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Micromod MOD: 1732N, 1733N External Mini-Link Users Guide User Manual

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IB-23C004

INTRODUCTION

SECTION 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1

DESCRIPTION

The 1733N Mini Link/EXT (External) with 1732N ICN Interface Board, Figure 1-1, provides
a general purpose serial interface to MOD 30 and MODCELL instruments via the
Instrument Communications Network (ICN). The 1733N Mini Link/EXT supports one ICN
and the 1732N ICN Interface Board supports a second ICN. The External Mini Link
provides intelligent buffers that enable the operation of higher level devices (such as
personal or other computers) by:

Assembling display and tuning information for a number of instruments and storing the
data in block format. This relieves the host from executing individual requests and
improves the efficiency of the communications.

Permitting the host device to download and upload instrument configuration
information. This enables instrument configuration to be performed at a central
location using a personal computer that can easily display, manipulate and document
data.

Permitting limited peer-to-peer communications between ICNs.

Providing diagnostic checks for message validity resulting in secure general purpose
serial interfaces to the ICN.

Off-loading trend functions when supported by the host application software.

Figure 1-1. 1733N Mini Link/EXT

1-1