Introduction

The NDACS 8100 is the Processor card module for the Keynes Controls NDACS 8000 series of instrumentation. The 8100 module is used to control and integrate the range of 8000 series I/O modules to form data acquisition or control system solution for both local and global applications. The 8100 processor card utilises either a 266 or 333 MHz 32 bit embedded processor depending upon the application. The 8100 card contains dual high speed Ethernet communications ports to enable large scale high reliability systems to be seamlessly created. The 8100 processor supports any combination of digital and analogue inputs up to the limit 400 singled ended or 200 full differential inputs or 200 digital I/Oinputs within a single enclosure.

Dual Network Connectivity

The 8100 Processor contains 2 individually configurable Ethernet ports. Each port supports its own unique network settings and can independently send information through a network regardless to the operations of the other port. Data from the NDACS 8100 CPU can be directly transmitted across local area networks and to the Internet simultaneously.

Master/Slave Operations

The 8100 processor card can be configured to operate as a master/slave device enabling 2 separate processor cards to be installed into a single instrumentation system. The second processor card can switch on and broadcast information upon detection of a master card failure or network failure and can be set to route data with different network settings to those used on the master processor card.

Internet & Flash Memory Software Upgrades

The NDACS 8100 CPU is a fully featured Internet ready product designed to operate on the Internet and local area Ethernet networks. The processor card utilises the multi- tasking Linux version 2.4 operating system for all software applications. New features and software upgrades can be uploaded into the processor card using industry standard data transfer programs such as FTP, that is available within most modern operating systems or by simply inserting a flash memory expansion card into the expansion port.

Systems Latency

Configuration of the system across the Internet or local area network could not be simpler. A basic web page interface is supplied as standard enabling real-time information to be examined and the systems settings to be configured.

Data Acquisition & Control Applications

The NDACS 8100 processor card supports any combination of analogue input and output modules as well as digital interfaces to be used in a single system. This enables the 8100 processor card to be used a building block for large scale distributed systems. On board memory allows local programs to be added to the system for custom applications

Web Server Interface

Configuration of the system across the Internet or local area network could not be simpler. A basic web page interface is supplied as standard enabling real-time information to be examined and the systems settings to be configured

System Schematic

Data Protocol & Network Selection

Each of the network ports can be individually configured and support the following LAN address settings:

IP address
Subnet Mask
Gateway Address

Operating System Compliance

The 8100 utilises Linux version 2.4 kernel for all internal operating system functions and for running the device embedded software. All the standard Linux communication and data transfer software are included as standard.

Additional Linux applications such as shell languages, User Programs and web pages can be added so the instrument can undertake any user defined task.

PCMCIA Expansion Port

The PCMCIA expansion port can be used to fit a whole range of additional accessories to the 8100

Flash Memory Expansion

The 8100 processor card supports flash memory cards for data storage with recording options from 8 - 256 Mb. The flash memory cards can be used to store data or to load additional software and are readily available from many sources

Hot Swap - Dual Redundancy

Two 8100 processor cards can be fitted into the same instrumentation system offering dual redundancy support for high reliability operations. Should one processor card fail then the second processor card takes over control. For mission critical systems where data has to be passed uninterrupted this feature is essential.