Daisy chaining device servers via Ethernet

• US 20070110081A1
• Filed: 11/14/2005
• Published: 05/17/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 11/14/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Lantronix Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Lantronix Incorporated
• Inventors: Miller, Daryl
• Granted Patent: US 8,428,054 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 370/401
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/10 Current supply arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/40006 Architecture of a communication node current supply arrangements H04L12/10; intermediate storage or scheduling H04L49/90
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 49/602 Multilayer or multiprotocol switching, e.g. IP switching

Abstract

A device server intended for attaching serial devices to a network includes Ethernet communications, an Ethernet switch, and serial communication capability so that multiple device servers are connected in a “daisy chain” or series pattern. Galvanic isolation of the power supply from the housing and communication ports, screw terminal and modular connections, DIN rail mounting, broad power supply voltage ranges or “Power-over-Ethernet” and operator visible indicator lamps with a pulse stretching feature greatly simplify installation and use.

Claims

1. A device server for facilitating daisy chain connection between first and second other devices, comprising a circuit board including an Ethernet switch function, first and second Ethernet connections, and a serial communications port.

2. The device server of claim 1 further comprising a second serial communications port coupled to the circuit board.

3. The device server of claim 1 further comprising a third Ethernet connection coupled to the circuit board.

4. The device server of claim 1 further comprising a Wireless network connection coupled to the circuit board.

5. The device server of claim 1 further comprising Ethernet connections which are galvanically isolated from other internal circuitry by at least 1500 volts.

6. The device server of claim 1 further comprising a serial connection galvanically isolated from the power supply input by at least 2000 volts.

7. The device server of claim 1 further comprising power connections made via screw terminals.

8. The device server of claim 1 further comprising communication connections made via screw terminals.

9. The device server of claim 1 further comprising communication connections made through mating multi-contact connectors.

10. The device server of claim 1 further comprising a housing for the circuit board.

11. The device server of claim 10 further comprising features in the housing for mounting the product to a supporting structure.

12. The device server of claim 11 further comprising features in the housing for mounting the product to DIN rail.

13. The device server of claim 10 further comprising receive and transmit indicators coupled to the circuit board which are visible from outside the housing.

14. The device server of claim 13 further comprising circuitry coupled to the circuit board to provide pulse stretched signals to the indicators.

15. The device server of claim 1 further comprising a circuit board configured to accept both AC and DC power.

16. The device server of claim 15 wherein the circuit board receives AC power within the range 9 to 24 volts RMS.

17. The device server of claim 15 wherein circuit board receives DC power within the range 9 to 30 volts.

18. The device server-of claim 1 further comprising circuitry coupled to the circuit board receiving power via Power over Ethernet (POE).

19. The device server of claim 1 wherein the Ethernet switch function is operationally substantially equivalent to an Ethernet hub function.

20. The device server of claim 1 wherein the Ethernet switch function is operationally substantially equivalent to an Ethernet router function.

21. A Serial to Ethernet Converter having a plurality of serial ports wherein at least two serial ports are logically connected in that information arriving at a first port is passed internally through the device server to a second port, and information arriving at the second port is passed internally through the device server to the first port.