User manual

47
© 2008, Elektro-Automatik GmbH & Co. KG
EN
About the interface cards
1. General
The interface cards IF-R1, IF-C1, IF-U1 and IF-G1 provide
a digital and the IF-A1 an analogue connection to a control
unit like a PC or PLC. Devices like, for example, a power
supply can be monitored, controlled and configured using
the cards and the proper software.
Only at PSI 9000: in combination with an IF-C1 card the user
can realise a gateway from the RS232 or USB port of the PC
to a CAN bus. Thus no extra hardware is required to connect
the PC to CAN. The gateway allows to control up to 30 units
in line by the RS232/USB and CAN cards.
If a device has been equipped with an interface card, it is
automatically recognized and the corresponding setup me-
nus are available for configuration.
Those setup menus differ from model to model and are used
to set up parameters for the communication. The settings
are stored inside the unit.
The cards IF-R1 and IF-U1 additionally support the parallel
and/or series connection of multiple laboratory power sup-
plies of the series PSI 9000 to a true master-slave system
(System Link Mode).
The analogue interface card IF-A1 is directly accessing the
power supply. This allows fast monitoring of actual values and
fast setting (with a very short delay) of set values, within the
nominal values of the device. The digital inputs and outputs
parameterisable.
1.1 Usage
The interface cards must only be equipped in units which
are designed for them.
A set of Labview VIs is included in the package, which will
simplify the use and implementation of the interface cards
in the LabView IDE.
The implementation in other applications and environments
is possible, but also very complex. The telegram structure is
explained in detail in one of the following sections.
The voltage range of the analogue input and output signals
of the IF-A1 is customisable between 0 and 10V. The digital
inputs can be switched between two different voltage ranges
for the logical level and the default logical level can be pre-
defined for the case that these inputs are not used.
1.2 The concept
The interface cards are pluggable and can thus be used
where needed. They are compatible to various types of
devices, such as electronic loads. Due to the electrical iso-
lation of 2000V you can also connect multiple devices with
different potentials.
The digital cards IF-R1, IF-C1 and IF-U1 support a unique
communication protocol, which is object orientated. Every
type of device has an internal object list, which differs depen-
ding on the features of the device. The transmitted objects
are checked for validity and plausibility. Non-plausible or
erroneous values and objects result in an error which is sent
as an answer telegram.
The digital card IF-G1 uses the international standard com-
mand language SCPI (Standard Commands for Program-
mable Intruments).
1.3 Warranty/Repair
Attention: The interface card must not be repaired by the
user!
In case of warranty or a defect please contact your local
dealer to get informed about the next steps. The cards are
conceded with a statutory warranty of two years (for Germa-
ny), which is independent from the warranty (and its duration)
of the device they are used in.
1.4 Used symbols
In the following description the display and operating ele-
ments are marked differently by symbols.
 = Displayed only, all elements which are only
displayed and which represent a state are marked with
this symbol
= Parameter, changeable values, are marked with
this symbol and are emphasised
 = Menu items, selectable, lead to the next sublevel or
to the bottom level with parameters
Brackets {…} mark possible options or adjustment ranges
for parameters.
1.5 Scope of delivery
1 x Pluggable interface card
1 x Software CD with user manuals
1 x Short installation guide
1 x Patch cable 0.5m 1:1 (only at IF-R1 and IF-U1)
1 x USB cable A-A, 1.8m (only at IF-U1)
1 x RS232 cable 3m (only at IF-R1)
1 x Adapter cable for firmware updates (only at IF-G1)