ARCNET Analyzer

ARCNET network analyzers will allow engineers to capture and decode all types of ARCNET frames. ARCNET is referred to as an embedded networking technology frequently found in diverse applications including industrial automation. A network analyzer is used to examine the data sent over the network. Unlike other ARCNET analyzers that use an ARCNET chip for capturing packets, this analyzer captures the symbols sent and reconstructs the frames. The ARCNET Network Analyzer (ANA) provides the ability to view all frame types including invitations to transmit (ITT), free buffer enquiry (FBE), acknowledgements (ACK), negative acknowledgements (NAK), as well as the ability to view the transmitted ARCNET packets (PAC). ARCNET is a token-passing network and ANA will display the tokens along with a time stamp. The ANA has a 2.5 microsecond timer resolution for all recorded events and will operate at the 10 Mbps upper limit of ARCNET.

This product operates on a standard PC or a notebook computer with a USB interface. It directly accommodates coaxial star and bus, twisted-pair and DC or AC EIA-485. Data rates can range from 156 kbps to 10 Mbps.

The ANA does not rely on the PC for real-time acquisition. The ANA's USB module contains its own CPU, memory and custom triggering hardware to facilitate capture of all transmissions. Any unrecognizable transmission will be captured and displayed as well. This includes noise transients and reconfiguration bursts.

The ANA is a necessary tool for developing and troubleshooting embedded ARCNET networks.

Contemporary Controls, 2431 Curtiss Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515. Tel: 630-963-7070; Fax: 630-963-0109.