LORENZ MESSTECHNIK GmbH

Brief Description of
Digital Interfaces

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 LORENZ MESSTECHNIK GmbH
Imprint

Manufacturer, Place Lorenz Messtechnik GmbH, D-73553 Alfdorf.

Valid for... Sensors and Measuring Amplifiers with RS485 or USB-Interface and
implemented Lorenz-Protocol
Copyright © 2006 Lorenz Messtechnik GmbH, Alfdorf.
Reprint Interdiction Reprints, even in extracts, only with written authority.
Modification Technical changes reserved.

References in this Text

3 Product Description; Page 3
At USB-Interfaces, the interface must supply sufficient energy for the sensor.
See data sheet for the maximum cable length.

3.3 The USB-Interface; Page 4

For the communication, drivers must be installed on the PC.

Contents
1 Read First.............................................................................................................................................. 3
1.1 Safety and Caution Symbols.......................................................................................................... 3
1.2 Intended Use.................................................................................................................................. 3
1.3 Dangers.......................................................................................................................................... 3
1.4 Personnel ....................................................................................................................................... 3
1.5 Warning Notes ............................................................................................................................... 3
2 Term Definitions .................................................................................................................................... 3
3 Product Description ............................................................................................................................... 3
3.1 The RS232-Interface...................................................................................................................... 4
3.2 The RS485-Interface...................................................................................................................... 4
3.3 The USB-Interface ......................................................................................................................... 4
4 Connection Options............................................................................................................................... 4
4.1 Direct Use of the RS485-Interface ................................................................................................. 4
4.2 Connection via Interface Converter to RS232 ............................................................................... 4
4.3 Use of Measuring Amplifier SI-RS485 ........................................................................................... 5
4.4 Connection via LCV-USB............................................................................................................... 5
4.5 The Visualization Software ............................................................................................................ 5
4.5.1 LabVIEW ................................................................................................................................. 5
4.5.2 Self-Provided Software ........................................................................................................... 5
5 The Communication Protocol................................................................................................................ 6
5.1 Standard Lorenz Protocol .............................................................................................................. 7
5.2 Speed Optimized Polling Mode...................................................................................................... 7
5.3 Speed Optimized Streaming Mode ................................................................................................ 7
6 Literature ............................................................................................................................................... 7

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1 Read First
1.1 Safety and Caution Symbols
Note:
Important points to be considered.

1.2 Intended Use

The Lorenz-Protocol for digital sensors is used for the communication of the sensor with an evaluation
device (e.g. PC).

1.3 Dangers
The software may not be used for other purposes.

1.4 Personnel
The Lorenz-Protocol is intended for software developers.

1.5 Warning Notes

Before usage, self-created software must be validated regarding the intended use.

2 Term Definitions
Digital Interface
The interfaces used, comply with the respective norms such as:
- RS485: EIA RS-485
- USB: http://www.usb.org

3 Product Description
The measuring chain is described on the picture below
Digital Evaluation
Physical size interface Device
r 12500
M
r Sensor Electronics
F
USB
m Electrical Slave Digital signal RS485 Master
signal RS232

In the sensor, the physical size to be measured such as torque, force, mass etc. is converted into an
analog electrical signal. In the electronics, this electrical signal is then converted into a digital signal which
can be read-out at the interface.
The digital interfaces, described here, provide a serial COM-Port. This means, that with suitable
converters the COM-Port can be addressed to devices or software created by the user.

At USB-Interfaces, the interface must supply sufficient energy for the sensor.
See data sheet for the maximum cable length.

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3.1 The RS232-Interface
The serial data transfer at a RS232-Interface occurs through a simple asynchronous procedure. Every bit
is transferred in sequence via a single data line.
Since the transfer occurs in asynchronous mode, there is no clock line for the synchronization of sender
and receiver. Precondition for a successful data transfer is for the sender and the receiver to operate in
the exact same clock and that the receiver is informed, when the first bit of the transfer starts.

3.2 The RS485-Interface

The RS485-Interface was developed as a serial high-speed data transfer for large distances. For our
sensors, we use the serial 2-wire half-duplex technology (half duplex = mutual operation, but the signal
can always be transferred to one direction, only). The transfer occurs through a differential data signal
(not mass-committed), by this, the data transfer becomes immune to interferences in the data line and it
allows considerably longer cables than mass-related transfer technologies such as the RS232 which is
conventional in the PC field.

3.3 The USB-Interface

This interface is also bit-serial which means that the data are transferred in sequence; by the differential
transfer, common-mode interferences are suppressed. Two lines are used for the transfer of the data and
two further lines are used for the current supply of connected devices. The USB-Specification requires a
Master (for example PC; measuring instrument etc.) with connected devices (Slave).
For the communication via an USB-Interface, drivers must be installed on the Master which enable an
addressable connected device like a serial interface. On the Master (PC) every connected device has its
own COM-Port.

For the communication, drivers must be installed on the PC.

4 Connection Options
Here are some connection options for sensors and measuring amplifiers with digital interface.

In principle, the communication is serial, which means that all terminal equipment which can process
serial signals in the binary format is suitable. Also, the development of PC programs in almost every
programming environment and every common operating system can be processed with this interface.

4.1 Direct Use of the RS485-Interface

RS485 Date
line RS485-Plug-in
card
Excitation 12 … 28 V DC
integrated in card

4.2 Connection via Interface Converter to RS232

RS485 Plug-in power supply 12 … 28 V DC

Serial COM-Port

RS232

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4.3 Use of Measuring Amplifier SI-RS485

SI-RS485

Serial COM-Port
Analog RS485
Sensor

10 … 30 V DC

4.4 Connection via LCV-USB

USB-Driver

LCV-USB
USB-
connection with
energy supply
Virtual COM-Port

Required components for the operation of the interface with visualization software:
Sensor with LCV-USB
Visualization software executable without installation
USB-Driver
Installation of the drivers for the USB-Interface
virtual COM-Port-Driver
USB-Dongle at complete version
• 3 additional LCV-USB
• store in file
• average determination
• tare

4.5 The Visualization Software

• USB; RS485; RS232
• presentation of the measured data
• read-out of measured data in CSV-file

4.5.1 LabVIEW
• USB; RS485; RS232-Interfaces
• LV-VI is available

4.5.2 Self-Provided Software

• Protocol description for digital sensors (090110)

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5 The Communication Protocol

In order for the Master (e.g. PC) to be able to communicate with the Slave (sensor), a protocol is required
which can exchange the data between Master and Slave. The protocol developed by Lorenz contains
• communication and control commands (Slave ⇔ Master)
(collect measured values, read-out errors, switching-in of calibration control, sensor
configuration, change of protocol adjustments)
• error messages (fetch through commands)
• checksums (for the back up of data)
• sensor data
read-out (manufacturing data, calibration values, baud rate, BUS-address)
adjust (calibration values, baud rate, BUS-address)
There are several optimized modes of operation which can be activated from the standard protocol
through the Master. The individual products with serial interface slightly differ from each other.

Figure: Characteristics of the protocols for sensors

SOSM = Speed Optimized Streaming Mode
SOPM = Speed Optimized Polling Mode

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5.1 Standard Lorenz Protocol
This protocol stands for a secured data transfer. The communication occurs in a fixed schematic in the
data frame, which is protected with checksums. This protocol is used for the configuration of the sensor or
the measuring amplifier and in environments for which a protected data transfer is more important than a
high bit rate. The protocol is completely BUS-capable, therefore it is conceivable to communicate to
several sensors or measuring amplifiers through a data line. The USB is excluded from this, because the
use as BUS is technically not possible.
The protocol can also be enlarged by own commands, so that self-provided products can specifically
communicate through this data BUS without restricting the function of sensors or measuring amplifiers of
Lorenz Messtechnik GmbH.
You can find a precise description of the protocol in document no. 090110.

5.2 Speed Optimized Polling Mode

This protocol stands for the transfer of a high measuring rate. Depending on the configuration, this
protocol can turn over up 5000 measurements/sec through the serial interface. Here, the securing of the
communication is renounced and the bandwidth of the interface is almost exclusively used for the transfer
of measuring data. This protocol can not be used in the bus operation parallel to other sensors.
You can find a precise description of the protocol in document no. 090110.

5.3 Speed Optimized Streaming Mode

Protocol for the transfer with high measuring rates, because an overhead for the benefit of the bit rate
was renounced here as well. This protocol enables the receipt of a specified number of measured values
without having to worry about the clocking. This protocol uses the basic transfer functions of the Lorenz
Standard Protocol.
The Speed Optimized Streaming Mode can not be used parallel to other sensors in the BUS operation
mode.
You can find a precise description of the protocol in document no. 090110.

6 Literature
Lorenz Protocol, document no. 090110, Lorenz Messtechnik GmbH
090235 Driver Installation Description for Sensor-Interface LCV-USB
EIA RS-485, Description of the Serial Interface RS485
EIA RS-232-C (Electronic Industries Association (EIA) standard)
http://www.usb.org, Information regarding the use of the USB

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