Universal Interface for Plug-in I/O Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial controllers face complexity, cost, and development time due to the need for custom drivers and software to interface with various plug-in I/O modules, which can slow I/O scanning operations.
Innovation Solution
A common interface, including setup and operational mechanisms, is provided to enable industrial controllers to connect and communicate with different types of plug-in I/O modules, using control logic, circuitry, and software, eliminating the need for firmware upgrades and extensive software libraries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If custom drivers and software are provided for each plug-in I/O module type, then the controller can interface with specific control equipment and provide different functionalities, but the device complexity and development cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal interface mechanism that allows a single driver to communicate with multiple types of plug-in I/O modules. The interface includes setup mechanisms and operational mechanisms that work across different module types (analog, digital, temperature, voltage) without requiring custom drivers for each module, thereby reducing software complexity while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary interface layer between the controller and diverse I/O modules. This interface includes setup mechanisms for initial communication and operational mechanisms for ongoing data exchange, acting as a mediator that translates between the controller and various module types without requiring custom drivers for each module
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom drivers are provided for each plug-in I/O module type, then specific functionalities can be supported, but development time and on-site firmware upgrades are required
Solution Approach 1:
The universal interface mechanism supports multiple I/O module types (analog inputs/outputs, digital inputs/outputs, temperature control, voltage control) through a single driver implementation, eliminating the need for separate custom drivers for each module type and reducing development time
3Adaptability or versatility
If extensive software libraries are used to support various I/O modules, then different functionalities can be provided, but I/O scanning speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential communication functions into a streamlined universal interface mechanism, removing the need for extensive software libraries. The interface includes only the necessary setup mechanisms and operational mechanisms required for I/O scanning, thereby maintaining functionality support while improving scanning speed
Data Source
AI summary
An interface for an industrial controller is provided that enables connection of different types of plug-in I/O modules to the industrial controller. The interface includes several mechanisms, which can be implemented through control logic, circuitry, and/or software, that enable the control/monitoring device to operate in conjunction with different types of plug-in I/O modules. According to certain embodiments, the interface includes setup mechanisms that enable initial communications between the plug-in I/O modules and the control/monitoring device. The interface also may include operational mechanisms that facilitate communication between the plug-in I/O modules and the control/monitoring device during operation. The interface further may include registers that store data for the plug-in I/O modules.