Italy Facility

Via S. Giorgio, 642

52028 Terranuova Bracciolini
Italy
+39 055 9195 1
Camarillo Facility
740 Calle Plano
Camarillo, California, 93012
United States
805-987-8741

INSTRUCTION MANUAL FOR THE INSTALLER

PVI-USB-RS232_485

000170AG - PVI-USB-RS232_485-Installer manual EN Rev A (M000009AG)

http://www.power-one.com

TRANSLATION OF THE ORIGINAL INSTRUCTIONS

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

This manual contains important safety instructions that must be followed during installation and maintenance of the equipment.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

This manual must be considered as an integral part of the equipment,

and must be available at all times to
everyone who interacts with the equipment.
The manual must always accompany the equipment,
even when it is transferred to another user.
Operators are under an obligation to read this manual and strictly
follow the instructions given in it,
because Power-One cannot be held responsible for damage caused
to people or property, or for damage to the equipment,
if the conditions described below are not complied with.
The customer is under an obligation to keep the industrial secret,
and therefore the following documentation and its annexes
non may not be tampered with or modified, reproduced or transferred to
third parties, without the authorization of Power-One.
-1-

1
1 - Introduction and general information
Conditions of warranty and supply
Warranty conditions are described in an appropriate certificate
supplied with the equipment. Moreover, the warranty conditions are
understood to be valid if the Client observes what is described in this
manual; any conditions deviating from those described below must be
explicitly agreed upon in the purchase order.
Power-one declares that the tool complies with legal provisions in force in the
European Economic Community and releases statements of compliance (available at
www.power-one.com).

Exclusions from the supply

Power-one declines any responsibility in case standards for correct installation are not
adhered to and it is not liable for systems upstream or downstream of the equipment
supplied by it.
It is absolutely prohibited to make modifications to the equipment.
The Customer is entirely responsible for any modifications made to the system.
Power-one CANNOT be held responsible for defects or malfunctions
as a result of: improper use of the tool; alterations due to transportation
or special environmental conditions; lack of or improper maintenance;
tampering or poor repairs; use or installation done by non-qualified
people.

000171AG

Power-one CANNOT be held responsible for disposal of: displays,

cables, batteries, accumulators etc. It is necessary that the Client
provides, according to standards in force in the country of installation,
disposal of such substances that are potentially harmful to the
environment.

-2-

Introduction and general information

Contents

1 - Introduction and general information................................................... 2

Conditions of warranty and supply...............................................................................2

Exclusions from the supply......................................................................................................2

Contents............................................................................................................................3
Reference number index.................................................................................................4
The document and who it is for .....................................................................................5

Purpose and structure of the document..................................................................................5

List of annexes ........................................................................................................................5
Staff characteristics..................................................................................................................5

Field of use, general conditions ....................................................................................6

Intended or allowed use...........................................................................................................6

Limits of the field of use...........................................................................................................6
Improper or disallowed use .....................................................................................................6

2 - Characteristics...................................................................................7
General conditions..........................................................................................................7
Characteristics and tachnical data................................................................................8

Overall dimensions..................................................................................................................8

3 - Safety and accident prevention....................................................... 9

Safety instructions and general information ...............................................................9

4 - Lifting and transport.......................................................................10

General conditions........................................................................................................10

Transport and handling ........................................................................................................10

Lifting......................................................................................................................................10
Unpacking and checking .......................................................................................................10

5 - Installation........................................................................................ 11
General conditions .......................................................................................................11
Rules for the creation of the RS485 communication line.........................................12
Characteristics of application cables for the creation of the RS485 communication line ....12

Connection to the RS485 line.......................................................................................13

USB connection.............................................................................................................14
Installation procedure of the USB dirver for the PVI-USB-RS232_RS485 converter...14

Table of compatible drivers Ver. 2.8.24.0...............................................................................15

6 - Instruments......................................................................................16
000172AG

General conditions .......................................................................................................16

Leds and switches.........................................................................................................17

LED Description.....................................................................................................................17
RS232/485 Sel. Switch..........................................................................................................17
Reset button...........................................................................................................................17

-3-

Introduction and general information

7 - Operation..........................................................................................18
General conditions .......................................................................................................18
Commissioning..............................................................................................................19
LED Behaviour...............................................................................................................19

8 - Maintenance.....................................................................................20
General conditions .......................................................................................................20
Storage and dismantling ..............................................................................................21

Storage of the equipment or prolonged stop.........................................................................21

Dismantling, decommissioning and disposal.........................................................................21

Reference number index

01, PVI-USB-RS232_485 converter
02, Reset button
03, Led TX/RX
04, Led PWR OK
05, USB port Type B (laterally)
06, Switch for the RS232 o RS485 serial line setting
07, Serial connector

01
02
03
04
05
RESET

TX/RX

RS232/485 Sel.
=RS232

PWR OK

=RS485
RS232/RS485

RTN
USB
B-Type

RX/DTX/D+
N.C.

AURORA
000172AG

DUPLEX
RS 485 HALFPVI-USB-RS232_485

-4-

06
07

Introduction and general information

The document and who it is for

Purpose and structure of the document

This operating and maintenance manual is a valid guide that will enable
you to work safely and carrying out operations necessary for keeping the
equipment in good working order.
The document was originally written in ITALIAN; therefore, in the event of
inconsistencies or doubts please ask the manufacturer for the original document.

List of annexes
In addition to this operating and maintenance manual, (if applicable or
on request) the following attached documentation is supplied:
- EC declaration of conformity
- warranty
WARNING: Part of the information given in this document is taken from the original
documents of the suppliers. This document contains only the information considered
necessary for the use and routing maintenance of the equipment.

Staff characteristics
The customer must make sure that the operator has the necessary skill and training to
do his/her job. Staff in charge of using and maintaining the equipment must be skilled,
aware and mature for the described tasks and must have the reliability to correctly
interpret what is described in the manual.
The employment of a person who is NOT qualified, is drunk, or on narcotics, has a
prosthetic mitral valves or a pacemaker is strictly forbidden.

000173AG

The customer is civilly liable for the qualification and mental or physical conditional
of the professional figures who interact with the equipment. They must always use the
personal protective equipment provided for by the laws of the country of destination
and whatever is provided by their employer.

-5-

Introduction and general information

Field of use, general conditions

Power-One accepts no liability for damage of any kind that may arise
from incorrect or careless operations.
The equipment must not be used for uses that do not fall within the intended field of
use. The equipment MUST NOT be used by inexperienced staff, or by experienced
staff to carry out operations on the equipment that are not in accordance with what is
described in this manual and in the attached documents.

Intended or allowed use

This equipment is a signal converter designed to:
transform a RS485_232 signal (Half Duplex)
coming from a photovoltaic inverte/Stringcomb Power-One
into a compatible USB signal
Suitable for being linked to a PC.

Limits of the field of use

In order to have a complete list of the operating compatible systems , please refer to:
http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm
The PVI-USB-RS232_485 founds its own functioning on FTDI FT232R device.
Only Power-Ones devices can be linked to this signal converter
The signalconverter can not be definetly installed outdoor.

Improper or disallowed use

000174AG

THE FOLLOWING ARE STRICTLY FORBIDDEN:

Installing the equipment in environments with particular flammability conditions or in
adverse or disallowed environmental conditions (temperature and humidity)..
Using the equipment with the safety devices not working or disabled.
Using the equipment or parts of the equipment by connecting it to other machines or
equipment, unless expressly provided for.
Cleaning with corrosive products that may corrode parts of the equipment or generate electrostatic charges.
Using or installing the equipment or parts of it without having read and correctly interpreted the contents of the operating and maintenance manual.

-6-

2
2 - Characteristics
General conditions
The description of the characteristics of the equipment allows its main
components to be identified, to refine the technical terminology used in
the manual.
The Characteristics chapter contains information about the models, the
composition of the equipment, the characteristics and technical data, the
overall dimensions and the identification of the equipment.
This manual should be read in chronological order as established by the manufacturer
and the reader assumes responsibility for failure to do so. All the information is
given considering each time that the information of the preceding chapters has been
acknowledged.

000008BG

In some cases, there may be a need to separately document the

operation of the software or attach supplementary documentation to this
manual for more qualified professional persons.

-7-

Characteristics

Characteristics and tachnical data

Table: Technical data
USB Section
Standard
Connection
RS485/232 Section
RS485/232 Interface
RS485
Status Led (Tx/Rx)
O.S
Power Supply
Auto power supply
Maximum Current Absorbed
Status Led(Power On)
Environmental
Room temperature
Physical
Level of environmental protection
Overall dimensions (H x L x P)
Security
Insulation
Certification
Attachments
Connection cable B-type/A-type

PVI-USB-RS232_485
2.0
B-Type
can be selected by switch
Half-Duplex
yes
O.s. Windows Xp, Windows 7, Linux and derived (1)
by UsB
150 mA
yes
-25...+ 50C/-13...122F
IP 20 (Only for inside use)
66mm x 66mm x 28mm
2500 Vdc
EC
Included

1. For a complete list visit: http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm

Note: Characteristics not specifically mentioned in this data sheet are not included in the product

Overall dimensions
The overall dimensions are expressed in mm and in inches
RESET

TX/RX

RS232/485 Sel.
=RS232

PWR OK

=RS485
RS232/RS485

RTN
RX/DTX/D+
N.C.

AURORA

DUPLEX
RS 485 HALFPVI-USB-RS232_485

000176AG

28

m
1, m
1

66 mm - 2,6

-8-

66 m
m-2
,6

USB
B-Type

3
3 - Safety and accident prevention
Safety instructions and general information
The equipment has been manufactured in accordance with the strictest
accident-prevention regulations and supplied with safety devices
suitable for the protection of components and operators.
For obvious reasons, it is not possible to anticipate the great number of installations
and environments in which the equipment will be installed; it is therefore necessary
for the customer to appropriately inform the manufacturer about particular installation
conditions.
Power-one accepts no liability for failure to comply with the instructions
for correct installation are cannot be held responsible for the systems
upstream or downstream of the equipment it has supplied.
It is essential to provide operators with correct information. They must therefore read
and comply with the technical information given in the manual and in the attached
documentation.

TRAINING

The instructions given in the manual do not replace the safety devices
and technical data for installation and operation stuck on the product,
and they certainly do not replace the safety regulations in force in the
country of installation and common sense rules.
The manufacturer is willing to train staff, at its premises or on site, in
accordance with conditions to be set out in the contract.

Do not use the equipment if you find any operating anomalies.

Avoid temporary repairs. All repairs should be carried out using only
genuine spare parts, which must be installed in accordance with their
intended use.

000016AG

Liabilities arising from commercial components are delegated to the

respective manufacturers.

-9-

4
General conditions

4 - Lifting and transport

Some recommendation apply only to large size product or multiple small size packings.

Transport and handling

Transport of the equipment, especially by road, must be carried out with
by suitable ways and means for protecting the components (in particular,
the electronic components) from violent shocks, humidity, vibration, etc.
During handling, do not make any sudden or fast movements that
can create dangerous swinging.

Lifting
Power-One usually stores and protects individual components by
suitable means to make their transport and subsequent handling easier,
but as a rule it is necessary to turn to the experience of specialized staff
in change of loading and unloading the components.
Where indicated and/or where there is a provision, eyebolts or handles,
which can be used as anchorage points, are inserted and/or can be
inserted.
The ropes and means used for lifting must be suitable for bearing
the weight of the equipment.
Do not lift several units or or parts of the equipment at the same time,
unless otherwise indicated.

000019CG

Unpacking and checking

We remind you that the packaging elements (cardboard, cellophane,
staples, adhesive tape, straps, etc.) may cause cuts and/or injuries if not
handled with care. They should be removed by suitable means and not
left in the hands of irresponsible people (e.g., children).
The components of the packaging must be disposed on in
accordance with the regulations in force in the country of
installation.
When you open the package, check that the equipment is undamaged
and make sure all the components are present.
If you find any defects or damage, stop unpacking and consult the
carrier, and also promptly inform the Service Power-One.
- 10 -

5
5 - Installation
General conditions
Installation of the equipment is carried out based on the system and the place in which
the equipment is installed; therefore, its performance depends on the correctness of
the connections.
Staff authorised to carry out the installation must be specialised and
experienced in this job; they must also have received suitable training
on equipment of this type.

000021AG

The operation must be carried out by specialised staff; it is in any case

advisable to comply with what is written in this manual and adhere to the
diagrams and attached documentation.

- 11 -

Installation

Rules for the creation of the RS485 communication line

Connect all the units to the RS485 chain according to the daisy-chain
scheme observing the correspondence between signals (refer to product manual)
In the last unit of the chain, activate the ending resistance of the communication line through the switching of the dip-switch dedicated
Set on each inverter of the chain an RS485 exclusive address (a different address for each inverter)
The communication line must not exceed 1000m length

INVERTER n.3
Indirizzo RS485=4
Baud-rate=19200bps
Resistenza di terminazione=ON

INVERTER n.2
Indirizzo RS485=3
Baud-rate=19200bps
Resistenza di terminazione=OFF

INVERTER n.1
Indirizzo RS485=2 (default)
Baud-rate=19200bps
Resistenza di terminazione=OFF

AURORA

AURORA

AURORA

In case of communication lines are especially long, it is advisable to/ it could be necessary the use of signal amplifier which has to be installed along the communication line

-T/R

RTN

+T/R

-T/R

RTN

+T/R

-T/R

RTN

=RS485

RS232/485 Sel.
=RS232

+T/R

TX/RX

PWR OK

OFF

RESET

RS485

RS232/RS485

ON

RTN

OFF

120
Term.
Resistor

RX/D-

RS485

TX/D+

ON

N.C.

OFF

120
Term.
Resistor

USB
B-Type

RS485

power one

RS 485 HALFPVI-USB-RS232_485
DUPLEX

power one

AURORA

power one

USB

ON

120
Term.
Resistor

RTN
-D -T/R
+D +T/R

Characteristics of application cables for the creation of the

RS485 communication line

000178AG

The cable which must be used to create the serial communication line
RS485 must have the following characteristics:
Section
Max. Length
Characteristic impedance
Specific capacity

- 12 -

Min. AWG2470.25mm2
1000mt
120
Included between 50 e 100pF/mt

Installation

Connection to the RS485 line

Inside the inverters the connection to the RS485 line can be made indifferently through the couple of connector RJ12/RJ45 (one for the input
and one for the output of the RS485 line) or through the terminal board.
In case of terminal board it must be used RTN, +T/R and -T/R terminals.
In case of RJ12/RJ45 connector the plugs you have to use must be wired accroding to the scheme in following table:
1

TOP

FRONT

TOP

FRONT

Table: crimping scheme of RJ45 connectors

Pin N
Function
1
NC
2
NC
3
+T/R
4
NC
5
-T/R
6
NC
7
RTN / GND COM
8
NC

The connection of the RS485 serial line to the converter PVI-USBRS232_485 is made on the terminal board with 4 poles:
To the terminal D- must be connected the terminal -T/R coming from
the inverter
To the termnial D+ must be connected the terminal+T/R coming
from the inverter

000178AG

RTN
D- > -T/R
D+ > +T/R

Table: crimping scheme of RJ12 connectors

Pin N
Function
1
NC
2
+T/R
3
NC
4
-T/R
5
NC
6
RTN / GND COM

- 13 -

Installation

USB connection

Insert the USB cable into the converter

RESET

TX/RX

RS232/485 Sel.
=RS232

PWR OK

=RS485
RS232/RS485

RTN
USB
B-Type

RX/DTX/D+
N.C.

AURORA

DUPLEX
RS 485 HALFPVI-USB-RS232_485

Installation procedure of the USB dirver for the PVI-USB-RS232_

RS485 converter

In succession is illustrated the procedure of driver installation ver. 2.08.24 issued on

the provider website the 26/04/2012. For the last version of the driver and for the compatibility with the most common operating systems, we refer to the table in the rear of
the procedure.
1. Launch the file CDM20824.
exe:

2. Click on Yes:

000178AG

3. Wait for the complete installation of the drivers:

- 14 -

Installation

4. Connect the converter to an

USB port of the PC. To verify
which COM port has been assigned to the converter:
Path for OS Windows XP
Control panel System Hardware Peripheral management
Port (COM e LPT).
Path for OS Windows 7
Control panel System Device management Port (COM e
LPT).

5. Making a double click on the

USB port, the screen of the port
properties turns on. Check on the
tab Driver that the driver provider
is FTDI and the dirver version is
2.8.24.0 of the 10/04/2012.

Table of compatible drivers Ver. 2.8.24.0

OS

Device

Driver
Ver.

000178AG

Windows Server 2008 R2

Windows 7
FT2232H
Windows 7 x64
FT4232H
Windows Server 2008
FT232R
Windows Server 2008 x64
FT245R
Windows Vista
FT2232
2.8.24.0
Windows Vista x64
FT232B
Windows XP
FT245B
Windows XP x64
FT8U232AM
Windows 2000
FT8U245AM
Windows Server 2003
Windows Server 2003 x64

Date

10th April 2012

The PVI-USB-RS485_232 founds his functioning on the FTDI

FT232R device.
- 15 -

6
6 - Instruments
General conditions
One of the first rules for preventing damage to the equipment and to the
operator is to have a thorough knowledge of the INSTRUMENTS. We
therefore advise you to read this manual carefully. If you are not sure
about anything or there is discrepancy in information, please ask for
more detailed information.
Do not use the equipment if:
- you do not have suitable qualifications to work on this equipment or similar products;
- you are unable to understand how it works;
- you are not sure what will happen when the buttons or switches are operated;
- you notice any operating anomalies;
- there are doubts or contradictions between your experience, the manual and/or other
operators.

000029AG

Power-One cannot be held responsible for damage to the equipment or

the operator if it is the result of incompetence, insufficient qualifications
or lack of training.

- 16 -

Instruments

Leds and switches

LED Description
TX/RX

RESET

PWR OK

RS232/485 Sel.
=RS232
=RS485

On the converter there are 2 LEDS:

TX/RX : shows if the converter is communicating or not
PWR OK : shows if the converter in supplied or not

RS232/RS485

RS232/485 Sel. Switch

RTN

RX/D-

USB
B-Type

TX/D+

TX/RX

SET

RS232/485 Sel.
=RS232

N.C.

The RS232/485 Sel. Switch allows to set the type of input signal
(RS232 o RS485).

AURORA

PWR OK

=RS485

RS232/RS485
Power-One
inverters use the RS485 as serial communication line
RS 485 HALF
DUPLEX
PVI-USB-RS232_485
RTN
RX/D-

RS232/485 Sel. Switch set in RS485 communication line

TX/D+
ET

RES

USB
pe
B-Ty

RX

TX/

RO

85

el.
85 S
32/4 32
RS2 =RS2

RS 4

AURORA

PW

O
AUR

N.C.

485

S48

32/R

=RS

RS2

D-

RX/

RTN

D+

N.C

TX/

RA

485

32_

XRS2
PSLBEFPVDIU-

HAL

RS485

RS 485 HALFPVI-USB-RS232_485
DUPLEX

RS232/485 Sel. Switch set in RS232 communication line

RES
ET

USB
pe
B-Ty

RX

TX/

RO

PW

85

S48

85

32/R

4
=RS

RS2

D-

RX/

RTN

D+

N.C

TX/

485

32_

XRS2
PSLBEFPVDIU-

HAL

el.
85 S
32/4 32
RS2 =RS2

RS 4

OR
AUR

RS232

000180AG

Reset button
RESET

TX/RX
PWR OK

Reset button allows to restart the communication with the inverters in

case
of interrumption
=RS485

RS232/485 Sel.
=RS232

RS232/RS485
RTN
USB

RX/D-

- 17 -

7
7 - Operation
General conditions
Before checking the operation of the equipment, it is necessary to have
a thorough knowledge of the INSTRUMENTS chapter and the functions
that have been enabled in the installation.
The equipment operates automatically without the aid of an operator;
operating state is controlled through the instruments.
The interpretation or variation of some data is reserved exclusively for specialized and
qualified staff.

000181AG

Even during operation, check that the environmental and logistic

conditions are correct (see installation chapter).
Make sure that the said conditions have not changed over time and that
the equipment is not exposed to adverse weather conditions and has
not been isolated with foreign bodies.

- 18 -

Operation

Commissioning

After connecting and laying the serial line RS485, the procedure of commissioning of the converter is the following:
Connect the connector coming from the RS485 serial line linked to the
inverters and/or stringcomb.
RESET

TX/RX

RS232/485 Sel.
=RS232

PWR OK

=RS485
RS232/RS485

RTN
USB
B-Type

RX/DTX/D+
N.C.

AURORA

DUPLEX
RS 485 HALFPVI-USB-RS232_485

Connect the USB cable to the PC and check that the green led PWR
OK is on.
RESET

TX/RX

RS232/485 Sel.
=RS232

PWR OK

=RS485
RS232/RS485

RTN
USB
B-Type

RX/DTX/D+
N.C.

AURORA

DUPLEX
RS 485 HALFPVI-USB-RS232_485

Open the interface software Power-One and do the operations desired.

LED Behaviour

000182AG

= LED on
= Flashing LED
= LED off
(x) = Any conditions over
described.

The following table shows all the possible combinations of activation of

LED relating to the operation status of the inverter.
Table: LED behaviour
LED status
Operation status
Converter not supplied or disconnected
PWR OK:
TX/RX:
Converter supplied. Communication absent
PWR OK:
TX/RX:
Converter supplied. Communication present
PWR OK:
TX/RX:

- 19 -

8
8 - Maintenance
General conditions
Checking and maintenance operations must be carried out by specialized
staff assigned to carry out this work.

000183AG

For cleaning, DO NOT use rags made of filamentary material or corrosive products
that may corrode parts of the equipment or generate electrostatic charges.
Avoid temporary repairs. All repairs should be carried out using only genuine spare
parts.
DO NOT allow the equipment to be used if problems of any kind are
found, and restore the normal conditions correctly or otherwise make
sure that this is done.

- 20 -

Maintenance

Storage and dismantling

Storage of the equipment or prolonged stop

If the equipment is not used immediately or is stored for long periods,
check that it is correctly packed and contact Power-One for storage
instructions.
The equipment must be stored in well-ventilated indoor areas that do
not have characteristics that might damage the components of the
equipment.
Restarting after a long or prolonged stop requires a check and, in some
cases, the removal of oxidation and dust that will also have settled inside
the equipment if not suitably protected.

Dismantling, decommissioning and disposal

Power-One CANNOT be held responsible for disposal of the equipment: displays, cables,
batteries, accumulators, etc., and therefore the customer must dispose of these substances,
which are potentially harmful to the environment, in accordance with the regulations in force
in the country of installation.
If the equipment is dismantled, in order to dispose of the products that it
is composed of, you must adhere to the regulations in force in the country
of destination and in any case avoid causing any kind of pollution.
Dispose of the various types of materials that the parts of the equipment consist of in
dumps that are suitable for the purpose.
Table: disposal of components

000039AG

COMPONENT
MATERIAL OF CONSTRUCTION
Frame, brackets, supports................................................................................................ Arc-welded steel FE37
Casing or covers.................................................................................................................................ABS, plastic
Paint and........................................................................................................................................... RAL .............
Gaskets and seals............................................................................................................. Rubber / Teflon / Viton
Electrical cables.......................................................................................................................... Copper / Rubber
Polyethylene / Nylon.......................................................................................................................... Conduits
Back-up battery .................................................................................................................. Nickel / Lead/ Lithium

- 21 -