Automation Unit Signal Memory for Flexible I/O Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automation systems require complex reconfiguration when communication paths or cabling changes occur, as each input and output variable must be precisely defined and reconnected, making adaptation cumbersome and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
An automation unit with a signal memory area for storing application input and output data, allowing direct assignment and transformation between input operating data in a process memory area and application data, enabling flexible adaptation to changes in communication paths without altering the entire application program.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If each input and output variable is precisely defined and reconnected when communication paths change, then control precision is maintained, but device complexity and reconfiguration time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into distinct functional modules: I/O modules for data acquisition and actuation, a communication module for path management, and a control unit for processing. This segmentation allows communication paths to be reconfigured independently without affecting the core control logic, reducing reconfiguration complexity while maintaining control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a communication module as an intermediary between the I/O modules and the control unit. This intermediary handles the routing and management of communication paths, allowing changes in cabling or communication routes to be managed at the communication layer without requiring reconfiguration of the control program or precise redefinition of all variables.
2Reliability
If all communication paths and connections are reconfigured when cabling changes, then system reliability is maintained, but loss of time increases due to extensive reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic communication path management where the communication module can adaptively route data based on current system configuration. When cabling changes occur, the system dynamically adjusts communication paths without requiring complete reconfiguration, thereby maintaining reliability while minimizing downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a standardized interface and communication protocol framework in advance that anticipates potential cabling changes. This preliminary setup allows the system to quickly adapt to configuration changes by simply reconfiguring the communication layer rather than performing extensive reconfiguration work, thus reducing reconfiguration time while maintaining system reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The automation unit i.e. CPU module (200), has a signal storage region (250) for storage of application input data (262) and application output data (264). A control device (210) is formed such that the input data are loaded for use by application programs (212, 214, 216) from one signal storage region before or at start of a course of application programs. The input data in the storage region are assigned to input operating data (222) in a process memory region (220) i.e. RAM, and/or the output data in the storage region are assigned to an output control data (224) in the memory region. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) an automation system (2) a method for operating an automation unit (3) a method for operating an automation system.