The '''Multi-Point Interface -– Siemens''' ('''MPI''') is a [[Proprietary hardware|proprietary]] [[Interface (computer science)|interface]] of the [[Programmableprogrammable Logiclogic Controller| Programmable Logic Controllercontroller]] SIMATIC S7 of the company [[Siemens AG|Siemens]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Siemens Communication with SIMATIC|url=https://cache.industry.siemens.com/dl/files/686/1254686/att_46478/v1/S7komm_e.pdf|website=cache.industry.siemens.com|publisher=Siemens|accessdate=2 January 2017|pages=113}}</ref>
It is used for connecting the stations programming (PGPC or [[Personalpersonal Computer | PC]]computer), operator consoles, and other devices in the SIMATIC family. This technology has inspired the development of [[Protocol (computing)|protocol]] [[Profibus]].
The MPI is based on the [[Technical standard|standard]] [[EIA-485]] (formerly RS-485) and works with a speed offrom 187.5 [[Baud|kBd]]. to 12 MBd.
The [[computer network|network]] MPI must have [[resistor|resistance]] at the end of the line and it is generally included in the [[electrical connector|connector]] and activated by a simple switch.
Manufacturers using MPI technology offer a range of connections to a PC: MPI cards, cards [[Personal Computer Memory Card International Association|PCMCIA]] adapterscards, [[Universal Serial Bus|USB]] adapters or [[Ethernet]].
==References==
(1) Article in original language : http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multi_Point_Interface_-_Siemens
