STATION FOR USE IN A FIELD NETWORK BETWEEN ONE OR MORE FIELD DEVICES AND A CENTRAL UNIT, AND SWITCH MODULE BEING EXCHANGEABLE PLUGGABLE INTO A MODULE CARRIER

Abstract

A station for use in a field network between at least one field device and a central unit, includes a module carrier and exchangeable pluggable modules thereon, wherein at least one of the exchangeable pluggable modules is designed as a switch module to which the at least one field device is connectable, and wherein optionally, in addition, at least one of the exchangeable pluggable modules is designed as a power supply module, the at least one switch module comprises at least one APL Ethernet port and/or at least one SPE Ethernet port for connecting the at least one field device. Further, a switch module is exchangeably pluggable in a module carrier to which one or more field devices is connectable.

Claims

1. A station for use in a field network between at least one field device and a central unit, the station comprising a module carrier and exchangeable pluggable modules thereon; wherein at least one of the exchangeable pluggable modules is designed as a switch module to which the at least one field device is connectable, and wherein optionally, in addition, at least one of the exchangeable pluggable modules is designed as a power supply module, wherein the at least one switch module comprises at least one APL Ethernet port and/or at least one SPE Ethernet port for connecting the at least one field device.

2. The station according to claim 1, wherein furthermore at least one of the exchangeable pluggable modules is designed as an Ethernet gateway module, via which the switch module is connectable to the central unit.

3. The station according to claim 1, wherein at least two of the exchangeable pluggable modules are designed as power supply modules and are configured such that one of the power supply modules is removable or exchangeable without interrupting an operation of the station and other exchangeable pluggable modules.

4. The station according to claim 1, wherein the station is configured in such a way that a control of the switch module and a data exchange via the switch module with the field device or devices is carried out via a bus system.

5. The station according to claim 1, wherein the station is configured in such a way that a control of the switch module is carried out via a bus system and data exchange via the switch module with the field device(s) is carried out via an Ethernet connection being separate from the bus system.

6. The station of claim 5, wherein the separate Ethernet connection is a patch Ethernet cable connecting a second port of a Ethernet gateway module to a first port of the switch module.

7. The station according to claim 6, wherein the switch module comprises a second port via which it is connected to a further switch module of a same station.

8. The station according to claim 6, wherein the separate Ethernet connection is designed as a ring connection in which a plurality of switch modules of a same station are connected to one another and a last of the switch modules being arranged in series comprises a port via which the station is connected to the central unit and the central unit is also connected to a first port of the Ethernet gateway module.

9. The station according to claim 1, wherein the module carrier comprises a backplane into which the modules can be plugged-in; wherein optionally a control unit is integrated in the backplane, via which a control of the switch module can be carried out.

10. The station according to claim 9, wherein the backplane comprises at least two Ethernet ports with which the control unit is connectable to the central unit.

11. The station according to claim 9, wherein the control unit is configured in such a way that a control of the switch module and a data exchange via the switch module with the field device(s) are carried out via a bus system.

12. The station according to claim 1, wherein: a plurality of switch modules are provided side by side in the station which are exchangeable plugged in the module carrier; and/or a maximum of 16 switch modules are provided side by side in the station, wherein the plurality of switch modules are optionally designed as switch modules of a same design or of different designs; and/or the switch module comprises between two and six field device connection ports via each of which a field device is connectable.

13. The station according to claim 1, wherein the station is configured in such a way that it can be used in an explosive atmosphere, optionally in an hazardous area class 1.

14. A switch module being exchangeably pluggable into a module carrier, to which one or more field devices can be connected, having at least two channels for controlling the switch module via a bus system and one or more APL Ethernet ports and/or one or more SPE Ethernet ports for connection to a field device.

15. The switch module according to claim 14, wherein, in addition a first and a second port are provided via which the switch module is connectable to an Ethernet connection via which a data exchange via the switch module can be carried out between the field device(s) and a central unit.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0076] Further advantageous examples are described below with reference to the figures. Thereby:

[0077] FIG. 1 illustrates a first example of a station according to the disclosure;

[0078] FIG. 2 illustrates a second example of a station according to the disclosure;

[0079] FIG. 3 illustrates a third example of a station according to the disclosure;

[0080] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrates an example station known in the prior art; and

[0081] FIG. 6 illustrates an example process automation system known in the prior art.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0082] The prior art examples shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 have already been discussed in the introduction and will not be described further below.

[0083] These aspects described for the prior art can also be provided for the present system. That is, the present station is, for example, integrateable into the system as shown in FIG. 6. Also, elements of the station and the IO modules from the station in FIGS. 4 and 5, respectively, can also be incorporated into the present station.

[0084] FIGS. 1 to 3 show only schematically the corresponding elements and connections. How the corresponding modules and/or the corresponding station look visually corresponds, for example, to the example shown in FIGS. 4, 5, that is, the corresponding modules can comprise, for example, a cassette-shaped embodiment with a front and rear narrow side. Only the more advanced aspects relevant to the present disclosure will be explained below.

[0085] In FIG. 1, reference symbols 10a and 10b denote a first and second power supply module (here: Excom power supply module 1 PSD24Ex and Excom power supply module 2 PSD24Ex). A redundant power supply (redundant power supply) is provided.

[0086] Reference symbol 16 indicates the respective switch modules (here: Excom APL switch modules 1 DAPL40Ex (4 channel) and Excom APL switch modules 2 DAPL40Ex (4 channel) to Excom APL switch modules 15 DAPL40Ex (4 channel) and Excom APL switch modules 16 DAPL40Ex (4 channel)). These are cascadable up to 16 field switch modules and thus up to 64 APL ports (cascadable up to 16 Field-Switch-Modules (4 up to 64 APL-ports)).

[0087] Reference character 11a denotes an Ethernet gateway module (here: Excom Ethernet gateway GEN-2G).

[0088] The corresponding modules 10a, 10b, 11a and 16 are exchangeably plugged into the module carrier designated by the reference symbol 17 (here: Excom module carrier (e.g., MT 16-2G).

[0089] The module carrier 17 is designed as a so-called backplane. Connectors (not shown in the figure) are provided therein, into which corresponding connectors of the modules are pluggable. For example, the power supply module 10a is connected to connectors on the module carrier via connectors provided on a rear side thereof and not shown. In FIG. 1, the corresponding connectors are not shown. However, they are provided in series side by side from left to right so that the corresponding modules can be plugged side by side in the manner shown in FIG. 4.

[0090] Below the switch modules 16, schematically corresponding groups of four provided slots 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, each for connecting a corresponding field device, are provided. In this example, four such slots 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d are assigned to each switch module 16 in order to be able to connect four field devices accordingly.

[0091] Accordingly, each switch module comprises four channels, each of which forms a corresponding port. This port is connected to the module carrier via a plug contact provided on the rear of the corresponding switch module and is connected there via wiring to the corresponding slots 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d for connection to the field devices.

[0092] Furthermore, other I/O modules not shown here can be plugged in, for example for communication via an analog 4-20 mA current loop.

[0093] With the reference symbols 19a and 19b, connections for the power supply modules are also shown schematically. The power supply modules supply the corresponding further modules, for example Ethernet gateway, I/O and/or switch modules, via the corresponding wiring in the module carrier.

[0094] This can be seen schematically in the power supply line (internal power supply) designated by reference symbol 20, which is fed to the corresponding modules.

[0095] In the example, two power supply modules 10a, 10b are provided by means of which a redundant power supply is implemented. In particular, the power supply of the plugged modules is not interrupted if one of the power supply modules 10a, 10b fails or is removed or pulled out. This enables any necessary repair or exchange during operation.

[0096] For example, a 24 volt DC voltage can be supplied (or, for example, a voltage between 18 and 32 volts). This is then supplied to the modules via the power supply modules 10a, 10b. In the example of FIG. 1, the Ethernet gateway module 11a comprises a first port 21a and a second port 21b through which the Ethernet gateway module 11a is connectable to an Ethernet.

[0097] The first port 21a is used to connect the Ethernet gateway module 11a to a central unit not shown in the figure. The second port 21b is used to connect the Ethernet gateway module 11a to the corresponding switch modules 16. Each of the switch modules 16 also comprises a first port 27a and a second port 27b. An Ethernet patch cable 23a is provided between the second port 21b of the Ethernet gateway module 11a and the first port 27a of the switch module 16. The corresponding adjacent switch modules 16 are each connected to each other in an analog manner via the Ethernet patch cables 23b.

[0098] Thus, in each case, an Ethernet patch cable 23b is fed out of the second Ethernet port 27b of the corresponding switch module 16 and is fed into the first port 27a of the corresponding adjacent switch module 16.

[0099] In the present example, the last switch module shown in the row from left to right in the figure is connected to the central unit with its second port 27b (2100Base-Tx-ISEthernet-Ports for PLC connection and ring functionality (DLR, MRP)). Thus, a so-called Ethernet ring is formed. The data exchange of the data from the field devices is carried out via this ring-shaped Ethernet connection. In other examples, a structure deviating from the ring configuration can be provided.

[0100] In the present example, the control of the corresponding switch modules is designed separately. This control is formed by the two-channel bus system 24a, 24b. On the one hand, control signals are transmittable to the switch modules via this bus system 24a, 24b, and on the other hand, operating data can be provided by the switch modules, for example.

[0101] Thus, the Ethernet gateway module 11 and also the corresponding switch modules 16 comprise corresponding plug connections with which they are connectable to the module carrier. A corresponding wiring for the corresponding two-channel bus system 24a, 24b is to be provided in the module carrier.

[0102] Thus, the control of the switch modules is separated from the data transmission to or from the field devices connected to the switch modules.

[0103] Each of the switch modules 16 therefore comprises two channels for an Ethernet connection (to the Ethernet gateway module, to the central unit or to the neighboring switch modules) in this example. Two channels are provided for a bus connection to control the switch module and four channels for corresponding data transfers to the connected field devices.

[0104] In this example, the corresponding switch module is designed in such a way that the four channels are configured as APL Ethernet channels. Exactly four APL outputs or SPE ports are provided for each of the switch modules. If several ports are provided, this could lead to such a large power consumption that the station could then no longer be used in hazardous area class 1.

[0105] In further examples, fewer than four APL outputs may be provided. In further examples, more outputs may further be provided, and optionally further measures may be provided to limit the electrical power that can be output.

[0106] In addition, up to 16 such switch modules 16 are provided side by side.

[0107] Less than 16 switch modules can also be provided side by side, and any number between 2 and 15 can in itself form an upper or lower limit. In further examples, more switch modules 16 may further be connectable in series, and optionally further measures may be provided to limit the electrical power that can be output.

[0108] In the present case, communication between the central unit is carried out via the Ethernet gateway module 11a and between the corresponding switch modules via 100 Base TX Ethernet standard. In principle, any other Ethernet standard can be used.

[0109] FIG. 2 describes a second example. The same elements with the same reference symbols are used there.

[0110] Only the differences to the example in FIG. 1 are described below.

[0111] In the example in FIG. 2, both the control of the switch modules 16 (here: Excom APL switch modules 1 DAPL41Ex (4 channel) and Excom APL switch modules 2 DAPL41Ex (4 channel) to Excom APL switch modules 15 DAPL41Ex (4 channel) and Excom APL switch modules 16 DAPL41Ex (4 channel)). These are cascadable up to 16 field switch modules and thus up to 64 APL ports (cascadable up to 16 Field-Switch-Modules (.fwdarw.up to 64 APL-ports)) as well as the data transfer for the connected field devices is implemented via the bus system 24a, 24b.

[0112] Therefore, the corresponding Ethernet patch cables as shown in FIG. 1 are not provided there to connect the switch modules connected in series with each other data-wise. The Ethernet gateway module 11a (here: Excom Ethernet gateway GEN-2G), on the other hand, is connected to the central unit with its first port 21a and second port 21b. The switch modules 16 accordingly do not comprise the ports 27a, 27b of the first example.

[0113] Thus, in this example, the Ethernet gateway module 11a is configured to transform and/or distribute the corresponding signals.

[0114] In the example in FIG. 3, the same or comparable elements are also provided with the same reference symbols as in FIGS. 1 and 2 explained above.

[0115] Only the differences with respect to the examples in FIGS. 1 and 2 are described.

[0116] A redundant power supply is again provided by the power supply modules (redundant power supply) designated with reference symbols 10a and 10b (here: power supply modules 1 and power supply modules 2).

[0117] Instead of the Ethernet gateway module 11a, which is provided as a plug module, a control unit (here: Control Unit (Module carrier PCB) Channel Port 1 and Port 2) is provided in this example. This control unit 25 is integrated in the module carrier 17 (Switch Module carrier, Installation up to hazardous area class 1), i.e., in the backplane.

[0118] In addition to the plug connections via which the modules are connectable to the backplane, the corresponding control unit 25 is integrated in the backplane. This control unit 25 is thus permanently connected to the corresponding further slots of the power supply modules and the switch modules 16, respectively, via the lines integrated in the backplane.

[0119] The control unit 25 may comprise corresponding ports connected to a corresponding slot.

[0120] In FIG. 3, reference symbols 28a, and 28b show a first and a second port (in the form of a connector) via which an Ethernet cable is connectable to the station from the central unit and from a higher-level control unit, respectively. These ports are provided on the module support 17. A connection to two Ethernet ports is provided, whereby a ring configuration is also made possible (2 Ethernet Ports for PLC Connection and ring functionality (DLR, MRP)).

[0121] In the first and second examples, the switch modules are APL switch modules. Either APL or SPE switch modules or switch modules of different types can be provided.

[0122] The switch modules shown here also comprise four ports in the present example. More or fewer ports can also be provided.

[0123] The corresponding switch modules 16 (here: SPE/APL switch modules 1 (4 channel) and SPE/APL switch modules 2 (4 channel) to SPE/APL switch modules 15 (4 channel) and SPE/APL switch modules 16 (4 channel)) are controlled via the control unit 25. In addition, a data transmission via these switch modules to the field devices is also carried out via this connection.

[0124] These switch modules 16 are also cascadable up to 16 field switch modules and thus up to 64 APL ports Ports (cascadable up to 16 Field-Switch-Modules (.fwdarw.up to 64 APL-ports)).

[0125] This is shown schematically by the arrows with reference symbol 29 (Internal Control and Communication Flux) in the figure.

[0126] Insofar as the switch modules are the SPE modules, they are often not suitable for use in hazardous area classes 1 or 2. The third example thus describes a station in which a control device integrated into the backplane is provided.

[0127] Looking again at the system shown in FIG. 6, one aspect of how the disclosure can be used can be illustrated: The remote I/O system 14 shown on the right in an area outside the hazardous area class can now be moved into the hazardous area class and additionally equipped with a switch module. Such a remote I/O system 14 is then connected to the PLC 2 outside the hazardous area class via an Ex-capable fieldbus and in turn allows the connection of several field devices, among others via SPE or APL.

[0128] The disclosure allows for easy cascadability of the system, as switch modules can be easily added, removed or exchanged to connect one or more field devices, even while the system is in operation.

[0129] The control of the power supply modules ensures that enough power is provided for individual switch modules or the individual connected field devices to guarantee fail-safe operation.

[0130] Furthermore, the switch modules can be running, removed, exchanged or extended in a fail-safe manner while the system is in operation.

[0131] Furthermore, the disclosure allows for high redundancy of important elements, especially the duplicated power supply modules.

[0132] The disclosure also enables a step-by-step conversion of systems, for example in process technology. In a mixed configuration, both switch modules for connecting SPE or APL-capable field devices and I/O modules for connecting other field devices are provided at a station. Therefore, new field devices with SPE or APL can be integrated step by step, while the existing other field devices can still be used.

LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0133] 1 field devices [0134] 2 programmable logic controller, PLC [0135] 3 firewall [0136] 4 operating network [0137] 5 switches [0138] 6 metal housing [0139] 7 access flap [0140] 8 feedthrough [0141] 9 module support [0142] 10, 10a, 10b power supply module [0143] 11, 11a Ethernet gateway module [0144] 14 remote I/O system [0145] 16 switch module [0146] 17 module support [0147] 19a, b connection for the corresponding power supply modules [0148] 20 power supply line [0149] 21a, 22a first port Ethernet gateway module [0150] 21b, 22b second port Ethernet gateway module [0151] 23a, 23b Ethernet patch cable [0152] 24a, 24b bus system [0153] 25 control unit [0154] 26a, b, c, d slot, field device connection [0155] 27a first port switch module [0156] 27b second port switch module [0157] 28a first port of the control unit [0158] 28b second port of the control unit [0159] 29 communication and data exchange channel