A Fifth-Generation Routing Switcher Control System

Over the years, routing switcher matrices have become larger and the control systems more complex. Control systems have evolved from simple wire-per-crosspoint designs to microprocessor-based designs. The use of microprocessors has produced powerful, flexible control systems, but at the same time, increases the difficulty of locating faults. This article describes a fifth-generation system that provides many functions that are indispensable for system maintenance and modification. The heart of the system is an RS-232 serial port dedicated to an installation/maintenance terminal. All installation-dependent information is contained in EEPROM. Thus, once configured via the terminal, these parameters are retained unless reconfigured.