Chapter 1 - Introduction

We also recommend you read the International Standard IEC 204 or the European Standard EN 60204, Safety of Machinery – Electrical Equipment of Machines, and ISO 10218 (EN 775), Manipulating Industrial Robots – Safety, particularly if the country of use requires a CE-certified installation.

This manual assumes that the user has attended an Adept training course and has a basic working knowledge of the system. The user should provide the necessary additional training for all personnel who will be working with the system.

There are several warnings in this manual that say only skilled or instructed persons should attempt certain procedures. The qualifications are as follows.

•Skilled persons have technical knowledge or sufficient experience to enable them to avoid the dangers which electricity may create (engineers and technicians).

•Instructed persons are adequately advised or supervised by skilled persons to enable them to avoid the dangers which electricity may create (operating and maintenance staff).

System Safeguards

Safeguards must be an integral part of robot or motion workcell design, installation, operator training, and operating procedures.

Adept systems have various communication features to aid in constructing system safeguards. These include the emergency stop circuitry and digital input and output lines. These features are described in Chapter 3 of this user’s guide.

Safety Features on the Front Panel

The optional external Front Panel has three important safety features, the HIGH POWER indicator, the MANUAL/AUTOMATIC switch, and the EMERGENCY STOP switch. If you choose not to use the Front Panel, you should provide similar safety features in the system. See Chapter 3 for more information, or call Adept Customer Service.

Computer Controlled Robots and Motion Devices

DANGER: Entering the workcell when the HIGH POWER light is on can result in severe injury.

Adept systems are computer controlled, and the program that is currently running the robot or motion device may cause it to move at times or along paths you may not anticipate. When the HIGH POWER light on the optional Front Panel is illuminated, do not enter the workcell because the robot or motion device might move unexpectedly. If this bulb fails, you will not be able to enable High Power. See Chapter 5 for details on replacing the bulb.

18

Adept SmartController User’s Guide, Rev. E

Page 17 Page 19
Page 18
Image 18
Nortech Systems RS-422/485, XUSR, RS-232/TERM, XSYS manual System Safeguards, Safety Features on the Front Panel
Page 17 Page 19

RS-422/485, XSYS, XUSR, RS-232/TERM specifications

Nortech Systems offers a comprehensive suite of serial communication solutions, including RS-232/TERM, XUSR, XSYS, and RS-422/485 interfaces. These products are designed to facilitate reliable and high-speed data transmission in various industrial applications, making them essential for connecting devices in automation, telecommunications, and data acquisition systems.

The RS-232/TERM interface is a widely adopted standard for serial communication, known for its simplicity and robustness. It supports point-to-point communication over relatively short distances, typically up to 50 feet. Key features include a maximum baud rate of up to 115.2 kbps, error-checking capabilities, and a straightforward connection process, making it ideal for connecting peripheral devices like printers, modems, and barcode scanners.

Building on the RS-232 standard, the XUSR and XSYS devices offer enhanced functionalities and flexibility. XUSR, for instance, supports not just traditional RS-232 connections, but also protocol conversion for various serial interfaces, facilitating seamless integration of legacy systems with modern networking technologies. It is particularly useful in environments where multiple protocols need to be managed simultaneously.

XSYS is designed for more complex applications and supports advanced communication features such as multi-drop configurations, enabling it to connect multiple devices on a single bus. This makes it suitable for extensive industrial networks where space and wiring complexity need to be minimized. Synchronous and asynchronous data transfer modes ensure that the XSYS is adaptable for both real-time data collection and standard command-response applications.

On the other hand, RS-422/485 interfaces excel in long-distance communication, allowing for data transmission over distances up to 4,000 feet. They are designed for multi-point connections, supporting up to 32 devices on a single bus through differential signaling, which enhances noise immunity. These characteristics make RS-422/485 particularly well-suited for environments with electromagnetic interference, such as factories or subways.

Nortech Systems’ serial communication solutions emphasize reliability, ease of use, and versatility. With their commitment to high performance and user satisfaction, these interfaces provide critical connectivity in today’s increasingly automated and interconnected world. Whether in data centers, manufacturing setups, or remote sensor networks, Nortech's offerings stand out for their reliability, efficiency, and adaptability, ensuring effective data communication across diverse applications.
Top Page Image Contents