Abstract: A circuit arrangement for a digital input of an electronic peripheral module includes an inlet connection forming a digital input, a ground connection, a semiconductor switching device arranged between the inlet connection and the ground connection to limit input current and a reference voltage source connected to a control input of the semiconductor switching device to control the device, wherein a regulator which, depending on an input voltage at the inlet connection, regulates the reference voltage source such that the semiconductor switching device, for a first voltage value, adjusts the input current for the input voltage to a first input current and, for a second voltage value, adjusts the input current for the input voltage to a second input current, wherein the first voltage value is greater than the second voltage value and the first input current is smaller than the second input current on account of the regulator.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for a digital input of an electronic peripheral module includes an inlet connection forming a digital input, a ground connection, a semiconductor switching device arranged between the inlet connection and the ground connection to limit input current and a reference voltage source connected to a control input of the semiconductor switching device to control the device, wherein a regulator which, depending on an input voltage at the inlet connection, regulates the reference voltage source such that the semiconductor switching device, for a first voltage value, adjusts the input current for the input voltage to a first input current and, for a second voltage value, adjusts the input current for the input voltage to a second input current, wherein the first voltage value is greater than the second voltage value and the first input current is smaller than the second input current on account of the regulator.

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.

Abstract: There is described a module for expanding a central module of an automation system, the data transfer between module and central module being accomplished by means of a serial communication system having point-to-point connections in a daisychain or backplane layout and the module having, in a physical layer herefor, at least two transmitters and at least two receivers. There is also described a communication system having at least one module of said kind and a central module. A module for a communication system within an automation system is specified, which module can be flexibly and easily adapted to the respective field of application. There is further described a flexible and scalable communication system for the data transfer between a central module/a CPU and at least one module with the aim of realizing a modular expansion of the central module/CPU.

Abstract: An input/output module for a programmable controller is provided. The input/output module has a digital input channel, and in order to prevent power losses previously incurred internally within the module, an electrical source is provided internally within the module for evaluating the status of a sensor connected to the digital input channel. The module receives no electrical energy via the digital input channel but outputs it. A reduction is thus achieved in the power loss incurred internally within the module. A method for operating an input/output module for a programmable controller is also provided.

Abstract: An input circuit (1?) provided with a time delay element (40), which circuit is capable of being tested by a controlled high level or low level connection, and a method for the operation thereof. The delay time of the time-delay element can be modified during operation of the input circuit. In particular, the elapsed delay time is read out prior to the testing of the input circuit and is restored again after testing, so that the test does not increase the effective input delay time for the process signals. In addition or as an alternative, the delay time is set to a minimum value prior to the test to enable rapid testing of the input circuit independent of the set delay time.

Abstract: There is described a module for expanding a central module of an automation system, the data transfer between module and central module being accomplished by means of a serial communication system having point-to-point connections in a daisychain or backplane layout and the module having, in a physical layer herefor, at least two transmitters and at least two receivers. There is also described a communication system having at least one module of said kind and a central module. A module for a communication system within an automation system is specified, which module can be flexibly and easily adapted to the respective field of application. There is further described a flexible and scalable communication system for the data transfer between a central module/a CPU and at least one module with the aim of realizing a modular expansion of the central module/CPU.

Abstract: An input/output module for a programmable controller is provided. The input/output module has a digital input channel, and in order to prevent power losses previously incurred internally within the module, an electrical source is provided internally within the module for evaluating the status of a sensor connected to the digital input channel. The module receives no electrical energy via the digital input channel but outputs it. A reduction is thus achieved in the power loss incurred internally within the module. A method for operating an input/output module for a programmable controller is also provided.

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.

Abstract: An input circuit (1?) provided with a time delay element (40), which circuit is capable of being tested by a controlled high level or low level connection, and a method for the operation thereof. The delay time of the time-delay element can be modified during operation of the input circuit. In particular, the elapsed delay time is read out prior to the testing of the input circuit and is restored again after testing, so that the test does not increase the effective input delay time for the process signals. In addition or as an alternative, the delay time is set to a minimum value prior to the test to enable rapid testing of the input circuit independent of the set delay time.