Simple laboratory local-area network

A simple local-area network is described for computers that are software-compatible with the SM-4 and Elektronika-60 and are connected by an RS-232C serial channel. An interface board is developed for a computer with a Q-bus. The network software is designed for operation with the OS RV, MIOS RV, and RAFOS operating systems. The interface has substantially smaller size and power consumption and provides higher speeds of data exchange than the UPO serial exchange device. In addition, use of the modern component base allows up to three UPO interfaces to be mounted on a half-size board without additional address decoders. The proposed network has passed laboratory tests in automation of experiments in laser and crystal growth physics.