Abstract: A programmable logic controller, a method for operating a programmable logic controller, and a computer program product provide for parallel operation of a plurality of PLC applications on a programmable logic controller. The programmable logic controller has a data processing unit, at least one input, at least one output, and at least one storage region for application programs, wherein the programmable logic controller is configured to provide at least one virtual programmable logic controller during operation by means of an operating system, wherein an application program is able to be run on the virtual programmable logic controller.

Abstract: An automation system, an operating method for an automation system, and a computer program product enable communication between assemblies of an automation system connected to each other via a back panel bus, wherein the assemblies can exchange data with each other directly, without sending the data via a master.

Abstract: A solenoid valve is to be controlled in such a way that an armature of the solenoid valve assumes an intermediate position between an opened position and a closed position and the armature oscillates about this intermediate position with small deflections. For this purpose, a setpoint current value is generated on the basis of a target current value, wherein a ripple current value is superimposed on the target current value; this setpoint current value is compared with a measured current value and a differential current value is generated therefrom; an actuating current value is generated from this differential current value in a current regulator; and a control signal for controlling the solenoid valve is generated from this actuating current value in a control signal generator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clamping module for securing to a support rail, which has a housing, a bracing device and at least one retaining claw arranged thereon. The at least one retaining claw can be brought into a securing position on the support rail and clamped there by means of the bracing device, in order to detachably secure the clamping module to the support rail. According to the invention, the clamping module has a signal device, comprising at least one signal element arranged in the housing, which signal element can be moved along a predetermined movement path by placing the clamping module onto a support rail. Using the position of the signal element on the movement path, it can be identified from outside the housing whether the clamping module is correctly arranged on the support rail.

Abstract: The arrangement includes at least one modular part of a first type (60), at least one modular part of a second type (60?), an adjustable coding (10, 10?), which has coding settings, which allow or prevent a joining together of the modular parts, and a holding appliance (62-64, 62?-64?) for holding one modular part on the other modular part when these are joined together. Coding elements (10, 10?) are provided, which in each case are received in a receiving space (51, 51?) formed in the modular part of the first or second type (50, 50?, 60, 60?) and which in each case have a projection (31, 31?) projecting out of the receiving space.

Abstract: The plug part (10) is connectable to a mating part (1), which is used as a connector of a device (50), to form a plug-in connection. The plug part (10) includes at least one non-volatile memory (13), a communication unit (15) and a microprocessor (14). A network having such plug parts (10) can be tested by means of a testing device, which is designed to generate test signals from information stored in the memory (13), which test signals can be laid on the cable wired leading out of the plug part (10) in order to generate measurement signals. The memory (13) preferably contains a list of permissible combinations of hardware and software versions, which can be compared with the current hardware and software combination of the device (50) in order to configure the device (50) and/or authorize the device (50) for normal operation.