JP2000174673A - Signal conversion unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To change input/output conversion characteristics without changing a unit. SOLUTION: For this signal conversion unit 30, plural input terminal blocks 1 for connecting external input cables 13 and output terminal blocks 4 are arranged in correspondence inside a unit case 5, and corresponding to them, a signal conversion circuit 2 provided with conversion circuits 8, 9 and 10 provided for the respective kinds of the input/output conversion characteristics, an input signal switching device 3A and an output signal switching device 3B are provided and further, a power supply input terminal block 6 for supplying an external power source 7 to the signal conversion circuit 2 is provided. At the time of performing conversion to the level of the signals of prescribed input/output conversion characteristics, the conversion circuits 8 and 9 are selected by the input signal switching device 3A and the output signal switching device 3B so as to make the signals pass through one of the conversion circuits.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a signal conversion unit for converting an analog signal for control and monitoring in a plant monitoring control of a power plant or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In plants such as power plants,
Handles various levels of analog signals for instrumentation control. Such an analog signal has a signal conversion unit adapted to an input signal level, converts the signal into a signal of a predetermined level for each plant, and inputs the signal to a control / monitoring controller.

When there are a plurality of types of analog input signal levels, a signal conversion unit corresponding to the type is installed, and when the analog signal level is changed,
It had been replaced with a signal conversion unit that matched the analog signal level. When an external cable is connected to the signal conversion unit, the external cable is connected to the input terminal block and the output terminal block.

[0004]

As described above, when changing the level of the analog signal conversion, the signal conversion unit itself must be replaced. The signal conversion unit had to be re-installed, and the remodeling was troublesome.

When there are a plurality of analog signal conversion levels, it is necessary to install a signal conversion unit according to the type.

[0006] Further, when a signal after analog signal conversion by the signal conversion unit is connected to an input connection portion of a controller or the like that is standardized as a connector, the connector conversion must be performed by the connector conversion unit. However, the installation space of the connector conversion unit must be taken into consideration, and the wiring connection between the signal conversion unit and the connector conversion unit must be performed, which takes a lot of man-hours.

Therefore, the present invention provides a signal conversion unit which does not require preparing a signal conversion unit for each input signal to be converted in level conversion of an analog signal.

Further, in the analog signal level conversion of the present invention, when it is desired to change the level to be converted, it is only necessary to change the setting of the signal switch or replace the module for the signal conversion unit without arranging a new signal conversion unit. Therefore, the present invention provides a signal conversion unit that can be changed without changing the signal conversion unit itself or wiring.

[0009]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a signal conversion unit for outputting an analog signal obtained by inputting an analog signal and converting the input signal into a predetermined input / output conversion characteristic. Connection part that can connect a cable to be connected according to the number of input points, an output connection part that is provided corresponding to the input connection part and that connects a cable that outputs an analog signal to the outside, an input connection part, and an output connection part And a conversion circuit provided for each type of a predetermined input / output conversion characteristic for converting an analog signal taken in from an input connection portion into a predetermined input / output conversion characteristic in accordance with the number of input / output points. An analog signal from an input connection unit is input to a conversion circuit and a conversion circuit having a desired input / output conversion characteristic among conversion circuits provided for each type of input / output conversion characteristics of the signal conversion circuit. While switching to cormorants is obtained by so providing a signal switching device for switching the signal to output the converted analog signal is output from the desired conversion circuit to the output connection. According to this means, since switching is performed so as to select a conversion circuit having a desired input / output conversion characteristic by having a conversion circuit having a plurality of types of input / output conversion characteristics, without newly installing a signal conversion unit, The input / output conversion characteristics can be easily changed.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a signal conversion unit for outputting an analog signal obtained by inputting an analog signal and converting the input signal into a predetermined input / output conversion characteristic. An input signal that can be connected in response to the input signal, and a network having a plurality of types of input / output conversion characteristics corresponding to the input signal and the output signal. And a signal conversion circuit provided in accordance with the number of input / output points that can be selected and switched from within a circuit network of a plurality of types of input / output conversion characteristics so as to obtain the input / output conversion characteristics. According to this means, switching is performed so as to select a desired input / output conversion characteristic by having a conversion circuit network having a plurality of types of input / output conversion characteristics. Characteristics can be easily changed.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a signal conversion unit for outputting an analog signal obtained by inputting an analog signal and converting the signal into a predetermined input / output conversion characteristic. An input connection part that can be connected in accordance with the input connection part, an output connection part that is provided corresponding to the input connection part and that connects a cable that outputs an analog signal to the outside, and that is provided corresponding to the input connection part and the output connection part In addition, a signal conversion module is provided which is detachably provided according to the number of input / output points for converting an analog signal taken in from an input connection portion into a predetermined input / output conversion characteristic. According to this means, it is only necessary to replace the modularized detachable signal conversion module, so that it can be easily replaced with a desired signal conversion module and the signal conversion unit can be made compact.

The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to claims 1 to 3.
In any one of the signal conversion units described above, the input connection unit is configured by an input terminal block or an input connector. According to this means, in the case of an input connector, means for input signal exchange can be increased, and input signal processing can be simplified.

[0013] The invention of claim 5 is the invention of claims 1 to 3.
In any one of the signal conversion units described above, the output connection unit is configured by an output terminal block or an output connector. According to this means, when changing the input / output conversion characteristic of the analog output signal by the connector output, it becomes possible by changing the signal conversion circuit. The output connector can increase the number of means for obtaining output signals, and can simplify output signal processing.

The invention of claim 6 is the first to third aspects of the present invention.
In any one of the signal conversion units described above, the output connection unit is configured by an output terminal block and an output connector. According to this means, since the connector output is provided in addition to the terminal block, it can be directly connected to an external connector as required.

[0015]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

In the signal conversion unit 30, a plurality of input terminal blocks 1 and output terminal blocks 4 for connecting an external input cable 13 are arranged in a unit case 5 so as to correspond thereto. A signal conversion circuit 2 having conversion circuits 8, 9, and 10 provided for each type of input / output conversion characteristics, an input signal switch 3A, and an output signal switch 3B are provided.
A power supply input terminal block 6 for supplying an external power supply 7 to the signal conversion circuit 2 is provided.

Here, the signal conversion circuit 2 includes a conversion circuit 8,
The conversion circuit 8 has the same input signal and output signal and outputs the input signal as it is as an output signal. The conversion circuit 9 converts a current signal into a voltage signal. The conversion circuit 10 converts a current of 4 to 20 mA into a voltage of 1 to 5 V or the like. The input signal switch 3A switches to select one of the conversion circuits 8, 9, 10 on the input side. Output signal switch 3
B switches so that one of the conversion circuits 8, 9, and 10 is selected on the output side.

With this configuration, in the conversion circuit 8, FIG.
As shown in (1), the input signal has straight input / output characteristics. That is, the input signal is output without conversion. For example, an output of 1 to 5 V is output for an input of 1 to 5 V. The conversion circuit 9 has output characteristics for converting current to voltage as shown in FIG. For example, 4
An output of 1 to 5 V is applied to an input of 20 mA.

The conversion circuit 10 has an output characteristic of converting a current to a voltage and supplying power as shown in FIG. For example, an output of 1 to 5 V is applied to an input of 4 to 20 mA supplied with power like a transmitter. In the above example, the signal can be converted into a three-level signal.
A circuit for converting the signal into these levels is a signal conversion circuit 2
Each is independent.

Here, when converting the signal into a predetermined signal level, the input signal switch 3A and the output signal switch 3B use the conversion circuit 8, so that the signal passes through one of the conversion circuits.
Select 9. When setting the signal level to the straight output characteristic, the input signal switch 3A is selected as shown in FIG.
And the output signal switch 3B is set to the 8a, 8b side.

Next, when converting the level of a signal from a current to a voltage, as shown in FIG.
A and the output signal switch 3B are set to select 9a and 9b. Next, when converting the current to the voltage and setting the level of the signal to supply the power, the input signal switch 3A and the output signal switch 3B are set to 10 as shown in FIG.
a, 10b side.

In the first embodiment, three types of conversion circuits have been described as specific examples. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and is applied to various types of conversion circuits such as converting a non-linear input to a linear one. be able to.

As described above, according to the signal conversion unit of the first embodiment, when changing the level for converting an analog signal, the level is changed by switching each signal switch without replacing the signal conversion unit. be able to.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a signal conversion unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 showing the first embodiment denote the same or corresponding parts. .

That is, the signal conversion unit 30A includes the input terminal block 1 for connecting the external input cable 13 in the unit case 5 and the output terminal block 4 for connecting the external output cable 14 corresponding thereto. And has a signal switch 11A, a signal switch 11B, a signal switch 11C and a conversion network 12, and these signal switches 11A
Conversion circuit 2 having a plurality of types of input / output conversion characteristics by switching between signal switch 11B and signal switch 11C
And a power input terminal block 6 for inputting an external power 7.

According to the signal conversion unit 30A of this configuration, straight output characteristics (no input signal conversion) for signal conversion by switching the first signal switch 11A, the second signal switch 11B, and the third signal switch 11C. To output. For example, an output of 1 to 5 V is output for an input of 1 to 5 V. Similarly, an output characteristic of converting a current to a voltage, for example, an output of 1 to 5 V for an input of 4 to 20 mA. Similarly, output characteristics for converting current to voltage and supplying power, for example, 1 to 4 to 20 mA input supplied with power like a transmitter.
It outputs ~ 5V. The above three-level input signal can be converted into a signal of a predetermined level.

Here, the operation of each signal switch at the time of conversion into the level of each signal will be specifically described.

First, when setting the signal level of the straight output characteristic, the signal switch 11C is opened, the signal switch 11A is set to the A contact, and the signal switch 11B is set to the B contact. FIG. 2 shows the signal conversion circuit at this time. This equivalent circuit is a circuit that outputs an input signal without conversion.

Next, when converting the level of a signal from current to voltage, the signal switch 11C is closed, the signal switch 11A is set to the A contact side, and the signal switch 11B is set to the B contact side. FIG. 3 shows the signal conversion circuit at this time. This equivalent circuit is a circuit that converts an input signal of 4 to 20 mA into a signal of 1 to 5 V and outputs the signal.

Next, when converting the level of a signal from current to voltage and supplying power, the signal switch 1
1C is closed, the signal switch 11A is set to the B contact side, and the signal switch 11B is set to the B contact side. FIG. 4 shows an equivalent circuit of the signal conversion circuit at this time. This equivalent circuit is a circuit that supplies power from an external power supply 7 outside, converts an input signal of 4 to 20 mA into a signal of 1 to 5 V, and outputs the signal.

As described above, according to the signal conversion unit of the second embodiment, when the level for converting an analog signal is changed, the level is changed by switching each signal switch without replacing the signal conversion unit. Can be.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a signal conversion unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 showing the first embodiment denote the same or corresponding parts. .

In the signal conversion unit 30B, an input terminal block 1 for connecting an external input cable 13 and an output terminal block 4 for connecting a corresponding external output cable 14 are arranged in a unit case 5. On the other hand, the input-side module connector 21A and the output-side module connector 2A
1B, and a detachable signal conversion module 20 having predetermined input / output conversion characteristics is provided.
And a power supply input terminal block 6 for connecting the power supply terminals.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a signal conversion module 20 having a straight output characteristic for outputting an input signal without conversion. In the figure, the signal conversion module 20
The internal circuit of A is the same as that of FIG. 2 which is the signal conversion circuit of the signal conversion unit having the straight output characteristic described in the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a signal conversion module 20B having an output characteristic for converting a current as an input signal into a voltage. In the figure, the internal circuit of the signal conversion module 20B is the same as that shown in FIG. 3, which is the signal conversion circuit of the signal conversion unit having the output characteristic for converting current to voltage described in the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a signal conversion module 20C having an output characteristic for converting a current as an input signal into a voltage and supplying power. In the figure, the internal circuit of the signal conversion module 20C is the same as that of FIG. 4 which is a signal conversion circuit of a signal conversion unit having an output characteristic for converting a current to a voltage and supplying power according to the first embodiment. . As described above, the signal conversion module 20C connects the external power supply 7 to the module connector 21A for the output characteristic of supplying power, and the module connector 21A.
Supplies power to the internal circuit.

According to the signal conversion unit of the third embodiment, a required analog signal is selected from the straight output of the signal conversion characteristics described in the first embodiment and the output characteristics for converting current to voltage. By selecting the signal conversion module 20 for signal characteristic conversion and incorporating the selected signal conversion module 20 in the module connectors 21A and 21B, it is possible to convert the signal into a signal of a required level.

The signal conversion module 20 which converts the current as an input signal into a voltage and outputs power and supplies power is configured to supply power from the outside, but the external power supply 7 is connected to the module. The signal conversion module 20 can be arbitrarily replaced with another signal conversion module 20 by connecting to the device 21A to supply power to the internal circuit, thereby changing the input / output conversion characteristics.

As described above, according to the signal conversion unit of the third embodiment, when there are a plurality of analog input signals and conversion to analog input signals of a plurality of levels is required,
A signal conversion module can be appropriately selected, and a signal conversion unit can be constituted only by a necessary signal conversion circuit.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a signal conversion unit according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 10, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 6 showing the third embodiment denote the same or corresponding parts. The third embodiment is characterized in that an input connector 22 is provided instead of the input terminal block 1 of the third embodiment.

That is, in the signal conversion unit 30C, the input connector 22 for connecting the external input cable 23 and the corresponding output terminal block 4 for connecting the external output cable 14 are arranged in the unit case 5. on the other hand,
A power input terminal block having an input-side module connector 21A and an output-side module connector 21B, including a detachable signal conversion module 20 having predetermined input / output conversion characteristics, and further connecting an external power supply 7 6 is provided.

According to the signal conversion unit of the fourth embodiment, the analog input signal can be input to the signal conversion module 20 by the input connector 22, and the first to third signals can be input.
The signal conversion module 20 for the characteristic conversion of the required analog signal can be selected from the straight output, which is the signal conversion characteristic described in any of the embodiments, and the output characteristic for converting current to voltage. Since the conversion module 20 can be connected by the module connector 21, it can be converted into a signal of a required level.

As described above, according to the signal conversion unit of the fourth embodiment, when there are a plurality of analog input signals by connector connection and conversion to a plurality of levels is required, it is necessary to connect to the input terminal block. Instead, the signal conversion module can be appropriately selected, and only the required signal conversion circuit can be used to configure the signal conversion unit.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a signal conversion unit according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 11, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 6 showing the third embodiment denote the same or corresponding parts. The third embodiment is characterized in that an output connector 24 is provided instead of the output terminal block 4 of the third embodiment.

In the signal conversion unit 30D, the input terminal block 1 for connecting the external input cable 13 and the corresponding output connector 24 for connecting the external output cable 25 are arranged in the unit case 5. , The input-side module connector 21A and the output-side module connector 2
1B, and a detachable signal conversion module 20 having predetermined input / output conversion characteristics is provided.
And a power supply input terminal block 6 for connecting the power supply terminals.

The signal conversion unit 3 according to the fifth embodiment
According to 0D, the output from the signal conversion module 20 is enabled by the output connector 24 that outputs an analog output signal, and the straight output of the signal conversion characteristic described in any of the first to third embodiments and the current to the voltage The signal conversion module 20 having the required analog signal characteristic conversion can be selected from the output characteristics and the like for conversion to the desired signal, and the selected signal conversion module 20 can be connected by the module connector 21. It can be converted to a level signal.

As described above, according to the signal conversion unit of the fifth embodiment, when there are a plurality of analog input signals and conversion to a plurality of levels is required, a signal conversion module is appropriately selected and required. It is possible to configure a signal conversion unit that enables connector output only with the signal conversion circuit.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a signal conversion unit according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. The same reference numerals as those in FIG. 6 showing the third embodiment denote the same or corresponding parts. The sixth embodiment is characterized in that an output connector 26 is added to the third embodiment.

That is, the signal conversion unit 30E includes the input terminal block 1 for connecting the external input cable 13 in the unit case 5 and the output terminal block 4 for connecting the external output cable 14 corresponding thereto. And a detachable signal conversion module 20 having an input-side module connector 21A and an output-side module connector 21B, having a predetermined input / output conversion characteristic, and further connecting an external power supply 7. A power input terminal block 6 is provided, and an output connector 26 having an output cable 27 is additionally provided.

According to the signal conversion unit of the sixth embodiment, the same signal can be output from the signal conversion module 20 to a plurality of signal destinations by the output connector 26 for outputting an analog signal. It is also possible to output one point at a time from the table 4, and it is required from the straight output of the signal conversion characteristics described in any of the first to third embodiments and the output level for converting current to voltage. By selecting the signal conversion module 20 for analog signal level conversion, the signal can be converted to a signal of a desired level.

In the second to sixth embodiments, three types of conversion circuits have been described as specific examples. However, each type of conversion circuit is not limited to this, and converts each type of non-linear input into a linear type. Can be applied to

As described above, according to the signal conversion unit of the sixth embodiment, when there are a plurality of analog input signals and conversion to a plurality of levels is required, a signal conversion module is appropriately selected and required. It is possible to configure a signal conversion unit that enables a connector output for outputting a plurality of similar signals collectively and a terminal block output for each point only by the signal conversion module alone.

[0053]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a conversion circuit having a plurality of types of input / output conversion characteristics, and switching is performed so as to select a conversion circuit having desired input / output conversion characteristics. Therefore, the input / output conversion characteristics can be changed without newly installing a signal conversion unit.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, switching is performed so as to select a desired input / output conversion characteristic by providing a conversion circuit network having a plurality of types of input / output conversion characteristics. The input / output conversion characteristics can be changed without installation. Further, since the signal conversion circuit shares the circuit network, the circuit can be made compact.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, when it is necessary to change the input / output conversion characteristics, it is only necessary to replace the modularized detachable signal conversion module, so that the change can be easily made. Further, the signal conversion unit itself can be made compact.

According to the invention of claim 4, when the input / output conversion characteristic is changed, it becomes possible by changing the signal conversion module. Further, since the input side is an input connector, it is possible to increase means for input signal exchange and to simplify input signal processing.

According to the invention of claim 5, when the input / output conversion characteristic is changed, it becomes possible by changing the signal conversion module. Further, the output connector can increase the number of means for obtaining the output signal, and can simplify the output signal processing.

According to the invention of claim 6, when the input level of the analog input signal by the connector output is changed, it becomes possible by changing the signal conversion module. In addition, the input and output connectors allow direct connection to the input or output signal exchange partner with the cable, eliminating the need for a connector conversion unit, which saves installation space and wiring, and
Provision of the output terminal block enables processing of each signal.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a signal conversion unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram when the signal conversion unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention has straight output characteristics.

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram in a case where the signal conversion unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention has output characteristics for converting current to voltage.

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram in a case where the signal conversion unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention converts current to voltage and has output characteristics for supplying power.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a signal conversion unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a signal conversion unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram of a signal conversion module when the signal conversion unit according to the third embodiment of the present invention has straight output characteristics.

FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram of a signal conversion module in a case where the signal conversion unit according to the third embodiment of the present invention has output characteristics for converting current to voltage.

FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram of a signal conversion module in a case where the signal conversion unit according to the third embodiment of the present invention converts current to voltage and has an output characteristic for supplying power.

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a signal conversion unit according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of a signal conversion unit according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram of a signal conversion unit according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Input terminal block 2 Signal conversion circuit 3A Input signal switch 3B Output signal switch 4 Output terminal block 5 Unit case 6 Power supply input terminal block 7 External power supply 8, 9, 10 Conversion circuit 11A, 11B, 11C Signal switch 12 Conversion Circuit network 13,23 Input cable 14,25,27 Output cable 20 Signal conversion module 21A, 21B Module connector 22 Input connector 24,26 Output connector

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Hiroaki Kobayashi 1 Toshiba-cho, Fuchu-shi, Tokyo Inside the Toshiba Fuchu Plant (72) Inventor Hiromichi Hori 1-Toshiba-cho, Fuchu-shi Tokyo 72) Inventor Katsumi Nagase 1 Toshiba-cho, Fuchu-shi, Tokyo F-term in Fuchu Plant, Toshiba Corporation (reference) 5K046 AA01 BA01 CC05 DD02 DD12 YY01

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A signal conversion unit that inputs an analog signal and outputs an analog signal obtained by converting the signal into a predetermined input / output conversion characteristic, wherein a cable for inputting the analog signal from the outside can be connected according to the number of input points. An input connection unit, an output connection unit that is provided corresponding to the input connection unit, and that connects a cable for outputting an analog signal to the outside according to the number of output points, and the input connection unit and the output connection A signal conversion circuit provided for each type and corresponding to the required number of input / output points, and having a conversion circuit for each type that converts an analog signal taken in from the input connection section into a predetermined input / output conversion characteristic, Among the conversion circuits provided corresponding to the signal conversion circuits and provided for each type of the input / output conversion characteristics, the conversion circuit having the desired input / output conversion characteristics is supplied from the input connection unit. A signal switch for switching a signal so as to input a log signal and switching a signal so as to output a converted analog signal output from the desired conversion circuit to the output connection unit. unit. 2. A signal conversion unit which inputs an analog signal and outputs an analog signal obtained by converting the analog signal into a predetermined input / output conversion characteristic, wherein a cable for inputting the analog signal from the outside can be connected according to the number of input points. An input connection unit, and corresponding to the input connection unit and the output connection unit, having a circuit network having a plurality of types of input / output conversion characteristics, a desired analog signal taken from the input connection unit A signal conversion circuit provided in accordance with the number of input / output points that can be selected and switched from within the circuit network of the plurality of types of input / output conversion characteristics so as to obtain input / output conversion characteristics. 3. A signal conversion unit for outputting an analog signal obtained by inputting an analog signal and converting it into a predetermined input / output conversion characteristic, wherein a cable for externally inputting the analog signal can be connected according to the number of input points. An input connection portion, an output connection portion provided to correspond to the input connection portion, for connecting a cable for outputting an analog signal to the outside, and provided corresponding to the input connection portion and the output connection portion, A signal conversion unit, comprising: a signal conversion module which is detachably provided according to the number of input / output points for converting an analog signal taken in from the input connection section into a predetermined input / output conversion characteristic. 4. The input connection unit according to claim 1, wherein the input connection unit comprises an input terminal block or an input connector.
The signal conversion unit according to claim 3. 5. The output connection unit according to claim 1, wherein the output connection unit comprises an output terminal block or an output connector.
The signal conversion unit according to claim 3. 6. The signal conversion unit according to claim 1, wherein the output connection unit includes an output terminal block and an output connector.