User`s manual

Chapter 3 Interface Information
www.exatron.com 3/19/01
3-16
Exatron Super
The Exatron Super interface allows for computer control of the handler, tester/programmer, and
label/laser marker as a complete system. This interface uses the handler’s RS-232 Control Port to
communicate with the controlling computer running Exatron E5000 laser software or Exatron Label Maker
software. The actual connection to the computer is usually COM1, COM3, or the first port on the
Digiboard I/O box. This may vary depending upon your handler's configuration.
All aspects of production are controlled by the computer carrying out instructions as they are defined in a
file called a "Job." Job files may be created, edited and saved as desired by the operator.
All serial connections are 25 pin to 25 pin “straight through.” If a special cable is needed for your
programmer/tester, please provide Exatron with the pin out configuration or the cable itself, so that we
may furnish compatible interface hardware.
The communications settings are fixed in the firmware at
9600 Baud, No Parity, 8 Data Bits, 1 Stop
. All
serial devices connected to the Exatron controlling computer should be so configured.
The connector on the handler is a 25 pin RS-232-type “D” connector with female pins. The mating
connector on the interface cable must use male pins. The RS-232 side panel port uses the following
pins:
Pin
1
=
GROUND
Pin
2
=
RECEIVE
;
input to handler
Pin
3
=
SEND
;
output from handler
Pin
7
=
GROUND
Typically this cable is wired one to one (1 : 1) to the RS-232 port on the back of a PC using a 25 pin RS-
232 connector. If your PC uses a 9 pin RS-232 port, then, typically use a straight through interface cable.
REMOTE GO: ADDRESS 0099
00 = On
FF = Off
This address must be set to On for the controlling computer to have access to the handler's RAM. If this
address is not set properly, the handler will display the message:
WAITING FOR PC
.
E
XATRON
S
UPER
RS-232 C
ONTROL
C
OMMANDS
:
[
5000
SERIES ONLY
.]
This information is subject to change without notice. Contact E
XATRON
for latest revision. The following
RS-232 control commands are used by the E
XATRON
5000 Series Handlers. The handler must be set to
use the E
XATRON
Super interface only. These commands do not apply to the handler’s Programmer
RS-232 interface, or E
XATRON
RS-232 interface, or to any other RS-232 interface.
For firmware: “5000FAST”
TEST [CR]
The handler has loaded a device into the test site. (The top test site in dual site
handlers.) The tester should now start testing the DUT for the first time. No answer is
required. Do not send the End Of Test (EOT) sort until the handler specifically asks for
END TEST [CR]
.