Gateway module and module arrangement

Abstract

Gateway module (1) comprising: a module housing (7), an operating device (8) arranged on the module housing (7) which can be moved into several visually distinguishable operating device states by user operation, a first communication interface (9) for communication with field-level devices (2), a second communication interface (11) for communication with an external server (3), and a control unit (12) which is configured to receive field data from the field-level devices (2) via the first communication interface (9) and to provide the field data to the external server (3) via the second communication interface (11), wherein the control unit (12) is further configured, depending on the operating device state of the operating device (8), to provide a manipulation function which serves toto modify the operation of the gateway module (1) and / or the field-level devices (2) by external access via the first and / or second communication interface, wherein the control unit (12) is configured to provide the manipulation function in a first operator state and not to provide the manipulation function in a second operator state different from the first operator state, wherein the gateway module (1) is in operation in both of these operator states.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a gateway module comprising a module housing, a first communication interface for communication with field-level devices, and a second communication interface for communication with an external server. The gateway module has a control unit configured to receive field data from the field-level devices via the first communication interface and to provide the field data to the external server via the second communication interface. The control unit is further configured to provide a manipulation function that serves to influence the operation of the gateway module and / or the operation of the field-level devices.

[0002] The gateway module is designed, for example, as an Internet of Things gateway and serves to provide the field data from the field-level devices to an external server. The field data is provided, in particular, via the internet. The external server can, in particular, be a public cloud or a private cloud. The external server can preferably perform an evaluation, in particular a statistical evaluation, of the field data, e.g., for diagnostic purposes. The evaluation is, in particular, a big data analysis.

[0003] As mentioned, the gateway module has a manipulation function. The manipulation function is used to modify the operation of the gateway module and / or the field-level devices through external access via the first and / or second communication interface. The manipulation function can, for example, be a configuration function that allows you to configure which external server the field data should be provided to. Furthermore, the manipulation function can be a control function that allows you to directly influence the field devices.

[0004] Providing a manipulation function on such a gateway module that communicates with an external server inherently carries the risk that an unauthorized person could access the manipulation function from outside and use it, for example, to retrieve field data without authorization and / or to influence field devices without authorization. One measure to reduce this risk is to not provide the manipulation function or to deactivate it when it is not absolutely necessary. The operational reliability of the gateway module then depends on whether the manipulation function is actually not provided or has been deactivated properly.

[0005] EP 1 936 457 A1 describes a modular safety switching device to which several switches (e.g. emergency stop switches or door switches) or sensors (e.g. light barriers) are connected. Output data is determined based on input data from the sensors or switches. An output module sends a shutdown signal to an actuator. An internal data bus is coupled to an external data bus via a gateway module. Control tasks that are not safety-relevant can be performed by an external controller. As soon as the assigned output module or the central controller detects a hazard, the control from the external controller should become ineffective. The control of the external circuit therefore requires approval from the output module and / or the central controller. This can be in the form of a switch, a logical operation, or a required approval signal.

[0006] US 2005 / 0228509 A1 concerns a gateway with a user interface through which a user can program the gateway.

[0007] US 2011 / 0119507 A1 concerns a gateway with a configuration button with which an automatic bus configuration of bus participants can be started.

[0008] US 2010 / 0290351 A1 describes a gateway whose user interface can be accessed via a workstation.

[0009] An object of the invention is to improve the operational reliability of said gateway module.

[0010] This object is achieved by a gateway module according to claim 1. According to the invention, the gateway module comprises an operating device arranged on the module housing, which can be set into several visually distinguishable operating device states by user operation. Furthermore, the control unit is configured to provide the manipulation function for influencing the operation of the gateway module and / or the field-level devices, depending on the operating device state of the operating device.

[0011] The control unit 12 is configured to provide the manipulation function in a first operating device state and not to provide the manipulation function in a second operating device state different from the first operating device state. In both of these operating device states, the gateway module 1 is in operation.

[0012] The manipulation function is provided depending on the current operating device state. By selecting a corresponding operating device state, the manipulation function can be deactivated or disabled. Because the operating device is located on the module housing and the operating device states can be visually distinguished from one another, the gateway module or the operating device can be very easily placed into an operating device state in which the manipulation function is deactivated or disabled. Furthermore, the visual differentiation of the operating device states makes it very easy to check whether the manipulation function is currently available or not. Overall, this reduces the risk of the manipulation function being available at a time when it should not be.Consequently, the operational reliability of the gateway module can be improved.

[0013] Field-level devices are, in particular, devices that are located entirely or partially at the field level and / or interact directly with a production process. In particular, field-level devices are actuators, actuator drives, and / or sensors. Furthermore, field-level devices can also be devices for the field level, i.e. devices that interact directly with the field level, for example, devices located between the field level and the control level. For example, field-level devices are also input / output devices, hereinafter also referred to as I / O devices. An I / O device can, for example, be designed to receive control commands from a higher-level controller at the control level, e.g., a PLC, and to output corresponding signals to a field device to control the field device.Furthermore, an I / O device can be designed to receive sensor signals from a sensor arranged at the field level and to transmit them to a higher-level controller and / or to the gateway module.

[0014] The field data comprises, in particular, identification data for identifying the field-level devices 2, for example, serial numbers, product keys, revision numbers, MAC addresses, and / or product names. The field data may further comprise device data describing the field-level devices 2 and, in particular, their properties. Furthermore, the field data may comprise diagnostic information relating to the field-level devices 2, parameter information about parameters of the field-level devices 2, and / or process data. Finally, the field data may also comprise indication data, which may, for example, comprise a number of switching operations, cycle times, and / or time intervals between defined events in a field-level device 2, and may, in particular, serve to make a prediction regarding the remaining service life or a failure. The external server 3 is expediently configured to make such a prediction.

[0015] The invention further relates to a series module arrangement comprising a plurality of series modules arranged in a row direction, wherein the series modules comprise a gateway module according to the invention, as well as at least one field level device, wherein the gateway module is connected to the at least one field level device via the first communication interface.

[0016] Further developments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims.

[0017] Exemplary embodiments are explained below with reference to the drawing. Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a system with a gateway module, Fig. 2 a perspective view of a gateway module, and Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a series module arrangement.

[0018] The Fig. 1 shows a system 10 with a gateway module 1, field-level devices 2, an external server 3, and a configuration unit 4. The system 10 represents a purely exemplary application case of the gateway module 1.

[0019] The gateway module 1 comprises a module housing 7. The gateway module 1 further comprises an operating device 8, which is arranged on the module housing 7. The operating device 8 can be set into several visually distinguishable operating device states by user operation. The gateway module 1 further comprises a first communication interface 9. The first communication interface 9 is used for communication with the field-level devices 2. The gateway module 1 also comprises a second communication interface 11. The second communication interface 11 is used for communication with the external server 3. The gateway module further comprises a control unit 12. The control unit 12 is configured to receive field data from the field-level devices 2 via the first communication interface 9 and to provide the field data to the external server 3 via the second communication interface 11.Furthermore, the control unit 12 is configured, depending on the operating device state of the operating device 8, to provide a manipulation function for influencing the operation of the gateway module 1 and / or the field level devices 2.

[0020] Consequently, whether the manipulation function is provided or not can be determined directly on the gateway module 1 by the user actuating the operating device 8 and also visually determined directly on the gateway module 1.

[0021] Exemplary configurations of the gateway module 1, the system 10, a series module arrangement 20 and their components are explained below.

[0022] The Fig. Figure 1 shows, as already mentioned above, a purely exemplary application of the gateway module 1. The gateway module 1 is communicatively connected to two field-level devices 2 via a first communication interface 9. For example, the field-level devices 2 are connected to the first communication interface 9 via a shared communication line 21. The communication line 21 is, for example, a bus line, expediently an Ethernet line. Alternatively, the field-level devices 2 can each be connected to the gateway module 1 via their own line. Furthermore, the field-level devices 2 can also communicate wirelessly with the gateway module 1.

[0023] The gateway module 1 is communicatively connected to the external server 3 via the second communication interface 11. By way of example, the gateway module 1 is connected to the external server 3 via a local network 5 and a wide area network 6. The local network 5 is, for example, in particular a LAN and / or a WLAN, expediently an Ethernet-based LAN. The wide area network 6 is, for example, the Internet. Alternatively or in addition to the connection shown, the gateway module 1 can also be connected to the external server 3 in a different way. For example, the gateway module 1 can also be connected to the external server 3 only via the local network 5 or only via the wide area network 6. Furthermore, the gateway module 1 can also be connected to the external server 3 via a cellular connection.The gateway module 1 is expediently designed to carry out encrypted communication with the external server 3 via the second communication interface 11.

[0024] The gateway module 1 basically serves to establish a connection between at least two communication systems. For example, the gateway module 1 establishes a connection between a first communication system, via which the external server is connected to the gateway module 1, and a second communication system, via which the field-level devices 2 are connected to the gateway module 1. The gateway module 1, in particular the control unit 12, is expediently designed to process the data traffic passing through the gateway module 1, for example, the data traffic between the first communication interface 9 and the second communication interface 11. Processing the data traffic can, for example, involve network address translation. Furthermore, processing the data traffic can involve processing at the network layer or layer 3 of the OSI model.Alternatively or additionally, the processing of data traffic may involve processing at an application layer, for example at layer 5, 6 and / or 7 of the OSI model.

[0025] Preferably, the control unit 12 is configured to communicate with the field-level devices 2 using a first protocol stack and to communicate with the external server 3 using a second protocol stack separate from the first protocol stack. The two protocol stacks can, for example, be two identical or two different protocol stacks. For example, both protocol stacks each comprise all seven layers of the OSI model.

[0026] Preferably, the control unit 12 is configured to communicate with the field-level devices 2 and / or the external server 3 via an Internet of Things protocol stack. An Internet of Things protocol stack is to be referred to, in particular, as a protocol stack that comprises at least one Internet of Things protocol. For example, the Internet of Things protocol stack comprises one or more of the following protocols: Constrained Application Protocol (CoAP), Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP), Message Queue Telemetry Transport (MQTT), IPv6 over Low Power Wireless Personal Area Network (6LoWPAN), Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN), Zigbee, Data Distribution Service (DDS), Advanced Message Queuing Protocol (AMQP), or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).

[0027] The gateway module 1 or the module housing 7, for example, has a substantially cuboidal basic shape. Conveniently, the side with the largest footprint represents the front. For example, the operating device 8 is arranged on the front. Conveniently, the first communication interface 9 and / or the second communication interface 11 are also arranged on the front. The gateway module 1 can be conveniently designed as a series module, which is suitable for forming a series module arrangement 20 together with one or more field-level devices 2 designed as series modules.

[0028] The operating device 8 preferably comprises an actuatable operating element 16. By user actuation of the operating element 16, the operating device 8 can be placed into visually distinguishable operating device states. The operating element 16 is expediently placed into different positions. For example, the operating element 16 is designed as a rotary switch. The operating device states accordingly represent different rotary positions of the operating element 16. The operating element 16 can expediently also be designed as a key switch. As an alternative to being designed as a rotary switch, the operating element 16 can also be designed as another switch, for example a slide switch, or as a button, for example a capacitive button.

[0029] By way of example, the operating device 8 comprises markings 17 which serve to improve the visual distinguishability of the various positions of the operating element 16. By way of example, a marking 17 is provided for each operating device state, each indicating the position to which the operating element 16 must be moved in order to set the associated operating device state. In the example shown, in which the operating element 16 is designed as a rotary switch, the markings 17 are distributed around the rotary switch within an angular range in which the rotary switch can be rotated. In the example shown, the markings 17 are shown as lines. Alternatively or additionally, the markings 17 can also comprise text, numbers and / or symbols. The rotary switch can, for example, have a web or a marking which must be aligned with the respective markings in order to assume the various positions.

[0030] Alternatively or in addition to the markings 17, display means may also be provided to visually distinguish the various operating device states. The display means may, for example, be one or more LEDs and / or a display, for example a graphic display.

[0031] For example, the operating device 8 can be set to four, preferably exactly four, different operating device states. Each operating device state is associated with a corresponding operating mode of the control unit 12, so that the control unit 12 can be set to the respective associated operating mode by selecting an operating device state.

[0032] The gateway module 1 can generally comprise a plurality of first communication interfaces 9 for communication with the field devices 2 and / or a plurality of second communication interfaces for communication with an external server. For example, the gateway module 1 comprises at least two first communication interfaces 9 and at least one second communication interface 11. Alternatively, the gateway module 1 can also comprise only one first communication interface 9.

[0033] The one or more first communication interfaces 9 comprise, in particular, an Ethernet interface, a bus interface, a serial interface, an interface for a lower-level communication system, and / or an interface for a backplane communication system. The first communication interfaces 9 expediently comprise a plurality of serial interfaces. The one or more second communication interfaces 11 comprise, in particular, an Ethernet interface.

[0034] The control unit 12 is expediently designed as an electronic arrangement. For example, the control unit 12 comprises one or more microcontrollers, ASICs, and / or FPGAs. The control unit 12 is connected to the one or more first communication interfaces 9 and communicates via these with the field-level devices 2. Furthermore, the control unit 12 is connected to the one or more second communication interfaces 11 and communicates via these with the external server 3. The control unit 12 is also connected to the operating device 8 and is configured to detect the current operating device state.

[0035] The control unit 12 is designed to provide the manipulation function depending on the detected operating device state.

[0036] The control unit 12 is configured to provide the manipulation function in a first operating device state and not to provide the manipulation function in a second operating device state different from the first operating device state. In both of these operating device states, the gateway module 1, in particular the control unit 12, is in operation.

[0037] By way of example, the operating device states include a module manipulation state. The control unit 12 is configured to provide a module manipulation function in response to the module manipulation state. The module manipulation function represents the aforementioned manipulation function, which serves to influence the operation of the gateway module 1 and / or the operation of the field-level devices 2. The module manipulation function can expediently be used to configure the communication partners with which the gateway module 1 communicates. The module manipulation state can also be referred to as the boarding state. In particular, the module manipulation function can be used to configure the external server 3 to which the control unit 12 should provide the field data.Alternatively or additionally, the module manipulation function can be used to configure from which field-level devices 2 the field data is received and / or field data from which field-level devices 2 are provided to the external server 3.

[0038] The configuration of which external server 3 the field data should be provided to is performed, for example, by a user entering address information or other information that identifies the external server 3. Furthermore, authentication information required by the gateway module 1 to authenticate itself to the external server 3 can be entered during the configuration. The gateway module 1 can then initiate communication with the external server 3 using the entered web address and / or authentication information in order to provide it with the field data.

[0039] Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible for the configuration of which external server 3 the field data is to be provided to to be initiated or effected by the external server 3. In this case, the module manipulation function allows / enables configuration by the external server 3. Address information and / or authentication information can be provided to the external server 3, with which the external server 3 can initiate communication with the gateway module 1 and register itself in the gateway module. Conveniently, the gateway module only permits communication and / or registration if the module manipulation function is currently provided or if the module manipulation state is present.

[0040] As a result of the configuration of which external server 3 the field data is to be provided to, at least one external server is expediently registered in the gateway module 1, to which the field data can then be provided accordingly. Preferably, the field data can only be provided to external servers that are correspondingly registered in the gateway module 1.

[0041] The configuration of which field-level devices 2 will receive the field data is preferably performed via user input. For example, a user can enter the field-level devices 2 individually or select them from a list. Furthermore, this configuration can be performed automatically, for example, by the gateway module 1 independently checking which field-level devices 2 are connected to the first communication interface 9. Furthermore, this configuration can be performed by retrieving a corresponding list from an external device, in particular the external server 3.

[0042] As a result of the configuration of which field-level devices 2 the field data are received from, the gateway module 1 has a list of registered field-level devices 2. The gateway module is designed to expediently receive and / or retrieve only the field data of the registered field-level devices 2 and / or to provide it to the external server 3.

[0043] Conveniently, the module manipulation function further provides the possibility of removing a registered external server 3 and / or a registered field-level device 2 from the configuration so that no more field data is exchanged with this server 3 or field-level device 2.

[0044] The manipulation function, for example the module manipulation function, is in particular a software function. The manipulation function can expediently be accessed using an external device, such as the configuration unit 4 and / or the external server 3. The configuration unit 4 is, for example, an end device, for example a PC and / or a mobile device, expediently a mobile phone, tablet, handheld device and / or a laptop. Access to the manipulation function is expediently via the first communication interface 9 and / or the second communication interface 11. The manipulation function can, for example, be provided by means of a user interface. The user interface is expediently a user interface that can be displayed using a web browser. For example, the gateway module 1 has a web server ora web server software with which the manipulation function is provided, particularly as a web application.

[0045] The module manipulation function can further provide a configuration for integrating the gateway module 1 into a network, for example, the local network 5. For example, the module manipulation function can perform a configuration required for integration using DHCP.

[0046] Conveniently, one, several, or all of the configurations described above are only possible if the manipulation function or the module manipulation function is provided; thus, in particular, only if the operating device 8 is in the module manipulation state.

[0047] Optionally, in the module manipulation state, the gateway module 1 can receive field data from the field-level devices 2 and / or provide it to the external server 3.

[0048] The operating device states expediently include a device manipulation state. The control unit 12 is configured to provide a device manipulation function in response to the device manipulation state. The device manipulation function represents the aforementioned manipulation function. The field-level devices 2 can be controlled and / or configured using the device manipulation function.

[0049] For example, control signals or configuration commands can be output to field-level devices 2 using the device manipulation function. Gateway module 1 can therefore influence the operation of field-level devices 2.

[0050] Conveniently, the control and / or configuration of the field-level devices 2 by the gateway module 1 is only possible if the device manipulation function is provided; thus, in particular, only if the operating device 8 is in the device manipulation state.

[0051] Preferably, in the device manipulation state, the gateway module 1 can receive field data from the field-level devices 2 and / or provide it to the external server 3.

[0052] The device tamper state can also be referred to as the read / write state.

[0053] In the device manipulation state, it is expedient to not change the registered communication partners, in particular the external server 3 and the field level devices 2.

[0054] Preferably, the operating device states further comprise a protection state. The control unit 12 is configured not to provide the manipulation function in response to the protection state. In particular, the control unit 12 is configured not to provide the aforementioned module manipulation function and / or the device manipulation function in the protection state. Furthermore, the control unit 12 can also be configured not to allow any influencing or modification of the operation of the gateway module 1 and / or the field-level devices 2 in the protection state, apart from an influencing or modification of the operation caused by actuating the operating device 8. In particular, in the protection state, no modification or influencing of the operation from outside, for example via the first and / or second communication interface 9, 11, is possible.

[0055] In the protection state, it is advantageous to prevent any changes to the registered communication partners, in particular to the external server 3 and the field-level devices 2. Furthermore, in the protection state, it is not possible to control or configure the field-level devices 2 using the gateway module 1.

[0056] Preferably, in the protection state, the gateway module 1 can receive field data from the field level devices 2 and / or provide it to the external server 3.

[0057] The protection state can also be called the read state.

[0058] In addition to the states discussed above, the operating device states may include an offline state in which no communication at all is possible via the first and / or second communication interface 9, 11. The gateway module 1 expediently remains switched on in the offline state.

[0059] The Fig. Figure 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of a gateway module 1 configured as a series module, which is suitable for forming a series module arrangement 20 together with one or more field-level devices 2 configured as series modules. The gateway module 1 has the first communication interface 9 and the second communication interface 11 already explained above. A first communication interface 9 is covered, for example, with a protective cap.

[0060] Furthermore, the gateway module 1 has a control unit configured to receive field data from the field-level devices 2 via the first communication interface 9 and to provide the field data to the external server via the second communication interface 11. Conveniently, the control unit is further configured to communicate with the field-level devices 2 and / or the external server 3 via an Internet of Things protocol stack.

[0061] The gateway module 1, designed as a series module with Internet of Things protocol stack, enables the provision of an Internet of Things connection directly in a series module arrangement 20.

[0062] The gateway module 1 can expediently be designed according to one of the configurations described above.

[0063] The gateway module 1, designed as a series module, optionally has an operating device 8, which, for example, has an operating element 16 designed as a rotary switch. The operating device 8 and the control unit can be configured as already explained above.

[0064] The gateway module 1 has, in particular, a mechanical interface 22 with which the gateway module 1 can be mounted in a series module arrangement. The mechanical interface 22 is expediently designed to mount the gateway module 1 on a carrier plate. The mechanical interface 22 preferably comprises screw means 23 and / or plug-in structures 24 for mounting the gateway module 1 on a carrier plate. The screw means 23 and / or plug-in structures 24 are arranged, in particular, on the rear side of the gateway module 1, so that the gateway module can be attached with its rear side to a carrier plate.

[0065] Furthermore, a further first and / or second communication interface can be provided on the rear side, with which a connection to an internal communication system of a series module arrangement 20, for example a backplane communication system and / or a subordinate communication system, in particular an internal bus or a point-to-point connection, can be established.

[0066] The Fig. 3 shows a series module arrangement 20 comprising a plurality of series modules arranged in a row direction, wherein the series modules comprise a gateway module 1 according to a configuration described above, as well as a plurality of field-level devices 2. The gateway module 1 is connected via a first communication interface to at least one field-level device 2, preferably to several or all field-level devices 2.

[0067] By way of example, the series module arrangement 20 has a carrier plate 18. The carrier plate 18 expediently has a substantially rectangular front side to which the series modules are attached. The carrier plate 18 has, in particular, lines for the power supply, fluid supply, and / or communication of the series modules.

[0068] The row modules, for example, have an elongated shape and are arranged with their longitudinal axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the support plate 18. Overall, the row module arrangement 20 has a substantially cuboidal basic shape.

[0069] Conveniently, the series module arrangement 20 as a whole represents a field device. Preferably, the series module arrangement 20 has a communication interface with which it is or can be connected to a higher-level controller, for example a programmable logic controller (PLC).

[0070] The series modules comprise, by way of example, an I / O module 14 and a plurality of valve modules 15. The I / O module 14 and the valve modules 15 represent field-level devices 2 which provide their field data to the gateway module 1. The I / O module 14 is an input / output module and has an I / O port 19. The I / O module 14 is designed to receive and transmit signals from and to a sensor and / or an actuator via the I / O port 19. The valve modules 15 are, by way of example, designed as valve disks; i.e., their height and length are each a multiple of their width. The valve modules 15 are, by way of example, arranged with their width parallel to the longitudinal axis of the carrier plate 18, so that they take up as little space as possible on the carrier plate 18. The valve modules 15 can in particular comprise a valve drive and / or a drivable valve member.

Claims

[1] Gateway module (1), comprising: a module housing (7), an operating device (8) arranged on the module housing (7), which can be set into a plurality of visually distinguishable operating device states by user operation, a first communication interface (9) for communication with field-level devices (2), a second communication interface (11) for communication with an external server (3), and a control unit (12) which is configured to receive field data from the field-level devices (2) via the first communication interface (9) and to provide the field data to the external server (3) via the second communication interface (11), wherein the control unit (12) is further configured, depending on the operating device state in which the operating device (8) is located, to provide a manipulation function which serves toto change the operation of the gateway module (1) and / or the field-level devices (2) by external access via the first and / or the second communication interface, wherein the control unit (12) is configured to provide the manipulation function in a first operating device state and not to provide the manipulation function in a second operating device state different from the first operating device state, wherein the gateway module (1) is in operation in both of these operating device states. [2] Gateway module (1) according to claim 1, wherein the gateway module (1) is designed as a series module which is suitable for forming a series module arrangement (20) together with one or more field level devices (2) designed as series modules. [3] Gateway module (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the operating device (8) comprises an actuatable operating element (16), in particular a switch, preferably a rotary switch, expediently a key switch. [4] Gateway module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (12) is configured to carry out the communication to the field level devices (2) by means of a first protocol stack and to carry out the communication to the external server (3) by means of a second protocol stack separate from the first protocol stack. [5] Gateway module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (12) is configured to carry out the communication with the field-level devices (2) and / or the external server (3) via an Internet of Things protocol stack. [6] Gateway module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating device states comprise a module manipulation state and the control unit (12) is designed to provide a module manipulation function in response to the module manipulation state, with which it is possible to configure which external server (3) the control unit (12) provides the field data to, and / or with which it is possible to configure from which field-level devices (2) the field data are received. [7] Gateway module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the operating device states comprise a device manipulation state and the control unit (12) is designed, in response to the device manipulation state, to provide a device manipulation function with which the field level devices (2) can be controlled and / or configured. [8] Gateway module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the operating device states include a protection state, and the control unit (12) is designed not to provide the manipulation function in response to the protection state. [9] Gateway module (1) according to claim 8, characterized by that the control unit (12) is designed to provide the field data to the external server (3) in the protection state. [10] Gateway module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the gateway module (1) comprises a plurality of first communication interfaces (9) for communication with the field devices and / or a plurality of second communication interfaces (11) for communication with an external server. [11] Gateway module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the first communication interface (9) comprises an Ethernet interface, a bus interface, a serial interface, an interface for a lower-level communication system and / or an interface for a backplane communication system and / or the second communication interface (11) comprises an Ethernet interface. [12] Series module arrangement (20) comprising a plurality of series modules arranged in a row direction, wherein the series modules comprise a gateway module (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, and at least one field-level device (2), wherein the gateway module (1) is connected to the at least one field-level device (2) via the first communication interface (9). [13] Series module arrangement (20) according to claim 12, wherein the series modules comprise at least one I / O module (14) and / or at least one valve module (15).

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