Importance

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Abstract

A network node includes a housing in which the electronics of the network node are contained, the housing having an external port to which a plug-in module can be physically attached. The plug-in module contains a readable memory which, when the plug-in module is attached, allows electronic interconnection between the electronics of the network node and the readable memory. The readable memory stores a unique node identifier which becomes associated with the node, and can also store functional program code for the particular node. Thus, a node can be easily and rapidly replaced or reprogrammed, without the need for specialized equipment to download the node identifier or functional program code, and without the possibility of erroneous manual entry of the node identifier. In operation, the node reads in its node identifier from the appropriate address of the readable memory, and thereafter sends and receives communications in accordance with the node identifier it has read out from the plug-in module. In one embodiment, the plug-in module takes the form of an enclosed cylindrical unit having wrapped about its periphery at one end a cylindrical attachment piece with inner threading, which connects to a threaded extension on the node housing. Pins along the base of the plug-in module fit snugly into opposing holes along the top of the extension piece on the node housing, or vice versa. The network node with plug-in module is particularly well suited for use in large, distributed control network systems, such as a multi-bus hierarchical control network.

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First Claim