Cogent SA85 Driver for Modicon Modbus Plus Cards : Version 1.10
	Chapter 1. Introduction

Chapter 1. Introduction

Table of Contents

1.1. Features and Specifications
1.2. System Requirements
1.3. Applicable Reference Documents

1.1. Features and Specifications

This device driver has been implemented as an OS task named mbpadmin in QNX 4, QNX 6 and Linux. It receives requests from any task and performs the required interactions with the SA85 or PC85 card. (In QNX 4, the requests can come from any machine on the network.) The client-server model of the device driver allows for quick development of client tasks, without the complexities of interacting directly with devices. Multiple tasks can execute concurrently while the driver maintains the link with the Modbus Plus network. The driver supports the use of 8 data master paths, 8 data slave paths, and the global data features of the SA85 or PC85 card.

The Cogent SA85 Driver works with PC85 (PCI) Modbus Plus cards from Modicon, and should work with any SA85 compatible card, both PCI and ISA, as long as it is SA85 compatible.

Specifications

Uses a Modicon SA85 or PC85 Network Adaptor (available from your local Modicon representative).

The driver supports both redundant and non-redundant versions of the SA85 or PC85 card.

Multiple interface cards can be used in the same computer.

Multiple administrators can be used in the same computer.

Transparent access to remote administrators on a QNX 4 network.

Simple installation and configuration.

Available for QNX 4 version 4.23A or later, QNX 6 version 6.1.0 and later, and Linux version 2.4 and later.

A detailed programmer's guide explains client administrator interaction.

It is assumed that the reader is familiar with Modbus Plus, Modbus, the C programming language and the intricacies of programming for the QNX or Linux operating systems, as applicable.


Cogent SA85 Driver for Modicon Modbus Plus Cards		1.2. System Requirements