Master, coupler and slave for a communications network

Abstract

The invention relates to a master for connecting to a communications network, wherein the master is designed such that, according to a predetermined communications standard, it outputs process data cyclically and device data acyclically to the communications network, and such that it outputs, by means of the device data, a predetermined control command including a predetermined password to the communications network.

Description

[0001] Master, coupler and slave for a communication network

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a master for connection to a communications network, a coupler for connecting a master to a slave, a slave for connection to a master of a communications network, and a communications network comprising the master and the slave and / or the coupler. Furthermore, a method for operating the master is provided.

[0003] The following discussion of the prior art is not to be interpreted as an admission that this prior art is generally known or forms part of the general general knowledge in the technical field underlying the disclosure.

[0004] In automation technology, a communication system known under the brand name IO-Link is used to connect intelligent sensors and actuators to an automation system. This communication system is standardized in the IEC 61131-9 standard under the designation Single-drop digital communication interface for small sensors and actuators (SDCI). The standardization includes both the electrical connection data and a digital communication protocol through which the sensors and actuators exchange data with the automation system.

[0005] The “IO-Link Interface and System Specification Version 1.1.3” (as of June 2019, available at: https: / / io-link.com / share / Downloads / Package-2020 / IQL-lnterface-Spec 113 Jun19.pdf) can describe the basic functionality of the IO-Link Standards can be taken from.

[0006] An IO-Link system comprises an IO-Link master and one or more IO-Link devices, i.e., sensors or actuators. The IO-Link master acts as a gateway, i.e., it provides the interface to the higher-level controller (PLC) or the host (processor) and controls communication between the host and the connected IO-Link devices. An IO-Link device can be an intelligent sensor, actuator, hub, or, due to bidirectional communication, a mechatronic component, such as a gripper or a power supply with an IO-Link connection. Intelligent, in terms of IO-Link, means that a device has identification data, e.g., a type designation and a serial number, or parameter data (e.g., sensitivities, switching delays, and / or characteristic curves), which can be read or written via the IO-Link protocol. Parameters can therefore be changed, in part, by the PLC during operation.But intelligent also means that it can provide detailed diagnostic information.

[0007] To exchange data between an IO-Link device and a PLC or the host, the IO-Link data is mapped from the IO-Link master to the fieldbus in use. This is referred to as IO-Link mapping to the fieldbus. If the IO-Link master is directly connected to a PLC via a proprietary backplane bus, the IO-Link data is mapped to this bus and transferred to the PLC or from the PLC to the IO-Link master and then to the IO-Link device. Specifications for IO-Link mapping already exist for PROFIBUS, PROFINET, INTERBUS, AS-i, EtherCAT, and PowerLink.

[0008] During cyclic data exchange, process data is transferred from and / or to the IO-Link device via the fieldbus or backplane bus. The parameter data must be explicitly requested by the PLC or sent with the identifier "indexed service data unit" (iSDU). For this purpose, the IO-Link specification defines the iSDU (indexed service data unit). Parameter values ​​and states in an IO-Link device can be queried using indices and subindices. The requests (read / write services) are encoded in an IO-Link-specific iSDU in the IO-Link master and transmitted to the IO-Link device via the IO-Link interface. The iSDU indicates whether it is a read or write request. The indices specify the parameters whose values ​​are to be read or written.

[0009] The IO-Link standard is based on a point-to-point bus topology, so there is no traditional way to access a coupler connected between an IO-Link master and an IO-Link device, which loops information or data packets between these two IO-Link components. In other words, the coupler is initially transparent and cannot be controlled using conventional means.

[0010] Furthermore, although the conventional IO-Link standard allows for parameterization of an IO-Link device, rights to write to and / or read from certain indices cannot be managed or cannot be managed sufficiently.

[0011] Against the background of this prior art, the object of the present disclosure is to provide a method and / or a device which are each suitable for enriching the prior art.

[0012] The problem is solved by the features of the independent claim. The subordinate claims and subclaims contain optional developments of the disclosure.

[0013] According to this, the problem is solved by a master for connection to a communications network, wherein the master is configured to output process data cyclically and device data acyclically to the communications network according to a predetermined communications standard. Furthermore, the master is configured to output a predetermined control command comprising a predetermined password to the communications network using the device data.

[0014] The master can be a control device which is designed to process data received from the slave via the coupler and / or to output data for controlling the operation of the slave to the slave via the coupler, as well as to output data for controlling the operation of the coupler to the coupler. This data can be the device data, which is to be distinguished from the process data described later. The device data can be used to parameterize the coupler and the slave. The master can, additionally or alternatively, be a gateway which is designed to receive data from a control and management system in a further communication standard (e.g., Ethernet) and to output this data in the predetermined communication standard (e.g.,IO-Link) to the coupler and the slave and optionally, conversely, to receive data in the predetermined communication standard from the coupler and the slave and output it in the further communication standard to the control and management system.

[0015] The device data can be communicated acyclically according to the predetermined communication standard, triggered by the master. The predetermined communication standard can be IO-Link.

[0016] More specifically, according to the IO-Link protocol of the IO-Link (communication) standard, three different types of data are exchanged or transmitted: process data, device parameters, and events (comprising the three categories of errors, warnings, and notifications). Process data is transmitted cyclically. Device parameters or general device data and events are transmitted acyclically. The IO-Link device or slave only sends data when requested to do so by the IO-Link master. Process data is sent cyclically with each frame. Device parameter data is explicitly requested by the master, meaning that the transmission of device data is triggered by the master.

[0017] The master described above offers a number of advantages. One of these advantages is the ability to provide special functions (such as switching between defined or predefined operating modes of at least one IO-Link device, in this case the coupler) via IO-Link communication that cannot be mapped by the IO-Link standard. Furthermore, the master offers the advantage that it can switch devices in the communication network to a password-protected (operating) mode using the password contained in the control command. It is conceivable that the predetermined control command, including the predetermined password, is not stored in a public IODD (for details on the IODD, see above), so that the control command, which can be stored in the device data, e.g., as a string, can be used as a password to access the protected (operating) mode of the devices in the communication network.

[0018] Possible or optional further developments of the device described above are explained in detail below.

[0019] The communications network may comprise a coupler. The master may be configured to initially output a further predetermined control command to the coupler using the device data such that the coupler switches from a coupler transmission mode, in which the coupler is configured to output data received from the master to the slave according to the predetermined communications standard, to a coupler configuration mode in which the coupler can be parameterized by the master. The master may be configured to output the predetermined control command, comprising the predetermined password, to the coupler using the device data such that the coupler switches from the coupler configuration mode to a protected coupler operating mode in which the coupler can be parameterized to a degree that goes beyond the coupler configuration mode.

[0020] In other words, it is conceivable, for example, that the current operating mode (i.e., the operating mode in which the coupler is at the time of receiving the further predetermined control command) is the transmission mode, and the coupler switches to the configuration mode due to the further predetermined control command.

[0021] In transmission mode, the (optionally bidirectional) data transfer from master to slave can take place via the coupler. In configuration mode, data transfer between the master and slave can be stopped until the coupler parameterization is complete. It is then conceivable that the coupler automatically switches back to transmission mode, or that the predetermined control command including the password is again issued to the coupler, causing the coupler to switch to the protected coupler operating mode. In the protected operating mode, device settings and / or properties of the coupler can then be read and / or changed, for example, which can only be changed or exclusively in the protected operating mode.It is then conceivable that the coupler automatically switches back to transmission mode or that a (further) predetermined control command is issued to the coupler so that the coupler switches (back) to transmission mode.

[0022] In other words, a two-stage procedure can be implemented in which the current operating mode of the coupler is the coupler transmission mode, and the coupler switches to the coupler configuration mode due to a function called by a first control command. Once the coupler is in the coupler configuration mode, it is conceivable that the coupler switches to the protected coupler operating mode due to a function called by a second control command comprising the password. This can be referred to as a two-stage procedure, with the second control command acting as a password to switch from the coupler configuration mode to the protected coupler operating mode.

[0023] Therefore, it is not necessary to make any additional settings or adjustments to the coupler to control it. Instead, the coupler can be controlled directly in the field using the transmitted control commands, using the underlying communication standard.

[0024] A coupler can be understood as an electronic component for galvanic isolation and, optionally, for insulation protection of signals. Signal isolation can be achieved optically via optocouplers, but it can also be achieved, additionally or alternatively, via transformer, capacitive, or magnetic means using a magnetic coupler. The signals can be used to transmit data. In other words, the coupler can be used for bidirectional looping of data or signals.

[0025] The communication network can have a slave. The master can be configured to output the predetermined control command comprising the predetermined password to the slave using the device data in such a way that the slave switches (optionally directly) from a slave transmission mode, in which the slave is configured to exchange data with the master according to the predetermined communication standard, to a protected slave operating mode in which the slave can be parameterized to a degree that goes beyond a slave configuration mode.

[0026] Therefore, it is not necessary to make any additional settings or adjustments to the slave to control it. Instead, the coupler can be controlled directly in the field using the transmitted control commands, using the underlying communication standard.

[0027] The slave can be a field device, such as an actuator and / or a sensor. A field device (FD), or FG for short, can be understood as a technical device in the field of automation technology that is directly related to a production process. In automation technology, "field" refers to the area outside of control cabinets or control rooms. Field devices can therefore be both actuators (actuators, valves, etc.) and sensors (measurement transducers) in factory and process automation. The field device can be connected to a control and management system, usually via a fieldbus, or increasingly via real-time Ethernet. In the control and management system, the data received from the field device is evaluated and can be used to regulate and / or control the production process and, additionally or alternatively, for further processing. As part of the further processing, for example,a visualization and display of a state of the production process (e.g. valve open / closed, pressure, flow, temperature, etc.) can be carried out.

[0028] The slave and / or the coupler can be implemented as IO-Link devices. The slave can therefore be a sensor, actuator, hub, and / or a mechatronic component, e.g., a gripper and / or a power supply with IO-Link connection. The master can be implemented as an IO-Link master. As described above, IO-Link is a standardized IO technology (IEC 61131-9) for communicating with IO-Link devices, such as sensors and actuators. IO-Link is based on point-to-point communication and is based on a 3-wire IO-Link device connection with no additional requirements for the cable material. IO-Link is therefore not a fieldbus and is therefore fieldbus-independent. For further details on IO-Link, please refer to the explanations above.

[0029] Furthermore, a coupler is provided for connecting a master, optionally the master described above, to a slave, optionally the slave described above, of a communication network, wherein the coupler is designed to receive device data according to a predetermined communication standard from the master and to output it to the slave according to the predetermined communication standard.

[0030] The coupler is configured to first receive a further predetermined control command from the master via the communication network using the device data. In response to the received further predetermined control command, the coupler is configured to switch from a coupler transmission mode, in which the coupler is configured to output data received from the master to the slave according to the predetermined communication standard, to a coupler configuration mode, in which the coupler can be parameterized by the master.

[0031] The coupler is configured to receive a predetermined control command comprising a predetermined password from the master via the communication network using the device data. In response to the received predetermined control command comprising the predetermined password, the coupler is configured to switch from the coupler configuration mode to a protected coupler operating mode, in which the coupler can be parameterized to a degree that goes beyond the coupler configuration mode.

[0032] The device data can be communicated acyclically, triggered by the master, according to the predetermined communication standard. The coupler can be configured to output information to the master via the communication network in response to the detected predetermined control command and / or in response to the detected further predetermined control command.

[0033] The coupler can be configured to receive process data from the master according to the predetermined communication standard and output it to the slave according to the predetermined communication standard via the communication network. The process data can be communicated cyclically according to the predetermined communication standard.

[0034] The coupler can be configured to receive additional process data and / or additional device data from the slave according to a predetermined communication standard and to output it to the master according to the predetermined communication standard. The additional process data can be communicated cyclically according to the predetermined communication standard. The additional device data can be communicated according to the predetermined communication standard, triggered by the master, optionally using an additional service data unit and / or acyclically.

[0035] The coupler can comprise an inductive coupler or be designed as such. An inductive coupler can be understood as a transformer in which the transformer core is divisible, meaning both parts can be separated from each other. The primary winding is located on one part of the core and the secondary winding on the other. In addition to transmitting data, the inductive coupler allows the transmission of electrical energy from the master to the slave.

[0036] What is described above with reference to the master also applies analogously to the coupler and vice versa.

[0037] Furthermore, a slave is provided for connection to a master, optionally to the master described above, of a communication network, wherein the slave is designed to receive device data from the master according to a predetermined communication standard and to output it to the master according to the predetermined communication standard. The slave is designed to receive a predetermined control command comprising a predetermined password from the master using the device data. The slave is designed to switch, in response to the received predetermined control command comprising the predetermined password, from a slave transmission mode, in which the slave is designed to exchange data with the master according to the predetermined communication standard, to a protected slave operating mode in which the slave can be parameterized to an extent going beyond a slave configuration mode.

[0038] The slave may be configured to be connected to the master via a coupler, optionally the coupler described above.

[0039] What is described above with reference to the master and the coupler also applies analogously to the slave and vice versa.

[0040] The device data may comprise a service data unit according to a predetermined communication protocol of the predetermined communication standard, which has an area in which a plurality of standard parameters can be stored according to the predetermined communication protocol, and the predetermined control command and / or the predetermined further control command can be stored in this area.

[0041] More precisely, according to the IO-Link protocol of the IO-Link (communication) standard, parameter data is explicitly requested from the IO-Link master or sent marked as such. For this purpose, a service data unit, the so-called iSDU (indexed service data unit), is defined in the IO-Link specification. Parameter values ​​and states can be queried and parameters stored in the IO-Link device using indices and subindices. The requests (read-write services) are encoded in the IO-Link master in an IO-Link-specific iSDU and transmitted to the IO-Link device via the IO-Link interface. The iSDU specifies whether it is a read or write request. The indices are used to specify the parameters whose values ​​are to be read or written. It is now proposed to optionally use this iSDU to transmit the respective control command from the master to the coupler and / or the slave.

[0042] Up to 65,536 indices with a size of up to 232 bytes can be addressed via IO-Link. The IO-Link specification contains predefined indices (predefined parameters). These indices can be used to uniquely identify IO-Link devices. However, most of the defined indices are optional, meaning they can be used but are not required. The advantage of using the predefined and mandatory indices to transmit the control command is that they are present in every IO-Link device (from a certain version).

[0043] In the area of ​​the service data unit in which a plurality of standard parameters can be stored according to the predetermined communication protocol, a first sub-area for an application-specific tag, a second sub-area for a location tag and / or a third sub-area for a function tag can be provided according to the predetermined communication protocol, and the predetermined control command and / or the predetermined further control command can be stored in at least one of these sub-areas.

[0044] This offers the advantage that these sub-areas are large enough to transmit a control command.

[0045] The above description can be summarized in other words and with reference to a specific embodiment as described below, whereby this following description is only exemplary and therefore not limiting the disclosure:

[0046] IO-Link standard parameters (mandatory parameters according to the IO-Link specification in the iSDU area) can be used to control exclusive device functions. This means that commands can be sent to the address of a selected standard parameter. The commands cannot be used to change the content of the parameter, but rather to trigger an action or function. The command sets used can be defined in advance. It is conceivable that these are not visible to the outside world. The probability of incorrect access at this point is very low, as the commands can be selected in such a way that they do not conflict with standard commands or content. It is also possible to implement password access with the solution described. In addition to triggering an action, it is also possible to have reactions (responses to the command) returned.Reading can occur in the next iSDU frame or within a given time period, optionally less than 10 seconds after receipt of the command. This function can be particularly advantageous in development and testing, as it allows the manufacturer to perform more advanced error diagnostics. Specifically, a type of command line interface can be implemented here, which allows a command to be sent as described above and the response / reaction to the sent command to be read out. The use of parameters in the iSDU area, which are of a corresponding size and are available in all devices from a certain version onwards, can be advantageous. The use of the parameters of the so-called Application Specific Tag, the Location Tag, or the Function Tag can be particularly suitable for this. The commands can be used to change the operating modes of infrastructure components.Such infrastructure components, such as inductive couplers, not only transmit power from connected devices but also provide IO-Link communication (loop-through between master - coupler - device) with the connected device. In addition to this transmission mode, there can be another operating mode for configuring the coupler itself, a so-called configuration mode, since this may not be possible due to active communication in transmission mode. The solution proposed here makes it possible to switch between these two modes by sending a command, for example to the address of the application-specific tag. The coupler can then be configured and optionally returned to transmission mode afterwards. As a further step, it can be provided that the coupler switches to a protected operating mode or administrator mode when it is in configuration mode.For this purpose, a further command can be sent to the coupler in the manner described above. The command includes a password, which is again sent, for example, as a string to the address of the application-specific tag (or another of the tags mentioned above). The password can include switching the coupler from configuration mode to administrator mode. In administrator mode, parameters or settings of the coupler can be changed and / or read that cannot be accessed in configuration mode.

[0047] Furthermore, a communication network is provided, wherein the communication network comprises a master described above and a coupler described above connected to the master and / or a slave described above connected to the master.

[0048] The communication network can comprise a control and management system connected to the slave via the master and the coupler. It is conceivable that the control and management system communicates with the master according to another predetermined communication standard (e.g., PROFIBUS, PROFINET, INTERBUS, AS-i, EtherCAT, Ethernet, or PowerLink).

[0049] What is described above with reference to the master, the coupler and the slave also applies analogously to the communication network and vice versa.

[0050] Furthermore, a method for operating a master, optionally the master described above, for connection to a communications network is provided. The method comprises cyclically outputting process data and acyclically outputting device data according to a predetermined communications standard to the communications network. The method comprises outputting a predetermined control command comprising a predetermined password to the communications network using the device data.

[0051] The method may be a computer-implemented method, meaning that one, several, or all steps of the method can be executed at least partially by a computer or a data processing device. The above description with reference to the master, the coupler, the slave, and the communications network applies analogously to the method, and vice versa.

[0052] Furthermore, a computer program and / or computer-readable medium is provided, comprising instructions which, when the program or instructions are executed by a master, optionally the master described above, for connection to a communication network, cause the master to at least partially execute the method described above.

[0053] The computer program can be the master's firmware. Firmware can be understood as software that is (permanently) embedded in electronic devices, such as the master in this case, and performs basic functions there. The firmware can occupy an intermediate position between the master's hardware (i.e., the physical components of the master) and any existing application software (the so-called function). The firmware can be stored in the master's memory. This memory can be a flash memory, an EPROM, an EEPROM, or a ROM.

[0054] The computer-readable medium may contain the computer program described above.

[0055] The computer-readable medium may be a computer-readable storage medium, i.e. any digital data storage device, such as a USB stick, a hard disk, a flash memory, a CD-ROM, an SD card or an SSD card.

[0056] The computer program or instructions do not necessarily have to be stored on such a computer-readable storage medium to be made available to the master, but can also be obtained via the Internet or from another external source. The above description with regard to the master, the coupler, the slave, the communication network, and the method also applies analogously to the computer program and / or the computer-readable medium, and vice versa.

[0057] Furthermore, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Where a term has multiple definitions, the definitions in this specification prevail unless otherwise specified.

[0058] Wherever the terms "for example," "such as," "including," and the like are used, they shall be construed as if followed by the term "and without limitation," unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, "an example," "exemplary," and the like are to be understood as non-limiting or non-exhaustive.

[0059] Numerical data are to be understood as both exhaustive and non-exhaustive, e.g. “one slave” is to be understood as “at least one slave and / or exactly one slave”.

[0060] The term "substantially" allows for variations that do not adversely affect the intended purpose. Descriptive terms should be understood as being modified by the term "substantially," even if the term "substantially" is not explicitly stated.

[0061] The terms "comprising" and "including" and "having" and "incorporating" (and similarly "comprises", "includes", "has" and "with" and "involves") and the like are used synonymously and have the same meaning.

[0062] Unless the context clearly or explicitly requires otherwise, the words "comprise", "comprising" and the like in the description and claims are therefore to be understood in an inclusive sense and not in an exclusive or exhaustive sense, i.e. in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

[0063] An embodiment is described below with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0064] Fig. 1 shows schematically a communication network according to the disclosure, and

[0065] Fig. 2 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method for controlling the communication network.

[0066] The communication network 10 shown in Figure 1 has a master 1, a coupler 2 and a slave 3 connected to the master 1 via the coupler 2 and two data lines 4, 5. Bidirectional (data) communication according to the IO-Link standard takes place between the master 1 and the slave 3 via the coupler 2 and the two data lines 4, 5. The coupler 2 is therefore designed to receive data from the master 1 according to the IO-Link standard and forward it to the slave 3 according to the IO-Link standard and to receive data from the slave 3 according to the IO-Link standard and forward it to the master 1 according to the IO-Link standard. Insofar as data exchange or (data) communication is mentioned below, this is carried out in accordance with the IO-Link standard.A higher-level control and management system (not shown) can be connected to the master 1, which is used to control and monitor a process in which the slave 3, designed as a field device, is used.

[0067] In the embodiment, the communication network 10 is operated according to the disclosed method for operating the communication network 10, the flow diagram of which is schematically illustrated in Figure 2 and which is explained in detail below.

[0068] In a first step S1 of the method, process data 6 is exchanged cyclically between the master 1 and the slave 3 Y1 via the coupler 2 and the data lines 4, 5. During the first step S1, device data 7 in the form of service data units according to the IO-Link protocol is repeatedly exchanged acyclically triggered by the master 1 via the coupler 2 and the data lines 4, 5 between the master 1 and the slave 3 in order to parameterize the slave 3.

[0069] From the perspective of the master 1, the process data 6 can be input data that includes values ​​measured by the slave 3 (such as temperature, distance, volume, speed, flow rate, etc.) and / or output data that includes control data (such as speed, pressure or pressure difference, light on / off, light color, flashing pattern, output voltage, output current) for the slave 3 (such as for controlling actuators such as motors, valves, signal lights, power supplies, by means of the slave 3).

[0070] The coupler 2 is initially in a coupler transmission mode in which the coupler 2 forwards, in addition to the process data, the device data 7 intended for the slave 3 or the master 1, essentially without modification. This means that the coupler 2 passes through this device data 7 as well as the process data 6. However, the coupler 2 does not pass through the service data unit of the device data 7 if it contains a first predetermined control command.

[0071] In order to determine this, the coupler 2 checks the service data units of the device data 7 received from the master 1 in a second step S2 of the method, which runs parallel or simultaneously with the first step S1, to determine whether these contain the first predetermined control command.

[0072] More precisely, the service data units of the device data 7 comprise an area in which, according to the IO-Link protocol, several standard parameters can be stored, with the master 1 storing the predetermined control command in this area. It is conceivable that the master 1 stores the predetermined control command as a string in the sub-area provided for the so-called application-specific tag, the so-called location tag and / or the so-called function tag. The coupler 2 accordingly checks these sub-areas to determine whether the first predetermined control command is contained in one of them. If the first predetermined control command is received by the coupler 2 in the second step

[0073] 52 is detected, the coupler 2 outputs information 8 to the master 1 via the data line 4 in response to the detected first control command, and the method continues with a third step S3. Otherwise, the first and second steps S1, S2 continue to be executed. The information can be an acknowledgment of receipt of the first predetermined control command and a termination of the connection or a suspension of the looping of the process data 6, so that the connection to the master 1 can subsequently be re-established in configuration mode (see steps S3 and S4).

[0074] In the third step S3 of the method, the coupler 2 calls a function stored in the coupler 2 depending on the first predetermined control command detected in the device data 7. Multiple functions can be stored in the coupler 2, with the first predetermined control command then being configured such that the coupler 2 can unambiguously assign the first predetermined control command to at least one of these functions.

[0075] In a fourth step S4 of the method, the coupler 2 carries out the data obtained in the third step

[0076] 53. This function can be a function that switches coupler 2 from the current operating mode to another or different operating mode defined in the function. This can, for example, be a coupler configuration mode in which coupler 2 can be parameterized using master 1.

[0077] In a fifth step S5 of the method, as soon as the coupler 2 is in the configuration mode, the coupler 2 checks, analogously to the second step 2 of the method, the service data units of the device data 7 received from the master 1 after switching to the coupler configuration mode to determine whether they contain a second predetermined control command comprising a predetermined password. More precisely, these service data units of the device data 7 received at the coupler 2 after switching to the coupler configuration mode, analogously to the service data described above, comprise the area in which several standard parameters can be stored according to the IO-Link protocol, with the master 1 storing the second predetermined control command comprising the predetermined password in this area. It is conceivable that the master 1 stores the second predetermined control command comprising the predetermined password as a string in the area designated for the so-called application-specific tag, the so-calledThe location tag and / or the so-called function tag are stored in the sub-area. The coupler 2 then checks these sub-areas to determine whether the second predetermined control command, including the predetermined password, is contained in one of them.

[0078] If the control command is recognized by the coupler 2 in the fifth step S5, the coupler 2 can output further information 8 to the master 1 via the data line 4 in response to the recognized second control command comprising the password, and the method continues with a sixth step S6.

[0079] In the sixth step S6 of the method, analogous to the third step S3 of the method, the coupler 2 calls a function stored in the coupler 2 depending on the second predetermined control command comprising the predetermined password detected in the device data 7. Several functions can be stored in the coupler 2, wherein the second predetermined control command comprising the predetermined password is then configured such that the coupler 2 can unambiguously assign the first predetermined control command to at least one of these functions.

[0080] In a seventh step S7 of the method, the coupler 2 executes the function called in the sixth step S6. This function can be a function that switches the coupler 2 from the current operating mode to a further or different operating mode defined in the function. This can, for example, be a protected coupler operating mode or coupler admin mode, in which the coupler 2 can be parameterized using the master 1. The coupler admin mode differs from the coupler configuration mode described above in that in the coupler admin mode, the coupler 2 can be parameterized to a greater extent than in the coupler configuration mode.

[0081] In other words, the coupler admin mode can be activated on the coupler 2, particularly within the coupler configuration mode, or unlocked using the predetermined password contained in the second predetermined control command, in order to gain access to additional IO-Link indices that are not available in the configuration mode. This means that in the coupler admin mode, the coupler can be parameterized to a degree that goes beyond the coupler configuration mode. This can be used for extended error diagnostics or for manufacturer parameterization. To switch from the coupler configuration mode to the coupler admin mode, the second, third, and fourth steps S3, S4 of the method can be repeatedly executed as the fifth, sixth, and seventh steps S5, S6, S7 as soon as the coupler 2 is in the coupler configuration mode.

[0082] However, the method described above also allows for the possibility that the device data 7 contains a predetermined control command comprising a predetermined password for the slave 3, with which the slave 3 can be switched from a slave transmission mode into a protected slave operating mode or slave admin mode.

[0083] For this purpose, the method comprises an eighth step S8 following the first and second steps S2 of the method. In the eighth step S8 of the method, the slave 3 (which is initially in the slave transmission mode, in which the slave 3 exchanges process data 6 and device data 7 with the master 1 via the coupler 2 in accordance with the IO-Link standard), analogous to the second step S2 of the method, checks the service data units of the device data 7 received from the master 1 to determine whether they contain a predetermined control command comprising a predetermined password. For further details on the service data, reference is made above. If the first predetermined control command is recognized by the slave 3 in the eighth step S8, the slave 3 can optionally output the information 8 to the master 1 via the data line 4 in response to the recognized predetermined control command, and the method continues with a ninth step S9.Otherwise, the first, second, and eighth steps S1, S2, S8 continue to be executed. The information may be an acknowledgment of receipt of the predetermined control command.

[0084] In the ninth step S9 of the method, the slave 3 calls a function stored in the slave 3 depending on the predetermined control command comprising the predetermined password detected in the device data 7. Several functions can be stored in the coupler 2, wherein the predetermined control command comprising the predetermined password is then configured such that the coupler 2 can unambiguously assign the predetermined control command comprising the predetermined password to at least one of these functions.

[0085] In a tenth step S10 of the method, slave 3 executes the function called in the ninth step S9. This function can be a function that switches slave 3 from the current operating mode to a further or different operating mode defined in the function. This can, for example, be a protected slave operating mode or slave admin mode, in which slave 3 can be parameterized by master 1. Slave 3 can therefore be switched directly from slave transmission mode to slave admin mode. Slave admin mode differs from slave configuration mode in that in slave admin mode, slave 3 can be parameterized to a greater extent than in slave configuration mode. For further details on slave configuration mode and slave admin mode, please refer to coupler configuration mode and coupler admin mode. List of reference symbols

[0086] 1 Master 2 Coupler

[0087] 3 Slave

[0088] 4 Data line between master and coupler

[0089] 5 Data line between slave and coupler

[0090] 6 Process data 7 Device data

[0091] 8 Information in response to control command

[0092] 10 Communication network S1 - S10 process steps

Claims

Patent claims Master (1) for connection to a communication network (10), wherein the master (1) is designed to output process data (6) cyclically and device data (7) acyclically to the communication network (10) according to a predetermined communication standard, characterized in that the master (1) is designed to output a predetermined control command comprising a predetermined password to the communication network (10) by means of the device data (7). Master (1) according to claim 1, wherein the communication network (10) has a coupler (2), characterized in that the master (1) is designed to: - using the device data (7), first output a further predetermined control command to the coupler (2) such that the coupler (2) switches from a coupler transmission mode, in which the coupler (2) is designed to output data received from the master (1) to the slave (3) according to the predetermined communication standard, into a coupler configuration mode, in which the coupler (2) can be parameterized by the master (1), and - using the device data to output the predetermined control command comprising the predetermined password to the coupler (2) in such a way that the coupler (2) switches from the coupler configuration mode into a protected coupler operating mode, in which the coupler (2) can be parameterized to an extent that goes beyond the coupler configuration mode. Master (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the communication network (10) has a slave (3), characterized in that the master (1) is designed to output the predetermined control command comprising the predetermined password to the slave (3) in such a way that the slave (3) switches from a slave transmission mode, into in which the slave (3) is configured to exchange data with the master (1) according to the predetermined communication standard, switches to a protected slave operating mode in which the slave (3) can be parameterized to an extent that goes beyond a slave configuration mode. Coupler (2) for connecting a master (1), optionally according to one of claims 1 to 3, to a slave (3), optionally according to claim 10 or 11, of a communication network (10), - wherein the coupler (2) is designed to receive device data (7) according to a predetermined communication standard from the master (1) and to output it to the slave (3) according to the predetermined communication standard, characterized in that the coupler (2) is designed to: - using the device data (7) to first receive a further predetermined control command from the master (1) via the communication network (10), - in response to the received further predetermined control command, to switch from a coupler transmission mode, in which the coupler (2) is designed to output data received from the master (1) to the slave (3) according to the predetermined communication standard, to a coupler configuration mode in which the coupler (2) can be parameterized by the master (1), - to receive a predetermined control command comprising a predetermined password from the master (1) via the communication network (10) by means of the device data (7), and - in response to the received predetermined control command comprising the predetermined password, to switch from the coupler configuration mode to a protected coupler operating mode in which the coupler (2) can be parameterized to an extent beyond the coupler configuration mode.

5. Coupler (2) according to claim 4, characterized in that the device data (7) are communicated acyclically according to the predetermined communication standard triggered by the master (1).

6. Coupler (2) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the coupler (2) is designed to output information (8) to the master (1) via the communication network (10) in response to the recognized predetermined control command and / or in response to the recognized further predetermined control command.

7. Coupler (2) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that - the coupler (2) is designed to receive process data (6) according to the predetermined communication standard from the master (1) and to output it to the slave (3) according to the predetermined communication standard via the communication network (10), - wherein the process data (6) are optionally communicated cyclically according to the predetermined communication standard.

8. Coupler (2) according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that - the coupler (2) is designed to receive further process data (6) and / or further device data (7) according to a predetermined communication standard from the slave (3) and to output them to the master (1) according to the predetermined communication standard, - wherein the further process data (6) are optionally communicated cyclically according to the predetermined communication standard, and - wherein the further device data (7) are communicated according to the predetermined communication standard triggered by the master (1), optionally by means of a further service data unit and / or acyclically. Coupler (2) according to one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the coupler (2) comprises an inductive coupler (2) or is designed as such. Slave (3) for connection to a master (1), optionally according to one of claims 1 to 3, of a communication network (10), - wherein the slave (3) is designed to receive device data (7) from the master (1) according to a predetermined communication standard and to output it to the master (1) according to the predetermined communication standard, characterized in that the slave (3) is designed to: - to receive a predetermined control command comprising a predetermined password from the master (1) by means of the device data, and - in response to the received predetermined control command comprising the predetermined password, to switch from a slave transmission mode, in which the slave (3) is designed to exchange data with the master (1) according to the predetermined communication standard, to a protected slave operating mode, in which the slave (3) can be parameterized to an extent beyond a slave configuration mode. Slave (3) according to claim 10, characterized in that the slave (3) is designed to be connected to the master (1) via a coupler (2), optionally according to one of claims 4 to 9. Master (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, coupler (2) according to one of claims 4 to 9 and / or slave (3) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that - the device data (7) comprise a service data unit according to a predetermined communication protocol of the predetermined communication standard, which has a range in which TI several standard parameters can be stored according to the predetermined communication protocol, and - the predetermined control command and / or the predetermined further control command is stored in this area. Master (1), coupler (2) and / or slave (3) according to claim 12, characterized in that - in the area of ​​the service data unit in which several standard parameters can be stored according to the predetermined communication protocol, a first sub-area for an application-specific tag, a second sub-area for a location tag and / or a third sub-area for a function tag are provided according to the predetermined communication protocol, and - the predetermined control command and / or the predetermined further control command is stored in at least one of these sub-areas. A communication network (10), characterized in that the communication network comprises a master (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, 12, or 13 and a coupler (2) connected to the master (1) according to one of claims 4 to 9, 12, or 13, and / or a slave (3) connected to the master (1) according to one of claims 10 to 13. A method for operating a master (1) for connection to a communication network (10), the method comprising: - cyclic output (S1) of process data and acyclic output (S1) of device data (7) according to a predetermined communication standard to the communication network (10), characterized in that the method comprises - Outputting (S2) a predetermined control command comprising a predetermined password to the communication network (10) by means of the device data (7).

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