Basics of ION Architecture 9300 Series User’s Guide
Page 84 Chapter 4 - Using ACCESS Software
ION Modules
The ION module is the basic building block of the ACCESS device’s operating
software. A module can be considered as a “function box”: it receives data from its
inputs, makes decisions based on the settings in its setup registers, and then makes
data available at its output registers. All functionality provided by an ACCESS
device can be considered in terms of its modules and the linkages between them.
Modules are linked together to create powerful functions. For example, the
framework below consists of four modules that, when combined, trigger a
waveform recording in response to an over-voltage condition.
Module Linking Restrictions
The maximum number of modules that can be linked in a row is 25. This is referred
to as the framework’s depth. Modules that branch off or branch into the chain do
not affect the depth, and there is no restriction on the number of branches you can
have in a framework.
Another restriction concerns “circular” linking of modules. You cannot link a
module’s output register to its own input or to the input of any module that
precedes it in the chain. This protects you from creating infinite loops that can
waste system resources.
The one exception to this rule is the Feedback module, which makes circular
linkages possible (refer to the ION Programmer’s Reference).

ION Module

Output1
Output2
Input1
Input2
OUTPUT REGISTERS
hold the result of the
module’s operation–
this data is available to
other ION modules.
SETUP REGISTERS
control how the module
processes data
INPUT REGISTERS
are connected to the output
registers of other modules;
data flows into them.
Voltageon phase A
ismeasured
Waveformis recorded
andstored in the log file
Setpointgoes ON when
Vlna exceeds a limit and
outputsa trigger pulse
One-Shot Timer waits for
aspecified period then
outputsa trigger pulse
PowerMeter
Module
Vlna
Setpoint
Module
Trigger
One-Shot Timer
Module
Trigger
WaveformRecorder
Module
Waveformlog