Abstract: A multipoint data collection system uses multiple parallel data buses connecting a central controller to addressable sensor interfaces to permit any sensor to be connected to a central controller over any one of the data buses. Both ends of each data bus are connected to the central controller, allowing sensor interfaces to be addressed even if all data buses are cut. Faults on a data bus and defective sensor interfaces may be bypassed through one or more bypass buses that may be addressably switched into use as desired.

Abstract: A multipoint data collection system uses multiple parallel data buses connecting a central controller to addressable sensor interfaces to permit any sensor to be connected to a central controller over any one of the data buses. Faults on a data bus may be bypassed, or multiple sensors monitored simultaneously in real time, through the use of the parallel data buses. Digital address signals and analog data are transmitted on the same data bus, distinguished from one another by restricting the voltage range of the analog data to voltages above the voltage corresponding to a digital zero and below the voltage corresponding to a digital one.