An automation device has a main module and an interchangeable connection module in which a fieldbus port of the automation device is located. The automation device is characterized in that the interchangeable connection module contains a non-volatile memory which can be read out by the main module of the automation device. A method for operating the automation device includes the steps of connecting a main module of the automation device with a connection module, reading the non-volatile memory of the connection module, detecting any incompatibilities between the main module and the connection module, and placing the automation device in operation if no incompatibilities are detected.

The present disclosure provides a serial backplane based PLC system with a hot swap function in which when an extended module fails during communication between the backplane master unit and the backplane slave unit, communication between the backplane master unit and the backplane slave unit via the backplane bus is maintained using a backplane design technique. The system includes a central processor unit (CPU) module for transmitting an operation command; at least one extended module for receiving and processing the operation command; a backplane bus connected to a bus line for communication between the CPU module and the extended modules; and at least one backplane module connected to the backplane bus, wherein the at least one backplane module is physically detachably coupled to the at least one extended module, respectively.

A safety controller module for providing safety control comprises a non-volatile memory configured for storing a safety control program and one or more processing units configured to execute safety control functions associated with the safety control program to provide independent safety control. The safety controller module further comprises a connector configured to communicatively couple the safety controller module with a non-safety controller. The safety controller module is configured to communicate an input and/or an output signal of the safety controller module via the connector to the non-safety controller.

A safety module for a programmable logic control system, wherein the safety module is designed as an assembly consisting of a plurality of modules with a plurality of function blocks connected through at least one internal bus and comprising at least one CPU and which can be connected through at least one interface to external sensors (and switches/buttons) and actuators (and optical/acoustic indicators and displays/monitors) for detecting at least one measurement signal, wherein the safety module operates in two channels and a self-test is implemented.

A safety controller module for providing safety control comprises a non-volatile memory configured for storing a safety control program and one or more processing units configured to execute safety control functions associated with the safety control program to provide independent safety control. The safety controller module further comprises a connector configured to communicatively couple the safety controller module with a non-safety controller. The safety controller module is configured to communicate an input and/or an output signal of the safety controller module via the connector to the non-safety controller.

An input module for an industrial controller includes configurable execution windows. The execution windows are defined by a first parameter and a second parameter stored within the input module. A third parameter defines a status bit which is compared against the execution window to set a window output signal within the input module. The execution window may define a range between the first and second parameters against which the status bit is compared. Alternately, the first and second parameters may define setpoints against which the status bit is compared. At one of the setpoints, the window output signal is set and at the other of the setpoints, the window output signal is reset.

An input module for an industrial controller is configurable to simplify setup and commissioning. The input module includes input terminals configurable, for example, as a counter input. Still other input terminals may be configured to trigger events as a function of the input signals present at the terminals. Time signals corresponding to transitions in state of the input terminals, triggering of events, or operation of the counters may be recorded. The input module is further configurable to transmit data back to the processor or to transmit data directly to another module in the industrial control network.

A programmable logic controller includes control units. In the programmable logic controller, the control units are installed in such a manner that side surfaces of adjacent ones of the control units have an interval therebetween. In the programmable logic controller, the control units are configured in such a manner that the interval between the side surfaces of adjacent ones of the control units can be set according to an installation environment of the programmable logic controller.

An input/output (I/O) device for an automation control system includes a device housing containing control circuitry, the device housing being mountable to a support, a control power input for receiving control power from a first adjacent I/O device when connected thereto, the control power input configured to supply control power to the control circuitry, a control power output for outputting control power to a second associated adjacent I/O device, a field power input for receiving field power from the first associated adjacent I/O device when connected thereto, and a field power output for transmitting field power to the second associated I/O device. The field power input is selectively removable to prevent field power from being received by the I/O device from the first associated adjacent I/O device when connected thereto.

An output module for an industrial controller configurable to simplify setup and commissioning is disclosed. The output module includes configurable PWM outputs that may be scheduled to start at different times within the PWM period, that may be configured to generate a fixed number of PWM pulses, and that may have an extendable PWM period. The output terminals are configurable to enter a first state upon generation of a fault and further configurable to enter a second state after a configurable time delay following the fault being generated. The output module may receive inputs signals directly from another module and set output signals at the terminals responsive to these signals.