NMEA Protocol Converter 2 Plus 3 for RS-232, RS-422, RS-485 or TTL Serial Channels

Rapid Response Engineering from Cincinnati Ohio

NMEA Protocol Converter 2 Plus 3

Overview

With the ever increasing types of NMEA protocols, and the variety of devices which support those protocols, the need exists for a data integration solution which mitigates the protocol incompatibilities between devices. The NMEA Protocol Converter 2 Plus 3 ("NPC 2+3") is a powerful data integration device which allows dynamic NMEA-0183 protocol modification, and data splitting. The NPC 2+3 is a tough data, reliable, solution for demanding industrial and maritime integration applications. With the NPC, you can solve complex data stream integration issues, which in the past may have required OEM programming and engineering support. The NPC is available in a tough maritime enclosure, or as a separate board which can be mounted in your control rack.

For more information, consult the NMEA Protocol Converter 2 Plus 3 Users Guide.

Data Flow Features

The NPC 2+3 has the following high level features:

Intelligent firmware control over 2 bi-directional serial ports
Flexible COMM Port Configurations: RS-232 / RS-485 / RS-422 / TTL
Powerful 3 port data splitter derived from COMM 1 TX
Convenient power distribution bus with filtering and fusing
Solid data signal optical isolation / floating grounds / transient suppression
Tough industrial and maritime enclosure options
Easy field configuration or custom programming
Efficient on board switching power generation

Click here to see a larger size data flow diagram.

Detailed Feature Enumeration

Major Features	Benefits
Two bi-directional serial ports (COM0 / COM1) with datastream between the two ports under firmware control.	Allows protocol incompatabilities to be resolved inside the NPC device. Avoiding costly one time or recurring custom programming charges to systems such as navigation, mapping or radar. Easily change date rate, format, or packet content.
Three split (output only) serial Ports (COM2 - COM4)	Allows up to 3 additional devices to receive a corrected NMEA-0183 datastream. Reduces risk and expense introduced by "Brand-X" data splitters.
Flexible RS-232, RS-422, RS-485 and TTL serial port options.	Allows devices to be integrated into virtually any industry standard interface provides solid isolation and protection between interfaces Easy field reconfiguration from one type of serial port to another type
Programmable firmware component which may be field modified using industry standard JTAG / C language.	Enables custom firmware to be developed in the field (with a competent technician). Allows flexible and virtually unlimited implemention possibilities.
Full optical isolation on all ports.	Increased survivability to lightening or static discharge transients. Reduction in port-to-port ("coupled") electrical noise, leads to fewer data errors. Protects equipment from damage due to transient voltages often caused by motors, elevators, welders, etc.
Unique Feature: Separate power generation for isolation on each port's optical isolation circuit.	Mitigate affects of ground loops caused by wiring into equipment powered by different or widely separated circuits. Reduces risk of damage to interconnected equipment.
25 On-board diagnostic LED's for rapid issue identification and resolution. Debugging with PC / laptop on diagnostic channel.	Easily identify issues in wiring, connected, peripherals, (etc) results in significantly reduced downtime.
Power: 10 - 26VDC with reverse polarity protection and power filtering.	High reliability, tough maritime engineering.
Multitude of other features.	Consult the NPC Users Guide for further information.

Connection Point Block Diagram

Implementation Example

The following data flow diagram shows a hypothetical NMEA implemenation where the data stream to and from the GYRO or GPS on COMM0, and been protocol modified to be compatible with the datastream being delivered to COMM1, which is replicated on COM2 - COM4. Also shown is a debugging technicians PC or laptop connected to the diagnostic port.

Ordering Information

The NPC 2+3 solutions are available as stock items. The most popular item is the fully capable NPC 2+3. Should a custom configuration be required, please contact Constellation Data Sales.

Product Name Part Number	COMM 0-1 Port Type (TX/RX)	COMM 2–4 Port Type (TX only)	COMM’s TVS + Optical Isolation	Power Source for Port Isolation
NPC 2+3 2893797-0	All RS: 232/485/TTL	All RS: 232/485/TTL	TVS + Optical Isolation	Independent Port to Port (GND Isolation)
NPC 2(232)+3(232) 2893797-1	RS-232	RS-232	TVS + Optical Isolation	Independent Port to Port (GND Isolation)
NPC 2(4XX)+3(4XX) 2893797-2	RS-422 RS-485 TTL	RS-422 RS-485 TTL	TVS + Optical Isolation	Independent Port to Port (GND Isolation)
NPC 2(232)+3(4XX) 2893797-3	RS-232	RS-422 RS-485 TTL	TVS + Optical Isolation	Independent Port to Port (GND Isolation)
NPC 2(4XX)+3(232) 2893797-4	RS-422 RS-485 TTL	RS-232	TVS + Optical Isolation	Independent Port to Port (GND Isolation)
NPC 2(232)+3(232)-Econ 2893797-5	RS-232	RS-232	TVS + Optical Isolation	Shared (Common GND)
NPC 2(4XX)+3(4XX)-Econ 2893797-6	RS-422 RS-485 TTL	RS-422 RS-485 TTL	TVS + Optical Isolation	Shared (Common GND)
NPC 2(232)+3(4XX)-Econ 2893797-7	RS-232	RS-422 RS-485 TTL	TVS + Optical Isolation	Shared (Common GND)
NPC 2(4XX)+3(232)-Econ 2893797-8	RS-422 RS-485 TTL	RS-232	TVS + Optical Isolation	Shared (Common GND)