Sensor Connection Module Parallel Interface Fieldbus Gateway
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection modules for sensors, particularly optoelectronic sensors, are cumbersome and costly due to integrated fieldbus interfaces, and require complex parameterization and additional circuits for adaptation to specific fieldbus types, making them inefficient for networking and replacement.
Innovation Solution
A connection module with a parallel sensor interface, integrated I/O circuit, and gateway circuit that converts serial data into parallel switching signals, allowing direct connection to fieldbus systems without separate I/O modules, and featuring a replaceable gateway-I/O circuit and permanent memory for simplified parameterization and adaptation to different fieldbus types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fieldbus interface is integrated in the sensor, then communication with the fieldbus is enabled, but the sensor module becomes expensive and voluminous
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate components: a sensor unit and a connection module. The connection module contains the fieldbus interface and gateway circuit, while the sensor unit remains simple and sensor-specific. This segmentation allows the sensor to remain compact and inexpensive while still achieving fieldbus communication through the separate connection module.
2Reliability
If a connection module with gateway circuit is used, then fieldbus communication is enabled, but the parameterization becomes complex requiring configuration of two devices
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway circuit and fieldbus interface are merged into a single integrated connection module that communicates with the sensor as one unified device. This eliminates the need to separately parameterize the sensor and gateway circuit, simplifying the configuration process to a single device parameterization while maintaining full fieldbus communication capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional circuits are added for switch inputs/outputs adaptation, then optoelectronic sensor compatibility is improved, but the connection module complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection module is designed with universal adaptability to handle multiple sensor types including optoelectronic sensors with switch inputs/outputs. The gateway circuit incorporates universal adaptation capabilities that can interface with different sensor configurations without requiring additional separate circuits, thereby maintaining versatility while controlling complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a connection module for the connection of a sensor, in particular of an optoelectronic sensor, to a fieldbus, comprising a sensor interface for the connection of the connection module to an interface of a sensor, a serial bus interface for the connection of the connection module to an interface of a fieldbus and a gateway circuit which is connected to the bus interface and to the sensor interface in order to convert data received at the bus interface into a data format of a connected sensor and vice versa. The sensor interface of the connection module is made as a parallel interface. At least one I/O circuit is integrated into the connection module and is connected to the bus interface and to the sensor interface. The invention further relates to a method for the connection of a sensor to a fieldbus via a connection module.