The Network interface adapter : a method for achieving device independent extension on an industrial network

The Network Interface Adapter (NIA) enables new and dissimilar devices to be connected to an industrial Local Area Network (LAN). The NIA provides two services that make this connection possible. First, the NIA provides the electrical interface between an RS232 communications port on the attached device and the network media. Second, the NIA converts the communications protocol of the attached device into a standard network protocol. These services allow new devices to be attached to the network in a cost effective manner.

This thesis describes the design and application of the Network Interface Adapter. Detailed information about the design is provided. An example of how the Network Interface Adapter is configured in one application, an interface to an automated gage, is provided along with a description of the statistical process control application that made connection to the gage important. Network performance data is given for the example application.