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The front panel keyboard is attached to some of U7’s input port pins (PB.0 through PB.7, and PC.4).
Resistor networks R42/R43 serve as “pull-ups” and keep the input pins at a “high” state (+5V) until a key
switch is pressed; this pulls the respective input pin “low” (0V). The microcomputer will recognize this key
press when it reads the input pins from U7 and if the key remains closed for number of milliseconds the
microcomputer will execute that key’s function.
A four position “DIP” (dual in-line package) switch, SW1, may be optionally included. It is connected to
U7’s “C” port, lines PC.0 through PC.3. It is used to select software contained in U7.
A small audio annunciator is driven by transistor Q3, which in turn is controlled by U7’s output pin PA.7.
The annunciator gives a short beep as audible recognition of a key being pressed. The length of the beep
and its various sequences are controlled by U10’s software. Additional output lines of U7 are used to
control the driver for annunciator lamps on the display.
Non-Volatile Memory
The internal memory of microcomputer U10 does not retain data when the power is switched off. Because
some features of the scale may require lasting data retention (such as last weight recall) integrated circuit
U is included. This device, called an “electrically erasable programmable read only memory”, or “EEPROM”
will store selected information for periods of up to 100 years.
Information needed to be stored to or retrieved from U is sent in serial form using the lines SCL (serial
clock) and SDA (serial data). These are controlled by microcomputer U10. A data bit (a high or low level)
is sent and received on SDA when the SCL line provides a pulse.
Resistors R54/R55 are provided as pull-ups on the SCL/SDA lines to insure the data and clock pulses are
properly shaped. Capacitor C36 improves power supply bypassing.
Rest Generation
In order for microcomputer U10 to properly execute its software instructions it must be initialized to the start
of the program when power is first turned on. Reset pin 9 of U10 will accomplish this when it is set “high”.
A reset pulse of approximately 200 mS is automatically generated by “watchdog timer” U11 when the Vcc
level rises above 4.65 volts. If Vcc is below 4.65 volts, the reset line stays “high”, keeping the
microcomputer U10 in an inactive state. The reset pulse is also connected to port expander U7.
Display Board
Presentation of the weight information is performed by the model 2DSDP display board. It incorporates
LED (light-emitting diode) digits and annunciators to provide a clear, bright, easy-to-read display.
The weight value is displayed on six, 0.51” high common cathode digits. These are driven in a multiplexed
fashion (one digit on at a time) by LED driver U1. U1 receives the digit display information from the
microcomputer’s parallel data bus (DB0-DB7) and automatically performs the multiplexing function.
Resistor package RP1 sets the operating current level for the displays.
A variety of LED annunciator lamps are contained on the front panel to indicate “POUNDS”, “OUNCES”, or
“GRAMS”, and “LO BATT”. These annunciator lamps contain multiple LED’s to provide an evenly
illuminated surface. They are driven by integrated circuit U2. U2 receives the on/off information for the
annunciators from microcomputer U10 via port expander circuit U7. Resistor packs RP2 and RP3 provide
current limiting for the annunciators. Display boards 22DSP R01, 22DSP R02 and 22DSP R03 are all
equivalent in operation with some minor changes in board layout to improve spacing. Some minor
differences in connections to the terminals of the resistor networks were also made to improve spacing’s.