Manipulation system and method for establishing communication between a processing device and a sensor

Abstract

The invention relates to a control system (1) for use in an automation system, having a processing device (5) with a communication connection (15) for communication with a sensor (2) and for receiving a sensor signal and a control connection (17) for providing a control signal; the control system has a power supply device (6) which is connected to the control connection (17) and is configured for providing a variable supply voltage at a supply connection (19) as a function of a control signal level of the control signal, wherein the communication connection (15), the communication connection (15) and the supply connection (19) are connected to an interface (24) which is configured for electrical connection with the sensor (2), wherein the processing device (5) is configured for providing at least two different communication protocols at the communication connection (15) and for providing at least two different control signal levels at the control connection (17).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control system for use in an automated system and a method for establishing communication between a processing device and a sensor, wherein the processing device and the sensor constitute the control system. Background Technology

[0002] Such a control system can, for example, be configured as a servo drive regulator for controlling an electric motor in a regulated manner. Exemplarily, the control system is configured to convert motion commands into electrical power supplied to the electric motor, and thus into motion of the motor, wherein the motion commands are provided by a higher-level controller, particularly a programmable logic controller (SPS). In this case, the control system is configured to communicate with at least one sensor assigned to the electric motor so as to form a closed feedback loop (closed-loop operation) for regulating the operation of the electric motor based on sensor signals from at least one sensor.

[0003] In the case of known control systems not described in printed form, it is stipulated that before the control system is started, the processing unit belonging to the control system must be parameterized according to the sensors connected to the processing unit in order to ensure the prescribed communication between the sensors and the processing unit. For this purpose, it is specifically stipulated that the user must first determine which sensor is connected to the processing unit so that, in the case of a parameterization device, such as a computer, a set of parameters customized for the corresponding sensor, especially stored in an external database, can be provided to the processing unit. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The objective of this invention is to provide a control system and a method for establishing communication between the processing device and sensors of the control system, the control system and method ensuring the start-up of the control system in a simplified manner.

[0005] This task addresses the type of control system mentioned at the beginning by including a processing unit with a communication connection for communicating with and receiving sensor signals, and a control connection for providing control signals. The control system also includes a power supply unit connected to the control connection and configured to provide, at least two non-zero supply voltage levels at the power supply connection based on the control signal level of the control signal. The communication connection and the power supply connection are connected to an interface configured for electrical connection with the sensor. The processing unit is configured to provide at least two different communication protocols at the communication connection and at at least two different control signal levels at the control connection. The term "control signal level" should be understood herein as a state of the control signal that distinguishes it from other states. If the control signal is, for example, an analog voltage, then the control signal level should be understood as the numerical value (Betrag) of that voltage. If the control signal is, for example, a digital signal, then the control signal level should be understood as the value of the digital signal.

[0006] The processing device is preferably a microcontroller or microprocessor, on which a computer program runs, and the computer program can detect and process sensor signals from sensors connected to the processing device.

[0007] The sensor is used to detect physical parameters, such as rotational speed, acceleration, sound pressure, and temperature, and convert these physical parameters into electrical sensor signals. The sensor signals can be analog, digital, or a combination of both. The sensor signals are provided by the sensor at the interface of the automation system and are then forwarded from there to the input connection of the processing unit.

[0008] The processing device is configured to optionally communicate with at least two different sensors and therefore must be able to provide at least two different communication protocols at the communication connection point, wherein the communication connection point is configured to communicate with the sensors and be electrically connected to the interface. It is assumed here that the processing device is able to communicate with a first sensor through appropriate parameterization, but can also communicate with a second sensor requiring further parameterization through additional parameterization. The processing device can, in particular, be configured to access and process the sensor signals of multiple sensors implemented in different ways on different interfaces connected to the processing device using different communication protocols after appropriate parameterization is performed.

[0009] The different communication protocols may be, for example, analog signals or signal sequences or digital signals or signal sequences adapted to a sensor connected to the interface of the processing device, and together with the appropriate power supply voltage provided to the sensor by the processing device during intermediate connection of the power supply device, result in the connected sensor providing a sensor signal.

[0010] Communication between the processing device and the sensor can be achieved through a persistent electrical signal provided by the processing device with a signal level that is constant or variable in time, according to the required communication protocol, and thus output as an analog signal sequence or a digital signal sequence.

[0011] To communicate with the sensor, communication protocols from the following group can be used, purely exemplary: EnDat22; EnDat21; Nikon A-Format; Hiperface; incremental and / or other communication protocols. For each of these communication protocols, a specific supply voltage or voltage range must be supplied to the sensor for communication with the processing device. Accordingly, the supply voltage or a freely selectable voltage from the voltage range must be provided precisely to ensure the prescribed communication between the processing device and the sensor. Therefore, it can be assumed that a sensor configured for the pre-given communication protocol and the pre-given supply voltage will only output a sensor signal if not only communication with the processing device via the pre-given communication protocol is guaranteed, but also a supply voltage or a voltage within the pre-given voltage range is guaranteed to be supplied to the sensor.

[0012] Preferably, the processing device has a combined output and input connection, referred to as a communication connection, at which either a communication signal can be provided to the sensor or an arriving sensor signal can be processed in a suitable timing sequence. Alternatively, the output connection for communicating with the sensor and the input connection for receiving sensor signals are configured as discrete connections at the processing device, wherein the output connection may also be referred to as a first communication connection, and the input connection may also be referred to as a second communication connection.

[0013] The power supply may be, for example, an adjustable voltage regulator connected to an electrical power source constructed outside the control system, enabling the supply of a suitable power supply voltage to the sensor electrically via an interface according to control signals from the processing device, wherein the control signals are provided at the control connection of the processing device. The power supply may be constructed as a discrete electronic module (Baustein) arranged together with the processing device on a printed circuit (printed circuit board, flexible conductor). Alternatively, the power supply may be integrated as a circuit device into the processing device, which is typically constructed as an integrated circuit as a microprocessor or microcontroller. By way of example, the power supply is configured to provide a power supply voltage at the power connection in proportion to the control signal level of the control signals. In particular, it is specified that at least two different control signal levels provided by the processing device have different signal level values, and the lower signal level value results in a lower power supply voltage being provided compared to the power supply voltage output under the condition of a higher signal level value. Here, at least two different control signal levels provided by the processing device are selected such that the supply voltage provided by the power supply device at the power supply connection terminal always has a value greater than zero during the provision of at least two different communication protocols.

[0014] Advantageous extensions of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0015] Suitablely, the processing device has a power output terminal, and an electrical output stage connected to the power output terminal and to the interface is configured to supply electrical energy to the interface based on a power signal at the power output terminal. In this case, it is assumed that the electrical output stage is configured to output electrical energy supplied by a voltage source to the interface based on a power signal that can be provided by the processing device at the power output terminal. Correspondingly, in addition to the sensor, a power consumer with significantly higher energy consumption than the sensor can be additionally connected to the interface. Exemplarily, the power consumer is an actuator, particularly an electric motor. By means of a control system, electrical energy is supplied to the power consumer in a regulated operation (closed loop) using the sensor signal from the sensor, in order to provide motion, which can be used, for example, to execute or support a workflow in a processing machine and is pre-given, particularly by motion commands from a higher-level controller.

[0016] In one extended embodiment of the invention, a sensor is connected to the interface, the sensor being configured to communicate with a processing device according to a pre-given communication protocol and under a pre-given supply voltage, and a power consumption device is connected to the interface, the power consumption device being connected to an electrical output stage, wherein the sensor is configured to detect physical parameters of the power consumption device and wherein the power consumption device is configured to provide motion.

[0017] Control systems include, for example, servo drive regulators or motor controllers used to supply power to electric motors in automated systems.

[0018] Preferably, electrical energy is provided based on sensor signals from the sensor, and in order to provide electrical energy, the control system has an adjustment algorithm, which is preferably executed as part of a computer program running on a processing device, and the sensor signals from the sensor are processed using the adjustment algorithm and electrical energy is released to the power consumption device in coordination with it.

[0019] To operate the power consumer, communication must first be established between the processing device and the sensors assigned to the power consumer. Once this communication connection is established, the processing device can determine the deviation between a predetermined value given by the motion command and an actual value determined based on the sensor signal for operating the power consumer, using sensor signals provided by the sensors and motion commands that are fixedly predetermined or time-variable. These motion commands can be provided, in particular, by a higher-level controller or obtained from a sequence of motion commands stored in the processing device. Based on this deviation, a power signal can then be output at the power output terminal of the processing device. This provision of the power signal enables the output stage of the control system to supply electrical energy to the interface, which can then be used to operate the power consumer. Exemplarily, the electrical output stage includes one or more semiconductor modules configured to release electrical energy, particularly from an external energy source, according to the power signal and to supply that electrical energy to the interface.

[0020] Depending on the type of power consumer, the electrical output stage is configured to provide a DC voltage or one or more AC voltages at the interface, wherein the power consumer may be, for example, a synchronous motor or an asynchronous motor. Accordingly, the electrical output stage may include one or more drive circuits configured to release the required electrical energy. By providing electrical energy to the power consumer, for example, a change in the motion state of the power consumer can be caused, which in turn leads to a change in the sensor signal of the sensor, thereby closing a desired regulation loop in the processing device.

[0021] Preferably, the processing device is configured such that it is configured to establish communication with a sensor to sequentially execute a first communication cycle and a second communication cycle, wherein the first communication cycle includes providing a first communication protocol sequence at a first control signal level, wherein the second communication cycle includes providing a second communication protocol sequence at a second control signal level, and wherein the second control signal level is selected such that the value of the supply voltage is greater than that at the first control signal level.

[0022] This configuration of the processing device, particularly within the scope of computer programs that can run on the processing device, enables the automatic identification of sensors connected to the interface and thus enables the control system to be started in a manner that operates at least as far as possible without the influence of an operator.

[0023] To establish a communication connection between the processing device and the sensor, it is specified that the processing device continuously provides different communication protocols to the sensor under a first supply voltage and subsequently under at least one second supply voltage, either until all communication protocols and all supply voltages have been provided without receiving a sensor signal, or until a sensor signal is received under a specific combination of communication protocols and supply voltages.

[0024] In this case, it is assumed that if the sensor is configured to communicate via one of these communication protocols, the determined communication protocol can already induce a sensor signal upon the provision of a first supply voltage. Accordingly, those communication protocols configured to communicate with the sensor under the first supply voltage are incorporated into a first communication cycle. Exemplarily, the first communication cycle is established such that these different communication protocols are provided at the communication connection end of the processing device in a fixed order and at fixed time intervals between each other.

[0025] The different communication protocols in the first communication cycle are preferably arranged in chronological order, such that those communication protocols that are more likely to cause communication with the sensor are arranged in the first communication cycle before those communication protocols that are less likely to cause communication with the sensor.

[0026] Alternatively, it can be specified that different communication protocols in the first communication cycle are arranged sequentially according to individual durations, wherein the communication capability with the sensor can be checked for the corresponding communication protocol over the duration stated therein. For example, those communication protocols used to ensure particularly rapid checking of the communication capability with the sensor are placed before those communication protocols that result in slower checking of the communication capability. Similarly, the communication protocols that should be checked under the second supply voltage condition can constitute the second communication cycle and are arranged for this purpose within the second communication cycle.

[0027] If necessary, the communication protocol already included in the first communication cycle can also be included in the second communication cycle, so that the communication capability between the sensor and the processing device can be checked under two different power supply voltage conditions within the scope of the communication protocol.

[0028] In this case, the second control signal level is selected such that it is greater than the first control signal level. This could mean that the value of the first control signal level, such as voltage or current intensity, is less than the value of the second control signal level. It could also mean that the first control signal level is digitally encoded, resulting in a lower supply voltage provided by the power supply than would be provided under the second control signal level condition.

[0029] In another embodiment of the invention, the processing device is configured such that when a sensor signal arrives at the communication connection, the processing device terminates the execution of the corresponding communication cycle and maintains the communication protocol and control signal levels used to trigger the sensor signal. This measure preserves the combination of the communication protocol and control signal levels for further communication between the processing device and the sensor, wherein communication between the sensor and the processing device can be performed using this combination.

[0030] Advantageously, the processing device is configured to provide readout signals to read the electronic nameplate (e.g., Typeschild) of the sensor to the communication connection and to adapt the processing of the sensor signals based on information from the electronic nameplate. The electronic nameplate is used to read sensor-specific information, particularly parameters, from the sensor and provide it to the processing device, enabling advantageous adaptation of communication between the processing device and the sensor. Exemplarily, the electronic nameplate contains communication information and / or communication parameters in addition to the sensor's individual identification number and / or model name, which can be used to specifically adapt a determined communication protocol to the sensor. For example, the electronic nameplate may contain one or more parameters that can be used to parameterize the communication protocol according to the specific requirements of the sensor to ensure particularly advantageous communication between the sensor and the processing device.

[0031] Preferably, the processing device is configured to execute an adjustment algorithm that allows the power signal to be changed based on the sensor signal or, in particular, on a time-variable power requirement. Here, the power requirement can be predetermined by a computer program running on the processing device or based on external motion commands, such as those provided by a higher-level controller, and the sensor signal is converted into a corresponding power output from the power consumption device by means of the adjustment algorithm and the sensor.

[0032] In an advantageous extension of the invention, the processing device is provided with a measurement connection terminal connected to the interface, and the processing device is configured to evaluate the measurement signal level provided at the measurement connection terminal. The measurement connection terminal allows for checking whether the supply voltage provided by the processing device at the interface actually reaches the sensor, or whether there is an impact on the sensor's power supply due to external influences, such as large line lengths and / or poor electrical contact between the processing device's interface and the sensor.

[0033] According to a second aspect, the object of the present invention is achieved by a method for establishing communication between a processing device and a sensor, the processing device and the sensor constituting a control system. In this case, the processing device is configured to process sensor signals from the sensor, and the sensor connected to the processing device is configured to detect physical parameters and to provide sensor signals related to the detected physical parameters. In this case, the sensor is configured to communicate with the processing device according to a predetermined communication protocol when a predetermined supply voltage is provided by the processing device. The method includes the steps of sequentially executing a first communication cycle and a second communication cycle, the first communication cycle including providing a first communication protocol sequence at a first control signal level, the second communication cycle including providing a second communication protocol sequence at a second control signal level, wherein the supply voltage is greater when the second control signal level is provided than when the first control signal level is provided, and wherein the corresponding communication cycle ends once a sensor signal is provided by the sensor.

[0034] Each of these communication protocol sequences may include one or more communication protocols. The first control signal level and the second control signal level are measured such that the first supply voltage, determined by the first control signal level and provided by the power supply device, has a lower potential difference than the second supply voltage, determined by the second control signal level.

[0035] In an extended embodiment of the method, it is specified that multiple communication protocols are provided in a first communication protocol sequence, particularly only those configured to communicate with the sensor in the presence of a first supply voltage, and multiple communication protocols are provided in a second communication protocol sequence, particularly only those configured to communicate with the sensor in the presence of a second supply voltage. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings. In this case: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the control system. Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating a method for establishing communication between a processing device and a sensor is shown, and Figure 3 A schematic diagram of two communication protocol sequences is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Figure 1The control system 1 shown is purely schematic and is configured for use in an automated system, not shown. The automated system may be, for example, a machining device for processing workpieces or a processing machine for performing a methodological process.

[0038] In a purely exemplary manner, the control system 1 includes a sensor 2 and a power consumption device and control unit 4 configured to drive a motor 3.

[0039] Sensor 2 is configured to detect physical parameters, such as the rotation angle of the drive shaft 40 of the drive motor 3 relative to the motor housing 41 of the drive unit (Antrieb) 3, and to provide an electrical sensor signal representing the value of the detected physical parameter.

[0040] The drive motor 3 is purely exemplary constructed as a synchronous motor and, when properly operated by the control unit 4, provides rotational motion at the drive shaft 40, which is rotatably mounted in the motor housing 41, so as to drive components such as gears or fan impellers of an automation system, not shown.

[0041] The control unit 4 includes a processing unit 5, a power supply unit 6, and an electrical output stage 7. The control unit 4 is equipped with a junction box 8 for electrically connecting the control unit 4 to components of an automation system (not shown), such as a higher-level controller configured as a programmable logic controller, and a voltage source. By way of example only, the junction box 8 includes a communication connection terminal 9 configured for communicating with the higher-level controller, for example, via a fieldbus protocol. Furthermore, the junction box 8 includes a ground connection terminal 10 and a voltage connection terminal 11, both configured to electrically couple the control unit 4 to a voltage source (not shown).

[0042] As from Figure 1 As can be seen from the diagram, the communication connection terminal 9, the ground connection terminal 10 and the voltage connection terminal 11 are electrically connected to the processing device 5, wherein the processing device 5 is exemplary configured as a computer, in particular as a microprocessor, and is configured to process computer programs that are fixedly or variably stored in the processing device 5.

[0043] Processing device 5 is configured to electrically control sensor 2 and to process electrical sensor signals, which are provided by sensor 2 based on physical parameters detected by sensor 2. To control sensor 2, a power supply voltage is required, which is supplied to control system 1, particularly via terminal block 8. Furthermore, a communication connection needs to be established between control system 1 and sensor 2 for control of sensor 2. For communication between control system 1 and sensor 2 to occur, it is essential to ensure a pre-defined combination of the correctly selected power supply voltage and the correctly selected communication protocol, as provided by sensor 2.

[0044] For operation and communication with sensor 2, processing device 5 has an output connection 15 for communication with sensor 2, an input connection 16 for receiving sensor signals from sensor 2, and a control connection 17 for providing control signals. Furthermore, processing device 5 includes a measurement connection 18 configured to detect voltage levels and, for example, to verify whether the voltage supplied to sensor 2 by control unit 4 is actually transmitted via the allocated line to sensor 2.

[0045] In a variant of control system 1, the input connection 16, the assigned input line 21, the input terminal 26, the second connection line, and the second terminal 56 are eliminated. In this case, the output connection 15 serves as a bidirectional communication connection and enables bidirectional communication between the processing device 5 and the sensor 2 via the assigned output line 20, the output terminal 25, the first connection line 58, and the first terminal 55. Because the variant of control system 1 is relative to... Figure 1 The control system 1 shown is otherwise identical, so a separate drawing illustration is omitted.

[0046] The power supply device 6 is configured, for example, as an adjustable voltage regulator and is electrically connected to the control connection terminal 17 via control line 30 and to the voltage connection terminal 11 of the terminal block 8 via feed line 31. The power supply device 6 is configured such that it can provide a corresponding supply voltage at the power supply connection terminal 19 based on an electrical control signal provided at the control connection terminal 17, which is electrically connected to the power supply terminal 27 of the interface 24 via power supply line 22. Exemplarily, the interface 24 is constructed as a multi-prong plug and is externally located at the control unit 4. The interface 24 further includes an output terminal 25 connected to the output connection terminal 15 via output line 20, an input terminal 26 connected to the input connection terminal 16 via input line 21, and a measurement terminal 28 connected to the measurement connection terminal 18 via measurement line 23.

[0047] The electrical output stage 7, which is exemplaryly integrated into the control unit 4, is connected to the power output terminal 33 of the processing device 5 via signal line 34. Furthermore, the electrical output stage 7 is connected to the voltage connection terminal 11 of the terminal block 8 via feed line 35. The electrical output stage 7 is configured to supply electrical energy to the power terminal 29, which is exemplaryly integrated into the interface 24, according to a power signal provided by the processing device 5 at the power output terminal 33 via signal line 34. In this case, the power terminal 29 is connected to the output stage connection terminal 37 of the electrical output stage 7 via power line 36. The power terminal 29 is connected to the power consumption connection terminal 42 via a fifth connection line 62.

[0048] In this regard, it should be mentioned that the aforementioned connection terminals, lines, and terminals may each include one or more electrical lines; however, for clarity, these one or more electrical lines are not shown. By purely exemplary design, the power terminal 29 includes a plurality of single terminals connected to the electrical output stage 7 via single lines (not shown) of the power lines, and via these single terminals, in particular, a plurality of alternating currents can be supplied to the drive motor 3.

[0049] Sensor 2 includes a sensor interface 54, which, purely exemplary, includes a first terminal 55, a second terminal 56, and a third terminal 57. Exemplarily, the first terminal 55 is configured to receive signals and is electrically connected to the output terminal 25 via a first connection line 58. Furthermore, the second terminal 56 is configured to provide sensor signals and is electrically connected to the input terminal 26 via a second connection line 59. The third terminal 57 is configured to feed electrical energy into sensor 2 and is electrically connected to the power supply terminal 27 via a third connection line 60. A fourth connection line 61 is provided to enable verification of the power supply between the power supply terminal 27 and the third terminal 57 of sensor 2. This fourth connection line extends from the measuring terminal 28 to a short distance before the third terminal 57 and there connects electrically to the third connection line 60. Through this fourth connection line 61, which may also be referred to as the measuring line, the processing device 5 is able to determine the voltage level in the third connection line 60 directly before the third terminal 57.

[0050] The processing device 5 is configured to establish communication with the sensor 2 to provide at least two different communication protocols at the output connection terminal 15 and is configured to provide at least two different control signal levels at the control connection terminal 17. This enables the automated execution of communication establishment between the processing device 5 and the sensor 2.

[0051] For the purpose of establishing automated communication, the processing device 5 first provides at least one communication protocol designed for this low first control signal level at the output connection terminal 15, and therefore also at the output terminal 25. Due to the low first control signal level provided to the power supply device 6, the power supply device provides a low first supply voltage at the power supply terminal 27. If the sensor 2 is configured to communicate using the first communication protocol provided by the processing device 5 under the same low first supply voltage provided by the processing device 5 during the intermediate connection to the power supply device 6, the sensor 2 can provide a sensor signal at the input terminal 26, which is provided to the input connection terminal 16 via the application line 21.

[0052] Conversely, if sensor 2 is not designed to communicate using the first communication protocol under the first supply voltage, then processing device 5 can be configured to provide a second communication protocol at output terminal 25 without changing the low first supply voltage. The provision of at least one communication protocol, and especially multiple communication protocols, under the low first supply voltage is also referred to as a first communication protocol sequence. The combination of the first communication protocol sequence and the low first supply voltage is also referred to as a first communication cycle.

[0053] If the first communication protocol sequence includes exactly one communication protocol and that communication protocol does not result in the detection of a sensor signal from sensor 2, then it is further specified that processing device 5 provides at least one communication protocol designed for the higher second control signal level at output connection 15 and therefore also at output terminal 25. Due to the higher second control signal level provided to power supply device 6, the power supply device provides a higher second supply voltage at power supply terminal 27. If sensor 2 is configured to communicate using the first communication protocol provided by processing device 5 under the same higher second supply voltage provided by processing device 5 during intermediate connection to power supply device 6, sensor 2 can provide a sensor signal at input terminal 26, which is provided to input connection 16 via application line 21.

[0054] Conversely, if sensor 2 is not designed to communicate using the first communication protocol under a second supply voltage, then processing device 5 may provide the second communication protocol at output terminal 25 without changing the higher second supply voltage. The provision of at least one communication protocol, and in particular multiple communication protocols, by processing device 5 under a higher second supply voltage is also referred to as a second communication protocol sequence. The combination of the second communication protocol sequence and the higher second supply voltage is also referred to as a second communication cycle.

[0055] Here, the first communication protocol provided by the processing device 5 in conjunction with a low first supply voltage can be either the same as the first communication protocol provided by the processing device 5 in conjunction with a higher second supply voltage, or different from this first communication protocol in the case of a higher second supply voltage.

[0056] The timing order of the communication protocols provided by the supply device 5 in the corresponding communication protocol sequence can be implemented according to different standards. For example, it can be specified that those communication protocols that achieve communication with sensor 2 with a higher probability are arranged first within the communication protocol sequence. Alternatively, it can be specified that those communication protocols that elicit a particularly rapid signal response from sensor 2 are arranged first within the communication protocol sequence.

[0057] To ensure a clear allocation between the corresponding communication cycle and the arrival of the sensor signal from sensor 2, it is preferably specified that, after the end of the previous communication cycle and before the execution of the subsequent communication cycle, the power supply voltage is completely cut off. Alternatively or supplementarily, it may be specified that, during the execution of a communication cycle, between the provision of various communication protocols, the power supply voltage is also completely cut off, especially to cause a reset and / or reset of sensor 2 in cases where sensor 2 has been placed in an undefined state due to an unsuitable power supply voltage level and / or an unsuitable communication protocol.

[0058] Figure 2 A flowchart is shown, which illustrates, purely schematically and purely demonstratively, a method for establishing communication between processing device 5 and sensor 2, wherein the method is implemented, in particular, as a computer program in processing device 5.

[0059] At the start of communication establishment, in the first step, a counter "n" for the number of communication cycles to be provided by processing device 5 is set to a value of 0. In subsequent steps, the value 1 is added to counter "n", making the counter value 1 from now on. Subsequently, using counter "n", the control signal level Us to be provided by processing device 5 is made equal to a pre-given control voltage U1, specifically stored in processing device 5. Processing device 5 provides the control voltage Us = U1 to power supply device 6, which, according to... Figure 1 The power supply terminal 27 provides a power supply voltage Uv1 corresponding to the control voltage Us=U1.

[0060] In the subsequent steps, the processing device 5 checks whether a pre-given voltage level Um1 exists at the measuring connection terminal 18. According to... Figure 1As illustrated, the voltage level Um1 is measured at the third connection line 60 immediately before the third connection terminal 57 and is provided to the measurement terminal 28 via the fourth connection line 61. If a voltage level Um1 deviating from zero cannot be determined at the measurement connection terminal 18, a fault must be assumed, in which case the connection establishment is interrupted and an error message is output.

[0061] If the voltage level Um1 is determined to deviate from zero at measurement connection 18, the subsequent steps check whether the determined voltage level Um1 at least substantially corresponds to, and in particular is the same as, the supply voltage Uv1; this is indicated by an equality sign. If the determined voltage level Um1 is not within a predefined range around the supply voltage Uv1, a fault must be assumed, in which case the connection establishment is interrupted and an error message is output. If the determined voltage level Um1 is within a predefined range around the supply voltage Uv1, it can be assumed that the desired supply voltage Uv1 is supplied to sensor 2.

[0062] In another step, counter "x" is set to the value 0, and in a subsequent step, the value 1 is added to counter "x" so that the value of the counter is now 1. Subsequently, using counter "n" and counter "x", the communication protocol KP11 to be provided by the processing device 5 at the output terminal 25 is provided based on the value 1 of counter "n" and the value 1 of counter "x".

[0063] If the sensor signal Ue11 from sensor 2 can be received at the input connection terminal 16 of processing device 5 using the currently provided power supply voltage Uv1 and communication protocol KP11, then a communication connection with sensor 2 has been successfully established, and it is possible to leave (verlassen) while maintaining the power supply voltage Uv1 and communication protocol KP11. Figure 2 The process used to establish a communication connection.

[0064] Conversely, if no sensor signal is received from sensor 2, a subsequent step checks whether the counter "x" for the communication protocol within the first communication protocol sequence has reached a predetermined maximum value "y", or if this is not the case. If this is not the case, the value of counter "x" is incremented by 1, and the next communication protocol KP12 within the first communication protocol sequence is provided at sensor 2 accordingly.

[0065] Conversely, if the maximum value "y" is reached, a subsequent step checks whether the counter "n", used to count the number of communication cycles to be provided by the processing device, has reached a predetermined maximum value "z", or if not. If not, the counter "n" is incremented by 1, and a new (exemplarily a second) communication cycle with a higher control voltage U2 is started accordingly. Conversely, if the maximum value "z" is reached, communication establishment is interrupted and an error message is output.

[0066] exist Figure 3 The illustration exemplarily shows two communication cycles 44 and 45, where, purely exemplary, each communication signal 44 and 45 has a communication protocol sequence, which includes four communication protocols KP11 to KP14 or KP21 to KP24. In practice, different communication cycles may include different numbers of communication protocols. Furthermore, it is possible that a particular communication protocol is included not only in the first communication cycle but also in the second communication cycle. Additionally, more than two communication cycles can be provided, which, if necessary, also have an intersection regarding at least a portion of the communication protocols.

[0067] Figure 3 The diagram illustrates each of the two communication cycles 44 and 45. Figure 2 The inner repeating loop of Figure 2 always increments the counter "x" by 1 whenever the sensor signal cannot be determined and whenever a predetermined maximum value "y" has not been reached. Furthermore, Figure 3 illustrates the outer repeating loop of Figure 2, where the counter "n" is always incremented by 1 whenever the counter "x" has reached the predetermined maximum value "y" and the corresponding communication cycle 44, 45 ends accordingly. In this case, in conjunction with the first communication cycle 44, it should be seen from Figure 3 that, for the case where the sensor signal cannot be determined, the target point "B" is reached, and this target point "B" corresponds to the starting point "B" for the second communication cycle 45, which is then experienced. If necessary, the second communication cycle can transition to another communication cycle (not shown) at the target point "C".

Claims

1. A control system (1) for use in an automation system, the control system having a processing device (5) having a communication connection (15) for communicating with a sensor (2) and for receiving sensor signals and a control connection (17) for providing control signals, the control system having a power supply device (6) connected to the control connection (17) and configured to provide at least two non-zero power supply voltage levels at the power supply connection (19) according to the control signal level of the control signals, wherein the communication connection (15) and the power supply connection (19) are connected to an interface (24) configured to be electrically connected to the sensor (2), wherein the processing device (5) is configured to provide at least two different communication protocols at the communication connection (15) and to provide at least two different control signal levels at the control connection (17).

2. The control system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The processing device (5) has a power output terminal (33) and an electrical output stage (7) connected to the power output terminal (33) and the interface (24) is configured to provide electrical energy to the interface (24) according to the power signal at the power output terminal (33).

3. The control system (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, A sensor (2) is connected to the interface (24) and is configured to communicate with the processing device (5) according to a pre-given communication protocol and under a pre-given power supply voltage. A power consumer (3) is connected to the interface (24) and is connected to the power output stage (7). The sensor (2) is configured to detect the physical parameters of the power consumer (7) and the power consumer (7) is configured to provide motion.

4. The control system (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The processing device (5) is configured to establish communication with the sensor (2) to sequentially execute a first communication cycle (44) and a second communication cycle (45), wherein the first communication cycle (44) includes providing a first communication protocol sequence at a first control signal level, wherein the second communication cycle (45) includes providing a second communication protocol sequence at a second control signal level, and wherein the supply voltage is greater at the second control signal level than at the first control signal level.

5. The control system (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The processing device (5) is configured such that when the sensor signal arrives at the communication connection (16), the processing device terminates the execution of the corresponding communication cycle (44, 45) and maintains the communication protocol and control signal level used to trigger the sensor signal.

6. The control system (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The processing device (5) is configured to provide a read signal to read the electronic nameplate of the sensor (2) to the communication connection (15) and to adapt the processing of the sensor signal based on the information from the electronic nameplate.

7. The control system (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The processing device (5) is configured to execute an adjustment algorithm, which enables the power signal to be changed based on the sensor signal or based on the sensor signal and power requirements.

8. The control system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The processing device (5) has a measurement connection (18) connected to the interface (24), and the processing device (5) is configured to evaluate the measurement signal level provided at the measurement connection (18).

9. The control system (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The processing device (5) is configured to execute an adjustment algorithm, which enables the power signal to be changed based on the sensor signal or based on the sensor signal and a time-varying power requirement.

10. A method for establishing communication between a processing device (5) and a sensor (2), the processing device and the sensor constituting a control system (1), wherein the processing device (5) is configured to process sensor signals of the sensor (2), and wherein the sensor (2) connected to the processing device (5) is configured to detect physical parameters and provide sensor signals relating to the detected physical parameters, wherein the sensor (2) is configured to communicate with the processing device (5) according to a predetermined communication protocol when a predetermined supply voltage is provided by the processing device (5), the method comprising the steps of: sequentially executing a first communication cycle (44) and a second communication cycle (45), the first communication cycle comprising providing a first communication protocol sequence at a first control signal level, the second communication cycle comprising providing a second communication protocol sequence at a second control signal level, wherein the supply voltage is greater at the second control signal level than at the first control signal level, and wherein the corresponding communication cycle (44, 45) ends once a sensor signal is provided by the sensor (2).

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, Multiple communication protocols are provided in the first communication protocol sequence, and multiple communication protocols are provided in the second communication protocol sequence.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, Only those communication protocols configured to communicate with the sensor (2) in the presence of a first supply voltage are provided in the first communication protocol sequence.

13. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, Only those communication protocols configured to communicate with the sensor (2) in the presence of a second supply voltage are provided in the second communication protocol sequence.

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