Micromod MOD: 1732N, 1733N External Mini-Link Users Guide - Manual (Page 5)

IB-23C004
INTRODUCTION
SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 DESCRIPTION
The 1733N Mini Link/EXT (External) 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 1733N Mini Link/EXT supports one ICN
and the 1732N ICN Interface Board supports a second ICN. The External 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. 1733N Mini Link/EXT
1-1