Dual function input/output for a programmable controller

Abstract

The invention disclosed provides circuitry which is selectively operable either as an input point or as an output point in a programmable controller having multiple input and output points for exchanging signals between a central processing unit (CPU) of the controller and a process being controlled. Preferably, operation as an input point or as an output point is under control of the CPU. The invention includes a common input/output terminal for terminating both input and output devices; an input return terminal for terminating a return conductor from the input device; an output return terminal for terminating a return conductor from the output device; a preload resistor connected between the input/output terminal and the output return terminal so that a status signal is developed across the preload resistor indicating the status (generally, open or closed) of the input device; and an insulated gate transistor (IGT) connected between the input/output terminal and the input return terminal. The insulated gate transistor, capable of being triggered on and off, is held in an off state whenever the circuit is selected to be operated as an input point and is triggered on and off when the circuit is selected to operate as an output point. Most preferably, the IGT includes a main current section and an emulation current section and is arranged such that a burden resistor in series with the emulation section provides a diagnostic signal indicative of total IGT current.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.