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ADVANCED MICRO SYSTEMS, INC. SERIAL INTERFACE
21
Operating systems like Windows NT and Windows 2000 prevent programmers from direct access of the
hardware. The programmer is forced into passing instructions via “mail-boxes” to perform I/O functions, a
slow and inefficient process.
Baud Rate
AMS has introduced a number of motion control products over the last 20+ years. The software for serial
communications has remained essentially unchanged. Depending upon the controller I.C. and hardware
design, different baud rates are possible. The DCB-274 supports 9600, 38.4k and, with the SIN-10 serial
adapter, a fast 470k baud.
The standard default baud rate for all AMS products is factory set to 9600 baud. . Serial data format is 8 bits;
1 start bit, 1 stop bit, and no parity; the default for most PC’s.
EASI Software
To assist with the implementation of your project, AMS offers a software program called EASI. This
software has evolved over a 20-year period and will operate under DOS, Windows-95 and Windows-98 (as a
DOS application).
With a SIN-7/SIN-9 and SIN-8 adapter, EASI will function running under DOS, Windows-95, Windows-98. It
is reported that Windows-ME and NT are also compatible.
EASI does have limitations, especially with Windows-2000. The GUI operation (pull down menus, party line)
is NOT compatible with Windows-2000 and is limited to “DUMB Terminal” operation in this mode.
SIN-10
The SIN-10 serial adapter can function in an “intelligent” mode or emulate a SIN-8 for test purposes. When
in the SIN-8 mode, full GUI is possible with any of the above-mentioned operating systems, but you will be
defeating the purpose of the powerful SIN-10 capabilities.
In addition to EASI, almost any communication program, such as ProComm, or Hyper Terminal can also
perform the dumb terminal operation, provided the necessary character filter is configured.
Serial Interface Using EASI
1. Attach the “D” connector end of the serial adapter to either COM1 or COM2 of your PC/AT
compatible computer.
2. Connect the other end of the cable assembly (looks like a telephone connector), to the mating
connector J2 ”Party Line Serial Input”, on the AMS device.
3. Install a terminator plug (TERM-1) into J3 “Party Line Serial Output” of the last axis. The controller
will work without a terminator plug, however reliability may be compromised, based on the environment
(noise) and length of the interconnect cables.
4. Apply power to the device. (Reference Hardware Section).
5. Install the diskette and type: EASI<CR> at the prompt. At the opening screen enter “n” if you are
operating from a monochrome terminal or hit the ENTER key for color. Use the arrow keys to select
COM1 or COM2. COM1 is the default setting. Follow the same procedure to select the correct baud rate
(9600 BPS is the default setting).
Sign-On
Single axis mode must be used for name assignment. Any terminal software, including EASI “dumb terminal”
can be used. When using a SIN-8 make sure that the RED switch on the side of the connector is in the single
(S) line mode. When using a SIN-10 make sure the party line switch (S8) is in the off position.
1. Start easi.exe.
2. Select the “DUMB TERMINAL” mode. A blank window will appear.