microBlox® Signal Splitter
Model uBSP-P-1
Acromag, Inc. Tel: 248-295-0880
- 22 -
http://www.acromag.com
- 22 -
https://www.acromag.com
How It Works
Key Points of Operation
- Plug-in modules support current,
voltage, RTD, & TC input types.
- Host circuit ground is common to
USB ground (and AUX ground).
- Isolated 6-32V DC Powered.
- Input, Outputs, and Power, are
isolated from each other.
- Dual Isolated Outputs each with
current & voltage terminals.
- Includes a third output AUX,
which is the voltage output of
the microBlox module itself.
- The uBSP-P-1 can be used as a
program platform for both fixed
and “
-
B” wireless uB models.
A microBlox® input module is captively-plugged into this carrier
’s
socket to split its
input signal into two proportional and isolated current or voltage output channels.
The splitter includes separate AUX voltage output terminals for an extra channel of
output voltage driven directly by the module. A local 32-bit microcontroller on the
splitter handles reconfiguration of the module/splitter via USB, as well as reading
the microBlox®
module’s
A/D input and writing each splitter DAC, via a digitally
isolated serial bus interface (SPI). The module input signal is scaled and transmitted
to 16-bit output DACs of the splitter which drive separate voltage and current
terminals at each output channel, plus its own internal DAC which drives an AUX
voltage output on the splitter. The carrier drives isolated 5V power to the module
from a flyback converter on-board that operates from 6-32V. This 5V is also used to
drive separate transformer drivers in each output channel that produce ±13V.
Set up involves selecting the input range specific to the microBlox® model, selecting
the output range at each output channel (current or voltage), and scaling input
range endpoints to each output range zero/full-scale endpoints. I/O scaling in a
channel can be done in reverse to produce a reverse acting output signal. Refer to
the block diagram to gain a better understanding of how this splitter works. The
AUX voltage output/USB circuit, each split output, the microBlox® input, and power
circuits are all isolated from each other. The unit does not draw power from USB,
but the USB port ground is common to the AUX output circuit common. The USB
port ground of most PC’s is also common to the USB cable shield and earth ground.
Output voltage monitors could additionally be grounded or ungrounded. If
optionally wired to the AUX output, it is recommended that USB signals to the unit
be isolated to prevent a ground loop from occurring between the connecting PC
earth ground, and a grounded AUX voltage monitor/load.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Diagnostics Table
Before attempting repair or
replacement of this carrier, be sure
that all installation and
configuration procedures have
been followed and that the carrier
is wired properly. Verify that 6-
32V power is applied to the carrier.
Verify that any input module
plugged into this carrier is also
operating properly.
POSSIBLE CAUSE
POSSIBLE FIX
Green RUN LED of Splitter
does not light…
Is Power ON at the Splitter?
Check splitter power and determine if the
Green PWR LED is ON (module must be
plugged in, LED is powered by the module)?
The plug-
in Module’s
+3.3V rail
drives this LED and has failed, or
the carriers 5V power to the
module has failed.
Check carrier power which drives 5V to the
module. The green PWR LED is sourced by
the module’s 3.3V rail. You could check if
module is bad by plugging-in a known good
module and checking the green LED. Return
failed modules for repair or replacement. If
module is good (green LED ON), the carrier’s
power converter is likely good too. If the
green LED is OFF for a known good module,
the carrier’s power converter is likely bad
and the carrier should be returned for repair
or replacement.