Using 1-Wire I/O for distributed system monitoring

Using 1-wire I/O, in the form of the Dallas One-Wire/sup TM/ bus, for distributed system monitoring provides several benefits. Foremost among these is simplified wiring or signal routing, and lower connector costs. Every device on the network has a unique serial number, providing node identification. In addition, robust, scalable network architecture is provided which can be used on a single PCB or throughout a building. All this can be controlled from a single pin on a microcontroller, and it can be extended through modems or Ethernet. This gives the system designer considerable flexibility in designing monitor and control functions into the system.