COM20020_00 Datasheet, PDF (2/82 Pages) SMSC Corporation – Universal Local Area Network Controller with 2K x 8 On-Board RAM

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
SMSC's COM20020 is a member of the family of
Embedded ARCNET Controllers from Standard
Microsystems Corporation. The device is a
general purpose communications controller for
networking microcontrollers and intelligent
peripherals in industrial, automotive, and
embedded control environments using an
ARCNET protocol engine. The small 24 pin
package, flexible microcontroller and media
interfaces, eight- page message support, and
extended temperature range of the COM20020
make it the only true network controller optimized
for use in industrial, embedded, and automotive
applications. Using an ARCNET protocol engine
is the ideal solution for embedded control
applications because it provides a deterministic
token-passing protocol, a highly reliable and
proven networking scheme, and a data rate of up
to 5 Mbps when using the COM20020.
A token-passing protocol provides predictable
response times because each network event
occurs within a predetermined time interval, based
upon the number of nodes on the network. The
deterministic nature of ARCNET is essential in
real time applications. The integration of the 2Kx8
RAM buffer on-chip, the Command Chaining
feature, the 5 Mbps maximum data rate, and the
internal diagnostics make the COM20020 the
highest performance embedded communications
device available. With only one COM20020 and
one microcontroller, a complete communications
node may be implemented.
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