ABSTRACT
LonTalk protocol represents an effort of the private industry to standardize communication protocols for automation systems. LonTalk is a protocol implemented in the firmware of a Neuron chip. LonTalk application programs are implemented either in the Neuron chips or in a host, such as a microcomputer and PC that contains the Neuron chip. Since the Neuron chip is present in all nodes connected to the network, the network compatibility issues are straightforward. Hosts use the Neuron chips as communications processors while they run the application programs on their own resources. Host-based nodes are built either with a network variable selection on the host, or the Neuron communications chip informs the host on authentication of the incoming message. LonTalk nodes are composed of Neuron chips, LonWorks transceivers, and the I/O circuitry interfacing to the field points. The cost of the Neuron chips, along with the cost of the LonMark protocol makes it attractive to building automation systems vendors.
