User`s guide

PCC-10 User’s Guide 1-3

Introduction

The PCC-10 card provides any host processor equipped with a Type II PC Card

interface and compatible operating system, with access to a L

ORKS

network.

It measures 54.0mmW x 85.6mmL x 5.0mmH (2.126" x 3.370" x 0.196"). A

software-based control panel, and software drivers for the Microsoft DOS, Windows

95, 3.1, and 3.11 operating systems are available through purchase of the

Connectivity Starter Kit (model number 58030-01). The control panel provides a

convenient means of setting and modifying installation parameters, as well as

displaying error messages.

The PCC-10 card operates at 10MHz and includes an integral free topology

transceiver for use with an FT

10 channel (free topology and link power). The

internal transceiver permits a user to connect directly to this popular twisted-pair

channel without the need for an external transceiver, minimizing both equipment

cost and set-up time.

Single-ended and special-purpose mode communication ports are available via a

15-pin connector. Access to L

ORKS

bus-style, TP/XF twisted pair networks is

accomplished through external transceiver assemblies (referred to as “pods”). The

PCC-10 card can also be used with power line, RF, coaxial cable, IR, and fiber optic

transceivers, and current-limited +5V

power is supplied for powering the

external pods.

A variety of cable assemblies for different applications are available from Echelon

including a 2-wire cable with an XLR connector, a 2-wire cable with flying leads,

and a 14-wire cable.

Firmware for the PCC-10 card is downloaded from the host. This allows the card to

be updated as new versions of the software and firmware are released, without

modifying or physically accessing the PCC-10 card. This feature extends the useful

service life of the card, and minimizes the cost and time associated with software

and firmware updates.

To simplify card operation, the user can select the language in which most error

messages will be presented. The desired language is specified at installation time.