Synchronization sequences
In many applications, the synchronization interface is based on an RS-232 serial port. When you connect two systems for synchronisation using the Clear to Send (CTS) and Request to Send (RTS) signals, one system must set up as a "Master", and the other as a "Slave". When the EK80 system is "Master" in a hydroacoustic system, the synchronization can take place in Free running or Wait for slave modes.
Slave mode
When the EK80 system is set up in Slave mode, it must receive a trigger signal from a peripheral system every time it shall be permitted to transmit. This trigger signal is connected to a serial port on the Processor Unit, and the Clear To Send (CTS) signal is used to give the EK80 system an "event" message. The message is processed and will - if the previous ping has been finished - send a new ping.
To acknowledge the trigger, the EK80 system sets the Ready To Send (RTS) signal to a logic "low" before the ping. This indicates that the EK80 system is "busy".
Once the transmission and reception sequence ends, the EK80 system sets the Ready To Send (RTS) signal to a logic "high". This indicates that the EK80 system is ready for the next ping.
Master mode
When the EK80 system is "Master" in a hydroacoustic system, the synchronization can take place in Free running or Wait for slave modes.
•  Synchronization in Free running mode
When in Free running mode, the EK80 system will ping as fast as possible, setting its Ready to Send (RTS) signal to a logic "high" at start of each ping, and back to logic "low” at the end of the ping. The "Slave" system is triggered the when the Ready to Send (RTS) signal goes from "low" to "high".
•  Synchronization in Wait for slave mode
When in Wait for slave mode, the EK80 system will wait for a logic "high" Clear to Send (CTS) signal from the "Slave" system before it starts a new ping sequence. This is the "ready to ping" acknowledge from the "Slave" system.
Note
If you use the EK80 system as "Master" to control two "Slave" systems, you must connect a single cable (plus ground) from the Ready to Send (RTS) signal on the Master system to the Clear to Send (CTS) inputs on both "Slave" systems. The return signals from the Ready to Send (RTS) outputs on the "Slave" systems can not be connected.