Tools and techniques are described to automate commissioning of physical spaces. 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. Controllers also have access to databases of the physical space such that they can check that sensors in the space record the correct information for device activity, and sensors can cross-check each other for consistency. Once a physical space is commissioned, incentives can be sought based on commissioning results.

An I/O system having redundant removable and/or replaceable components. Each of the removable/replaceable components can be removed by displacement parallel to a common axis. An I/O device having an I/O base with a lock-out toggle to prevent installation of one or more I/O modules to the I/O base unless a ground screw has been secured to supporting structure.

A technique for exchanging signals between a control system (200) and at least two field devices (300) is described. One device aspect of the technique comprises a base (102) that comprises a control interface (104) and at least two slots (106). The control interface (104) is configured to connect (108.1) to at least two electrical line channels (108) of the control system (200) and the at least two slots (106) are each configured to detachably mechanically connect (106.1) to a module (110) and to pass (106.2) at least one of the line channels (108) to the respective module (110). Furthermore, the device comprises one or more modules (110), each of which comprises a base-side slot interface (112) and a field-side input and/or output interface, I/O interface, (114) different from the slot interface (112), wherein the slot interface (112) is configured for a detachable mechanical and electrical connection to one of the slots (106) of the base (102), and the I/O interface (114) is configured for a connection (116.1) to signal lines (116) of one of the field devices (300).

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 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 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-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.

The invention is directed to a portable container system comprising a container which comprises a floor, four upwardly-extending sidewalls, wherein at least one of the sidewalls is hinged to allow the at least one sidewall to open outwardly, and a top wall. The system also comprises a plurality of skids contained within the container. Each skid comprises a base and one or more upwardly extending members; and one or more cabinets mounted on the base or one or more upwardly extending members, wherein the one or more cabinets comprise: control power distribution panel cabinets, human-machine interface cabinets, programmable logic controller-redundancy cabinets, network cabinets, or remote I/O cabinets.

An input/output station is provided. The input/output station is for a fieldbus system with a fieldbus coupler, which has a system bus interface and a fieldbus interface. The input/output station comprising a plurality of slots for pluggable input/output devices. One or more placeholder devices are also pluggable into the plurality of slots besides the input/output devices. An empty slot is also admissible for the plurality of slots. The fieldbus coupler comprises firmware which is configured for a full configuration of the input/output station. The firmware is configured to communicate with a control station in such a way that the fieldbus coupler receives the full configuration of the input/output station as a planned target configuration from the control station. The firmware is configured to confirm a full configuration of the input/output station in an operating mode irrespective of the actual occupancy of the input/output station.

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.