A method for automatically detecting a sensor coupled to an electronic computer including steps of detecting the sensor and steps of configuring a hardware interface.

A conveyor apparatus includes a drive unit, a connection interface which transmits analog signals, and a drive control module which is coupled to the drive unit and to the connection interface via signal technology. The drive control module receives analog control signals via the connection interface in an operating state and controls the drive unit as a function of the analog control signals, outputs digital diagnostic signals via the connection interface in a digital communication state, and switches from the operating state to the digital communication state upon receipt of a switchover command. The switchover command is made up of a predetermined analog control signal or a predetermined sequence of analog control signals.

A conveyor apparatus includes a drive unit, a connection interface which transmits analog signals, and a drive control module which is coupled to the drive unit and to the connection interface via signal technology. The drive control module receives analog control signals via the connection interface in an operating state and controls the drive unit as a function of the analog control signals, outputs digital diagnostic signals via the connection interface in a digital communication state, and switches from the operating state to the digital communication state upon receipt of a switchover command. The switchover command is made up of a predetermined analog control signal or a predetermined sequence of analog control signals.

A safety control system for switching on and safely switching off at least one actuator, including at least one input module for evaluating an input signal of a safety transmitter and for generating an output signal, and at least one output module for the safe actuation of the at least one actuator as a function of the output signal of the input module. The input signal has different signal parameters as a function of the type of safety transmitter. Furthermore, the safety control system includes a setting unit having a memory in which the signal parameters for the input module are stored, and the input module evaluates the input signal as a function of the signal parameters.