User Manual

8 Pacific Crest Corporation - PDL Base User’s Guide8
Electrical Considerations
Power Supply
The PDL Base has power supply connections on pins 1 and 2 of the RS-232 /
Power connector. Supply voltages greater than 16 Volts will cause the unit to
shut off. Pins 1 and 3 are connections to the power ground and RS-232 interface
signal grounds respectively. Note that these pins are tied to a common point on
the PDL BASE. If there is a potential for a ground path current loop due to
improper power application, we recommend a fusible link be inserted in the signal
ground to protect the PDL BASE.
The input regulators of the PDL BASE are designed to protect the circuit from
damage due to reverse polarity (up to 20V). Transient voltage protection is also
provided for circuit protection against ESD and other voltage transients.
Data Interface
The data port is a simple 3-wire RS-232 electrical interface with signals for
transmitting data to and from the PDL BASE. It also provides a reference ground
for the TX and RX signals.