Method and apparatus for configuring I/O modules connected to a fieldbus controller

Abstract

A method of determining a configuration state of an I / O module connected to a fieldbus controller is disclosed, the method comprising the steps of receiving from the I / O module a key ID, comparing thekey ID with at least one key ID stored on the fieldbus controller, and configuring the I / O module when the received key ID does not correspond to the at least one stored key ID stored. Further, a circuit for configuring a digital input of a fieldbus controller as either a PNP input or an NPN input is provided comprising a control circuit including a reference input, a first selection input, and acontrol output. The circuit also comprises a data circuit including a second selection input electrically connected to the control output, a data input electrically coupled to the digital input, anda data output.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to the use of fieldbus controllers in industrial plant networks, and more particularly to methods for determining the configuration status of I / O modules connected to the fieldbus controller and for configuring digital inputs of the fieldbus controller and equipment. Background technique [0002] In industrial plant network systems, fieldbus controllers are used at the base of the control chain to link user interfaces and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) to multiple instruments such as sensors, actuators, motors, valves that actually perform the job modules and more. Fieldbus controllers typically contain multiple configurable I / O modules for connecting to and controlling these instruments. In complex industrial plant networks, multiple I / O modules on a single fieldbus controller may be connected for use simultaneously, and each of the multiple I / O modules may have different configuration settings. Accordingly, as ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

These time-consuming processes result in lengthy configuration and start-up times for the connected I / O modules

Especially in complex industrial networks where a large number of I / O modules are connected for use, these lengthy configuration and startup times can conflict with various time constraints (e.g. industry norms or qualifications)

[0004] In addition, conventional fieldbus controllers are equipped with only a single type of sensor interface for digital inputs and can only detect signals from PNP-type inputs or NPN-type inputs

Fieldbus controllers are manufactured either as NPN sensor input devices or as PNP sensor input devices, but neither currently has the capability to configure said inputs as NPN or PNP sensor inputs

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