configuration

Status: design
ID: not assigned
Chanspec: ?

data[1] is flags, including the flags for the command triggering configuration. If a command is not subsequently issued on the subdevice, the command triggering portion of the flags are ignored.

data[2] determines the mode of operation. The mode of operation is actually a bitfield that encodes what to do for various transitions of the source signals.

data[3] and data[4] determine the primary source for the counter, similar to _src and _arg used in commands.

Notes: How to specify which events cause a latch and push, and what should get latched.

6.4. Comedi Function Reference

Table of Contents
comedi_close -- close a Comedi device
comedi_open -- open a Comedi device
comedi_loglevel -- change Comedilib logging properties
comedi_perror -- print a Comedilib error message
comedi_strerror -- return string describing Comedilib error code
comedi_errno -- number of last Comedilib error
comedi_fileno -- integer descriptor of Comedilib device
comedi_get_n_subdevices -- number of subdevices
comedi_get_version_code -- Comedi version code
comedi_get_driver_name -- Comedi driver name
comedi_get_board_name -- Comedi device name
comedi_get_subdevice_type -- type of subdevice
comedi_find_subdevice_by_type -- search for subdevice type
comedi_get_subdevice_flags -- properties of subdevice
comedi_get_n_channels -- number of subdevice channels
comedi_range_is_chan_specific -- range information depends on channel
comedi_maxdata_is_chan_specific -- maximum sample depends on channel
comedi_get_maxdata -- maximum sample of channel
comedi_get_n_ranges -- number of ranges of channel
comedi_get_range -- range information of channel
comedi_find_range -- search for range
comedi_get_buffer_size -- streaming buffer size of subdevice
comedi_get_max_buffer_size -- maximum streaming buffer size
comedi_set_buffer_size -- streaming buffer size of subdevice
comedi_trigger -- perform streaming input/output (deprecated)
comedi_do_insnlist -- perform multiple instructions
comedi_do_insn -- perform instruction
comedi_lock -- subdevice reservation
comedi_unlock -- subdevice reservation
comedi_to_phys -- convert sample to physical units
comedi_from_phys -- convert physical units to sample
comedi_data_read -- read single sample from channel
comedi_data_write -- write single sample to channel
comedi_dio_config -- change input/output properties of channel
comedi_dio_read -- read single bit from digital channel
comedi_dio_write -- write single bit to digital channel
comedi_dio_bitfield -- read/write multiple digital channels
comedi_sv_init -- slowly-varying inputs
comedi_sv_update -- slowly-varying inputs
comedi_sv_measure -- slowly-varying inputs
comedi_get_cmd_src_mask -- streaming input/output capabilities
comedi_get_cmd_generic_timed -- streaming input/output capabilities
comedi_cancel -- stop streaming input/outpu in progress
comedi_command -- start streaming input/output
comedi_command_test -- test streaming input/output configuration
comedi_poll -- force updating of streaming buffer
comedi_set_max_buffer_size -- streaming buffer size of subdevice
comedi_get_buffer_contents -- streaming buffer status
comedi_mark_buffer_read -- streaming buffer status
comedi_get_buffer_offset -- streaming buffer status
comedi_get_timer -- timer information (deprecated)
comedi_timed_1chan -- streaming input (deprecated)
comedi_set_global_oor_behavior -- out-of-range behavior