You are using an outdated browser. For a faster, safer browsing experience, upgrade for free today.

All of our smart function modules are supported in NAI’s Software Support Kits, where the function module libraries or application programming interface (APIs) are simply managed for the software engineer. By providing a common modular API structure, accessing individual registers on a specific smart function module is as easy as passing a board slot number, module slot number, channel number and data parameter(s) into an API function.

Integration

Each smart function module is designed and tested independently for reliable integration into the control system as needed. APIs also provide a standardized interface that other applications can use to control the system, allowing developers to choose their preferred programming language, tools, and libraries. Developers can build more complex and sophisticated multiple-component systems.

Ease of Use

All smart function modules share common template APIs, which abstract away the complexity of the system. These APIs present a simple and intuitive interface that developers can use to control the system's behavior. This creates similarity and programmability across all modules, leading to a more I/O-intensive, distributed, and cost-effective mission system.

Performance

The dedicated System-on-Chip (SoC) on each function module supports customizable application and FPGA code for embedded real time combined functions, such as programmable PID loop support. In systems where real-time responsiveness is essential, these dedicated SoCs provide high-speed and low latency processing, while also optimized for low power consumption.

Efficiency

Memory map-based configurability allows for efficient use of resources such as memory and processing power. By using the API functions to modify values stored in memory-mapped registers, the system can adjust its use of resources based on the current operational requirements, eliminating the need for additional hardware and reducing overall cost.

Reliability

Most smart function modules perform built-in (and continuous) self-tests and diagnostics to detect and flag faults or errors in the module's operation including potential external influences such as faulted or shorted wiring. This allows for a high level of fault tolerance.

Maintainability

Standard COSA smart modules and APIs provide board or system level factory reconfigurability and obsolescence protection. They shield developers from changes to the system's underlying implementation and future technology upgrades. You can respond to evolving design specifications with reduced NRE (non-recurring engineering) charges.

For more control beyond the API, we offer the ability to directly control our modules via memory map registers. As opposed to driver-centric command/control, the smart function modules are memory mapped to the motherboard via a high-speed SerDes module interface, without undue processing overhead.

View Other COSA Product Families

Browse all Configurable Open Systems Architecture™ (COSA®) product category pages:

COSA® Selection Guide
Shortform Selection Guide Of Preferred COSA Products

Digital IO - Differential Transceiver

Differential transceivers increase resistance to noise by creating two complementary signals. These complementary signals produced on balanced lines double noise immunity by creating lower power requirements due to lower supply voltages. NAI's modules are offered in two versions: the Standard Functionality (SF) module and the Enhanced Functionality (EF) module. Both modules feature 16 individual RS422/RS485 I/O channels that are programmable for either input or output, and include extensive diagnostics.

DF1
16 Differential I/O Multi-Mode Transceiver Channels
  • No. of Channels 16 Channels
  • Receiver Input Levels (RS-422) -10 V to 10 V
  • Receiver Input Levels (RS-485) -7 V to 12 V
  • Driver Output Voltage 0 V to 5 V max.

View Details

DF2
Enhanced 16 Differential I/O Multi-Mode Transceiver Channels
  • No. of Channels 16 Channels
  • Receiver Input Levels (RS-422) -10 V to 10 V
  • Receiver Input Levels (RS-485) -7 V to 12 V
  • Driver Output Voltage -0.25 V to 5 V max.

View Details