Tools and techniques are described to automate creation of point mapping diagrams between controllers and controlled resources. After receiving a defined space diagram (which may be input using a graphical interface of the controller, or by other means), resource locations and resource wiring requirements (which may be done automatically), a wiring diagram including point mapping between the resources and any necessary controllers is generated. If resources need to be moved, a new wiring diagram and/or point mapping can be regenerated.

Tools and techniques are described to create a controller wiring board. A user, using a user interface associated with a controller, can determine which devices will be attached to a controller. The features of the devices may be already known by the controller. The controller can change wiring terminal types depending on the requirements of the devices wired to the controllers. In some embodiments, a device is wired to a module associated with the controller. The controller can signal to the module to modify its wiring terminal to match the needs of the device to be wired to that location.

Tools and techniques are described to automate line testing when wiring devices (such as equipment and sensors) to controllers. Controllers have access to databases of the devices that are controlled by them, including wiring diagrams and protocols, such that the controller can automatically check that each wire responds correctly to stimulus from the controller. After testing, a reporting device rapidly shows the results of the line testing.

Tools and techniques are described to automate line testing when wiring devices (such as equipment and sensors) to controllers. Controllers have access to databases of the devices that are controlled by them, including wiring diagrams and protocols, such that the controller can automatically check that each wire responds correctly to stimulus from the controller. After testing, a reporting device rapidly shows the results of the line testing.

A controller is described that a building design can be input into, the building design comprising inputting a layout, predefined resources and positions for resources. within the layout. The resources may have a predefined physics nature that includes physics equations, allowable inputs and outputs, etc. The system then can determine how many controllers are needed of what type, and create a guided wiring system. In some implementations a user can control certain aspects of the wiring system, such as how full the individual controllers are and how much money is to be spent on labor versus money spent on equipment.

A modular I/O system for an industrial automation network includes a network adapter including first and second adapter modules, wherein each adapter module is configured for connection with an industrial network. The I/O system further includes a first I/O device with first and second I/O modules each configured for operative connection to a controlled system for input/output of data with respect to the controlled system. The I/O system further includes first and second independent backplane data networks that connect each of the first and second adapter modules to each of the first and second I/O modules. The network adapter includes first and second removable backplane network switches and the first I/O device includes third and fourth removable backplane network switches that establish the backplane networks. The backplane network switches can be Ethernet gigabit switches.

A base module for a switch-cabinet system, having a plurality of communication units and connection elements for a plurality of functional modules. The connection elements are configured to engage in module-connection elements of functional modules. Each connection element has at least one data connection. Each communication unit is in each case connected to at least one data connection of a connection element. The communication units are connected to one another by a data bus. The base module has a first field-bus connection. The data bus is connected to the first field-bus connection to connect the communication units to a field-bus.

A control-cabinet system includes a base module and a plurality of functional modules. The base module housing has a face with openings, first connection elements and second connection elements. The first connection elements provide data and extra-low voltage connections, and the second connection elements provide low voltage connections. The first connection elements are arranged within the housing, in the area of the openings. The data connections are connected to a data line, the extra-low voltage connections are connected to an extra-low voltage line, and the low voltage connections are connected to a low voltage line. The functional modules each have a housing, an electronic circuit, and a module connection element connected to the electronic circuit. The module housing has a face with an opening. The module connection element comprises a first plug-in element extending through the opening, and adapted to engage the first connection elements of the base module.

A base module for a control-cabinet system includes a housing with a first housing face and further housing faces, the first housing face having a grid of openings. The housing has connection elements for functional modules, the connection elements each being arranged in the region of the openings of the first housing face, the connection elements comprising data connections, extra-low voltage connections and low-voltage connections. The data connections are interconnected by a data line of the base module and a field-bus connection is provided for the data line, where the data line is arranged within the housing. An extra-low voltage line and a low voltage line are arranged within the housing, where the extra-low voltage line is connected to the extra-low voltage connections and the low voltage line is connected to the low voltage connections.

A control system and a method for mounting a control system, the control system comprising a signal-distribution board, a top-hat rail, at least a first contact device and at least a second contact device. The first contact device and the second contact device are arranged at the signal-distribution board with an offset relative to each other with the signal-distribution board electrically connecting the first contact device to the second contact device for at least transmitting data. The top-hat rail is mechanically fastened to the signal-distribution board and a first coupling module may be mechanically fastened to the top-hat rail, where the second contact device is embodied to electrically contact a signal-processing module or a second coupling module. The first contact device may be electrically connected to a field device.