HEIDENHAIN iTNC 530 HSCI - Data Interfaces

July 2013 10.1 Introduction 1857
10 Data Interfaces
10.1 Introduction
In addition to their Central Processing Unit (CPU), computer systems usually
include various peripheral devices.
A CPU is, for example:
 PC
 Control
Peripheral devices include:
 Printers
 Scanners
 External storage devices, such as hard disks, floppy-disk drives or USB
memory sticks
 Other computer systems
A data interface makes it possible for the CPU and its peripheral devices to
communicate.
The interfaces, which consist of physical links between the computer system
and the peripherals, need a transmission line and appropriate software in order
to transfer data between the individual units.
Standard interfaces include:
 Ethernet
 USB 1.1
 RS-232-C/V.24 or
 RS-422/V.11
The relationship between hardware and software, which fully defines an
interface, is illustrated by the following diagram:
The hardware in the diagram covers all the physical components, such as
 Circuit design
 Pin layout
 Electrical characteristics
The software is the operating software, which includes, for example, the
drivers for the output modules.
Software
Hardware
Software
Computer
Peripherals
e.g. PC,
control
e.g. printer,
external
memory