Comtech EF Data HPOD - Manual (Page 74)

HPOD C-, X-, Ku-Band High-Power Outdoor Amplifier MN/HPOD.IOM
Serial-Based Remote Product Management Revision 8
5–4
It is assumed that a 'Controller' device (a PC or ASCII dumb terminal) transmits data in a broadcast mode via one of the pairs. Multiple
'Target' devices are connected to this pair, and all simultaneously receive data from the Controller. The Controller is the only device with
a line-driver connected to this pair – the Target devices have only line-receivers connected.
In the other direction, on the other pair each Target has a Tri-state line driver connected, and the Controller has a line-receiver
connected. All the line drivers are held in high-impedance mode until one (and only one) Target transmits back to the Controller. Each
Target has a unique address, and each time the Controller transmits, the address of the intended recipient Target is included in a framed
'packet' of data. All of the Targets receive the packet, but only one (the intended) will reply. The Target enables its output line driver and
transmits its return data packet back to the Controller in the other direction, on the physically separate pair.
EIA-485 (full duplex) summary:
• Two differential pairs – one pair for Controller-to-Target, one pair for Target-to-Controller.
• Controller-to-Target pair has one line driver (Controller), and all Targets have line-receivers.
• Target-to-Controller pair has one line receiver (Controller), and all Targets have Tri-State drivers.
5.3.2 EIA-232
This is a much simpler configuration in which the Controller device is connected directly to the Target via a two-wire-plus-ground
connection. Controller-to-Target data is carried via EIA-232 electrical levels on one conductor, and Target-to-Controller data is carried in
the other direction on the other conductor.
5.3.3 Basic Protocol
Whether in EIA-232 or EIA-485 mode, all data is transmitted as asynchronous serial characters, suitable for transmission and reception
by a Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART). The asynchronous character format is 8-N-1 (8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit).
The baud rate may vary from 1200 to 19200 baud.
All data is transmitted in framed packets. The Controller (assumed to be a PC or ASCII dumb terminal) that is in charge of the process of
monitor and control is the only device that is permitted to initiate, at will, the transmission of data. Targets are only permitted to
transmit when they have been specifically instructed to do so by the Controller.