MICROSCAN is a versatile temperature scanner based on the latest single chip

Microcontroller. It can accept temperature inputs from 32 channels from RTD-PT100

sensors and converts the temperature, displays the measured temperature value
alongwith the channel number. The scanner is provided with adequate compensation
circuit to take care of lead length compensation upto a maximum of 1 km.

1.0. Salient features of MICROSCAN

1.1. Input – PT100 RTD sensor

The scanner can be used to measure temperature of multi points by sensing
input from 3 wire PT100 type RTDs. The scanner displays direct temperature
values in Deg. C, automatically linearising for the input. Also necessary lead
length compensation is built in to take care for cable lengths of upto 1 km.
1.2. Relay Outputs
The scanner has provision for upto 16 open collector outputs for driving 16 relays
which can be assigned to generate Alarm and Trip functions of the input
channels. With the powerful keyboard functions, alarm and trip settings can be
programmed individually for channels, the channels can be easily grouped and
these relays can be assigned for the alarm and trip functions of these groups.
1.3. Display & Keyboard section
A versatile and user friendly display board forms the front panel of the scanner.
This has got displays to display the temperature values and channel numbers, 32
triple color leds for displaying individual channel’s alarm, trip and open/short
status. Another 2 numbers leds to indicate communication status and auto /
manual mode of display and a power on led. There are 4 touch sensitive keys
through which the required operational parameters can be viewed / altered.
1.4. Serial Communication with Multi port & MODBUS protocol
The scanner is optionally provided with a Multi port(RS232C / RS485 / RS422)
and MODBUS slave RTU protocol to enable the connectivity of the scanner in
multidrop network to any PLC / SCADA / DCS system and the temperature
values of all the channels can be downloaded in them. The signals from these
ports are terminated on a D9 connector. Any one of these ports can be used for
communication by tapping the signals at he appropriate pins.
1.5. Universal Input Power Supply
The Scanner is provided with an Universal input SMPS, which works from 90 to
270 V AC or DC. This SMPS, in turn generates the necessary DC voltages for
the operation of the instrument.
2.0 Hardware Description
MICROSCAN is designed around a powerful single chip Microcontroller. This
Microcontroller has built in Flash Memory for storing the main program, EEPROM for
storing the various settings required for configuration and operation of the unit,
peripheral for inputs and outputs.
The scanner has 4 modules namely
 The CPU module
 The Display & Keyboard Module
 The Power Supply module &
 The External Relay modules.
The function of each module is explained below.
2.1. CPU Module The heart of this module is the single chip microcontroller. In addition
it has got necessary circuits for analog input acquistion, analog to digital convertor
circuitry, eight open collector relay drivers, display driver, communication circitry and
watch dog timer. This is connected with the other modules through flat cables.
2.2. Display & Keyboard Module This is a very versatile module forming the front panel
of the scanner. It has got the the following components:
 A bank of 5 numbers seven segment LED displays (size -0.5”) for temperature value
display.
 Three numbers seven segment LED displays (size-05”) for channel number display.
 One triple color LED per channel to indicate the Alarm/Trip/Open or Short status.
This LED will flash or glow in Green color for Alarm, in Red color for Trip and in
Yellow color for Open or Short faults.
 One number red LED to indicate the communication status.
 One LED to indicate the AUTO/MANUAL mode of display.
 One Power ON LED to indicate the healthiness of power supply to the scanner.
 Four numbers feather touch keys namely MODE, UP, DOWN and REG keys for
viewing / altering different parameter settings that are required for the operation of
the scanner.
The keyboard functions and the operation of the keyboard are described in detail in
Chapter 3.
2.3. Power Supply Module This is an Universal input Switch Mode Power Supply
(SMPS), which accepts the power input and generates different DC voltages necessary
for the operation of the scanner. This works on a wide input range of input supply from
90 to 270 V either AC or DC and has got necessary surge protection circuits built-in, to
eliminate any spike / noise that is usually present in the adverse industrial environment.
Optionally the scanner can be provided with a power supply suitable for 24 V DC
operation.
2.4. External Relay Modules These are DIN rail mountable external modules and can
have upto a maximum of 8 Relays in each, for generating the Alarm & Trip functions.
These modules are connected to the scanner through two coaxial cables. The contacts
of the Relays are termianted on terminal blocks, suitable for taking upto 1.5 sq. mm
cable, so that the field wires can be straight away connected to these TBs.
3.0. Keyboard operations and display messages
The scanner is provided with powerful keyboard operations with 4 simple keys to
configure alter the setting of different parameters values.
Normally, the Major Display will be displaying measured temperature value and the
channel number display the channel number.
However, when the keyboard is operated this major display, displays the short form
commands to enable the user to identify the function selected for operation and the
parameter settings as stored in the EEPROM.
3.1. Normal Display Mode and Program Display Mode
The Normal Display mode is the one in which the measured temperature value is
displayed in the Display.
The Program Display Mode is the one in which the user can either view / alter the
stored settings against each function. Whenever the keyboard is operated the scanner
switches to this mode.
Irrespective of whether in Normal Display or Program Display mode, the scanner
accepts the inputs continuously from the sensors, converts the temperature values,
validate the measured input for respective alarm and trip settings and generate
corresponding Alarm or Trip outputs, in the event of the temperature value of any
particular channel exceeding the set values, communicate through the ports.
Under Program Display Mode there are two modes provided for viewing / altering the
settings namely
a) Verify Mode in which the parameter values stored in EEPROM against the
selected function, are displayed in the major display.
Here the user can only view the settings and cannot alter them.
b) Program Mode in which the user can both view the present settings as well
alter them, if needed. Here also the present value of the parameter setting is
displayed in the major display display.
In this mode of the value in one of the 4 digits will be flahing enabling the user to
alter the value for this digit. This is the ditinction between the Verify Mode &
Program Mode.
There parameters are grouped into two, one, Non Critical (where the alteration in
parameter settings does not have any effect on the performance of the scanner and field
section) and two, Citical (where the settings do effect the performance and field
section).
The non critcal functions are Acknowledging the flashing of LEDs, putting the scanner in
Auto or Manual mode, lamp testing the leds and changing the display scan time.
Whereas, the critical settings are changing the alarm & trip set values, grouping &
outputs, communication settings etc. Since these settings are very critical, to prevent
any unauthorised person from changing these settings, a Password in the form of a
number lock (4 digit number) is provided.
The very first function under keyboard operation (which is explained below) is Password
Entry. Unless the correct password is given, the Critical parameter settings cannot be
altered. However, this restirction does not apply for Non Critical parameter settings. If the
password entered is not the vaid one, the scanner will come back to normal mode of
displaying the temperature values.
To enter the Verify Mode, the password function can be skipped and the next function
can be selected.
Now each of the keyboard functions are explained
The parameter settings are stored in the EEPROM of the Microcontroller. For each
function the minimum & maximum settings are fixed and any alterations is permitted only
within these limits.
The method of operation for the keyboard is common for all the functions and the basics
are briefed first. Next the details of each function is explained and finally, the Minimum,
Maximum and default Factory Set values for each function are given.

User should distinguish between the Verify & Program modes. In verify mode,
he can only view the settings against each function but cannot alter them. Only
in the Program these settings can be altered.

3.2. Method for keyboard operations

When the MODE key is pressed, the display switches from the Normal Display mode to
Program Display mode and for each press of MODE the next keyboard function is
selected. First the messages in the form of alphanumeric display are displayed for each
press of MODE key. To enter any particular function, the REG should be pressed, when
the required function is displayed. For channel, group and output related parameters the
channel number display will start flashing with the initial number of 01 enabling the
selection of the required channel number/ group/ output number. Any other channel /
group / output can be selected by using UP or DOWN keys. Next the REG should be
pressed again. Now the parameter value for the selected function and channel as stored
in the EEPROM will be displayed on the major display. Depending on the Verify or
Program mode the user can view and or alter the parameter settings.
In the Program Mode, once the required channel and function is selected, the right most
digit on the Major Display will be flashing, indicating that the data for this digit can now
be altered. The user can change the present data to a new one by pressing UP or
DOWN. After changing the value for this digit, the other digits can be selected by
pressing MODE & UP or MODE & DOWN keys together to go to left or right digit
respectively. Thus after changing the data in all the digits to a new required value, the
user should press the REG key to store the new setting in the EEPROM.
This is the basic keyboard operation common for all the functions. The scanner comes
back to Normal Display mode after the last function is completed. Any time in the middle,
if the user wants to terminate the Program mode and come to Normal Display mode, he
can do so by pressing both the MODE & REG key together.
Note: While terminating the Program Mode in the middle by pressing the MODE & REG
keys, any parameter that was in the process of modifications will be not be updated in
the EEPROM and only the old value will be retained.
Now the different functions are explaind below.
1.PASS When the MODE key is pressed for the first time, this function is selected. When
REG key is pressed the display will start flashing the number 9999. To enter into
Program Mode the correct Password should be entered. Unless the correct Password is
entered the Program Mode will not be selected and only Verify will be selected and the
user can only verify the settings in the EEPROM.
To go to verify mode or changing the settings of Non Critical parameters, the MODE key,
no password is required. The user can go to next function by pressing MODE key again
instead of REG key.
2.ACG The next function is Acknowledge. Whenever, the temperature of any channel
exceeds the Alarm or Trip value set against that channel or when the input sensor gets
open or short circuited, the respective LED on the front panel will start flashing. This
function will acknowledge such faults and the LEDs will glow steady.
3.LTEST This is to test the healthiness of all the LEDs on the front panel. When this
function is selected all the 32 leds on the front panel will falsh in Green, Red & Yellow
colors sequentially.
4.AUTO This is to put the display mode of the scanner to either AUTO or MANUAL
mode of display. If AUTO mode is selected, all the selected channel and their
temperature values are displayed one after the other in sequence, once in the time
interval set by SCAN function. In Manual mode any particular channel and its
temperature is displayed. Here the user can go to other channels by pressing UP or
DOWN key.
The Auto or Manual mode is indicated by the A/M led on the fron panel. Led ON
indicates, Auto mode and OFF indicates Manual mode.
When this function is selected the present status either AUTO or MANUAL (HOLD) will
be displayed. When the REG key is pressed, the current status, either AUTO or
MANUAL(HOLD) message is displayed. To select Auto mode press UP and to select
Manual(HOLD) press DOWN key and register it with REG key.
5.SCAN This is to set the Scan time for display of channels in AUTO mode.
Functions 2 to 5 are non critical in nature, as they do not affect the performance of the
unit and hence does not require password entry for altering the settings..
THE FOLLOWING FUNCTIONS, REQUIRE VALID PASSWORD ENTRY FOR
ALTERING THEIR SETTINGS.
6.IPST This enables the user to skip any unwanted channel from scanning. Any skipped
will not be considered for output validation or Communication.
When this function followed by the required channel is selected, the present status of the
channel, either selected (CHADD) or skipped (CHDEL) message is dispayed. Also, the
LED bank, LEDs for all the selected channels will glow in RED color and those for the
skipped channels will be OFF.
To change the status of any channel, press UP (from CHDEL to CHADD) or DOWN
(from CHADD to CHDEL) key to effect the change and register the change by pressing
REG key.
Normally, there will be two types of errors, that appears in the electronic instruments.
They are,
(a) ZERO (OFST) – which will be constant through out the measuring range.
For example, if there is –2.0 deg C, then the instrument will measure 48.0 deg instead of
50.0, 98.0 deg. instead of 100.0 and so on. This error is known as zero or ofset error.
(b) GAIN (SPAN) – which will vary linearly with the input.
If there is +1% error at the input, then the instrument will measure 50.5 deg instead of
50.0 deg, 99.0 deg instead of 100.0 and so on . This error is known as Gain or Span
error. The following two functions correct these errors.
7.OFSET This is to correct any zero error, if present, in any channel. The correction can
be either positive or negative.
8.SPAN This is to correct any gain error, if present, in any channel. This again can be
either positive or negative.
+/- (Actual value - Measured value) x 100
(Measured value)

9.ALSET This is to program the Alarm set point for individual channel.
10.TRSET This is to program the Trip set point for individual channel.
MICROSCAN is built in with very powerful and user friendly features, which allow the
user to configure various parameters at the field. This eliminates any need for factory
programming many of the critical functions such as grouping of channels, assigning the
relay outputs for different functions, assigning the station number and selecting the baud
rate in case of communication etc. All these functions are field programmable, allowing
the user to easily configure the scanner to suit his application. Following are such
functions some of such funcitons.
11.GROUP This is to group the channels as per the requirement of the application.
When this function is selected followed by the group number, the display shows the
channels grouped in that particular channel. The left 2 digits (left bank) display the
starting channel number in the group and the right 2 digits (right bank) the ending
channel number in the group. Also on the LED bank LEDs corresponding to the selected
channels in a particular group will glow in RED color.
In Program Mode, the left bank will be blinking enabling the user to change it to a
different one. Once the required number is entered, pressing MODE & UP or MODE &
DOWN keys together will make the the display on the other bank to blink and allows the
user to change the data for that.
Putting zero in any one of the banks will remove all the channels from the group.
NOTE 1 The number on the left bank should be the starting number and hence, should
be lesser than the right bank. Trying to enter a greater number in the left bank with
respect to the right bank will not update the EEPROM. Instead a ERROR message will
be displayed.
NOTE 2 The maximum number of groups possible = Number of Relay Outputs opted / 2.
12.OUTPT Once the channels are grouped into the required fashion, the relay outputs
can be assigned to one of the possible configurations, such as Group 1 Alarm (GR1A),
Group 2 Trip (GR2T). This function allows the user to assign the relay outputs.
When this function is selected, the channel number display is used to indicate the output
Relay number and the configuration presently made for this output relay is displayed on
the major display.
In Program Mode, the user can change output function for the selected Relay number by
pressing the UP or DOWN keys. The possible functions are GR1A (Group 1 Alarm),
GR1T (Group 1 Trip), GR2A (Group 2 Alarm), GR2T (Group 2 Trip), GR3A (Group 3
Alarm) and so on.
NOTE 1 Assigning ZERO value to any output will inactivate the relay.
NOTE 2 The maximum number of outputs = Number of Relay Outputs opted.
13.DELAY In the adverse industrial environment, there will be lot of electrical noises
present. This will result in sudden surge to the input supply of the instruments. Because
of this the measured values tend to suddenly overshoot or undershoot from the actual
values. This phenomenon will be present only for a fraction of a second, there after the
measured value returns to its original value.
Under circumstances, based on such erraneous input readings, activation/deactivation
of the output relays, will result in nuisance activation. This function, as explained below
will help eliminating such nuisance activation.
For each ourput relay, a time delay, in steps of 0.1 secs can be programmed against this
function. Whenever, there is any abnormality in the sensed input, the scanner will wait
for this duration of time and activates the corresponding relay output, only if the fault
condition is present through out this period. In other words, this timer is retriggerable and
gets reset, if the input returns to normalcy before the elapse of this time.
14.STNO MICROSCAN has got an optional communication feature.
The scanner can be connected in a Multidrop network, using either the RS485 or RS422
communication port provided or through the RS232C port.
The scanner is provided with industry MODBUS RTU Slave protocol, allowing the
scanner to get connects to any standard SCADA / PLC / DCS.
The user can program the Station Number for the scanner, required for the multi drop
network.
NOTE The allowed Station Number is from 1 to 32.
15.BAUD The user can program the baud rate required for communication, against this
function. The user can select from 1,200 to 19,200 bauds as baud rate for
communication.
Refer Annexure for Communication details.
This is the last function under Verify Mode.
16.SETP This is the last function under Program mode. This allows the user to alter the
PASSWORD of the scanner. Because of its importance, this function cannot be viewed
in Verify Mode.
NOTE 1 The permitted value for Password is between 0000 to 9989. The factory set
Password id 9989.
NOTE 2 Because of its importance, it is highly recommended that the user on the first
instance, change the factory set password to a different one and does not reveal it to
any unauthorised person.
The table below gives the permitted range and factory set values for each function.

Factory Min. Max.

Sl.No Function
Set Value Value Value
1 PASS 9999 0000 9999
2 ACG - - -
3 LTEST - - -
4 AUTO AUTO HOLD AUTO
5 SCAN (secs) 2.0 0.5 9.9
IPST
6 CADD CDEL CADD
(All channels)
OFSET
7 0.0 -19.9 +19.9
(All channels)
SPAN
8 0.0 -9.9 +9.9
(All channels)
ALSET
9 120.0 0.0 400.0
(All channels)
TRSET
10 130.0 0.0 400.0
(All channels)
11 GROUP 1 1–3 0 1 – 32
GROUP 2 4–6 0 1 – 32
GROUP 3 7–8 0 1 – 32
--- -- -- --
GROUP 16 31 – 32 0 1 – 32
13 OUTPT 1 GR1T GR1A GR16T
OUTPT 2 GR2T GR1A GR16T
OUTPT 3 GR3T GR1A GR16T
--- -- -- --
OUTPT 16 GR16T GR1A GR16T
14 DELAY (secs) 1.0 0.0 9.9
(All channels)
15 STNO 1 1 32

16 BAUD 9,600 1,200 19,200

Communication Pariculars The scanner is provided with RS485 communication port
with industry standard MODBUS RTU SLAVE protocol. With this feature the scanner
can be hooked on to any PLC or SCADA, which can act as MODBUS Master and the
Temperature Values can be downloaded from the scanner.

The function code for can be either 3 or 4. That is the user can read from 300xx or
400xx, where xx stands for the channel number.
The query message from the PLC / SCADA / DCS must be as follows:
Table-1
Query from Master Data (Hex)
Field Name
Slave Address 01 to 20
Function 03 or 04
Starting Address Hi (MSB of start chnl. No) 00
Starting Address Lo (LSB of start chnl no.) 00
No. of Channels Hi (MSB) 00
No. of Channels Lo (LSB) 08 or 0c
CRC (LSB) --
CRC (MSB) --
The response message from the scanner will be as follows:
Table-2
Response from Slave Data (Hex)
Field Name
Slave Address 01 to 20
Function 03 or 04
Byte Count Xx
Data Hi for the start chnl (MSB) Xx
Data Lo for the start chnl (LSB) Xx
Data Hi for the next chnl (MSB) Xx
Data Lo for the next chnl (LSB) Xx

Data Hi for the last chnl (MSB) Xx

Data Lo for the last chnl (LSB) Xx
CRC (LSB) --
CRC (MSB) --
One red LED is provided on the front panel to indicate the communication status of the
scanner. This will flash, when the received data is proper and the transmission is ok.
Following care should be taken, while connecting the scanners in multi drop network:
1. No two slave instruments should be assigned the same station numbers. This will
result in clash of data and either one or both will not respond to communication.
2. In scanner, the baud rate programmed, should match with the communication
channel.
3. The scanner is provided with the configuration of 8 data bits, 1 stop bit & No parity. If
the communication is attempted for any other configuration, then the scanner will not
respond to the queries.
4. The number of channels for which information is asked for from the scanner, should
not exceed the maximum number of channels of the scanner.
5. Finally, the scanner is provided with debug mode for decoding what information is
transmitted or received by the scanner. This is explained below:
 Under Password, enter 9991 followed by REG key. Then the scanner will display the
internal registers on the major display with the register numbers against the channel
number display.
 Registers 72 to 79 will display the data received from Master in the order shown in
Table 1, that is Register 72 will display the received station number, 73 function code
and so on. Finally registers 77 & 78 will display the CRC(LSB) & CRC(MSB)
received.
 Note Only, when the received stream is ok till the CRC, the scanner will register
these values in the respective registers. If the received data is not proper, the
scanner will discard the data stream and fill zero in these registers and will not
respond to the query.
 Similarly, the transmitted data can be view from registers 80 onwards. Refer Table-2
for the transmitted stream.

Important notes

1. The transmitted temperature values will be in hex format and it will be x10 of the
instantaneous temperature value displayed on the scanner display.

For example, for 103.7 Deg C it will transmit 040DH, with the MSB 0D hex in the first
byte and the LSB 04 hex in the second byte.

2. For Open channels, the Hex value transmitted will be 7F00 and for Short channels, it
will be 8000 hex.