ICS ELECTRONICS 4863 User manual

ICS
ELECTRONICS
ICS
MODEL 4863
GPIB Parallel Interface
MODEL 2363
Serial Parallel
Interface
4863/2363

MODEL 4863
GPIB Parallel Interface
Model 2363
Serial Parallel Interface
Instruction Manual
7034 Commerce Circle, Pleasanton, CA 94588
Phone [phone], Fax [phone] Publication Number 120143
Web Site http://www.icselect.com October 2006 Edition Rev 9
ICS
ELECTRONICS
ICS
division of Systems West Inc.

LIMITED WARRANTY
Within 12 months of delivery, ICS Electronics will repair or replace this product,
atouroption,ifanypartisfoundtobedefectiveinmaterialsorworkmanship(labor
is included). Return this product to ICS Electronics, or other designated repair
station,freightprepaid,forpromptrepairorreplacement. ContactICSforareturn
material authorization (RMA) number prior to returning the product for repair.
CERTIFICATION
ICSElectronics certifies thatthis product wascarefully inspected andtested at the
factorypriortoshipmentandwasfoundtomeetallrequirementsofthespecification
under which it was furnished.
EMI/RFI WARNING
Thisequipment generates, uses,and can radiateradio frequency energyand,if not
installedandusedinaccordancewiththeinstructionmanual,maycauseinterference
to radio communications. The Model 4863 and 2363 have been tested and found
to comply with the limits for a Class A computing device pursuant to Subpart J of
Part15 oftheFCCRulesand tocomplywiththeEEC StandardsEN55022andEN
50082-1, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such
interference when 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
required to correct the interference.
Certificate of Conformance reproduced in Figures 1-7 and 1-8.
TRADEMARKS
The following trademarks referred to in this manual are the property of the
following companies:
HP is a trademark of Hewlett-Packard Corporation, Palo Alto, CA
ICS is a trademark of ICS Electronics div of Systems West, Inc.,
Pleasanton, CA
REVISIONS
© 2006 ICS Electronics div of Systems West, Inc.

General Information
Product Description and Specifications for: IEEE 488 Interface, Serial
Interface, Digital Interface, Configurable Functions, Factory
Configuration, Physical, Certifications and Accessories.
Installation
Shipment Verification, Configuration Instructions, Use of the
Configuration Disk, Non-PC Configuration Instructions, Cable
Connections, and OEM Board Connections.
Programming the 4863 and 2363
General Operation, GPIB Address, 488.2 Status Structure, 488.2
Commands,SCPICommands,SingleLetterCommands,Programming
Guidelines and Serial Interface Operation.
Theory of Operation
Describesthe4863 and2363'sTheoryofOperationandprovidesBlock
Diagram Descriptions.
Troubleshooting and Repair
Theory of Operation, Self test error codes, Troubleshooting guide,
and Repair Information.
Appendix
A1 BackgroundinformationonIEEE488.1Bus,IEEE488.2Message
Formats, Protocols, Common Commands and SCPI Commands.
A2 GPIB Connector/Switch Assembly Dimensions and Installation
Notes.
Index
Contents
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1-1
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1
General Information
1.1 INTRODUCTION
This section provides specifications for ICS's Models 4863 and 2363
Parallel Digital Interface Modules. All specifications and functional
descriptions apply to both units unless stated otherwise.
1.2 DESCRIPTION
The Model 4863 GPIB <-> Parallel Interface is an IEEE 488.2/GPIB/HP-
IB compatible device that provides digital signals to drive external devices
and to input digital data onto the GPIB bus from external devices. The
Model 2363 Serial <-> Parallel Interface provides the same digital I/O
capability and GPIB functionality but with RS-232 and RS-422/RS-485
serial interfaces.
Both modules provide 48 programmable digital lines with TTL levels for
controlling devices or for data transfer. The digital interface is user
configurableintogatedinputsand/orlatchedoutputsineightbitincrements.
As inputs, each data line has a pullup resistor for sensing contact closures
or for interfacing with CMOS signals. As outputs, each line can source 24
mA or sink up to 48 mA. The interfaces can also monitor 15 of the digital
linesandreport any changestothe Bus Controller. The 4863transfers data
either as the parameter in a command or as a transparent data string. Data
can be formatted as decimal or hex characters or unformatted binary bytes.
Applications include interfacing devices with parallel digital interfaces to
theGPIBbusortoseriallinks,controllingdiscretedevices,readingthestate
of external switches or signals, and monitoring digital events.

1-2
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Handshake lines are provided for transferring data to external devices and
for inputting data. Other control lines include a Remote line for enabling
external controls, and Trigger, Clear and Reset pulse outputs.
The 4863 and 2363 uses SCPI commands (Standard Commands for
ProgrammableInstruments)tosettheirconfigurationparametersandaddress.
The configuration settings can be retained in nonvolatile memory and
recalledautomaticallyatpowerturn-on. Thismeansthattheunithastoonly
beconfiguredonceandthenleftaloneuntilusedinanotherapplication. The
SCPI commands can also be used to query the current parameter settings.
Refer to the appendix for additional information about SCPI commands.
At power turn-on, the modules perform a self test of their internal logic. At
theendoftheselftest,theymomentarilydisplaytheirGPIBorserialaddress
by blinking the front panel LEDs before displaying their normal Power-on
- Ready condition.
The 4863 is a member of ICS's Minibox product family and is packaged in
asmallmetalcasethatislessthan1U(1.6 inches)inheight. Thefrontpanel
contains the power switch and LEDs which indicate the unit's status. The
rear panel contains the GPIB connector, the Relay Contact/Digital Input
connector and a DC power jack. The 4863 accepts a wide range of DC
voltages and is shipped with an AC adapter for the local power lines.
TheModel2363issimilartotheModel4863exceptthattheGPIBconnector
on the rear panel has been replaced with a connector that contains the RS-
232 and RS-485 serial signals. Because of the nature of the serial interface,
the2363onlytransfersformatteddataasacommandparameteranddoesnot
have the 4863's transparent or binary data transfer capability. The 2363 are
network capable and up to sixteen 2363s can operate on an single RS-485
network. All of the 4863's functional descriptions apply to the 2363 unless
otherwise stated.

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1.3 MODEL 4863/2363 SPECIFICATIONS
1.3.1 4863/2363 Model Numbers and Options
Thefollowingspecifications apply to all 4863 and23633models. Options
for your unit may be found by comparing the list below to those listed on
the serial label on your unit.
4863 - X General Model Number
Option Codes
-1 Special Crystal
-3 Custom Paint
-5 Custom Front Panel
-6 Special Settings
-7 Special Program
-8 Hardware Modification
-A Ship with Australian 230 Vac Adapter
-B Ship with British 230 Vac Adapter
-E Ship with European 230 Vac Adapter
-J Ship with Japanese 100 Vac Adapter
Base model number
4863 for GPIB Interface Module
2363 for Serial Interface Module
ShippedwithUS115VacAdapterunlessotherwise
specified.

1-4
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1.3.2 OEM Board Part Numbers and Configurations
OEMBoardversionsofthe4863and2363areavailableintheconfigurations
shown in Table 1-1. On OEM Boards, the GPIB connector is a vertical
header that mates with one of ICS's GPIB Connector/Address Switch
Assemblies which may be used to mount an Address Switch and a GPIB
Connector on the user's rear panel. (See Appendix A) An LED header is
provided toremote the LEDsand thepowerswitch isremoved. Aseparate
header is provided for the optional serial interface. The Digital I/O
connectorremainsthesame. RefertoFigure1-6fortheOEMBoardlayout.
Most of the options listed in paragraph 1.3.1 can be applied to the board
product by adding the dash number after the part number.
e.g. 114504-11-7 specifies a 114504-11 Board with a custom program.
TABLE 1-1 OEM BOARD CONFIGURATIONS
Part Number of Interfaces
Number Digital Signals GPIB RS-232 RS-485
114504-11 48 Yes No No
114504-12 48 No Yes Yes
114504-13 48 Yes Yes Yes

1-5
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1.4 IEEE 488 INTERFACE
1.4.1 488.1 Capabilities
The4863's488BusinterfacemeetstheIEEESTD488.1-1987standardand
has the following capabilities:
SH1, AH1, T6, L4, SR1, PP0, DC1, RL0, DT1, C0 and E2 drivers.
1.4.2 GPIB Addressing
The 4863 has three, user selectable address modes. In the Single address
mode, the 4863 responds to a single primary address for all commands. In
the Dual mode, the 4863 responds to two consecutive primary addresses.
The lower address is used for commands and setting the device's address,
the upper address is used for transparent data transfer. In the Secondary
addressmode,the4863respondstoasingleprimaryaddressandsecondary
addresses 00 and 01. The lower address is used for commands, the upper
address is used for transparent data transfer. Valid primary addresses are
0 to 29 for the Dual address mode, 0 to 30 for the other modes.
1.4.3 Serial Poll Responses and SRQ Generation
The 4863's Serial Poll Responses and SRQ generation uses an IEEE-488.2
type reporting structure that has been enhanced by the addition of
Questionable and Conditional Registers for reporting the digital input
signal status and monitoring signal changes. The enhancement conforms
to the SCPI 1995.0 Specification.
1.4.4 488.2 Common Commands
The4863conformstoIEEESTD488.2-1987andrespondstothefollowing
488.2 commands:
*CLS, *ESE, *ESE?, *ESR?, *IDN?, *OPC, *OPC?, *PSC, *PSC?,
*RCL, *RST, *SAV, *SRE, *SRE?, *STB, *TRG, *TST?, and
*WAI.

1-6
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1.4.5 SCPI Parser
The4863and 2363 includean extended SCPI parserthat complies with the
SCPI Standard Version 1994.0.
1.4.6 Buffers
The 4863 and 2363 use the same input and output buffers. Buffer size is
1024 bytes.

1-7
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1.5 SERIAL INTERFACES (2363)
Model2363shavetheirRS-232andRS-485signalsonanRS-530compatible
25-pin female connector on the rear panel. The 2363 automatically
responds to the serial port that received the last message.
1.5.1 Baud Rate and Character Format
Baud Rate Any rate from 300 to 115,200 baud. Parser
selects closest rate to specified rate when non-
standard rate entered. Standard rates are: 300,
600,1200,2400,4800,7200,9600,14400,19200,
28800, 38400, 57600, 76800, 92160 and 115200
baud.
Format 7 or 8 data bits; odd, even or no parity;
Stop Bits 1 or 2 stop bits
1.5.2 RS-232 Interface
The RS-232 Interface has the following characteristics:
Signals BA, BB and AB
Mode Full Duplex with or without echo
Flow control none
Control-E Sets echo on
Control-F Sets echo off
1.5.3 RS-485 Interface
The RS-485 Interface may be used in 2-wire, RS-422 or RS-485 point-to-
point or network applications and has the following characteristics:
Signals Tx/Rx+ and Tx/Rx- signal pairs
Mode Half Duplex
Termination 220 ohm load resistor with 1 kohm pullup and
pulldown resistors
Prompts CR-LF-prompt for terminal control
LF-prompt for computer control
Protocols None, Addressed and Packet Protocol
Addresses 16

1-8
1
1.5.4 Buffers
Input Buffer 1024 bytes
1.5.5 RS-232 Transmission Protocol
1.5.5.1 Echos and Prompts
The 2363 returns a prompt when ready for the next command. If Echo is
enabled,the promptcharacter islinedalongtheleft edgeof thescreen. The
CNTL-E and CNTL-F commands turn echo on and off and change the
prompt sequence and message terminators as follows:
Command Echo Message Terminator Prompt
CNTL-E On Response CR LF CR LF >
CNTL-F Off Response LF > LF
The user should not attempt to send a new command until it has completed
the current command. Echo mode changes are immediate.
1.5.5.2 Service Request Message (SRM)
The2363emulatestheIEEE-488.1SRQlinebytransmittinganasynchronous
ServiceRequestMessage (SRM) when itisnot busy processinga message
and when an enabled Status Byte bit becomes set. The SRM format is:
SRM n <LF> where n is the decimal value of the Status
Byte Register
e.g. SRM 96 indicates bits 5 and 6 are on.

1-9
1
1.5.6 RS-485 Basic Protocol
WhentheNetworkmodeissettoOff,theRS-485interfaceoperatesasdoes
theRS-232interfacewithEchoOFF. Allresponsesmessagesareterminated
withalinefeed character (LF). A '>LF'prompt is sent after eachcommand
or after the response message. The transmitter is enabled until the prompt
is sent. SRM messages are sent when enabled.
1.5.7 RS-485 Network Address Protocol
WhenNetworkAddressisenabled,thefirsttwocharactersofeachreceived
message are checked for an address character that matches the address set
in the unit's Flash memory. If a valid address is detected, then the unit
responds normally to the message. The Address character sequence is an
STX character (02) followed by the address character. The address
characteristhe ASCII number (0-9:;<=>?)with a hex valueof 30 - 3F. An
example is the IDN query sent to a 2363 at address 4.
i.e. STX 4 * I D N ? (LF)
Promptsaresupportedwhennetworkaddressingisenabled. Thetransmitter
is enabled until the prompt is sent. SRM messages are inhibited when
Network Address is selected
1.5.8 RS-485 Packet Protocol
When Network Packet protocol is enabled, the 2363 always responds to
valid packets sent to it so the user has confirmation the unit received the
message. All message packets include an address character, the command
or query and a checksum. The 2363 responds to packets containing an
address character that matches the address set in its Flash memory. If the
packet checksum and command is valid, the command is executed and an
ACK or response packet is returned. If the checksum or command is
invalid, a NAK response is returned. ACK/NAK command response
packets contain the current ESR Register value.
The general packet format is:
STX Addr Message Characters....ETX Checksum

1-10
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An acknowledgment packet is:
ACK Addr ESR_Register_Value ETX Checksum
ACK Addr Query_response ETX Checksum
An NAK packet is:
NAK Addr ESR_Register_Value ETX Checksum
Where: ASCII characters 0 to 1F hex are reserved for message control.
ASCII characters 20-7F are for address and data.
Address character is 30-3F hex.
STX is ASCII character 02 hex.
ETX is ASCII character 03 hex.
ACK is ASCII character 06 hex.
NAK is ASCII character 15 hex.
Checksum is the exclusive OR sum of all of the characters
from the STX character though the ETX character.

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1.6 DIGITAL SIGNAL SPECIFICATIONS
The 4863/2363's Digital I/O signals have the following specifications:
1.6.1 Data Lines
Number 48 with internal 33 Kohm pullups to + 5 Vdc
Input High >=2.4 Vdc or open circuit
Levels Low < 0.5 Vdc at 200 µA
Output High > 3.0 Vdc with 3 mA source
Levels > 2.0 Vdc with 24 mA source
Low < 0.55 Vdc with 48 mA sink
1.6.2 Data Input
Data may be read after receipt of an External Data Ready signal (EDR) if
Talk handshaking is enabled or anytime if Talk handshaking is disabled.
Inhibit responds < 0.1 µsec after EDR edge. Figure 1-1 shows data loading
and GPIB bus output times for 6 HEX characters. Active EDR edge and
Inhibit signal polarities are selected by configuration commands. The EDR
F/F is reset when the data is read, or by the SENSE:RESET:EDR command
or by a Device Clear. Standard units only use EDR #1 input. Both EDR
inputs have 33 Kohm pullups to + 5 Vdc. Times are listed in Table 1-2.
EDR High >=2.4 Vdc or open circuit
Input Low < 0.5 Vdc at 200 µA
Inhibit High > 2.4 Vdc with 4 mA source
Output Low < 0.55 Vdc with 16 mA sink
1.6.3 Output Data and Data Strobe
Data may be placed in the output latches by a port command or by string
commands. Astrobe pulseisautomatically generatedafter dataisplaced in
the output latches by a data string or in response to a STRobe command as
showninFigure1-2. TimesarelistedinTable1-2. Strobesignallevelssame
as the output levels in paragraph 1.6.1.

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If data is outputted with a port command, data polarity is set by a port
command. Ifdata isoutputted witha stringcommand, datagroupings, data
polarity and strobe polarity are set by the configuration commands.
1.6.4 Monitored Digital Inputs
The first fifteen Digital I/O lines (CH1-15) are sampled at an approximate
1 kHz rate and the values placed in the Questionable Register in the 4863/
2363's IEEE-488.2 Status Reporting Structure. Changes may be used to
generate a Service Request. The digital input lines are reported at the
following bits in the Questionable Register:
CH# - 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Bit 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
1.6.5 Trigger Output
Trigger pulse generated by 488.2 *TRG or 488.1 GET commands. Pulse
polarityisdefinedbyconfigurationcommand. Signallevelssameasoutput
levels in paragraph 1.6.1.
1.6.6 Reset Output
Resetoutput ispulsedby488.2*RSTor*RCLcommandandwhentheunit
is powered on or reset. Pulse polarity is defined by a configuration
command. Signal levels same as output levels in paragraph 1.6.1.
1.6.7 Remote Output
Remote output level is asserted when the unit is in the GPIB Remote state.
Signalpolarityis defined by a configurationcommand. Signallevels same
as output levels in paragraph 1.6.1. The 4863 will deassert the Remote
outputinresponsetoatrueStatusBinputiftheunitisnotintheGPIBLocal
Lockout State.
1.6.8 External Reset Input
The -ExtRst is a low true input with a 10 Kohm pullup that is used to reset
the 4863/2363. The 4863/2363 is held in the reset state while the -ExtRst
input is low. Logic levels are same as the input levels in paragraph 1.6.1.

1-13
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1.6.9 Status Inputs
Twoexternaldevicestatus inputswith33Kohmpullupsto+5Vdc. Inputs
sampledatanapproximate1kHzrateandthestatesplacedintheOperational
Registerin the4863/2363's IEEE-488.2Status ReportingStructure. Status
logicpolarityisdefinedbyaconfigurationcommand. Inputlogiclevelsare
same as the input levels in paragraph 1.6.1.
Status A may be used for output data handshaking. If output handshaking
is enabled, data is only output and the Strobe line pulsed when the Status A
input is true. A false input inhibits data transfer.
Status B may be used as a request for the 4863 to go to the local state. The
4863 will deassert the Remote output in response to a true Status B input if
the unit is not in the GPIB Local Lockout State.
1.6.10 LED Driver Outputs
Five, low true driver outputs for driving remote LEDs. Maximum sink
current is 15 mA at 0.5 Vdc.
1.6.11 Timing Diagrams
Figure 1-1 shows input data handshake timing from setting the EDR input
untilthe datais placedon theGPIB bus. Figure1-2showsoutputdatafrom
command terminator until data is present on the output lines. Figure 1-3
shows how the Digital I/O lines are configured after a power turn-on or
when the board is reset. The time values are listed in Table 1-2.

1-14
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Data Lines
EDR Input
Inhibit Output
Talk Address
GPIB DAV Pulses
TdLoad
TdTDav
TdLoad is time to load data after being addressed to talk
Data must remain stable until Inhibit goes false
TdTDav is the time to output first byte on GPIB Bus
Figure 1-1 Input Data Timing
DAV Pulses
Data Lines
Data Strobe
TdStb
TdOut
TdOut is delay from command terminator to data output
TdStb is the delay from last byte output to the data strobe
Figure 1-2 Output Data Timing
Data Lines
Stable Output
TSelfTest TStable
TConfig
Tristated
Power Turn-on
Driven
Figure 1-3 Data I/O Lines at Power Turn-on

1-15
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1.6.12 Timing Chart
The times in Table 1-2 are for a 4863 with a 20 MHz clock.
TABLE 1-2 4863 TIMING
Symbol Command/Notes Time
TdLoad Loading time for 6 hex characters 4.0 ms
TdTDAV Delay to first Talk DAV Pulse 0.7 ms
TdOut Terminator to data stable
"SOURCE:DATA hhhh" 5.0 ms
":DATA hhhh" 3.6 ms
"PO hhhh" 1.5 ms
"hhhh" (dual address mode) 0.1 ms
"bb" (binary format, dual address) 70 µs
TdStb Strobe delay after data stable 100 µsec
Strobe Data Strobe Pulse Width 5 µsec
TdSTB Delay from comd terminator to pulse
"SOUR:DATA:STR" 7.5 ms
":DATA:STR" 6.3 ms
"SP" 0.8 to 1.1 ms
TdStb2 Delay to next data strobe
"SOURCE:DATA hhhh,hhhh" 140 µs
":DATA hhhh,hhhh" 140 µs
"PO hhhh,hhhh" 140 µs
"hhhh,hhhh" (dual address mode) 160 µs
"bbbb" (binary format, dual address) 19 µs
TdRST Delay from comd terminator to pulse 7 ms
Reset Reset Pulse Width 65 µsec
TdTRG Delay from comd terminator to pulse
"*TRG" 1.8 ms
GET 50 to 200 µs
Trigger Trigger Pulse Width 5 µsec
TSelfTest Pon to Digital I/O lines configured 350 ms
TConf Byte configuration glitch 5 µs max
TStable Last byte configured to Stable high 5 µs min
NOTE: Multiply above values by 1.35 for the Model 2363.