Abstract: A method and system for configuring at least one communication interface module in a control or automation system includes a communication interface module for coupling at least two field bus systems. At least one first functional unit integrated in the communication interface module implements a connection to a configured superordinate controller via a first communication link on the basis of a first field bus protocol. At least one second functional unit integrated in the communication interface module implements a connection for field devices via a second communication link on the basis of a second field bus protocol. At least one further, third functional unit integrated in the communication interface module is configured to connect further field devices via input and/or output functionalities integrated in the communication interface module, and at least one serial interface integrated in the communication interface module can be used to configure the communication interface module.

Abstract: A control system controls safety-critical and non-safety-critical processes and/or system components. The system includes a first control unit for controlling the non-safety-critical process and/or the non-safety-critical system components, at least one input/output unit connected to the first control unit, a communication coupler, which is connected to the first control unit via an internal coupler bus, and a second control unit for controlling the safety-critical process and/or the safety-critical system components. For providing safety-related functions, the second control unit includes a first dual-port RAM and at least two processors, only one of which is connected to the first dual-port RAM.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to a system and method for configuring a control device in an automation system. The system including a hardware structure, and a programming tool connected to the hardware structure and the control device. The programming tool is configured to transmit a control program and configuration files to the control device, and store a control project in memory. The programming tool registers modifications of the hardware devices using software “FlexConf.ini” as modification information and sets the control device to a mode “control with flexible configuration” via a parameter “FlexControl”. The programming tool also determines a type for transmitting the modification information in the parameter “FlexControl”, and transmits the modification software with the modification information stored therein in accordance with the transmission type set in the parameter “FlexControl” to the control device.

Abstract: Modular automation system and method are disclosed. A central automation device can be constructed and upgraded using one of a plurality of selectable and variously upgradable baseboards. The automation device can be upgraded using one of a plurality of central units which have uniform external dimensions yet differing data processing power and data storage capacities. At least one input/output expansion device can be directly coupled onto the central unit. Each of the selectable baseboards has a field bus connection interface for a standard field bus connection to a decentral input/output unit.

Abstract: A communication interface module for an automation or control system for coupling at least two field bus systems is disclosed, the communication interface module includes at least one first functional unit configured to connect to a superordinate controller via a first communications link based on a first field bus protocol, at least one second functional unit configured to connect field devices via a second communications link based on a second field bus protocol, at least one serial interface configured to communicate with devices connected to the communication interface module, and at least one third functional unit configured to connect further field devices.

Abstract: A method and system for configuring at least one communication interface module in a control or automation system includes a communication interface module for coupling at least two field bus systems. At least one first functional unit integrated in the communication interface module implements a connection to a configured superordinate controller via a first communication link on the basis of a first field bus protocol. At least one second functional unit integrated in the communication interface module implements a connection for field devices via a second communication link on the basis of a second field bus protocol. At least one further, third functional unit integrated in the communication interface module is configured to connect further field devices via input and/or output functionalities integrated in the communication interface module, and at least one serial interface integrated in the communication interface module can be used to configure the communication interface module.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a subassembly for an expandable automation device, which includes a housing which accommodates a central processing unit, a voltage supply, an interface for connecting external input and output modules, and internal input and output modules. The subassembly can include three electronic subassemblies which are each arranged on a separate carrier, a third carrier being arranged between a first carrier and a second carrier. The first carrier can be configured to accommodate the electronic subassembly of the central processing unit, the second carrier can be configured to accommodate the electronic subassembly of the internal input and output modules, and the third carrier can be configured to accommodate the electronic subassembly of the voltage supply and the interface for connecting external input and output modules.

Abstract: A control system controls safety-critical and non-safety-critical processes and/or system components. The system includes a first control unit for controlling the non-safety-critical process and/or the non-safety-critical system components, at least one input/output unit connected to the first control unit, a communication coupler, which is connected to the first control unit via an internal coupler bus, and a second control unit for controlling the safety-critical process and/or the safety-critical system components. For providing safety-related functions, the second control unit includes a first dual-port RAM and at least two processors, only one of which is connected to the first dual-port RAM.

Abstract: An input/output module for an automation device includes a housing having a lower part separable from an upper part; a first printed circuit board disposed in the housing; and an electronic subassembly for an input/output function of the input/output module. The electronic subassembly includes a plurality of connection elements disposed on the first printed circuit board and configured to connect signal lines and process voltage lines, the plurality of connecting elements being accessible from a front side of the upper part; and a plurality of optical waveguides disposed on the front side, wherein each one of the plurality of optical waveguides is assigned to a respective one of the plurality of connection elements and each configured to signal a state of at least one input/output channel of the input/output module.

Abstract: A communication module includes a processing unit; at least one memory unit cooperating with the processing unit and configured to store a user program; at least two serial interfaces configurable by the user program; and a programming access connectable to a central control unit of an automation system of modular construction and configured to transmit and program the user program.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a subassembly for an expandable automation device, which includes a housing which accommodates a central processing unit, a voltage supply, an interface for connecting external input and output modules, and internal input and output modules. The subassembly can include three electronic subassemblies which are each arranged on a separate carrier, a third carrier being arranged between a first carrier and a second carrier. The first carrier can be configured to accommodate the electronic subassembly of the central processing unit, the second carrier can be configured to accommodate the electronic subassembly of the internal input and output modules, and the third carrier can be configured to accommodate the electronic subassembly of the voltage supply and the interface for connecting external input and output modules.

Abstract: An input/output module for an automation device includes a housing having a lower part separable from an upper part; a first printed circuit board disposed in the housing; and an electronic subassembly for an input/output function of the input/output module. The electronic subassembly includes a plurality of connection elements disposed on the first printed circuit board and configured to connect signal lines and process voltage lines, the plurality of connecting elements being accessible from a front side of the upper part; and a plurality of optical waveguides disposed on the front side, wherein each one of the plurality of optical waveguides is assigned to a respective one of the plurality of connection elements and each configured to signal a state of at least one input/output channel of the input/output module.

Abstract: A central subassembly for a flexible expandable automation device includes a housing, at least one external expansion module connectable via an input/output bus, a first, a second and a third electronic subassembly, and at least one application program. The first electronic subassembly has a central processing unit in a form of a first microcontroller, a volatile memory configured to store at least one of data of an operating system, data of an application program and variables of the application program, and a flash memory for non-volatile buffering of the data. The second electronic subassembly has a plurality of second inputs and second outputs each configured to connect each of a plurality of process signals. The third electronic subassembly is configured to supply voltage to the central subassembly. The first, second and third electronic subassemblies are disposed in the housing.

Abstract: Modular automation system and method are disclosed. A central automation device can be constructed and upgraded using one of a plurality of selectable and variously upgradable baseboards. The automation device can be upgraded using one of a plurality of central units which have uniform external dimensions yet differing data processing power and data storage capacities. At least one input/output expansion device can be directly coupled onto the central unit. Each of the selectable baseboards has a field bus connection interface for a standard field bus connection to a decentral input/output unit.