Communication Server for connecting medical equipment to computer networks
Interfacing to Novell NetWare, Microsoft 95/98/NT servers and workstations
Up to 20 RS-232C-Interfaces and Ethernet network connection

Rear view

Almost any medical device today is equipped with an RS232 data output interface in order to transfer results automatically. The problem starts when trying to interface to multiple medical devices. Standard PC's usually offer only two ports for RS232 connections and this fact results very often in putting a separate computer beside each device in order to capture data. Different and incompatible data capturing protocols and programs for the devices and high hardware costs as well as the amount of required space and intensive maintenance are the negative results.
To avoid this, the BDC offers up to 20 RS232 interfaces for connection to medical equipment. With a device specific driver software running independently on each port, the BDC communicates to the medical equipment and records the data for concentrated output via a master RS232 connection or via network connection. The connection to the device is fully bi-directional and is not limited to data output only. Set up information for the device can be prepared on the network and transferred to the selected port.

The BDC links to an Ethernet Network via twisted pair or coaxial cabling like any other computer. A client software module available for Novell NetWare, Windows 95/98, Windows NT Server and Workstation gives the BDC access to the network drives and enables file exchange as well a packet oriented data exchange. Due to the fact that the complete device communication and RS232 protocol decoding is done by the BDC's internal operating system and device drivers, the network load keeps very low and is reduced to the transmission of results in a standardized format. The minimal network traffic together with flexible configuration of the data output, allows even the use in wide area networks via routers or frame relays. The configuration of the RS232 ports is absolutely flexible and can be assigned through configuration files located on the network. Also the device driver programs are located on the network, so that in case of a protocol change of the medical device simply a file needs to be replaced. In a network environment the number of connectable RS232 devices is unlimited since multiple BDC's (up to 255) can be used on one server.

Active Communication Server for data exchange with medical equipment via RS232 interfaces.

Powerful processing unit based on the OS-9 real-time multitasking operating system.

Ethernet 10BaseT and 10Base2 network interface running on IPX or IP protocols.

Available client software to integrate into Novell NetWare, Windows NT, Windows 95/98 networks.

20 fully independent RS232C interfaces with configurable baud rates and communication parameters.

Flexible and easy assignment of the RS232 ports to various medical devices.

Continuously growing number of software drivers for medical equipment of all kind. See the Device Driver list to get an overview which devices are already interfaced.

CE approval, external power supply for medical environment, optional built in accumulator for uninterruptible power supply.