Bidirectional communication and control network with programmable microcontroller interfacing digital ICs transmitting in serial format to controlled product

摘要

The invention relates to a bi-directional communication and control system which includes a common network line over which messages are transmitted in a specific message format and a plurality of hardware based digital IC's which are coupled to said common network line and are arranged to receive messages from and transmit messages to said network line in said specific format. Specifically, the invention concerns a multipurpose two-way communication device which is connected to one of said digital ICs, said device being operable in a master mode in which said device interfaces an external controller to said network line through said connected digital IC so that said external controller can act as the master controller for said plurality of digital ICs coupled to said common network line. The multipurpose device is also operable in an expanded slave mode in which a controlled product connected to the multipurpose device is interfaced to said network line through said connected digital IC so that a master controller on said network line can transmit messages to and receive messages from said product through the series combination of said digital IC and said multipurpose device.