Computer to fieldbus control system interface

An interface device for interfacing a computer with a Fieldbus, comprising:

• a serial port connector for connecting the interface device to a serial port of the computer;
• a processor coupled to the serial port connector for processing data from the computer and the Fieldbus for communication to the Fieldbus and the computer, respectively;
• a medium attachment unit (MAU) coupled to the processor for connecting to the Fieldbus and for providing predetermined electrical characteristics for signals transmitted to and received from the Fieldbus;
• a modem coupled between the processor and the MAU for modulating data from the processor for transmission over the Fieldbus and for demodulating signals from the Fieldbus for processing by the processor;
• and
• a housing for housing the interface device, wherein the housing is smaller than 5 inches by 6 inches by 1.5 inches.

An interface device for interfacing a computer with a Fieldbus, comprising:

• a serial port connector for connecting the interface device to a serial port of the computer;
• means for generating, from power supplied by the computer, a stabilized DC voltage for powering the interface device coupled to the serial port connector;
• a processor coupled to the serial port connector for processing data from the computer and the Fieldbus for communication to the Fieldbus and the computer, respectively;
• and
• a modem coupled to the processor for modulating data from the processor for transmission over the Fieldbus and for demodulating signals from the Fieldbus for processing by the processor.