Main Control Unit (MCU):

The MCU is the power house of the 8000. Each MCU comprises a central processor module (CPM), a power supply, a four(4) or eight(8) slot backplane for either 4 or 8 Parallel I/O modules. The CPM is powerful integrated processing engine comprising a CPU, RAM and ROM, and an option of communication interfaces including RS-485, Ethernet and CANbus.

All of these controllers are equipped with MiniOS7 embedded operating system, although the SLAVE units cannot be programmed, they act as Gateways to the I/O modules. This operating system is compatible with DOS and was developed by ICP specifically for use in embedded applications. Advantages include shorter power up time, built-in diagnostic functions, direct support for I-7000 and I-8000 modules and direct support for internal memory devices. By use of a supplied utility, programs can be downloaded (C or VB) to be run on the devices.