Input/output module for a programmable controller
AssigneeSiemens Aktiengesellschaft
InventorsWerner Engl, Stefan Grosser, Gerald Hirmer, Mario Maier
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An input/output module for a programmable controller is provided that generates an output voltage and an output current from the power input. The input/output module functions as a power supply which re-emits or outputs at least some of the power input so that the occurrence of dissipation heat internally within the module is prevented or reduced. The input/output module reduces the power loss that arises inside the input/output module whenever a digital input receives current. A method is also provided for operating an input/output module for a programmable controller.
Claims12
An input/output module for a programmable controller comprising:
- a sensor external to the module, comprising:
- a signaling contact functioning as a digital input for connecting the sensor at least to the signaling contact;
- and
- means for outputting electrical energy from the module, the electrical energy being input via the signaling contact,
- wherein the outputting means comprises processing functionality for recognizing a status of the sensor connected to the signaling contact from a voltage which is required in operating mode for driving a current via the signaling contact, the status being recognized from exceeding predetermined threshold values for the voltage, and
- wherein the recognized status of the sensor is transferred to a processing unit by an evaluation branch, the evaluation branch being configured to be triggered by the status of the sensor determined by the processing functionality.
A method for operating an input/output module for a programmable controller having a sensor external to the module, a signaling contact configured to function as a digital input for connecting the sensor to the signaling contact and means for outputting electrical energy from the module, the method comprising:
- receiving a current by outputting means via the signaling contact;
- evaluating a status of the sensor from exceeding of predetermined threshold values for a voltage which arises, and which is required in an operating mode for driving a current via the signaling contact, the outputting means comprising processing functionality for the evaluating the status of the sensor;
- transferring the evaluated status of the sensor to a processing unit by an evaluation branch, the evaluation branch being configured to be triggered by the status of the sensor determined by the processing functionality;
- and
- outputting a portion of the current received by the outputting means via a power supply contact.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.