ADVANCED MICRO SYSTEMS, INC. ADDENDUM
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Serial Adapter Summary
AMS offers several serial adapters. These are used to connect a standard computer RS-232 “D” connector
to the serial I/O on AMS controllers (axis).
Four, model SIN-“n” adapters are currently available, as follows.
SIN-7, SIN-9 (not recommended for multi-axis applications)
These are the lowest cost adapters. They are passive (without electronics) and are suitable for use with only
one axis at any given time. Most new products employ a RS-422 interface. While RS-422 specifications differ
from RS-232, these adapters will generally work over short cable runs.
For more than one axis, party line operation is not supported with these adapters. However, the original
AMS “daisy chain” protocol can be used.
The SIN-7 has a standard 25 pin serial connect.
The SIN-9 has a standard 9 pin serial connect.
SIN-8
This adapter contains the proper RS-232 to RS-422 electronics, powered from the AMS controller. It is
reliable over long distances, and supports party line operation for 1 to 32 controllers. A mechanical switch is
used to place the controllers into either single or party line mode.
Disadvantages: A host computer must have proper software that performs the rigorous handshake protocol.
The software development can be expensive or impossible to implement in some operating systems.
SIN-10 (recommended for new designs)
The SIN-10 contains a microcomputer that performs all the handshake protocol and much more. Even a
single axis design will benefit from the software development timesavings.