DE202010018269U1 - Multifunctional input and output module for programmable logic controllers - Google Patents

Abstract

Input and output module (1) for programmable logic controllers (PLC), wherein the module (1) is designed as an assembly (1), which by several functional blocks (2-7, 29, 30) as building blocks (2-7, 29, 30) is formed, which on the one hand via internal bus (10) and a CPU (13) are connectable and on the other hand via inputs and outputs (8, 9) with external electrical sensors (also switches / buttons) and actuators (also optical / acoustic Displays and displays / monitors) are connected, wherein on the module (1) any number of multifunctional building blocks (6, 7, 29, 30) are arranged, each multifunctional building block (6, 7, 29, 30) free by an associated Control module (12) is configurable, so as to form the respective functional block (2-7, 29, 30) as a multifunctional module (6, 7, 29, 30), characterized in that the CPU (13) externally outside the input and Output module (1) is arranged and via a likewise external to the outside - and output module (1) arranged system bus (11) data and control commands to the on the input and output module (1) arranged control module (12) transmits, wherein the control module (12) from the system bus (11) receives digital control signals, the Control module (12) tell which programming commands he should supply the respective multifunctional device (6, 7, 29, 30) to determine the function of this multifunctional device (6, 7, 29, 30), and wherein the control module (12) as Bus interface is formed, which is assigned a control logic, wherein the control module (12) controls the internal bus (10), and this internal bus (10) in turn via bidirectional data and control lines the respective multifunctional device (6, 7, 29, 30) accordingly, according to the selected function of the multifunctional module (6, 7, 29, 30) and the bidirectional inputs and outputs (8, 9) are controlled.

Description

Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) require different interfaces for the exchange of measuring and control signals with the outside world, depending on the application. Currently, these interfaces in different modules (number and type), such. B. digital input or output modules, analog input or output modules, etc. provided.

The high number of module types requires high manufacturing and logistical challenges for companies and is associated with high costs.

Modules based on the prior art are implemented in discrete circuit technology and can not be subsequently reconfigured, i. H. that z. B. a digital output can be used as a digital input.

In programmable logic controllers, it is known to develop a separate card for each function block. By this term is meant that discrete components are placed on a circuit board to then create the circuit board as a functional block that fills a specific function. Such a function can, for. Example, be the replica of an analog input, the replica of an analog output or the replica of digital inputs and outputs.

Similarly, such a function block, which is constructed on a separate and separately developed card consist of a variety of other functional blocks, such. As counter and the like more.

Disadvantage of the previously known function blocks, which were developed in the form of discrete circuit boards in programmable logic controllers, is the high space requirements, the high development costs, because for each function a separate circuit board must be developed and incidentally the vulnerability in operation, because the discrete circuit boards must be interconnected by appropriate contact elements and are connected to a common control bus.

So it takes a variety of power strips and sockets to connect each known in the prior art circuit board with other circuit boards.

This creates an undesirably high variety of types in stock, a large inventory and a large spare parts requirement, because the individual function blocks, which are constructed on discrete circuit boards, must also be replaced separately.

The US 2008/0111581 A1 discloses an input and output module with a configurable ASIC, wherein the module is designed as an assembly, which is formed by several function blocks as blocks, which are connected on the one hand via internal bus and a CPU and on the other hand via inputs and outputs with external electrical sensors and Actuators are connectable, wherein on the module a number of multifunctional components (ASICs) are arranged, each multifunctional component is freely configurable by an associated control module, so as to form the respective functional block as a multifunctional component.

The invention has the object of developing an input and output module for a programmable logic controller so that it can be used much more flexible, d. H. that it is freely configurable or parameterizable according to the task assigned to it.

To solve the problem, the invention is characterized by the technical teaching of claim 1.

Arranged on a module (module) are any number of multifunctional components, each multifunctional component being freely configurable by an associated control module so as to form the respective known function block as a multifunctional component.

It is envisaged that the previously known in the prior art simple and only a single purpose function blocks can now perform a variety of functions and are therefore designed as a multi-functional building block.

This has the significant advantage that now not only a discrete application for the function block is provided, but that the function block can perform different functions according to its configurability and everything is summarized in a confined space.

The use of a so-called ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) gives a higher flexibility in a PLC module, since different interfaces in the modules are optionally available and can also be configured accordingly.

With this ASIC-based module, among other things, PLC-specific modules with analog inputs, analog outputs, inputs for temperature sensors, digital inputs and analog outputs can be implemented flexibly.

Two ASIC modules are used in one module, as this results in a good price / performance ratio.

With the given technical teaching, there is now the significant advantage that it is now possible to dispense with individual circuit boards serving only a single functional purpose and that a plurality of functionally embodied building blocks can be arranged on a module (subassembly), each multifunctional building block corresponding to its Configuration, eg B. can form an analog input, an analog output or a digital input / output. In addition, other functions are possible, such. As the function of a counter, the function of a temperature input and the like.

Important in the invention is therefore that now assigns several functions to the functional module according to the invention and these functions are now adjustable according to an externally fed configuration and are also changeable again.

This gives a great deal of flexibility, since a large number of separately configurable multifunctional components can now be set up on a single module, which serve a different functional purpose in accordance with their configuration. This was not the case with the prior art. For this reason, the invention has the advantage that the assembly constructed according to the invention is now very flexible and that is, it only needs to be held in storage a single module, because with a corresponding replacement requirements, only this single module is replaced. An exchange of different modules, which are arranged separately from each other and connected via connectors, is no longer necessary.

This minimizes inventory, reduces the need for spare parts, and significantly increases reliability. In addition, the development effort is drastically reduced because, so to speak, "everything - in one" is executed, ie. H. The multifunctional building block according to the invention can be used according to its configuration for a wide variety of functions.

According to the invention, the multifunctional components are designed as SMD components and are arranged in an arbitrary configuration and arrangement on an assembly. Such an assembly is then part of a programmable logic controller, and it is characteristic in these programmable logic controllers that a number of assemblies form a control assembly next to each other, wherein on one side of the control set a plurality of terminals are present, via which the sensor and actuator signals while on the output side of this control set there is an output for a central bus which merges all the digital signals and feeds them to a CPU.

Thus, the space required for such control sets is substantially minimized, because only a single multifunctional block must be present, where previously in the control set z. B. 3 adjacent function blocks must be present.

The subject of the present invention results not only from the subject matter of the individual claims, but also from the combination of the individual claims with each other.

All information and features disclosed in the documents, including the abstract, in particular the spatial design shown in the drawings, are claimed to be essential to the invention insofar as they are novel individually or in combination with respect to the prior art.

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to drawings showing only one embodiment. Here are from the drawings and their description further features essential to the invention and advantages of the invention.

Show it:

1 : the module structure of a programmable logic controller with the specification of three different function blocks

2 : a replacement of the known circuit after 1 with the arrangement of two multifunctional building blocks

3 : the control of a multifunctional device by a CPU

4 : An equivalent circuit diagram for an internal function block

5 : the interconnection of two internal function blocks with other components

6 : the block diagram of the arrangement after 4

7 : A block diagram for a function block for simulating an analog input

8th : a block diagram for the simulation of an analogue output

9 : a block diagram for the simulation of a digital input / output

In 1 In general, the state of the art is shown, namely a modular construction, which in principle consists of a module or an assembly 1 consists, are arranged on the means of discrete components three functional blocks. The function block 2 forms z. B. an analog input to, the function block 3 an analog output and the function block 4 a digital input or output.

Accordingly, the function blocks are the lines 2a . 3a and 4a assigned.

On the other side, these function blocks open 2 - 4 in digital inputs and outputs 5 , which are supplied to a non-illustrated CPU and further processed there.

The representation in 1 shows the disadvantage of the prior art, because there it can be seen that on the module, the function blocks 2 - 4 are constructed with discrete components and on the module, the function of these function blocks 2 - 4 is fixed and can not be changed.

This is where the invention begins, which now provides on a module 1 a number of function blocks 2 - 4 to provide and their function only freely configurable to achieve a much better flexibility.

This shows the 2 , In 2 is shown that the module 1 to 1 now replaced according to the invention by in each case a multifunctional component 6 or 7 , ie the arrangement according to 1 is in 2 already doubled by two differently working multifunctional building blocks 6 . 7 available.

Importantly, in every multifunctional building block 6 or 7 the functions after the previous function blocks 2 - 4 are freely configurable, as will be explained in more detail below.

The important thing here is that via an external system bus 11 one on the module 1 arranged control module 12 is driven, and this control module receives from the system bus 11 digital control signals that tell the control module which programming commands it is to the respective multifunctional device 6 or 7 to specify the function of this multifunctional device.

For this purpose, the control module 12 designed as a bus interface, which is assigned a control logic. For this reason, this control module controls 12 an internal bus 10 on, and this internal bus in turn controls the respective multifunctional block via bidirectional data and control lines 6 or 7 at. Accordingly, according to the selected function of the multifunctional device also become the bidirectional inputs and outputs 8th . 9 driven.

This is a significant advantage over the prior art representation ( 1 ), because now corresponding configurable functions of the multifunctional building blocks 6 or 7 also the inputs and outputs 8th . 9 be formed bidirectional, which was not the case in the prior art.

In 3 is the previously mentioned control of the control module 12 shown in more detail. It can be seen that via an externally arranged CPU 13 and the external system bus 11 the data and control commands to the control module 12 which is present on the input side in the respective module, in which one or more multifunctional building blocks 6 . 7 available.

It should be noted that the embodiment according to 2 only two differently working, but in principle the same structure multifunctional building blocks 6 . 7 shows. The invention is not limited thereto. It can be on such a module even a single multifunctional building block 6 be arranged, or it can be arranged a plurality of such multifunctional components, all of a control module 12 be configured in the manner previously described.

The 4 shows the block diagram of an internal function block 29 (see also 5 ), from which it can be seen that in such a multifunctional building block 6 . 7 (In each of the blocks) a plurality of configurable functional units or function blocks are arranged.

In the equivalent circuit diagram it can be seen that from the external system bus 11 starting from a control module 12 is driven, which is shown here as a controllable switch to represent that according to the switch position of this switch shown in the equivalent circuit diagram either now a function block 4 can be configured as a digital input and output or alternatively according to the position of this switch an analog output (function block 3 ) or according to the further position of this switch an analog input or according to the reference numeral 14 also a counter 14 can be turned on. This means that any number of internal function blocks by a control module, which is shown here in the equivalent circuit diagram as a switch, can be configured.

The comparison of 4 to 1 shows the main advantage of the invention, because now it can be seen that it no longer requires the construction of discrete components, but everything is in the respective multifunctional component 6 . 7 arranged.

The 5 shows the block diagram of the equivalent circuit diagram 4 where it can be seen that such an internal functional block 29 . 30 twice in such a multifunctional building block 6 . 7 exists and that every internal function block 29 . 30 is separately configurable. The configuration takes place here under the influence of a clock signal 15 that has a high-precision clock to the internal function blocks 29 . 30 pretends and also a voltage reference signal 16 is predetermined, which ensures a high-precision power supply.

The 6 now shows that in such an internal function block 29 or 30 the previously presented functions 7 . 8th and 9 be simulated and that consequently on the clock signal 15 the internal bus 10 and the reference signal 16 a variety of individual functions are configurable.

The 7 shows the internal structure of the replica of an analog input, which consists essentially of two parallel switchable switches 17 which is a power source 18 towards a reference potential 19 switch. The analogue input can have several operating modes and, for example, in the marked position of the changeover switch 17 becomes the power source 18 to the outside via the bidirectional input and output 8th . 9 switched to supply a non-illustrated encoder with a reference current.

Conversely, the signals emitted by the encoder are transmitted via the bidirectional inputs and outputs 8th . 9 a low pass 20 where they are filtered according to a low-pass curve and then an amplifier or attenuator 21 fed.

Thereafter, the output of the amplifier or attenuator 21 an A / D converter 22 fed, which creates a digital signal, which via a digital filter 23 a calibration 24 is supplied. The signal thus produced is applied to the internal bus 10 abandoned, under the influence of the control signals on the internal bus shown below 10 ,

Incidentally, the high-precision reference signal is also sent to the A / D converter 16 created.

In 8th is the digital replica of an analog output shown in the form of a block diagram.

Starting from the internal bus 10 where digital values at the input of a digital-to-analog converter 25 abutment, are under the influence of a reference voltage 16 these values are converted to analog values via the amplifier or attenuator 21 strengthened or weakened and then a low pass 20 where they then according to the switching position of the configurable switch 17 a bidirectional input and output 8th . 9 be supplied. In this way, an analog output is reproduced from digital input signals.

The 9 shows the replica of a digital input or output according to the block diagram shown there.

From the bidirectional input and output 8th . 9 On the one hand, the signal is fed on the one hand to a Schmitt trigger and there corresponding to a digital filter 23 continued, which has a display output 28 , z. B. for an LED, drives.

Parallel to this is according to the switching position of a configurable switch 17 under the influence of the data on the internal bus 10 the digital output is activated.

It is still shown that a supply voltage 27 is available.

The upper branch of the circuit after 9 is the digital input, while the lower circuit branch via the switch 17 represents the digital output.

It is important in the present invention, according to that now freely configurable multifunctional building blocks 6 . 7 are present, which can fill a variety of functions and the function is only selected when the corresponding data via a control module 12 and an external system bus 11 be supplied.

When starting such a programmable logic controller is therefore initially on the external system bus 11 informed the modules of their necessary and desired configuration. This results in significant savings in the programming of such programmable logic controllers and in the hardware structure.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Module (assembly)

2

function block

2a

Input analog

3

function block

3a

Output analog

4

function block

4a

Input / output digital

5

digital inputs and outputs

6

multifunctional building block

7

multifunctional building block

8th

bidirectional inputs and outputs

9

bidirectional inputs and outputs

10

internal bus

11

System bus (external)

12

control module

13

CPU

14

counter

15

clock signal

16

Reference signal (voltage)

17

switch

18

power source

19

reference potential

20

lowpass

21

Amplifier (or attenuator)

22

A / D converter

23

digital filter

24

calibration

25

Digital to analog converter

26

Schmitt trigger

27

supply voltage

28

Display output

29

internal function block

30

internal function block

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 2008/0111581 A1 [0009]

Claims (5)

Input and output module ( 1 ) for programmable logic controllers (PLC), whereby the module ( 1 ) as an assembly ( 1 ) formed by a plurality of functional blocks ( 2 - 7 . 29 . 30 ) as building blocks ( 2 - 7 . 29 . 30 ), which on the one hand via internal bus ( 10 ) and a CPU ( 13 ) and on the other hand via inputs and outputs ( 8th . 9 ) with external electrical sensors (also switches / buttons) and actuators (also optical / acoustic displays and displays / monitors) are connectable being on the module ( 1 ) any number of multifunctional building blocks ( 6 . 7 . 29 . 30 ), each multifunctional building block ( 6 . 7 . 29 . 30 ) freely by an associated control module ( 12 ) is configurable so that the respective function block ( 2 - 7 . 29 . 30 ) as a multifunctional building block ( 6 . 7 . 29 . 30 ), characterized in that the CPU ( 13 ) externally outside the input and output module ( 1 ) and also externally outside the input and output module ( 1 ) arranged system bus ( 11 ) Data and control commands to the on the input and output module ( 1 ) arranged control module ( 12 ), whereby the control module ( 12 ) from the system bus ( 11 ) receives digital control signals to the control module ( 12 ) which programming commands are to be sent to the respective multifunctional component ( 6 . 7 . 29 . 30 ) to perform the function of this multifunctional building block ( 6 . 7 . 29 . 30 ) and the control module ( 12 ) is designed as a bus interface to which a control logic is assigned, wherein the control module ( 12 ) the internal bus ( 10 ), and this internal bus ( 10 ) again via bidirectional data and control lines the respective multifunctional building block ( 6 . 7 . 29 . 30 ), and accordingly according to the selected function of the multifunctional device ( 6 . 7 . 29 . 30 ) also the bidirectional inputs and outputs ( 8th . 9 ). Input and output module ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that two multifunctional building blocks ( 6 . 7 . 29 . 30 ) are provided. Input and output module ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in each module ( 1 ) or in each multifunctional building block ( 6 . 7 . 29 . 30 ) analog inputs ( 2 ), analogue outputs ( 3 ) as well as digital inputs and digital outputs ( 4 ) are provided. Input and output module according to claim 1 to 3, characterized in that in each module ( 1 ) or in each multifunctional building block ( 6 . 7 . 29 . 30 ) at least one counter ( 14 ) or at least one temperature input are provided. Input and output module according to Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the multifunctional components ( 6 . 7 . 29 . 30 ) are designed as SMD components.

Images