Network device interface for digitally interfacing data channels to a controller via a network
US7552256B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 10, 2007 |
| Grant date | Jun 23, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 15, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L2012/4028
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A communications system and method are provided for digitally connecting a plurality of data channels, such as sensors, actuators, and subsystems, to a controller using a network bus. The network device interface interprets commands and data received from the controller and polls the data channels in accordance with these commands. Specifically, the network device interface receives digital commands and data from the controller, and based on these commands and data, communicates with the data channels to either retrieve data in the case of a sensor or send data to activate an actuator. Data retrieved from the sensor is converted into digital signals and transmitted to the controller. Network device interfaces associated with different data channels can coordinate communications with the other interfaces based on either a transition in a command message sent by the bus controller or a synchronous clock signal.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.