Programmable logic controller with provisions for safety systems
AssigneeSchneider Automation Inc.
InventorsAlain Marbach, Andre Peyrache, Richard A. Baker, Dennis J. W. Dube
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A controller and a method for operating the controller is disclosed. The controller, in response to a detected Ethernet network error, performs the steps of determining whether a communication error has occurred, notifying the controller that an error has occurred, stopping normal controller operation, and executing fail safe routine.
Claims24
A method of controlling a controller in response to a detected Ethernet network error comprising the steps of:
- determining whether a network error has occurred;
- notifying the controller that a network error has occurred;
- stopping normal controller operation;
- and
- applying a fail safe mode.
A method of controlling a first and second controller in response to a detected Ethernet network error comprising the steps of:
- determining whether a network communication error has occurred;
- notifying the first controller that a network communication error has occurred;
- sending a network message to the second controller to start the second controller;
- and
- operating the second controller on the network in place of the first controller.
A controller comprising:
- means for determining whether an Ethernet network error has occurred;
- means for notifying the controller that a network error has occurred;
- means for stopping normal controller operation;
- and
- means for executing a fail safe routine.
An Ethernet communication network having a first controller and a second controller comprising:
- means for determining whether a network communication error has occurred;
- means for notifying the first controller that a network communication error has occurred;
- means for sending a network message to the second controller to start the second controller;
- and
- means for operating the second controller on the network in place of the first controller.
A method for determining whether a network communication error has occurred comprising the steps of:
- providing a first PLC connected to a plurality of devices by a network;
- providing a first communication board operatively associated with the first PLC;
- receiving a first network message by the first communication board;
- determining whether a network communication error has occurred by performing a check on the first network message by the communication board;
- and,
- notifying the first PLC if the first network message is corrupted.
A plurality of devices connected by a network connection comprising:
- a plurality of devices connected by a network connection, the plurality of devices including a first PLC;
- and,
- a communication board for use with the first PLC, the communication board configured to receive a first network message over the network connection and determined whether a network communication error occurred, the communication board further configured to notify the first PLC if a network communication occurred.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.