Abstract: An apparatus is provided for accessing, controlling and monitoring a programable logic controller with a network client having a conventional web browser. The apparatus includes an archive, an interface, and a library. The archive provides for compiling an application written in code supported by the web browser. The interface is responsive to the application for establishing a connection between the controller and the network client. Further, the library is responsive to the application for supporting communication between the controller and the network client upon establishing a connection therebetween.

Abstract: A control system includes an Internet web interface to a network of at least one programmable logic control system running an application program for controlling output devices in response to status of input devices. The Web interface runs Web pages from an Ethernet board coupled directly to the PLC back plane and includes an HTTP protocol interpreter, a PLC back-plane driver, a TCP/IP stack, and an Ethernet board kernel. The Web interface provides access to the PLC back plane by a user at a remote location through the Internet. The interface translates the industry standard Ethernet, TCP/IP and HTTP protocols used on the Internet into data recognizable to the PLC. Residing in the PLC is a programming package accessible to a user through this interface which will allow the user to edit programs controlling the operation of the programmable logic controller system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to facilitating communication within an automation system having a plurality of networks and network protocols. Specifically, a Modbus network is operably connected to a network. A fieldbus coupler operably connected to both networks having a program facilitates communication within the automation system wherein devices connected to the network can be accessed for monitoring and/or controlling via Modbus commands. The fieldbus coupler (FBC) program accepts a Modbus function code containing one or more embedded message of varying types. The FBC program using additional information contained in the Modbus function code and the message type reads or writes only the required information to and from the field devices. This specific read or write request of the information and the embedding of more than one message type reduces overhead and bandwidth usage, thus improving bus response time and efficiency.

Abstract: System and method for training a user how to use software for programming a programmable logic controller (PLC). When the user encounters difficulties with programming the PLC, a training hyperlink option is provided to the user. Then, if the user selects the training hyperlink option, information is communicated automatically over a communications network, including information pertaining to the difficulties encountered by the user. The user is then linked to customized training resources which address the difficulties based upon the information that was automatically communicated when the user selected the training hyperlink option.

Abstract: A control system for programming an application program controlling a factory automation device on a communication network having a programming device operably connected to the communication network. A program package is embedded in the programming device and is used for creating and editing the application program. At least one web page is resident on the programming device and operably connected to the program package. The web page is accessible to a user using a web browser to edit the application program controlling the factory automation device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an active standby control system comprising the steps of providing a first and second programmable logic controller (PLC), each controller having an operating state. Each controller further including a network module board operably connected to a network; a control unit, a remote I/O head; and, a hot standby module, each hot standby module is operably connected together. Operably connecting each programmable logic controller to a network. Assigning a network address identifier, i.e., Internet Protocol or Media Access Control address, to each programmable logic controller and sensing the operating state of each programmable logic controller. The network address identifier of each programmable logic controller is determined by the operating state of each respective programmable logic controller.

Abstract: A method and system for transferring a plurality of messages in an Ethernet industrial control environment. The messages are tagged with identifiers of varying levels of priority. The system has a serial network bus. Clock synchronization messages generated by a master device are tagged with a higher priority identifier, while other message types are tagged with a lesser priority identifier. Data having the highest priority identifier is placed onto the bus before placing data with a lesser priority identifier onto the bus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an active standby control system comprising the steps of providing a first programmable logic controller and a second programmable logic controller, each controller having an operating state. A sub-network is formed by operably connecting the programmable logic controllers to an IO module with a fiber optic cable and a network connector. Data is transmitted over the sub-network at a rate of at least 100 Mb/s. A network identifier, i.e., Internet Protocol or Media Access Control address, is associated with each programmable logic controller. The network identifier of each controller is determined in response to the operating state of the respective programmable logic controller. The network connector can be a switch or a hub to assist in avoiding signal collisions and maintaining determinism on the sub-network.

Abstract: An interface circuit for use between an input circuit and an industrial automation system is disclosed. The industrial automation system includes an opto-coupler capable of being operably connected to the interface circuit. The interface circuit includes a first and second terminal, each terminal capable of being operably connected to the opto-coupler. A first current-source is operably connected to the first terminal and a second current-source is operably connected to the second terminal. A reference voltage is operably connected to the first current-source and the second current-source wherein the first and second current-source cooperate to provide a total input current in accordance with the operating characteristics of the industrial automation circuit.

Abstract: This invention relates to a programming station for an automation application that will be executed in an automation equipment. The programming station stores at least one file in an internal memory containing a description grammar for automation applications in text format, for at least one of the graphic automation languages (Ladder, SFC, FBD) using a single, hierarchised and object oriented language. It also contains a set of one or several description files, each description file describing part of the automation application and being expressed in this single language. The single, hierarchised and object oriented language is the XML (eXtended Markup Language) language.

Abstract: A mobile testing apparatus, method, and computer product that performs high speed testing of mobile pressure devices using high speed totalization, where testing of multiple devices may be done concurrently. Test results are communicated to a central console using a variety of communication methods, including wireless, and the testing apparatus and method is robust and reliable despite the occurrence of transient communication failures, because the test apparatus and method may operate independently of central control.

Abstract: High-speed programmable logic controller (PLC) signal processing is accomplished using a programmable signal processing arrangement that is capable of altering characteristics of signal processing in response to one or more signal processing coefficients. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a PLC-based arrangement includes a PLC controller and a signal processing arrangement that oversamples and processes a signal at a frequency that is greater than a maximum input-process-output scan rate of the PLC controller. In one implementation, the signal processing arrangement is programmable with complex high-speed signal processing parameters that can be downloaded, for example, via the Internet in response to an end-user request. With these approaches, signal sampling and processing is achieved with a PLC-based system at a rate that can be much higher than previously-available signal processing rates with PLC controllers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an active standby control system comprising the steps of providing a first and second controller, each controller having an operating state. Each controller is operably connected to a network. Assigning a network identifier, i.e., Internet Protocol, Media Access Control address, etc., to each controller and sensing the operating state of each controller. The network identifier of each controller is determined by the operating state of each respective controller.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for the automatic configuration of a factory automation device is described. The automatic configuration involves the identification of the device's network address, then involves the search for a configuration server. The configuration server contains the configuration record to download to the automation device, and may contain configuration records for a number of devices. As a result, a search must be made within the configuration server for the configuration record of the specific device. Once found, the configuration is downloaded from the configuration server to the automation device.

Abstract: A method for encapsulating HTTP messages within a MODBUS message is described in the present invention. This MODBUS message can be encoded and sent using either MODBUS/TCP or serial MODBUS. Within MODBUS, the encapsulation is built using the MODBUS Encapsulation Interface (MEI). The HTTP message may contain HTML, XML, XHTML, or SGML.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring a factory automation product via a communications network. The factory automation product is installed at an installation site having an installation site address and includes identifiable information such as a product number, a version number, a serial number and a MAC address. By obtaining the installation site address and the identifiable information, it is possible to associate the installation site address to the factory automation product based on the identifiable information. Based on the installation site address, it is possible to determine whether the factory automation product is used in violation of licenses.

Abstract: A method for adapting a computer-to-computer communication protocol, and especially TCP/IP, or any protocol implemented in a general purpose off-the-shelf network like Ethernet, for use in providing communication needed in an industrial control system, and especially an industrial control system using a programmable logic controller (PLC), where there is frequent communication between the PLC and control or monitoring elements, the method aimed at allowing the PLC to perform scanning of its ladder logic at a rate adequate for effective industrial control. The method includes making permanent-type TCP connections between the PLC and a control element or a monitoring element, use of a protocol for communication with a control or monitoring element in which both a read register and a write register instruction is included in a single communication transaction, such as a MODBUS command, and tuning communication between the PLC and a control element or a monitoring element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a diagnostic system which involves the use of a piece of observed information (5) coming from a process (1) monitored by a programmable automaton (10). The diagnostic system includes: an observation module (30) which collects, at input, the information observed (5) and delivers, at output, a piece of processed information (35) to a learning module (40); and a detection module (20) which collects, at input, the observed information (5) in order to apply a detection process (21) thereto including a diagnostic function (45), which comes from the learning module (40), in order to deliver a diagnostic result (25) at output. The observation module (30) and the detection module (20) are executed by the processing unit (11) of the programmable automaton (10) in the form of function units in accordance with standard IEC1131-3. The learning module (40) elaborates the diagnostic function (45) using an algorithm based on neural networks or on fuzzy logic.

Abstract: A protocol for communication between automation devices and a method for communicating between automation devices is disclosed. The protocol is an enhancement to the Modbus/TCP protocol, and includes a CRC-32 and time stamp fields at the application layer to increase the assurance of the message integrity. This increased integrity in network messages is critical in the operation of safety system.

Abstract: Automation equipment executes a real-time program for carrying out monitoring/control in an automation application. The automation equipment includes a USB connector connected via a USB bus driver circuit to an internal bus. The automation equipment also includes a software task in charge of controlling a flow of communications exchanged via the USB connector with remote equipments. The characteristics of the application program are executed in the automation equipment.