Multipurpose digital integrated circuit for communication and control network

Abstract From the Canadian patent

A low cost multipurpose digital integrated, circuit (IC) is used as the basic building block in establishing a network communication system over a desired communication link. The digital IC can function as an addressable microcomputer interface between the network line and a remotely located microcomputer which may for, example, comprise any microprocessor based controlled product. In such mode, the digital IC's function is to take data from the network and pass it on to the remotely located microcomputer upon command from the central controller and to transmit data from the microcomputer to the central controller. The digital IC may also function as a nonaddressable microcomputer interface …