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PSI System Controls and Diagnostics
7 Intended Use and Key Features
7.1 Intended Use
The A560 is intended to provide convenient, high-performance connection of Pyramid devices
via fiber optic loops and real-time processing of the data. Connection to a host computer system
is via a standard Ethernet interface. A set of interlock relays allow the A560 to gate external
processes based on the incoming data and the state of health of the A560 itself. The A560 is thus
able to form part of a safety-critical control system such as control of an accelerator used for
medical purposes.
Fiber-optic communications provide perfect electromagnet noise immunity and the ability to link
devices at different electrical potentials. Up to fourteen devices can be connected on each of the
ten loop ports, although smaller numbers are recommended if communication speed is critical.
The A560 has design features which make it tolerant of electrically noisy environments, but the
place of use is otherwise assumed to be clean and sheltered, for example a laboratory or light
industrial environment. The unit may be used alone, or networked with other devices and
integrated into a larger system. Users are assumed to be experienced in the general use of local
area networks, and to be aware of the dangers that can arise in high-voltage circuits.
7.2 Key Features
Compact 1U design.
LCD status display with joystick navigation.
Standard Ethernet port supporting TCP/IP and UDP.
Ten fiber-optic loops each supporting up to fourteen devices.
Process control relays.
Keyswitch for selection of normal and diagnostic operating modes.
On-board processors and buffer memory that extend the data collection capability of connected
devices.
Processor watchdog protection.
Various host software options and scripting languages for system automation.
A560 User Manual
A560_UM_150413
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