Nanometrics RM-4 User manual

RM-4 Bridge Multiplexer
Manual

RM-4 Bridge Multiplexer
User Manual

History
Style Sheet is: X:\Company\SmartMasters\NMXManual
Filename is:
X:\Company\Manuals\ReferenceManual\Components\RM-4\RevI\RM4_Manual.lwp
Rev Date Author Description
A23 Mar 98 Nick Ackerly Initial release.
B5 July 98Mark Hayman new software Rev, many new features
C16 Oct. 98 Sharon Shih Updates for user interface v. 1.05
D8 Feb. 99Sharon Shih Updates for user interface v. 1.07
E22 Feb. 2000 Emil Farkas Updates for the TDMA feature
F05 Jul 2000 Nick Ackerley Update to Config Flash Size, serial port
loading order and baud rates
G18 Oct 2000 Robert Catalfamo Edit Spread Spectrum Radio Transceivers
H05 Jan 2001 Glenn GreigUpdate to data bundles configuration
options, in user interface
I02 Feb 2001 Jing Chen Updates to GUI
Hardware Approval: _______________________________ Date:___________________
Software Approval: _______________________________ Date:___________________
RM-4 User Manual Date Last Revised: 7/26/01

54
RM-4 Serial Port RJ-45 to DB-9 Male Adapter Wiring for Radio Transmitter
.....
.........
53
RM-4 Serial Port Loopback test Plug .........................................
52
RM-4 Serial Port RJ-45 to DB-9 Male Adapter Wiring .............................
51
RM-4 Serial Port RJ-45 to DB-9 Female Adapter Wiring............................
50
RM-4 Configuration Port Test Cable..........................................
49
Appendix E - External Cable Drawings ........................................
43
Appendix D - Instrument Log Messages .......................................
41
Appendix C - Configuration Parameters .......................................
39
GPS Antenna .........................................................
38
Serial Ports ..........................................................
37
Ethernet .............................................................
37
Power ..............................................................
37
Appendix B - Connectors ...................................................
35
Appendix A - Specifications .................................................
33
Factory Test Port ......................................................
33
Internal Configuration Options ..............................................
32
Firmware Updates ......................................................
32
Maintenance ..........................................................
31
Basic troubleshooting ...................................................
31
Hardware technical description .............................................
31
6.Servicing ...............................................................
29
Environment ..........................................................
29
Files ...............................................................
17
Manual .............................................................
17
5.RM-4 User Interface ......................................................
16
RM-4 Timeserver Option..................................................
15
Selecting a Power Source ................................................
15
Calculating the Power Consumption of the RM-4.................................
15
Setting Up the GPS Antenna ..............................................
14
Using External State-of-Health Inputs ........................................
13
Configuring Serial Ports ..................................................
13
Configuring the Ethernet Port ..............................................
12
Using the User Interface Applet or Application ..................................
12
Field Deployment Procedure ...............................................
11
Using the RM-4 with Spread Spectrum Radio Transceivers..........................
11
Internet Timeserver Setup.................................................
10
Remote Site Setup .....................................................
8
Packaging ............................................................
7
General Care and Handling Precautions........................................
7
Overview of Functionality ..................................................
7
4.User Guide ..............................................................
5
3.Unpacking and Post-Delivery Inspection .....................................
3
2.Organization of this Manual ................................................
1
1.Introduction .............................................................
RM-4 Manual - Table of Contents
- i -

List of Figures
37
Figure 16: 8-pin Modular Jack Connector
.............................
.........
37
Figure 15: Female 5-Pin DIN Connector .......................................
28
Figure 14: System Files (Application) ........................................
27
Figure 13: Configuration of access privileges ...................................
26
Figure 12: Configuration of the Internet communications............................
25
Figure 11: Configuration of the input data ports ..................................
24
Figure 10: System hardware configuration .....................................
23
Figure 9: GPS activity if the RM-4 is equipped with internal GPS .....................
22
Figure 8: Timing quality of internal GPS ......................................
21
Figure 7: Quality of data reception ..........................................
19
Figure 6: System SOH ..................................................
18
Figure 5: Logging on to the RM-4 ...........................................
11
Figure 4: Typical Internet Timeserver Setup ....................................
10
Figure 3: Typical Remote Site Setup ........................................
9
Figure 2: RM-4 Rear Panel ................................................
8
Figure 1: RM-4 Front Panel
......................................
..........
List of Tables
43
Table 14: Log Message Packet Format
..............................
.........
42
Table 13: Access Control Configuration .......................................
42
Table 12: GPS Configuration ..............................................
42
Table 11: Internet Configuration ............................................
41
Table 10: Serial Port Configuration ..........................................
41
Table 9: Telemetry Packet Reader Configuration ................................
41
Table 8: HRD Message Processor Configuration ................................
41
Table 7: Hardware Configuration............................................
39
Table 6: Configuration Port (Port 8) Connector Pinout ............................
39
Table 5: Ports 4 and 7 Connector Pinout ......................................
38
Table 4: Ports 2, 3, 5 and 6 Connector Pinout ..................................
38
Table 3: Port 1 Connector Pinout ...........................................
38
Table 2: Ethernet Connector Pinout .........................................
37
Table 1: Power Connector Pinout
..................................
.........
RM-4 Manual - Table of Contents
- ii -

1.Introduction
Congratulations on your choice of the RM-4 Bridge Multiplexer.As you use your new RM-4 we
know you will appreciate the many features that provide excellent performance.
It is very important to understand how the RM-4 operates before you use it. On the following
pages you will find a wealth of information regarding all aspects of RM-4. Please read the
instructions carefully.
If you have problems or need technical support, please submit requests for technical support by
e-mail or fax. This permits you to fully explain your problem and include "evidence" as it allows us
to submit your problem to the most knowledgeable person for reply.
by e-mail: [email protected]
by fax: To: RM-4 support at fax [phone]
by phone: Please ask for RM-4 support at [phone]
Nanometrics Inc.
250 Herzberg Road
Kanata, Ontario Canada
K2K 2A1
WARNING
This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment this
product may cause radio interference in which case the user
may be required to take adequate measures.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation
is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may
not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept
any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
1 - Introduction
RM-4 Manual 1

This page intentionally left blank.

2.Organization of this Manual
This manual is organized in ten major sections:
Chapter 1 Introduction.
Chapter 2 Organization of this Manual.
Chapter 3 Unpacking and Post Delivery Inspection identifies the components you
have purchased. It also includes an "as-shipped" section. This is important
as it lists exactly which version of RM-4 you have purchased and lists
certain settings and defaults which may vary between models and serial
numbers.
Chapter 4 User Guide describes how to use the RM-4 in field experiments.
Chapter 5Reference Manual presents the full capability of the RM-4.This includes
detailed instructions for using supporting software.
Chapter 6Servicing describes how to troubleshoot and maintain the RM-4.
Appendices These list mostly tabular material such as detailed specifications, error
messages and connector pinouts.
2 - Organization of this Manual
RM-4 Manual 3

This page intentionally left blank.

3.Unpacking and Post-Delivery Inspection
Open the shipment and inspect it for possible damage. Carefully check each item for damage or
defects. If the RM-4 needs to be returned to the factory, please use the original shipping box. Note
that cabling for connection to HRDs, Orions or modems are shipped separately.
Standard RM-4
A standard RM-4 should be shipped with the following components:
1.RM-4 Bridge Multiplexer
2.RM-4 As-shipped Sheet
3.RM-4 User Manual
4.LAN Cable: standard unshielded twisted-pair LAN cable, 6m long
5.Power Supply: universal AC input 5V DC output power supply, 2m long
6.Power Supply Cord for country specified by customer
GPS Option
An RM-4 with GPS is shipped with the following additional components:
1.GPS Antenna and Mounting Bracket
2.GPS Cable: 10m long
12V Input Option
The standard power supply and power supply cord are replaced by:
1.Battery Power Cable: 5-pin DIN cable to terminal lugs, 2m long
Packaging - Return Policy
Save the original shipping box for the RM-4. This box has been designed to protect the RM-4
during shipping and should be used in the event that the RM-4 needs to be returned to the factory.
Checking the As-Shipped Sheets
The as-shipped sheet lists the serial numbers of the parts shipped, the exact hardware
configuration and calibration constants associated with your hardware.
RM-4 Manual 5
3 - Unpacking and Post-Delivery Inspection

This page intentionally left blank.

4.User Guide
Each section of the User guide covers an aspect of the operation of RM-4 requiring some depth
and understanding. These sections are in no particular order.
Overview of Functionality
General
The RM-4 Bridge multiplexer is used at repeater sites in digital telemetry networks to receive data
from up to seven more distant sites and retransmit data to the central site via a 10Base-TInternet
connection.
Data Processing
The RM-4 acceptsup to seven serial data streams from Nanometrics HRD24 series digitisers. The
RM-4 performs a 16-bit CRC error check on all received data. Good data are converted from NMXP
format to a UDP/IP format for transmission to the central acquisition site. Conversely,
retransmission request messages or control commands received from the central site are converted
to NMXP format for transmission to the remote station via the serial communications link. The
RM-4 discards any packets that fail the CRC check.
The RM-4 can be configured to broadcast data to and receive re-requests from up to four NAQS
acquisition processes located at different IP addresses.
State-of-Health
Failed CRC checks, missing sequence numbers, overrun errors, and frame errors are reported along
with state-of-health (SOH) information including input voltage and temperature. This allows
engineers to troubleshoot, distinguishing errors that occur in the serial communications links from
errors that occur in the Ethernet link. Similarly, the RM-4 periodically sendsstatus packages
reporting current status and channel activity.
Data Formats
The RM-4 accepts two data formats:
ŸNMXP data format from HRD24 series digitisers
ŸEthernet NMX UDP
Configuration
Input and output data formats as well as TCP/IP parameters are configurable by the user.The RM-4
is configured via LAN connection. The IP address of each unit has a default value which must be
changed by a technician as soon as the RM-4 is brought online.
General Care and Handling Precautions
Power Supply
Use only the power supply or battery cable provided with the RM-4. The standard RM-4 operates
only on +5 VDC ±5%. The RM-4 is protected against overvoltages and reverse voltages, but there
is no point in risking damaging the unit.
RM-4 Manual 7
4 - User Guide

Keeping water out
The RM-4 is not waterproof. When operating outdoors, it must be contained within a waterproof
enclosure.
Fuses
The RM-4 is protected with a surface-mount fast-acting 0.75A fuse. For units with standard 5V
power, this fuse is installed at F1, for 12 V power, the fuse is installed at F2.
GPS Backup Power Battery
An RM-4 with GPS has a 7 mA$h, 3.3 V Lithium battery to provide backup to the RAM and real-time
clock. The RAM stores the GPS almanac, ephemeris,and last position,to aid the engine in locating
satellites when power is restored. Typical consumption is 2 lA, so the GPS should be able to retain
this information for about 20 weeks without external power.
When is it safe to turn power off?
Power can be removed from an RM-4 temporarily without loss of data. (The amount of time
depends on the size of the smallest buffer on the HRD.)The central NAQS acquisition computer in
the network will rerequest missing data as soon as power to the RM-4 is restored.
Packaging
Enclosure
The RM-4 is packaged in a steel and aluminum box measuring 7.25" wide by 9.5" long by 1.5" high.
The top cover and front and rear panels are computer beige;the bottom is bare aluminum. The front
and rear panels are made of anodized aluminum, with Lexan graphic overlays. The panels are
fastened to the bottom tray with #4-40 self-tapping screws. The enclosure is not waterproof.
All electronic components are installed on one PCB which slides into the aluminum extrusion tray
of the box. Chassis ground on the PCB makes contact with the bottom plate of the box through the
rails on which the PCB sits. In addition, the rear panel is grounded through the connector shields,
and the front panel through conductive gasketing. Chassis ground is earthed through the power
connector.
RM-4 Manual 8
4 - User Guide

Front Panel
The status of the RM-4 is indicated by a single tricolour LED. The front panel graphic overlay
includes the Nanometrics logo,the product name (RM-4 Bridge Multiplexer),and a transparent
section for the status LED, as shown in the figure below.
Figure 1: RM-4 Front Panel
Rear Panel
The rear panel of the RM-4 is used to make all of the necessary connections to the unit.
Connections include Ethernet, GPS, Power,and Serial Ports 1 to 8, as shown in the figure below.
Figure 2: RM-4 Rear Panel
Connector Pinouts
Cables should not normally need to be assembled by the user. However, the pinouts of all
connectors are given in Appendix B.
The Ethernet and Serial Port connectors are standard RJ-45 type. The pinouts have been chosen
such that the LAN may be plugged in to any of the serial ports and vice versa, without damaging
the RM-4.
Power is provided through a 5-pin DIN connector, and the GPS antenna cable is connected via an
SMA jack.
RM-4 Manual 9
4 - User Guide

Remote Site Setup
Discussion
The RM-4 is typically used to multiplex streams of data from digitisers onto a LAN. The data can
come directly from an HRD or an Orion, or via modems, radios or satellite transceivers. Up to seven
streams of data can be multiplexed by a single RM-4. The figure below shows a typical setup with
one HRD.
HRD
RM-4
Configuration
Connector
5V
Power
Supply
GPS
Antenna
Assembly RM-4
Male
Serial
Adapter
Sensor
HRD
Cable
Sensor
Cable
GPS
Cable
LAN
Cable
10-16V
DC
110/220V
AC
Figure 3: Typical Remote Site Setup
RM-4 Manual 10
4 - User Guide

Internet Timeserver Setup
Discussion
An RM-4 equipped with the optional GPS engine can be used as anInternet timeserver. The setup
for this use of an RM-4 is shown below. Serial data streams can be accepted by the RM-4 in this
configuration as well.
GPS
Antenna
Assembly
GPS
Cable
LAN
Cable
RM-4
with
GPS
5V
Power
Supply
110/220 V
AC
Figure 4: Typical Internet Timeserver Setup
Using the RM-4 with Spread Spectrum Radio Transceivers
Discussion
The Europa digitisers with spread spectrum radios can be configured to operate in point-to-point
mode as well as in point-to-multipoint mode. In point-to-point mode, a pair of radios are required for
each link, i.e., one radio (the slave) is required for the digitiser and one radio (the master) is needed
at the RM-4 site which receives the digitiser data. In point-to-multipoint mode several radios
(slaves), each associated with a digitiser, can be multiplexed into one data stream and delivered to
the RM-4 site containing the master radio. In addition, the spread spectrum radio transceivers can
be configured as radio repeaters to increase the flexibility of the data acquisition network topology.
The spread spectrum radios must be configured to the appropriate role within the network. The
configuration menu is described in the Freewave Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User
Manual.
In general, the operation of the spread spectrum transceivers is transparent to the RM-4. The
transceivers effectively function as a 9-pin null modem in virtually any environment where RS232
data communications occur. The serial port of the master radio is connected to one of the serial
RM-4 Manual 11
4 - User Guide

ports of the RM-4. The serial data stream is demultiplexed, then ported into the IP layer and
transmitted to the NAQSServer in the form of UDP packets.
Field Deployment Procedure
Deployment
The following steps are suggested to start up the RM-4 after the installation of the sensor and
digitiser at the planned sites.
1.Choose a location for the RM-4. It should be located within 10m of its power source
and the LAN connection. If the RM-4 is equipped with a GPS engine, then its location
should also be such that a good antenna position (as discussed below) is available
within 10m. Place the RM-4 on any convenient surface where cables cannot be
accidentally dislodged.
2.Connect one of the standard LAN cables between the Ethernet port on the RM-4 and
the LAN.
3.If the RM-4 is to be used with digitisers, connect each RM-4-to-digitiser cable
assembly to the appropriate serial port of the RM-4. The RM-4-to-digitiser cable
assembly typically consistsof a cable with a female DB-9 data connector, a DB-9 male
to RJ-45 adapter,and a standard LAN cable.
4.If the RM-4 is to be used with spread spectrum radios, connect each RM-4-to-radio
cable assembly to the appropriate serial port of the RM-4. The RM-4-to-radio cable
assembly typically consists of a cable with a female DB-9 data connector, a DB-9 male
to RJ-45 adapter, and a standard LAN cable.
5.If the RM-4 is to be used as anInternet timeserver, connect the GPS antenna to the
GPS cable and plug the cable into the coaxial GPS connector on the rear panel of the
RM-4. Position the antenna in a location with an unobstructed view of the sky.
6.Connect the power supply to the RM-4 power connector.
7.Ensure that the RM-4 status LED cycles between green, amber, red and off.
8.Read the RM-4 IP address off the as-shipped sheet, and ensure that the RM-4 can be
pinged at that address from another computer on the network.
9.Reconfigure the RM-4 to have the correct IP address required on the LAN before
adding another RM-4 to the same LAN.The rest of the RM-4 configuration can be
done once all of the RM-4s in the system are connected and operating.
Using the User Interface Applet or Application
Configurable Parameters
See the Appendix for a detailed listing of all of the parameters which are configurable through the
user interface. The user interface is operational in the Netscape web browser or as astandalone
application.
Online Help
Online help is available for most of the buttons and text fields in the user interface. The information
is shown in two ways:
}Tooltip text. It is activated when the cursor is focused on a button or text field.
RM-4 Manual 12
4 - User Guide

}Pop-up text. It is activated by clicking the right mouse button when the cursor is
focused on a button or text field.
The RM-4 User Interface is described in detail in Chapter 5 of this manual.
Configuring the Ethernet Port
Choosing IP Addresses
Assigning the IP addresses to an RM-4 is important and must be based on the operation of the
entire network. Before configuring any RM-4, obtain information on the range of available IP
addresses and any operating firewalls and then carefully allocate the addresses of all of the RM-4s
of the network. Each RM-4 must be brought online separately, and have its IP Address changed to
its assigned value. Any changes in the Ethernet configuration of anRM-4 are easily tested: use
command ping to see if the route is set up. Any other computer on the network should be able to
ping the IP address to which the RM-4 is connected .
Configuring Serial Ports
Choosing baud rates
The baud rate to be used on a given serial link should be chosen such that the available bandwidth
is ample for the total inbound required throughput. The total inbound required throughput should
be calculated as the sum of the required throughput for each digitiser multiplexed into the same
RM-4 serial port. The throughput of a given digitiser is calculated using the following formula:
requiredthroughputforagiven digitiser=10 %C%S%1.08 %25 +17 %B
16 %B
where
C = number of channels being digitised
S = sample rate of digitiser
B = number of bundles per packet
Note that the final terms are usually near unity, so they can be neglected for a first approximation.
The factor of 1.08 represents a typical compression ratio for data from a sensor at a quiet site; it is
the average number of bytes needed to represent one sample. During an event, this factor can go
as high as 4 for short periods of time.
The final term takes into account the fact that not every byte sent is a byte of data. The more
bundles configured to be in a packet, the smaller the proportion of the packet that is overhead, and
the closer this term approaches unity.
This throughput does not include State-of-Health or log message packets, but these packets are
normally a very small proportion of the throughput.
It is important to note that this formula does not include rerequested data. This is why baud rates
should always be chosen so that there is always plenty of spare bandwidth. When there is a fade
of some sort, and large blocks of data are rerequested simultaneously, this extra bandwidth ensures
that the missing data is collected quickly. In general, the more excess bandwidth, the less system
latency.
As an example, consider a serial port which is receiving data from adigitiser configured for 100 sps,
3 channels,and 15 bundles per packet. The required throughput is 3780 bits/s. A good baud rate
for the link, allowing lots of excess bandwidth,would be 9600 baud.
RM-4 Manual 13
4 - User Guide

In general, bandwidth is most often limited by the radios or modems in a particular link. If, however,
a link consists of a direct connection between digitiser and RM-4, then there is no reason not to
use the maximum available baud rate, and reduce system latency even further.
The following traffic distribution guidelines should be used when assigning data traffic to RM-4
serial ports:
One port at 57.6 kbps
Two ports at 38.4 kbps
Five ports at 19.2 kbps
Seven ports at 9.6 kbps
Any combination of ports that does not exceed the total maximum transmission rate is also
permitted. For example, one port at 38.4 kbps plus one port at 19.2 kbps.
Further, for software release 1.32:
Load ports 1 through 4 first
Use ports 5 through 7 when ports 1 through 4 are full
Use either port 5 or port 6 for a transmission rate of 57.6 kbps (this
transmission speed is not supported on ports 1 through 4 or port 7)
See Also
For more information on configuring serial ports, see the HRD and Orion User Manuals.
Using External State-of-Health Inputs
Physical connections to external state-of-health signal sources
The connections for the external state-of-health (SOH)are found on the Configuration Port (Port 8)
Connector. See Appendix B for the exact pinout.
The external SOH inputs have a very high input impedance of 2.0 MW. These inputs accept
voltages in the range ±20 V. Overvoltage protection is provided, however care should still be used
to minimize transients on these lines. To provide the best noise performance of the RM-4 analog
circuits, the return for the external SOH signals should be connected to chassis ground or left open
if another DC path to ground already exists.
Setting up configuration parameters
Each external SOH channel has three configurable parameters: a sensitivity, an offset,and a label to
be used by the browser.
The sensitivity of the sensor is calculated from the sensitivity of the device providing the signal,
and whatever external gain circuit is used. This sensitivity is expressed in "units"/V.
The offset is needed to allow for sensorswhich do not produce zero volts when registering zero
"units". Hence the offset is the output in "units" which corresponds to zero volts at the SOH input.
The label is used by the web browser to indicate what each external SOH channel is being used for.
Note that it is helpful to indicate the units of the quantity being measured in the external SOH label.
Consider the following example. Suppose you which to measure the outside temperature using a
temperature sensor which outputs 0 to 5V over the temperature range -50 to 150 °C. For this
sensor, the sensitivity would be set to 40.0 (the units are °C/V).The offset should be set to
-50.0 (here the units are °C). The external SOH Label for that channel should be "Temperature (°C)".
RM-4 Manual 14
4 - User Guide