Service and diagnostic logic scan apparatus and method
AssigneeGE Intelligent Platforms, Inc.
InventorsDaniel H. Miller, Ferrell Mercer, Judy Popelas
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A diagnostic and service logic program for a programmable logic controller (PLC) is provided in parallel with the main machine logic program. The diagnostic and service logic program has the same functionality as the main machine logic program, but can be modified and operated independently of the main machine logic program for testing and debugging a faulty main machine logic program. The PLC can be switched between programs for testing and debugging.
Claims10
A programmable controller facilitating debugging and testing comprising:
- a main logic program containing instructions for controlling at least one device;
- a diagnostic and service logic program that is a copy of the main logic program;
- and
- a switch connected with the main logic program and diagnostic and service logic program for selecting one of the main logic program and diagnostic and service logic program to send instructions to the at least one device.
A method for servicing a programmable controller comprising:
- making a diagnostic and service logic program having the same programming logic as a main logic program on the programmable controller active to communicate with at least one connected device;
- debugging the programmable controller using the diagnostic and service logic program;
- and
- making the main logic program active again following debugging.
A method for servicing a programmable controller comprising:
- debugging the programmable controller by making changes to the programming logic of a logic program on the programmable controller;
- restoring the programming logic after debugging.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.