Zero power receive detector for serial data interface
First Claim
1. A system for adapting one of a number of different types of instruments to a common protocol, each instrument having a first serial input-output (I/O) port, first means for controlling the serial I/O port, and second means for furnishing operating power to the instrument, the system including a different type of housing for each different type of instrument, each different type of housing including third means for coupling to a respective type of instrument'"'"'s first serial I/O port, fourth means for coupling to a respective type of instrument'"'"'s second means, a second serial I/O port, and a zero-power receive detector for the second serial I/O port, the zero-power receive detector including a receive data terminal, a received serial data out terminal and an operating power supply terminal, the detector comprising fifth means for furnishing operating power to the second serial I/O port, sixth means for switching power to the second serial I/O port, the sixth means coupled between the fifth means and the operating power supply terminal of the second serial I/O port, an optical isolator, seventh means for coupling a light source portion of the optical isolator to the receive data terminal, and eighth means for coupling a light activated switch portion of the optical isolator to the sixth means.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A serial data interface includes a receive data terminal, a received serial data out terminal and an operating power supply terminal. A zero-power receive detector for the serial data interface includes a source for furnishing operating power to the interface. The supply of power from the source is controlled through a microcontroller for switching power to the interface. The microcontroller is coupled between the source and the operating power supply terminal of the interface. A light source portion of an optical isolator is coupled to the receive data terminal, and a light activated switch portion of the optical isolator is coupled to the microcontroller.
386 Citations
6 Claims
- 1. A system for adapting one of a number of different types of instruments to a common protocol, each instrument having a first serial input-output (I/O) port, first means for controlling the serial I/O port, and second means for furnishing operating power to the instrument, the system including a different type of housing for each different type of instrument, each different type of housing including third means for coupling to a respective type of instrument'"'"'s first serial I/O port, fourth means for coupling to a respective type of instrument'"'"'s second means, a second serial I/O port, and a zero-power receive detector for the second serial I/O port, the zero-power receive detector including a receive data terminal, a received serial data out terminal and an operating power supply terminal, the detector comprising fifth means for furnishing operating power to the second serial I/O port, sixth means for switching power to the second serial I/O port, the sixth means coupled between the fifth means and the operating power supply terminal of the second serial I/O port, an optical isolator, seventh means for coupling a light source portion of the optical isolator to the receive data terminal, and eighth means for coupling a light activated switch portion of the optical isolator to the sixth means.
Specification