Pickering SIM SIMRC-1000 Series User manual

pickeringtest.com
Issue 5.0 September 2023
SIMRC-1000 Series User Manual
SIM Switch Cards & Accessories

Page ii
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SIM REED RELAY CARDS SIMRC 1000
Page (II) REED RELAY MODULE 40-110/115/120/125
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© COPYRIGHT (2023) PICKERING INTERFACES. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, translated or stored in any form, or by
any means without the written permission of Pickering Interfaces.
Technical details contained within this publication are subject to change without notice.
ISO 9001
Reg No. FM38792

Page iii
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SIM REED RELAY CARDS SIMRC 1000
Page (III)
REED RELAY MODULE 40-110/115/120/125
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TECHNICAL SUPPORT
For Technical Support please contact Pickering Interfaces either by phone, the website or via e-mail.
WARRANTY
All products manufactured by Pickering Interfaces are warranted against defective materials and workmanship for a period of
three years, excluding programmable power supplies, from the date of delivery to the original purchaser. Any product found to be
defective within this period will, at the discretion of Pickering Interfaces be repaired or replaced.
Products serviced and repaired outside of the warranty period are warranted for ninety days.
Extended warranty and service are available. Please contact Pickering Interfaces by phone, the website or via e-mail.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
Pickering Interfaces operates under an environmental management system similar to ISO 14001.
Pickering Interfaces strives to full all relevant environmental laws and regulations and reduce wastes and releases to the
environment. Pickering Interfaces aims to design and operate products in a way that protects the environment and the health and
safety of its employees, customers and the public. Pickering Interfaces endeavours to develop and manufacture products that can
be produced, distributed, used and recycled, or disposed of, in a safe and environmentally friendly manner.
Worldwide Technical Support and Product Information
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Germany
Tel: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Sweden
Tel: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
USA
Tel: (West) [phone]
Tel: (East) [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Czech Republic
Tel: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
France
Tel [phone]
E-mail [email protected]
Pickering Interfaces Headquarters
Stephenson Road Clacton-on-Sea CO15 4NL United Kingdom
Tel: [phone]
E-Mail: [email protected]
China
Tel: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]

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SIM REED RELAY CARDS SIMRC 1000
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Page v
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SIM REED RELAY CARDS SIMRC 1000
Copyright Statement .......................................................... ii
Technical Support and Warranty....................................... iii
Contents (this page)........................................................... v
Section 1
Introduction......................................................................... 1.1
 Series1010ReedRelayCongurations ................ 1.2
 Series1020MultiplexerCongurations................. 1.2
 Series1030MatrixCongurations ......................... 1.2
Accessories (Carrier Cards and Control Interfaces) .. 1.3
Section 2
TechnicalSpecication...................................................... 2.1
 RFSpecicationforRFVersions ........................... 2.2
Section 3
Installation and Operation ................................................. 3.1
Constructing Large Switching Networks............... 3.2
Section 4
Programming ...................................................................... 4.1
Software Command List - I2C Operation................ 4.1
Software Command List - RS232 Operation.......... 4.1
Command Execution Timings................................. 4.2
I2C Read and Write Data Formats ........................... 4.2
Relay Data Block Structures................................... 4.2
I2C Bus Operation .................................................... 4.3
RS232 Operation ...................................................... 4.5
1080 SIM Relay Card Controller.............................. 4.8
Section 5
Connector Pin Outs............................................................ 5.1
I2C/RS232 Connector ............................................... 5.3
I2C/RS232 Port Selection ......................................... 5.3
I2C Address Settings................................................ 5.3
Pinout Connections For All SIMRC Cards ............. 5.4
Section 6
General Description ........................................................... 6.1
Mechanical Description........................................... 6.1
Daisy Chaining Modules ......................................... 6.2
Carrier Cards ............................................................ 6.3
Support Products..................................................... 6.9
Section 7
Warnings and Cautions ..................................................... 7.1
CONTENTS

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SIM REED RELAY CARDS SIMRC 1000
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SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION
Page 1.1
SIM REED RELAY CARDS SIMRC 1000
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SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION
Pickering Interfaces Series 1000 SIM Reed Relay Cards offer a choice of switching congurations using low cost industry standard
SIM connectors. They free the designer from the detail of routing complex switching circuits, you may select from a wide range
of cards using the built in RS-232 and I2C interfaces.
The SIM Relay Cards are intended to be mounted on to a simple motherboard. They may be used to construct very high density
switching networks. SIM based switching cards also allow for very simple in-eld maintenance. The range is as follows:
• 8 x SPST Uncommitted Reed Relays
• 16 x SPST Uncommitted Reed Relays
• 16 x SPDT Uncommitted Reed Relays
• 16 x SPST Uncommitted Screened Reed Relays
• 8 Channel, 1-Pole Reed Relay Multiplexer
• 8 Channel, 2-Pole Reed Relay Multiplexer
• 16 Channel, 1-Pole Reed Relay Multiplexer
• 16 Channel, 2-Pole Reed Relay Multiplexer
• 16 Channel, 1-Pole Screened Reed Relay Multiplexer
• 8 x 2, 1-Pole, Reed Relay Matrix
• 8 x 2, 1-Pole, Screened Reed Relay Matrix
• 8 x 2, 2-Pole, Reed Relay Matrix
• 8 x 4, 1-Pole, Reed Relay Matrix
• 8 x 4, 1-Pole, Screened Reed Relay Matrix
• 8 x 4, 2-Pole, Reed Relay Matrix
Pickering Interfaces will also produce customised versions for specic applications.
Automatic Self-Test
A limited logic only Self-Test is invoked at power on and may also be operated under software command. Self-Test pass is indicated
by a PCB mounted LED with a full pass/fail description available via either the I2C or RS-232 interfaces.
Connections
Control and signal lines are made using the 72-way SIM connector. There is also a 4-pin plug for connection to the I2C or RS-232
interface Other connector types may be available.
Software
The SIM Relay Cards have a simple ASCII control language (the same commands work with either I2C or RS-232). Pickering
have drivers available to assist with software development and debugging for NI LabView.
Microcontroller Based Design
The SIM Relay Card has a built-in single chip microcontroller (Microchip PIC16C74). The operation of this card is entirely under
the control of this microcontroller which receives commands via its I2C and RS-232 interfaces. The Card has a standard I2C and
RS-232 interface with read/write capability and is constructed using a 4 layer PCB with extensive RFI shielding, most components
being surface mount with the exception of relays and jumpers to simplify maintenance.
High Quality Pickering Reed
Relays (1 or 2 Pole or Co-ax)
Gold SIM Contacts
I2C Address
Selection
Status
LED
I2C Port
RS232/
8-Bit RISC Microprocessor 4-Layer PCB
Power
LED
I2C Bus on SIMM
Connector
Figure 1.1 - Features of the SIMRC 1030 Matrix Module

Page 1.2
SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION
SIM REED RELAY CARDS SIMRC 1000
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Series1010ReedRelayCongurations
A1
C1
A2
C2
A3
C3
A16
C16
A1
C1
S1
S1
A2
C2
S2
S2
A16
C16
S16
S16
A3
C3
S3
S3
A1
C1
B1
A2
C2
B2
A16
C16
B16
1
16
2
3
1.2
1.1
2.2
2.1
16.2
16.1
S 1
1
S 2
2
S 16
16
CC.2
C.1
S C
C
Series1020MultiplexerCongurations
I2C/RS-232ReedRelaySIMCard(TopView)
I2C/RS-232ReedRelaySIMCard(UndersideView)
Series1030MatrixCongurations
Y 2Y 4
X 1
X 4
Y 1Y 3
X 2
X 3
X 5
X 6
X 7
X 8
Y 2Y 4
X 1
X 4
Y 1Y 3
X 2
X 3
X 5
X 6
X 7
X 8
Y 2Y 4
X 1
X 4
Y 1Y 3
X 2
X 3
X 5
X 6
X 7
X 8
MatrixCard(TopView) MatrixCard(UndersideView)
16-Channel 1-Pole 16-Channel 2-Pole 16-Channel 1-Pole Coax
Matrix 1-Pole Matrix 2-Pole 8 x 4 Matrix 1-Pole Coax
16 x SPDT (Changeover)16 x SPST 16 x SPST Coax

SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION
Page 1.3
SIM REED RELAY CARDS SIMRC 1000
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Accessories (Carrier Cards and Control Interfaces)
Carrier cards are available that support either one or three SIM cards.
For applications where more than one SIM relay card is supported, each card can be I2C controlled and an optional RS232 to I2C
converter used to provide overall RS232 control.
More information can be found in Section 6 General Description.

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SIM REED RELAY CARDS SIMRC 1000
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SECTION 2 - SPECIFICATION
Page 2.1
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SIM REED RELAY CARDS SIMRC 1000
SECTION 2 - SPECIFICATION
SIM Reed Relay Cards, SIMRC 1000
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Specifications
General Switching Specification
Maximum Voltage:
Maximum Power:
Maximum Switch Current:
100VDC
20W
1.0A
Characteristic Impedance (screened
versions):
Bandwidth (SPST screened version):
Bandwidth (16-channel screened
version):
Bandwidth (8 x 4 matrix screened
version):
50Ω
300MHz
60MHz
60MHz
On Path Resistance (1 relay):
Off Path Resistance:
Differential Thermal Offset:
<150mΩ
>1x109Ω
<10µV
Switching Time (1 relay):
Switching Time (16 data block):
Relay Mechanical Settling Time:
1.5ms †
2.5ms †
<300µs
Expected Life (Low power):
Expected Life (Max power):
>1x109 ops.
>5x106 ops.
† Typical time with I2C maximum transfer rate of 100kBits
Switching Specification - SPDT Relays Only
Maximum Voltage:
Maximum Power:
Maximum Switch Current:
Maximum Carry Current:
100VDC
3W
0.25A
1.0A
LED Indicators
Built in LED indicators are provided to show status and power.
Power Supply Requirements
Required Voltage:
Current:
5V ±0.25V
100mA typical per SIM
<200mA with 8 relays selected
<500mA with 32 relays selected
I2C Communication
SIM relay cards use a message based method of communication
with the controller, all data is exchanged through a single read/
write register.
A DIP switch is provided for I2C addressing. This controls
addressing bits 4 to 1, in addition jumpers are available for bits
5 to 7 (if required). All 7 address bits are also available on the
SIM connector, allowing the I2C address to be read from the
motherboard.
RS-232 Port
The cards can also be configured with an RS-232 port (9600 baud,
8 bit, no parity, no handshaking). This is provided on a 4-pin Molex
connector (a jumper on the PCB selects RS-232 or I2C use for this
port). An adapter lead is available that allows use with a standard
9-pin D-type. The RS-232 port allows the card to be controlled and
monitored from any RS-232 terminal.
RS-232 to I2C Converter Card
The RS-232 to I2C converter 1080-001 allows control of multiple
relay cards that are set for I2C operation. Like the relay cards, the
converter card uses the SIM card mechanical profile.
Constructing Large Switching Networks
RS-232 Control: If just one card is to be run you simply connect
your RS-232 lead to the SIM RS-232 port (4-pin connector on the
SIM card), but if more than one card is to be controlled you must
use the 1080-001 converter card to provide conversion from
RS-232 to the I2C interfaces of the relay cards.
I2C Control: When using the I2C bus any number (up to 128) of
SIMRC cards can be run.
Screened Versions For RF Use
Relay cards are available in RF versions, that are designed for
use in 50Ω or 75Ω systems. All connections are via the 72-pin
edge connector. Care must be taken with the motherboard
layout to ensure good RF performance (for example correct track
dimensions and good ground planes), please contact Pickering for
further assistance. Versions suitable for RF use have “RF” in their
product code suffix.
Dimensions
The SIM relay card conforms to the same outline dimensions as a
standard SIM (Single In Line Memory Module):
• Width - 108mm
• Height - 12mm
• Depth - 39mm for matrix cards, 23mm for all others
Carrier Card - Small Outline PCB
The small outline PCB 1091-001 supports one SIM card and
provides an easy method of wiring a cable to the SIM card by
soldered connections.
Carrier Card - RF
The RF carrier 1092-001 hosts a single relay SIM card and brings
the connections out on RF connectors. It provides a simple way of
connecting to relay cards that are specified for RF use.
Carrier Card - 3 SIM Cards
The 3 SIM card carrier 1050-001 supports three SIM Relay Cards
and a 1080-001 Converter Ca to provide an RS-232 interface.
Connections for the signal lines are brought out on three 50-pin
D-type connectors.
Operating/Storage Conditions
Operating Conditions
Operating Temperature:
Humidity:
Altitude:
0°C to +55°C
Up to 95% non-condensing
5000m
Storage and Transport Conditions
Storage Temperature:
Humidity:
Altitude:
-20°C to +75°C
Up to 95% non-condensing
15000m

Page 2.2
SECTION 2 - SPECIFICATION pickering
SIM REED RELAY CARDS SIMRC 1000
SIM Reed Relay Cards, SIMRC 1000
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Ordering Information
© Copyright (2023) Pickering Interfaces. All Rights Reserved Pickering Interfaces maintains a commitment to continuous product development, consequently we reserve the right to vary from the description given in this data sheet.
Product Order Codes
Series 1010 - Uncommitted Reed Relay Cards
16 x SPST Reed Relays
16 x SPDT Reed Relays
16 x SPST Screened Reed Relays
8 x SPST Reed Relays
1010-R-16-1-5/1D
1010-R-16-1-5/3D
1010-R-16-1RF-5/1D
1010-R-8-1-5/1D
Series 1020 - Multiplexer Cards
16-Channel, 1-Pole
16-Channel, 2-Pole
16-Channel, 1-Pole Screened
8-Channel, 1-Pole
8-Channel, 2-Pole
1020-R-16-1-5/1D
1020-R-16-2-5/1D
1020-R-16-1RF-5/1D
1020-R-8-1-5/1D
1020-R-8-2-5/1D
Series 1030 - Matrix Cards
8 x 2 Matrix, 1-Pole
8 x 2 Matrix, 2-Pole
8 x 2 Matrix, 1-Pole Screened
8 x 4 Matrix, 1-Pole
8 x 4 Matrix, 2-Pole
8 x 4 Matrix, 1-Pole Screened
1030-R-8-2-1-5/1D
1030-R-8-2-2-5/1D
1030-R-8-2-1RF-5/1D
1030-R-8-4-1-5/1D
1030-R-8-4-2-5/1D
1030-R-8-4-1RF-5/1D
Carrier Cards
Small outline PCB with single SIM socket
RF PCB with 72-pin SIM socket
SIM relay card carrier PCB including
mating connectors 3 x male 50-pin
D-types and 1 x female 9-pin D-type
SIM relay card carrier kit 1050-001 PCB
including RS-232 to I2C converter
(1080-001) and mating connectors
1091-001
1092-001
1050-001
1050-002
Support Products
RS-232 to I2C converter card
RS-232 9-pin D-type lead
72-pin SIM socket
1080-001
1081-001
1090-001
Latest Details
Please refer to our web site for latest product details:
pickeringtest.com

SECTION 2 - SPECIFICATION
Page 2.3
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SIM REED RELAY CARDS SIMRC 1000
SpecicationForRFVersions
SIMRC modules are available in RF versions, these are suitable for use in either 50Ω or 75Ω systems. All connections are via
the 72 way edge connector. Care must be taken with the motherboard layout to ensure good RF performance (for example
correct track dimensions and good ground planes), please contact Pickering for further assistance.
0 dB
-0.8 dB
-1.2 dB
-1.6 dB
-2.0 dB
-2.4 dB
-2.8 dB
-0.4 dB
-3.2 dB
100MHz 200MHz 300MHz
SPST INSERTION LOSS
1.6
1.4
1.2
1.0
1.8
13dB
16dB
21dB
11dB
VSWR
Return Loss
26dB
100MHz 200MHz 300MHz
SPST VSWR (RETURN LOSS)
-60 dB
-50 dB
100MHz 200MHz
SPST ISOLATION
300MHz
-40 dB
-30 dB
0 dB
-0.8 dB
-1.2 dB
-1.6 dB
-2.0 dB
-2.4 dB
-2.8 dB
-0.4 dB
-3.2 dB
20MHz 40MHz 60MHz
MULTIPLEXER INSERTION LOSS
1.6
1.4
1.2
1.0
1.8
13dB
16dB
21dB
11dB
VSWR
Return Loss
26dB
20MHz 40MHz 60MHz
MULTIPLEXER VSWR (RETURN LOSS)
-60 dB
-50 dB
20MHz 40MHz
MULTIPLEXER ISOLATION
60MHz
-40 dB
-30 dB
0 dB
-0.8 dB
-1.2 dB
-1.6 dB
-2.0 dB
-2.4 dB
-2.8 dB
-0.4 dB
-3.2 dB
20MHz 40MHz 60MHz
MATRIX INSERTION LOSS
1.6
1.4
1.2
1.0
1.8
13dB
16dB
21dB
11dB
VSWR
Return Loss
26dB
20MHz 40MHz 60MHz
MATRIX VSWR (RETURN LOSS)
-60 dB
-50 dB
20MHz 40MHz
MATRIX ISOLATION
60MHz
-40 dB
-30 dB
Figure 2.1 - Performance of RF Reed Relay Module
Figure 2.2 - Performance of RF Relay Multiplexer Module
Figure 2.3 - Performance of RF Relay Matrix Module

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SIM REED RELAY CARDS SIMRC 1000
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SECTION 3 - INSTALLATION AND OPERATION
Page 3.1
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SIM REED RELAY CARDS SIMRC 1000
SECTION 3 - INSTALLATION & OPERATION
CAUTION
Electrostatic discharge can damage the components on the module. To avoid such damage in handling the
board, touch the anti-static bag to a metal part of the chassis before removing the board from the bag.
The module should be installed in accordance with the following procedure:
1. Ensure that the system is turned OFF but still connected to mains so that it remains grounded.
2. Choose an appropriate SIM socket on the mother board.
3. Remove the SIMRC module from its anti-static packaging.
4. Hold the module above the SIM socket so that the 72-pin connector lines up with the socket’s contacts ensuring
that the pin 1 cut-out in the module’s PCB is aligned with pin 1 of the socket.
5. Angle the module so that it’s contacts are still aligned with the socket but it is at about 45º to the plane of the
mother board.
6. Insert the module into the contacts of the socket and whilst maintaining downward pressure, slowly raise the
angle of the module until it is vertical and positively latched into the socket housing.
7. When the module is correctly tted, the reference holes in the module’s PCB locate onto the plastic lugs of the
socket housing and metal retaining clips at each end hold it in the vertical position.
8. Removal of a SIMRC module is the reverse of the tting procedure with the metal retaining clips having to be
pushed outwards to allow the module to be angled away from the socket housing.
WARNING - DANGER OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
BEFOREREMOVINGTHEMODULEFROMTHEMOTHERBOARDENSURE
THATALLCONNECTIONSTOTHEMODULEAREREMOVED

Page 3.2
SECTION 3 - INSTALLATION AND OPERATION pickering
SIM REED RELAY CARDS SIMRC 1000
Constructing Large Switching Networks with RS-232 or I2C
The SIM Relay Card may be operated by RS-232 or I2C in the ways shown in the diagrams below. For a description and wiring
diagram for interconnecting multiple SIMRC modules in a daisy-chain conguration, please refer to Section 6.
RS-232 Control
I2 C Bus (on motherboard)
I2C Bus (on motherboard)
RS-232 Control
Motherboard PCB
(user’s design)
RS-232 to I2C
Motherboard PCB
Motherboard PCB
1080
I2C Bus (on motherboard)
I2C Bus (on motherboard)
Motherboard PCB
Up to 128 SIMRC Cards
can be on the I C Bus
2
Up to 128 SIMRC Cards
can be on the I C Bus
2
(user’s design)
I2C Control
(I2C converter card
inside PC)
(user’s design) (user’s design)
I2C Control
(I2C converter card
inside PC)
Converter Module
(model 1080-001)
RS-232 Control
I2 C Bus (on motherboard)
I2C Bus (on motherboard)
RS-232 Control
Motherboard PCB
(user’s design)
RS-232 to I2C
Motherboard PCB
Motherboard PCB
1080
I2C Bus (on motherboard)
I2C Bus (on motherboard)
Motherboard PCB
Up to 128 SIMRC Cards
can be on the I C Bus
2
Up to 128 SIMRC Cards
can be on the I C Bus
2
(user’s design)
I2C Control
(I2C converter card
inside PC)
(user’s design) (user’s design)
I2C Control
(I2C converter card
inside PC)
Converter Module
(model 1080-001)
Single SIMRC Card controlled by RS-232 Single SIMRC Card controlled by I2C
Multiple SIMRC Cards controlled by RS-232,
using the 1080-001 RS-232 to
I2C converter module
Multiple SIMRC Cards controlled by I2C
I2C Control
When using the I2C bus any number (up to 128) of
SIMRC cards can be run. As shown in the examples
below. The I2C address is set on the module with
switches and jumpers and may also be read directly
from the motherboard.
RS-232 Control
If just one card is to be run you simply connect
your RS-232 lead to the SIM RS-232 port (4 pin
connector on the SIM card). If more than one card
is to be controlled then you must use the RS-232
to I2C converter module, type 1080-001. Both these
examples are shown below.

SECTION 4 - PROGRAMMING
Page 4.1
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SIM REED RELAY CARDS SIMRC 1000
SECTION 4 - PROGRAMMING
The SIM Relay Cards are programmed using a simple ASCII control language via an I2C or an RS232 interface. The I2C interface
is routed to the module’s 72-pin connector and therefore can be connected to a controller via the motherboard and daisy-chained
to other modules as required. The module can also be controlled using the on-board 4-pin connector linked to a host controller
via a suitable serial lead. This can be set as I2C or RS232 using jumper links, the same control commands being valid for either
interface format. I2C communication requires an address to be set for the module using the on-board DIP switch and jumper
links, this is shown on Page 5.3.
Below is a brief summary of the commands for controlling the SIMRC modules. The following pages give a detailed breakdown
of each command’s meaning
SIMRC Command Summary
Software Command List: I2C Operation
I2C Commands:
SB <n bytes> = set switches to given bit pattern
SC <byte> = close the specied switch
SO <byte> = open the specied switch
RS = open all switches
DI = Diagnostic query
TY = Type query
TS <byte> = Test query, with/without forcing selftest
The number of data bytes required by the SB command depends on the number of outputs available on the particular module,
e.g. a 32-output module requires 4 bytes.
I2C Error Codes (Status Byte):
Bit 0 (CME) = Syntax error / unrecognised command)
Bit 1 (EXE) = Unexecutable command (e.g. bad data value)
Bit 2 (CI) = Command Interrupted
Bit 3 (RI) = Response Interrupted
Software Command List: RS-232 Operation
RS-232 Commands (mirror I2C commands):
SB <hex data> = set switches to given hexadecimal pattern
SC <number> = close the specied (decimal) switch
SO <number> = open the specied (decimal) switch
RS = open all switches
DI = perform DI query, display response
TY = perform TY query, display response
TS <0|1> = perform TS query, display result value
The size of the hexadecimal quantity required by the SB command depends on the number of outputs available on the particular
module, e.g. a 32-output module requires a 32-bit value.
A simple help facility is built into the RS-232 port, with a complete list of all commands.
RS-232 only Commands:
WH = Display device ID, version information, I2C address
BV = Display state of all switches (as a n-bit hexadecimal quantity)
DU <0|1> = Dump module test history (N/A)
RS-232 Error Messages:
?1 = Syntax error, unrecognised command etc.
?2 = Bad command delimiter
?3 = Bad hexadecimal
?4 = Bad decimal
?5 = Value out of range
?6 = Trailing garbage
For further information on the command set please contact Pickering Interfaces.

Page 4.2
SECTION 4 - PROGRAMMING pickering
SIM REED RELAY CARDS SIMRC 1000
I2C Read and Write Data Formats
I2C Read Data Format (8-Bit Word)
(msb) DATA (lsb)
B7 B6 B5 B4 B3 B2 B1 B0
Binary/ASCII Data
I2C Write Data Format (8-Bit Word)
(msb) DATA (lsb)
B7 B6 B5 B4 B3 B2 B1 B0
Binary/ASCII Data
Relay Data Block Structures
1010 Reed Relay Card - 2 Byte Data Block Format
Bit 7 Bit 6 Bit 5 Bit 4 Bit 3 Bit 2 Bit 1 Bit 0
Data Byte 0
Data Byte 1
SW16
SW8
SW15
SW7
SW14
SW6
SW13
SW5
SW12
SW4
SW11
SW3
SW10
SW2
SW9
SW1
1020 Multiplexer Card - 2 Byte Data Block Format
Bit 7 Bit 6 Bit 5 Bit 4 Bit 3 Bit 2 Bit 1 Bit 0
Data Byte 0
Data Byte 1
Ch16
Ch8
Ch15
Ch7
Ch14
Ch6
Ch13
Ch5
Ch12
Ch4
Ch11
Ch3
Ch10
Ch2
Ch9
Ch1
1030 Matrix Card - 4 Byte Data Block Format
Bit 7 Bit 6 Bit 5 Bit 4 Bit 3 Bit 2 Bit 1 Bit 0
Data Byte 0
Data Byte 1
Data Byte 2
Data Byte 3
X8, Y4
X8, Y3
X8, Y2
X8, Y1
X7, Y4
X7, Y3
X7, Y2
X7, Y1
X6, Y4
X6, Y3
X6, Y2
X6, Y1
X5, Y4
X5, Y3
X5, Y2
X5, Y1
X4, Y4
X4, Y3
X4, Y2
X4, Y1
X3, Y4
X3, Y3
X3, Y2
X3, Y1
X2, Y4
X2, Y3
X2, Y2
X2, Y1
X1, Y4
X1, Y3
X1, Y2
X1, Y1
0ms 2ms 4ms 6ms 8ms 10ms
Close 1
Switch
Operate 16
Switches
Clear 16
Switches
(100kbit)
(100kbit)
RS-232 (9600baud)
(30kbit)
12ms 14ms 16ms
Communication Time Processing Time Relay Settling Time
0ms 2ms 4ms 6ms 8ms 10ms
Close 1
Switch On
Each Of 5
Cards
Operate 16
Switches On
Each Of 5
Cards
12ms 14ms 16ms
Multiple SIMRC Operating Times Using Fast
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
Total Time
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
Total Time
RS-232 (9600baud)
RS-232 (9600baud)
I
2
C
(100kbit)
I
2
C
I
2
C
I
2
C
I
2
C
(100kbit)
I
2
C
(100kbit)
I
2
C
Command Execution Timings
The graph below gives typical execution times for operating single relays and blocks of relays using both the I2C and RS-232
bus.

SECTION 4 - PROGRAMMING
Page 4.3
pickering
SIM REED RELAY CARDS SIMRC 1000
I2C-bus Operation
The protocol for I2C-bus operation is modelled on IEEE488.2, which is a well-proven and reliable standard. The use of command
and query mnemonics, and the facility for obtaining extended response data from the unit are features intended to allow it’s use
in more complex devices.
Transfer Rate and Hardware Protocols
Read or write access can be at any clock rate up to the standard limit of 100KHz. Normal I2C-bus transfer protocols apply.
Framing of Messages
A SIMRC frames messages with the START and STOP conditions, ie. a valid message must be contained between START and
STOP. The SIMRC will register an error (CI) if an attempt is made to send a partial command, then re-address it and send the
remainder of the command. A similar protocol applies to responses, where a RI error will be indicated if the entire response to a
query is not read as a single message before the device is addressed to perform some other action.
Message Exchange Sequence: Commands
A SIMRC cannot buffer multiple I2C commands. Therefore, when a command has been written to a SIMRC, the master should
follow up by reading the SIMRC’s Status Byte to determine if the command has executed, or if an error occurred. The Status
Byte is not generated by the SIMRC until it’s internal operations (including any relay settling delay) are complete, so the master
will be held in a wait state until this has happened.
Message Exchange Sequence: Queries
A SIMRC is capable, in response to specic queries, of returning data describing the nature of self-test errors etc. Such responses
can be in the form of a single data byte, a xed number of data bytes, or an indenite number of data bytes terminated by a
NULL byte. Response data bytes are restricted to the range 0x00 - 0x7F, in order that they can be differentiated from the Status
Byte, which always has it’s MSB set. It is intended that response data will generally be composed of ASCII-coded textural
information.
To read a xed-length response, the master can execute the appropriate number of read operations (with ACK) to obtain the data
bytes, then perform a terminating read (negative-acknowledge), which will acquire the Status Byte.
To read an indenite-length response the master must read bytes with ACK until it reads a NULL byte, then perform a terminating
read (negative-acknowledge), which will acquire the Status Byte.
In either case, if a returned byte is found prematurely having it’s MSB set, then that byte is the Status Byte, and it has been
returned in lieu of data because an error has occurred. One or more other bits will ag the nature of the error.
Status Byte
Bit Data
7 (MSB)
6
5
4
3
2
1
0 (LSB)
SBI: Status Byte Indicator Bit - always set.
Reserved for future use.
Reserved for future use.
Reserved for future use.
RI: Response Interrupted.
CI: Command Interrupted.
EXE: Unexecutable command (e.g. bad data value).
CME: Syntax error / unrecognised command.
Note: Interpretation of CME, EXE is similar to IEEE488.2.
I2C Commands and Queries
Commands and queries are coded as a two-character ASCII mnemonic followed by any necessary data bytes. The mnemonics
are case-insensitive.
Command Mnemonics
Mnemonic Data
SB
SC
SO
RS
Data bytes representing the desired switch pattern.
1 data byte giving the number (1 thru N) of the switch to close.
1 data byte giving the number (1 thru N) of the switch to open.
None. Opens all relays.

Page 4.4
SECTION 4 - PROGRAMMING pickering
SIM REED RELAY CARDS SIMRC 1000
The number of data bytes required by the SB command depends on the number of outputs available on the particular module: a
32-output module requires 4 bytes, a 16-output module requires 2 bytes. Data bytes received are interpreted in descending order
of signicance; for example, for a 16-output module:
Byte 1: bit 7 = output 16
bit 0 = output 9
Byte 2: bit 7 = output 8
bit 0 = output 1
Query Mnemonics
Mnemonic Data Response
TS
DI
TY
BV
0x00 or 0x01
None
None
None
Selftest pass/fail indication (1 byte).
Selftest diagnostic info string (null terminated).
Module ID string (null terminated).
Module switch state string (null terminated).
*** Note *** The BV query is not available in SIMRC versions earlier than 1.00.
The TS data value determines if a selftest sequence is (value 0x01) or is not (value 0x00) to be executed prior to returning the
result. For SIMRCs the selftest time is quite short, and the only signicant difference if a selftest is executed is that all relays are
left OFF.
Response Data
TS query: if selftest pass: 0x00
if selftest fail: non-zero failure code. The only such code currently returned by a SIMRC is 0x02, indicating a logic failure.
DI query: if selftest pass: “OK”
if selftest fail: diagnostic information string
TY query: Module identication string, e.g. “SW160001”
“SW” = module type
“16” = module dimension (X)
“00” = module dimension (Y), or special features code
“01” = rmware release number
BV query: String containing an ASCII Hexadecimal representation of current switch pattern, eg. “403A” (for a 16-bit SIMRC).
I2C Address
The SIMRC is a read/write slave device, occupying 2 adjacent I2C-bus addresses:
- address bit 0 = 0: write address
- address bit 0 = 1: read address
When used in an I2C-bus subsystem with other devices, some devices may have a xed I2C-bus address, or an address that can
be selected from a limited number of options. SIMRCs can be congured to occupy any pair of I2C addresses to avoid conict
with such devices.
The remaining I2C address bits can be set by means of DIP switches and links as follows:
SW1-1 = bit 1
SW1-2 = bit 2
SW1-3 = bit 3
SW1-4 = bit 4
Jumper 5 = bit 5
Jumper 6 = bit 6
Jumper 7 = bit 7
Switch ON or jumper tted: address bit = 1
Switch OFF or jumper omitted: address bit = 0
Alternatively the I2C address can be congured by setting all DIP switches and links OFF and wiring an appropriate pattern onto
the I2C address pins of the SIMRC socket. This method ties the I2C address to the physical SIMRC connector, so that operating
software can conrm (using the TY query) that the appropriate SIMRC type is tted in that socket. Note that the address applied
to the SIMRC pins is inverted, and the preferred method of setting it’s value is by connecting to ground only those pins to be taken
logic ‘0’; the SIMRC has pullup resistors that assert logic ‘1’ on unconnected inputs. If it is desired to pull up these pins externally,
it should be done via a resistor and not by a direct connection to +5V to avoid any danger of short-circuiting the power supply in
the event of a SIMRC being installed with any switches or jumpers in the closed position.
Serious Protocol Violations
Although the majority of I2C-bus protocol violations are dealt with cleanly, some extreme violations may cause a SIMRC to
hang the I2C-bus; it may only be possible to clear this condition by cycling power to the unit. This is due to limitations of the
microcontroller hardware.