Abstract: A programmable data link module is used on a time division multiplex data bus having a repetitive time frame, each time frame having a plurality of time slots. The module receives data from the data bus during a selected time slot for a selected number of frames. The data link module includes a data verifier for storing the received data during the selected frames and inhibits outputting of data signals to the data bus until a repetitive occurrence of the received data over the selected number of frames has been verified.

Abstract: A networked control system includes graphical representations of actual devices coupled to a network. The graphical representations include symbols that provide an actual picture of the devices and means for displaying values and status of the devices. A controller uses a system database to create an application database that is used for controlling and monitoring the devices. The system database and application database combine to form a real-time distributed database for controlling devices on the network. The system database includes templates for the physical devices with a control structure that has prelinked parameters that relate to the representation. A graphic editor allows a user to create the database from templates in the system database. Data and other device parameters are automatically linked to a device symbol when creating the graphical representations. A process controller couples the devices to the network and provides the data and status of the networked device to the system.

Abstract: A programmable data link module for use with a time division multiplex data bus includes a word extender module. The module can receive, send, or receive and send data over the data bus during a preselectable time period. The time period is defined by a programmable starting address and an ending address. The data can be single or multibit and variable length as determined by the time period selected.

Abstract: A programmable data link module (32) for use in a time division multiplexing control system (30) having a plurality of modules interconnected by a bus (40) for passing control signals between data link modules on a serial multiplex basis. Each module includes an integrated circuit (80) having signal conditioning circuits (180, 186 and 188) including a programmable hysteresis circuit (126), a power on reset delay circuit (190), a safety input inhibit circuit (220), a clock loss detect circuit (240), a safety output protection circuit (262), a data verifier (260), a polarity selector for a third output terminal (350), an input synchronizer (182 and 184), a combined mode/sync output terminal (110), a multiplex clock output terminal (108), a programing circuit (232) for accepting programing over the clock bus (44) and data bus (46), input/output word extender circuits (104, 106), a high voltage protection circuit (420) including a transistor (600) and a data bus integrity checker (630).

Abstract: A programmable data link module (32) for use in a time division multiplexing control system (30) having a plurality of modules interconnected by a bus (40) for passing control signals between data link modules on a serial multiplex basis. Each module includes an integrated circuit (80) having signal conditioning circuits (180, 186 and 188) including a programmable hysteresis circuit (126), a power on reset delay circuit (190), a safety input inhibit circuit (220), a clock loss detect circuit (240), a safety output protection circuit (262), a data verifier (260), a polarity selector for a third output terminal (350), an input synchronizer (182 and 184), a combined mode/sync output terminal (110), a multiplex clock output terminal (108), a programming circuit (232) for accepting programming over the clock bus (44) and data bus (46), input/output word extender circuits (104, 106), a high voltage protection circuit (420) including a transistor (600) and a data bus integrity checker (630).

Abstract: A networked control system includes graphical representations of actual devices coupled to a network. The graphical representations include symbols that provide an actual picture of the devices and means for displaying values and status of the devices. A controller uses a system database to create an application database that is used for controlling and monitoring the devices. The system database includes templates for the physical devices with a control structure that has prelinked parameters that relate to the representation. A graphic editor allows a user to create the database from templates in the system database. Data and other device parameters are automatically linked to a device symbol when creating the graphical representations. A process controller couples the devices to the network and provides the data and status of the networked device to the system database.