Black Box 232/CL-E User manual

CUSTOMER
SUPPORT
INFORMATION
SEPTEMBER 1998
CL050A
CL050A-R2
CL050C
CL050AE
RM005
RS-232 ´Current Loop
Interface Converter
(232/CL-E)
232/CL-E
RX TX
Order toll-free in the U.S. 24 hours, 7 A.M. Monday to midnight Friday: 877-877-BBOX
FREE technical support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax [phone]
Mail order: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
Web site: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: [email protected]

3
FCC STATEMENT
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
AND
CANADIAN DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENTS
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not
installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions, may cause interference to radio communication. It has been tested
and found to comply with the limits for a Class A computing device in accordance
with the specifications in Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC rules, which are designed to
provide reasonable protection against such interference when the equipment is
operated in a commercial environment. Operation of this equipment in a
residential area is likely to cause interference, in which case the user at his own
expense will be required to take whatever measures may be necessary to correct the
interference.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emission from digital
apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulation of the Canadian Department of
Communications.
Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites
applicables aux appareils numériques de classe A prescrites dans le Règlement sur le
brouillage radioélectrique publié par le ministère des Communications du Canada.

4
INSTRUCCIONES DE SEGURIDAD
NORMAS OFICIALES MEXICANAS (NOM)
ELECTRICAL SAFETY STATEMENT
INSTRUCCIONES DE SEGURIDAD
1. Todas las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser leídas antes de
que el aparato eléctrico sea operado.
2. Las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser guardadas para
referencia futura.
3. Todas las advertencias en el aparato eléctrico y en sus instrucciones de
operación deben ser respetadas.
4. Todas las instrucciones de operación y uso deben ser seguidas.
5. El aparato eléctrico no deberá ser usado cerca del agua—por ejemplo, cerca
de la tina de baño, lavabo, sótano mojado o cerca de una alberca, etc..
6. El aparato eléctrico debe ser usado únicamente con carritos o pedestales que
sean recomendados por el fabricante.
7. El aparato eléctrico debe ser montado a la pared o al techo sólo como sea
recomendado por el fabricante.
8. Servicio—El usuario no debe intentar dar servicio al equipo eléctrico más allá
a lo descrito en las instrucciones de operación. Todo otro servicio deberá ser
referido a personal de servicio calificado.
9. El aparato eléctrico debe ser situado de tal manera que su posición no
interfiera su uso. La colocación del aparato eléctrico sobre una cama, sofá,
alfombra o superficie similar puede bloquea la ventilación, no se debe colocar
en libreros o gabinetes que impidan el flujo de aire por los orificios de
ventilación.
10. El equipo eléctrico deber ser situado fuera del alcance de fuentes de calor
como radiadores, registros de calor, estufas u otros aparatos (incluyendo
amplificadores) que producen calor.

5
INSTRUCCIONES DE SEGURIDAD
11. El aparato eléctrico deberá ser connectado a una fuente de poder sólo del
tipo descrito en el instructivo de operación, o como se indique en el aparato.
12. Precaución debe ser tomada de tal manera que la tierra fisica y la polarización
del equipo no sea eliminada.
13. Los cables de la fuente de poder deben ser guiados de tal manera que no sean
pisados ni pellizcados por objetos colocados sobre o contra ellos, poniendo
particular atención a los contactos y receptáculos donde salen del aparato.
14. El equipo eléctrico debe ser limpiado únicamente de acuerdo a las
recomendaciones del fabricante.
15. En caso de existir, una antena externa deberá ser localizada lejos de las lineas
de energia.
16. El cable de corriente deberá ser desconectado del cuando el equipo no sea
usado por un largo periodo de tiempo.
17. Cuidado debe ser tomado de tal manera que objectos liquidos no sean
derramados sobre la cubierta u orificios de ventilación.
18. Servicio por personal calificado deberá ser provisto cuando:
A: El cable de poder o el contacto ha sido dañado; u
B: Objectos han caído o líquido ha sido derramado dentro del aparato; o
C: El aparato ha sido expuesto a la lluvia; o
D: El aparato parece no operar normalmente o muestra un cambio en su
desempeño; o
E: El aparato ha sido tirado o su cubierta ha sido dañada.

6
RS-232 ↔CURRENT LOOP INTERFACE CONVERTER
TRADEMARKS
All applied-for and registered trademarks are the property of their respective
owners.

7
RS-232 ↔CURRENT LOOP INTERFACE CONVERTER
CONTENTS
1. Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
2. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
3. Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
4. The Current-Loop Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
4.1 Testing for Other Active Devices on the Current Loop . . . . . . .11
4.1.1 LED Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
4.1.2 Voltmeter Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
4.2 Connecting the Current Loop Wires to the CL050A . . . . . . . . .12
4.2.1 4-Wire Current Loop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
4.2.2 2-Wire Current Loop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
4.3 Switch SWA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
4.4 Switch SWB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
5. The RS-232C Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
5.1 The RS-232C Interface Pinout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
5.2 Switch SWC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
5.2.1 DCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
5.2.2 DTE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
6. Operations and Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
6.1 Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
6.2 Self Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
7. Current Loop Rack and Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
7.1 Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
7.2 Specifications for RM005 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

8
RS-232 ↔CURRENT LOOP INTERFACE CONVERTER
Connectors — RS-232/CCITT V.24: DB25 (female)
Current Loop: 4 screw terminals
Indicators — (2) LEDs indicating RS-232 port activity:
RX for Receive Data from an RS-232 external device
TX for Transmit Data to an RS-232 external device
Switches — 10-position DIP switch for current-loop transmission mode
10-position DIP switch for RS-232 DTE or DCE configuration
4-position DIP switch for electrical current in the current loop
Maximum Transmission
Distance — (based on using 24-AWG solid copper wire):
at 9600 bps: 300 to 400 meters
(984 to 1,312 feet)
at 300 bps: 1000 to 3000 meters
(3,281 to 9,843 feet)
Power — Input — 115/220 VAC, 50 to 60 Hz, 12W
Output — 18 VAC, center tapped, 8VA
Size — 1.75"H x 5.5"W x 8.5"D (4.4 x 14 x 21.6 cm)
Weight — 1.5 lb. (0.7 kg)
CAUTION
Make sure you have the right power supply for your local power. If not,
call Technical Support to get a replacement power supply.
1. Specifications

9
RS-232 ↔CURRENT LOOP INTERFACE CONVERTER
The RS-232 ↔Current Loop Interface
Converter (CL050) is a bidirectional
self-contained unit that enables the
interconnection of a digital
20/30/60mA unipolar current-loop
interface with an RS-232 interface. The
CL050 cannot be used with an analog
current loop (4 to 20 mA) or bipolar
current loop.
Current loop was designed to transfer
data in a noisy environ-ment with as
much integrity as possible. The
maximum distance that the CL050 can
be placed from other devices on the
current loop (see Chapter 1) is based
on using 24 AWG under ideal
conditions, with the CL050 designated
as the active device in a point-to-point
configuration.
The CL050 can act as either an active
or passive device on the current loop.
As an active device, the CL050 supplies
20, 30, or 60 ma loop current at 18
VDC for operation. As a passive device,
the CL050 will not supply loop current,
but it will operate with 20, 30, or 60 ma
unipolar current at up to 30 VDC.
WARNING!
Only one device on the current
loop may be active. If more than
one device is active, each of the
devices will be permanently
damaged.
Refer to Sections 4.1 and 4.2 for
instructions on testing the current loop
and connecting it to the CL050.
Switch selections allow for half-duplex
or full-duplex operation; 20, 30, or 60
mA loop current; and configuring the
CL050 as either DTE or DCE.
Two LEDs monitor data flow.
If you ordered the CL050A-R2, you
should have received cables with it.
A 220-volt power supply (CL050E) is
also available.
2. Introduction
Figure 2-1. With the CL050, you can interconnect a
current loop interface and an RS-232 interface.
Current
Loop
Device
CL050
Device using
RS-232 Interface

10
RS-232 ↔CURRENT LOOP INTERFACE CONVERTER
1. Remove the screw located at the
center of the bottom cover.
2. Remove the top cover.
3. Lift the back panel from its guide.
4. Insert the power supply receptacle
into the 4-prong plug (See Figure
7-1 on page 16. The 4-prong plug
is near W1). The receptacle
should be aligned so that the lip is
on the upward side. DO NOT
PLUG THE POWER SUPPLY
INTO AN AC OUTLET!
5. Test your current loop for active
devices. See Section 4.1 on page
11.
6. Connect your current loop to the
CL050. See Section 4.2 on page
12.
7. Insert the back panel into its
guide, making sure the power-
supply cable and current-loop
cable exit through the holes
provided for them.
8. Set switches SWA, SWB and SWC
to the desired positions. The
CL050 is shipped with SWA set to
Full-Duplex, Passive; SWB set to
20mA receive; 20mA transmit; and
SWC set to DTE. See Sections 4.3,
4.4, and 5.2, respectively, on pages
11 and 13 for more information
on these switches.
9. Replace the top cover.
10. Replace the screw.
11. Attach your RS-232C cable.
12. Plug the power supply into an AC
outlet. The CL050 is now ready
for operation.
3. Installation

11
RS-232 ↔CURRENT LOOP INTERFACE CONVERTER
4.1 Testing for Other Active Devices
on the Current Loop
You must test for an active device on
the current loop if you plan to have the
CL050 supply loop current.
WARNING!
Only one device on the
current loop may be active.
If more than one device is
active at the same time,
each device will be
permanently damaged.
There are two tests that you can run.
Either is sufficient.
4.1.1 LED T EST
(1) Unplug the CL050 from the AC
outlet.
(2) Set the SWA switch to full duplex,
passive.
(3) Attach the T- of the 4-wire current
loop device (or “-” in a 2-wire current
loop) to R- of the CL050A.
(4) Attach the T+ of the 4-wire current
loop device (or “+” in a 2-wire current
loop) to R+ of the CL050A. See Figure
4-1 (4-wire current loop) or Figure 4-2
(2-wire current loop).
(5) Plug the CL050 into the AC outlet.
4. The Current-Loop Interface
Figure 4-1. Wiring configuration for a 4-wire current loop LED test.
Figure 4-2. Wiring configuration for a 2-wire current loop LED test.
T+
T-
R+
R-
T+
T-
R+
R-
T+
+
-
R-
T+
T-
R+
R-
CL050A
CL050A
R+
R-
T+
T-

12
RS-232 ↔CURRENT LOOP INTERFACE CONVERTER
(6) Test results:
(a) If the TX LED on the CL050 is
off, the other device is active.
(b) If the TX LED on the CL050
lights continuously, there is no current
in the loop. Therefore, the other
current-loop device is passive.
(c) If the TX LED flashes, the
current loop is sending data. This
indicates that the other device is active.
(7) Unplug the CL050 from the AC
outlet and remove the R- to R- and R+
to R+ wires.
4.1.2 V OLTMETER T EST
Attach the voltmeter to the two
Transmit lines (T+ and T-) of a current
loop device (not the CL050). If the
voltmeter reads voltage, the device is
active. If no voltage registers, the
device is passive.
4.2 Connecting the Current Loop
Wires to the CL050A
When you attach current loop wires to
the CL050, the unit should not be
connected to an AC outlet. Unless very
fine stranded-wire cable is used, wire
tinning is not required. Just insert the
wire into the receptacle and tighten
the screw. The wire will be firmly
gripped by the terminal. Table 1
details how the current loop should be
connected to the CL050. Refer also to
Figures 4-3 through 4-7 on pages 8, 9,
and 10.
4.2.1 4-W IRE C URRENT L OOP
Regardless of whether the CL050 is
active or passive, attach the current
loop wires as indicated in Table 1 and
as shown in Figures 4-3 or 4-4.
Terminals
1 (T+) 2 (T-) 3 (R+) 4 (R-)
4-Wire Full-Duplex + Receive - Receive + Transmit - Transmit
2-Wire Half-Duplex + Loop Jumper to Jumper to - Loop
Passive 3 (R+) 2 (T-)
2-Wire Half-Duplex No + Loop - Loop No
Active Connection Connection
Table 1. Current Loop Cable Connections.

13
RS-232 ↔CURRENT LOOP INTERFACE CONVERTER
4.2.2 2-W IRE C URRENT L OOP
Connections to a 2-wire half-duplex
multipoint current loop depend on
whether the CL050 is used as an active
or passive unit. Note the connections
in Table 1. The connections are also
shown in Figures 4-5, 4-6, and 4-7.
Note: Not all 2-wire current loops are
bidirectional half-duplex. Some
current loops are simplex.

14
RS-232 ↔CURRENT LOOP INTERFACE CONVERTER
T+
T-
R+
R-
T+
T-
R+
R-
T+
T-
R+
R-
T+
T-
R+
R-
Figure 4-4. 4-Wire Multipoint.
T+
T-
R+
R-
R+
R-
T+
T-
Figure 4-3. 4-Wire Point-to-Point.
Passive
Passive
Passive
Active

15
RS-232 ↔CURRENT LOOP INTERFACE CONVERTER
T+
T-
R+
R-
+
-
+
-
+
-
Figure 4-6. 2-Wire Half-Duplex Multipoint
(CL050 passive).
+
-
T+
T-
R+
R-
Figure 4-5. 2-Wire Point-to-Point (half-duplex).
CL050
(set to
half-duplex
active)
CL050
(Passive)
Jumper
Passive
Passive
Active
Passive

16
RS-232 ↔CURRENT LOOP INTERFACE CONVERTER
Figure 4-7. 2-Wire Half-Duplex Multipoint
(CL050 active).
T+
T-
R+
R-
+
-
+
-
+
-
CL050
(active)
Passive
Passive
Passive

17
RS-232 ↔CURRENT LOOP INTERFACE CONVERTER
4.3 Switch SWA
Switch SWA controls the Current Loop Configuration. The CL050 is shipped with
the SWA in a “Full-Duplex, Passive” configuration.
Note: 0 indicates “OPEN” and 1 indicates “CLOSED.”
SW1 SW2 SW3 SW4 SW5 SW6 SW7 SW8 SW9 SW10 Loop Configuration
0101001 01 0 Full-Duplex, Passive
1010110 10 1 Full-Duplex, Active
0101010 10 1 Full-Duplex, Passive
Receive/Active Transmit
1010101 01 0 Full-Duplex, Active
Receive/Passive Transmit
0101001 01 0 Half-Duplex, Passive
(2-wire operation)
0100111 01 0 Half-Duplex, Active
(2-wire operation)
4.4 Switch SWB
Switch SWB controls loop current (20/30/60 mA). The CL050 is shipped with the
SWB in a “20mA receive; 20mA transmit” configuration.
Note: 0 indicates “OPEN” and 1 indicates “CLOSED.”
SW1 SW2 SW3 SW4 Loop Current
0 0 0 0 20mA receive; 20mA transmit loops
1 1 1 1 60mA receive; 60mA transmit loops
1 1 0 0 60mA receive; 20mA transmit loops
0 0 1 1 20mA receive; 60mA transmit loops
1 0 1 0 30mA receive; 30mA transmit loops

18
RS-232 ↔CURRENT LOOP INTERFACE CONVERTER
5.1 The RS-232C Interface Pinout
Pin Circuit Description Direction
1 AA Protective Ground ---
2 BA Transmit Data To DCE
3 BB Receive Data From DCE
4 CA Request to Send To DCE
5 CB Clear to Send From DCE
6 CC Data Set Ready From DCE
7 AB Signal Ground ---
20 CD Data Terminal Ready To DCE
5. The RS-232C Interface
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
SECONDARY TRANSMITTED DATA
DCE TRANSMITTER SIGNAL ELEMENT TIMING
SECONDARY RECEIVED DATA
RECEIVER SIGNAL ELEMENT TIMING
SECONDARY REQUEST TO SEND
DATA TERMINAL READY
SIGNAL QUALITY DETECTOR
RING INDICATOR
DATA SIGNAL RATE SELECTOR
DTE TRANSMITTER SIGNAL ELEMENT TIMING
PROTECTIVE GROUND
TRANSMITTED DATA
RECEIVED DATA
REQUEST TO SEND
CLEAR TO SEND
DATA SET READY
SIGNAL GROUND / COMMON RETURN
RECEIVED LINE SIGNAL DETECTOR
+ VOLTAGE
- VOLTAGE
SECONDARY RECEIVED LINE SIGNAL INDICATOR
SECONDARY CLEAR TO SEND
SIGNAL
DESTINATION
PIN
NUMBER
PIN
NUMBER
SIGNAL
DESTINATION
RS-232 Interface (Female)
Figure 5-1. The RS-232C Interface.

19
RS-232 ↔CURRENT LOOP INTERFACE CONVERTER
5.2 Switch SWC
Switch SWC controls the RS-232 Connector Configuration (DCE/DTE).
Note: “OPEN” indicates Off and “CLOSED” indicates On.
5.2.1 DCE
The CL050 default configuration is DCE. The 10-position DIP switch is set as
follows:
SW1 Not Used
SW2 OPEN = SW2 and SW3 are ALWAYS in opposite
positions
SW3 CLOSED = With SW2 OPEN, Data Out is on Pin 3
SW4 OPEN = SW4 and SW5 are ALWAYS in opposite
positions
SW5 CLOSED = With SW4 OPEN, Data In is on Pin 2
SW6 OPEN = Pin 4 (RTS) not connected
SW7 CLOSED = Ties Pin 5 (CTS) to Pin 20 (DTR)
SW8 OPEN = Removes High on Pin 20 (DTR). If
system does not use DTR, raise CTS by
CLOSING both SW7 and SW8
SW9 CLOSED = Place High on Pin 6 (DSR)
SW10 Not Used
5.2.2 DTE
When configuring the CL050 as a DTE, the 10-position DIP switch is set as follows:
SW1 Not Used
SW2 CLOSED = With SW3 OPEN, Data Out is on Pin 2
SW3 OPEN = SW2 and SW3 are ALWAYS in opposite
positions
SW4 CLOSED = With SW5 OPEN, Data In is on Pin 3
SW5 OPEN = SW4 and SW5 are ALWAYS in opposite
positions
SW6 CLOSED = Place High on Pin 4 (RTS)
SW7 OPEN = Pin 5 (CTS) not connected
SW8 CLOSED = Place High on Pin 20 (DTR)
SW9 OPEN = Pin 6 (DSR) not connected
SW10 Not Used

20
RS-232 ↔CURRENT LOOP INTERFACE CONVERTER
6.1 Indicators
TX LED
On Continuously: Indicates
(1) receive current loop not
attached; (2) no current flowing;
or (3) you have an open loop.
Check the polarity of the receive
loop and/or the active/passive
options.
Off: The CL050 is not connected to
an AC outlet or loop current is
flowing continuously (which is
normal in an idle state).
Flashing: Data is being transmitted
from the RS-232 port to the RS-
232C interface.
RX LED
On Continuously: Error. Call
Technical Support.
Off: No data being received by the RS-
232 port.
Flashing: Data is being received by the
RS-232 port from the RS-232C
interface.
6. Operations and Troubleshooting

21
RS-232 ↔CURRENT LOOP INTERFACE CONVERTER
(6) On the CL050, connect a wire from
T+ to R+.
(7) Plug the CL050 into an AC outlet.
(8) Set the DTE device to full-duplex.
(9) Enter data.
(10) The TX and RX LEDs should
flash and the data should display on
the DTE’s monitor. If this occurs, all
internal circuitry is operational.
6.2 Self Test
Follow these instructions to test the
internal circuitry of the CL050:
(1) Unplug the CL050 from AC outlet.
(2) Set switch SWA to full-duplex,
transmit active, receive passive.
(3) Set switch SWC to DCE
configuration.
(4) Attach a DTE device using a
straight-pinned cable from the DTE to
the CL050.
(5) On the CL050, connect a wire from
T- to R-.
+
-
+
-
T
R
DTE DCE
Configuration
CL050
RS-232C Cable
Figure 6-1. Wiring for the Internal Circuitry Test.