Communication interface unit

Abstract

The utility model discloses a communication interface unit, the interface unit comprises an RS232 serial port module, an RS422 serial port module and a switching module, the first output end of the switching module is connected with the RS232 serial port module, the second output end of the switching module is connected with the RS422 serial port module, and the RS232 serial port module and the RS422 serial port module are both connected with a single chip microcomputer. The communication interface unit can be flexibly adapted to external equipment with different communication protocols, stable and reliable communication between the communication interface unit and the single-chip microcomputer is realized, and the universality and compatibility of the equipment are effectively improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of communication interface technology, and in particular to a communication interface unit. Background Technology

[0002] The communication interface of marine instruments and equipment is a core component for enabling data interaction between the equipment and external terminals and control units. Its compatibility and stability directly affect the application scope and operational reliability of the marine instruments and equipment. In existing technologies, most marine instruments and equipment use a single RS232 serial port design for their communication interfaces, using a corresponding RS232 level conversion chip to achieve signal transmission between external devices and the microcontroller, thus meeting basic communication requirements.

[0003] However, as the application scenarios of marine instruments and equipment continue to expand, the communication protocol requirements of different users' operating systems and external terminal devices are becoming increasingly diverse. Existing technologies are gradually revealing many problems that urgently need to be solved: First, the adaptability of a single RS232 serial port interface is insufficient. Some users' devices or operating systems only support the RS422 communication protocol, making traditional single-interface marine instruments and equipment incompatible with it, resulting in poor equipment versatility and limiting its application scope. Second, some improvement solutions attempt to set up both RS232 and RS422 interfaces in the equipment, but they do not effectively isolate the signal paths of the two interfaces. They directly connect the conversion chips corresponding to the two interfaces to the same serial port of the microcontroller, causing the two signals to interfere with each other, resulting in uncertain communication status and data transmission prone to errors and loss. Furthermore, during the switching process, the RS232 and RS422 interface modules may be activated simultaneously, further aggravating signal conflicts and leading to communication interruption or data corruption.

[0004] Therefore, how to provide a communication interface unit that is highly compatible, has stable communication, high reliability, and can flexibly switch between RS232 and RS422 interfaces while avoiding signal conflicts and chip damage has become an urgent technical problem to be solved in the existing technology. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned prior art, the present invention provides a communication interface unit, which mainly solves the technical problems existing in the background art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this utility model embodiment is implemented as follows: a communication interface unit, the interface unit including an RS232 serial port module, an RS422 serial port module and a switching module, the first output terminal of the switching module is connected to the RS232 serial port module, and its second output terminal is connected to the RS422 serial port module, and both the RS232 serial port module and the RS422 serial port module are connected to a microcontroller.

[0007] Optionally, the RS232 serial port module includes a level conversion chip and a voltage regulator chip. The level conversion chip is used to convert the external RS232 standard level to a microcontroller-compatible level, and the voltage regulator chip is used to supply power to the level conversion chip after regulating the external power supply.

[0008] Optionally, the level conversion chip is a MAX3318EUP chip.

[0009] Optionally, the TTL transmitting end of the level conversion chip is electrically connected to the receiving pin of the first serial port of the microcontroller, and the TTL receiving end of the level conversion chip is electrically connected to the transmitting pin of the first serial port of the microcontroller.

[0010] Optionally, the RS422 serial port module includes a first chip and a second chip. The TTL transmitting end of the first chip is electrically connected to the receiving pin of the second serial port of the microcontroller, and the TTL receiving end of the first chip is electrically connected to the transmitting pin of the second serial port of the microcontroller. The differential signal input end of the second chip is correspondingly electrically connected to the differential signal output end of the first chip. The differential signal output end of the second chip is used to connect to the 422 interface of an external device.

[0011] Optionally, the first chip is a TC2864IS-1 type chip, and the second chip is selected from one of LTC2862, LTC2863, LTC2864 or LTC2865 chips.

[0012] Optionally, the switching module includes a DIP switch. When the DIP switch is switched to the first position, only the first output terminal outputs a valid enable signal, the RS232 serial port module is activated, and the RS422 serial port module is disabled. When the DIP switch is switched to the second position, only the second output terminal outputs a valid enable signal, the RS422 serial port module is activated, and the RS232 serial port module is disabled.

[0013] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: 1. By simultaneously setting up an RS232 serial port module and an RS422 serial port module in the communication interface unit, and using a switching module for selective activation, the problem of insufficient adaptability and poor versatility of a single interface in the prior art is effectively solved. Users can flexibly select RS232 or RS422 communication mode through the switching module according to the communication protocol requirements of external devices, enabling the communication interface unit to adapt to various external devices with different protocols, significantly improving the versatility and applicability of the device.

[0014] 2. This application connects the RS232 serial port module and the RS422 serial port module to different physical serial ports of the microcontroller, and uses a switching module to achieve exclusive activation of the two modules, thus avoiding the problems of signal interference and uncertain communication status caused by the two modules sharing the same serial port in the prior art.

[0015] 3. The RS422 serial port module in this application adopts a dual-chip design including a first chip and a second chip, which effectively enhances the driving capability and anti-interference performance of RS422 differential signals, while improving the module's resistance to level surges, avoiding chip damage due to level surges, and significantly improving the working reliability and service life of the communication interface unit. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic block diagram of a communication interface unit according to an embodiment of this application;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a circuit diagram of the RS232 serial port module in an embodiment of this application;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a circuit diagram of the RS422 serial port module in an embodiment of this application;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a circuit diagram of the switching module in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this utility model belongs. The terminology used in this specification of this utility model is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the utility model. In the following description, the expression "some embodiments" refers to a subset of all possible embodiments; however, it should be understood that "some embodiments" can be the same subset or different subsets of all possible embodiments and can be combined with each other without conflict.

[0021] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be practiced without one or more of these details. In other instances, certain technical features well-known in the art have not been described in order to avoid confusion with the present invention.

[0022] It should be understood that this invention can be embodied in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, providing these embodiments will make the disclosure thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of this invention to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, the terminology used herein is intended only to describe particular embodiments and is not intended to limit the invention. When used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms “compose” and / or “comprising,” when used in this specification, identify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups. When used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of the associated listed items.

[0023] It should also be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" another element, it can be directly attached to the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," "outer," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0024] To fully understand this utility model, a detailed structure will be presented in the following description to illustrate the technical solution proposed by this utility model. Optional embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below; however, in addition to these detailed descriptions, this utility model may have other embodiments.

[0025] Please refer to the attached document. Figures 1 to 4 This application provides a communication interface unit, which includes an RS232 serial port module, an RS422 serial port module, and a switching module. The first output terminal of the switching module is connected to the RS232 serial port module, and its second output terminal is connected to the RS422 serial port module. Both the RS232 serial port module and the RS422 serial port module are connected to a microcontroller.

[0026] This application provides a communication interface unit whose RS232 serial port module can convert RS232 level signals output by external devices into TTL level signals recognizable by the microcontroller, and simultaneously convert TTL level signals output by the microcontroller into RS232 level signals, thereby enabling data interaction between external devices and the microcontroller via the RS232 interface. Similarly, the RS422 serial port module can bidirectionally convert RS422 differential signals from external devices to TTL level signals from the microcontroller to meet the requirements for data transmission via the RS422 interface.

[0027] The switching module can select to activate either the RS232 or RS422 serial port module by sending a control signal through its output terminal according to actual communication needs. When the switching module selects RS232 mode, its first output terminal outputs a valid signal, enabling the RS232 serial port module to enter the working state. When switching to RS422 mode, the second output terminal of the switching module outputs a valid signal, activating the RS422 serial port module. The data transmission process is similar to that in RS232 mode, but it is transmitted through RS422 differential signals, which has stronger anti-interference capabilities and a longer transmission distance.

[0028] The microcontroller is responsible for receiving data from the RS232 or RS422 serial port module, processing, parsing, and storing the data. Simultaneously, based on the preset communication protocol and control logic, it generates corresponding control commands and response data, which are then fed back to the external device through the selected serial port module. This design allows the communication interface unit to flexibly adapt to external devices with different communication protocols, achieving stable and reliable communication with the microcontroller, effectively improving the device's versatility and compatibility.

[0029] In some optional examples, the RS232 serial port module includes a level conversion chip and a voltage regulator chip. The level conversion chip is used to convert the external RS232 standard level to a microcontroller-compatible level. The TTL transmitting end of the level conversion chip is electrically connected to the receiving pin of the first serial port of the microcontroller, and the TTL receiving end of the level conversion chip is electrically connected to the transmitting pin of the first serial port of the microcontroller. The voltage regulator chip is used to supply power to the level conversion chip after regulating the external power supply.

[0030] Furthermore, the level conversion chip is selected from the MAX3318EUP chip, and the voltage regulator chip is selected from the TPS78225.

[0031] Specifically, the input terminal of the level conversion chip is connected to the RS232 interface of the external device to receive the RS232 standard level signal output by the external device and convert it into a TTL level signal that the microcontroller can recognize. At the same time, the output terminal of the level conversion chip is connected to the corresponding pin of the microcontroller to transmit the converted TTL level signal to the microcontroller, realizing the signal interaction between the external device and the microcontroller.

[0032] In some optional examples, the RS422 serial port module includes a first chip and a second chip. The TTL transmitting end of the first chip is electrically connected to the receiving pin of the second serial port of the microcontroller, and the TTL receiving end of the first chip is electrically connected to the transmitting pin of the second serial port of the microcontroller. The differential signal input end of the second chip is correspondingly electrically connected to the differential signal output end of the first chip, and the differential signal output end of the second chip is used to connect to the 422 interface of an external device.

[0033] Specifically, during data transmission, the microcontroller outputs a TTL level signal through the transmit pin of its second serial port. This signal is transmitted to the TTL receiver of the first chip. Internally, the first chip converts this TTL level signal into a differential signal according to the RS422 standard and outputs it from its differential signal output terminal. Subsequently, the differential signal input terminal of the second chip receives this differential signal. After signal driving and amplification processing by the second chip, it is sent from its differential signal output terminal to the RS422 interface of the external device, completing the data transmission from the microcontroller to the external device.

[0034] During data reception, the external device sends a differential signal through its RS422 interface. This signal is first received by the differential signal input of the second chip, and after preliminary processing by the second chip, it is transmitted to the differential signal input of the first chip. The first chip converts the received differential signal back into a TTL level signal and outputs it to the receive pin of the microcontroller's second serial port through its TTL transmitter, thus realizing the transmission of data from the external device to the microcontroller.

[0035] Furthermore, the first chip is a TC2864IS-1 type chip, and the second chip is selected from one of LTC2862, LTC2863, LTC2864 or LTC2865 chips.

[0036] In some optional examples, the switching module includes a DIP switch. When the DIP switch is switched to the first position, only the first output terminal outputs a valid enable signal, the RS232 serial port module is activated, and the RS422 serial port module is disabled. When the DIP switch is switched to the second position, only the second output terminal outputs a valid enable signal, the RS422 serial port module is activated, and the RS232 serial port module is disabled, thereby realizing the switching between two communication modes to adapt to different communication needs.

[0037] The above are merely specific embodiments of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model. The protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the protection scope of the stated claims.

Claims

1. A communication interface unit, characterized by The interface unit comprises an RS232 serial port module, an RS422 serial port module and a switching module, the first output end of the switching module is connected with the RS232 serial port module, the second output end thereof is connected with the RS422 serial port module, and the RS232 serial port module and the RS422 serial port module are connected with a single-chip microcomputer; The switching module comprises a dial switch, when the dial switch is switched to a first gear position, only the first output end outputs an effective enable signal, the RS232 serial port module is activated, and the RS422 serial port module is disabled; when the dial switch is switched to a second gear position, only the second output end outputs an effective enable signal, the RS422 serial port module is activated, and the RS232 serial port module is disabled.

2. A communication interface unit according to claim 1, characterized in that The RS232 serial port module comprises a level conversion chip and a voltage stabilizing chip, the level conversion chip is used for converting an external 232 standard level into a single-chip microcomputer compatible level, and the voltage stabilizing chip is used for performing voltage stabilizing treatment on an external power supply and then supplying power to the level conversion chip.

3. A communication interface unit according to claim 2, characterised in that, The level conversion chip is selected from a MAX3318EUP chip.

4. A communication interface unit according to claim 2, characterised in that, The TTL sending end of the level conversion chip is electrically connected with the receiving pin of the first serial port of the single-chip microcomputer, and the TTL receiving end of the level conversion chip is electrically connected with the sending pin of the first serial port of the single-chip microcomputer.

5. A communication interface unit according to claim 4, characterised in that, The RS422 serial port module comprises a first chip and a second chip, the TTL sending end of the first chip is electrically connected with the receiving pin of the second serial port of the single-chip microcomputer, the TTL receiving end of the first chip is electrically connected with the sending pin of the second serial port of the single-chip microcomputer, the differential signal input end of the second chip is correspondingly electrically connected with the differential signal output end of the first chip, and the differential signal output end of the second chip is used for connecting the 422 interface of an external device.

6. A communication interface unit according to claim 5, characterised in that, The first chip is a TC2864IS-1 chip, and the second chip is selected from one of an LTC2862 chip, an LTC2863 chip, an LTC2864 chip and an LTC2865 chip.

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