C. PIA System Setup Considerations
142
Signal Level Mismatch
Power supplying the external signal in
Figure 1
is always relative to the PIA input
circuitry power because power is provided over the interface cable. Signal level
mismatches will not occur and proper system operation will result. However, if separate
power supplies are used, there are two predominant causes of signal level mismatches.
The first (assuming no sequencing problems) occurs when the two supplies are not
referenced to each other, as illustrated in Figures 2, 3, and 4 above. This results in
signals that may be higher than Vcc or lower than ground, potentially causing SCR
latchup. All that is generally needed is to reference one supply to the other, typically by
connecting a common ground. The most convenient way of connecting a common
ground is to use the interface cable. Figures 5, 6, and 7 below illustrate correct ground
connections.
The second cause of mismatch occurs when the two power supplies are referenced to
each other but the Vcc difference between the two power supplies exceeds .5 V. This
results in signals that could be greater than Vcc, causing SCR latchup. This is easily
remedied by adjusting the external power supply voltage to be within .5 V of the
computer power supply voltage.
Power
Supply
16C50A
PIA
ZT 8904
Interface Cable
External
Power
Supply
24-Position
or
Custom
Application
Vcc
24
Figure 5. I/O Rack Vcc Supplied Externally, Common Ground
Potential Power Supply Seq. Mismatch, Correct Signal Level Match
Power
Supply
16C50A
PIA
ZT 8904
Interface Cable
External
Power
Supply
Custom
Application
Vcc
1Amp
S
24
Figure 6. Computer-Switched External Power Supply, Common Ground
Correct Power Supply Sequence, Correct Signal Level Match