DE102005025703B4 - Device for addressing and position determination of a device module - Google Patents

Abstract

I / O module (2) comprising at least one transmitter (4), at least one receiver (5) and means for generating from a received signal a signal which is in a predetermined relationship with the received signal, characterized in that a signal can be generated by the module which has a frequency which is a multiple or a fraction of the received signal.

Description

The invention relates to a device and a method for position detection and addressing of a device module, in particular an I / O module in a bus system.

In a switchgear, in particular a switchgear for a fieldbus system, which works with master and slave participants, the participants must be provided with addresses in order to be addressed. As part of the address assignment, the determination of the position of a module, for example the insertion position of a module locked in a control cabinet, may be necessary or helpful.

The DE 103 15 646 A1 shows, for example, a method for insertion level detection in a switchgear, in which each insertion level is assigned a recognizable and evaluable by the device module identification signal.

A disadvantage of known methods for detecting the position of device modules is that either a manual addressing by means of dip switches must be done or expensive devices must be provided to address the device modules, such as by a unique assignment on a backplane or by addressing an additional data line.

The documents DE 100 36 237 A1 and DE 103 53 295 A1 show in a cabinet arranged I / O modules.

According to the invention, the simplest possible position detection and parameterization of the device modules should be made possible outside a bus system. At the same time it should be possible to dispense with dip switches, address information carriers on the bus circuit board (backplane) or additional data lines.

In particular, it should be possible according to the invention to determine the order arranged in a cabinet device modules in a simple and reliable manner.

The object of the invention is already achieved by an I / O module according to claim 1 and by a control cabinet according to claim 9.

Preferred embodiments and further developments of the invention are to be taken from the respective subclaims.

It is a method for addressing, identification and / or position determination of a device module provided, which is understood in particular a arranged in a switchgear I / O module.

According to the method, it is provided that a first module sends out a signal. It may be a stored or predetermined by an external unit signal.

A second module, which is typically located adjacent to the first module, receives the first signal transmitted by the first module and generates a second signal that is in a predetermined relationship with the first signal.

A predefined relationship in the sense of the application is understood to be any mathematical function which makes it possible to determine the order of modules. For example, it is provided to multiply the input frequency with a predetermined multiplier in the case of a frequency signal. But other functions are also conceivable as long as there is a function that allows a clear assignment of a module. Thus, it is also conceivable to add certain proportions, for example a specific frequency, to extend a period of time, shorten it, etc.

The second module sends the generated second signal to a third module, which receives the second signal and, if further modules follow, another signal is also generated, which in turn is in the predetermined relationship to the second signal. By reading out the signal sent or received by a module, the order or insertion position or relative position of the module relative to the other modules can be determined. It is thus possible, for example, to address I / O modules arranged in a control cabinet with the aid of the position.

An I / O module in the sense of the application is understood as meaning a module which, in addition to receiving a signal and transmitting a modulated generated signal, also has further input and output functions. For the purposes of the application, therefore, it is not meant that the inventive presence of the transmitter and receiver for carrying out the method according to the invention already defines the module as an I / O module.

The inventive method, the position of a module can be determined in a theoretically arbitrarily long row.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the modules are arranged in a control cabinet, in particular it is provided that the modules in rows, so-called mounts (mounts) are used. Within each one Mount (Mount) can be determined according to the invention, the order of the in the holder (Mount) side by side modules arranged.

In one embodiment of the invention, the rows or mounts (mounts) for position determination can be switched off individually. If the position of the modules must be determined in several individual mounts, the position of each module is unique within the respective row, but not within the entire control cabinet. By deliberately switching off individual holders (mounts), however, the unique position of a module in the control cabinet can also be determined in such a case.

Alternatively, it is conceivable to assign the series different start signals, in particular different start frequencies. If each row starts with a different frequency and if the given relationship is chosen such that no overlapping of the signal values can occur, a clear position determination of all modules is possible without switching off individual mounts.

Another alternative is that the rows or mounts are connected by means of a device which passes on the last signal of one row, the end signal, to another row. This end signal then forms the start signal in the further row. Thus, the method of the invention from mount (mount) to mount (mount) and it is also a clear determination of each module possible.

In a preferred embodiment of the method, a start module is provided, which is arranged at the beginning of a row and sends a start signal to the first module. The boot module does not necessarily need to be an I / O module, but may be any switch that either sends a stored signal or is controlled over the network, for example.

In the same way, an end module can be provided on the other side of the row, which receives the last signal transmitted, that is to say the signal of the last module in a row, which is referred to below as the end signal. This end module can then forward the end signal of the first row to another start module of another row, for example via a signal or data line. Thus, a respective modulated signal runs from holder to holder and it is possible to determine the insertion positions of the respective modules in an entire control cabinet.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the modules have laterally arranged transmitting devices in order to transmit the generated signal to the following module and a laterally arranged receiving device to receive the generated signal of the previous module or the signal transmitted by the starting module. These transmitting and receiving devices are preferably located on opposite sides of the module and allow only communication between adjacent modules. Thus, it does not come to signal overlays, which could make it difficult to identify or prevent.

In particular, it is provided that the signal transmission by infrared diodes and infrared receiver, which can be arranged in particular on the sides of a module to make. Mounted in a holder, each pair of modules is then faced with an infrared diode and an infrared receiver. Thus, each module can only receive the signal from its preceding neighbor module and only send a signal to the following neighboring module.

In particular, it is provided to send a signal with a predetermined blinking frequency, which is then divided by the modules in each case by two. Thus, the frequency in a module row decreases from the start signal to the end signal. By setting the received frequency in relation to the first predetermined frequency, the position of a module can be determined.

The modules are preferably arranged in a cascade. It could also be said that when the method is performed, the signal changes cascade-like.

In a preferred embodiment of the method, the modules are snapped into a backplane. For example, the received or transmitted signal of the respective module can be read out via a backplane, and the position can be determined therefor. Alternatively, each module can also have an interface, for example the interface of a bus system. If the reading of the transmitted or received signal takes place via the interface of a bus system in which the modules are integrated in any case, it is no longer necessary to add further hardware components in order to determine the position of the modules.

The invention relates to an I / O module comprising a transmitter and a receiver, and means for generating from a received signal a signal which is in a predetermined relationship with the received signal. By arranging such device modules one after the other, by reading out the transmitted or received signals, the device position is made possible or insertion level in a control cabinet to determine clearly.

Preferably, the transmitter is arranged to send a signal only to the subsequent module and the receiver is arranged to receive a signal only from the preceding module in the series. This ensures that each module can only receive signals from the neighboring modules, or sends only to neighboring modules. As a result, no intersection of the individual signals can take place.

The module preferably has an infrared transmitter, for example an infrared diode and an infrared receiver.

Infrared transmitter and infrared receiver are in a preferred embodiment of the invention on the opposite side walls of a module, which is prepared in a further preferred embodiment for installation in a control cabinet.

The infrared modules may emit a signal having, for example, a frequency that is a multiple or a fraction of the received signal. This may be, for example, a blinking frequency of a diode. Infrared diodes are reliable, inexpensive and the emitted infrared light does not cause interference in nearby devices. A light signal which has a different wavelength, for example in the visible range, is also conceivable.

As a module, in particular, a module is provided, which is part of a bus system, for example a fieldbus system. In particular, the invention relates to safety-related system monitoring modules, which are integrated in a master-slave bus system and whose position can be determined, for example, via the bus system by reading the transmitted or received frequencies.

In a control cabinet, in a further development of the invention several, in particular superposed mounts are provided, in which the modules can be snapped in rows. To determine the position of the modules, these mounts can again be switched off. Alternatively, it is possible to pass on the end signal of one row to the respective following holder (mount).

A particular embodiment of the invention comprises a start module, which is mounted, for example, at the beginning of a row in a holder and sends a start signal, in particular a start frequency. This start frequency can be adjustable, for example via DIP switches on the start module or via the bus, to which the start module is connected, are controlled.

In a preferred embodiment of the method, the end module can pass on the end signal of one row, or of a holder, via a signal line to a start module of another holder. Thus, the individual brackets are arranged cascade to each other and it can be determined throughout the cabinet, the position of the modules.

It is also conceivable to associate different mountings with different start signals, in particular to assign those start signals which, because of their value, do not lead to overlapping of the received and transmitted signals. Each generated signal can thus occur only once. Thus, even without passing the signal from one holder to another, a clear assignment can be made.

The invention further relates to a bus system, in particular a field bus system, which comprises a module or a control cabinet with modules according to the invention.

The invention will be described below with reference to the drawings 1 to 7 be explained in more detail.

1 shows a schematic perspective view of a holder,

2 shows schematic perspective views of inventive I / O modules,

3 shows a schematic plan view of a holder,

4 shows a schematic detail view of a holder,

5 shows a schematic view of three successive holders,

6 shows a schematic flow diagram of the method according to the invention,

7 shows a schematic representation of a cabinet according to the invention.

In 1 is schematically a holder 10 (Mount), ie a part of a control cabinet (not shown), in which modules, here designed as I / O modules 2 , can be inserted in a row arranged. In this embodiment, the I / O modules are 2 on tracks 12 locked. The holder 10 includes recesses 13 to look at a control cabinet (not seen) to be mounted. At the beginning of the holder is a start module 1 arranged over which a start frequency signal via an infrared diode (not visible) can be sent out. That in the holder 10 to the start module 1 adjacent I / O module 2 receives the frequency signal by means of a phototransistor and generates another frequency signal by dividing the starting frequency by two. Then the I / O module sends 2 the generated signal, a signal with the frequency f / 2 to his neighbor module on. So a frequency signal, which halves from module to module, travels through the row of I / O modules 2 , After the last I / O module 2 is an end module 3 arranged, which is that of the last I / O module 2 sent out signal and over a signal line 6 for example, to the start module of another holder (not shown) can pass.

Via the signal line 6 of the startup module 1 Either the end signal of another module can be fed in or the start module 1 be parameterized.

The position of the I / O modules arranged one after the other in the row 2 can be determined by reading, for example, the received frequency. So you can split the start frequency by the received frequency and you get the slot of the respective I / O module 2 , For example, the second in-line module receives a frequency of f / 2 from the first module. When put in ratio comes out position "two".

The input or output frequencies, for example via an interface 7 be read out. These interfaces 7 can also serve the connection to a bus system. Alternatively, reading via a bus circuit board (back-plane) (not shown) is conceivable.

2 schematically shows two I / O modules according to the invention 2 in a perspective view. The modules have on opposite sides of an infrared diode 4 and an infrared receiver 5 , If the diodes are locked in a control cabinet (not visible), there are infrared diodes 4 and infrared receiver 5 directly opposite. So can the modulated signal from the neighboring I / O module 2 be received. Both modules have an interface 7 via which they are integrated into a bus system (not shown).

3 shows a further schematic view of a holder according to the invention (here in plan view), in which two I / O modules 2 on tracks 12 are locked. The holder 10 has a startup module 1 in which via dip switches 8th a start frequency is adjustable. Behind the rails 12 there is a bus circuit board 11 , which can be equipped with electronic components (not to be seen). The start signal is via an infrared diode 4 from the start module 1 sent out in the next I / O module 2 received from an infrared receiver and a generated signal sent on the other side. It runs such a changing signal cascadically from one I / O module to the other module until it comes from a receiving module 3 , which in this embodiment is not configured as an I / O module in the sense of the application is received. Both at the start module 1 as well as at the end module 3 is a signal line 6 connected, via the example of the end module, the end signal in another holder (not seen) can be used as a start signal.

In this case, the modules are safety-related I / O modules for system monitoring, which have at least one interface 7 and integrated into a fieldbus system.

4 shows a further schematic view of a holder 10 , In the detail view are two I / O modules 2 to recognize that via interfaces 7 and each edge of an infrared diode 4 as transmitting device and an infrared receiver 5 as a receiving device and so a modulated signal from an I / O module 2 to another I / O module 2 can be passed on.

5 finally shows a schematic view of three brackets 10A . 10B . 10C , as for example, in a cabinet (not shown) are mounted. Each bracket includes a startup module 1 and an end module 3 , which are not designed as I / O modules in the meaning of the application. In between are on rails 12 the I / O modules 2 locked. Via signal lines 6 the end signal becomes the end module of the upper bracket 10A to the start module 1 the middle bracket 10B passed. Each modulated signal runs through the row of I / O modules 2 the middle bracket 10B and then turn from the end module 3 the middle bracket 10B to the start module 1 the lower bracket 10C passed. Thus, a modulated signal cascades through all three mounts and the position in the cabinet (not shown) of each I / O module can be determined.

6 shows a schematic flow diagram 20 the method according to the invention. A start signal is sent 21 , The start signal is received by an I / O module 22 , An I / O module generates a signal modulated by a predetermined ratio 23 , The modulated signal is sent 24 and received from another I / O module 25 , This chain can continue indefinitely, so it can add more modules, so the process again with the generation 23 continue to run another signal. With any module, the received signal can be read out 25 and by putting in ratio 26 of the received signal with the start signal, the insertion position of the module can be determined.

The reading can be done for example via an interface, in particular via the bus itself, in which the I / O module is integrated (not shown).

7 shows a schematic representation of a cabinet according to the invention 30 , In the control cabinet 30 are I / O modules 2 arranged in a row. Via laterally arranged infrared diodes 4 and infrared receiver 5 can by means of the method according to the invention, the order of the I / O modules 2 be determined. The control cabinet 30 is connected to a network 31 connected.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

start module

2

I / O module

3

end module

4

Infrared diode

5

Infrared receiver

6

signal line

7

interface

8th

Dip switch

10

Mount

11

Backplane

12

rail

13

recess

20

flow chart

21

Start signal transmission

22

Start signal received

23

generate modulated signal

24

send modulated signal

25

receive modulated signal

26

Read signal

27

Set signal in relation

30

switch cabinet

31

network

Claims (12)

I / O module ( 2 ) comprising at least one transmitter ( 4 ), at least one receiver ( 5 ) and means for generating from a received signal a signal which is in a predetermined relation to the received signal, characterized in that a signal is generated by the module which has a frequency which is a multiple or a fraction of the received Signal is. I / O module ( 2 ) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that several of these I / O modules ( 2 ) are arranged side by side, wherein there is next to a first I / O module, a subsequent second I / O module, wherein the transmitter is adapted to send a signal only to the subsequent module. I / O module ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of these I / O modules ( 2 ) are juxtaposed with, in addition to a first I / O module, a previous third I / O module, the receiver being arranged to receive only a signal from the previous module. I / O module ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the module comprises at least one infrared transmitter ( 4 ) and at least one infrared receiver ( 5 ) having. I / O module ( 2 ) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the at least one infrared transmitter ( 4 ) and the at least one infrared receiver ( 5 ) are arranged on opposite side walls of the module. I / O module ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the module is latched during installation in a control cabinet. I / O module ( 2 ) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the frequency is the flash frequency of a diode. Control cabinet, in particular for inclusion in a master / slave bus system, comprising at least one I / O module ( 2 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the I / O module ( 2 ) at least one transmitter ( 4 ), at least one receiver ( 5 ) and means for generating from a received signal a signal which is related to the received signal in a predetermined relationship, wherein the control cabinet at least one holder ( 10 ) with a start module ( 1 ) having means for sending a start signal, characterized in that the start signal is adjustable. Switchgear cabinet according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the switchgear cabinet has a plurality of holders (preferably arranged one above the other) ( 10 ) in which the I / O modules ( 2 ) are each latched in a row. Switchgear cabinet according to one of Claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the starting signal is a starting frequency. Switchgear cabinet according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the control cabinet is designed as part of a safety switching device, in particular for monitoring plant operating conditions. Bus system, in particular fieldbus system, comprising at least one module ( 2 ) according to one of claims 1 to 6 or a switchgear cabinet according to one of claims 8 to 11.

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