Input / Output Signal Measurement System

Abstract

To provide an input / output signal measuring system that can measure waveforms of various sorts of input / output signals in real time during facility operation.SOLUTION: An embodiment comprises: an IO adapter that relays and connects a plurality of outside lines and a plurality of terminals of an IO unit provided within a board; and a signal waveform diagnostic device that acquires at least one signal of a plurality of signals which are input into and output from each of the plurality of terminals via the plurality of outside line, and determines whether there is an abnormality in the signal waveform of the at least one signal. The IO adapter comprises a connector having: a plurality of electric wirings branched from the plurality of outside lines; a plurality of connecting terminals connected to the plurality of electric wirings; a selecting terminal for inputting a selecting signal output from the signal waveform diagnostic device; and a selecting circuit that selects one of the plurality of electric wirings based on the selecting signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an input / output signal measurement system that measures signals input to and output from an external line to a control panel. [Background technology]

[0002] In facilities such as steel manufacturing lines, it may be necessary to investigate signals input and output to and from the control panel when an abnormality occurs in pulse generator signals or when investigating the state of the facility. In many cases, such investigations are required while the facility is in operation.

[0003] However, because the external line is directly connected to the IO adapter in the control panel, a terminal block for signal measurement must be installed between the IO adapter and the external line to branch off the external line signal. Therefore, the terminal block connection work is performed while the equipment is down, and then the signal waveform is measured after the equipment is started up.

[0004] There is a problem that when equipment is restarted, the phenomenon that was identified as abnormal may be resolved or the abnormality may not reoccur.

[0005] Furthermore, in such investigations, on-site workers use oscilloscopes and other devices to measure waveforms and determine whether there are any problems with the input / output signals. Therefore, the length and quality of the investigation may vary depending on the level of knowledge and experience required to determine whether there are any abnormalities. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5778615 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The embodiments of the present invention have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and have an object to provide an input / output signal measurement system that can measure the waveforms of various input / output signals in real time while equipment is in operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An embodiment of the present invention includes an IO adapter that connects multiple external lines to multiple terminals of an IO unit provided in a panel by relaying each of the external lines and the terminals, and a signal waveform diagnosis device that acquires at least one of multiple signals input / output to / from the multiple terminals via the multiple external lines and determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the signal waveform of the at least one signal. The IO adapter includes a connector having multiple wires that branch off electrical connections between the multiple external lines and the multiple terminals, multiple connection terminals that connect the multiple wires to the signal waveform diagnosis device, a selection terminal that receives a selection signal output from the signal waveform diagnosis device, and a selection circuit that selects one of the multiple wires based on the selection signal, and outputs the selected signal to the signal waveform diagnosis device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the embodiment, an input / output signal measuring system is provided that can measure the waveforms of various input / output signals in real time while equipment is in operation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an input / output signal measuring system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating an IO adapter of the input / output signal measurement system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] 2A and 2B are schematic diagrams for explaining the operation of each part of the input / output signal measuring system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a signal waveform diagnostic device of an input / output signal measuring system according to an embodiment; [Figure 5] Fig. 5(a) is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the input processing unit of the input / output signal measuring system according to the embodiment. Fig. 5(b) and Fig. 5(c) are examples of schematic operational waveform diagrams for explaining the operation of the input processing unit. [Figure 6] 6(a) and 6(b) are examples of schematic operational waveform diagrams for explaining the operation of the waveform shaping processor of the input / output signal measuring system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] 7(a) and 7(b) are examples of schematic operational waveform diagrams for explaining the operation of the waveform data diagnosis unit of the input / output signal measuring system according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams for explaining the operation of a waveform shape diagnosis unit of the input / output signal measuring system according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are schematic operational waveform diagrams illustrating an example of an operation of a waveform shape diagnostic unit of the input / output signal measuring system according to the embodiment; [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are schematic operational waveform diagrams illustrating an example of an operation of a waveform shape diagnostic unit of the input / output signal measuring system according to the embodiment; [Figure 11] 11(a) and 11(b) are schematic diagrams for explaining a method for measuring input and output signals in a control panel of a comparative example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings are schematic or conceptual, and the relationship between the thickness and width of each part, the size ratio between parts, etc. are not necessarily the same as those in reality. Furthermore, even when the same part is shown, the dimensions and ratios may be different depending on the drawing. In the present specification and the drawings, elements similar to those described above with reference to the previous drawings are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an input / output signal measuring system according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the input / output signal measurement system 100 includes an IO adapter 13 and a signal waveform diagnosis device 30. The IO adapter 13 is provided in a control panel 10. The IO adapter 13 relays an external line cable 16 to an IO unit 14 installed in the control panel 10, and also branches and connects the external line cable 16 to the signal waveform diagnosis device 30. The IO adapter 13 is connected to the signal waveform diagnosis device 30 via a pulse waveform measurement cable 32a. The signal waveform diagnosis device 30 is connected to a desired external line cable selected from the plurality of external line cables 16 via the pulse waveform measurement cable 32a. The signal waveform diagnosis device 30 acquires waveforms of signals input to and output from the IO unit 14 in real time via the pulse waveform measurement cable 32a and the selected external line cable.

[0013] The control panel 10 houses an IO unit 14. The IO unit 14 is connected to an IO adapter 13 via an IO relay cable 15. A plurality of IO adapters 13 can be provided in the IO adapter unit 12, and the IO adapter unit 12 can be provided with IO units 14 corresponding to the number of IO adapters 13. In the specific example of FIG. 1, eight IO units 14 are provided in the IO adapter unit 12. In this example, one stage of IO adapter units 12 is depicted, but, for example, multiple stages of IO adapter units 12 can be installed and housed in the control panel 10. The signal waveform diagnosis device 30 branches signals input / output to and from these multiple IO units 14 using a waveform measurement connector 31 and can acquire a desired signal using a selection signal.

[0014] The signal waveform diagnostic device 30 includes a switching device 32, a processing device 34, a display device 35, etc. The switching device 32 is connected between the waveform measurement connector 31 of the IO adapter 13 and the processing device 34. The switching device 32 relays a selection signal output from the processing device 34 and outputs it to the IO adapter 13 via the waveform measurement connector 31. The switching device 32 acquires from the IO adapter 13 the waveform of a signal input / output to / from an external line in accordance with the selection signal and outputs it to the processing device 34.

[0015] The processing device 34 generates a selection signal for the input / output signal to be acquired according to an operator of the input / output signal measurement system 100 or a pre-set program, and outputs the selection signal to the switching device 32. The processing device 34 inputs the signal output from the switching device 32 and executes predetermined processing to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the acquired signal waveform. In this example, machine learning is used to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the signal waveform. When an abnormality in a new mode occurs, the learned data is updated with the abnormal waveform that is the waveform when the abnormality occurred.

[0016] The display device 35 displays the data processed by the processing device 34 in accordance with the operation of an operator or the like. The processing device 34 is, for example, a computer device, and the display device 35 is, for example, a display monitor connected to the computer device. Each unit constituting the processing device 34 will be described in detail later, but these units may be realized as part of the program of the computer device constituting the processing device 34.

[0017] With the above-described configuration, the input / output signal measurement system 100 according to the embodiment can acquire desired signal waveforms in real time while the equipment is in operation. Since the acquired signal waveforms are judged for the presence or absence of an abnormality using learned data, the presence or absence of an abnormality in the signal waveforms can be objectively and quickly judged regardless of the experience or knowledge of the operator.

[0018] The signal waveform diagnostic device 30 may be housed within the control panel 10, or may be installed outside the control panel 10. The signal waveform diagnostic device 30 may be made compact and portable so that an operator can connect it to the IO adapter 13 on-site when necessary. The signal waveform diagnostic device 30 may be permanently installed within or near the control panel 10, and may be connected to a communication network to acquire real-time waveform data by remote operation.

[0019] The configuration of the IO adapter 13 will now be described in detail. FIG. 2 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating an IO adapter of the input / output signal measuring system according to the embodiment. 2, the IO adapter 13 has an external line connector 13a, an IO relay cable connector 13b, and a waveform measurement connector 31. The terminals of the external line connector 13a and the relay cable connector 13b are electrically connected one-to-one by a wiring 13c inside the IO adapter 13. The wiring 13c branches inside the IO adapter 13 and is connected to the external line connection terminal 31a1 of the waveform measurement connector 31.

[0020] As in this example, it is preferable to provide an operational amplifier 31b between the outside line connection terminal 31a1 and the wiring 13c. By providing the operational amplifier 31b, signals input to and output from the outside line cable 16 can be received with high impedance and supplied to the signal waveform diagnostic device 30, making it possible to obtain a more accurate signal waveform. The operational amplifier 31b may be a voltage follower with a gain of 1, or may have a gain that can be set by a selection signal. If no operational amplifier is used, a switching circuit that can select an outside line by a selection signal is used.

[0021] The waveform measurement connector 31 has a selection signal terminal 31a2. In this example, the selection signal terminal 31a2 is connected inside the IO adapter 13 so as to select one of the multiple operational amplifiers 31b. The operational amplifier 31b selected by the selection signal functions as, for example, a voltage follower with a gain of 1, and the unselected operational amplifiers 31b are disabled.

[0022] In the example shown in Fig. 2, of the five outside cables 16, signals input to and output from four of the outside cables 16 are branched to four outside line connection terminals 31a1, allowing waveform measurement. The selection signal is set in advance to identify signals input to and output from the four outside lines. The outside line signal to be acquired is determined by the selection signal input to the selection signal terminal 31a2.

[0023] The waveform measurement connector 31 is provided in advance in the IO adapter 13 and includes the above-described wiring 13c and operational amplifier 31b. Therefore, by connecting the measurement connector or probe of the signal waveform diagnosis device 30 to the waveform measurement connector 31, it is possible to acquire the waveforms of signals input to and output from the IO adapter unit 12 in real time while the equipment is operating, without the need to provide a separate terminal block for waveform observation.

[0024] The operation of the input / output signal measuring system 100 according to the embodiment will now be described in more detail. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of each unit of the input / output signal measuring system according to the embodiment. 3, in this example, a plurality of switching devices 32 are provided. A switching device 32 is provided for each of the plurality of IO adapter units 12. The switching devices 32 may be connected to the processing device 34 on an individual basis, or may be connected in a daisy chain as in this example.

[0025] The switching device 32 is connected to the waveform measurement connector 31 of the IO adapter 13 via a pulse waveform measurement cable 32a. The pulse waveform measurement cable 32a includes a cable connected to the external line connection terminal 31a1 of the waveform measurement connector 31 and a cable connected to the selection signal terminal 31a2.

[0026] The selection signal is set in advance to correspond to each of the plurality of external line cables 16, and is stored in the processing device 34 as a table, for example. The processing device 34 outputs the selection signal to the switching device 32 to select the external line corresponding to the signal to be measured, according to the setting by the operator of the signal waveform diagnostic device 30 or a preset program.

[0027] The selection signal is also linked to identification data that identifies the IO adapter 13. In other words, the signal of the external cable 16 is linked to the identification data of the IO adapter 13 and is further linked to the selection signal. The switching device 32 outputs the selection signal to the waveform measurement connector 31 of the IO adapter 13 to be selected. In this example, in one of the two IO adapters 13, the operational amplifier 31b corresponding to the external cable 16 specified by the selection signal operates to acquire the waveform of the selected signal. The signal waveform is output to the switching device 32 via the pulse waveform measurement cable 32a. The switching device 32 outputs the acquired signal waveform to the processing device 34.

[0028] The processing device 34 performs predetermined processing on the acquired signal waveform and outputs it to the display device 35 .

[0029] The operation of the signal waveform diagnostic device 30 will now be described in detail. First, an example of the configuration of the signal waveform diagnostic device 30 will be described. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a signal waveform diagnostic device of the input / output signal measuring system according to the embodiment.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 4, the processing device 34 has an input processing unit 44, a waveform shaping processing unit 45, a waveform data diagnosis unit 46, a waveform shape diagnosis unit 47, a waveform saving processing unit 48, a waveform communication processing unit 49, and a waveform data storage device 40.

[0031] The input processing unit 44 is connected to the IO adapter output connector 41 of the switching device 32. The IO adapter output connector 41 is connected to the waveform measurement connector 31 of the IO adapter 13. The input processing unit 44 converts the analog data of the acquired signal into digital data and outputs it to the waveform shaping processing unit 45. The waveform shaping processing unit 45 acquires data from the input processing unit 44 and measures predetermined data related to the pulse waveform of the signal. The waveform data diagnosis unit 46 measures the predetermined data using the digital data generated by the input processing unit 44. The waveform shape diagnosis unit 47 uses the data of one cycle of the pulse signal measured by the waveform shaping processing unit 45 to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the pulse waveform.

[0032] The data acquired and measured by each unit is linked to the selected signal and stored in the waveform data storage device 40 together with, for example, actual analog measured waveform data via the waveform saving processing unit 48. The data stored in the waveform data storage device 40 is converted into a desired data output format by the waveform communication processing unit 49 in accordance with operations by the operator of the signal waveform diagnosis device 30, and output to the display device 35. The waveform communication processing unit 49 converts data related to the waveform of the signal that has been acquired in real time and subjected to processing, diagnosis, etc., as described below, into a desired data output format and outputs it to the display device 35.

[0033] An example of the configuration and operation of each part of the processing device 34 will be described. Fig. 5(a) is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the input processing unit of the input / output signal measuring system according to the embodiment. Fig. 5(b) and Fig. 5(c) are examples of schematic operational waveform diagrams for explaining the operation of the input processing unit.

[0034] 5(a), the input processing unit 44 has an input switching processing unit 51 and an AD converter 52. The input switching processing unit 51 is connected to the switching device 32. The input switching processing unit 51 outputs a selection signal 42 corresponding to an outside line for inputting or outputting a signal to be acquired to the switching device 32. The input switching processing unit 51 inputs the outside line signal corresponding to the selection signal 42 acquired by the switching device 32 as an IO adapter output signal 43.

[0035] An AD converter 52 is connected to the output of the input switching processing unit 51. The AD converter 52 converts the IO adapter output signal 43, which is an analog signal, into a digital output signal 53, which is a digital signal, and outputs the digital output signal 53.

[0036] The IO adapter output signal 43 input to the AD converter 52 has a pulse signal waveform as shown in Fig. 5(b), for example. The AD converter 52 converts the IO adapter output signal 43, which is an analog signal, into a digital output signal 53 as shown in Fig. 5(c) and outputs it.

[0037] Note that although the plots in FIG. 5(c) are plotted and displayed as analog values, the value and format of each of the data X1 to X18 is, for example, 10-bit digital data. The data structure representing the digital data is expressed as an array (T, Xn). For example, each piece of data in the array (T, Xn) is stored in the waveform data storage device 40 in the order in which it was sampled. The sampling period T is constant, and T = tn - (tn - 1). Xn is the measurement value at time tn. In this example, n is an integer between 1 and 18. The same applies to the digital data described below. The array (T, Xn) is linked to the selection signal 42, that is, linked to the signal input / output through the external cable 16, and is used for subsequent processing.

[0038] 6(a) and 6(b) are examples of schematic operational waveform diagrams for explaining the operation of the waveform shaping processor of the input / output signal measuring system according to the embodiment. The waveform shaping processor 45 shown in Fig. 4 performs measurements to detect the rising and falling edges of a pulse signal, as shown in Fig. 6(a) and Fig. 6(b). Here, as shown in the upper part of each of Fig. 6(a) and Fig. 6(b), the pulse signal is the IO adapter output signal 43 shown in Fig. 5(b). The data actually measured is the digital output signal 53 after AD conversion shown in Fig. 5(c), as shown in the lower part of each of Fig. 6(a) and Fig. 6(b). 6(a), a threshold value for the rising edge and a threshold value for the falling edge are set in advance for the pulse signal. The waveform shaping processor 45 stores the time t4 immediately before the rising edge threshold is reached, and the time t11 immediately after the falling edge threshold is reached.

[0039] 6(b), the waveform shaping processor 45 monitors the rising edge value after time t11 and stores time t12, which is the time immediately before the next rising edge threshold is reached. The waveform shaping processor 45 calculates and stores the period T (=t12-t4) of the acquired pulse signal using time t4 of the first rising edge and time t12 of the second rising edge.

[0040] The signal waveform diagnostic device 30 stores the rise time t4, fall time t11, and period T at this time together with the waveform of the analog signal in the waveform data storage device 40 via the waveform saving processing unit 48. The waveform data storage device 40 stores the rise time t4, fall time t11, period T, and the sequence (T, Xn) of the digital output signal 53 linked to any signal (hereinafter also referred to as an outside line signal) inputting or outputting through the outside line cable 16, and the database is updated. The IO adapter output signal 43, which is an analog signal, may be linked to the outside line signal and stored in the database.

[0041] In this example, the waveform data diagnostic unit 46 determines whether or not the acquired pulse signal is affected by crosstalk based on a preset ON detection voltage and OFF detection voltage. 7(a) and 7(b) are examples of schematic operational waveform diagrams for explaining the operation of the waveform data diagnosis unit of the input / output signal measuring system according to the embodiment. As shown in Figures 7(a) and 7(b), the waveform data diagnostic unit 46 has preset ON detection values ​​and OFF detection values. The waveform shown in Figure 7(a) indicates that no crosstalk is occurring. The waveform shown in Figure 7(b) indicates that crosstalk is occurring at part A. Note that, for the sake of explanation, the figures show each waveform as an analog signal, but the waveform data diagnostic unit 46 uses the data value Xn of the digital signal at each time tn to determine whether the detection value is exceeded.

[0042] The waveform data diagnostic unit 46 determines whether the signal waveform has passed through either the ON detection value or the OFF detection value again within one cycle T, or within the ON period or the OFF period. If either of the detection values ​​has been passed again within one cycle T, or within the ON period or the OFF period, the waveform data diagnostic unit 46 determines that crosstalk has occurred. The waveform data diagnostic unit 46 associates the sequence (T, Xn) of the signal in which crosstalk has been determined to have occurred with the external line signal, stores it in the waveform data storage device 40 via the waveform saving processing unit 48, and updates the database. Actual waveform data of the IO adapter output signal 43 may also be stored simultaneously.

[0043] The waveform shape diagnostic unit 47 uses the signal waveform within one period T (hereinafter also referred to as one-cycle waveform) to determine whether or not the signal is a signal waveform that may cause an abnormality. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the waveform data diagnosis unit of the input / output signal measuring system according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic example of an operational waveform diagram for explaining the operation of the waveform shape diagnostic unit of the input / output signal measuring system according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic example of an operational waveform diagram for explaining the operation of the waveform shape diagnostic unit of the input / output signal measuring system according to the embodiment.

[0044] The waveform shape diagnostic section 47 analyzes the digital signal data and compares it with previously registered data on waveform abnormalities to determine whether the signal is good or bad. As shown in FIG. 8, the waveform shape diagnostic unit 47 includes a waveform shape extraction processing unit 81, a waveform shape recognition processing unit 82, and a waveform abnormality detection output unit 83.

[0045] The waveform shape extraction processing unit 81 acquires the one-cycle waveform generated by the waveform shaping processing unit 45 from the waveform shaping processing unit 45 or the waveform data storage device 40. Figure 9 shows an example of a signal waveform for determining whether or not there is a waveform abnormality. The upper diagram shows the IO adapter output signal 43a, and the lower diagram shows the digital output signal 53a that has been digitized by the input processing unit 44 and converted into a signal waveform for one cycle T by the waveform shaping processing unit 45.

[0046] The waveform shape recognition processing unit 82 compares the digital output signal 53a, which is a one-cycle waveform, with the waveform abnormality data, and if the digital output signal 53a matches the waveform abnormality data, it determines that the acquired digital output signal 53a has an abnormal waveform.

[0047] When the digital output signal 53a is determined to have an abnormal waveform, the waveform abnormality detection output unit 83 updates the database to indicate that the signal waveform is abnormal.

[0048] Data having waveform abnormalities is registered in advance as learned data in the waveform data storage device 40, and the waveform shape recognition processing unit 82 compares the data of the acquired digital output signal 53 at each time with the data of the abnormal waveform at each time. For example, the waveform shape recognition processing unit 82 calculates the feature amounts of the digital output signal 53 and the abnormal waveform, and when the rate at which the feature amounts match reaches a predetermined threshold, it determines that the waveform of the acquired digital output signal 53 indicates an abnormal state.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 10, the waveform recognition processing unit 82 is not limited to comparing with the waveform abnormality data, but also compares each of a plurality of waveform abnormality data with the digital output signal 53a to determine whether they match.

[0050] Even if the waveform shape diagnostic unit 47 determines that the acquired digital output signal 53a does not match any of the waveform abnormality data, the digital output signal 53a may be affecting a system abnormality. In such a case, the data is stored as new waveform abnormality data in the waveform data storage device 40. In this way, the database of learned data for signals having waveform abnormalities is successively updated.

[0051] The effects of the input / output signal measuring system 100 according to the embodiment will be described in comparison with a comparative example of a measuring method for input / output signals. 11(a) and 11(b) are schematic diagrams for explaining a method for measuring input and output signals in a control panel of a comparative example. As shown in FIG. 11( a ), in the control panel 110 of the comparative example, the external cable 16 is connected to the IO unit 14 via the IO adapter 113 and the IO relay cable 15 .

[0052] When a waveform measuring device 120 such as an oscilloscope is connected to such a control panel 110, a waveform measuring terminal block 121 is provided.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 11(b), the waveform measurement terminal block 121 is provided between the external cable 16 whose signal is to be measured and the external connector 16a. The IO adapter 113 connects the external cable 16 so as to relay it to the IO relay cable 15. Therefore, in this example, it is necessary to temporarily remove the external cable 16 from the external connector 16a of the IO adapter 113. Removing the external cable 16 from the connector must be done during a downtime period of the equipment, which makes it difficult to measure the waveform in a timely manner. Furthermore, it is necessary to reconnect the waveform measurement terminal block 121 to the removed external cable 16.

[0054] The input / output signal measurement system 100 according to the embodiment includes an IO adapter provided with a waveform measurement connector 31. The waveform measurement connector 31 is provided between the external line cable 16 and the IO relay cable 15, and is provided with a terminal branching off the external line cable 16. Therefore, even when the equipment is in operation, signal waveforms can be observed in real time by connecting a measurement device to the waveform measurement connector 31.

[0055] An operational amplifier 31b is connected between the terminal of the waveform measurement connector 31, which connects the measuring device, and the external line connector 13a. This makes it possible to increase the impedance of the terminal provided on the waveform measurement connector 31, and even when a measuring device is connected to the waveform measurement connector 31, it is possible to measure the signal waveform without affecting the equipment in operation.

[0056] The input / output signal measurement system 100 according to the embodiment includes a signal waveform diagnostic device 30 connected via a waveform measurement connector 31. The signal waveform diagnostic device 30 generates a selection signal so that a desired outside line can be selected from a plurality of outside line cables 16. The IO adapter 13 includes a selection circuit and an operational amplifier 31b that select and switch the outside line cables 16 in response to the selection signal, and is therefore capable of measuring a plurality of types of signal waveforms in response to the selection signal.

[0057] The signal waveform diagnostic device 30 of the input / output signal measuring system 100 according to the embodiment converts a signal waveform acquired as an analog signal into a digital output signal for signal processing, allowing various types of judgments to be made with a high degree of flexibility. Because the signal waveform diagnostic device 30 processes digital signals in this way, it can automatically determine whether or not an abnormality exists by comparing the digital signal with learned waveform data that has already been judged to be abnormal. Therefore, anyone can use the signal waveform diagnostic device 30 to identify a signal waveform in the event of a malfunction, without needing any know-how about abnormal waveforms.

[0058] In the above description, the signals to be measured in real time are pulse signals from a pulse generator or the like, among the signals input and output to and from external lines. However, by modifying the waveform shaping function and diagnostic function of the signal waveform diagnostic device, it is possible to apply the present invention to signals other than pulse signals.

[0059] In this way, an input / output signal measuring system can be realized that can measure the waveforms of various input / output signals in real time while the equipment is in operation.

[0060] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 10...control panel, 12...IO adapter unit, 13...IO adapter, 13c...wiring, 14...IO unit, 15...IO relay cable, 16...external line cable, 30...signal waveform diagnostic device, 31...waveform measurement connector, 31a1...external line connection terminal, 31a2...selection signal terminal, 31b...operational amplifier, 32...switching device, 34...processing device, 35...display device, 40...waveform data storage device, 44...input processing unit, 45...waveform shaping processing unit, 46...waveform data diagnostic unit, 47...waveform shape diagnostic unit, 100...input / output signal measurement system

Claims

1. an IO adapter that relays and connects a plurality of external lines to a plurality of terminals of an IO unit provided in the panel; a signal waveform diagnostic device that acquires at least one of a plurality of signals inputted to and outputted from the plurality of terminals via the plurality of external lines and determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the signal waveform of the at least one signal; Equipped with The IO adapter includes: a plurality of wirings that branch off electrical connections between the plurality of external lines and the plurality of terminals; a plurality of connection terminals for connecting the plurality of wires to the signal waveform diagnostic device; a selection terminal for inputting a selection signal output from the signal waveform diagnosis device; a selection circuit that selects one of the plurality of wirings based on the selection signal; a connector having an input / output signal measurement system that selects one of the plurality of signals based on a selection signal output from the signal waveform diagnosis device and outputs the selected signal to the signal waveform diagnosis device, the at least one signal is a repetitive pulse signal; the signal waveform diagnostic device includes a waveform data storage device that registers data having waveform abnormalities; The signal waveform diagnostic device is an input / output signal measurement system that determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the signal waveform of at least one of the signals by comparing data for one cycle of the repetitive pulse signal with data having the waveform abnormality registered in the waveform data storage device.

2. 2. The input / output signal measuring system according to claim 1, wherein the signal waveform diagnostic device stores data relating to the signal waveform of the at least one signal in the waveform data storage device when the signal waveform of the at least one signal is determined to be abnormal.

3. the selection circuit includes a plurality of operational amplifier circuits respectively connected between the plurality of wirings and the plurality of connection terminals; 3. The input / output signal measuring system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of operational amplifier circuits are enabled by the selection signal to select one of the plurality of wirings.

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