The UCN uses redundant coaxial cables and can support up to 32

redundant devices. The UCN supports peer-to-peer communication

between devices on this network. This feature enables sharing

information among HPMs, APMs, PMs, Safety Managers, and Logic

Managers on the network, thus offering tremendous power and

flexibility in implementing advanced, coordinated control strategies.

Network Interface Module The Network Interface Module (NIM)

provides the link between the Local Control Network and the 

Universal Control Network.

Accordingly, it makes the transition from the transmission technique

and protocol of the Local Control Network to the transmission

technique and protocol of the Universal Control Network. The NIM

provides LCN module access to data from UCN-resident devices.

It supports program and database loads to the Advanced Process

Manager and forwards alarms and messages from the network

devices to the LCN. The NIM is also available in a redundant

configuration to provide automatic, continued operation in the event

of a primary failure.

LCN time and UCN time are synchronized by the NIM. The NIM

broadcasts LCN time over the UCN. The APM (as well as the HPM)

uses it for a number of time driven functions, such as sequence

of events reporting.