Method and operating unit for operating modules in automation technology

An operating unit for operating a module designed in particular as a device in an automation system and having a module-side communication interface, the operating unit comprising:

• fastening means for detachably fastening the operating unit to the module, wherein the fastening means are designed for fastening the operating unit onto modules of different types of modules;
• input means and output means for input and output of information, respectively;
• a first communication interface, which is connected to the module-side communication interface when the operating unit is connected and is designed for data exchange between the operating unit and the module, wherein the operating unit is designed to receive and store identification information which identifies a type of module from a module connected to the first communication interface (110);
• at least one memory for storing an operating application, such that the memory comprises a first memory area for storing a first application part and a second memory area for storing a second application part, such that accesses between the application parts take place across a predefined interface, and such that the operating unit is designed to load the second application part from a connected module, wherein the operating unit is designed to receive the identification information from the connected module before downloading the second application part and to compare this information with the identification information stored last and to load the second application part from the connected module and save the received identification information only if the received identification information and the most recently stored identification information are different;
• and
• a second communication interface for communication with a separate operating device.