Interbus chip makes bus design easier

OEMs who want to build small Interbus systems for specialized applications now have a low-cost integrated circuit which simplifies the design task. Called Interbus UART, the chip allows users to cost-effectively configure their own Interbus masters for systems that may involve as few as six intelligent factory devices.

Typical Interbus systems consist of hundreds or even thousands of nodes, usually hosted by a PC or programmable controller. This requires a "master" controller card with an Interbus ASIC, a Motorola 68332 microcontroller, and Interbus firmware.

By contrast, the Interbus UART implements the same master controller functions, but works with any microprocessor and uses free software available from the Interbus Club's web site. It does not have the functionality of a full master, but is suitable for scaled-down systems.

"We developed the UART chip to cover all the small and simple solutions where a bus system is needed," explains Dipl.-Ing. Martin Muller, manager of system marketing for Phoenix Contact. "For example, drive manufacturers told us they wanted to connect several drives together to build multiaxis motion control systems. Previously, their only option was to use CAN chips and build proprietary solutions, because the Interbus master card was too sophisticated and expensive for them."

For additional details, contact Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co., P.O.B. 1341, D-32819 Blomberg, Germany; Tel: +49 52 35 34 1845; Fax: +49 52 35 34 1825 or http:www.interbusclub.com