초록 ▼

A low cost, multipurpose digital IC is used as the basic building block in establishing a network communication system over a desired communication link. The digital IC can function as an addressable microcomputer interface between the network line and a remotely located microcomputer which may, for

A low cost, multipurpose digital IC is used as the basic building block in establishing a network communication system over a desired communication link. The digital IC can function as an addressable microcomputer interface between the network line and a remotely located microcomputer which may, for example, comprise any microprocessor based controlled product. In such mode, the digital IC\s function is to take data from the network and pass it on to the remotely located microcomputer upon command from the central controller and to transmit data from the microcomputer to the central controller. The digital IC may also function as a nonaddressable microcomputer interface between the central or master controller and the network line. In such case the digital IC\s function is to continuously take data from the central controller and place it on the network and take data from the network and pass it back to the central controller. The digital IC may also function as an addressable load controller associated with an individual remote controlled device and responding to shed or restore load commands from the central controller over the network line. When so used the digital IC may also be commanded to transmit a reply message back to the central controller giving information as to the status of the controlled device, thus enabling the central controller to monitor a large number of remotely located controllable devices.

대표청구항 ▼

A multi purpose two way communication device connected to a communication network line for receiving plural bit digital signal messages from and transmitting plural bit digital signal messages to a central controller also connected to said network line, said device comprising a single hard-wired dig

A multi purpose two way communication device connected to a communication network line for receiving plural bit digital signal messages from and transmitting plural bit digital signal messages to a central controller also connected to said network line, said device comprising a single hard-wired digital-logic integrated circuit, said device being operable in a first mode in which said device includes means for receiving and decoding a digital signal message from said central controller and means responsive to the decoded message for executing a control function in accordance with an instruction contained in the decoded message, said device also being operable in a second expanded service mode which includes means responsive to a different decoded message for establishing an interface to a microcomputer, said device in said second mode including means for storing a received message until such time as said microcomputer decides to read out said stored message over said established interface, a digital signal message received from said network including a plurality of instruction bits and a control bit, means for storing the bits of a received message in said device, means operable in said first mode and in response to a stored control bit of predetermined value for executing a control function in accordance with a first combination of stored instruction bits, and means operable in said expanded mode and in response to a control bit of said predetermined value for establishing said interface in accordance with a second combination of stored instruction bits.