DE202017004429U1 - Coupler / Fieldbus Module - Google Patents

Abstract

A system (10) comprising: a fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller (12), the fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller (12) having a first fieldbus interface (12a) and a first subbus interface (12b) and adapted for interfacing modules (14-20); which are adapted to communicate with the first fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller (12) via the first sub-bus interface (12b); anda first queued module (18), the first module (18) having a second sub-bus interface for communication with the fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller (12) and a first radio interface (18a), the first module (18) being configured over the first Radio interface (18a) to receive configuration data specifying directly or indirectly by the first module (18) to be emulated first digital and / or analog inputs and / or outputs, and a to be emulated first digital and / or analog input and / or outputs to claim corresponding data width on the subbus.

Description

TERRITORY

The present invention relates to a module (hereinafter also referred to as "bus terminal") for connection to a fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller. In particular, the present invention relates to a bus terminal with a radio interface.

BACKGROUND

Automation systems have to communicate with sensors / actuators, which are arranged spatially distributed over the plant, often via fieldbus nodes, which are connected via a fieldbus with a central control device. Typically, the fieldbus nodes each comprise a fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller and a multiplicity of Bus Terminals, each Bus Terminal having a specific number of inputs and / or outputs which enable a wired transmission of signals between the sensors / actuators and the fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller.

SUMMARY

In this regard, the invention enriches the state of the art, as a bus terminal according to the invention is adapted to emulate a (substantially) freely configurable number of digital and / or analog inputs / outputs, wherein the signals on the field side not wired, but wirelessly via a radio interface a system component emulating computers are transmitted, so that the operation (or at least a part of the operation) of the field-side architecture of the system can be simulated / tested or configured without the presence of the appropriate electrical / electronics.

The inventive bus terminal thus requires no input or output circuit for inputs and / or outputs (ie, no front-end electronics for connecting, for example, sensors / actuators) but instead has a radio interface for wireless transmission of the input / output data, as well as a device for Configure the number of digital and / or analog inputs / outputs to be emulated. However, it is not intended or set up to be integrated into the fieldbus node as a bus terminal with a radio interface, but instead mimics the behavior of a bus terminal with a certain number of terminals on the bus side, the number of terminals to be emulated not being fixed but being configurable.

The bus terminal according to the invention thus comprises a sub-bus interface (hereinafter also referred to as terminal bus interface) for communication with the fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller and is configured to receive via the radio interface configuration data which directly or indirectly through the module (ie the bus terminal) to be emulated first digital and or specify analog inputs and / or outputs. The bus terminal according to the invention is further configured to claim a data width corresponding to the first digital and / or analog inputs and / or outputs to be emulated on the sub-bus (also referred to below as a terminal bus).

Here, the term "fieldbus coupler" as used in the description and the claims, in particular a device with a (field) bus interface to understand, which is adapted to transmit sensor signals via the fieldbus to a higher-level control and of the higher-level control to receive control signals. Furthermore, the term "fieldbus controller" as used in the description is to be understood in particular as a fieldbus coupler that implements a control or executes a control program. Furthermore, the term "bus terminal" as used in the description is to be understood in particular as a module which is set up for connection to a fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller, whereby serializing enables serial mechanical and electrical linking of a large number of modules becomes.

Further, the term "sub-bus" as used in the specification and claims is to be understood in particular as a bus which connects a plurality of bus terminals and exchanges data with the field bus. Further, the terms "input" and "output" as used in the specification and claims are to be understood as meaning, in particular, electrical connections which are set up for the wired input or output of electrical signals.

A system according to the invention accordingly comprises a fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller, wherein the fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller has a first fieldbus interface and a first subbus interface and is set up for the attachment of modules which are designed to communicate with the first fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller via the first subbus interface and first queued module, wherein the first module has a second sub-bus interface for communication with the fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller and a first radio interface, wherein the first module is configured to receive via the first radio interface configuration data, which directly or indirectly by the first module to be emulated first specify digital and / or analog inputs and / or outputs, and specify a to claim to be emulated first digital and / or analog inputs and / or outputs corresponding data width on the sub-bus.

Preferably, the first module is further configured to receive first payload data via the first radio interface, to assign the first payload to the first digital and / or analog inputs, and to transmit the associated first payload to the fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller via the first subbus interface and / or second payload to receive from the fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller via the first subbus interface and to send the second payload data via the first radio interface while maintaining an association with first digital and / or analog outputs.

In this case, the term "user data" as used in the description and the claims, in particular data to understand that encode sensor or control signals. For example. For example, the second payload data may be control signals which are derived from the first payload data, which represent, for example, sensor signals. Furthermore, the term "maintenance of an association" as used in the description and the claims is to be understood as meaning, in particular, an image of user data on sensor signals or an image of control signals on user data.

The first module is preferably set up when a radio link with a sender of the first user data and / or a receiver of the second user data is temporarily unavailable, the first user data again transmitted via the first subbus interface to the fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller or a substitute value over the first Subbus interface to the fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller to transfer or buffer the second user data.

In other words, if a radio link breaks off, for example because of shading or insufficient range, the operation of the system can continue within certain limits or the system can be automatically transferred to a safe state. For example. For example, if the first payload relates to a switch state, sending a substitute value may leave the device in the current state. Furthermore, if the first payload relates to a continuously changing control parameter, a substitute value can be sent, which transfers the system to a specific (preferably stable and safe) state.

Preferably, the system further comprises a higher-level control device, wherein the higher-level control device has a second fieldbus interface, wherein the fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller for transmitting the first payload data to the higher-level control device and / or receiving the second payload data is set up by the higher-level control device.

Preferably, the system further comprises a second module, the second module having a third sub-bus interface for communicating with the fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller and one or more second digital and / or analog outputs, the fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller being configured based on the first payload data output data to generate and transmit the output data via the first and third sub-bus interface to the second module for outputting digital and / or analog signals via the one or more second digital and / or analog outputs.

Preferably, the system further comprises a mobile end-user device, more preferably a mobile phone, a laptop computer, or a tablet computer, the mobile end-user device having a second radio interface, wherein the mobile end-user device is adapted to at least part of an operation of a system at least partially controlled by the system, and wherein the mobile end-user device is further configured to generate the first payload data and / or to visualize the second payload data with respect to their effect on the operation of the system.

Here, the term "mobile end user device" as used in the description and the claims, in particular an electronic device to understand, which can be used by a commissioning, the fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller and implemented by the fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller functions of System "on site" (ie in radio range) to test.

The mobile end user device is preferably set up to generate the first user data on the basis of user inputs.

Preferably, the mobile end user device is further configured to visualize a state of an actuator of the system based on the second user data.

The mobile end-user device is thus able to emulate a portion of the plant being serviced by the fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller.

Preferably, the mobile end user device is further configured to receive a user selection with regard to the first digital and / or analog inputs and / or outputs to be emulated and to transmit the configuration data based thereon to the first module via the second radio interface.

As a result, the part of the system to be emulated can be changed and adapted as desired.

The first and second radio interfaces are preferably designed to establish a near field communication, Bluetooth low energy, Bluetooth, ZigBee, or IEEE 802.11 connection.

list of figures

• 1 ein Blockdiagramm eines beispielhaften Systems; und
• 2 ein Flussdiagramm eines Prozesses zum Emulieren digitaler und/oder analoger Ein- und/oder Ausgänge zeigt.

The invention will be explained in more detail below in the detailed description with reference to an embodiment, reference being made to drawings in which:

• 1 a block diagram of an exemplary system; and
• 2 a flowchart of a process for emulating digital and / or analog inputs and / or outputs shows.

In the drawings, like elements are identified by like reference numerals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

1 shows a block diagram of an exemplary system 10 , The system 10 includes a fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller 12 with a fieldbus interface 12a , As in 1 indicated by arrows, allows the fieldbus interface 12a a bidirectional communication between the fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller 12 and a higher level controller (not shown). The fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller 12 includes beside the fieldbus interface 12a a subbus interface 12b with an exit 12b ' and an entrance 12b " to which signal lines are connected, which in 1 are indicated by arrows.

To the fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller 12 are several modules 14 -20 (module "A" to module "D") attached, which are mechanically and electrically connected to the fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller (and together with the fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller 12 form a fieldbus node). As in 1 shown is the module "A" 14 with the fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller 12 and with the module "B" 16 mechanically and electrically connected directly. Furthermore, the module "B" 16 with the module "A" 14 and with the module "C" 18 mechanically and electrically directly connected to the fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller 12 but only indirectly, via module "A" 14.

The electrical connection includes the in 1 indicated by arrows, provided for a unidirectional communication signal lines (which are formed, for example, as a one- or two-wire lines). However, the invention is not limited to the use of paired unidirectional signal lines, as the data transmission between the modules 14 - 20 and the fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller 12 Also, in each case via individual (provided for bidirectional communication) signal lines can be made, the alternating data from the fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller 12 to the modules 14 - 20 and from the modules 14 - 20 to the fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller 12 transfer. Furthermore, in addition to the signal lines, an electrical connection in the form of a voltage supply line may be provided if one or more of the modules 14 to 20 via the fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller 12 be supplied with electrical energy.

This in 1 exemplified module "A" 14 comprises eight electrical connections 14a, 14 for input / output of electrical signals. However, it is understood that the module "A" 14 in other embodiments may also have two, four, sixteen or thirty two ports. The connections 14a . 14b can be configured as digital inputs, digital outputs, analog inputs or analog outputs. Alternatively, the connections 14a . 14b be uneven.

For example. can the connections 14a as digital inputs and the connections 14b be designed as digital outputs. Furthermore, the connections 14a as analog inputs and the connections 14b be designed as analog outputs. Furthermore, the connections 14a as analog inputs and the connections 14b be designed as digital inputs. Likewise, the connections 14a as analog outputs and the connections 14b be designed as digital outputs. Also, the connections can 14a as analog inputs and the connections 14b be designed as digital outputs. In addition, the connections 14a as digital inputs and the connections 14b be designed as analog outputs.

The connections 14a . 14b are each designed to connect a wire line (eg a single or two-wire line) and allow a wired transmission of electrical. Signals between module "A" 14 and sensors or actuators of the system 10 comprehensive facility. For example. can the connections 14a . 14b each for establishing a clamping connection between one in module "A" 14 arranged circuit and the wire line may be formed. The in the module "A" 14 arranged circuit may be, for example, an electronic circuit (for example, a processor), which is arranged at an input of the module "A" 14 received signals (input signals) via the subbus interface 12b to the fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller 12 or from the fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller 12 about the Subbusschnittstelle 12b received signals (output signals) at one output of module "A" 14 issue.

As in 1 shown, module "B" 16 four connections 16a , The connections 16a are also designed to connect a wire line and allow wired transmission of electrical signals. For example. can the connections 16a , analogous to the connections 14a . 14b , in each case for establishing a clamping connection between one in the module "B" 16 arranged circuit and a wire line may be formed. The in the module "B" 16 The circuit arranged may also be an electronic circuit (e.g., a processor) arranged to receive signals (input signals) received at an input via the sub-bus interface 12b to the fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller 12 or from the fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller 12 via the subbus interface 12b receive received signals (output signals) at an output.

When starting the fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller 12 he asks the modules 14 - 20 in terms of their required data width for transmitting the input / output signals (or for transmitting the input / output signals representing data) via the subbus. The module "A" 14 and module "B" 16 respond to the query with their respective required data width or with data from which the fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller 12 (or one in the fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller 12 provided electronic circuit) can close to the required subbus data width.

The module "A" 14 can, for example, with eight digital inputs a data width of 8th Need bit and module "B" 16 can, for example, with four analog outputs, a data width of 4 Need byte. The module "A" 14 can the data width of 8th Claim bit directly or its type (eg "Bus Terminal with 8th digital inputs ") to the bus coupler 12 transmitted when the bus coupler 12 is set up, a "Bus Terminal with 8th digital inputs "a data width of 8th Assign bit. Likewise, the module "B" 16 a data width of 4 Claim byte directly or its type (eg "Bus Terminal with 4 analog outputs ") to the bus coupler 12 transmitted when the bus coupler 12 is set up, a "Bus Terminal with 4 analog outputs "a data width of 4 Allocate bytes.

The module "C" 18 , which represents an exemplary embodiment of the bus terminal according to the invention, behaves in principle as the modules "A" and "B" 14 . 16 however, differs from them in that the module "C" is set up to receive configuration commands via an interface, which enable the module "C" to occupy different data widths or to the fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller 12 indicates a (essentially free) configurable Bus Terminal type. Basically, such a reprogramming of the modules "A" 14 and "B" 16 is also possible, but at least in the case of a data width increase due to the lack of front-end electronics (ie, due to the lack of additional connections) bring no benefit (and is also not provided on the input of commands via an interface / possible).

The design of module "C" 18 avoids this problem by using instead of parallel inputs and outputs a serial input / output via a radio interface 18a is provided, which allows (limited by the transmission standard but otherwise) scalable bidirectional data communication. As in 1 shown, the radio interface 18a bi-directional data communication with a mobile end-user device 22 enable. The mobile end-user device 22 may be, for example, a mobile phone, a tablet computer or a laptop computer and has a screen 24 and an input device 26 on. The input device 26 may include, for example, a keyboard, a trackpad, or a touch-sensitive screen.

As in 1 shown, the input and output signals of the emulated inputs and / or outputs of module "C" 18 be visualized. For example. Input signals or input values (eg limit values, setpoints, parameters, etc. to be used during operation of the system) of module "C" 18 using virtual (rotary or sliding) controls, switches or buttons by the user of the mobile end-user device 22 be specified / set. Further, output signals that characterize the state of the equipment may be (for example, as curves) on the mobile end user device 22 output / displayed. At the mobile end user device 22 Inputs made in this way can be linked to actions and variables that have their equivalent in the process image of module "C". 18 which results in input data of the fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller 12 even without the presence of (from the fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller 12 assumed) corresponding hardware can be changed.

The over the radio interface 18a to module "C" 18 transmitted input signals (user data) are transmitted by module "C" 18 according to a selected configuration, the emulated inputs (if any) of module "C" 18 assigned and to the fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller 12 via the subbus interface 12b transfer. Likewise, those of module "C" 18 from the fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller 12 via the subbus interface 12b received output signals according to the selected configuration of the emulated outputs (if any) of the module "C" 18 assigned and as user data via the radio interface 18a to the mobile end-user device 22 transfer. The respective configuration of module "C" 18 That is, the number of digital and / or analog inputs and / or outputs can also be effected via data (configuration data) which (eg from the mobile end user device 22 ) via the radio interface 18a to module "C" 18 be transferred. Alternatively, the respective configuration can be realized by a man-machine interface (for example one or more switches on module "C"). 18 ).

In order to be able to check the effects of (unintentional) interruption of the radio connection on the system, module "C" 18 be set up, the last received input signals (or the last received input signals corresponding values or substitute values) to the fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller 12 to transfer until the radio connection is restored. Furthermore, the module "C" 18 be set up to the mobile end-user device 22 to cache data to be transmitted until the wireless connection (eg Bluetooth Low Energy, Bluetooth, ZigBee, or IEEE 802.11) is restored.

2 shows a flowchart of a process for emulating digital and / or analog inputs and / or outputs in the in 1 shown system 10 , The process begins with the step 28 configuring module "C" 18 , For example. may configure by transmitting configuration data from the mobile end user device 22 via the radio interface 18a caused the configuration data on the mobile end user device 22 selected Bus Terminal type or a desired number of digital and / or analog inputs and / or outputs. The process comes with the step 30 the claiming of a data width corresponding to the configuration continued on the subbus, for example by the module "C" 18 in response to a request from the fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller 12 the selected Bus Terminal type or the required data width to the fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller 12 transfers.

During operation of the system, a user of the mobile end user device may 22 intervene in the operation of the system by generating (virtual) input signals to the fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller 12 as (physical) input signals or input values are transmitted. For example. By pressing a virtual button, the user can trigger the same action as with a corresponding physical button. Likewise, the user may display / output the (virtual) output signals to control a state of the plant or to test the effect of inputting the virtual input signals to input values. For example. By pressing a virtual button, the user can change the fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller 12 or cause the higher-level control (not shown) to control an actuator or detector (for example, an optical signal generator).

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

system

12

Coupler / Fieldbus

12b

Subbusschnittstelle

12b '

Subbusschnittstellen output

12b "

Subbusschnittstellen input

14

Module "A"

14a

connections

14b

connections

16

Module "B"

16a

connections

18

Module "C"

18a

Radio interface

20

Module "D"

22

End-User Device

24

screen

26

input device

28

process step

30

process step

Claims (11)

A system (10) comprising: a fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller (12), the fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller (12) having a first fieldbus interface (12a) and a first subbus interface (12b) and adapted for interfacing modules (14-20); which are adapted to communicate with the first fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller (12) via the first sub-bus interface (12b); and a first attached module (18), the first module (18) having a second sub-bus interface for communicating with the fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller (12) and a first radio interface (18a); wherein the first module (18) is adapted to receive via the first radio interface (18a) configuration data specifying directly or indirectly by the first module (18) to be emulated first digital and / or analog inputs and / or outputs, and a to claim the corresponding data width on the subbus to be emulated first digital and / or analog inputs and / or outputs. System (10) after Claim 1 wherein the first module (18) is further configured to: receive first payload data via the first radio interface (18a), allocate the first payload to the first digital and / or analog inputs, and assign the associated first payload to the first subbus interface (12b) Fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller (12) to transmit; and / or to receive second payload data via the first subbus interface (12b) from the fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller (12) and to send the second payload data via the first radio interface (18a) while maintaining an association with first digital and / or analog outputs. System (10) after Claim 1 or 2 in which the first module (18) is set up when a radio link with a sender of the first user data and / or a receiver of the second user data is temporarily unavailable: the first user data again via the first subbus interface (12b) to the fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller ( 12) or to transmit a replacement value via the first sub-bus interface (12b) to the fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller (12); and / or temporarily store the second payload. System (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 3 , further comprising: a higher-level control device, wherein the higher-level control device has a second field bus interface; wherein the fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller (12) is set up for transmitting the first user data to the higher-level control device and / or for receiving the second useful data from the higher-level control device. System (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 3 further comprising: a second module (16), the second module (16) having a third sub-bus interface for communicating with the fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller (12) and one or more second digital and / or analog outputs (16a); wherein the fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller (12) is arranged to generate output data based on the first payload data and the output data via the first subbus interface (12b) and the third subbus interface to the second module (16) for outputting digital and / or analog signals via the to transmit one or more second digital and / or analog outputs (16a). System (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 5 , further comprising: a mobile end user device (22), preferably a mobile phone, a laptop computer, or a tablet computer, the mobile end user device (22) having a second radio interface; wherein the mobile end user device (22) is arranged to simulate at least a portion of an operation of a plant which is at least partially controlled by the system (10); and wherein the mobile end user device (22) is further configured to generate the first payload data and / or to visualize the second payload data with regard to their effect on the operation of the system. System (10) after Claim 6 wherein the mobile end user device (22) is arranged to generate the first user data based on user input. System (10) after Claim 6 or 7 wherein the mobile end user device (22) is further configured to visualize a state of an actuator of the plant based on the second payload. System (10) according to one of Claims 6 to 8th wherein the mobile end user device (22) is further configured to receive a user selection regarding the first digital and / or analog inputs and / or outputs to be emulated and to transmit the configuration data based thereon to the first module (18) via the second radio interface , System (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 9 wherein the first and second radio interface (18a) are adapted to establish a near field communication, Bluetooth low energy, Bluetooth, ZigBee, or IEEE 802.11 connection. Module (18) adapted for connection to a fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller (12), comprising: a sub-bus interface for communication with the fieldbus coupler / fieldbus controller (12) and a first radio interface (18a); wherein the module (18) is arranged to receive configuration data via the first radio interface (18a), which directly or indirectly specify first digital and / or analog inputs and / or outputs to be emulated by the module (18), and to emulating the first digital and / or analog inputs and / or outputs to claim corresponding data width on the subbus.

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