Schneider Automation Gmbh

Steven Webster

William Anthony White, Iii

Richard H Breinlinger

David L Kryger

Ken Wester

Randy Dircks

The present invention is directed to facilitating communication within an automation system having a plurality of networks and network protocols. Specifically, a Modbus network is operably connected to a network. A fieldbus coupler operably connected to both networks having a program facilitates communication within the automation system wherein devices connected to the network can be accessed for monitoring and/or controlling via Modbus commands. The fieldbus coupler (FBC) program accepts a Modbus function code containing one or more embedded message of varying types. The FBC program using additional information contained in the Modbus function code and the message type reads or writes only the required information to and from the field devices. This specific read or write request of the information and the embedding of more than one message type reduces overhead and bandwidth usage, thus improving bus response time and efficiency.

Method, system and program for the transmission of modbus messages between networks

A first system is provided having a plurality of analog input signals for a plurality of analog input devices. Each analog input signal has an analog input signal value. The first system converts each analog input signal value to an ultimate digital input value. The first system has an input converter for converting each analog input signal to a digital input signal having a digital input value. The digital input value directly corresponds to the analog input signal value. The first system also has a conveying means for conveying the analog input signal value as an ultimate digital input value without performing any additional conversion. A second system is also provided having a plurality of analog output signals for a plurality of analog output devices. Each analog output signal has an analog output signal value, and each analog output signal value is converted from an initial digital output signal value. The second system has a receiving and conveying means for receiving the initial digital output signal value, and for conveying the initial digital output signal value as a conveyed digital output signal value, without performing any conversion. The second system also has an output converter for converting the conveyed digital output signal value into the analog output signal value. The analog output signal value directly corresponds to the conveyed digital output signal value.

System and method for converting analog values to and from real world values

A method and a device for high-speed scale conversion wherein a value N within a range of N1 and N2 is converted into a small value M within a range of M1 and M2. The method includes the step of obtaining an approximate value of M by loading the value (N&minus;N1&plus;2 ) into a multi-bit shift register and right-shifting p bits. A binary search process is then used to determine the error value between the actual value of M and the approximate value of M. By avoiding actual multiplication processes, the conversion can be carried out using low-cost electronic hardware such as a microprocessor or a PROM to carry out the binary search process, a shift-register to obtain the approximate value of M, a multiplexer to receive an analog input data N and an A/D converter to convert the analog input data N into a digital data N.

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Raymond, NH, United States of America

Steven Webster