A software-hardware method of serial interface controller implementation is proposed which includes separate processing of data link and physical layer functions The data link layer functions are implemented in software using a microcontroller (MC), and physical level functions -in hardware using programmable logical device (PLD). The proposed method provides optimal ratio of hardware and software costs for interface controller (IC) implementation, and effective utilization of MC computing power. Based on this method a structure of the universal serial interface controller is proposed.

The universal controller of serial interfaces with separate processing of data link and physical layer functions is proposed. The data link layer functions are implemented in software using a microcontroller, and physical level functions -in hardware using programmable logical device (FPGA or CPLD). It provides minimal utilization of hardware during interface controller design, high device flexibility and efficient use of microcontroller computing power.

A method for structural synthesis of Network Capable Application Processors (NCAPs) is proposed. It is based on a method of morphological analysis and synthesis and includes phases of functional analysis, structural synthesis, and search for a set of optimal solutions. The proposed method combines lexicographical criterion of preference (L- criterion) at a stage of functional analysis and unconditional criterion of preference (Pareto optimality) during the search phase, which are considered in literature as alternative methods of search for optimal solutions. Combining of criteria, makes it possible to reduce the number of synthesized alternative variants at a stage of structural synthesis and all obtained solutions are allowable.

The NIST-supported IEEE 1451 set of standards is being developed to unify diverse standards by providing a base protocol which allows interoperability between sensor/actuator networks and busses. A key feature of the IEEE 1451 standard is that the data (and meta-data or TEDS) of all transducers are communicated on the Internet with the same format, independent of the sensor physical layer (wired or wireless). We have developed a multi-port serial Network Capable Application Analyzer or gateway which connects any of several common serial buses to the Internet. The serial ports use the proposed revision of the IEEE 1451.2 standard, which is turn is based on the newly approved IEEE 1451.0 standard. The network is the Ethernet and the Internet protocol is HTTP (via TCP/IP) with a future option of STWS.

The paper describes two approaches to development of network capable application processors (NCAPs), which support remote online reprogramming and are compatible with IEEE1451 series of standards. The first approach utilizes specialized DS80C400 microcontroller by Dallas Semiconductors, while the second one is based on double-processor architecture, utilizing microcontrollers by Silicon Laboratories and analog devices. Advantages and disadvantages of both approaches are above.

The IEEE 1451.1 standard was studied and analyzed for resources needed for a minimal implementation of the standard. As a result, a Minimal IEEE 1451.1 Model optimized for the 8051 series of microcontrollers is proposed. In addition, a Minimal IEEE 1451.1 Model implementation in a distributed intelligent sensor network built with remotely reprogrammable Network Capable Application Processors (NCAPs) is presented.

The possibility of artificial neural network usage for recognition of a signal of a multiparameter sensor (MPS), described by different mathematical models, is described in this paper. These mathematical models are developed for the cases, when MPS conversion characteristics have positive derivatives, negative derivatives and derivatives of different sign at similar and opposite increasing of MPS output signal. The model of neural network, used for recognition, as well as achieved results of simulation modeling of a multiparameter sensor signal recognition using MATLAB software are presented in the end of this paper

The software and hardware features ofInterface and Reprogramming Controller (IRC) development are considered in this paper. IRC is the main part of Network Capable Application Processor (NCAP). The proposed IRC provides remotely on-line reprogramming of NCAP. Also this IRC supports the set of wide used serial (RS232, RS485, SPI) and parallel (LPT, ISA-8) interfaces. The main features of the proposed NCAP are the wide functionality in the condition of low price.