Abstract
On-line computer control of Numerically Controlled (NC) machinetools and associated peripheral equipment such as the large electrograph
plotter is considered with a view to the problems of interfacing.
The system interface connects the Benson-Lehner plotter to the minicomputer
in a behind-the-tape-reader (BTR) mode.
A simulation of the actual signals from the bus-bar of the minicomputer
is built so that it will be a relatively simple job to make
the final connection. Also the transmission link between the computer
and the plotting system requires high reliability of data transmission.
The signals at the BTR unit and computer interface are of serial form
but in order to link the units over a distance it is necessary to interpose
some form of transmission system. The transmission lines have been
built using twisted pairs with an overall screen to minimise inductive
and capacitive coupling. The transmitter unit accepts characters in a
parallel form and transmits them in serial form with the appended
control and error detecting bits.
The system is capable of transmitting digital data at various rates
dependent upon the demands of the peripheral unit under control.
Date of Award | 1976 |
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Original language | English |
Awarding Institution |
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Keywords
- system interfacing
- on-live computer control