JP4366860B2 - General-purpose functional circuit and general-purpose unit of a unit constituting a programmable controller - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to a programmable controller that performs sequence control of an external device based on a program.Units that make upThe general-purpose functional circuit and the general-purpose unit are described.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, when developing a unit of a programmable controller, even a unit having the same type of function is individually manufactured by designing a circuit for each unit. In addition, since the unit to be manufactured needs to communicate with other units including the CPU unit, a CPU and a gate array are often mounted.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, if circuits are individually developed as described above, the period until development and commercialization becomes long, and it becomes difficult to share parts. In particular, when the circuit configuration and mounted parts are different, it takes time to individually evaluate the quality.
[0004]
In addition, in a unit using a CPU as a circuit, the function can be changed by rewriting a program even after production, but the processing speed is slowed down. In particular, it is difficult to process a plurality of functions in parallel. In addition, although a unit using a gate array in a circuit has a high processing speed, the function cannot be changed after fabrication. Further, when a gate array is used, an inexpensive circuit can be provided at present, but it takes time to make a gate array after circuit design. In addition, when considering mounting a plurality of functions, it is impossible to change the functions after fabrication. Therefore, all functions and specifications thereof must be determined at the gate array fabrication stage.
[0005]
  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a programmable controller that can easily realize a plurality of functions and reduce costs by sharing circuit components.Units that make upIt is to provide a general-purpose functional circuit and a general-purpose unit.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 1 is provided between an external connector for connecting an external device, a connection connector for connecting to a unit constituting a programmable controller, and an external device connected via the external connector. An arithmetic processing unit having at least a function of transmitting / receiving a signal and performing a logical operation based on a signal received from an external device and transmitting a signal corresponding to the operation result to the unit via a connection connector. The arithmetic processing unit is composed of programmable logic devices that can select multiple types of functions by rewritingIn the general-purpose function circuit of the units that make up the programmable controller, the non-volatile programmable logic device and the volatile programmable logic device constitute an arithmetic processing unit, and the volatile programmable logic device normalizes the data. The non-volatile programmable logic device is provided with a detecting means for detecting whether or not it has been downloaded to the programmable controller unit via the connection connector when a detecting abnormality is detected by the detecting means. And the detection means comprises a nonvolatile programmable logic device.The circuit can be changed to a desired function by rewriting a program of an arithmetic processing unit composed of a programmable logic device even after the circuit is manufactured. For this reason, it is possible to realize a general-purpose functional circuit of a unit that constitutes a programmable controller that can easily realize a plurality of functions and can reduce the cost by sharing circuit components.In addition, it is possible to notify a download abnormality in a volatile programmable logic device to other programmable controller units based on a predetermined communication method without mounting a CPU, A large-scale gate can be used as a programmable logic device.
[0008]
  Claim2The invention of claim1In the invention, the nonvolatile programmable logic device is characterized in that at least two kinds of voltages, that is, a voltage required for arithmetic processing and a voltage required for transmission / reception with the unit via the connection connector can be used. Transmission / reception with the unit is possible even when the voltage in the circuit required for the arithmetic processing is different from the voltage required for transmission / reception with the unit. For this reason, it is not necessary to use a component such as a bidirectional interface IC between two power sources in order to perform transmission / reception, and the circuit can be reduced in size and cost. In addition, if the internal voltage of the circuit is set to a low voltage, a large-scale volatile programmable logic device that is common in the low voltage type can be used, and power consumption and radiation noise can be reduced.
[0010]
  Claim3The invention ofIn order to achieve the above object, signals are transmitted and received between an external connector for connecting an external device, a connection connector for connecting a unit constituting the programmable controller, and an external device connected via the external connector, An arithmetic processing unit having at least a function of performing a logical operation based on a signal received from an external device and transmitting a signal according to the operation result to the unit via the connection connector, and storing the arithmetic processing unit and an external connector, In a general-purpose unit of a blogger controller that includes a housing with a connection connector exposed on the outer surface and configured an arithmetic processing unit with a programmable logic device that can select multiple types of functions by rewriting the program,A non-volatile programmable logic device and a volatile programmable logic device constitute an arithmetic processing unit, and detection means for detecting whether or not the volatile programmable logic device has successfully downloaded a program. The nonvolatile programmable logic device notifies the unit of the programmable controller via the connector when a download abnormality is detected by the detection means.The detection means comprises a nonvolatile programmable logic deviceIt is characterized byEven after the unit is manufactured, the program can be changed to a desired function by rewriting the program of the arithmetic processing unit composed of the programmable logic device. For this reason, it is possible to realize a general-purpose unit of a programmable controller that can easily realize a plurality of functions and can reduce the cost by sharing circuit components. Also,Without loading a CPU, download errors in volatile programmable logic devices can be reported to other programmable controller units based on a predetermined communication method, and volatile programmable A large-scale gate can be used as a logic device.
[0011]
  Claim4The invention of claim3In the invention, the nonvolatile programmable logic device is characterized in that at least two kinds of voltages, that is, a voltage required for arithmetic processing and a voltage required for transmission / reception with the unit via the connection connector can be used. Transmission / reception with the unit is possible even when the voltage in the circuit required for the arithmetic processing is different from the voltage required for transmission / reception with the unit. For this reason, it is not necessary to use a component such as a bidirectional interface IC between two power sources in order to perform transmission / reception, and the circuit can be reduced in size and cost. In addition, if the internal voltage of the circuit is set to a low voltage, a large-scale volatile programmable logic device that is common in the low voltage type can be used, and power consumption and radiation noise can be reduced.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  Before describing an embodiment of the present invention, a reference example having a basic configuration in common with the embodiment of the present invention will be described.
  Figure 1Reference exampleShows a circuit block diagram of the general-purpose functional circuit in Fig.Reference exampleThe front view of the programmable controller containing the general purpose unit A in FIG. BookReference exampleAs shown in FIG. 1, the general-purpose functional circuit includes an external connector 1, a connection connector 2, an arithmetic processing unit 3, a display unit 4, an insulating unit 5, a power supply unit 6, and a setting switch 7.
[0013]
The external connector 1 is for connecting an external device. For example, a connector (so-called MIL connector) conforming to the MIL standard is used. The insulating unit 5 is connected to the external connector 1 and the arithmetic processing unit 3. For example, the insulating unit 5 includes a plurality of photocouplers and transistors, and transmits and receives between the external device and the arithmetic processing unit 3 via the external connector 1. Insulation of input / output signals to be performed. Note that when a high-speed photocoupler that requires a power supply is used, a power supply circuit that supplies power to the photocoupler from an externally supplied power supply may be separately provided.
[0014]
The connection connector 2 is connected to the arithmetic processing unit 3 and is connected to a connector 21 provided on the motherboard 20 of the programmable controller as will be described later. Then, the arithmetic processing unit 3 communicates with other units such as the CPU unit 30 through the connection connector 3.
[0015]
  The display unit 4 is composed of a plurality of LEDs, and based on the control signal and display data given from the arithmetic processing unit 3Reference exampleThe operation state of the general-purpose function circuit (general-purpose unit A), for example, ON / OFF states of input / output signals from an external device connected to the external connector 1 and the state of function signals generated internally are displayed. The setting switch 7 is a switch for setting the operation state of the arithmetic processing unit 3, and is constituted by, for example, a 2-bit dip switch. Thus, the arithmetic processing unit 3 reads the setting state of the setting switch 7 and operates based on the setting state. The power supply unit 6 supplies necessary power to each unit. For example, the power supply unit 6 converts a power supply (DC5V) supplied from the motherboard 20 via the connection connector 2 into a necessary power supply (DC3.3V). Supply to each part.
[0016]
  The arithmetic processing unit 3 transmits / receives a signal to / from an external device connected through the external connector 1, for example, performs a logical operation based on a signal received from the external device, and sends a signal according to the calculation result to the connector. 2 to the CPU unit 30 or the like of the programmable controller, or performs a logical operation based on a signal received from the CPU unit 30 via the connection connector 2 and sends a signal according to the calculation result via the external connector 1. It has a function of transmitting to an external device. BookReference exampleThen, PLD (Programmable Logic Device) such as FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device) which can realize logic operation (logic operation etc.) by programming desired functions The arithmetic processing unit 3 is configured as described above. In general, a PLD has a so-called JTAG port, and a program can be rewritten using the JTAG port even after being mounted on a printed circuit board.
[0017]
  Book configured as aboveReference example2 is housed in a housing 15 formed in a box shape with a synthetic resin, a general-purpose unit A as shown in FIG. 2 can be configured. The external connector 1 is exposed at the center of the front surface of the housing 15, and the display surface 4 a of the display unit 4 is disposed. Although not shown, the setting switch 7 and the connection connector 2 are exposed on the back surface of the housing 15, and the general-purpose unit A is attached to the motherboard 20 by connecting the connection connector 2 to the connector 21. . Thus, the power supply unit 31 that supplies power to the other units together with the CPU unit 30, and a functional unit having a function (IO function) related to input / output of signals from / to the outside (for example, taking in a signal from an external device) A programmable controller is configured by mounting an input / output unit (32) that outputs a signal to an external device on the motherboard 20.
[0018]
By the way, there are various functions such as an input time constant function, an interrupt function, a counter function, a comparison output function, a pulse output function, a PWM output function, and a positioning function in addition to the above-mentioned IO functions. Units having the above functions, that is, an input time constant unit, an interrupt unit, a counter unit, a comparison output unit, a pulse output unit, a PWM output unit, a positioning unit and the like have already been provided. In addition, since each said function and the structure and operation | movement of its unit are known, description is abbreviate | omitted.
[0019]
  Thus, the bookReference exampleIn the general-purpose function circuit, the arithmetic processing unit 3 that realizes various functions as described above is composed of a PLD that is easy to rewrite a program and has a higher processing speed than a CPU. Various functions such as the IO function, the input time constant function, the interrupt function, the counter function, the comparison output function, the pulse output function, the PWM output function, and the positioning function can be realized with one general-purpose function circuit. For this reason, the circuit configuration can be made common to a plurality of types of functional circuits, circuit parts can be made common, manufacturing management becomes easy, and cost reduction and inventory reduction can be achieved. Further, by using a high-speed photocoupler for the insulating unit 5 and enabling high-speed and multi-point input / output between the external device and the arithmetic processing unit 3, the number of input / output points and the response speed of the insulating unit 5 are achieved. As long as it permits, various functional units such as an input / output unit, an interrupt unit, a counter unit, a pulse output unit, a PWM output unit, and a positioning unit can be produced by only changing the PLD program in the same circuit configuration. Thus, by providing the general-purpose unit A that can be used in common for a plurality of functional units, there is an advantage that the product numbers of the functional units are aggregated and manufacturing management becomes easy. Furthermore, since various functional units can be produced simply by sharing the circuit configuration and changing the program, even when there is a request for a function change or a new product development, it is possible to cope with a reduction in development time and development cost. Moreover, even if the communication method for connecting to other units is changed or new in the future, only the PLD program can be changed without changing the circuit configuration if it is within the regulations of wiring with the connection connector 2. It can respond.
[0020]
  On the other hand, the end user also has a functional unit that is reserved as a spare for maintenance in the event of equipment failure.Reference exampleSince it is integrated into the general-purpose unit A, management becomes easy. In other words, until now it was necessary to have and manage as many functional units as the types of functional units installed in the equipment.Reference exampleThe general-purpose unit A can be easily managed because only one type of functional unit may be used. In the past, since an interrupt unit, a counter unit, a pulse output unit, and the like were individually mounted on the motherboard 20, a space for mounting each unit (so-called motherboard 20 slot) was required.Reference exampleThe general-purpose unit A can realize various functions by occupying one slot and can save space.
[0021]
  (Embodiment1)
  By the way, when making PLD which comprises the arithmetic processing part 3 into a large-scale and cheap, volatile PLD becomes influential now. However, the volatile PLD needs to download a program every time the power is turned on, and an intended operation cannot be obtained unless the download operation is normally completed.
[0022]
  Thus, the present embodiment employs the following configuration in order to solve the above problems. However, the basic configuration of this embodiment isReference exampleTherefore, the same reference numerals are given to the common components and the description thereof is omitted.
[0023]
As shown in FIG. 3, the arithmetic processing unit 3 in this embodiment includes a volatile PLD 3a, a nonvolatile PLD 3b, and a ROM 3c that stores a program downloaded to the volatile PLD 3a when the power is turned on. The volatile PLD 3a is composed of, for example, an SRAM-based FPGA and operates based on a program downloaded from the ROM 3c. By changing the program stored in the ROM 3c, an IO function, an input time constant function, an interrupt function, a counter function, a comparison Various functions such as an output function, a pulse output function, a PWM output function, and a positioning function can be realized. The non-volatile PLD 3b is, for example, a FROM-based CPLD or an EEPROM-based CPLD, detects an abnormality when the volatile PLD 3a is downloaded when the power is turned on, and other components such as the CPU unit 30 via the connection connector 2. The unit is notified of the abnormality.
[0024]
Next, an operation in which the non-volatile PLD 3b detects an abnormal download of the volatile PLD 3a when the power is turned on will be described.
[0025]
The non-volatile PLD 3b compares the check bit added to the program data downloaded from the ROM 3c to the volatile PLD 3a and the checksum result of the program data received from the volatile PLD 3a. If they do not match, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred. Furthermore, the non-volatile PLD 3b sets the predetermined output port connected to the connection connector 2 to H level when it is determined that there is no abnormality, L level when it is determined that abnormality has occurred, and only when it is determined that abnormality has occurred. The output of the output port is latched when the other unit first accesses via the connection connector 2. As a result, the occurrence of the abnormality is notified only when an abnormality occurs in the download and the state of the circuit (general-purpose unit A) is inquired from another unit. Note that if the download is completed normally, the volatile PLD 3a communicates with other units.
[0026]
As described above, in the present embodiment, a download abnormality at the time of power-on of the volatile PLD 3a constituting the arithmetic processing unit 3 is detected by the non-volatile PLD 3b without installing a CPU, and the occurrence of the download abnormality is detected by another unit. Can be notified. For this reason, there exists an advantage that the thing of a large-scale gate can be used as volatile PLD3a.
[0027]
By the way, the supply voltage and the signal voltage input from the motherboard 20 through the connection connector 2 are 5V, and the volatile PLD 3a constituting the arithmetic processing unit 3 is used with the operating voltage of 3.3V, and the non-volatile PLD 3b. When an operation voltage of 5V is used, the voltage required for internal processing (3.3V) is different from the voltage required for communication with other units (5V). In such a case, it is generally necessary to use a two-power supply bidirectional interface IC or the like, resulting in an increase in the number of components.
[0028]
However, in the present embodiment, as the non-volatile PLD 3b, at least two kinds of voltages, that is, a voltage required for arithmetic processing (3.3V) and a voltage required for transmission / reception with the unit via the connection connector 2 (5V) can be used. The device is adopted.
[0029]
Next, a communication method with other units by the arithmetic processing unit 3 will be described.
[0030]
A signal input to the arithmetic processing unit 3 through the connection connector 2 is input to the nonvolatile PLD 3b and the volatile PLD 3a. For example, this signal includes an enable signal, an address, an RD signal, a WR signal, and data (input). Further, a signal generated by the volatile PLD 3a and output to other units via the connection connector 2 (for example, data (output)) is output via the nonvolatile PLD 3b. Note that this data output control is based on a control signal from the volatile PLD 3a and is in a high impedance state when data is input. In this way, since the output of the volatile PLD 3a having an operating voltage of 3.3V is converted to a 5V signal by the non-volatile PLD 3b and then output to another unit, the internal processing voltage (3.3V) and other Communication is possible even when there is a difference in voltage (5 V) for communication with the unit. For this reason, components such as a bi-directional interface IC between two power supplies are not required, the circuit can be reduced in size, and an inexpensive general-purpose function circuit and general-purpose unit A can be provided. In addition, since a low-voltage (for example, 3.3V) device can be used in the circuit inside the unit, a large-scale volatile PLD3a, which is often found in low-voltage types, can be mounted, reducing power consumption and radiation noise. Connected.
[0031]
  (Embodiment2)
  FIG. 4 shows a circuit block diagram of the present embodiment. However, the basic configuration of this embodiment is the embodiment.1Therefore, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted, and only the configuration and operation that characterize the present embodiment will be described.
[0032]
The present embodiment is characterized in that the program data is downloaded from another unit (for example, the CPU unit 30) to the volatile PLD 3a of the arithmetic processing unit 3 through the connection connector 2 when the power is turned on. For this reason, the arithmetic processing unit 3 is not provided with a ROM 3c for storing download data.
[0033]
  Thus, in this embodiment, data to be downloaded to the volatile PLD 3a is stored in the memory of the CPU unit 30, and is downloaded from the CPU unit 30 to the volatile PLD 3a via the connection connector 2 when the power is turned on. Embodiment1In the same manner as in the above, the occurrence of download abnormality is monitored by the non-volatile PLD 3b.1Since it is common, description is abbreviate | omitted.
[0034]
Thus, by changing the program stored in the memory of the CPU unit 30, the IO function, input time constant function, interrupt function, counter function, comparison output function, pulse output function, PWM output function, positioning function, etc. A general-purpose function circuit having various functions and a general-purpose unit A can be realized. As a method of storing the program in the memory of the CPU unit 30, for example, there is a method of selecting a program to be downloaded on the upper host using dedicated application software and transmitting it to the CPU unit 30 together with the user program. Alternatively, a plurality of types of programs for realizing the above functions are stored in a WWW server or FTP server connected to the Internet, and a desired program is temporarily downloaded from the servers to the host via the Internet. To the CPU unit 30 together with the user program.
[0035]
【The invention's effect】
  The invention of claim 1 transmits and receives signals between an external connector for connecting an external device, a connection connector for connecting to a unit constituting the programmable controller, and an external device connected via the external connector, It is equipped with an arithmetic processing unit having at least a function of performing a logical operation based on a signal received from a device and transmitting a signal according to the operation result to the unit via a connection connector, and by rewriting a program, a plurality of types of functions An arithmetic processing unit is configured with programmable logic devices that can be selectedIn the general-purpose function circuit of the units that make up the programmable controller, the non-volatile programmable logic device and the volatile programmable logic device constitute an arithmetic processing unit, and the volatile programmable logic device normalizes the data. The non-volatile programmable logic device is provided with a detecting means for detecting whether or not it has been downloaded to the programmable controller unit via the connection connector when a detecting abnormality is detected by the detecting means. And the detection means comprises a nonvolatile programmable logic device.Therefore, even after the circuit is manufactured, it can be changed to a desired function by rewriting the program of the arithmetic processing unit composed of the programmable logic device. For this reason, it is possible to realize a general-purpose functional circuit of a unit that constitutes a programmable controller that can easily realize a plurality of functions and reduce the cost by sharing circuit components.Also, it is possible to notify other programmable controller units of download abnormalities in a volatile programmable logic device based on a predetermined communication method without mounting a CPU, and in addition, it is volatile. Large-scale gates can be used as programmable logic devicesThere is an effect.
[0037]
  Claim2The invention of claim1In the present invention, the nonvolatile programmable logic device can use at least two kinds of voltages, that is, a voltage required for arithmetic processing and a voltage required for transmission / reception with the unit via the connection connector. Even when the required internal voltage of the circuit is different from the voltage required for transmission / reception with the unit, transmission / reception with the unit is possible. Therefore, there is no need to use components such as a bi-directional interface IC between two power supplies for transmission / reception. If the internal voltage of the circuit is low, the large-scale volatile programmable logic devices that are common in low-voltage types can be used, reducing power consumption and radiating noise. There is an effect that can be reduced.
[0038]
  Claim3The invention transmits / receives a signal between an external connector for connecting an external device, a connection connector for connecting a unit constituting a programmable controller, and an external device connected via the external connector, and receiving the signal from the external device. The arithmetic processing unit having at least a function of performing a logical operation on the basis of the processed signal and transmitting a signal according to the operation result to the unit via the connection connector, and storing the arithmetic processing unit, and the external connector and the connection connector are externally connected. Computation processing unit is composed of a programmable logic device that has a housing exposed on the surface and can select multiple types of functions by rewriting the programIn the general-purpose unit of the Blogramaburu controller, a non-volatile programmable logic device and a volatile programmable logic device constitute an arithmetic processing unit, and the volatile programmable logic device successfully downloaded the program. A non-volatile programmable logic device that detects whether or not a download abnormality is detected by the detection means, and notifies the abnormality of the programmable controller unit via the connection connector. , The detection means comprises a nonvolatile programmable logic deviceTherefore, even after the unit is manufactured, it can be changed to the desired function by rewriting the program of the arithmetic processing unit consisting of the programmable logic device, so that a plurality of functions can be easily realized and the circuit parts can be shared. A programmable controller general-purpose unit that can reduce costs can be realized.Also, it is possible to notify other programmable controller units of download abnormalities in a volatile programmable logic device based on a predetermined communication method without mounting a CPU, and in addition, it is volatile. Large-scale gates can be used as programmable logic devicesThere is an effect.
[0040]
  Claim4The invention of claim3In the present invention, the nonvolatile programmable logic device can use at least two kinds of voltages, that is, a voltage required for arithmetic processing and a voltage required for transmission / reception with the unit via the connection connector. Even when the required internal voltage of the circuit is different from the voltage required for transmission / reception with the unit, transmission / reception with the unit is possible. Therefore, there is no need to use components such as a bi-directional interface IC between two power supplies for transmission / reception. If the internal voltage of the circuit is low, the large-scale volatile programmable logic devices that are common in low-voltage types can be used, reducing power consumption and radiating noise. There is an effect that can be reduced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 shows a general-purpose functional circuit according to the present invention.Reference exampleFIG.
FIG. 2 shows the general-purpose unit of the present invention.Reference exampleFIG.
FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a general-purpose functional circuit according to the present invention.1FIG.
FIG. 4 is an embodiment of a general-purpose functional circuit according to the present invention.2FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 External connector
2 Connector
3 Operation processing section
5 Insulation part

Claims (4)

Based on the signal received from the external device, the signal is sent and received between the external connector that connects the external device, the connection connector that connects to the units that make up the programmable controller, and the external device that is connected via the external connector Programmable logic that has an arithmetic processing unit that at least has a function of performing a logical operation and transmitting a signal according to the operation result to the unit via the connection connector, and by selecting a plurality of functions by rewriting the program -In the general-purpose functional circuit of the unit that constitutes the programmable controller in which the arithmetic processing unit is configured by the device, the arithmetic processing unit is configured by the nonvolatile programmable logic device and the volatile programmable logic device, and the volatile Programmable logic device It is equipped with detection means to detect whether data has been downloaded normally, and the non-volatile programmable logic device detects an abnormality in the programmable controller unit via the connection connector when a detection abnormality is detected by the detection means. A general-purpose functional circuit for a unit constituting a programmable controller , wherein the detection means comprises a nonvolatile programmable logic device . 2. The nonvolatile programmable logic device according to claim 1 , wherein at least two kinds of voltages, that is, a voltage required for arithmetic processing and a voltage required for transmission / reception with a unit via a connection connector can be used. General-purpose functional circuit of the units that make up the programmable controller. Based on the signal received from the external device, the signal is sent and received between the external connector that connects the external device, the connection connector that connects to the units that make up the programmable controller, and the external device that is connected via the external connector An arithmetic processing unit having at least a function of performing a logical operation and transmitting a signal corresponding to the operation result to the unit via the connection connector, and storing the arithmetic processing unit, and an external connector and a connection connector are exposed on the outer surface In a general-purpose unit of a blogger controller that configures an arithmetic processing unit by a programmable logic device that can select multiple types of functions by rewriting a program, a nonvolatile programmable logic device Volatile programmable logic The processing unit is configured with a device and includes a detecting means for detecting whether or not the volatile programmable logic device has successfully downloaded the program. The nonvolatile programmable logic device is downloaded by the detecting means. A general-purpose unit for a programmable controller, which detects an abnormality to a unit of a programmable controller via a connector when an abnormality is detected, and the detection means comprises a nonvolatile programmable logic device . Volatile programmable logic device, a voltage required for the operation process, according to claim 3, characterized in that the available at least two kinds of voltages of the voltage required for transmission and reception of the unit through a connector General-purpose unit for programmable controllers .

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