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www.instrument.com - Thursday, November 20, 2008
Printer-friendly version of the page "Multifunction EDAS"
(URL: http://www.edasce.com/multifuntion-edas.html)
Remote Analog and Digital I/O over Ethernet:
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The Multifunction EDAS is a member of a family of data acquisition products that communicate with PCs and other computers over Ethernet and Internet networks. They utilize the open systems environment of Ethernet to acquire data from any number of remote locations. Data can then be made available for use by other networked resources or for further processing by plant wide software and/or databases, including your Intranet or Internet information pages.
Open System
EDAS units communicate over any Ethernet network (LAN) using industry-standard TCP/IP protocol, providing a non-proprietary interface to virtually any host. Each EDAS unit has a TCP/IP stack built-in and receives its own unique network IP address configured through the on-board RS-232 serial port.
Analog I/O
The EDAS-1002E (12-bit) and EDAS-1031E (16-bit) can be configured for 16 single-ended or for 8 differential analog input channels through software. A software programmable gain instrumentation amplifier is included to extend the measurement range. Gains of 1, 10, and 100 are provided. Full-scale analog input voltage ranges of 0-10 V, and +/-10 V are also programmable. The unit is also equipped with two analog output channels. They provide voltage outputs at 12-bit resolution with a +/-10 V output range.
One rate generator is also provided for pacing analog input acquisitions. The timebase for the rate signal is derived from an internal 4 MHz crystal oscillator, allowing rates from 0.001 Hz to 100 kHz to be programmed.
Digital I/O
The Multifunction EDAS also provides 16 TTL compatible digital I/O channels. Digital I/O channels are programmable in two byte-wide (8-bit) sections, or ports. Through local signal processing, various digital input/output functions are supported. Digital inputs can be used to read the current status of digital signals, detect signal state-changes (latch a state), and count events up to 250 Hz. Outputs can operate in simple on/off fashion, or can be programmed for specific delay times and on/off times for control and timing applications. All inputs and outputs are protected from damage under power on or power off conditions.
High-Speed Counters
The Multifunction EDAS includes one 16-bit high-speed counter channel. The input of this counter is made available by multiplexing it with one of the digital input lines. This counter can perform high-speed event counting on TTL level signals up to 250kHz. Additionally, the counter can perform direct frequency measurements.
Serial I/O
EDAS systems also feature serial I/O capability. In addition to IP address configuration, the onboard RS-232 port can be used for interfacing to RS-232 devices. When the port is in "Command" mode, EDAS can monitor and control any device with RS-232 connectivity, including terminals and barcode scanners, instruments, scales, gauges, smart sensors, and machines.
EDAS systems are available with optional RS-485 port. These units can monitor and control any number of instruments, sensors and machines over a RS-485 network.
Operation
EDAS units act as application servers, providing I/O functions to clients on the network. They operate in both synchronous and asynchronous mode. In synchronous mode, a client polls the unit for digital input values and counter data, or to set output values. Asynchronous mode allows the unit to send data based on change-of-state or alarm conditions.
OEM Version
OEM Versions of EDAS systems are available to those who wish to incorporate this innovative design into a larger system. These "board-only" versions come without the rugged external case, allowing the circuit board to be mounted in an enclosure of your choice.
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