Abstract: A module interfaces a programmable controller to several serial communication networks over which data may be exchanged according to different protocols. A module has a central controller and a separate port circuit for each of the networks. Each port circuit includes a microprocessor and a shared memory to which both the central controller and the port microprocessor have access for the exchange of data. The central controller transfers data from the shared memories to a module output coupled to other components of the programmable controller. A removable memory cartridge stores a plurality of programs for execution by the port microprocessors to exchange data over the networks using different communication protocols. Configuration data is stored in the module defining which program is to be transferred from the memory cartridge into the shared memory of each port circuit.

Abstract: A module interfaces a programmable controller to several serial communication networks for the exchange of data carrying messages. A central processor controls the transfer of data between the module and other programmable controller components. The module has a separate port circuit for each of the networks permitting communication using different protocols. Messages received through one port circuit can be routed to another port circuit or other programmable controller components as specified by routing data stored in the module. The module also can be configured to detect when a given sequence of data is contained in a received message or to parse a section of data from the message. In these cases, an indication of whether the data sequence was found or the parsed data is routed to a designated output of the module.