Computer to fieldbus control system interface

摘要

An interface device for interfacing a computer to a Fieldbus control system thereby allowing the computer to configure, control, and monitor components such as sensors and actuators which are coupled to the Fieldbus. The interface device connects to a serial port of the computer and to a Fieldbus, providing the necessary formatting of data and conditioning of signals exchanged between the Fieldbus and the computer. The interface device is powered entirely or partially from the computer via the serial port and thus does not further load a Fieldbus to which it is connected. The interface device is also portable and is thus well suited for interfacing a portable computer to a Fieldbus system in the control room or the field, e.g., close to the Fieldbus components to be monitored or controlled.