RS-232
/ IIC & Parallel
I/O Adapter Module
RS-232
/ IIC & Parallel
I/O Adapter Module
RS-232: This module is used to control external components via the I²C bus using simple command sequences sent and received via an RS-232 port from an application running on a PC, PDA, or other platform. The on-board MAX-232 level shifter insures there will be no signal level problems and allows for maximum cable length.
I²C Bus Master: The RS-232 / I²C-Adapter acts as an I²C master, and can perform the most frequently used read/write operations via the bus without the need for the application software to handle the I²C protocol. When the application sends one of the "macro command sequences", the adapter takes care of generating the start condition, transmitting the address plus the R/W bit, transmitting/receiving data bytes plus setting/reading the acknowledge bit, and finally generating the stop condition. All of this is transparent to the application software.
I²C low-level: To ensure compatibility, the adapter also allows the application software to directly "talk" to the I²C bus in order to allow communications with I²C devices that require non-standard sequences, using "low-level commands".
Relay Output: In addition, the RS-232 / I²C-Adapter comes with a reed relay which can be controlled by dedicated commands. This allows the application software to initialize various devices via the I²C bus before finally turning on the power supply for other components, for example. Besides this, the relay may also be used as a general-purpose isolated output.
General Purpose I/O: There are also four non-isolated outputs, and eight non-isolated inputs that can be set/read by specific adapter commands. The inputs also clock eight individual 16-bit counters that may be read/reset by designated adapter commands.
Monitor Mode: A special "Monitor Mode" is also available which turns the RS-232/I²C-Adapter into an I²C monitor, well suited to analyze an I²C bus system. In this mode, the adapter "listens" to the I²C bus, and sends information about all activities it recognizes on the bus via RS-232 to the application software without interfering with the bus communication itself.
Reliable WDT: As an additional option, a timer may be activated that resets the I²C-Adapter when new commands are not received within the specified time-out period.
Status Indicators: Thee LEDs are used to indicate the status of the RS-232/I²C-Adapter, the activities on the I²C bus, and the RS-232 lines.
The RS-232/I²C-Adapter is based upon a Ubicom/Parallax SX-28 microcontroller, clocked at 50 MHz. Single, pre-programmed chips are available for customers who want to integrate the RS-232/I²C-Adapter's functionality into their own hardware design (see below).
All modules are shipped with a CD-ROM containing the documentation, schematics, assembly instructions, and the sample VB application project.
Relay/Iso/Analog I/O Module w/
Power Conversion
This is a companion board for the RS-232/I²C-Adapter which can piggy-back via two 14-pin header sockets.
DB-9 Connector: An on-board standard SUB-D 9 connector is provided to directly connect the RS-232/I²C-Adapter's serial port to a COM port.
Isolated Inputs: It also contains eight opto-isolators to convert the RS-232/I²C-Adapter's input lines into isolated inputs.
Relay Outputs: Four reed relays are included to isolated the 4 TTL outputs from the RS-232/I²C-Adapter. The RS-232/I²C-Adapter relay output is fed-through to two separate connectors.
Analog I/O: In addition, the board comes with a Philips PCF8591 chip which extends the I/O capabilities of the RS-232/I²C-Adapter to four 8-bit analog inputs, and one 8-bit analog output.
Power : An on-board DC/DC converter enables this module to accept any DC supply voltage from 8V to 38 V, un-regulated. The DC/DC converter output is available to supply other components that are connected to the Parallel/Analog I/O Board.
All modules are shipped with a CD-ROM containing the documentation, schematics, and assembly instructions.