Bus Controller



The laptop computer needs to be able to communicate with the SmartRails. However, the laptop has an RS232 interface and the SmartRails have an RS485 interface. It is the job of the bus controller to convert signals from one interface to the other.

The Bus Controller is a simple microprocessor system, very similar to those in the SmartRails. The Bus Controller can receive commands from the laptop and can send data back to the laptop too. This allows us to remotely measure the battery voltage on the Bus Controller from the laptop. We don't want to start the show with a weak battery.

Additionally, the Bus Controller generates the heartbeat signal that is routed through the dead-man switch.