Abstract: An automated test system that has analog and digital resources for testing mixed signal ICs. A control pattern is provided that is used by the automated test system to simultaneously control both the digital resources and the analog resources. The control pattern is comprised of a sequentially executed two-dimensional array with columns corresponding to analog and digital resources. The automated test system uses the control pattern to control both the analog and digital resources.

Abstract: A method of detecting peripheral components for a computer system to effectively start a driver of the peripheral component connected to the bus. By scanning all the buses orderly to detect the peripheral components connected to the buses, the peripheral components can be effectively used. The method can further be applied for the peripheral components connected to the PCI uses, the hierarchy structure formed by the PCI to PCI bridge to start the drivers of the peripheral components.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for remote data acquisition from a block data storage device having a data storage medium, a host interface port, a serial communication (COM) port and a programmable controller with associated platform firmware and associated diagnostic firmware. A client computer and a server computer are connected to a computer network (such as the Internet), and the data storage device is connected to the server computer via the host interface port. A data acquisition device such as a disk drive analyzer having digital oscilloscope capabilities is connected to the server computer and the data storage device. Requests from the client computer are transmitted via the network to result in a first command to the data storage device to execute the platform firmware and a second command to capture a waveform signal from the data storage device. The waveform signal is transmitted real time for display by the client computer.

Abstract: A load test board is configured for plugging into a backplane of a chassis. The load test board has a CPU, a variable load controlled by the CPU, a voltage sensor to detect voltage across the variable load, and a current sensor to detect current through the variable load. To test the chassis, one or more of the load text boards are plugged into the backplane of the chassis. Each load test board provides a variable load, using circuitry on the test board to control the variable load, and measures current through the variable load and voltage across the variable load. Information corresponding to the measurements is conveyed to a host computer.

Abstract: This invention is a method and apparatus having voice invoked self diagnostic means used in a broadband communication network implemented with VOIP. The user can invoke the self diagnostic tasks through voice commands, the results of the diagnosis will be reported back to the user in voice format.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a method for scheduling the servicing of job requests in a point-to-point communication system having a central server providing job requests to a plurality of local channel servers. In a first step, the method receives a new job request at a central server. A performance of each local channel server is measured, and the job request is dispatched to one of the local channel servers for servicing thereby dependent upon the performance of each of the local channel servers. In one embodiment, the job request is dispatched to the local channel servers having the lowest current average flow time.

Abstract: A system and method for providing seamless communication with threads executing on an embedded computer. Using a DAT system, a programmer can test the communication interfaces of a thread via either a scripting program, any COM-compliant program, or a graphical test utility. The DAT system automatically formats a block of data that is transmitted between the embedded computer and a host computer and accounts for machine specific enumeration sizes, machine specific pointer sizes, machine specific structure alignment boundaries, machine specific integer sizes, and machine specific byte ordering.

Abstract: A simulation test bench environment for testing a circuit is described. The test bench environment uses high-level task routines executed by one or more bus functional device models to generate input test vectors. A timing and protocol checker verifies both signal timing and functional operation bus specifications. Data and parity miscompares and corruptions are reported in real-time during simulation. An error and interrupt handler services errors and interrupts by communicating with the buses coupled to the circuit to execute specific recovery routines. A memory model is used to generate known expected data for data transactions, to store data from the circuit on data transactions, and to generate operation codes for the circuit.

Abstract: A data communication method comprises the steps of transmitting, in a batch, measurement data necessary for measurement of electrical characteristics of a plurality of objects to be tested from a probing apparatus to a tester, prior to conducting a test of the electrical characteristics of the objects, the probing apparatus being connected to the tester and measuring the electrical characteristics of the objects, and transmitting, in a batch, measurement result data on two or more of the objects from the tester to the probing apparatus after the electrical characteristics of the two or more of the objects have been measured.

Abstract: With the proposed invention a method for configuring a measuring arrangement for physical, more particularly thermal conditions over a section to be measured is indicated, comprising at least one locally distributed sensor. The measuring arrangement consists of programmable modules with the minimum characteristics of acquire, edit, save, represent and signal measurement data of at least one distributed sensor. The method according to the invention consists in the fact that zone-specific data of the section to be measured are assigned to zone-specific measured quantities, and that these data are combined into data groups, and that the modules are configured with parameter sets with which editing steps of the individual modules are functionally assigned to one another. One parameter set preferably includes at least sensor-specific parameters; measuring instrument-specific parameters; organization of data and programs; organization of hardware modules; representation of the data and communication parameters.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method, system, and program for monitoring a device. A determination is made as to a first time, a current time, and a system-up time. The current time follows the first time and the system-up time indicates an elapsed time at the device since the last power cycle. A determination is then made as to whether the current time minus the first time is less than the system up time to determine whether the device has started a new power cycle since the first time.

Abstract: A computer system includes a processor; a hard drive connected to the processor and having an image applied thereto, the image including device drivers and executable applications; an installation file stored on the hard drive and executable by the processor, the installation file including a first instruction associated with a first executable application; and a data file stored on the hard drive; wherein upon execution of the first instruction by the processor, a determination is made whether the data file includes a valid section corresponding to the first executable application and including a list of hardware devices that are compatible with the first executable application.

Abstract: The test system provides conventional analog outputs that allowing application of power system conditions simulation to a device under test. The test device has a communication interface which sends and receives digital communication to and from protection relays, control devices, and meters, known as intelligent electronic devices (IEDs). The test device interacts with the devices under test over a direct communication link or a substation local area network. The communication protocol includes digital communication to send and receive messages which simulate virtual switching and control equipment status and other intelligent electronic device (IED) data and status. The test system monitors the operation of the IED device under test based on the IED digital communication data received and the contained control signal status utilizing the digital communication interface as a substitute for the conventional hard-wiring of IED binary inputs and outputs.

Abstract: A system and method for testing the conformance of a universal serial bus (USB) system to a set of predefined USB Specifications. One embodiment of the system comprises a test system that can be used to determine whether a selected USB device provides appropriate data in response to a set of standard device requests. In another embodiment, the test system performs a series of tests to validate the interface functions of a USB driver. The system can test the device responses without having to create or compile a test program. The test system comprises a test application and a test application driver. The test application driver interfaces with the USB driver of the USB system software. The USB system software also includes a host controller driver. The host controller driver interfaces with the host controller and thereby interfaces the software on the host system with the USB interconnect and USB devices.

Abstract: Abstract A test executive program which provides greatly improved configurability and modularity, thus simplifying the creation, modification and execution of test sequences. The test executive program includes process models for improved flexibility, modularity and configurability. Process models provide a modular and configurable entity for encapsulating operations and functionality associated with a class of test sequences. The process model thus encapsulates a “testing process” for a plurality of test sequences. The process model enables the user to write different test sequences without repeating standard testing operations in each sequence. The test executive program also includes step types for improved configurability. A step type is a modular, identifiable unit configured by the user which defines common properties and/or operations associated with a plurality of steps.

Abstract: A remote adjustable fuel dispenser for dispenser diagnostics and remote telecommunication. The fuel dispenser contains a remote communication system for communication between the fuel dispenser and a remote telecommunication device. A wireless input device, such as a keyboard, mouse, or hand-held computer is in wireless communication with a fuel dispenser for use during fuel dispenser diagnostics.

Abstract: An integrated controller for the detection and operation of both PC Cards, smart cards and passive smart card adapter cards. In one aspect, the invention detects the presence of standard expansion cards or passive smart card adapters by utilizing the reserved detection and voltage selection signal area defined by the PC Card specification. In another aspect, the invention provides an integrated controller that includes logic to operate either a standard expansion card or a passive smart card adapter by reassigning certain PC Card signal lines to operate a standard expansion card or a passive smart card adapter, thereby eliminating the need to provide pins in addition to those defined by the PC Card specification.

Abstract: A method for determining filter mask for the relevance testing of identifiers, which are able to be transmitted to a communication means by way of a communication network in messages, with the steps of: determining relevance identifiers relevant for the communication means, and determining irrelevance identifiers irrelevant for the communication means, determining at least one initial filter mask in each case for each relevance identifier, which is passable for the respective relevance identifier and is not passable for the irrelevance identifier, combining at least two initial filter masks as a combination filter mask, which is passable for the respective relevance identifier associated with the respective initial filter masks, and testing the respective combination filter mask, same being retained instead of its respective basic initial filter masks, if all irrelevance identifiers are able to be masked with the combination filter mask or being rejected, it is passable for at least one irrelevance identifier

Abstract: A system for communicating data between a battery powered electric toothbrush and a separate control unit includes a microprocessor in the toothbrush which collects and stores data concerning selected operational aspects of the toothbrush. The data is transmitted from the toothbrush to the control unit by means of an infrared link. The transmitted data is processed in the control unit and displayed there or is transmitted to a separate device for display and/or analysis.

Abstract: Line or shop replaceable units (LRUs or SRUs) of a vehicle entertainment system are programmed as microservers to receive and carry out requests for testing the LRUs/SRUs from a browser connected to the LRUs/SRUs over a communications network of the vehicle entertainment system. Test results are transmitted back to the browser for display. The browser may be part of the vehicle entertainment system or remotely connected to the communications network of the vehicle entertainment system. Hyper-Text Transfer Protocol (HTTP) is used as the protocol for transporting the requests and the execution results over the communications network, and so, the programming of the LRUs and the SRUs may be achieved with a standard HTTP server program and the browser may be any HTTP-compliant browser such as Netscape Navigator™ and Internet Explorer™.

Abstract: A method to allow a computer system board to automatically identify the chassis in which the system board is installed. The method includes the steps of a) attaching at least one spring action grounding clip to the chassis, b) incorporating at least one conducting pad into the artwork of the printed wire assembly on the system board, c) connecting at least one conducting pad to a logic circuit on the system board, d) installing the system board in the chassis, and e) ensuring that at least one spring action grounding clip contacts at least one conducting pad.

Abstract: A client-server software performance monitor system is disclosed. In the system of the present invention, a performance monitor machine is coupled to a computer network in close network proximity to one or more server systems that are to be monitored. The performance monitor machine monitors all network communication originating from or addressed to the server system to determine client-server transaction times. The performance monitor machine calculates a server processing time by subtracting the time when the server system receives the request packet from a client system from the time when the server system sends the first response packet back to the client system. The performance monitor machine also calculates an network transit time by subtracting said time when the server system receives the final acknowledgement packet from the time when said server system sent the first response packet to the client system.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention is an actuator assembly having a controller integrated into the actuator assembly. The controller includes a memory for storing test cycle data and a processor in communication with the memory. The processor accesses the test cycle data. A communication port is in communication with the processor and in communication with an actuator and a sensor. During a test mode, the processor provides position commands to the actuator and receives a sensor signal from the sensor. The processor detects the presence of faults in response to the sensor signal and stores the faults in the memory.

Abstract: A test data system includes a first computer system that has an electronic logbook. Test results are entered into the electronic logbook by the user/test person. The electronic logbook contains the e-mail address of a logbook program in a second computer system. The test results are forwarded by e-mail to the logbook program, which parses the test results and formats them for the entry in a test results database of a test management system. A test management system program is run to update the test results database with the test results and sends confirmation and/or any error messages back to the user at the first computer system.

Abstract: A vehicle mileage tracking system including an input device mounted in the vehicle for receiving one of a first and second door unlock signals, and a vehicle tripmeter. The vehicle tripmeter is coupled to the input device and to a vehicle odometer sensor for accumulating a first accumulated travel distance during vehicle travel following receipt by the input device of the first door unlock signal, and for accumulating a second accumulated travel distance during vehicle travel following receipt by the input device of the second door unlock signal. The tripmeter does not accumulate the first accumulated travel distance during vehicle travel following receipt by the input device of the second door unlock signal. The vehicle mileage tracking system also preferably includes a display coupled to the vehicle tripmeter for selectively displaying the first and second accumulated travel distance. The input device is preferably a receiver for receiving a signal from a remote transmitter.

Abstract: A method is provided for extracting device status information from a device which includes an IEEE 1394 interface. Said device is instructed by a device status information tester connected to said device to execute device self tests and to provide corresponding self test results and device specific information for said device status information tester, wherein said reading and instructing procedures between said device status information tester and said device are performed on the basis of a low level communication protocol of said IEEE 1394 interface.

Abstract: A computer-based transient pulse monitoring system and method are described. A general-purpose computer system having a processor, memory, and a digital signal bus for conveying digital signals, also includes a circuit board for measuring certain parameters associated with transient phenomena. The circuit board includes analog circuitry for receiving an analog input signal representing transient phenomena. The analog circuitry continuously measures a characteristic of the transient phenomena and produces an analog output signal representing the measured characteristic. The circuit board also includes a digital interface in communication with the analog circuitry and the digital signal bus. The digital interface converts the analog output signal into a digital signal representing the measured characteristic and transmits the digital signal onto the digital signal bus. The computer system can be connected to a network, such as the Internet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring traffic in telecommunications networks, in particular applied to the problem of recognizing real-time traffic such as voice traffic in packet- or cell-based networks through network traffic characterization. The method classifies data traffic in a packet-based communications network conveying different classes of data through the monitoring of data traffic so as to identify sequences of data packets of unknown class transmitted between a source address and a destination address, subsequently measuring parameters of at least a significant part of the packet sequence and deriving from the measured parameters a probable classification of the data conveyed in the packet sequence.

Abstract: An analyte test instrument having improved calibration and communication processes. The instrument employs a calibration method that allows it to communicate with any one of a plurality of data storage strips. A data storage strip including a memory device is inserted into the test port of the instrument. The data storage strip is identified, and the instrument establishes communications with the data storage strip using a protocol corresponding to the data storage strip. Second, the instrument employs a method for ensuring that the instrument is operated using valid calibration strips and test strips. The instrument determines whether one or more of test parameters stored in the instrument is invalid for a test strip inserted into the test port of the instrument. If a test parameter is invalid, an indication of the invalid strip parameter is displayed on the display.

Abstract: A wireless host is used with a computer having a BIOS, an operating system, a serial bus interface coupled with the BIOS, the wireless host operating under a protocol that functions only in the presence of a corresponding wireless communications driver in the operating system, and the BIOS characterized in that human interface device information received via the serial bus interface is made available to the operating system by means other than the wireless communications driver. Human interface device information is received via the wireless host. Depending on a predetermined condition, the human interface device information is passed to a wireless communications driver in the operating system, or is passed to the serial bus interface and is made available to the operating system by means other than the wireless communications driver.

Abstract: A system and method for testing a telecommunication system, such as a voice messaging system (VMS) are provided. The system includes a processor for controlling the execution of test script commands used to direct testing of the telecommunication system, and a storage device is provided in communication with the processor for storing the test script commands. A directory in communication with the processor includes at least one service testing application associated with the telecommunication system and developed as a dynamic linked library (DLL). Contained within the service testing application are executable functions associated with the test script commands. A command engine in communication with the processor, storage device, and directory is operable to read the test script commands, scan the directory for the associated executable functions, and execute the associated executable functions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of communication between terminals and a central server, in which these terminals, whose principal function is MPEG-2 decoding, are diverted from this function, on request and after authorization, in order to partake in parallel in the common implementation of an auxiliary function under control of said server.

Abstract: A digital tire pressure gauge with visual and voice response system is disclosed. The digital tire pressure gauge includes a pressure transducer, a pair of switching units, an integrator for generating a triangular waveform signal with an increasing ramp section and a decreasing ramp section, a comparator used to compare the triangular waveform signal of the integrator with a reference signal and then generate an output signal with a wave width corresponding to the increasing ramp section of the output signal of the integrator, a register for temporally storing the output signal of the comparator, a peak value detector, a holding circuit, a counting pulse generating circuit, a counting circuit, and a pressure value output buffer. A display is used to display the pressure value stored in the output buffer. A speech processing circuit is used to generate a speech signal accompanying with the display of the visual pressure value signal displayed on the display.

Abstract: The invention relates to a communications network (1) comprising a plurality of network nodes (2), which include each a synchronization circuit (5) for generating a global clock signal (GT) from a local clock signal (LT) formed by a clock generator (4) in dependence on a time of reception of a message. The synchronization circuit (5) includes a divider arrangement (8) for dividing the local clock signal (LT) in dependence on a correction term (KT) and at least one divider factor which is produced by a scaler arrangement (9). The comparator circuit (10) is provided for forming the correction term by comparing the instant of reception of a message and of the local clock signal LT. Furthermore, the synchronizing circuit (5) includes a divider control (7) which may perform a change of at least one divider factor when the correction term (KT) exceeds a predefined first threshold.

Abstract: A JTAG testing system comprising a JTAG test equipment and a device under test compatible with the JTAG configured to form a synchronous data transmission connection with one another for transferring test data through a transmission path placed between predetermined interfaces. An asynchronous connection can be used as the transmission path between the interfaces, whereby the test equipment and said device under test are provided with a transceiver on the transmission path side configured to arrange the test data to be sent from said interface into a mode appropriate for an asynchronous transmission path and correspondingly to arrange the test data to be received from the asynchronous transmission path into a synchronous mode required by said interface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for remote semiconductor microscopy whereby video signals are broadcast from one or more microscopes to remote viewers. A live video signal is broadcast from the microscope over a network to remote personal computers located in the offices of process engineers. The office-based process engineers are provided real-time, or substantially real-time, views of a wafer, including peripheral views of the wafer outside cell array boundaries. The process engineer, in his office, can direct a technician, operating the microscope in the clean room complex, to display a desired cell region-of-interest with the microscope. As a result, the process engineers can more efficiently collaborate to solve process problems or even develop new process techniques.

Abstract: A system and method for testing the conformance of a universal serial bus (USB) system to a set of predefined USB Specifications. One embodiment of the system comprises a test system that can be used to determine whether a selected USB device provides appropriate data in response to a set of standard device requests. In another embodiment, the test system performs a series of tests to validate the interface functions of a USB driver. The system can test the device responses without having to create or compile a test program. The test system comprises a test application and a test application driver. The test application driver interfaces with the USB driver of the USB system software. The USB system software also includes a host controller driver. The host controller driver interfaces with the host controller and thereby interfaces the software on the host system with the USB interconnect and USB devices.

Abstract: A branch circuit monitor includes a plurality of non-contact current sensors arranged to sense current on each of a plurality of branch circuits, the non-contact current sensors being connected to a common digital signal processor (DSP) module having as inputs the outputs of the current sensors and also voltage inputs from each power source. The digital signal processor is arranged to calculate not only overall energy consumption, but also RMS voltage, RMS current, power factor, real power, and/or apparent power for each branch circuit. Preferably, the non-contact current sensors are in the form of miniature non-contact Rogowski coils or induction transducers. Data from the digital signal processor may be made available via communications protocols such as Modbus RTU or RS232/RS485/422, to any number of remote sites. The individual branch circuit monitors can be wired in a daisy chain or star network configuration and even connected to the Internet via an appropriate interface device.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to test a device, i.e. an interface card to a computer system or an IC chip. The apparatus communicates with the computer system via a first bus and communicates with the device via a second bus. The first and second buses are standard bus such as ISA bus, EISA bus, PCI bus, and AGP bus, etc. In the apparatus, three switch circuits respectively making connection of data/address lines, power lines and a reset line of the first bus to the second bus are provided. A test program executed in the computer generates a plurality of control signal to the apparatus. A control circuit, responsive to the plurality of control signals, controls individually and selectively the turn-on of three switch circuits. By test program running in the computer system, the function test of the device can be accomplished automatically without time-consuming power-off and re-initialization of the computer system.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for calibrating a line card having a gain control circuit and memory device. The gain control circuit is configured to receive an input signal and an adjustment signal and to output an adjusted output signal that is based on the input signal and the adjustment signal. The gain control circuit also is configured to alter the adjustment signal to a nominal adjustment value so that an adjusted amplitude value of the adjusted signal converges with a nominal amplitude value. A first input signal, a first adjustment signal, and a nominal amplitude value are provided to the gain control circuit. A first nominal adjustment value is determined. The first nominal adjustment value is substantially permanently stored within a first address of the memory device with the first address being associated with the first input signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the determination of the impulse response g(t) of a broad band linear system. The method can be used for the application of high frequency technology. For a test signal, a maximum length binary sequence (MLBS) is employed. The measured signal, obtained by the system, is sampled under maintenance of the sample theorem whereby the sampling clock in accordance with the invention is obtained directly from that high frequency clock pulse which is used for the generation of the MLBS. The digitized measured signal is then subjected to a fast Hadamard-transformation for calculation of the impulse response. The invention furthermore, provides a measuring circuit which carries out this method.

Abstract: A monitor is disclosed that presents a negligible load to a hardwired interface, provides electrical isolation between all of the interconnected equipment, adds no significant delay to the interface data, provides for maximum reliability of interface operation, provides for remote operation of the monitoring function, provides for noise immune reception of interface data, maintains interface controlled impedance, provides for ease of installation, and does not perturb system operation in any significant way.

Abstract: A system and process for calibrating the presentation of stimuli and/or hit window by ascertaining the hit window relative to stimuli presented on a computer. The system includes a first circuit for generating the stimuli, and a second circuit for simulating responses to the stimuli. The response initially does not overlap the hit window and causes an incorrect response cue to be generated. Either the start time of the response or the duration of the response may then iteratively be modified to cause the response to eventually overlap the hit window, thereby generating a correct response cue. The two consecutive responses that cause the hit window to be nonoverlapped and then overlapped are identified for the purpose of ascertaining the range of time that includes the start of the hit window. Either the start time of the response or the duration of the response may be iteratively varied to cause the hit window to be nonoverlapped by the response, thereby causing the incorrect response cue to be generated.

Abstract: A universal interface system for use with a data acquisition system including a data acquisition device such as a bar code scanner or scanner integrated terminal for providing digital data signals indicative of acquired data for transmission to a host device such as a computer, and a host device having host-specific input/output data format requirements. The universal interface system comprises universal data exchange means located in the data acquisition device for providing digital data signals in a universal data exchange format independent of the data format requirements of the host device; and a host interface cable coupled to the data acquisition device and to said host device, for transmitting acquired digital data from the data acquisition device to the host device, the interface cable comprising means for translating digital data from the universal data exchange format to the host-specific input/output data format requirements.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for machine data collection includes a hand-held personal computer (HPC) having route-based machine information data stored therein, and at least one hand-held sensor unit which includes a sensor for sensing an operating characteristic of the machine. The sensor unit includes a microcomputer for controlling the overall operation of the sensor unit, and a wireless communications port for wirelessly communicating with the HPC and/or other peripheral device. Wireless communications between the HPC and the sensor unit include uploading route-based machine information and instructions from the HPC to the sensor unit, and downloading collected sensor data from the sensor unit to the HPC. Data may also be manually input to the HPC, including reading from control panels and process gauges. All LCD visually displays information and instructions to the operator, and a set of headphones aurally informs and instructs the operator with regard to data collection.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for evaluating relevant data across independent test sequences and providing a consumable output to give a tester an accurate account of the test data. A method for reporting the results of the test processes includes several steps. First, repair, trending, characterization, timing and engineering data for two separate test sequences are read. Next, the data is compared. Also, an analytical report of the test data comparisons is assembled and output.

Abstract: A test system for testing the quality of electric appliances includes a test line having an endless conveyer which is provided with a multiplicity of carts, a reception terminal for receiving electric appliances from a first assembly line on which the electric appliances were assembled, and an exit terminal for releasing the appliances to a second assembly line after they are tested. The reception and the exit terminals are connected with the assembly lines in response to a run signal instructing the operation of the test line. When the electric appliances are received at the reception terminal, they are each mounted on one of the carts for circulation in intermittent movement in response to the run signal. Located along the endless conveyor are a multiplicity of test stations, which are adapted to carry out required tests when the appliances are transported to the stations. Once a test is done on an electric appliance, the same test will not be repeated on the same electric appliance.

Abstract: A device for testing a product includes: a programmable logic controller (PLC) for loading or unloading a mechanical part of a test target product at a regular position suitable to a test environment; a personal computer (PC) for performing bidirectional communication through communication ports by generating a test control signal in order to test the test target product; a loading detection unit which is connected to the communication port and to an output terminal of the programmable logic controller (PLC), and which detects whether the PLC loads the test target product, and which informs the detected information to the PC; an unloading control unit which is connected to the communication port and to an input terminal of the PLC, and which applies an unloading signal to the PLC by receiving a test completion signal through the communication port, and which unloads the test target product from the PLC, and an error alarm unit which receives an error generating signal reporting occurrence of an error when tes

Abstract: This invention disclosure describes an intelligent sensor system in which different types of sensors are connected to a network communication bus. Analog and digital signals are transferred bi-directionally on the common communication bus between the distributed sensors and an application specific controller referred to as a bus converter/controller module (BCM). The traditional analog type sensors are connected to the communication bus through interface devices referred to as transducer-to-bus interface modules (TBIM). The TBIM provides sensor identification, self-test and data correction functions.

Abstract: A field device for use in a process control network having a plurality of devices communicatively coupled by a two-wire, all-digital communication bus includes a connector that connects the field device to the two-wire, all-digital bus to enable all-digital communication over the bus, a memory that stores a diagnostic test routine having a series of device or process diagnostic test instructions, and a controller that performs the device or process diagnostic test instructions stored in the memory to implement a device or process diagnostic test using the field device. A data collection unit within the field device collects diagnostic data generated during the diagnostic test and a communication unit communicates the collected diagnostic data over the bus to a host device for processing. The controller may include a program language interpreter adapted to interpret the diagnostic test instructions which may be provided to the field device from another one of the devices via the bus.