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Actuator STIM

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Kang Lee

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actuatoractuatorTEDSDACDI/OAddress Logic NCAP  Actuator STIM
Above is a detailed diagram of a Actuator STIM. Click on any element for further explanation.
(Text Description)
What is a STIM?

A Smart Transducer Interface Module(STIM) is a module that contains TEDS,logic to implement the transducer interface, the transducer(s) and any signal conversion or signal conditioning. It consists of 1 to 255 sensors or actuators or any combination of them, DAC, ADC and Digital I/O to interface the sensors or actuators. It also consists of conversion circuitry, address logic, and digital electronics or microprocessors to convert the sensor readings into digital form, or to convert digital output to manipulate actuators to and from the network. The address logic facilitates communication between the STIM and an NCAP. Through the NCAP sensor data is passed to a network. When a STIM contains more than one transducer, it may be referred to as a multichannel STIM or a multi variable STIM.

When power is applied to the STIM, the information that it carries in the TEDS is made available to the NCAP for local usage, and for distribution to the rest of the network as necessary. Once the TEDS is read, the NCAP knows how fast it can communicate with the STIM, how many channels the STIM has, and the data format of each channel. It can then send information to the STIM, or ask the sensor to perform a reading or get information about readings from the sensor.

What is an actuator STIM?

A STIM that contains one or more actuators would be called an actuator STIM. If the actuator is a solenoid or valve actuator, it would be called a solenoid STIM, or a valve STIM respectively.

How is an actuator STIM set?

To set an actuator, a 5-step process can be used:

  1. Convert a setting in SI units to a raw actuator setting using constants stored in TEDs.
  2. Select the channel (the actuator that the information will be sent to)  
  3. Write the raw actuator setting.  
  4. Trigger the actuator.  
  5. Wait until the STIM indicates the action is complete.  

What can an actuator STIM be used for?

An actuator STIM can be used to control analog actuators and digital output ac

Created December 28, 2009, Updated February 10, 2011