# US 10,503,680 B2 · Method for operating an automation device

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- Number: US 10,503,680 B2
- Document ID: US10503680B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 15/690,539
- Filed: 2017-08-30
- Published: 2017-12-21
- Granted: 2019-12-10
- Earliest claimed: 2014-12-11
- Assignees: Weidmüller Interface GmbH & Co. KG
- Applicants: WeidmüLler Interface GmbH & Co. KG
- Inventors: Gorm Rose; Marc Strünkmann; Georg Kulturidi
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10503680B2

## CPC

- G06F 13/409: {Mechanical coupling (back panels H05K7/1438)}
- G05B 19/054: {Input/output}
- G06F 13/16: for access to memory bus (G06F13/28 takes precedence)
- G06F 13/4068: {Electrical coupling}
- H05K 7/1468: {Mechanical features of input/output (I/O) modules}
- G05B 2219/15078: Modules, construction of system
- G05B 2219/31129: Universal interface for different fieldbus protocols
- G06F: ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING (computer systems based on specific computational models G06N)
- G05B: CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS (systems for controlling or regulating non-electric variables G05D; systems for regulating electric or magnetic variables G05F; control devices or systems insofar as characterised by mechanical features only G05G)
- H05K: PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS

## Abstract

An automation device has a main module and an interchangeable connection module in which a fieldbus port of the automation device is located. The automation device is characterized in that the interchangeable connection module contains a non-volatile memory which can be read out by the main module of the automation device. A method for operating the automation device includes the steps of connecting a main module of the automation device with a connection module, reading the non-volatile memory of the connection module, detecting any incompatibilities between the main module and the connection module, and placing the automation device in operation if no incompatibilities are detected.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A method for operating an automation device, comprising the steps of
(a) connecting a main master control module including a microcontroller of the automation device with a connection module which provides a connection with a fieldbus;
(b) using the microcontroller of the main master control module to read a non-volatile memory of the connection module, the non-volatile memory containing compatibility data for the main master control module and license data of the fieldbus to be connected with the connection module;
(c) detecting data incompatibilities between the main master control module and the connection module and license data incompatibilities between the field bus and the main master control module; and
(d) if no incompatibilities are detected, connecting the main master control module with the fieldbus via the connection module and placing the automation device in operation.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the incompatibilities relate to at least one of software, hardware and licenses.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

A method as defined in claim 1, in which data from the non-volatile memory of the connection module are used in the main master control module to rectify any incompatibilities that are detected.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

A method as defined in claim 3, wherein data from the non-volatile memory of the connection module are used to update operational software in the main master control module.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the connection module provides a wireless communication channel.