Abstract: A field device for use in a communicating with a building automation system field controller via a field cable is disclosed. The field device includes an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit includes communications circuitry and sensing circuitry. The integrated circuit is configured to convert a first signal from the sensing circuitry to a second signal compatible with the communications circuitry. The interface is configured to communicatively couple the field cable to the communications circuitry.

Abstract: A system of interlocking modules for use with a programmable logic controller. The system utilizes a plurality of modules, e.g. input/output modules, that are mechanically and electrically interlinked. Modules are electrically connected to adjacent modules by plug portions The mechanical interlocking features and the plug portions are designed to permit insertion and removal of individual modules disposed between adjacent modules, without moving either of the adjacent modules. Also, the plug portions are designed to isolate the electrical connections from vibration.

Abstract: A system of interlocking modules for use with a programmable logic controller. The system utilizes a plurality of modules, e.g. input/output modules, that are mechanically interlinked to obviate the need for a rack or back plane. Each module includes a movable plug portion that selectively may be moved into engagement with a corresponding plug receptacle of the next adjacent module. The mechanical interlocking features and the plug portions are designed to permit insertion and removal of individual modules disposed between adjacent modules, without moving either of the adjacent modules.

Abstract: A rack for an industrial controller has a metallic top and bottom plate with grooves to receive circuit cards of functional modules. A heat sink on the functional modules has flanges forming parts of the edge of the circuit cards that engage the grooves of the rack to provide a direct path of conduction from the heat sinks to the rack augmenting the cooling of the heat sink normally provided by heat sink fins. The heat sink stands away from the circuit card and has cantilevered flanges returning to the circuit card surface that provide flexure ensuring good contact between the heat sink and the grooves on the rack.

Abstract: A flash-on reduction circuit for use in the binary state output circuitry of an industrial controller employs a current conductor to charge parasitic capacitances of the output circuitry when the industrial controller is first turned on and a current limiter for preventing high current flows through the output power stages of the output circuit when the industrial controller is first turned on. The current limiter is deactivated by a timing means after the parasitic capacitances have been charged by the current conductor. In a first embodiment, the current conductor and current limiting means are provided by a current source applying increasing power to the output circuit.