A system may include drives that are communicatively coupled to and/or control I/O devices via communication option cards. The drives and/or the communication option cards may include a logic engine to control internal I/O devices and external I/O devices via single pair Ethernet (SPE) conductors accessible via an Ethernet network.

A first input unit receives an analog signal from a pair of input terminals, to which a sensor is connected, as a differential input via a pair of first input lines between which a first resistor is interposed. The analog signal input device converts the analog signals read via the first input unit and a second input unit having a similar configuration into a multi-bit digital signal and outputs the digital signal. When a prescribed instruction is received, a current is supplied from one of the pair of first input lines to a power supply line, and it is determined that there an open circuit when the output of the second input unit obtained when the output of the first input unit has increased in response to the current supply from the current supply unit is equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold value.

The disclosure relates to an automation device of a group of automation devices, comprising: a communication interface configured to communicate with a second automation device of the group of automation devices via a communication network; wherein the communication interface is configured to receive a status message of the second automation device that indicates a state or a change in state of the second automation device; and a light source configured to emit a light signal indicating the state or the change in state of the second automation device in response to the receiving of the status message.

A method for protecting a pump unit comprising a variable-speed fluid-conveying device, particularly a centrifugal pump, a drive and a control system, is provided, with protection in the event of cyber attacks. Signals relating to the speed and/or speed regulation of the fluid-conveying device are detected and then evaluated to detect a maliciously effected, anomalous operation of the pump unit characteristic of a cyber attack. At least one nominal variable and at least one actual variable derived from the analyzed signal are compared. Subsequently, a unit transmits signals to components of the pump unit in order to control the operation of the fluid-conveying device in a state in which the fluid-conveying device is protected from current and/or other cyber attacks.

A method, system and apparatus for identifying a type of device connected to I/O (Input/Output) channels of an I/O module, can involve applying a current for a predefined time duration to one or more I/O channels of an I/O module, initiating a current readback at a regular interval of time within the predefined time duration, determining values of the current readback for each of a time interval during the predefined time duration, storing the values of the current readback in a memory associated with the I/O module, determining a pattern as a function of the values of the current readback and a sample of time interval for a device connected to the one or more I/O channels, and identifying a type of the device connected to the one or more I/O channels based on a determined pattern of a current sink of the device connected to the one or more I/O channels.

Apparatus and methods for reporting data and remotely monitoring and controlling a stationary mechanical or electrical device having a device controller. The apparatus and methods employ a remote annunciator comprising a communication interface for communicating with the device controller, a computer processor for polling the device controller to monitor operational data, conditions, and alarms reported by the device controller, a graphical display for displaying visual indicators indicative of the operational data, conditions, and alarms, a cellular or satellite radio for communicating the operational data, conditions, and alarms to a remotely-located monitoring and control system comprising a web-accessible database and a compatible cellular or satellite radio. The device controller is polled via the monitoring and control system and/or remote annunciator to monitor device parameters and status, and remotely control the device.

A method and apparatus for managing a field device on a network can involve detecting, at a processing device, a connection of the field device in an industrial process control and automation system, receiving data, from the field device, including payload information related to the field device in the industrial process control and automation system, determining, at the processing device, whether the field device uses a specific protocol based on the data, and responsive to determining that the field device uses the specific protocol, generating, at the processing device, a soft modem instance. The method and apparatus can also involve termination of soft modem instance if the field device becomes disconnected. The method and apparatus can also involve demodulating and extracting, using the soft modem instance, the payload information from the data.

A wireless emergency stop system includes a machine safety device connected to a machine stop circuit for stopping operation of a machine when the machine stop circuit is activated. The machine safety device includes a wireless communication interface. The system also includes a mobile device controller configured to control operation of the machine, and a safety stop device. The safety stop device includes a wireless communication interface for wireless communication with the machine safety device, and an emergency stop switch configured to, when activated, transmit an emergency stop signal to the machine safety device to trigger an emergency stop of the machine. The mobile device controller is configured to link with the safety stop device via short-range wireless communication.

A safety ground terminal apparatus can include a ground terminal operable to switch between a common ground connection or a isolated ground connection, wherein the ground terminal comprises a hinge point that is connectable to a base of a housing via a rail in an arrangement that allows for a disconnection from the common ground connection when the isolated ground connection is required and without compromising electrical contact. The ground terminal can provide a watertight ground connection irrespective of the type of ground connection requirement. The common ground connection or the isolated ground connection can be achieved without any additional parts assembled.

A safety network controller is comprised in an electronic safety system. The safety network controller comprises a first serial port and a second serial port, each of which is configured to communicatively connect to a redundant safety network controller via a respective daisy chain network. Each daisy chain network comprises at least one safety device controller that is controlling a corresponding safety device. The safety network controller further comprises network circuitry configured to communicatively connect to the redundant safety network controller via a packet-switched network. The safety network controller further comprises processing circuitry configured to exchange, with the redundant safety network controller: serial communication via each of the daisy chain networks; packets via the packet-switched network; and responsibility for control over one or more of the safety device controllers in response to detecting a failure.