Chapter 3 - SmartController Operation

Customers can build an extension cable to place the Front Panel in a remote location. The extension cable must conform to the following specifications:

•Wire Size: must be larger than 26 AWG.

•Connectors: must be 15-pin, standard D-sub male and female.

•maximum cable length is 10 meters.

NOTE: The XMCP and XFP connectors on the SmartController can be interchanged without electrical damage. However, neither the Front Panel nor the MCP will work properly unless they are plugged into the correct connector.

Remote MCP Usage

Customers can build an extension cable to place the MCP in a remote location. The extension cable must conform to the following specifications:

•Wire Size: must be larger than 26 AWG.

•Connectors: must be 15-pin, standard D-sub male and female.

•Maximum cable length is 10 meters.

CAUTION: Do not modify the cable that is attached to the MCP. This could cause unpredictable behavior from the robot system.

3.8Connecting Customer-Supplied Digital I/O Equipment

The SmartController contains two options for connecting Inputs and Outputs (IO). IO can be hard-wired to the XDIO Connector and /or CAN network using the DeviceNet connector.

The XDIO connector on the SmartController provides 12 hard-wired inputs and 8 hard-wired outputs for Digital I/O connections. The signals are numbered 1001 through 1012 for the inputs and 1 through 8 for the outputs. All the signals have independent source and ground connections. These inputs contain the four high speed inputs that are used by the system for interrupts and latching. The outputs, although independent, have a lower current rating of 100mA compared to 700mA for the extended outputs on the sDIO (described in Section A.6 on page 104). See the V+ Language User’s Guide for information on digital I/O programming.

The DeviceNet connector on the SmartController is used to interface to a Controller Area Network (CAN) using the DeviceNet protocol. See “Adept DeviceNet” on page 115 for more details.

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Adept SmartController User’s Guide, Rev. E

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Nortech Systems RS-422/485, XUSR, RS-232/TERM, XSYS Connecting Customer-Supplied Digital I/O Equipment, Remote MCP Usage
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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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