Chapter 3 - SmartController Operation

AUTO Boot

When using the SmartController in an AUTO Boot configuration, DIP switch SW1 must be set to the switch settings shown in row #5 of Table 3-3and the NVRAM switches set for AUTO boot.

3.5SmartController Serial I/O Connectors

The SmartController CS has two serial I/O connectors, an RS-232/Term and an RS-422/485 port. See Figure 3-1 on page 37 for the connector locations.

The SmartController CX has two additional serial connectors, RS-232-1 and RS-232-2. See Figure 3-2 on page 40 for the connector locations.

RS-232 Connectors

All three of the RS-232 connectors are 9-pin DB9 male (standard PC) connectors. The user-supplied cable to connect to the RS-232 connectors should be a DB9, F/F, null-modem data transfer cable. The pin assignments are the same for all three connectors and are shown in Table 3-4.

These ports support the DTR, DCD, RTS, and CTS signals used for hardware handshaking (also known as modem control). By default, these signals are not enabled. To configure hardware handshaking and other communication parameters, use the CONFIG_C utility program, the V+ FSET program instruction, or the FSET monitor command. The V+ designations for these ports when referenced in a V+ ATTACH or FSET instruction are shown in Table 3-5 on page 45.

If you are using a customer-supplied ASCII terminal, it plugs the RS-232/Term connector on the SmartController.

Table 3-4. RS-232 Connector Pin Assignments

Pin

Signal

Type

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

DCD

Input

 

 

 

2

RXD

Input

 

 

 

3

TXD

Output

 

 

 

4

DTR

Output

 

 

 

5

GND

Ground

 

 

 

6

NC

 

 

 

 

7

RTS

Output

 

 

 

8

CTS

Input

 

 

 

9

NC

 

 

 

 

44

Adept SmartController User’s Guide, Rev. E

Page 43 Page 45
Page 44
Image 44
Nortech Systems XUSR, RS-232/TERM SmartController Serial I/O Connectors, RS-232 Connectors, Auto Boot, Pin Signal Type
Page 43 Page 45

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.
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