Monitoring and control system with binary addressing

Abstract

A network of addressable modules is disclosed with each module being addressable by a particular multi-digit binary code and each having first and second normally high address input lines which go low only when all the address code digital positions corresponding to the low digital positions in the particular module address are also low. The first address line may be rendered nonconducting and the second rendered conducting when those lines go low. Each module includes a third normally high address input line which goes low in the event any of the address code digital positions corresponding to the high digital positions in the particular module address are low. This third address lines rendered conducting when those lines go low. The modules are preprogrammable to respond to a particular multi-digit binary address and have a programmable address circuit including a plurality of programming groups, one for each digital position in a multi-bit address code. Each programming group includes a number of diodes and another number of single-pole, single-throw switches the particular states of which define the address of the particular module. The switches may take the form of a printed circuit trace which may be selectively severed to determine the status of the switch. The number of single-pole, single-throw switches may be three and the number of diodes two. In this case, two of the three single-pole, single-throw switches are operable together to be either both open or both closed and may be implemented by the equivalent double-pole, single throw switch. Each module is capable of responding to or initiating response by another module of like address.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.