System Description; Introduction; Bus Structure - GE B30 Technical Reference Manual

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System description

2.1 Introduction

The B30 monitors build up a freely configurable modular system. The architecture is designed
to enable different module combinations so that the user is able to get the desirable parameter
and feature set. This modular approach makes it possible to add new features when they are
needed.

2.2 Bus structure

The operation of B30 is based on two communication channels, the CPU bus and module bus.
All units, including the modules, receive power from the same power supply, which is an
integral part of the monitor frame.
Patient
Monitor
UPI
SRAM
Memory
Figure 2
The CPU bus is a communication channel used only for internal data transfer. It is based on the
SC520 local bus and PCI bus. Data is transferred on this 32 bit wide bus using the CPU clock
frequency.
The module bus is for the parameter modules. The bus is based on the industry standard
RS-485, which uses a differential serial method to transfer data. This type of bus is robust and it
allows parameter modules to be inserted or removed while the power is on. The module bus
uses a 500 kbps data transfer rate.
The RS-485 type of serial communication supports so-called multidrop or party line
connections. This means that all parameter modules connected to the module bus use exactly
the same lines for communication. The advantage of this is that all bus connectors are
identical and the modules can be connected in any order and position.
Serial Sound
SC520 Local Bus
Code Data
Memory Memory
General bus structure of B30 monitor
SC520
Processor
Chipset
SDRAM
Document no. 2044677-001
System description
MiniPCI
Ethernet
Display
Controller
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