Abstract: An embedded device includes an Ethernet-APL interface through which to conduct communications and receive power over an Ethernet-APL network connection; an analog communication interface for establishing an analog connection with a field device/instrument; a memory; and a processor(s). The processor(s), in communication with the memory, is configured to: apply a firmware framework to implement a embedded platform without an operating system; and perform prioritized, multi-tasking of a plurality of run-to-complete tasks for monitoring and/or control of a plant or process according to the embedded platform. The tasks can include communications with at least one field device/instrument through analog connection via the analog communication interface. The communications include at least receiving measurement data from the at least one field device/instrument or outputting control data to the at least one field device/instrument. The embedded device can be a constrained edge device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using memory-mapped memories in a microcontroller-based instrument are provided herein. The method includes operating the microcontroller-based instrument using a complex application or protocol and operating a highly integrated, low-power microcontroller unit (MCU). The MCU is configured to use memory mapping for accessing at least one off-MCU memory connected to the MCU by at least one interface. The MCU's memory-mapping configuration enables the off-MCU memory(ies) to behave as an extension of at least one on-MCU memory that is connected directly to the CPU to effectively extend a range of the at least one on-MCU memory, wherein the effective extended range of the at least one on-MCU memory enables the microcontroller-based instrument to utilize the complex application or protocol. The method further includes writing addresses and/or data to and/or reading addresses and/or data from the off-MCU memory using serial transmission during a memory mapped transaction.

Abstract: An improved method and system for connecting Super Group 3 fax machines over network gateways that operate using the un-enhanced T.38 protocol. With the present invention, the CM tone is suppressed. Thus a gateway that generates an AnsAm tone, will not receive a CM tone in response. The T.38 protocol does not specify what occurs if a CM tone is not received; however, it has been found that, in practice, existing fax machines fall back to V.21 mode if a CM tone is not received.