Aim Lab PathFinder 350S Service Manual page 18

PathFinder 350S Service Manual
3.2.1.1 Sorter Main PCB
The Sorter Main PCB communicates with the Workcell Controller via an internal
serial cable.
It drives the Sorter stepper motors and contains the all the calibration information
necessary to position the gripper arm accurately.
It also synchronises the Carousel and Specimen Tray so tubes are handled properly.
It communicates with the other modules via the accessory bus. The accessory bus is
an RS485 network which is isolated from the Workcell Controller.
3.2.1.2 FFC Breakout PCB
The FFC cables are long Flat Flexible Cables that allow the gripper arm to move
along the X Axis. The FFC cables carry the motor drive, the encoder feedback, and
the gripper IO.
The FFC Breakout PCB allows the FFC signals to be accessed using standard cable
assemblies.
3.2.1.3 Comms Accessory PCB
The Comms Accessory PCB is an intelligent RS232 to RS485 converter. It sits on the
RS485 accessory bus and allows its three RS232 ports to be addressed by the Sorter
Main PCB.
This is used to allow the Sorter Main PCB to communicate with the Barcode Readers.
3.2.1.4 Power Distribution
24V DC power for the entire system is provided by the Services Module. The supply is
fused at the services module.
The 24V DC is distributed via the distribution block to the
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The 24V is broken into 5V and 12V rails by the Pico ATX Power Supply and
distributed by the power distribution harness.
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Pico ATX power supply
Cooling fan.
Sorter Main PCB.
The Carousel PCB via the Carousel module cable.
The Specimen Tray PCB.
© Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Rev E February 2010