Universal controller expansion module system, method and apparatus
AssigneeSiemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
InventorMichael Ross Massie
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A universal expansion module interfaces a logic controller to a plurality of types of input/output expansion modules that communicate input/output data between the controller and automated devices. A communication interface establishes communication between the controller and at least one of the plurality of types of an input/output expansion module. An expansion module having a physical configuration accommodates signals from the plurality of types of input/output expansion modules.
Claims20
A universal expansion module apparatus for interfacing a programmable logic controller to a plurality of types of input/output expansion modules that communicate input/output data between the programmable controller and automated devices, said universal expansion module apparatus comprising:
- a communication interface, adptable to establish communication between the programmable logic controller and at least one of the plurality of types of input/output expansion modules;
- and
- an expansion interface comprising a physical configuration that accommodates signals from the plurality of types of input/output expansion modules.
A system, comprising:
- a programmable logic controller having a configuration for driving automated devices;
- a plurality of types of input/output expansion modules adaptable to couple said programmable logic controller to said automated devices;
- and
- a universal expansion module having a physical configuration adaptable to accommodate signals from said plurality of types of input/output expansion modules.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.