Rockwell Automation Technologies Incorporated

Rockwell Technologies, Inc.

Dennis G Schneider

Anthony Gerard Gibart

Russell William Brandes

Arthur Paul Pietrzyk

Peter M Delic

William E Waltz

Louis L Smet

Michael S Baran

Paul Jerome Grosskreuz

Joel C Clemente

Makoto Shichi

Kevin G Hughes

Yasuyuki Nakanishi

Takao Suzuki

An output termination board for a safety system is disclosed herein. The termination board provides simplified wiring between the output modules and the remote devices operated by the controller in the system. Redundant output signals are generated within each pair of output modules and combined such that one control signal is sent to each remote device. In addition, a program executing on the controller of the safety system performs a test to determine if each output module is operating normally. If the program detects a fault in either output module, the safety system may alternately shut down according to a fail-safe procedure or continue operating under a fault-tolerant mode of operation.

Apparatus for fault tolerant digital outputs

An input termination board for use with an industrial controller in a safety system is disclosed herein. The industrial controller may be populated with standard analog input modules according to the requirements of the application. The termination board may selectively receive a single analog input signal from a remote device and transmit the signal to corresponding channels on two analog input modules or, alternately, receive two analog input signals and transmit each signal to one of the two corresponding channels. In addition, a program executing on the controller of the safety module monitors and tests each of the analog input channels on the input modules, verifying proper operation of the modules. If the program detects a fault in either input module, the safety system may alternately shut down according to a fail-safe procedure or continue operating under a fault-tolerant mode of operation.

Apparatus for fault tolerant analog inputs

An input termination board for use with an industrial controller in a safety system is disclosed herein. The industrial controller may be populated with standard input modules according to the application. The termination board, in conjunction with the controller allows the standard input modules to be used as safety inputs. The termination board provides simplified wiring between the input modules and the remote devices by splitting each of the signals generated by the remote device into separate inputs for two different input modules. In addition, a program executing on the controller of the safety system monitors and tests each of the inputs in both input modules to verify proper operation of the inputs. If the program detects a fault in either input module, the safety system may alternately shut down according to a fail-safe procedure or continue operating under a fault-tolerant mode of operation.

Apparatus for fault tolerant digital inputs

An input/output (I/O) module has a programmable memory having a first memory address for receiving a module number and a second memory address for receiving a signal direction indicator. The I/O module is for use with a programmable controller system having a master controller serially connected to a plurality of I/O modules. The I/O module has a signal line operatively coupled with the memory. The signal line has a pair of inputs. Both inputs are configured and adapted for receiving a module number signal across a line connected therewith. The other one of the inputs will then propagate the module number signal downstream. A logic circuit sets the second memory address with the signal direction indicator corresponding to the module number signal being received by a particular one of the inputs.

System having I/O module number assignment utilizing module number signal line having pair of inputs adapted for receiving module number signal and propagation of module number signal down stream

A system of interlocking modules for use with a programmable logic controller. The system utilizes a plurality of modules, e.g. input/output modules, that are mechanically and electrically interlinked. Modules are electrically connected to adjacent modules by plug portions The mechanical interlocking features and the plug portions are designed to permit insertion and removal of individual modules disposed between adjacent modules, without moving either of the adjacent modules. Also, the plug portions are designed to isolate the electrical connections from vibration.

Programmable logic controller module assembly and locking system

A programmable controller system is provided having an input/output (I/O) module number assignment routine. The system includes a master controller and a plurality of I/O modules operatively connected thereto. The I/O modules form at least two banks. An individual module number is assigned to each of the plurality of I/O modules based on a successive position of each I/O module relative to the master controller and based on the I/O modules of each bank being numbered in succession in a predetermined direction through each bank.

Programmable logic controller system and method for module number assignment

A system of interlocking modules for use with a programmable logic controller. The system utilizes a plurality of modules, e.g. input/output modules, that are mechanically interlinked to obviate the need for a rack or back plane. Each module includes a movable plug portion that selectively may be moved into engagement with a corresponding plug receptacle of the next adjacent module. The mechanical interlocking features and the plug portions are designed to permit insertion and removal of individual modules disposed between adjacent modules, without moving either of the adjacent modules.

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New Berlin, WI, United States of America

Dennis G Schneider