Boehringer Mannheim Gmbh

John S Holmes, Ii

Joe E Anderson

A serial data interface includes a receive data terminal, a received serial data out terminal and an operating power supply terminal. A zero-power receive detector for the serial data interface includes a source for furnishing operating power to the interface. The supply of power from the source is controlled through a microcontroller for switching power to the interface. The microcontroller is coupled between the source and the operating power supply terminal of the interface. A light source portion of an optical isolator is coupled to the receive data terminal, and a light activated switch portion of the optical isolator is coupled to the microcontroller.

Zero power receive detector for serial data interface

A system is provided for adapting one of a number of different types of instruments to a common protocol. Each instrument has a serial input-output (I/O) port, a control for the serial I/O port, and an input for operating power to the instrument. The system includes a different type of housing for each different type of instrument. Each different type of housing includes openings through which selected controls and displays of a respective one of the instruments are accessible. Each different type of housing includes couplers for coupling to a respective type of instrument's serial I/O port, and to a respective type of instrument's operating power input, and a data processing module including a first multiple conductor. Each type of housing includes a complementary second multiple conductor connector for connecting to the first multiple conductor connector when a respective housing is mated to the data processing module.

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Indianapolis, IN, United States of America

John S Holmes, Ii