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The BNode hardware is a platform with the following resources:

• Master serial port. This RS232 port is connected to the controlling device (usually a PC). In the case of a chain of Nodes, it is connected to the hierarchically higher one. It is through this port that the Configuration Files are loaded and the communication with the outside world is performed.
• Slave serial port. This RS232 port is connected to the next Node down the hierarchical chain. Under certain conditions, it can also be used as a general purpose serial port or a serial pseudo-satellite. All data that is not addressed to the Node is repeated either to the slave port (if it arrived at the master port) or to the master port (if it arrived at the slave port).
• Net serial port. This is the RS485 port that communicates with the satellites. To simplify and minimise wiring, this multidrop channel is a true two wire system.
• Parallel printer port. This Centronics type port allows the Node to be used as a process logging device as well as providing independent records for cross-checking or message passing purposes.
• Real time clock and calendar. This resource is battery backed up and used to timestamp and synchronise the Node and its network operation.
• 8xC51Fx controller with 64k data RAM. This combination has proved to be robust and more than adequate for current installations. Nothing, of course, precludes the use of another processor and RAM combination, should the need arise. The Node operation is defined externally by the Configuration File and is independent from the processor type and available memory.
• Watchdog or sanity timer. This resource is an absolute necessity for the industrial environment. Its operation is completely transparent to the user.