Micromod MOD: 1731N ICN Mini-Link Users Guide - Manual (Page 5)

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INTRODUCTION
SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 DESCRIPTION
The 1731N Mini Link with 1732N ICN Interface Board, Figure 1-1, provides a general
purpose serial interface to MOD 30 and MODCELL instruments via the Instrument
Communications Network (ICN). The 1731N Mini Link supports one ICN and the 1732N
ICN Interface Board supports a second ICN. The Mini Link provides intelligent buffers that
enable the operation of higher level devices (such as personal or other computers) by:
• Assembling display and tuning information for a number of instruments and storing the
data in block format. This relieves the host from executing individual requests and
improves the efficiency of the communications.
• Permitting the host device to download and upload instrument configuration
information. This enables instrument configuration to be performed at a central
location using a personal computer that can easily display, manipulate and document
data.
• Permitting limited peer-to-peer communications between ICNs.
• Providing diagnostic checks for message validity resulting in secure general purpose
serial interfaces to the ICN.
• Off-loading trend functions when supported by the host application software.
Figure 1-1. Mini Link Module
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1-1