PLC Line Monitoring Circuit for Open and Short Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Programmable logic controller (PLC) systems face challenges in monitoring the integrity of electric lines, which can lead to faulty signal transmission and safety issues, particularly in industrial manufacturing environments.

Innovation Solution

A programmable logic controller system equipped with a line monitoring system that includes test signal injection and extraction circuits, line termination circuits, and a processor to determine the functional state of each line by analyzing test signal responses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If line monitoring is implemented to detect functional states, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveline integrity monitoringVSAvoidmonitoring system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the existing communication lines to carry both control signals and test signals. The PLC system itself generates test signals and evaluates responses, making the monitoring system self-contained without requiring separate dedicated monitoring hardware for each line.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The communication lines serve dual purposes: transmitting control signals during normal operation and carrying test signals for monitoring when needed. The same physical infrastructure supports both operational and diagnostic functions, reducing the need for additional dedicated monitoring lines.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If test signals are injected into communication lines, then measurement precision is improved, but harmful factors increase due to signal interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional state detection accuracyVSAvoidcontrol signal interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Test signals are injected periodically or on-demand rather than continuously. The system can choose to monitor at specific intervals or trigger monitoring based on event conditions, allowing normal control operations to proceed uninterrupted between monitoring cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The test signal generation and evaluation functionality is extracted as a separate modular component that can be selectively activated. The monitoring function operates independently from the control signal path, enabling precise measurement without permanently altering the control signal characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system effectively monitors the functional state of individual lines, detecting open, short-circuited, or connected lines, thereby ensuring compliance with standards like ISO 21927-9 and preventing interruptions or safety hazards.

Implementation Method 1

a test signal injection and extraction circuit for each line and arranged proximately to the corresponding output channel or input channel of the PLC

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical signal transmission: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

derive corresponding evaluation signals (V l ) from respective test signal responses of the plurality of individual lines, determine a functional state of each line based on the corresponding evaluation signal (V l ) of the line

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical resistance measurement: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP4560417A1Programmable logic controller system with line monitoring
Publication Date: 2025.05.28 NOVENCO BUILDING & IND AS
  • EP4560417A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4560417A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4560417A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to programmable logic controller systems that include line monitoring systems for detection of PLC line integrity.