Connection of the input and / or output modules to the field bus with the superior control device

Abstract

An I / O module having an input interface for connecting at least one sensor for inputting input signals and / or an output interface for connecting at least one actuator for outputting output signals, having a data interface for connecting a sub-bus for transmitting input data items and / or output data items and having a control unit connected with the data interface and with the input interface and / or the output interface, the control unit being configured to process the input data items and / or the output data items and to exchange them via the data interface, the control unit further being configured to store predefined input values and / or output values instead of the input data items and / or the output data items, the control unit being configured to receive a control value via the data interface and to switch the I / O module into a first operating mode (normal mode) or into a second operating mode (control mode) based on the control value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an automation system having preferably decentralized devices and a method for connecting said devices.

[0002] This invention relates to a bus user equipment, and more particularly to an input / output module (I / O module) with a data interface. Background Technology

[0003] In the past, to verify automated systems under fault conditions or special circumstances, intervention was necessary. This involved, for example, operators modifying the automation program to trigger error reports. This method forced the automated system to process the error reports, thus testing its responsiveness.

[0004] Publication US 2010 / 0070748A1 is known from the prior art. This publication describes a device that can replace I / O modules to connect to a bus system and output analog data instead of actual measurement data.

[0005] A fieldbus system is known from DE 199 61 478 A1, in which a bus user device, such as a measurement converter, is directly connected to the fieldbus. The bus user device is configured to output analog status data, such as error reports, to the fieldbus via its data interface after receiving specific control commands from the fieldbus. Here, the analog status data is pre-transmitted from the control computer via the fieldbus. In this method, the control program of the control computer must also be modified to first transmit the analog status data to the bus user device and then retrieve it at an appropriate time.

[0006] For example, EP 3 014 816 A1 provides a method for operating a fieldbus coupler that connects input and output modules, wherein the fieldbus coupler, in diagnostic mode, transmits predefined output values ​​for an output channel of at least one input / output module to the input / output module via a subbus, and / or assigns at least one predefined input value to the at least one input / output module and outputs it via the fieldbus. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The objective of this invention is to provide an improved I / O module for an automation system and an improved operating method.

[0008] The I / O module according to the present invention is configured to have an input interface for connecting at least one sensor to input an input signal and / or an output interface for connecting at least one actuator to output an output signal. The I / O module has a data interface for connecting to a subbus for transmitting input data items and / or output data items.

[0009] The I / O module has a control unit that is connected to a data interface and to input and / or output interfaces.

[0010] The control unit is configured to process input data items (ED) and / or output data items (AD) and exchange said input data items and / or output data items via a data interface. The control unit is also configured to store predefined input values ​​(EW) and / or output values ​​(AW) that replace the input data items (ED) and / or output data items (AD). The control unit is configured to receive a control value (SW) via the data interface and switch to a first operating mode (normal mode) based on the control value (SW).

[0011] In order to receive output data items (AD) via the subbus and output output signals (AS) based on the output data items (AD) via the output interface, and / or

[0012] In order to receive input signals (ES) via the input interface and output input data items (ED) based on the input signals (ES) to the subbus;

[0013] Alternatively, switch to the second operating mode (control mode):

[0014] In order to receive output data items (AD) via the subbus and replace the output data items (AD) with stored output values ​​(AW) and output output signals (AS) based on stored output values ​​(AW) via output interface (42) and / or output stored input values ​​(EW) to the subbus.

[0015] According to an advantageous expansion scheme, the input interface and / or output interface have at least one drive circuit. The drive circuit supplies current to the input interface and / or output interface.

[0016] Advantageously, the drive circuits are configured such that they can detect faults at the input and / or output interfaces in the form of short circuits, open circuits, overvoltages, undervoltages, and excessive or insufficient current, and assign the status of the input and / or output interfaces.

[0017] According to an advantageous extension scheme, the data interface has a receiver and a transmitter, or a combination thereof. This so-called transceiver setup is used to transmit input data items and / or output data items. For the transmission of input data to the subbus, the data interface is advantageously configured to prepare input data items for forwarding on the subbus.

[0018] Therefore, input data items are inserted into the data packet to meet the requirements of the subbus. In addition to the input data items, the data packet also includes other information, such as address information and parameters for transmission (e.g., CRC = Cyclic Redundancy Check – checksum). Advantageously, the output data items for forwarding to the output interface are extracted from the data packet by the subbus.

[0019] According to an advantageous extension, the I / O module has a memory, which is configured to store input data items and output data items, as well as the software to be executed (e.g., firmware) and parameters for running the I / O module. In addition to variables such as filtering time, conversion coefficients, or specific function calls, these parameters can also be control values ​​required for switching operating modes.

[0020] According to another advantageous expansion scheme, the control unit is connected to a data interface and input and / or output interfaces, and is configured to process input and / or output data items and exchange said input and / or output data items via the data interface. The control unit stores predefined input and / or output values ​​in place of the input and / or output data items in its own memory or in a memory accessible to the control unit. The storage of input and / or output values ​​is preferably performed during a configuration routine, wherein the input and / or output values ​​are transferred via a subbus and stored in the memory of the I / O module.

[0021] According to an advantageous extension, the control unit also includes devices for manipulating the drive circuitry to convert input data items and / or output data items into voltages and currents, and vice versa, for example, via appropriate analog-to-digital converters or digital-to-analog converters.

[0022] According to an advantageous extension, the control unit includes a processor, which is configured, according to a control value, to read input data items based on input signals from the memory of the I / O module and overwrite the input data items with the input values, wherein the input signals are converted into input data items by means of an A / D converter.

[0023] According to an advantageous extension, the control unit includes a processor, which is configured according to a control value to read an output data item from the memory of the I / O module, overwrite the output data item with an output value, and output an output signal based on the output value at an output interface, wherein the output value is converted into an output signal by means of a D / A converter.

[0024] According to another advantageous extension, the control unit has switches, especially semiconductor switches. These switches can be operated simultaneously, with delay, or individually by the processor, and are configured to forward input data items or input values ​​to the subbus and to forward output data items or output values ​​to the output interface.

[0025] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the control unit of the I / O module is configured to detect the status of the input interface and / or output interface and assign a status identifier to the status, wherein at least one status identifier indicates a deviation from normal operation.

[0026] According to an advantageous expansion scheme for the I / O module, the control unit is configured to receive control values ​​via a data interface and, based on these control values, switch the I / O module to a first operating mode (normal mode) to detect the status of the input and / or output interfaces and output the assigned status identifier to the subbus, or switch to a second operating mode (control mode) to trigger a state that deviates from the detected state and output the status identifier assigned to that state to the subbus.

[0027] According to another advantageous expansion scheme, the input and / or output interfaces of the I / O module are configured to measure or detect various values, especially the current passing through, the voltage present, and the component temperature.

[0028] According to another advantageous extension scheme, the input and / or output interfaces of the I / O module are configured to compare measured or detected values ​​with parameterizable limit values, wherein the parameterizable limit values ​​are determined during the configuration routine of the I / O module and stored in memory.

[0029] According to another advantageous extension scheme of the I / O module, at least one status identifier that shows a deviation from normal operation is defined as a measured or detected value that exceeds or falls below a parameterizable limit value.

[0030] Advantageously, the status identifier is a value in numeric form, preferably an integer or plain text or a combination of value and plain text, and corresponds, for example, to overvoltage, undervoltage, short circuit or open circuit or temperature outside the threshold range present on the input and / or output interfaces.

[0031] According to an advantageous implementation of the I / O module, the processor of the control unit is configured to cyclically read control values ​​from the memory of the control unit and trigger software interrupt routines based on the control values ​​in order to switch to a first operating mode or a second operating mode.

[0032] In one advantageous expansion scheme of the I / O module, the input interface and / or output interface are constructed in a multi-channel manner, wherein the control unit is configured to assign an input signal to each channel of the input interface and / or an output signal to each channel of the output interface, assign an input value to each channel of the input interface and / or an output value to each channel of the output interface, and assign a state to each channel of the input interface and / or each channel of the output interface for one or more channels, wherein at least one state identifier (ZK) is assigned to each state.

[0033] According to an advantageous expansion scheme of the I / O module, each channel of the input interface and / or output interface has a driver module, wherein each driver module is configured to supply current to each channel of the input interface and / or output interface, and to detect faults at each channel of the input interface and / or output interface in the form of short circuit, open circuit, overvoltage, undervoltage, and excessive or insufficient current, and to assign a state to each channel of the input interface and / or output interface.

[0034] According to an advantageous expansion scheme for the I / O module, each channel of the input and / or output interface is configured for connecting a sensor or actuator.

[0035] According to an advantageous extension scheme, the I / O module is a component of a device having a fieldbus front end, wherein the fieldbus front end has fieldbus terminals for connection to the fieldbus and subbus terminals for connection to the I / O module via a subbus. Here, the fieldbus front end is configured to receive control values ​​via the fieldbus and output the control values ​​to the subbus, and control the control unit of the I / O module to a first operating mode (normal mode) or a second operating mode (control mode) based on the control values. Furthermore, the fieldbus front end is configured to receive the status identifier (ZK) of the I / O module from the subbus and output the status identifier on the fieldbus.

[0036] According to an advantageous expansion scheme, in addition to the fieldbus front end, the device has multiple I / O modules, wherein the I / O modules are arranged in groups and can be mechanically and / or electrically connected to each other.

[0037] According to an advantageous extension, the fieldbus front end of the device has fieldbus terminals for connecting to the fieldbus, subbus terminals for connecting to I / O modules via subbuses, and a server interface for connecting to engineering tools. The fieldbus front end is configured to receive control values ​​(SW) via the server interface and output them to the subbuses, and control the control unit of the I / O module to a first operating mode (normal mode) or a second operating mode (control mode) based on the control values ​​(SW). The fieldbus front end is also configured to receive the status identifier (ZK) of the I / O module from the subbuses and output it to the display device of the operating computer (12).

[0038] According to an advantageous extension, an automation system with equipment and a higher-level control device includes a terminal interface configured to transmit output data items and receive input data items and / or status identifiers via a fieldbus. The higher-level control device is further configured to output output data items on the fieldbus based on the input data items from the fieldbus. Additionally, the higher-level control device is configured to query the status identifiers and output a status based on the status identifiers on a display device of an operating computer.

[0039] According to an advantageous extension scheme for running I / O modules, the method includes the following steps:

[0040] - Receive control values ​​(SW) via subbus.

[0041] - Analyze and process the control value (SW), and perform analysis and processing based on the control value (SW).

[0042] a) Start the first operating mode (normal mode), where,

[0043] - Receive output data items (AD) via the subbus and output output signals (AS) based on the output data items (AD) via the output interface, and / or

[0044] It receives input signals (ES) via the input interface and outputs input data items (ED) based on the input signals (ES) to the subbus;

[0045] b) Activate the second operating mode (control mode), where,

[0046] - Replace the output data item (AD) with the stored output value (AW) and output an output signal (AS) based on the output value (AW) via the output interface, and / or

[0047] - Output the stored input value (EW) on the sub-bus.

[0048] In another advantageous extension scheme for running I / O modules, the method includes the following steps:

[0049] Detect the status (Z) of the input and / or output interfaces.

[0050] Assign a state identifier (ZK) to a state (Z), wherein at least one state (Z) indicates a deviation from normal operation.

[0051] The control value (SW) is analyzed and processed by the control unit, and the analysis and processing based on the control value (SW) are performed.

[0052] a) Start the first operating mode (normal mode),

[0053] - Output the status identifier (ZK) of the detected status (Z) to the sub-bus.

[0054] b) Activate the second operating mode (control mode).

[0055] - Triggers a state that deviates from the detected state (Z) and outputs the stored state identifier (ZK) to the subbus.

[0056] According to another advantageous extension scheme for operating devices with fieldbus front-ends and I / O modules, the method comprises the following steps:

[0057] - Control values ​​(SW) are transmitted via the subbus from the fieldbus front end.

[0058] - Receive control values ​​(SW) via the I / O module.

[0059] -Analyze and process control values ​​(SW) through I / O modules, and perform analysis and processing based on control values ​​(SW).

[0060] a) Start the first operating mode (normal mode), where,

[0061] - Receive output data items (AD) via fieldbus and output output signals (AS) based on the output data items (AD) via output interface, and / or

[0062] It receives input signals (ES) via the input interface and outputs input data items (ED) based on the input signals (ES) to the fieldbus;

[0063] b) Activate the second operating mode (control mode), where,

[0064] - Replace the output data item (AD) with the stored output value (AW) and output an output signal (AS) based on the output value via the output interface, and / or

[0065] - Output the stored input value (EW) to the fieldbus (15).

[0066] This invention is not limited to the extended schemes described herein; other combinations of features can be derived using the features in the accompanying drawings and descriptions. Attached Figure Description

[0067] The invention is then described in the accompanying drawings with reference to embodiments. In these drawings:

[0068] Figure 1 A block diagram of an automation system 1 with decentralized devices 20 is shown, on which sensors (50, 50') and actuators (60, 60') are connected, for example.

[0069] Figure 2 A block diagram of an I / O module 40 according to the present invention is shown. The I / O module has a data interface 43 for data-technically connected to a subbus 25 and an input interface 41 and an output interface 42 for connection to a sensor 50 and an actuator 60.

[0070] Figure 3a A block diagram of the control unit 45 in the first operating mode (normal mode) is shown;

[0071] Figure 3b A block diagram of the control unit 45 in the second operating mode (control mode) is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0072] Automation systems, for example, have a fieldbus front-end and input and / or output modules (I / O modules). The fieldbus front-end connects to the upper-level control unit via a fieldbus. To connect the I / O modules, a fieldbus front-end in the form of a fieldbus coupler or fieldbus controller can communicatively couple the I / O modules to the fieldbus. Here, communication between the I / O modules and the fieldbus front-end is often achieved through a dedicated subbus. The fieldbus front-end is suitable for adjusting the data to be transmitted via the subbus according to the requirements of the fieldbus and, if necessary, changing the data for the upper-level control unit. For this purpose, the fieldbus front-end may have an application program in the form of a control program.

[0073] In automation technology, sensors record physical quantities (e.g., those of the environment) and convert them into electrical signals. These electrical signals can then be transmitted to a higher-level control unit (PLC) for analysis and processing. The processor in the control unit processes these signals using a control program (e.g., for controlling actuators that execute process steps). Here, a process step can be a sub-process that is an integral part of the overall process. It is necessary not only to check the correct transmission of electrical signals periodically or regularly to ensure proper operation according to the prescribed mode, but also to check the behavior of the process or equipment during commissioning, replacement, troubleshooting, or when subjected to interference. This checking is performed without interfering with the program flow of the control program.

[0074] In automation systems, sensor signals, or typical input signals, are received by input modules. These input signals are converted into input data items within the input module, for example, using an analog-to-digital converter (A / D converter), and then transmitted to the sub-bus via a fieldbus front-end. Here, the input data items can be binary-coded numerical values ​​or physical quantities representing the input signals. The task of the fieldbus front-end is, for example, to forward input data from the sub-bus to the fieldbus and vice versa. The fieldbus front-end can preprocess the input data received from the sub-bus. This preprocessing can include reclassifying, temporarily storing, or adjusting the input data, for example, through conversion.

[0075] The fieldbus front end connects to the upper-level control unit via the fieldbus. On the upper-level control unit, for example, a control program runs to generate output data items based on input data items. The output data items are transmitted to the fieldbus front end via the fieldbus and then to the output module via a subbus. In this case, the fieldbus front end can also perform preprocessing of the output data. In the output module, an output signal, such as voltage or current, is output from the output data items using a digital-to-analog converter (D / A converter).

[0076] In many cases, the input module has multiple input channels. That is, multiple sensors can be connected to the input module. The sensor input signals are transmitted as input data items via a subbus and further transmitted to the upper-level control device via a fieldbus.

[0077] Furthermore, there is an output module with multiple output channels, which can be individually controlled. Here, output data is output by the upper-level control device based on the input data, and the output data is output as an output signal by the output module.

[0078] Besides input or output modules, various modules with both input and output terminals can also be used. For simplicity, in this article, modules that function as input and output modules will be simply referred to as I / O modules. I / O modules can reside in the local environment of the entire process or subprocess and are powered and data-supplied, for example, by a fieldbus front end. Furthermore, I / O modules can also be mechanically connected to a fieldbus front end. Next, we will discuss decentralized devices.

[0079] During commissioning, troubleshooting, or to ensure that the automation system and its components operate in the prescribed modes, it is necessary to test the automation system's response. Since the input signals that invoke specific program sequences in the higher-level control unit are often unavailable, it may be necessary to intervene in the program flow of the control unit's control program to place the automation system in a specific state, such as triggering a special state like an emergency stop. This state is often called diagnostic mode or control mode, and it differs from normal operating mode or normal mode. Normal operating mode or normal mode is the primary first operating mode or normal state of the automation system. Diagnostic mode or control mode, i.e., the second operating state, is more precisely a special state of the automation system.

[0080] Intervening in program flow by altering the control program is often associated with high overhead. Although so-called debug modes are set up in many programming environments, these debug modes interrupt the normal program flow of the control program.

[0081] Furthermore, defined signals can be generated on the I / O module as input signals, for example, by connecting a voltage source or switching element with a fixed set value to the I / O module to simulate a specific sensor signal. However, this process usually results in rewiring or rerouting on the I / O module and is error-prone and time-consuming.

[0082] Figure 1 An automation system 1 with a higher-level control unit 10 and a decentralized device 20 is shown. The higher-level control unit 10 is connected to the decentralized device 20 via a fieldbus 15 using a connection point 11. The decentralized device 20 includes a fieldbus front-end 30 and at least one I / O module 40. The I / O module 40 is preferably mechanically connected to the fieldbus front-end 30. The power supply and data transmission of the I / O module 40 are provided by the fieldbus front-end 30. Data transmission from the fieldbus front-end 30 to the I / O module 40 and from the I / O module 40 to the fieldbus front-end 30 are regulated via a subbus 25, which is preferably controlled by the fieldbus front-end 30. The I / O module 40 may, for example, be connected to sensors 50, 50', actuators 60, 60'. However, protection devices and power supply devices may also be connected to the I / O module.

[0083] For the programming or configuration of the automation system 1, an operating computer 12 is used. This operating computer is connected to the superior control device or decentralized device 20 via a service interface 23 configured, for example, as a USB interface. The decentralized structure has the advantage that the response of the automation system, especially the response of the connected actuators 60, 60', can be observed on-site by the operator.

[0084] exist Figure 2 The diagram illustrates an I / O module 40 according to the invention. The I / O module 40 has a data interface 43 for transmitting data on a subbus 25. The data to be transmitted can be input data (ED), output data (AD), or control values ​​(SW). Additionally, data stored in the control unit of the I / O module can also be transmitted. This includes, in addition to input values ​​(EW1, EW2, ...), output values ​​(AW1, AW2, ...), or status identifiers (ZK1, ZK2, ...), parameterized data for the I / O module, such as filtered data, filtered time, amplification factors (offset and gain), and diagnostic data with status identifiers ZK, for example, I / O module 40 and / or input interface 41 and / or output interface 42. The storage of data, especially the storage of input and output values ​​within the module, has the advantage in the current embodiment that this data can be sent and processed within the I / O module or on other I / O modules on the same subbus 25 without the need for a front-end. This results in significantly faster response times for automation systems, which is particularly important for critical or fail-safe equipment.

[0085] Input interface 41 is configured to connect sensor 50. Furthermore, input interface 41 can be configured in a multi-channel manner to connect multiple sensors (50, 50'). That is, each sensor (50, 50') is assigned a channel (41a, 41b) of input interface 41. Additionally, input interface 41 is configured to detect input signals (ES1, ES2) and to forward the input signals (ES1, ES2) to control unit 45.

[0086] Output interface 42 is configured for connecting actuator 60. Furthermore, output interface 42 can be configured in a multi-channel manner to connect multiple actuators (60, 60'). That is, each actuator (60, 60') is provided with one channel (42a, 42b) of the output interface. In addition, output interface 42 is configured for outputting output signals (AS1, AS2) and for forwarding output signals (AS1, AS2) to enable the actuators (60, 60') to operate.

[0087] Here, the multi-channel configuration of the I / O module saves valuable installation space, such as installation space in control cabinets or power distribution cabinets.

[0088] Input interface 41 and output interface 42 may have drive circuits with drive modules (not shown) that provide power to the interfaces. The drive circuits advantageously have adjustable (parameterizable) current and / or voltage sources for supplying power to the interfaces and / or sensors and / or actuators connected to the interfaces.

[0089] The drive module is also suitable for, for example, performing current and / or voltage measurements to determine the state Z of input interface 41 or output interface 42. Preferably, state Z can be categorized as: normal state, overvoltage, undervoltage, drive error, connection error, interference voltage, or short circuit, etc. Control unit 45 is configured to detect the state Z of input interface 41 or output interface 42 and assign a state identifier ZK to the detected state Z and forward this state identifier to subbus 25. The state identifier is displayed on the upper-level control device or the operating computer at the fieldbus front end for presentation or further processing, providing information about the current state of the automation system.

[0090] The advantage is that the upper-level control unit or fieldbus front end can identify invalid input data by checking the status identifier ZK and, for example, prevent further processing of it and protect the automation system from unintended erroneous behavior. Here, by simply checking the status identifier ZK, the tedious verification of input data, which is otherwise necessary in control devices, can be advantageously avoided.

[0091] exist Figure 3a and Figure 3b The control unit 45 of the I / O module is shown. The control unit 45 includes a microprocessor (μP) with devices for controlling switches S1, S2, and S3. These switches can be configured as semiconductor switches. These switches can be operated simultaneously, with delay, or individually by the processor, and are configured to forward input data items or input values ​​or status identifiers to the subbus and to forward output data items or output values ​​to the output interface.

[0092] The advantage of using individual control switches S1, S2, and S3 is that the automation system can be checked independently of the data transmission direction. For example, the output value AW is converted in the data output direction, while the data input direction continues to transmit valid input data (ED) to the control device.

[0093] Furthermore, it is conceivable that, according to an implementation not shown, only input or output data items are replaced or overwritten by predefined input or output values. Here, a microprocessor (μP) processes the input or output data items and replaces them with input or output values ​​already stored in memory. For this purpose, the firmware running on the processor may have other devices for conditionally selecting parameters stored in memory, specifically input values ​​(EW1, EW2, ...), output values ​​(AW1, AW2, ...), and status identifiers (ZK1, ZK2, ...). For example, the automated system can be selectively checked with minimal impact by limiting intervention in the input and / or output values ​​and status identifiers.

[0094] The control unit 45 is also configured to switch to the first operating mode (normal mode) with SW=1 or the second operating mode (control mode) with SW=2, depending on the control value SW.

[0095] Figure 3a For example, the first operating mode with SW=1 is shown. In this first operating mode (normal mode), the input signal ES from the input interface 41 is converted into input data item ED in the control unit 45 and output on the subbus 25. This conversion is achieved, for example, by means of an analog-to-digital converter. In addition to the input data item ED, the control unit 45 is also configured to output a status identifier ZK based on the state Z on the subbus 25.

[0096] In the first operating mode, the output data item AD comes from the sub-bus 25 and is converted into an output signal in the control unit 45 and output through the output interface 42. This conversion is achieved, for example, by means of a digital-to-analog converter.

[0097] Figure 3b The second operating mode, SW=2, is shown. In this second operating mode (control mode), the input value EW from the memory of the control unit 45 is output to the sub-bus 25 as input data item ED. Furthermore, the control unit 45 is configured to output the status identifier ZK stored in the control unit's memory to the sub-bus 25.

[0098] The output data item AD from subbus 25 is discarded and replaced by the output value AW from the memory of control unit 45, which is then output as output signal AS via output interface 42. Here, the input value (EW), output value (AW), and status identifier ZK can all be stored in the memory of the I / O module, for example, during I / O module parameterization. Similarly, parameterization can be performed during continuous operation.

[0099] By modifying and "experimenting" with parameterization, automated systems can be configured more precisely. Because this happens during operation, the system's response to it can be determined, evaluated, and incorporated into the parameterization.

[0100] List of reference numerals

[0101] 1. Automation System

[0102] 10. Upper-level control device

[0103] 11-terminal interface

[0104] 12. Operating computer with display device

[0105] 15 Fieldbus

[0106] 20 Decentralized Devices

[0107] 21 Fieldbus Terminals

[0108] 22 sub-bus terminals

[0109] 23 Server Interface

[0110] 25 sub-buses

[0111] 30 Fieldbus Front End

[0112] 40 I / O modules

[0113] 41 Input Interface

[0114] 41a, 41b Input Channels

[0115] 42 Output Interface

[0116] 42a, 42b Output Channels

[0117] 43 Data Interface

[0118] 45 Control Unit

[0119] 50, 50' sensor

[0120] 60' actuators

[0121] AD output data items

[0122] AS, AS1, AS2 output signals

[0123] AW, AW1, AW2 output values

[0124] ED Input Data Items

[0125] ES, ES1, ES2 input signals

[0126] EW, EW1, EW2 Input Values

[0127] SW control value

[0128] Z state

[0129] ZK, ZK1, ZK2 state identifiers

[0130] μP microprocessor

[0131] Switches S1, S2, and S3.

Claims

1. I / O module(40), It has an input interface (41) and / or an output interface (42), the input interface being configured to connect at least one sensor (50) to input an input signal (ES), and the output interface being configured to connect at least one actuator (60) to output an output signal (AS). It has a data interface (43) for connecting to a sub-bus (25) to transmit input data items (ED) and / or output data items (AD), and It has a control unit (45), which is connected to a data interface (43) and to an input interface (41) and / or an output interface (42). in, The control unit (45) is configured to process input data items (ED) and / or output data items (AD) and exchange said input data items and / or output data items through a data interface (43). The control unit (45) is further configured to store predefined input values ​​(EW) and / or output values ​​(AW) that replace input data items (ED) and / or output data items (AD), and the control unit (45) is further configured to receive control values ​​(SW) via a data interface (43) and switch the I / O module to: First operating mode (normal mode), In order to receive output data items (AD) via subbus (25) and output output signals (AS) based on output data items (AD) via output interface (42), and / or In order to receive input signals (ES) via input interface (41) and output input data items (ED) based on input signals (ES) to subbus (25); or Second operating mode (control mode), So as to receive output data items (AD) via subbus (25) and replace the output data items (AD) with stored output values ​​(AW) and output an output signal (AS) based on the stored output values ​​(AW) via output interface (42), and / or In order to output the stored input value (EW) to the sub-bus (25).

2. The I / O module (40) according to claim 1, in, The control unit (45) is configured to detect the state (Z) of the input interface (41) and / or the output interface (42) and assign a state identifier (ZK) to the state (Z), wherein at least one state identifier (ZK) indicates a deviation from normal operation. The control unit (45) is configured to receive control values ​​(SW) via a data interface (43) and switch the I / O module to [other functions] based on the control values ​​(SW). First operating mode (normal mode), In order to detect the status (Z) of the input interface (41) and / or output interface (42) and output the assigned status identifier (ZK) to the subbus (25), or Second operating mode (control mode), In order to trigger a state (Z) that deviates from the detected state (Z) and output the assigned state identifier (ZK) to the subbus (25).

3. The I / O module (40) according to claim 1 or 2, in, The input interface (41) and / or output interface (42) are constructed in a multi-channel manner, and wherein the control unit (45) is configured to, Assign input signals (ES1, ES2) to each channel of the input interfaces (41a, 41b) and / or assign output signals (AS1, AS2) to each channel of the output interfaces (42a, 42b). Assign input values ​​(EW1, EW2) to each channel of the input interfaces (41a, 41b) and / or assign output values ​​(AW1, AW2) to each channel of the output interfaces (42a, 42b), and For one or more channels, a state is assigned to each channel of the input interface (41a, 41b) and / or to each channel of the output interface (42a, 42b), wherein at least one state identifier (ZK) is assigned to each state.

4. A device (20) having an I / O module (40) and a fieldbus front end (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The fieldbus front end (30) has fieldbus terminals (21) for connection to the fieldbus (15) and subbus terminals (22) for connection to the I / O module (40) via the subbus (25). The fieldbus front end (30) is configured to receive control values ​​(SW) via the fieldbus (15), output the control values ​​on the subbus (25), and control the control unit (45) of the I / O module (40) based on the control values ​​(SW). First operating mode (normal mode), or The second operating mode (control mode) and The fieldbus front end (30) is configured to receive the status identifier (ZK) of the I / O module (40) from the sub-bus (25) and output the status identifier on the fieldbus (15).

5. A device (20) having an I / O module (40) and a fieldbus front end (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 3. in, The fieldbus front end (30) has a fieldbus terminal (21) for connecting to the fieldbus (15), a subbus terminal (22) for connecting to the I / O module (40) via the subbus (25), and a server interface (23) for connecting to engineering tools. The fieldbus front end (30) is configured to receive control values ​​(SW) via a server interface (23), output the control values ​​on a sub-bus (25), and control the control unit (45) of the I / O module (40) based on the control values ​​(SW). First operating mode (normal mode), or The second operating mode (control mode) and The fieldbus front end (30) is configured to receive the status identifier (ZK) of the I / O module (40) from the sub-bus (25) and output the status identifier on the display device of the operating computer (12).

6. An automation system (1) having the device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims and an upper-level control device (10) with a terminal interface (11), configured to transmit output data items (AD) and receive input data items (ED) and / or status identifiers (ZK) via a fieldbus (15), in, The upper-level control unit (10) is configured to output output data items (AD) on the fieldbus (15) based on input data items (ED) from the fieldbus (15), and The upper control device (10) is configured to query the status identifier (ZK) and output the status (Z) based on the status identifier (ZK) on the display device of the operating computer (12).

7. A method for running the I / O module (40), It has the following steps: Receive control values ​​(SW) via sub-bus (25), Analyze and process control values ​​(SW), and perform analysis and processing based on control values ​​(SW). a) Start the first operating mode (normal mode), where, Receive output data items (AD) via subbus (25) and output output signals (AS) based on output data items (AD) via output interface (42), and / or The input signal (ES) is received via the input interface (41) and the input data item (ED) based on the input signal (ES) is output to the sub-bus (25); b) Activate the second operating mode (control mode), where, Replace the output data item (AD) with the stored output value (AW) and output an output signal (AS) based on the output value (AW) via the output interface (42), and / or The stored input value (EW) is output on the sub-bus (25).

8. The method for operating the I / O module (40) according to claim 7, It has the following steps: Detect the status (Z) of the input interface (41) and / or output interface (42). Assign a state identifier (ZK) to state (Z), where, At least one state (Z) shows a deviation from normal operation. The control value (SW) is analyzed and processed by the control unit, and the analysis and processing based on the control value (SW) is performed. a) Start the first operating mode (normal mode), The detected state (Z) status identifier (ZK) is output to the sub-bus (25). b) Activate the second operating mode (control mode). It triggers a state that deviates from the detected state (Z) and outputs the stored state identifier (ZK) to the subbus (25).

9. A method for operating a device (20) having a fieldbus front end (30) and an I / O module (40), comprising the following steps: Control values ​​(SW) are sent via the fieldbus front end (30) and sub-bus (25). The control value (SW) is received through the I / O module (40). The control value (SW) is analyzed and processed through the I / O module (40), and the analysis and processing based on the control value (SW) is performed. a) Start the first operating mode (normal mode), where, Receive output data items (AD) via fieldbus (15) and output output signals (AS) based on output data items (AD) via output interface (42), and / or The input signal (ES) is received via the input interface (41) and the input data item (ED) based on the input signal (ES) is output to the fieldbus (15); b) Activate the second operating mode (control mode), where, Replace the output data item (AD) with the stored output value (AW) and output an output signal (AS) based on the output value via the output interface (42), and / or The stored input value (EW) is output to the fieldbus (15).

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