Features include ..

Four RS-232 serial ports (PPC-4) with hardware & xon/xoff handshakes and modem control capability (RTS,CTS,DTR,DSR,CDO,CDI).
Baud rates up to 115,200 baud supported on multiple ports simultaneously
Fast full-featured Pascal language with special datacomms extensions and support for all PPC functions - up to approx. 2000 lines
ANSI C programmable - up to approx. 10000 lines
Integer BASIC
Full-screen WordStar-like program editor, works via any ANSI terminal & over a modem
Non-volatile EEPROM filing system holds up to 20 user programs
All PPC functions accessible with an ANSI-compatible terminal
PC terminal emulator included with PPC-PC file transfer capability
Options include a real-time clock, extra memory (which can be battery-backed) and various CPU clock speeds
Optional DES encryption for high-security comms applications
Rugged all-metal enclosure for compliance with EMC regulations
High quality British design and manufacture - field proven since 1992



The PPC - Programmable Protocol Converter is a unique self-contained product which you can use to rapidly produce your own custom data conversion solutions. All you need is an ANSI "dumb" terminal or any PC. Suitable PC software is included.

The PPC's four ports are individually field-configurable to RS232 or RS422/485 (both 2- and 4-wire).

With its built-in compiled Pascal and a WordStar-compatible full-screen editor, the PPC is easier to program than any other "comms box" and far easier than the typical 80x86-based single board computer or PC.

In addition to Pascal, the PPC can also be programmed in ANSI C. C programs are highly portable between the PPC and the DIN rail mounted 2-port KD485-PROG converter.



Software Utilities Disk (178k)

The PPC-E is a Eurocard rack-mount format version of the PPC.

Same features as PPC
LED display of TX and RX activity
Most PPC options are fitted as standard
3U x 6HP Eurocard rack mountable
All connections on a 64-way DIN41612 connector
Surface-mount technology
Lower cost than PPC

Ten LEDs indicate various PPC states and show progress of compilation, execution, any runtime errors and other information. One LED (USR) is writable from user programs; eight are writable from C programs.

The graphic at the top of the page shows a PPC "in action". The "PGM" LED is lit, indicating a user program is running, and this program is flashing the "USR" LED.

The second LED bar shows bidirectional data activity on the four ports.

The PPC has three switches SW1-SW3 whose states are readable from user programs. In addition, holding SW1 at power-up enters the Executive (configuration mode); pressing SW2+3 at any time resets the PPC.

Additional PPC Information