Abstract: An input circuit for reading in an analog input signal of a sensor comprises: first and second input ports connectable to the sensor; a first current-measuring signal converter connected to the first input port and comprising a current-measuring apparatus to determine a first output signal from the analog input signal; a current-limiting apparatus inside the first current-measuring signal converter for limiting a maximum current flowing through the first current-measuring signal converter; and a second current-measuring signal converter connected to the second input port and comprising a current-measuring apparatus to determine a second output signal from the analog input signal, wherein the first and second current-measuring signal converters are connected in series; and a testing apparatus for comparing the first and second output signals to detect faults of the first and second current-measuring signal converters in response to deviations between the first and second output signals exceeding a limit value.

Abstract: A digital input circuit for receiving digital input signals of at least one signal generator comprises first and second subcircuits. Each subcircuit includes a digital input to receive a digital input signal and a threshold value element to determine a logic state of the subcircuit. Each subcircuit adopts a first state in response to its digital input signal reaching or falling below a lower threshold value and adopts a second state in response to its digital input signal reaching or exceeding an upper threshold value. The digital input circuit further comprises a combined test and current increasing apparatus to generate a driving signal such that a function test of both the first and second subcircuits is conducted simultaneously with the driving signal and an input current of the digital inputs is increased.

Abstract: A digital input circuit for receiving digital input signals of at least one signal generator comprises first and second subcircuits. Each subcircuit includes a digital input to receive a digital input signal and a threshold value element to determine a logic state of the subcircuit. Each subcircuit adopts a first state in response to its digital input signal reaching or falling below a lower threshold value and adopts a second state in response to its digital input signal reaching or exceeding an upper threshold value. The digital input circuit further comprises a combined test and current increasing apparatus to generate a driving signal such that a function test of both the first and second subcircuits is conducted simultaneously with the driving signal and an input current of the digital inputs is increased.

Abstract: A digital input circuit adopts a first state when an input signal is below a lower threshold value and adopts a second state when the input signal is above an upper threshold value. The digital input circuit comprises first and second subcircuits that exhibit a non-ideal current output behavior at least in the second state, and each comprises a current stabilizing element with a driving circuit and a voltage stabilizing element. The first and second subcircuits are configured such that, at least in a portion of the second state, an electric current flowing through the first subcircuit's voltage stabilizing element consists substantially of a stabilized current of the second subcircuit, and an electric current that flows through the second subcircuit's voltage stabilizing element consists substantially of a stabilized current of the first subcircuit, such that the non-ideal current output behavior of the first and second subcircuits compensate for each other.

Abstract: A modular control apparatus, having a head module, and at least one supply module and peripheral module arranged on the head module and having a bus structure. The supply module and the peripheral module have a base module part, an electronic module part and a connection module part. The base module parts are arranged next to one another and provide the bus structure that electrically couples the head module, the supply module and the peripheral module to one another. The supply module additionally comprises an electrical line that runs from the connection module part through the electronic module part to the base module part and connects the supply connection of the supply module to the bus structure. An overload identification unit is arranged at the electrical line and determines a parameter of the electrical line and produces a warning signal if the parameter exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: A digital input circuit adopts a first state when an input signal is below a lower threshold value and adopts a second state when the input signal is above an upper threshold value. The digital input circuit comprises first and second subcircuits that exhibit a non-ideal current output behavior at least in the second state, and each comprises a current stabilizing element with a driving circuit and a voltage stabilizing element. The first and second subcircuits are configured such that, at least in a portion of the second state, an electric current flowing through the first subcircuit's voltage stabilizing element consists substantially of a stabilized current of the second subcircuit, and an electric current that flows through the second subcircuit's voltage stabilizing element consists substantially of a stabilized current of the first subcircuit, such that the non-ideal current output behavior of the first and second subcircuits compensate for each other.

Abstract: An input circuit for reading in an analog input signal of a sensor comprises: first and second input ports connectable to the sensor; a first current-measuring signal converter connected to the first input port and comprising a current-measuring apparatus to determine a first output signal from the analog input signal; a current-limiting apparatus inside the first current-measuring signal converter for limiting a maximum current flowing through the first current-measuring signal converter; and a second current-measuring signal converter connected to the second input port and comprising a current-measuring apparatus to determine a second output signal from the analog input signal, wherein the first and second current-measuring signal converters are connected in series; and a testing apparatus for comparing the first and second output signals to detect faults of the first and second current-measuring signal converters in response to deviations between the first and second output signals exceeding a limit value.

Abstract: A modular control apparatus, having a head module, and at least one supply module and peripheral module arranged on the head module and having a bus structure. The supply module and the peripheral module have a base module part, an electronic module part and a connection module part. The base module parts are arranged next to one another and provide the bus structure that electrically couples the head module, the supply module and the peripheral module to one another. The supply module additionally comprises an electrical line that runs from the connection module part through the electronic module part to the base module part and connects the supply connection of the supply module to the bus structure. An overload identification unit is arranged at the electrical line and determines a parameter of the electrical line and produces a warning signal if the parameter exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: A modular control apparatus, having a head module, and at least one supply module and peripheral module arranged on the head module and having a bus structure. The supply module and the peripheral module have a base module part, an electronic module part and a connection module part. The base module parts are arranged next to one another and provide the bus structure that electrically couples the head module, the supply module and the peripheral module to one another. The supply module additionally comprises an electrical line that runs from the connection module part through the electronic module part to the base module part and connects the supply connection of the supply module to the bus structure. An overload identification unit is arranged at the electrical line and determines a parameter of the electrical line and produces a warning signal if the parameter exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: A modular control apparatus, having a head module, and at least one supply module and peripheral module arranged on the head module and having a bus structure. The supply module and the peripheral module have a base module part, an electronic module part and a connection module part. The base module parts are arranged next to one another and provide the bus structure that electrically couples the head module, the supply module and the peripheral module to one another. The supply module additionally comprises an electrical line that runs from the connection module part through the electronic module part to the base module part and connects the supply connection of the supply module to the bus structure. An overload identification unit is arranged at the electrical line and determines a parameter of the electrical line and produces a warning signal if the parameter exceeds a threshold value.