Universal functionality module
AssigneeHoneywell International Inc.
InventorsMitch Fletcher, Thom Kreider, Nicholas Wilt
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Methods and apparatus are provided for a Universal functionality Module (UFM). The apparatus comprises a programmable logic device (PLD) configured to be reprogrammed in real time and a means for universally interfacing the PLD with any effectuator device. The UFM loads a startup personality bit stream from a boot memory, which allows it to read a pin configuration associated with a effectuator device. The UFM receives a function personality associated with the pin configuration, writes the function personality to programmable logic device, and initiates the function personality.
Claims20
A universal functionality module comprising:
- a programmable logic device (PLD);
- a universal input/output (I/O) interface device in communication with the PLD and the plurality of electrical connectors;
- and
- a plurality of generic circuit board connector pins, wherein the universal I/O interface device is configured to operate any of the plurality of the generic circuit board connector pins from time to time as either an input or an output of the PLD and as either an analog or a digital bin I/O pin.
The universal functionality module of claim 7 wherein is configurable to transmit one of a discrete data signal and a RS-485 data signal.
A method for configuring a universal functionality module, comprising:
- loading a startup bit stream from a boot memory into a programmable logic device (PLD);
- reading a pin configuration associated with a effectuator device from a one or more electric connectors by the PLD via a universal input/output (I/O) interface device;
- receiving a functional personality associated with the pin configuration;
- writing the functional personality to the PLD;
- and
- initiating the functional personality.
A system configured to operate any effectuator device, comprising:
- a programmable logic device (PLD) configured to be reprogrammed from time to time in real time;
- and
- a means for universally interfacing the PLD with any effectuator device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.