Programmable I/O Circuit for Multi-Mode Plant Signal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial plants require versatile electronic control circuits that can support diverse operations such as monitoring circuit breaker contacts for oxidation, digital control, and analog signal measurement, but existing solutions are limited in flexibility and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A programmable I/O circuit with a microcontroller and interface circuit that includes input, pull-up, pull-down, and measurement circuits, allowing operation in multiple modes to address these needs, including generating pull-up or pull-down voltages, digital control, and analog measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single electronic control circuit is used for all plant operations, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different plant requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic control circuit is designed with multiple operating modes (analog input mode, digital input mode, pulse output mode, and digital output mode) that allow a single circuit to perform various functions. The mode selection circuit receives control signals to switch between these modes, enabling the same hardware to adapt to different plant requirements without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dedicated electronic control circuits are used for different plant operations, then adaptability to different plant requirements is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple dedicated control circuits into a single integrated electronic control circuit. The interface circuit includes analog input circuitry, digital input circuitry, and output circuitry that can be selectively activated. By merging these functions into one circuit with mode selection capability, the system reduces the number of separate components while maintaining the ability to handle different plant operations.
3Measurement precision
If the circuit operates in analog measurement mode, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to mode configuration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The mode selection circuit automatically configures the electronic control circuit based on control signals received from the microcontroller. Instead of requiring manual configuration, the system uses the microcontroller to send signals that automatically switch the circuit to the appropriate mode (analog, digital, or pulse output), reducing manual intervention and potential configuration errors while maintaining measurement precision capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-programmable input/output (I/O) circuit is disclosed. A programmable I/O circuit includes a microcontroller and an interface circuit communicatively coupled to one another. The interface circuit includes an input circuit, a pull-up circuit, a pull-down circuit, and a measurement circuit. The microcontroller is configured to generate first and second input signals that are provided to the input, and further configured to receive, on a measurement input, the measurement signal. In response to assertion of the first input signal, the input circuit activates the pull-up circuit to generate a pull-up voltage on an output pin of the interface circuit. In response to assertion of the second input signal, the input circuit activates the pull-down circuit to generate a pull-down voltage on the output pin. The microcontroller may also measure the value of an electrical parameter (e.g., a current or a voltage) based on the measurement signal received from the measurement circuit.