Introduction
Semi-conductor plants have one characteristic that in the past has made
management more difficult. The plants use different types of machines
that use different protocols, making it hard to design a coordinated
system that can collect, analyze, and process data from all stations
in the plant. Moxa's UC-7420 helps out by providing an "open" programming
platform for users to download their own custom protocol conversion software.
Data can also be transferred to several backend hosts simultaneously.
Protocol Conversion and Front-end Data Processing
The data collected by a FAB floor can come from different devices. One
of the tasks that the UC-7420 unit must handle is protocol conversion,
since there is no guarantee that all of the devices will use the same
protocol. In addition, the UC-7420 can be used to do preliminary data
processing before downloading data to the central computer. Moxa's
UC-7420 is ideally suited for these tasks, since the user can easily
embed a C program that is custom written for the devices used at the
station. If future changes involve adding or removing devices, the
programmer simply needs to modify the C code, recompile it, and then
download the executable program to the UC unit.
Easy Protocol Conversion for Data Acquistion
Connecting to the Network and the Internet
In addition to being programmable, Moxa's embedded computers also offers
users with an array of connection options. To begin with, data entering the
serial
ports
from
attached
sensors
can be processed and then forwarded through one or both of the dual Ethernet
ports to the LAN. One of the serial ports can also be connected to a V.90
or GPRS modem for PPP connections, and a PCMCIA port is available for installing
a wireless LAN card for 802.11b/g networks.
Benefits of Using
Moxa's Embedded Computer
No fan, no hard drive design for longer MTBF
CompactFlash slot for adding Gigabytes of storage space
Multiple connection options for greater networking versatility
Programmability gives system integrators infinite possibilities
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