阅读说明：本技术 用于输入/输出(i/o)端子的多设备连接 (Multi-device connection for input/output (I/O) terminals ) 是由 瓦姆西·克里希纳·阿拉德尤拉 纳加拉贾·孙达拉什 什里帕德·库马尔·潘德 拉姆·莫汉·阿努古 于 2020-02-27 设计创作，主要内容包括：本公开提供了一种装置,该装置包括多个电路路径,该多个电路路径被配置为生成多个电信号以用于与多个设备(102,102a-102b)通信。电路路径中的每个被配置为使用来自多个独立电源(208a-208b)中的不同独立电源的电能。该装置还包括I/O端子(205),该I/O端子被配置为耦接到公共电导体(114),该公共电导体耦接到多个设备。I/O端子被配置为将电信号传递到公共电导体。该装置被配置为使用电信号中的每个以进行以下操作中的一者：从多个设备中的一个接收输入数据或向多个设备中的一个提供输出数据。(An apparatus is provided that includes a plurality of circuit paths configured to generate a plurality of electrical signals for communication with a plurality of devices (102, 102a-102 b). Each of the circuit paths is configured to use power from a different one of a plurality of independent power sources (208a-208 b). The apparatus also includes an I/O terminal (205) configured to be coupled to a common electrical conductor (114) that is coupled to a plurality of devices. The I/O terminals are configured to pass electrical signals to a common electrical conductor. The apparatus is configured to use each of the electrical signals to one of: receiving input data from or providing output data to one of the plurality of devices.)

1. A method, comprising:

generating (508) a plurality of electrical signals for communication with a plurality of devices (102, 102a-102b), wherein each of the plurality of electrical signals is generated using power from a different one of a plurality of independent power sources (208a-208 b);

transmitting (510) the plurality of electrical signals through an input/output (I/O) terminal (205) coupled to a common electrical conductor (114), the common electrical conductor also coupled to the plurality of devices; and

for each of the electrical signals, using (512) the electrical signal to one of: receiving input data from or providing output data to one of the plurality of devices.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

coupling (502) the plurality of devices to the common electrical conductor; and

coupling (504) the common electrical conductor to the I/O terminal.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein:

the I/O terminal forms part of an I/O module (104); and is

The method also includes coupling (506) the power source to a plurality of power terminals (204) of the I/O module.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein:

the I/O terminal forms part of an I/O module (104);

the I/O module comprises a plurality of I/O terminals (205); and is

Each of the I/O terminals is configured to be coupled to a different electrical conductor (114).

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

for each electrical signal associated with an analog input channel, reading (610, 708) the current and reporting the measured current (610, 708) as an analog input value;

for each electrical signal associated with a digital input channel, reading (608, 910) a current, applying (608, 910) one or more thresholds to the measured current, and reporting (608, 910) a digital status associated with the measured current as a digital input value;

for each electrical signal associated with an analog output channel, driving (810, 908) a current based on an analog output value, reading (810, 908) the driven current, and reporting (810, 908) the measured current as a read-back value; and

for each electrical signal associated with a digital output channel, a switch in the associated circuit path is driven (710, 808) based on the digital output value.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein:

generating the plurality of electrical signals comprises generating each of the electrical signals using a different circuit path;

each of the circuit paths comprises a switch (306, 308); and is

The method also includes controlling the switch in the circuit path to control the generation of the electrical signal.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of electrical signals comprises a first current for analog I/O and a second current for digital I/O.

8. An apparatus, comprising:

a plurality of circuit paths configured to generate a plurality of electrical signals for communication with a plurality of devices (102, 102a-102b), wherein each of the circuit paths is configured to use electrical energy from a different one of a plurality of independent power sources (208a-208 b); and

an input/output (I/O) terminal (205) configured to be coupled to a common electrical conductor (114) coupled to the plurality of devices, the I/O terminal configured to pass the electrical signal to the common electrical conductor;

wherein the apparatus is configured to use each of the electrical signals to one of: receiving input data from or providing output data to one of the plurality of devices.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the plurality of circuit paths are configured to support at least one of:

an analog input channel and a digital input channel;

an analog input channel and a digital output channel;

an analog output channel and a digital input channel; and

an analog output channel and a digital output channel.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the apparatus further comprises a power terminal (204) configured to be coupled to the power source.

11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein:

the apparatus includes an I/O module (104);

the I/O module comprises a plurality of I/O terminals (205); and is

Each of the I/O terminals is configured to be coupled to a different electrical conductor (114).

12. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein:

each of the circuit paths comprises a switch (306, 308); and is

The apparatus also includes a controller (310) configured to control the switches in the circuit path to control the generation of the electrical signal.

13. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the plurality of electrical signals comprises a first current for analog I/O and a second current for digital I/O.

14. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a controller (310) configured to:

for each electrical signal associated with an analog input channel, reading a current and reporting the measured current as an analog input value;

for each electrical signal associated with a digital input channel, reading a current, applying one or more thresholds to the measured current, and reporting a digital status associated with the measured current as a digital input value;

for each electrical signal associated with an analog output channel, driving a current based on an analog output value, reading the driven current and reporting the measured current as a readback value; and is

For each electrical signal associated with a digital output channel, a switch in the associated circuit path is driven based on a digital output value.

15. A system, comprising:

an input/output (I/O) module (104) comprising the apparatus of any of claims 8 to 14;

a plurality of field devices (102, 102a-102 b); and

an electrical conductor (114) coupled to the I/O module and the field device.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to input/output (I/O) systems. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to multi-device connections for I/O terminals.

Background

Industrial process control and automation systems are often used to automate large and complex industrial processes. These types of systems typically include various components, including sensors, actuators, and controllers. Some of the controllers may receive measurements from the sensors (possibly through connected input/output (I/O) subsystems) and generate control signals for the actuators. Existing process control and automation systems typically have hardware components that participate in control and I/O functions, which are installed in the control room and on-site. These hardware components are typically used to collect I/O information from the field, transmit the I/O information to a control room, perform various control functions, and transmit the I/O information back to the field.

Disclosure of Invention

The present disclosure provides multi-device connections for input/output (I/O) terminals.

In a first embodiment, a method includes generating a plurality of electrical signals for communication with a plurality of devices. Each of the plurality of electrical signals is generated using electrical energy from a different one of the plurality of independent power sources. The method also includes transmitting the plurality of electrical signals through an I/O terminal coupled to a common electrical conductor, wherein the common electrical conductor is also coupled to a plurality of devices. The method also includes, for each of the electrical signals, using the electrical signal to perform one of: receiving input data from or providing output data to one of the plurality of devices.

In a second embodiment, an apparatus includes a plurality of circuit paths configured to generate a plurality of electrical signals for communication with a plurality of devices. Each of the circuit paths is configured to use power from a different one of the plurality of independent power sources. The apparatus also includes an I/O terminal configured to be coupled to a common electrical conductor that is coupled to a plurality of devices. The I/O terminals are configured to pass electrical signals to a common electrical conductor. The apparatus is configured to use each of the electrical signals to one of: receiving input data from or providing output data to one of the plurality of devices.

In a third embodiment, a system includes an I/O module having I/O terminals; a plurality of field devices; and an electrical conductor coupled to the I/O terminal and the field device. The I/O module also includes a plurality of circuit paths configured to generate a plurality of electrical signals for communication with a plurality of devices. Each of the circuit paths is configured to use power from a different one of the plurality of independent power sources. The I/O terminals are configured to pass electrical signals to the electrical conductors. The I/O module is configured to use each of the electrical signals to one of: receiving input data from or providing output data to one of the plurality of devices.

Other technical features may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims.

Drawings

For a more complete understanding of this disclosure, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example industrial process control and automation system according to this disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary use of a multi-device connection for input/output (I/O) terminals according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary I/O module supporting multi-device connections on I/O terminals according to the present disclosure:

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary equivalent circuit for multi-device connection on I/O terminals according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary method for using multi-device connections on I/O terminals according to the present disclosure; and

fig. 6-9 illustrate exemplary methods for supporting different types of I/O channels over multiple device connections on I/O terminals according to the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

Figures 1 through 9, discussed below, and the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the present invention in this patent document are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the invention may be implemented in any type of suitably arranged device or system.

As noted above, industrial process control and automation systems typically have hardware components that participate in various control and input/output (I/O) functions. In many cases, an industrial process controller communicates with one or more field devices (such as one or more sensors or actuators) through one or more I/O modules. The I/O module typically includes circuitry for generating electrical signals for communication with the field devices over various I/O channels. The I/O module also typically includes physical connections (such as screw terminals) for connecting the I/O module to electrical conductors that couple the I/O module to the field device.

In some cases, the I/O module supports the use of generic or reconfigurable I/O channels, each of which may be reconfigured to a different type of I/O channel. For example, a common or reconfigurable I/O channel may be configured as an analog input channel, a digital input channel, an analog output channel, or a digital output channel. While this function is quite useful, there may be drawbacks. For example, each generic or reconfigurable I/O channel typically includes circuit components that support both analog and digital I/O, but only analog or only digital I/O components are used at any given time. This may result in under-utilization of hardware in the I/O module since the circuit components supporting digital I/O are not used during analog I/O and the circuit components supporting analog I/O are not used during digital I/O. This results in higher overall system cost and larger equipment space. Further, it is often desirable to increase the number of I/O channels provided by an I/O module, but various factors can limit the ability to increase the number of I/O channels. For example, limited space on a printed circuit board or other structure may limit the number of I/O channels in an I/O module, and in I/O modules with higher channel densities, managing thermal issues may become very complex.

This disclosure describes various methods for driving multiple loads using a single connection of an I/O module or other device. For example, multiple field devices (e.g., multiple sensors and/or actuators) may be connected to a single electrical conductor that is coupled to a single I/O terminal of an I/O module. The I/O module generates electrical signals that are sent to different field devices through the I/O terminals and over a common electrical conductor. Thus, these approaches allow a single connection to a physical electrical conductor to be used to drive multiple I/O channels. The driving of multiple I/O channels may occur simultaneously and the I/O channels may be driven so that they do not significantly interfere with each other. In some embodiments, multiple I/O channels may be driven using components associated with a single common or reconfigurable I/O channel. However, the present disclosure is not limited to use with generic or reconfigurable I/O channels.

In this manner, multiple I/O channels may be supported on a single electrical conductor. This may be replicated any suitable number of times in order to increase the channel density of the I/O module or other device. Furthermore, this increase in channel density is achieved without adding more general purpose, reconfigurable, or other I/O channel circuitry, which allows more I/O channels to be used in a limited space and facilitates thermal management. Furthermore, these approaches help to increase I/O channel density in a very cost effective manner.

Fig. 1 illustrates an example industrial process control and automation system 100 according to this disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the system 100 includes various components that facilitate the production or processing of at least one product or other material. For example, the system 100 can be used to facilitate control of components in one or more industrial plants. Each plant represents one or more processing facilities (or one or more portions thereof), such as one or more manufacturing facilities for producing at least one product or other material. Generally, each plant may implement one or more industrial processes and may be referred to individually or collectively as a process system. A process system generally represents any system or portion thereof that is configured to process one or more products or other materials in some manner.

In the example shown in fig. 1, the system 100 includes a plurality of field devices 102. Each field device 102 generally represents a device that provides input data to, or receives output data from, at least one other component of the system 100. For example, the field device 102 may include one or more sensors and one or more actuators. Sensors and actuators represent components in a process system that can perform any of a wide variety of functions. For example, sensors may measure various characteristics in a process system, such as temperature, pressure, or flow. Additionally, actuators can alter a wide variety of characteristics in a process system. Each of the sensors includes any suitable structure for measuring one or more characteristics in the process system. Each of the actuators includes any suitable structure for operating on or affecting one or more conditions in the process system.

One or more I/O modules 104 are communicatively coupled to the field devices 102. The I/O module 104 facilitates interaction with sensors, actuators, or other field devices 102. For example, the I/O module 104 may be used to receive one or more Analog Inputs (AI), Digital Inputs (DI), or other inputs from one or more field devices 102. The I/O module 104 may also be used to provide one or more Analog Outputs (AO), Digital Outputs (DO), or other outputs to one or more field devices 102. Each I/O module 104 includes any suitable structure for receiving one or more input signals from one or more field devices 102 or providing one or more output signals to the one or more field devices.

In some embodiments, at least some of the I/O channels provided by the I/O module 104 are source type I/O channels. A source type I/O channel generally refers to an I/O channel in which current is sourced by the I/O module 104 (or other device) to the field device 102 (or other device) and used to input data from or output data to the field device 102. When used with an analog input channel or a digital input channel, the input current is provided to the field device 102 by the I/O module 104, and the field device 102 can alter its resistance or one or more other characteristics to change the current drawn from the I/O module 104. In this case, the current may be used to represent an analog value or a digital state sent from the field device 102. When used with either an analog output channel or a digital output channel, the output current is driven by the I/O module 104 to the field device 102 and the output current can be changed by the I/O module 104. In that case, the current may be used to represent an analog value or a digital state sent to field device 102. Also, in some embodiments, the I/O modules 104 may be arranged in redundant pairs, wherein data may be passed through both I/O modules to one or more destinations.

The system 100 also includes one or more controllers 106. The controller 106 can be used in the system 100 to perform various functions in order to control one or more industrial processes. For example, the controller 106 may use measurements from one or more sensors to control the operation of one or more actuators. The controller 106 may interact with sensors, actuators, and other field devices 102 via the I/O module 104. In some embodiments, the controllers 106 may be arranged in redundant pairs, with one controller of each pair operating in a master mode and the other controller of the pair operating in a redundant or standby mode (and ready to take over operation in the event of a master controller failure).

Each controller 106 includes any suitable structure for controlling one or more aspects of an industrial process. At least some of the controllers 106 may represent, for example, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controllers, or multivariable controllers, such as Robust Multivariable Predictive Control Technology (RMPCT) controllers or other types of controllers that implement Model Predictive Control (MPC) or other advanced predictive control. As a particular example, each controller 106 may represent a computing device running a real-time operating system, a WINDOWS operating system, or other operating system. It is noted that although illustrated herein as a separate component, the controller 106 may generally be integrated with one or more of the I/O modules 104 and other components (e.g., at least one power supply), such as within a single row of equipment racks. Multiple such instances of an integrated component may be placed in the same row of equipment racks, in different rows of equipment racks, or in different equipment racks. Of course, the components may be integrated and positioned in any other suitable manner.

One or more networks 108 couple the controller 106 and other devices in the system 100. The network 108 facilitates the transfer of information between components. Network 108 may represent any suitable network or combination of networks. As a particular example, the network 108 may represent at least one ethernet network.

Operator access and interaction to the controllers 106 and other components of the system 100 may occur via various operator stations 110. Each operator station 110 may be used to provide information to and receive information from an operator. For example, each operator station 110 may provide an operator with information identifying a current state of the industrial process, such as values of various process variables as well as warnings, alarms, or other states associated with the industrial process. Each operator station 110 may also receive information that affects how the industrial process is controlled, such as by receiving set points for process variables controlled by the controller 106 or receiving other information that changes or affects how the controller 106 controls the industrial process. Each operator station 110 includes any suitable structure for displaying information to and interacting with an operator.

Multiple operator stations 110 can be grouped together and used in one or more control rooms 112. Each control room 112 may include any number of operator stations 110 in any suitable arrangement. In some embodiments, multiple control rooms 112 can be used to control an industrial plant, such as when each control room 112 contains an operator station 110 for managing a discrete portion of the industrial plant.

This represents a brief description of one type of industrial process control and automation system that may be used to manufacture or process one or more materials. Additional details regarding industrial process control and automation systems are well known in the art and are not necessary for an understanding of the present disclosure. Additionally, industrial process control and automation systems are highly configurable and may be configured in any suitable manner according to particular needs.

In particular embodiments, the various I/O modules 104, controllers 106, and operator stations 110 in FIG. 1 can represent or include computing or data processing devices. For example, each of the I/O modules, controllers, and operator stations may include one or more processing devices, such as one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), or discrete circuitry. Each of the I/O modules, controllers, and operator stations may also include one or more memories, such as random access memory, read only memory, flash memory, optical disks, hard drives, or any other suitable volatile or non-volatile storage device or devices, that store instructions and data used, generated, or collected by one or more processing devices or larger devices. Each of the I/O modules, controllers, and operator stations may also include at least one interface, such as one or more field device protocol interfaces, Ethernet interfaces, or wireless transceivers, that enable communication with other devices or systems.

In process control and automation systems, such as the system 100, I/O channels are used to connect the controllers 106 and the field devices 102. In general, the I/O modules 104 or other devices may support various types of I/O channels including AI, DI, AO, or DO. Different I/O channel types are characterized by different inputs, outputs, voltages, currents, and configurations. A generic I/O (UIO) channel is a dedicated I/O channel that is reconfigurable to operate as any of a variety of I/O channel types. An exemplary type of UIO circuit is shown in the following patents: U.S. patent nos. 8,072,098; U.S. patent nos. 8,392,626; U.S. patent nos. 8,656,065; and U.S. patent publication No. 2015/0278144 (all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety). UIO circuitry supporting common channel technology available from HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.

As described in more detail below, at least one component in system 100 or other system supports the ability to communicate with multiple devices through a single I/O terminal. For example, the I/O module 104 in the system 100 may be configured to communicate with multiple field devices 102 through a single I/O terminal of the I/O module 104. The I/O terminals may be connected to the electrical conductors 114, and the components of the I/O module 104 may be used to generate electrical signals that are transmitted through the I/O terminals and over the electrical conductors 114 to the plurality of field devices 102. This may be done for a single I/O terminal of the I/O module 104 or for multiple I/O terminals of the I/O module 104. As explained below, the I/O module 104 is designed to enable multiple electrical signals to be transmitted simultaneously to multiple field devices 102 over a common electrical conductor 114 without causing interference (or at least preventing any significant interference with the normal operation of the field devices 102). It should be noted, however, that this functionality may be incorporated into any suitable device or devices and is not limited to use with I/O modules.

In some embodiments, the components of the I/O module 104 used to provide this functionality include components of a generic or reconfigurable I/O channel. For example, in a particular embodiment, the I/O module 104 may include circuit components for driving digital signals and circuit components for driving analog signals (such as 4mA-20mA current signals). Conventionally, only one of these circuits may be used at a given time, while the other remains idle. However, in accordance with the present disclosure, two sets of circuit components may be used simultaneously to support communication and data exchange with multiple field devices 102 or other devices.

Additional details regarding this functionality are provided below. It is noted that the following discussion may generally assume that generic or reconfigurable I/O channel components are used to support communication with particular types of devices, such as analog input devices and digital output devices. However, the present disclosure is not limited to use with these particular I/O channel components or these particular devices. In general, this functionality may be used with any suitable I/O channel components configured to provide electrical signals transmitted over the same electrical conductor to any suitable device.

Each electrical conductor 114 represents any suitable electrically conductive structure configured to transmit multiple electrical signals over the same electrically conductive medium. Each electrical conductor 114 may be formed of any suitable material, such as a conductive medium surrounded by a non-conductive sheath or other electrical insulator. For example, each electrical conductor 114 may represent a single electrically conductive wire.

Although FIG. 1 illustrates one example of an industrial process control and automation system 100, various changes may be made to FIG. 1. For example, the system 100 may include any number of field devices, I/O modules, controllers, networks, operator stations, and other components in any suitable arrangement. Additionally, the composition and arrangement of system 100 in FIG. 1 is for illustration only. Components may be added, omitted, combined, further subdivided, or placed in any other suitable configuration according to particular needs. Further, particular functions have been described as being performed by particular components of the system 100. This is for illustration only. In general, control systems and automation systems are highly configurable and may be configured in any suitable manner according to particular needs. Further, FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary operating environment in which multi-device connections may be supported through I/O terminals. This functionality can be used in any other suitable system and the system need not be associated with industrial process control and automation.

Fig. 2 illustrates an exemplary use 200 for multi-device connection of I/O terminals according to the present disclosure. For ease of explanation, the multi-device connection shown in FIG. 2 is described as being used by the I/O module 104 in the system 100 shown in FIG. 1 with a plurality of field devices 102. However, the multi-device connection may be used with any other suitable device and in any other suitable system, whether or not such devices or systems are used for industrial process control and automation.

As shown in fig. 2, the I/O module 104 includes one or more terminal blocks 202, and each terminal block 202 includes various electrical terminals. In this example, the terminal block 202 includes power terminals 204 and I/O terminals 205. The power terminals 204 are used to electrically couple the I/O module 104 to a plurality of sources of electrical energy via electrical conductors 206. The I/O terminals 205 are used to electrically couple devices (such as the field device 102) to the I/O module 104 via the electrical conductors 114. Each terminal 204 and 205 represents any suitable structure configured to couple to an electrical conductor. For example, each of the terminals 204 and 205 may represent a screw terminal. In this example, the terminal block 202 includes four power terminals 204 and sixteen I/O terminals 205. However, the I/O module 104 may include any suitable number of terminal blocks 202, and each terminal block 202 may include any suitable number of power terminals 204 and I/O terminals 205.

A plurality of power supplies 208a-208b are coupled to the I/O module 104. The power supplies 208a-208b are configured to provide power to the I/O module 104 for generating electrical signals for communicating with devices coupled to the I/O module 104. As shown in FIG. 2, each of the power supplies 208a-208b is coupled to two power terminals 204 of the I/O module 104. For each power supply 208a-208b, one power terminal 204 serves as a supply Voltage (VCC) terminal, while the other power terminal 204 serves as a ground (Gnd) terminal. Each power source 208a-208b includes any suitable power source, such as one or more batteries, solar cells, fuel cells, or power converters. In particular embodiments, each power supply 208a-208b may be used to provide a 24VDC input to I/O module 104, although other inputs may be used.

As described in more detail below, the power sources 208a-208b represent independent sources of electrical energy, meaning that the electrical energy provided by each power source 208a-208b is independent of the electrical energy provided by one or more other power sources 208a-208 b. To achieve this independence, the power supplies 208a-208b may be implemented in various ways. For example, the power supplies 208a-208b could represent completely isolated power supplies, such that each power supply provides power independently of the other power supplies. This may be accomplished using different batteries, solar cells, fuel cells, or other isolated power sources. The power sources 208a-208b may also represent power converters (such as AC/DC or DC/DC converters) or other structures that receive input power from a common source (such as a distribution grid, battery, or other power source) and separately convert the input power. It is noted that although two power supplies 208a-208b are shown in FIG. 2, the I/O module 104 may be coupled to more than two power supplies 208a-208 b.

In FIG. 2, one I/O terminal 205 of the I/O module 104 is coupled to a single electrical conductor 114, which is also electrically connected to two field devices 102a-102 b. Each field device 102a-102b can be configured to communicate over any suitable I/O channel, such as an AI, AO, DI or DO channel. As described in greater detail below, the power supplies 208a-208b coupled to the I/O module 104 can be used to individually drive electrical signals transmitted to the field devices 102a-102b via the electrical conductors 114. This allows multiple input and/or output signals to be simultaneously transmitted over the same electrical conductor 114. For example, in the context of a generic or reconfigurable I/O channel, such I/O channel typically includes analog circuit components and digital circuit components as noted above, but typically only one is used at any given time. Because multiple power supplies 208a-208b may be coupled to the I/O module 104, the power supplies 208a-208b may be used separately by both analog and digital circuit components simultaneously, allowing communication with both field devices 102a-102b using both I/O channels at the same time. It is noted, however, that devices coupled to the same electrical conductor 114 need not be limited to one analog device and one digital device or one input device and one output device.

Although FIG. 2 shows one example of a use 200 for multi-device connection of I/O terminals 205, various changes may be made to FIG. 2. For example, although FIG. 2 shows multiple devices coupled to a single I/O terminal 205 of the I/O module 104, the same or similar arrangement of a single electrical conductor 114 coupled to the multiple devices may be duplicated and used with any number of I/O terminals 205. Moreover, while FIG. 2 illustrates two power sources 208a-208b and two field devices 102a-102b coupled to a single electrical conductor 114, it is contemplated that up to n currents flow to n devices on the same electrical conductor 114 without causing significant interference (assuming there are n independent power sources available).

FIG. 3 illustrates an example I/O module 104 supporting multi-device connections on I/O terminals according to this disclosure. For ease of explanation, the I/O module 104 in FIG. 3 is described as being used in the arrangement shown in FIG. 2 within the system 100 shown in FIG. 1. However, the I/O module 104 may be used in any other suitable arrangement or system, whether or not it is used for industrial process control and automation.

As shown in FIG. 3, the I/O module 104 herein includes a first I/O circuit 302 and a second I/O circuit 304. The first I/O circuit 302 generally includes a current I for generating the first field device 102a₁The circuit of (1). Current I₁Any suitable I/O channel may be used to support with the first field device 102a, such as an AI, AO, DI or DO channel. Similarly, the second I/O circuitry 304 generally includes a current I for generating the second field device 102b₂The circuit of (1). Current I₂Any suitable I/O channel may be used to support with the second field device 102b, such as an AI, AO, DI or DO channel. Each of I/O circuitry 302 and I/O circuitry 304 may include any suitable components for providing electrical signals. In some embodiments, I/O circuitry 302 and I/O circuitry 304 may each be configured to generate a current for a particular type of I/O channel. In other embodiments, I/O circuitry 302 and I/O circuitry 304 may each be reconfigured to generate current for different types of I/O channels, such as by supporting various general purpose or reconfigurable I/O channels as described above.

I/O circuit 302 and I/O circuit 304 are coupled in series with switches 306 and 308, respectively. Each switch 306 and 308 is configured to be selectively activated (rendered conductive) and deactivated (rendered non-conductive) to control the flow of current through the associated circuit 302 and 304. Each switch 306 and 308 comprises any suitable structure configured to selectively allow and prevent current flow, such as a PNP Field Effect Transistor (FET), a Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT), or other transistor.

The module controller 310 generally operates to control various operations of the I/O module 104. For example, the module controller 310 may be coupled to control gates of the switches 306 and 308 to control activation and deactivation of the switches 306 and 308. Thus, the module controller 310 may provide drive signals to the control gates of the switches 306 and 308 separately to control whether the current I is generated or not₁And I₂. The module controller 310 can also use the current measurements to identify input data received from the at least one field device 102 and/or to confirm that output data was transmitted to the at least one field device 102. The module controller 310 includes any suitable structure for controlling the generation of electrical signals in a device. For example, the module controller 310 may include one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, DSPs, FPGAs, ASICs, or discrete circuits.

In this example, I/O circuit 302 and I/O circuit 304 are each coupled in series with sense resistor 312. Each sense resistor 312 is configured to generate a voltage drop that can be used to measure a current generated by the associated I/O circuit 302 or 304. Each sense resistor 312 includes any suitable resistive structure having any suitable resistance. Each sense resistor 312 typically has a suitably small resistance that allows the current flowing through the resistor 312 to be accurately measured. The amplifier 314 is configured to amplify the voltage generated by the sense resistor 312. Each amplifier 314 includes any suitable structure configured to amplify an electrical signal, such as an instrumentation amplifier. The output from amplifier 314 is provided to at least one analog-to-digital converter (ADC)316, which converts the amplified analog electrical signal to a digital value. Each ADC 316 includes any suitable structure configured to convert an analog signal to a digital value. The output from the ADC 316 is provided to a module controller 310, which may use the output from the ADC 316 (among other things) as a measure of current used to provide AI or DI input data or as a read-back measure of current used to provide AO or DO output data.

The module controller 310 may also generate digital signals that are provided to at least one digital-to-analog converter (DAC)318, which converts the digital signals to analog signals for driving the gates of the switches 306 and 308. Each DAC 318 includes any suitable structure configured to convert digital values to analog signals. The output from the amplifier 314 may also be provided to a comparator 320, which compares the amplified electrical signal to a threshold. The output from comparator 320 may be provided to DAC 318 and used to control the driving of the gates of switches 306 and 308. This may allow, for example, comparator 320 to be used to detect excessive voltages or currents generated by I/O circuits 302 or 304 and stop driving the associated switch 306 or 308. Each comparator 320 includes any suitable structure configured to compare an electrical signal to a reference signal.

As shown in FIG. 3, the I/O module 104 here has the ability to drive different electrical signals to multiple devices 102a-102b (through I/O terminals 205) using power from multiple independent power sources 208a-208b (received via power terminals 204) and multiple circuit paths. These electrical signals may be transmitted through the same electrical conductor 114 without causing significant (or any) interference. This may help to greatly increase the channel density of the I/O module 104 in a very compact and cost-effective manner. It should be noted herein that the components shown in fig. 3 (possibly in addition to module controller 310 and/or power terminals 204) may be replicated any suitable number of times to support driving electrical signals to multiple devices through any number of I/O terminals 205. It is also noted herein that additional circuitry may be provided to enable more than two electrical signals to be driven to more than two devices through the same I/O terminal 205 (and this may again be duplicated for any suitable number of I/O terminals 205).

The module controller 310 is communicatively coupled to at least one controller 106 or one or more other devices herein via at least one cable 322. This may allow, for example, the module controller 310 to provide analog values or digital states for the AI or DI channels to one or more controllers 106 for use. The analog value or digital state may be identified herein by the module controller 310 based on the measured value across the sense resistor 312 as amplified by the amplifier 314 and digitized by the ADC 316. This may also allow the module controller 310 to receive analog values or digital states for the AO or DO channels from the one or more controllers 106 and drive the switches 306 and 308 so that the appropriate currents are generated. Readback values associated with AO or DO currents may also be identified by the module controller 310 based on the measured values across the sense resistor 312 as amplified by the amplifier 314 and digitized by the ADC 316 (and those readback values may optionally be provided to the controller 106). Each cable 322 comprises any suitable transmission medium that enables communication between the I/O module 104 and at least one controller 106 or one or more other devices, such as a single-or multi-conductor cable, or a wireless network.

Although FIG. 3 shows one example of an I/O module 104 supporting multi-device connections on I/O terminals 205, various changes may be made to FIG. 3. For example, any suitable field device may be coupled to the same electrical conductor 114 to communicate through a single I/O terminal 205. Also, more than two field devices may be coupled to the same electrical conductor 114 to communicate through a single I/O terminal 205.

Fig. 4 illustrates an exemplary equivalent circuit 400 for multi-device connection on the I/O terminal 205 according to the present disclosure. For ease of explanation, the equivalent circuit 400 in fig. 4 is described as representing the I/O module 104 shown in fig. 2 and 3 within the system 100 shown in fig. 1. However, the same or similar equivalent circuit 400 could be used to represent any other suitable device in any other suitable system, whether or not the device or system is used for industrial process control and automation.

As shown in FIG. 4, equivalent circuit 400 represents power supplies 208a-208b as being configured to provide voltage V, respectively₁And V₂Of the voltage source. The equivalent circuit 400 also represents the field devices 102a-102b as having respective resistances₁And R₂The load of (2). Third resistor R₃Representing the resistance of the electrical conductor 114. The impedance of the controls (such as switches 306 and 308 and sense resistor 312) is omitted here for clarity. Current I₁Where it flows through the power supply 208a, the electrical conductors 114, and the field device 102 a. Current I₂Where it flows through the power supply 208b, the electrical conductors 114, and the field device 102 b.

According to the "superposition" theorem, the current I₁Can be determined as follows:

I₁＝I₁₁+I₁₂(1)

wherein:

I₁₁＝V₁/(R₁+R₂||R₃) (2)

I₁₂＝-V_d/R₁(3)

V_d＝(R₁||R₃V₂)/(R₂+R₁||R₃) (4)

here, the symbol "R_a||R_b"means using a parallel resistor R_aAnd R_bThe resulting overall resistance.

Suppose that in FIG. 4Resistance R₃Equal to zero. Also, assume current I₁And I₂Are simultaneously driven by the I/O module 104. When R is expressed according to the above formula (4)₃Equal to zero, V_dEqual to zero. When V is expressed according to the above formula (3)_dEqual to zero, I₁₂Equal to zero. Therefore, when R is₃Equal to zero, equations (1) and (2) above can be rewritten as follows.

I₁＝I₁₁＝V₁/R₁(5)

A similar derivation can be performed to express Electrical I as follows₂。

I₂＝V₂/R₂(5)

Therefore, if R is₃Equal to zero, then there will be no (V) from the power supply 208a₁) Any current of (a) through the field device 102b (R)₂) And will not be present from power supply 208b (V)₂) Any current of (a) through the field device 102a (R)₁). Thus, the current I provided to the field devices 102a-102b₁And I₂Will not have any significant interference (even if the current I is₁And I₂Simultaneously through the same electrical conductor 114). Since electrical conductor 114 has a very small resistance (approximately equal to zero), multiple currents can be used to drive multiple field devices without causing significant interference, so long as the currents are generated by isolated power sources.

Although FIG. 4 shows one example of an equivalent circuit 400 for multiple device connections on I/O terminal 205, various changes may be made to FIG. 4. For example, FIG. 4 shows two field devices 102a-102b coupled to two power sources 208a-208b using a single electrical conductor 114. However, assuming there are n available independent power sources (and that the resistance of electrical conductor 114 is suitably close to zero), there may be up to n currents flowing on electrical conductor 114 to n devices without causing significant interference.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example method 500 for using multi-device connections on I/O terminals according to this disclosure. For ease of explanation, the method 500 is described as involving the use of the I/O module 104 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 within the system 100 shown in FIG. 1. However, the method 500 may be used by any other suitable device and in any other suitable system, regardless of whether those devices or systems are used for industrial process control and automation.

As shown in FIG. 5, at step 502, a plurality of devices are coupled to a common electrical conductor, and at step 504, the common electrical conductor is coupled to an I/O terminal of an I/O module. For example, this may include a person coupling multiple field devices 102, 102a-102b to the same electrical conductor 114. This may also include personnel coupling the electrical conductors 114 to the I/O terminals 205 of the I/O module 104. At step 506, the I/O module is coupled to a plurality of independent power sources. This may include, for example, personnel coupling the power terminals 204 of the I/O module 104 to electrical conductors 206 that are connected to a plurality of power sources 208a-208 b.

At step 508, a plurality of electrical signals are generated using the I/O circuitry in the I/O module and using the power from the power source. This may include, for example, the first I/O circuit 302 and the second I/O circuit 304 of the I/O module 104 generating the current I, respectively₁And I₂. This may also include the module controller 310 controlling the switches 306 and 308 to allow the corresponding current I to be generated and provided by the I/O module 104₁And I₂. At step 510, electrical signals are transmitted to a plurality of devices over a common electrical conductor. This may include, for example, the I/O module 104 passing a current I through the electrical conductor 114₁And 1₂To a plurality of field devices 102, 102a-102 b. In this manner, at step 512, an electrical signal corresponding to the device may be used to provide data to or receive data from each device. This may include, for example, the I/O module 104 receiving input data from a given field device 102, 102a using analog or digital signals. This may also include the I/O module 104 providing output data to the specified field device 102, 102b using analog or digital signals. Communication with multiple field devices 102, 102a-102b can occur simultaneously even if electrical signals are transmitted using a common electrical conductor 114.

Although FIG. 5 illustrates one example of a method 500 for using multi-device connections on I/O terminals, various changes may be made to FIG. 5. For example, while shown as a series of steps, various steps in FIG. 5 could overlap, occur in parallel, occur in a different order, or occur any number of times.

Fig. 6-9 illustrate exemplary methods for supporting different types of I/O channels over multiple device connections on I/O terminals according to the present disclosure. In particular, fig. 6-9 illustrate exemplary methods for supporting a particular combination of I/O channels over multiple device connections on an I/O terminal. For ease of explanation, the methods shown in fig. 6-9 are described as involving the use of the I/O module 104 shown in fig. 2 and 3 within the system 100 shown in fig. 1. However, the methods shown in fig. 6-9 may be used by any other suitable device and in any other suitable system, regardless of whether those devices or systems are used for industrial process control and automation.

As shown in FIG. 6, a method 600 for simultaneously supporting DI and AI I/O channels for multiple devices over a single electrical connection is provided. At step 602, a user is allowed to configure DI and AI channels associated with a single I/O terminal of an I/O module. This may include, for example, the I/O module 104 receiving information indicating that a user or other person has coupled or is about to couple the DI and AI field devices 102, 102a-102b to the same electrical conductor 114 that is coupled to the I/O terminal 205 of the I/O module 104.

At step 604, a first circuit path in the I/O module is configured to support a DI I/O channel, and at step 606, a second circuit path in the I/O module is configured to support an AI I/O channel. This may include, for example, the I/O module 104 configuring the I/O circuitry 302 to support DI channels and the I/O circuitry 304 to support AI channels (if generic or reconfigurable I/O channels are supported). Alternatively, this may include personnel installing I/O circuitry 302 to support the DI channel and I/O circuitry 304 to support the AI channel.

Once operational, the current through the first circuit path is measured, one or more thresholds are applied to the measured values, and the DI status is reported at step 608. This may include, for example, the module controller 310 measuring the current emitted by the I/O circuit 302 using the associated sense resistor 312, amplifier 314, and ADC 316. This may also include module controller 310 applying one or more thresholds to the current measurement to determine which digital state is represented by the measured current. This may also include the module controller 310 communicating the digital state as a digital input value to at least one controller 106 or one or more other destinations.

At step 610, the current through the second circuit path is measured and the AI status is reported. This may include, for example, the module controller 310 measuring the current emitted by the I/O circuit 304 using the associated sense resistor 312, amplifier 314, and ADC 316. This may also include the module controller 310 communicating the current measurement as an analog input value to at least one controller 106 or other destination or destinations.

As shown in FIG. 7, a methodology 700 is provided for simultaneously supporting AI and DO I/O channels for multiple devices over a single electrical connection. At step 702, a user is allowed to configure AI and DO channels associated with a single I/O terminal of an I/O module. This may include, for example, the I/O module 104 receiving information indicating that a user or other person has coupled or is about to couple the AI and DO field devices 102, 102a-102b to the same electrical conductor 114 coupled to the I/O terminal 205 of the I/O module 104.

At step 704, a first circuit path in the I/O module is configured to support an AI I/O channel and at step 706, a second circuit path in the I/O module is configured to support a DO I/O channel. This may include, for example, the I/O module 104 configuring the I/O circuitry 302 to support AI channels and the I/O circuitry 304 to support DO channels (if generic or reconfigurable I/O channels are supported). Alternatively, this may include personnel installing I/O circuitry 302 to support the AI channel and I/O circuitry 304 to support the DO channel.

Once operational, the current through the first circuit path is measured and the AI status is reported at step 708. This may include, for example, the module controller 310 measuring the current emitted by the I/O circuit 302 using the associated sense resistor 312, amplifier 314, and ADC 316. This may also include the module controller 310 communicating the current measurement as an analog input value to at least one controller 106 or one or more other destinations.

At step 710, the switches in the second circuit path are driven in accordance with the digital state of the DO channel. This may include, for example, module controller 310 receiving a digital status from controller 106 or other source to be output to the field device. This may also include the module controller 310 outputting a signal to the DAC 318 to activate or deactivate the switch 308 to achieve the desired digital state and to communicate the digital output value.

As shown in FIG. 8, a method 800 is provided for simultaneously supporting DO and AO I/O channels for multiple devices over a single electrical connection. At step 802, a user is allowed to configure DO and AO channels associated with a single I/O terminal of an I/O module. This may include, for example, the I/O module 104 receiving information indicating that a user or other person has coupled or is about to couple the DO and AO field devices 102, 102a-102b to the same electrical conductor 114 coupled to the I/O terminal 205 of the I/O module 104.

At step 804, a first circuit path in the I/O module is configured to support a DO I/O channel, and at step 806, a second circuit path in the I/O module is configured to support an AO I/O channel. This may include, for example, the I/O module 104 configuring the I/O circuitry 302 to support DO channels and the I/O circuitry 304 to support AO channels (if generic or reconfigurable I/O channels are supported). Alternatively, this may include personnel installing I/O circuitry 302 to support the DO channel and I/O circuitry 304 to support the AO channel.

Once in operation, the switches in the first circuit path are driven in accordance with the digital state of the DO channel at step 808. This may include, for example, module controller 310 receiving a digital status from controller 106 or other source to be output to the field device. This may also include the module controller 310 outputting a signal to the DAC 318 to activate or deactivate the switch 308 to achieve the desired digital state and to communicate the digital output value.

At step 810, the current in the second circuit path is driven in accordance with the analog value of the AO channel, the current in the second circuit path is read, and the read current is reported as a read-back current. This may include, for example, module controller 310 receiving an analog value from controller 106 or other source to be output to a field device. This may also include the module controller 310 interacting with the I/O circuitry 304 to generate a current representing an analog value. This may also include the use of the associated sense resistor 312, amplifier 314, and ADC 316 by the module controller 310 to measure the current emitted by the I/O circuit 304 and communicate it as a read-back value to the controller 106 or other source of analog values.

As shown in FIG. 9, a method 900 is provided for simultaneously supporting AO and DI I/O channels for multiple devices over a single electrical connection. At step 902, a user is allowed to configure AO and DI channels associated with a single I/O terminal of an I/O module. This may include, for example, the I/O module 104 receiving information indicating that a user or other person has coupled or is about to couple the AO and DI field devices 102, 102a-102b to the same electrical conductor 114 that is coupled to the I/O terminal 205 of the I/O module 104.

At step 904, a first circuit path in the I/O module is configured to support an AO I/O channel, and at step 906, a second circuit path in the I/O module is configured to support a DI I/O channel. This may include, for example, the I/O module 104 configuring the I/O circuitry 302 to support AO channels and the I/O circuitry 304 to support DI channels (if generic or reconfigurable I/O channels are supported). Alternatively, this may include personnel installing I/O circuitry 302 to support AO channels and I/O circuitry 304 to support DI channels.

Once in operation, the current in the first circuit path is driven according to the analog value of the AO channel, the current in the first circuit path is read, and the read current is reported as a read-back current at step 908. This may include, for example, module controller 310 receiving an analog value from controller 106 or other source to be output to a field device. This may also include the module controller 310 interacting with the I/O circuit 302 to generate a current representing an analog value. This may also include the use of the associated sense resistor 312, amplifier 314, and ADC 316 by the module controller 310 to measure the current emitted by the I/O circuit 302 and communicate it as a read-back value to the controller 106 or other source of analog values.

At step 910, the current through the second circuit path is measured, one or more thresholds are applied to the measured values, and the DI status is reported. This may include, for example, the module controller 310 measuring the current emitted by the I/O circuit 304 using the associated sense resistor 312, amplifier 314, and ADC 316. This may also include module controller 310 applying one or more thresholds to the current measurement to determine which digital state is represented by the measured current. This may also include the module controller 310 communicating the digital state as a digital input value to at least one controller 106 or one or more other destinations.

Although fig. 6-9 illustrate examples of methods for supporting different types of I/O channels over multiple device connections on I/O terminals, various changes may be made to fig. 6-9. For example, while shown as a series of steps, various steps in each figure could overlap, occur in parallel, occur in a different order, or occur any number of times. Also, in these examples, the multi-device connection is shown as supporting one analog I/O channel (AI or AO) and one digital I/O channel (DI or DO). Thus, these techniques are applicable to general-purpose or reconfigurable I/O channels having both analog circuit components and digital circuit components, such as those that conventionally use only analog circuit components or only digital circuit components at any given time. However, the methods described in this disclosure are not limited to use with one analog I/O channel and one digital I/O channel.

In some embodiments, various functions described in this patent document are implemented or supported by a computer program that is formed from computer readable program code and that is embodied in a computer readable medium. The phrase "computer readable program code" includes any type of computer code, including source code, object code, and executable code. The phrase "computer readable medium" includes any type of medium capable of being accessed by a computer, such as Read Only Memory (ROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), a hard disk drive, a Compact Disc (CD), a Digital Video Disc (DVD), or any other type of memory. "non-transitory" computer-readable media exclude wired, wireless, optical, or other communication links to transmit transitory electrical or other signals. Non-transitory computer readable media include media that can permanently store data as well as media that can store and later overwrite data, such as a rewritable optical disc or an erasable storage device.

It may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document. The terms "application" and "program" refer to one or more computer programs, software components, sets of instructions, procedures, functions, objects, classes, instances, related data, or a portion thereof adapted for implementation in a suitable computer code (including source code, object code, or executable code). The term "communication" and its derivatives encompass both direct and indirect communication. The terms "include" and "comprise," as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation. The term "or" is inclusive, meaning and/or. The phrase "associated with,. and derivatives thereof, may mean including, included within, interconnected with, containing, contained within, connected to, or connected with, coupled to, or coupled with, communicable with, cooperative with, interleaved with, juxtaposed with, proximate to, joined to, or combined with, having an attribute of, having a relationship to, or having a relationship to, etc. When used with a list of items, the phrase "at least one of means that different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used and only one item in the list may be needed. For example, "at least one of A, B and C" includes any combination of: a, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and A, B and C.

The description herein should not be read as implying that any particular element, step, or function is an essential or critical element that must be included in the claims scope. The scope of patented subject matter is defined only by the allowed claims. Furthermore, none of the claims recites 35u.s.c. § 112(f) to any one of the appended claims or claim elements, except that the exact word "means for. The use of terms such as, but not limited to, "mechanism," "module," "device," "unit," "component," "element," "member," "device," "machine," "system," "processor," or "controller" within the claims is understood to and intended to refer to structure known to those of skill in the relevant art, as further modified or enhanced by the features of the claims, and is not intended to refer to 35u.s.c. § 112 (f).

While this disclosure has described certain embodiments and generally associated methods, alterations and permutations of these embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the above description of example embodiments does not define or constrain this disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and alterations are also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, as defined by the following claims.