NMEA Ethernet Gateway

The NMEA Ethernet Gateway is an Input / Output interface featuring one optically isolated input, one RS-422 signal level output port and one Serial over Ethernet I/O interface. The NMEA Ethernet Gateway is intended for use with computer based systems such as ECDIS, SVDR/VDR and conning/monitoring systems where NMEA-0183 data must be acquired from a source such us the GPS, Gyro, LOG, AIS, Radar ARPA, Echo Sounder or BWNAS. The connection to the computers is achieved via the Serial over Ethernet Interface with the use of a single CAT5 cable, either by creating a virtual serial port or directly a user selectable UDP socket for applications that support this feature.

Alternatively it can be used in installations to interconnect additional sources and existing interfaces like multipliers (e.g. Miniplex-3 series), multiplexers and data filters to computer based systems without the need to install additional high cost Multiport cards or commercial-non isolated USB to Serial converters.

Operation

The Ethernet Gateway can acquire serial NMEA-0183 signals provided that these follow the 4.800-38.400/8/N/1standard. The signal is received at the target computer application via the Serial over Ethernet interface, either by creating a virtual serial port (VSP), or directly from the assigned UDP socket. An output from the computer software (e.g. signal to the autopilot from the ECDIS) can be delivered via the same Serial over Ethernet Interface to the output port carried in RS-422 signal level format.