GENERAL PURPOSE DATA COMMUNICATIONS PROTOCOL CONVERTER

A data communications protocol converter for interfacing manufacturing process equipment with a host computer comprises a controller that converts the messages transmitted by the host computer and equipment into messages that meet the protocol of the receiving side. A data acquisition system coupled between the controller and equipment provides a parallel interface to the process equipment and allows the converter to check for/activate logic signals from/to the process equipment. A user interface circuit provides the controller with a user friendly interface that enables the user to set any message parameters and conversation scheme and to interactively communicate with each attached device and edit and re-transmit previously send messages. A software support workstation coupled to the controller through a network provides capability for remote target machine access, software maintenance and configuration modification via the network.