Ethernet based field control module for industrial process monitor and control using ATmega328

Considering the technological developments in the marketplace the embedded systems with multiple interface options are going to play a significant role in many monitoring and controlling applications. This paper focuses on the development of the multiple interface field control module board using microcontroller ATmega328 for monitoring and controlling the various input output devices. This board supports the Ethernet and USB interfaces. This board is controlled by sending the command from the master/master controller and computer. For handling the Ethernet communication between master controller and field control module, SPI pins of microcontroller are interfaced with Ethernet controller ENC28J60 which communicate using UDP protocol. Field control module consists of four optocoupled digital inputs and four output relays. Field control module also supports IP addressable field monitoring and controlling operations.