Electrohydraulic distributed control system with identical master and

Abstract

A control module adapted for use as either a master controller or device controller in a distributed electrohydraulic system includes a microprocessor-based control circuit with digital memory having stored therein a plurality of programs for controlling operation of the controller in a variety of applications. A plurality of analog inputs provide a mechanism for connecting sensor signals or the like to input ports of the control microprocessor. A plurality of electrohydraulic valve driver circuits have inputs for receiving valve control signals from the control microprocessor, and outputs for selective connection to electrohydraulic valves coupled to the devices to be controlled. Serial communication circuitry is coupled to the control microprocessor and adapted for connection to a high-speed electrohydraulic bus. A plurality of control routines are prestored in a memory library, as is an executive routine that is employed for operating the microprocessor whether the controller is configured as a master or a device controller. To configure a controller for operation as a master controller or device controller, and to configure the controller for operation in association with a specific type of electrohydraulic device or devices, a selectively programmable and reprogrammable subroutine list coordinates the executive routine with the various control subroutines in the control library for interrelating the analog input signals, the serial communication signals and/or the valve control output signals so as to dedicate operation of the controller as a master controller or as a device controller for a specific type of electrohydraulic device.