Abstract: A protocol for configuring I/O devices is provided in accordance with the present invention. The protocol includes a first protocol for enabling at least one I/O module to receive network communications, and a second protocol for providing the network communications to the at least one I/O module. The first protocol enables at least one I/O module to enable at least one other I/O module to form an I/O group.

Abstract: A universal input/output device for an industrial automation control system includes a housing, a power supply for connecting to a voltage source, an input/output circuit for communicating with an industrial process, and a network adapter circuit for communicating data to and from a data network. The device also includes a backplane communication circuit for sending backplane data upstream and downstream along a backplane, and a device setup control circuit. The device setup control circuit performs an initialization process to configure said device as one of: (i) a stand-along block I/O device; (ii) a network adapter module of a modular I/O device; or (iii) an I/O module of a modular I/O device. The configuration method is automatic and based upon data being received into the device.

Abstract: Communications adapters and methods are provided for interfacing communications for an EtherNet/Ip or other general purpose industrial network, a Fieldbus or other open protocol device network, and a PointBus or other proprietary network. The adapter may be integrated in a module of a backplane system with connections to the general purpose, proprietary, and open protocol device networks, and provides a bridging for communications across the networks to make devices on the proprietary and open protocol networks accessible as if they were on a single device network and with sequential addressing capabilities.

Abstract: Control systems and methods are disclosed for controlling operation of movable systems in an automated process with a stationary system having a first control system component and at least one movable system having a second control system component, in which optical or other non-contacting signaling between the stationary and movable systems is used to ascertain whether a movable system is proximate the stationary system, and wireless communications is used to transfer control data between the systems while the non-contacting signal link is maintained.

Abstract: A programmable routing module is disclosed for interconnecting field wiring with a control system. The routing module includes a field connection to connect field signals from a controlled process to the routing module, an I/O connection to connect I/O signals from the control system to the routing module, and a configurable interconnection system that selectively couples particular field and I/O signals with one another.

Abstract: A system for automatically configuring I/O devices is provided in accordance with the present invention. The system includes a plurality of I/O devices operatively coupled to each other and a sub-system for determining physical locations of the I/O devices with respect to one another. The sub-system assigns node addresses to each I/O device—each assigned node address corresponds to the physical location of the respective I/O devices.

Abstract: A protocol for configuring I/O devices is provided in accordance with the present invention. The protocol includes a first protocol for enabling at least one I/O module to receive network communications, and a second protocol for providing the network communications to the at least one I/O module. The first protocol enables at least one I/O module to enable at least one other I/O module to form an I/O group.

Abstract: A modular base for an electrical device and an electrical device including same and also removable modules are disclosed. The modular base comprises a plurality of base components adapted to be arranged relative to each other to define a backplane comprising a plurality of module mounting locations, wherein each mounting location comprises a first electrical base connector of one base component and a second electrical base connector of another base component. A plurality of removable modules are adapted to be respectively removably connected to the backplane in the mounting locations to provide a modular electrical device. Each of the modules comprises a first module connector adapted to be mated with a first base connector of a mounting location and a second module connector adapted to be mated with a second base connector of the mounting location The backplane comprises one or more coupling devices for releasably engaging a module.

Abstract: A modular electrical device and/or module for same with improved sealing is disclosed. The device comprises a base comprising at least one mounting location comprising first and second electrical base connectors. The module comprises first and second electrical module connectors that are respectively adapted for mating with the first and second electrical base connectors at respective first and second connector interfaces. First and second seals are located respectively at the first-and second connector interfaces. The first and second seals each comprise first and second sealing elements that act respectively in first and second directions that are transverse relative to each other.

Abstract: A modular base for an electrical device and an electrical device including same and also removable modules are disclosed. The modular base comprises a plurality of base components adapted to be arranged relative to each other to define a backplane comprising a plurality of module mounting locations, wherein each mounting location comprises a first electrical base connector of one base component and a second electrical base connector of another base component. A plurality of removable modules are adapted to be respectively removably connected to the backplane in the mounting locations to provide a modular electrical device. Each of the modules comprises a first module connector adapted to be mated with a first base connector of a mounting location and a second module connector adapted to be mated with a second base connector of the mounting location The backplane comprises one or more coupling devices for releasably engaging a module.

Abstract: A modular electrical device and/or module for same with improved sealing is disclosed. The device comprises a base comprising at least one mounting location comprising first and second electrical base connectors. The module comprises first and second electrical module connectors that are respectively adapted for mating with the first and second electrical base connectors at respective first and second connector interfaces. First and second seals are located respectively at the first-and second connector interfaces. The first and second seals each comprise first and second sealing elements that act respectively in first and second directions that are transverse relative to each other.

Abstract: A modular base for an electrical device and an electrical device including same and also removable modules are disclosed. The modular base comprises a plurality of base components adapted to be arranged relative to each other to define a backplane comprising a plurality of module mounting locations, wherein each mounting location comprises a first electrical base connector of one base component and a second electrical base connector of another base component. A plurality of removable modules are adapted to be respectively removably connected to the backplane in the mounting locations to provide a modular electrical device. Each of the modules comprises a first module connector adapted to be mated with a first base connector of a mounting location and a second module connector adapted to be mated with a second base connector of the mounting location The backplane comprises one or more coupling devices for releasably engaging a module.