Converter for an industrial automation communication system

Abstract

Converter for an industrial automation communication system used for data exchange between a master and a field device, where a first specification V1.0 with basic functionalities and a second specification V1.1 with basic functionalities and additional functional extensions are defined for the communication system. The functional enhancement in specification V1.1 includes, firstly, a data storage function for device replacement during operation, where the parameters P1 of a field device are saved in the master so that they can be automatically transferred to the replacement device in the event of a device replacement, and secondly, an automatic activation of compatibility in the event of a device replacement. wherein, in the event of a device exchange, the master requests the device identifier, characterized in that the converter can be inserted into the communication link between master and slave and is configurable, where the converter is suitable for a field device F previously connected to the master alt which complies with specification V1.0 and is intended as a replacement device F neu The intended field device, which complies with specification V1.1, is configured, and the converter, upon request for the device identifier, returns the device identifier of the field device F. alt delivers.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a converter for a communication system for industrial automation.

[0002] A specialized communication system used in industrial automation is the IO-Link standard. It connects intelligent sensors and actuators, also known as field devices, to an automation system and is standardized in IEC 61131-9 under the name Single-drop digital communication interface for small sensors and actuators (SDCI). This standardization encompasses both the electrical connection specifications and a digital communication protocol through which the sensors and actuators exchange data with the automation system.

[0003] An IO-Link system consists of an IO-Link master and one or more IO-Link devices, i.e., sensors or actuators. The IO-Link master provides the interface to the higher-level controller (PLC) and manages the communication with the connected IO-Link devices.

[0004] An IO-Link master can have one or more IO-Link ports, but only one IO-Link device can be connected to each port. IO-Link is therefore a point-to-point communication protocol.

[0005] An IO-Link device is an intelligent sensor or actuator. In the context of IO-Link, "intelligent" means that a device has, for example, a serial number or parameter data (e.g., sensitivities, switching delays, or characteristic curves) that can be read and written via the IO-Link protocol. This allows parameters to be changed, in some cases, by the PLC during operation.

[0006] The parameters of the sensors and actuators are device-specific; therefore, parameter information for each device is available in the form of an IODD (IO Device Description).

[0007] Currently, there are two IO-Link specifications, namely version 1.1 and 1.0.

[0008] The first step resulted in specification version 1.0. Further development and functional enhancements of the IO-Link system led to version 1.1. The key enhancements of version 1.1 are: • Parameter server function (data storage) • Data transmission rate of 230.4 kBaud is mandatory for IO-Link masters • Process data width per port up to 32 bytes. Combining IO-Link devices: In principle, any combination of masters and devices is possible. However, the respective system limitations must be observed (e.g., maximum user data size of the master). When combining IO-Link devices with different IO-Link specifications, the following points must be considered: • Only IO-Link devices with the limited V1.0 functionality can be operated on an IO-Link master according to V1.1. • IO-Link devices according to both V1.0 and V1.1 can be operated on an IO-Link master according to V1.1. • The parameter server function and the data transmission rate of 230.4 kBaud of the IO-Link master according to V1.1. These functions can only be used if they are also supported by the IO-Link device.

[0009] In existing systems, an IO-Link master according to V1.0 is typically connected to several field devices according to V1.0.

[0010] When a device is replaced, the master system requests the device identification of the newly connected device due to the communication interruption. If the new device identification does not match the old one, the master system detects a critical error, leading to a program interruption.

[0011] The device identification consists of a manufacturer identifier, which is 310 for ifm electronic gmbh, and a device identifier, which is 311 for a specific pressure sensor, e.g., the PN7004.

[0012] This pressure sensor can only be replaced with an identical pressure sensor while the system is running. The only thing the user needs to do is transfer the parameters from the old device to the new one. This can be done easily, for example, via the configuration menu displayed on the new device's screen, or, if the new device does not have a screen, using a suitable configuration tool.

[0013] If the user wishes to replace this pressure sensor with the corresponding successor model PN7094, this is not possible during the ongoing operation of the system, as a new configuration of the master is required.

[0014] The same applies to an exchange for a pressure sensor from another company (third-party device).

[0015] Document DE 10 2009 028 655 A1 discloses a method for replacing a field device in automation technology with an identical replacement device. In this method, a fieldbus interface automatically monitors and stores the parameterization and configuration data of the field device communicated on a bus system. When the field device is replaced, the stored data is automatically assigned to the identical replacement device, so that it receives the same configuration as the originally replaced field device.

[0016] Document DE 10 2009 005 902 A1 discloses a method for operating an electrical device that is communicatively connected to at least one field device, wherein a configuration data set for adapting the field devices is read in via an interface of the electrical device and this configuration data set is assigned to a data area, which results from the content of the configuration data set, in order to prepare for processing by the electrical device.

[0017] Document US 2004 / 0117463 A1 discloses a method for configuring terminal devices or network components within a network, wherein the configuration of at least one terminal device and / or at least one network component is first stored and, when the terminal device or network component is replaced, the stored configuration is transferred to the replacement device or component.

[0018] Document US 2013 / 0178984 A1 discloses a load control system comprising a load controller, an operator interface with interface components for controlling the load controller, a communication gateway component that couples the load controller and the operator interface via a digital communication link, and a controller configured to determine the identities of the interface components and to establish an operating profile of the load control system based on the determined identities.

[0019] Document DE 10 2008 061 901 A1 discloses an autoconfiguration adapter which has an interface, a storage unit and software stored in the storage unit for controlling the operation, wherein the autoconfiguration adapter is connected via the interface to a network infrastructure device for data exchange and has a display unit.

[0020] The object of the invention is to provide a converter for a communication system of industrial automation which enables, during ongoing operation of a master according to V1.0, a simple device exchange for a successor model or a corresponding third-party device.

[0021] This problem is solved by a converter for an industrial automation communication system according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0022] The key idea of ​​the invention is that the converter is configurable. During configuration, the device identifiers of the old device V1.0 and the new device V1.1 are stored in the converter.

[0023] When the device ID is requested, the converter contacts the master device using the device ID of the old device. From the master's perspective, no device exchange appears to have taken place, as the same device ID is used.

[0024] During the initial exchange, the configuration parameters (e.g., the switching points or the damping of the process value) must be transferred manually. For all subsequent exchanges—a defective new device V1.1 for a new device V1.1—the parameters are stored in the converter and are then automatically applied.

[0025] On the master side, the converter appears as a V1.0 device; on the device side, the converter works like a Master V1.1 with the newly connected device.

[0026] The invention will now be explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments and with reference to the drawings.

[0027] They show schematically: Fig. 1. Automation pyramid of industrial automation comprising a communication system with an IO-Link master that has several ports P1-Pn to which multiple field devices are connected. SDCI stands for Single-drop Communication Interface. Fig. 2 two IO-Link masters according to V1.0 or V1.1 with corresponding connected IO-Link devices Fig. 3 IO-Link masters with three connected sensors Fig. 4 Master, converter (transceiver) and device in schematic representation

[0028] In the following description of preferred embodiments, identical reference numerals denote identical or comparable components.

[0029] Replacing equipment during the operation of an industrial plant should be quick, easy, and possible for operating personnel without special knowledge or tools.

[0030] This is made possible with the converter according to the invention, which is in Fig.Section 4 details the process. This converter for an industrial automation communication system facilitates data exchange between a master and a field device. Two specifications are defined for the communication system: a first specification, V1.0, with basic functionalities, and a second specification, V1.1, with basic functionalities and additional functional extensions.

[0031] The functional enhancements in specification V1.1 include, firstly, a data storage function for device replacement during operation. This function saves the P1 parameters of a field device in the master so that they can be automatically transferred to the replacement device. Secondly, it includes automatic activation of compatibility in the event of a device replacement. A field device conforming to specification V1.1 automatically switches to this new configuration when operated with a master conforming to specification V1.0.

[0032] When a device is replaced, the master first requests the device identifier, which consists of a manufacturer ID and a device ID.

[0033] The converter can be easily inserted into the communication line between the master and slave. It is also configurable.

[0034] In the present case, the converter is suitable for the field device F that was previously connected to the master. alt , which conforms to specification V1.0 and is intended as a replacement device F neu The intended field device, which conforms to specification V1.1, was configured.

[0035] When the device identifier is requested, the converter provides the device identifier of the field device F. alt . Communication between the master and field device F appears to continue. alt The converter does indeed communicate with the replacement device F. neu

[0036] The converter advantageously conforms to the IO-Link standard as the communication standard. It is crucial that the latency limits are met.

[0037] The converter can also store the device description IODD of the device to be replaced, so that the converter knows the functionality of the replacement device.

[0038] Advantageously, the parameters of the replacement device F are neu automatically saved. In the event of a subsequent device exchange, these can be automatically transferred to the replacement device F. neu be transferred.

Claims

[1] Converter for an industrial automation communication system used for data exchange between a master and a field device, where a first specification V1.0 with basic functionalities and a second specification V1.1 with basic functionalities and additional functional extensions are defined for the communication system. The functional enhancement in specification V1.1 includes, firstly, a data storage function for device replacement during operation, where the parameters P1 of a field device are saved in the master so that they can be automatically transferred to the replacement device in the event of a device replacement, and secondly, an automatic activation of compatibility in the event of a device replacement. where, during a device exchange, the master makes a request for the device identifier. characterized bythat the converter can be inserted into the communication link between master and slave and is configurable, where the converter is suitable for a field device F previously connected to the master alt which complies with specification V1.0 and is intended as a replacement device F neu The intended field device, which complies with specification V1.1, is configured, and the converter, upon request for the device identifier, returns the device identifier of the field device F. alt delivers. [2] Converter according to claim 1, characterized by that the communication system complies with the IO-Link standard. [3] Converter according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the IODD of the device to be replaced is stored in the converter [4] Converter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the parameters of the replacement device F neuThe data is automatically saved in the converter and automatically transferred to the replacement device F after a subsequent device exchange. neu be transferred.

Images