Gantner Q Series User manual

Manual
Q.bloxx
Vers. No. 6.1

Vers. No. 6.1
2Released: 25/04/2017
© 2017 Gantner Instruments GmbH
Operating instructions, manuals and software are protected by
copyright. Copying, duplicating, translating, conversion into any
electronic medium or into machine readable form, completely or
partially, is only permissible with the expressed consent of
Gantner Instruments GmbH. An exception is the making of a copy
of software for one's own use for backup purposes, where this is
technically possible and recommended by us. Infringements will
be pursued in law and will be subject to compensation claims.
All trademarks and brand names used in this document only indi-
cate the respective product or the proprietor of the trademark or
brand name. The naming of products which are not from Gantner
Instruments GmbH is made exclusively for informative purposes.
Gantner Instruments GmbH makes no claims on trademarks or
brand names other than its own.

Q.series
Gantner Instruments GmbH 3
Table of Contents
1Safety Information ................................................ 9
1.1 Intended use .......................................................................... 9
1.2 Checking for damage in transit ............................................. 9
1.3 Personnel ............................................................................... 9
1.4 Special risks......................................................................... 10
1.5 Siting locations .................................................................... 10
1.6 Modifications........................................................................ 10
1.7 Servicing and cleaning......................................................... 10
1.8 Disposal................................................................................ 11
1.9 General hazards due to non-observance of the safety
information........................................................................... 11
2Labels and warning information......................... 13
2.1 Warning information ............................................................ 13
2.2 Labels on the modules ......................................................... 13
2.3 Labels in this manual ........................................................... 14
3Introduction ........................................................ 15
3.1 The documentation in the Q.bloxx range............................. 16
3.2 About this manual ................................................................ 16
3.3 System description............................................................... 17
3.3.1 Operating the modules via Q.gate........................................ 17
3.3.2 Operating the modules via Q.pac ......................................... 19
3.3.3 Operating the modules without Test Controller................... 20
4Connecting the modules ..................................... 21
4.1 Connecting the base ............................................................ 21
4.1.1 Hot swap (factory setting) .................................................... 22
4.1.2 Setting the address (optional) .............................................. 23
4.1.3 Activating the terminating resistances ................................ 24
4.1.4 Mounting/removing bases .................................................... 25
4.1.5 Q.bloxx Extension Socket QES ............................................. 26
4.2 Connecting the power supply .............................................. 28
4.3 Fitting and removal of modules from bases......................... 30
4.4 Connecting interfaces .......................................................... 31
4.4.1 Connecting modules to Q.gate ............................................. 31
4.4.2 Connecting modules to Q.pac............................................... 32
4.4.3 Connecting Q.gate/Q.pac via Ethernet to a PC/PLC............. 34

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4.4.4 Using the RS-232 interface of Q.gate or Q.pac ................... 35
4.4.5 Connecting modules directly to a PC/PLC ........................... 36
4.5 Synchronization of several systems..................................... 38
4.5.1 Connection of a radio receiver for time signals................... 41
4.5.2 Connection of a GPS receiver .............................................. 41
4.6 Module flashing frequency .................................................. 42
4.6.1 SOS, configuration error ..................................................... 42
4.6.2 Firmware download ............................................................. 42
4.6.3 Activating the firmware download....................................... 42
4.6.4 Problems during data transmission ..................................... 43
4.6.5 LED displays in normal operation........................................ 43
4.7 The modules and their connection options.......................... 44
4.8 Q.bloxx A101: Connecting sensors and I/O.......................... 46
4.8.1 Voltage................................................................................. 46
4.8.2 Current ................................................................................ 47
4.8.3 Potentiometer ...................................................................... 47
4.8.4 Resistance, Pt100, Pt1000 ................................................... 47
4.8.5 Thermocouple ...................................................................... 48
4.8.6 Full and half-bridge transducers ......................................... 48
4.8.7 Strain-gauge quarter bridges .............................................. 49
4.8.8 IEPE/ICP®sensor ................................................................ 49
4.8.9 Digital input and output....................................................... 50
4.9 Q.bloxx A102: Connecting sensors and I/O.......................... 51
4.9.1 Voltage................................................................................. 51
4.9.2 Current ................................................................................ 52
4.9.3 Full and half-bridge transducers ......................................... 52
4.9.4 Strain-gauge quarter bridges .............................................. 53
4.9.5 IEPE/ICP®sensor ................................................................ 53
4.9.6 Analog output ...................................................................... 53
4.9.7 Digital input and output....................................................... 54
4.10 Q.bloxx A103: Connecting sensors and I/O.......................... 55
4.10.1 Voltage................................................................................. 55
4.10.2 Current ................................................................................ 56
4.10.3 Digital input and output....................................................... 56
4.11 Q.bloxx A104: Connecting sensors ...................................... 57
4.11.1 Voltage................................................................................. 57
4.11.2 Thermocouple ...................................................................... 58
4.12 Q.bloxx A105: Connecting sensors ...................................... 59
4.12.1 Resistance, Pt100, Pt1000 ................................................... 59
4.13 Q.bloxx A106: Connecting sensors and I/O.......................... 61
4.13.1 Full and half-bridge transducers ......................................... 61
4.13.2 Strain-gauge quarter bridge................................................ 62
4.13.3 Inductive full and half bridges............................................. 62
4.13.4 LVDT, RVDT......................................................................... 63

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4.13.5 Analog output ....................................................................... 63
4.13.6 Digital input and output ....................................................... 64
4.14 Q.bloxx A107: Connecting sensors ...................................... 65
4.14.1 Voltage.................................................................................. 65
4.14.2 Current ................................................................................. 66
4.14.3 Potentiometer....................................................................... 66
4.14.4 Resistance, Pt100, Pt1000.................................................... 66
4.14.5 Thermocouple....................................................................... 67
4.14.6 Full-bridge transducer.......................................................... 67
4.14.7 Strain-gauge half and quarter bridges ................................. 68
4.15 Q.bloxx A108: Connecting sensors and I/O.......................... 69
4.15.1 Voltage.................................................................................. 69
4.15.2 Current ................................................................................. 70
4.15.3 Digital input and output ....................................................... 70
4.16 Q.bloxx A109: Connecting I/O and outputs.......................... 71
4.16.1 Digital input and output, Plug 1 ........................................... 71
4.16.2 Analog output, Plug 2 ........................................................... 72
4.17 Q.bloxx A111: Connecting sensors and I/O.......................... 73
4.17.1 Voltage.................................................................................. 73
4.17.2 IEPE/ICP®Sensor ................................................................ 74
4.18 Q.bloxx A116: Connecting sensors ...................................... 75
4.18.1 Full and half-bridge transducers .......................................... 78
4.18.2 Strain-gauge quarter bridge................................................. 79
4.18.3 Activating the shunt resistance ............................................ 81
4.19 Q.bloxx A123: Connecting sensors ...................................... 83
4.19.1 Voltage.................................................................................. 84
4.19.2 Current ................................................................................. 84
4.20 Q.bloxx A124: Connecting sensors ...................................... 85
4.20.1 Voltage.................................................................................. 86
4.20.2 Thermocouple....................................................................... 86
4.21 Q.bloxx A127: Connecting sensors ...................................... 87
4.21.1 Voltage.................................................................................. 88
4.21.2 Current ................................................................................. 88
4.22 Q.bloxx A128: Connecting sensors ...................................... 89
4.22.1 Voltage.................................................................................. 90
4.23 Q.bloxx D101: Connecting I/O ............................................. 91
4.23.1 Digital input and output ....................................................... 91
4.24 Q.bloxx D104: connecting digital inputs.............................. 94
4.24.1 Digital input.......................................................................... 94
4.25 Q.bloxx D105: connecting digital outputs............................ 96
4.25.1 Digital output........................................................................ 96
4.26 Q.bloxx D107: Connecting digital inputs ............................. 97
4.26.1 Digital input.......................................................................... 97

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5Configuration .................................................... 101
5.1 Installing the test.commander........................................... 102
5.2 Using test.commander....................................................... 103
5.2.1 Linking test.commander via Ethernet (TCP/IP)................. 103
5.2.2 test.commander and the serial (service) interface ............ 105
5.2.3 Creating a project for configuration .................................. 106
5.3 Configuring analog inputs ................................................. 107
5.3.1 Setting sensor parameters................................................. 107
5.3.2 Carrier frequency synchronization (Q.bloxx A106) ........... 109
5.3.3 Zero balancing/taring the sensor....................................... 110
5.3.4 Sensor scaling over several points (table) ......................... 112
5.4 Specifying digital inputs/outputs ....................................... 114
5.5 Configuring analog outputs ............................................... 116
5.6 Defining computations....................................................... 118
5.7 Specifying the alarm monitoring ....................................... 119
5.8 Q.gate and Q.pac settings.................................................. 121
5.8.1 Module interface................................................................ 121
5.8.2 Host interface .................................................................... 122
5.8.3 Settings.............................................................................. 122
5.8.4 Storage settings (only Q.pac) ............................................ 125
5.8.5 System variable ................................................................. 125
5.8.6 Virtual variable .................................................................. 126
5.9 Online tools........................................................................ 129
5.9.1 Read data buffer (with measurements) ............................. 129
5.9.2 Displaying measurements.................................................. 129
5.9.3 Reading module information ............................................. 130
5.9.4 Reading status information................................................ 131
5.10 Firmware update ............................................................... 132
5.10.1 Firmware update for Test Controller................................. 132
5.10.2 Firmware update for modules ........................................... 133
6Functional Procedures ...................................... 135
6.1 Using serial interfaces....................................................... 135
6.1.1 Interface converter ............................................................ 135
6.1.2 Bus termination on the Q.bloxx modules........................... 136
6.1.3 Connection technology ...................................................... 136
6.1.4 Network topologies............................................................ 137
6.2 Ethernet on the PC ............................................................ 138
6.2.1 Finding the IP address and subnet mask of the PC ........... 138
6.2.2 Setting the IP address on the PC....................................... 139
6.2.3 Allowing access to network devices (firewall)................... 141
6.3 Connecting sensors with sensing leads ............................. 143

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Gantner Instruments GmbH 7
6.4 Sensor scaling.................................................................... 144
6.4.1 Scaling of voltage signals and strain-gauge bridges.......... 144
6.4.2 Scaling strain gauges ......................................................... 145
6.5 Current measurement with an external shunt................... 147
6.6 Measuring with thermocouples ......................................... 148
7International Sales and Service........................ 149

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1 Safety Information
1Safety Information
Before starting installation, setting up, operation and before
maintenance work is carried out, it is essential to read and follow
the appropriate warning and safety information given in this
manual.
Installation, setting up, operation and maintenance of the mod-
ules or devices must take place as intended, i.e. under the condi-
tions of use laid down in this manual and in the technical data for
the relevant module or device.
1.1 Intended use
The products in the Q.series range are intended for use in indus-
trial and experimental test engineering and for monitoring
assembly and production processes. Transducers (sensors) for
the acquisition of physical quantities such as voltage, current,
resistance, temperature, force, displacement, torque, mass,
strain and pressure can be connected. The modules are used
exclusively for these kinds of measurement and control applica-
tions. Any application which goes beyond this scope does not fall
within the intended use of the modules.
To ensure safe operation the modules and devices must only be
operated according to the details given in the manuals and tech-
nical data sheets. In addition, the required legal and safety regu-
lations covering the respective application must be followed. This
applies in particular to the modules A123, A124, A127 and A128
with which input voltages of up to 1200VDC are possible.
1.2 Checking for damage in transit
On receipt of the goods visually check that the packaging and the
module or device together with the data medium are intact. Also
check the shipment for completeness (accessory parts, documen-
tation, auxiliary aids, etc.). If the packaging has been damaged in
transit or if you suspect that the product is damaged or may mal-
function, the product must not be put into operation. In this case
contact your customer consultant or Gantner Instruments GmbH.
1.3 Personnel
The installation, operation and maintenance of the modules or
devices must only be carried out by competent persons. Compe-
tent persons are those who through their professional education
have sufficient knowledge in the required field and are familiar
with the relevant national occupational protection regulations,

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1 Safety Information
accident prevention regulations, guidelines and accepted engi-
neering rules. They must be able to reliably assess the results of
their work and must be familiar with the contents of this manual.
Electrical connections must only be carried out by specialist per-
sonnel trained for the task.
In particular, pay attention to the following:
• the national installation and erection regulations (e.g. ÖVE,
VDE, etc.)
• generally accepted engineering rules
• the details on transport, installation, operation, servicing,
maintenance and disposal in this manual.
• the parameters, limits and the details about the operating and
ambient conditions on the name-plates and in the data sheets.
1.4 Special risks
The modules A123, A124, A127 and A128 are specifically
intended for measurements at high voltages. Consequently, on
the modules a voltage of up to 1200 V may be present, which can
lead to fatal or severe injury on touching the terminal contacts or
bare parts of the connecting cables. Therefore, make sure that
only qualified personnel have access to the modules or devices
and that the voltages on modules can be switched off by a switch-
disconnector or similar device for service purposes.
1.5 Siting locations
The devices in the Q.series range are protected to IP20 against
water, dirt and small parts. If the ambient conditions require it,
the modules can be fitted in water-protected or watertight hous-
ings.
Please note the admissible ambient temperatures specified in the
technical data.
1.6 Modifications
Making modifications to the modules or devices is not permitted.
Dirt and shrouding covers may only be removed for service and
maintenance purposes.
1.7 Servicing and cleaning
The modules or devices do not need any servicing. Cleaning may
only take place in the voltage-free state. Therefore follow the
points below:

Q.series
Gantner Instruments GmbH 11
1 Safety Information
• Before cleaning, disconnect all connectors.
• Clean the housing with a soft, slightly moistened cloth. Never
use any solvents, because these may attack the labels.
• When cleaning, make sure that no liquid enters into the
device or goes onto the terminals.
Never attempt to repair nor to again operate devices which are
defective, have developed a fault or are damaged. In this case it
is essential to contact your customer consultant or Gantner
Instruments GmbH.
1.8 Disposal
Old devices which are no longer usable must be disposed of
according to national and local regulations regarding environ-
mental protection and raw-material recycling. Electronic compo-
nents must not be disposed of with the household refuse. The
packaging can be recycled and should therefore be passed into
the recycling system. However, we recommend that the packag-
ing is kept until the end of the warranty period so that you can
pack faulty devices or modules properly.
1.9 General hazards due to non-observance of the
safety information
The modules or devices conform to the state of the art and are
operationally safe. However residual risks may arise when they
are used and operated improperly by untrained personnel.
Any person commissioned with the task of siting, operating, ser-
vicing or repairing a module or device in the Q.series must have
read and understood the operating manual and in particular the
information relating to safety.

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1 Safety Information

Q.series
Gantner Instruments GmbH 13
2 Labels and warning information
2Labels and warning infor-
mation
2.1 Warning information
To prevent personal injury and damage to property it is essential
that you follow the warning and safety information given in this
operating manual.
Indicates a directly threatening hazard. If it is not pre-
vented, the consequence will be fatal or serious injuries.
Indicates a possibly hazardous situation. If it is not prevented, the
consequence may be fatal or serious injuries.
Indicates a possibly hazardous situation. If it is not prevented, the
consequence may be injuries of slight or medium severity.
Indicates a situation in which the consequence may be property
damage if the information is not followed.
2.2 Labels on the modules
Symbol:
Meaning: This symbol is the CE marking. This shows that we
guarantee that our product meets the requirements of the rele-
vant EC directives.
Symbol: CAT I, CAT II, CAT III
Meaning: Modules with this symbol are intended for the connec-
tion of high voltage. The maximum admissible voltage is also
given.
Symbol:
Meaning: High voltage may be present on the module connec-
tions. Connection may only be made with the insulated connect-
ing plugs provided.

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2 Labels and warning information
2.3 Labels in this manual
To simplify reading this manual we use – along with the warning
information given above – the following labels and notation:
IMPORTANT
Paragraphs with this symbol give important information about
the product or about using the product.
Tip
Contains application hints and other particularly useful informa-
tion.
Symbol:
Meaning: Before connecting or disconnecting cables make sure
that all sources of power are Locked Out.
italics signifies highlighted text
interface signifies entries and entry fields in program
user interfaces
Options indicates menu items in the program user
interfaces
>signifies a sequence of menu items, e.g. in
Options > Settings
➡indicates special features or restrictions

Q.series
Gantner Instruments GmbH 15
3 Introduction
3Introduction
Dear Customer,
Thank you for purchasing a product in the Q.series from Gantner
Instruments GmbH. We are sure that you have obtained an excel-
lent product which will enable you to make fast and reliable mea-
surements with low measurement uncertainties.
If you find faults on the product or errors in the accompanying
documentation or if you have suggestions for improvement,
please contact your customer consultant or Gantner Instruments
GmbH directly. We would be glad to receive your comments and
ideas.
You will find further information in the section Technical Infor-
mation in our Wiki at https://dev.gantner-instruments.com/doku-
wiki. The user name is support and the password is gins (not all
sections are open to the public).
Austria Gantner Instruments GmbH
Montafonerstr. 4
6780 Schruns/Austria
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
Web: www.gantner-instruments.com
Germany Gantner Instruments Test & Measurement GmbH
Heidelberger Landstr. 74
64297 Darmstadt
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.gantner-instruments.com

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3 Introduction
3.1 The documentation in the Q.bloxx range
The documentation for the Q.bloxx consists of this manual about
the Q.bloxx modules A101, A102, A103, A104, A105, A106, A107,
A108, A109, A111, A116, A123, A124, A127, A128, D101, D104,
D105 and D107 as well as the Test Controllers Q.gate and Q.pac.
Detailed descriptions on special settings for Q.gate and Q.pac or
Q.station 101 can be found in other Gantner Instruments GmbH
documentation on the Gantner CD or on our home page
www.gantner-instruments.com.
You will find this manual also as a PDF file on our home page and
on the Gantner CD enclosed with your module or which you can
order free of charge from Gantner Instruments GmbH.
3.2 About this manual
This manual describes the installation, initial operation and the
configuration of the modules Q.bloxx A101, A102, A103, A104,
A105, A106, A107, A108, A109, A111, A116, A123, A124, A127,
A128, D101, D104, D105 and D107 with the Test Controllers
Q.gate and Q.pac using the program test.commander. The mod-
ules are differentiated through the number of their analog and/or
digital inputs and outputs, by the maximum possible sample rate
and the admissible input voltages.
The manual is divided into several chapters:
• Safety information in Chapter 1, ff. page 9.
• A description of the labels and symbols used on the modules
and in this documentation can be found in Chapter 2 from
page 13 onwards.
• You will find a description of the system and the main combi-
nation and expansion options in the next section.
• The description of the connection variants and the pin assign-
ments on the inputs and outputs can be found in Chapter 4,
Connecting the modules, ff. page 21.
• A comprehensive introduction to the configuration of the
modules using the program test.commander is given in
Chapter 5, Configuration, ff. page 101.
• Comprehensive explanation of the module measurement tech-
nology and background information about working proce-
dures can be found in Chapter 6, Functional Procedures, ff.
page 135.

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Gantner Instruments GmbH 17
3 Introduction
3.3 System description
The modules in the Q.bloxx series have been developed for indus-
trial and experimental measurement and test engineering, in par-
ticular for multi-channel measurements of electrical, mechanical
and thermal signals on engine and component test-rigs as well as
for monitoring processes and long-term supervision. The modules
A123, A124, A127 and A128 are specially designed for measure-
ments at high voltages.
Voltages of up to 1200 V may be present on the connec-
tions of the modules A123, A124, A127 and A128.
Before connecting or disconnecting cables make sure that
all sources of power are Locked Out.
The individual modules can be combined to form one system as
required. You can connect up to 32 or 64 modules to one of the
Test Controllers Q.gate, Q.pac or Q.station 101 and then address
them from a PC or PLC via a single interface. Alternatively, it is
also possible to address single modules directly via the serial
interface.
On all modules the power supply, bus interface and the inputs
and outputs are electrically isolated from one another. The use
with Q.gate and Q.pac is explained in this manual. Please use the
manual provided specifically for this module when operating the
Test Controller Q.station 101.
3.3.1 Operating the modules via Q.gate
You can connect up to 16 modules to each of the two serial inter-
faces (UARTs) of the Q.gate Test Controller (Fig. 3-1 and Fig. 3-
2). For a direct connection on DIN mounting rails (DIN 35 mm
rail according to DIN EN 60715) a special plug-on socket is also
available: the Q.bloxx Extension Socket QES. This means that you
can plug all 32 modules onto a mounting rail directly adjacent to
one another. The Q.bloxx Extension Socket QES is plugged in
centrally between the other sockets; the power supply of the sec-
ond group of up to 16 modules also takes place through the
extension socket.
You can communicate via Ethernet with the connected modules
from the Q.gate Test Controller. The maximum cable length
between the measurement modules and the Q.gate depends on
the desired baud rate:

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3 Introduction
You can insert the Q.gate Test Controller alternatively into the
base to the left or right of the Q.bloxx modules (first or last base).
Since the Q.gate Test Controller has a bus termination, it must be
located on the end of the line and must not be positioned between
the modules.
Fig. 3-1 Q.gate with up to 32 modules, connection via base and
Q.bloxx Extension Socket QES.
Fig. 3-2 Q.gate with up to 32 modules, connection via cables.
Cable length in meters Maximum baud rate
1000 <500 kBaud
100 <1500 kBaud
20 <6000 kBaud
10 >6 to 24 MBaud
……
max. 16 modulesmax. 16 modules
Extension Socket QES
Q.gate
…
…
max. 16 modules each

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Gantner Instruments GmbH 19
3 Introduction
Depending on the operating mode of the modules, transmission
rates of 1 kHz with up to 128 variables (transferred values with
four byte resolution, real variables) are possible over Ethernet.
3.3.2 Operating the modules via Q.pac
The Q.pac Test Controller is a programmable module with its own
128 Mbyte flash data memory and in addition it offers a graphi-
cally programmable PAC function. Optionally, EtherCAT is avail-
able as an additional interface with a data rate of up to 10 kHz.
You can connect up to 16 modules to each of the four serial inter-
faces (UARTs) of the Q.pac Test Controller (Fig. 3-3, page 20).
When using Ethernet, with Q.pac you can realize up to 16 vari-
ables (transferred values with four-byte resolution, real variable)
at a sample rate of 10 kHz and with EtherCAT even 256 variables
are possible at the same sample rate:
UART data throughput at 24 MBaud
Sample rate 1 kHz
Sample rate 10kHz
Sample rate 100kHz
200 real variables
20 real variables
2 real variables
Ethernet data throughput (transmission rate with block transfer) 128 real variables (1kHz)
16 real variables (10kHz)
Ethernet data throughput (transmission rate with online transfer) 64 real variables (300Hz)
Interfaces Ethernet, USB, RS-232,
2 UARTs
Max. number of slaves (Q.bloxx) 32
UART data throughput at 24 MBaud
Sample rate 1 kHz
Sample rate 10kHz
Sample rate 100kHz
200 real variables
20 real variables
2 real variables
Ethernet data throughput (transmission rate with block transfer) 128 real variables (1kHz)
16 real variables (10kHz)
Ethernet data throughput (transmission rate with online transfer) 128 real variables (300Hz)
EtherCAT data throughput (transmission rate) 256 real variables (10kHz)
Interfaces Ethernet, EtherCAT, USB,
RS-232, 4 UARTs
Max. number of slaves (Q.bloxx) 64

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3 Introduction
Fig. 3-3 Q.pac with up to 64 modules.
3.3.3 Operating the modules without Test Controller
You can connect the modules directly to a PC or PLC via the RS-
485 interface on the modules. The following protocols are avail-
able:
• Gantner's own fast binary protocol. The configuration here
takes place via the programs test.commander or ICP 100.
• Modbus RTU for reading and writing variables via registers.
• ASCII for reading and writing variables (values) with simple
commands. Module configuration using the ASCII protocol is
not possible.
…
…
…
…
max. 16 modules per UART