Serial data bus communication system
US4409656A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 21, 1981 |
| Grant date | Oct 11, 1983 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 21, 2001 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F13/366
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A node device for use in a digital data processing and communications system of the type utilizing a bus organization for facilitating the interconnection of a large plurality of digital data processing devices (user devices) in which redundant cables are employed. The node devices are interposed between the user devices and the redundant cables to permit automatic reconfiguration of the interconnection of the user devices in the event of malfunctioning or severing of one or more of the cable sets within a minimum period of time. The node devices provide the user devices with the structure needed to detect and diagnose system problems and to effect recovery procedures. In accordance with the invention, one of the plurality of nodes functions as the Bus Controller and by sampling the remaining nodes in the system, it determines the priority with which user devices may transmit or receive data over the bus. Each of the nodes employed is substantially identical and any one may be selected to function as the Bus Controller. Each includes a Microprogrammed Controller and necessary firmware to permit the controller to function in conjunction with special purpose hardware including a Prog…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.