Input/output section for an intelligent cell which provides sensing, bidirectional communications and control
US5113498A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 4, 1990 |
| Grant date | May 12, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 4, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY04S40/121
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A network for providing sensing, communications and control is described. A plurality of intelligent cells each of which comprises an integrated circuit having a processor and input/output section are coupled to the network. Each of the programmable cells receives when manufactured a unique identification number (48 bits) which remains permanently within the cell. The cells can be coupled to different media such as power lines, twisted, pair, radio frequency, infrared ultrasonic, optical coaxial, etc., to form a network. The preferred embodiment of the cell includes a multiprocessor and multiple I/O subsections where any of the processors can communicate with any of the I/O subsections. This permits the continual execution of a program without potential interruptions caused by interfacing with the I/O section. The I/O section includes programmable A-to-D and programmable D-to-A converters as well as other circuits for other modes of operation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.