Configurable parent-child switch
A system including at least a first node or subnet device configured to be commanded by a controller, a first controller configured to control operation of the first node and interface with a host outside of the system, and a second controller identical to the first controller configured to be a child to the first controller during normal operation and be a parent to a second node or subnet device.
1. A system comprising:
at least a first node or subnet device configured to be commanded by a controller;
a first controller configured to control operation of the first node and interface with a host outside of the system; and
a second controller identical to the first controller configured to be a child to the first controller during normal operation and be a parent to a second node or subnet device, wherein the first controller and the second controller each include two switches configured toggle each controller from a parent role and a child role, wherein a first switch of the two switches is configured to move between a first position and a second position, wherein the first switch in the first position enables the first controller to be parent to the second controller and a third controller, the second switch being in-line with the first switch, wherein the first controller and the second controller each include:
a first transceiver connected to a serial communication line configured to communicate with an external host, a second transceiver in line with the second switch.
2. The system of claim 1 , further comprising multiple nodes.
3. The system of claim 2 , wherein at least one of the nodes is configured to be a piezoelectric ultra-sonic wave generator and detector.
4. The system of claim 2 , wherein the at least one of the nodes is configured to be a fiber optic based sensor.
5. The system of claim 2 , wherein the nodes, the first controller, and the second controller are connected by shielded, field terminable, and integral wire lead harnesses.
6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the system includes integral power conditioning.
7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first controller and the first node are shut down during a first controller failure, and the second controller becomes a parent to subsequent non-failed controllers.
8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first switch in a first position connects the external host to a first terminating resistor.
9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first switch in the first position is disconnected from the second switch.
10. The system of claim 1 , wherein the switches are configured to toggle each of controller from a parent role and a child role.
11. The system of claim 1 , wherein the second switch in a first position is connected to the second transceiver.
12. The system of claim 1 , wherein each of the transceivers are connected to a parent bus functionality controller.
13. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first switch in the second position enables the third controller to be a child to the second controller.