Connections; Pod Connectors; Serial Port - ADInstruments PowerLab 30 Series Owner's Manual

Figure A–4
The pin assignments for the
Pod connector
30

Connections

This section contains 'pinout' and electrical details of some of the connectors
of the PowerLab. Read it carefully before attempting to connect cables to the
PowerLab, other than those that came with the unit. Using cables that are
wired incorrectly can cause internal damage to the PowerLab and voids your
rights under warranty.

Pod Connectors

The (8-pin DIN) pod connectors on Inputs 1 – 4 of the /30 series PowerLabs
allow the connection of ADInstruments pods — small, low-cost units that
provide alternatives to front-ends for specific tasks, for use with precalibrated
transducers and so on. Transducers should not be connected directly to pod
connectors, unless labeled to do so (unsuitable transducers will give a very
weak signal). However, transducers designed for direct connection receive
power and control, since the pod connectors provide some functions of the
2
I C socket.
When recording from single-ended sources, using the Input(+) ref. of the pod
connector instead of Analog ground can reduce common-mode interference.
Do not attempt to record from both the BNC and pod connector of the same
input at the same time, or the signals will compete.
[4] Negative 5 V
[1] Positive 5 V
[6] Input (+) ref.

Serial Port

The PowerLab is fitted with an RS-485 serial communication port. It is not
currently used, but is meant for connection in the future to specialized devices
controlled from the PowerLab system. The serial port provides a differential,
bidirectional serial connection for external devices supporting the RS-485
standard. The port also provides three power supplies and a ground signal.
[2] Input (–)
[5] SDA
[3] Input (+)
[7] Analog ground
[8] SCL [*] Digital ground (metal ring)
PowerLab Owner's Guide