GENERAL

The RPC-2350 is a single-board computer with LCD character display port, analog, digital, and serial I/O.  A hardware counter/quadrature encoder operates to 20 MHz.  1 MB of battery backed and flash memory stores programs,  formulas, look up tables, log data, and constants.  A flexable SPI port talks to a variety of devices and IC's.  An on board switching regulator allows operation from a wide range of DC supplies and provides +5V, ±12V for external circuits.

Use the RPC-2350 for instrumentation, analysis, and industrial machine control.  CAMBASIC programming language is included to speed program development.  This event driven, multi-tasking language executes over 3000 commands/ second.  Digital I/O is scanned at a rate of 16,000 lines/second in multi-tasking mode.  Events are triggered when a line changes, input count is reached, or a network message is received.  It's floating point math reads, calculates, and controls analog, digital, serial, keypad, and display ports through specialized commands.

A development system includes all hardware and documentation to get started.  All you need is a PC with a serial port.  Application programs show how to use the major functions.

FUNCTION DESCRIPTION

Display port

 Eight LCD and VF types displaying to 4 lines by 40 characters are directly supported by CAMBASIC.

Analog input

The A-D converter is 8 channels at 12 bit resolution. Input range is software selectable for 0-5, or  ± 2.5 volts, single ended or differential.  Inputs are protected to 16 volts.  Mode and voltage ranges are programmed in software.  The CAMBASIC AIN command reads the input and returns a number from 0 to 4095.

Use a 20 position ribbon cable (CMA-20) with STB-20 terminal board to break out the signals.

Analog output

Two optional 12-bit DACs provide 0-5, 0-10, or  ±5V outputs.  These DAC's also drive a 4-20 mA current loop output, also available on the board.  The RPC-2350's internal supply may be used for loop current.

Digital I/O

Forty-eight digital I/O lines are available. Some of these lines are used for LCD character port, keypad, and high current sinks.  24 lines are completely free.  The CMA-26 ribbon cable connects a digital port to the STB-26 terminal board to break out signals.  Any MPS series opto rack connect directly to either connector.

A 2 amp port is available to switch back light or other devices.

Counter/Timer I/O

A hardware counter/quadrature encoder directly connects to frequency output devices and position encoders.  A high voltage (±12V) input connects to proximity switches.  The counter is 24-bit length.  Frequency and pulse width measurements are possible.

Two clock outputs are available.  Included are a 4.9 MHz and a programmable 10 to 200 kHz output.  Programmable output is not usable when 512K RAM/Flash are installed or when using RS-485.

Watchdog timer

Watchdog timer resets the board if not updated in time by software.  Time-outs are jumper selected from 0.2 to 1.2 seconds.

Keypad port

A 16 to 24 position keypad directly connects to the port.  CAMBASIC scans and debounces key presses.  A position or key value is returned.

Memory

128K of RAM and Flash are standard.  RAM is battery backed.   512K of RAM may be populated for data logging.

A 512K flash may be installed to increase program or data storage.  Up to 240K of CAMBASIC programs are executed by linking them.  Extra memory can store predefined messages, program constants, and additional data. 

RTC

Use the RTC to interrupt periodically (once a second to an hour).  Battery life is 3 to 6 years.  CAMBASIC DATE and TIME commands read and set it.

Power

Operate at +5V or from 7 to 30 volts.  It can also supply about 500 mA at +5V for external circuits.

+12V at 40 mA. and -12V at 20 mA. for external signal conditioners is available.  Enough current is provided for 4-20 mA current loop option.

Serial ports

Two communication ports are available.  Baud rates from 300 to 19200, data, parity, and stop bits are all programmable.  

One port is dedicated to RS-232.  The other is set as either RS-232 or RS-485.  RS-485 can operate in either 2- or 4- wire mode.  CAMBASIC's ON COM$ command generates an interrupt when a message is received.

RS-232 voltages are generated on card. Use the VTC-9F cable to connect between a PC and the card.

SPI Port

A software SPI port writes to and reads from devices supporting an SPI protocol.  Up to 2 devices can be queried.  CAMBASIC supports this port with the SPI command.

Expansion port

Programming environment

The RPC-2350 includes CAMBASIC programming language, developed by Octagon Systems.  To program a card, all you need is a PC running a terminal program.  Code is downloaded using text transfer.  During development, programs run from RAM.  After development, programs are saved to Flash EPROM.  Code is downloaded from Flash to RAM and automatically executes on power up.

Code is written on your PC using a word processor.  This code is downloaded to the card in simple text format.  You can also type code directly to the card.  Up to 8 programs can be saved to flash and linked during run time.

CAMBASIC directly supports on card hardware.  Some of these commands are listed in the table above.

Easy Setup

There are no programs to install.  CAMBASIC operating system is built into the board.

Simply run a terminal program (such as Windows Terminal, Hyperterm(r), Procomm(r), ect).  Windows Terminal and Hyper Terminal are included with Windows.

Set the baud rate and port and your PC is set up.  Connect a cable from the card to the PC.  Apply power to the board.  You will get a sign on message like the one shown below.

Click here to download  Application Notes

Click here to download  Hardware Manual   

Technical Information

CPU:            Z8S180 (Zilog) operating at 18.432 MHz.  Z80 compatible.

Memory:   

RAM:         128K standard.  512K optional.  Battery backed.  Battery life estimated at 3 to 6 years.

Flash EPROM:    512K B71C or 7-30UDC.

Power:        5V @ 500 mA power out available.  Up to 40 mA current at  +15V and 20 ma at -12V available for external signal conditioning.

Serial ports:

Two ports, programmable from 300 to 19200 baud. Data, parity, and stop are programmable.  One port is RS-232 only.  Second is RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485.  Termination network included.

SPI port:

Software SPI port can read or write two channels.  +5V and ground are provided at the connector.

Mechanical

Size:  5.00" x 8.00"

Max. height:   0.6"  with ribbon cables installed

Mounting:  4 holes with 0.175 Dia. holes in 0.3" pads.

Temperature:  -20°C to +70°C operating.  Extended available

Watchdog: Timeout programmable from 0.15 to 1.2 Sec.

Power monitor: Resets board when power < 4.65V

Clock

Returns time to 1 second.  Returns year as a number from 00 to 99.

keypadAnalog Inputs

Channels: 8

Range: 0 to 5V, 0 to ±2.5

Resolution:12 bits (4096count)

Modes: Single ended and pseudo differential

Convert time: 500 µSec. including software overhead

Reference: Adjustable from 4.8 to 5.15 volts.

Character Display port

CAMBASIC supports popular LCD and some VF types

LCD's operate in 4 bit mode.

Analog Outputs

Channels:  2

Types:  Voltage (DAC) and 4-20 mA

Ranges:  0 - 5V, 0-10V, or ±5V

Resolution:  12 bits

Power:  +15V available for both 4-20 mA outputs.

Each 4-20 mA output uses one DAC.

Digital I/O

Lines:    49

Current:  82C55 outputs sink 15 ma., enough to drive opto modules and LED's.   1 output rated 2 A, 50V to ground.

Sharing:  8-Character display,  8- Keypad, 8  High current sink

Input:   100K Ohm pull up's on 48 lines.

Keypad Port

Supports matrix (row-column) keypads of 4 x 4 and 6 x 4.  The 6 x 4 uses two digital lines from high current sink.  Scan and debounce in CAMBASIC.

Below is a partial list of accessories for the RPC-2350.  Contact Remote Processing for accessories suitable for your application.