Abstract: A method of performing automated discovery and mapping of the topology of a network is provided, wherein the networked modules include discovery and mapping-enabled modules and standard modules that are not discovery and mapping-enabled and wherein the network connections include both data connections and power connections. The method comprises the following steps: a) powering up all discovery and mapping-enabled modules on the network with current trips set to maximum level; b) powering up all standard modules; c) determining what modules are on the network; d) determine the topology of the network, including where the modules are connected within the network; e) using the determined topology to determine power requirements for the modules on the network; and f) adjusting the power distribution on the network to accommodate the identified power needs of the network.

Abstract: A system is described for use with an asset such as a vehicle or structure. In one example, the system includes IO modules, a scan module, a vector server, and a historian module. Each IO module includes a local server and is coupled to a component of the asset. Each IO module stores values for variables of the coupled component in the local server and generates a map file containing information about the variables. The scan module accesses each local server and stores the values in an aggregation server. The vector server receives the map file from each IO module and generates a vector file using the map files. The vector file describes the IO modules' variables and identifies each value's memory location in the aggregation server. The historian module generates a storage structure using the vector file and populates the storage structure with the values from the aggregation server.

Abstract: A Virtual Electrical and Electronic Device Interface and Management System (VEEDIMS) support architecture is provided. In one example, the VEEDIMS support architecture includes a vehicle layer and a shop layer. The vehicle layer has a module and a controller positioned in a vehicle. The module is configured to couple to a device via an input/output (I/O) interface compatible with the device and configured to couple to the controller via a cable adapted to simultaneously carry bi-directional data and uni-directional power to the module. The shop layer is separate from the vehicle layer and has a browser configured to communicate with an HTTP server in the module and an analysis tool configured to receive and analyze event driven and time series data from the controller.

Abstract: A method for remote control and monitoring of a valve from a remote control/monitoring station comprises the following steps: providing a valve assembly including a valve body and a movable valve member, a mechanical position sensor, a drive motor, and an analog control module controlling the drive motor in response to incoming analog control signals and producing analog output control signals corresponding to the position of the valve member; removing the mechanical position sensor; removing the analog control module; operatively connecting an optical position sensor to the valve member; operatively connecting a digital control module to the drive motor and the optical position sensor controlling the drive motor in response to incoming digital control signals and producing digital output control signals corresponding to the valve member position; and communicating the digital input and output signals between the valve controller and a remote control/monitoring station over an electronic network.

Abstract: A power management system including granularized control and intelligent power reduction comprises a plurality of devices interconnected on a data/power network. A control node is connected on the data/power network in data communication with the plurality of devices and receiving signals indicative of the power requirements of the individual devices and detecting a total available power for the system. The system further comprises a respective operational priority value corresponding to each of the respective devices. The control node compares the total of the power requirements for all of the devices to the total available power for the system. When the total of the power requirements exceeds the total power available, the control node determines which of the devices has the lowest operational priority value and sends control signals to that device, causing it to either reduce its power use by an incremental amount or turn OFF.

Abstract: A Virtual Electrical and Electronic Device Interface and Management System (VEEDIMS) support architecture is provided. In one example, the VEEDIMS support architecture includes a vehicle layer and a shop layer. The vehicle layer has a module and a controller positioned in a vehicle. The module is configured to couple to a device via an input/output (I/O) interface compatible with the device and configured to couple to the controller via a cable adapted to simultaneously carry bi-directional data and uni-directional power to the module. The shop layer is separate from the vehicle layer and has a browser configured to communicate with an HTTP server in the module and an analysis tool configured to receive and analyze event driven and time series data from the controller.

Abstract: Hybrid cables for conveying data and conducting operating power to electrically powered devices and a vehicle utilizing such cables are disclosed.

Abstract: A Virtual Electrical and Electronic Device Interface and Management System (VEEDIMS) support architecture is provided. In one example, the VEEDIMS support architecture includes a vehicle layer and a shop layer. The vehicle layer has a module and a controller positioned in a vehicle. The module is configured to couple to a device via an input/output (I/O) interface compatible with the device and configured to couple to the controller via a cable adapted to simultaneously carry bi-directional data and uni-directional power to the module. The shop layer is separate from the vehicle layer and has a browser configured to communicate with an HTTP server in the module and an analysis tool configured to receive and analyze event driven and time series data from the controller.

Abstract: A Virtual Electrical and Electronic Device Interface and Management System (VEEDIMS) is provided. In one example, the VEEDIMS includes a backbone network formed by cables that are configured to simultaneously carry digital data and power. A controller is coupled to the backbone network and configured to execute control instructions. A plurality of modules are coupled to the controller via the backbone network and receive data and power via the backbone network. The modules receive control signals from the controller based on the control instructions. At least one device is coupled to one of the modules via a direct input/output (I/O) interface positioned in the module. A device specific driver contained in the module provides a communications interface between the device and a generic VEEDIMS controller driver in the controller.

Abstract: Hybrid cables for conveying data and conducting operating power to electrically powered devices and a vehicle utilizing such cables are disclosed.

Abstract: Hybrid cables for conveying data and conducting operating power to electrically powered devices and a vehicle utilizing such cables are disclosed.

Abstract: A Virtual Electrical and Electronic Device Interface and Management System (VEEDIMS) is provided. In one example, the VEEDIMS includes a backbone network formed by cables that are configured to simultaneously carry digital data and power. A controller is coupled to the backbone network and configured to execute control instructions. A plurality of modules are coupled to the controller via the backbone network and receive data and power via the backbone network. The modules receive control signals from the controller based on the control instructions. At least one device is coupled to one of the modules via a direct input/output (I/O) interface positioned in the module. A device specific driver contained in the module provides a communications interface between the device and a generic VEEDIMS controller driver in the controller.

Abstract: Hybrid cables for conveying data and conducting operating power to electrically powered devices and a vehicle utilizing such cables are disclosed.