Abstract: The invention relates to a system and a method for transmitting telegrams. The system has at least one first communication means provided for sending telegrams and at least one second communication means provided for receiving telegrams, with a telegram having a check value that can be determined from a useful data component of the telegram, with the first communication means having a first telegram counter provided for assigning a count value to a telegram in accordance with a send sequence. To improve error detection during the transmission of telegrams it is proposed that the count value for determining the check value be a constituent of the useful data component is, that information signaling a change in the count value be a constituent of the useful data component when the telegram is transmitted, that the second communication means have a second telegram counter, and that means be provided for synchronizing the first and second telegram counter.

Abstract: A method for providing a signal indicative of a set single bit flag, which is set for a scan cycle responsive to a detection of a fault in an Input/Output (I/O) device of a programmable logic controller (PLC) system or an I/O interface of the PLC system. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can comprise a method, which can comprise providing a signal indicative of a set single bit flag. The flag can be set for a scan cycle responsive to a detection of a fault in an Input/Output (I/O) device of a programmable logic controller (PLC) system or an I/O interface of the PLC system.

Abstract: Data processing and transmission is monitored in a data processing unit. The data processing unit has a plurality of software modules, between which data is exchanged, a check sum is allocated to the data of a data transmission, which, in selected software modules is advanced by a plurality of places through one of the software modules.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and a method for transmitting telegrams. The system has at least one first communication means provided for sending telegrams and at least one second communication means provided for receiving telegrams, with a telegram having a check value that can be determined from a useful data component of the telegram, with the first communication means having a first telegram counter provided for assigning a count value to a telegram in accordance with a send sequence. To improve error detection during the transmission of telegrams it is proposed that the count value for determining the check value be a constituent of the useful data component is, that information signaling a change in the count value be a constituent of the useful data component when the telegram is transmitted, that the second communication means have a second telegram counter, and that means be provided for synchronizing the first and second telegram counter.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of operating an automation system. A processing unit subjects useful information which is received via a telegram to a user designated logic operation and drives an output channel in accordance with a result of the logic operation. The processing unit monitors a time sequence of process data transmitted with the useful information and drives the output channel only when the time sequence lies within predetermined tolerances. A monitoring unit monitors the processing unit and shifts the output channel to a safe condition as soon as a malfunction of the processing unit is detected. The output channel may include a readback channel which reads back a signal applied to the output channel whereby the monitoring unit compares the applied signal and the readback signal and shifts the output channel to a safe state if the applied signal and the readback signal differ.

Abstract: According to the invention, monitoring the data processing and transmission in a data processing unit can be achieved, whereby, in a data processing unit (1) with a number of software modules (2A, 2B), between which data (D) is exchanged, a check sum (P) is allocated to the data (D) of a data transmission, which, in selected software modules (2B) is advanced by a number of places (n) allocated thereto, on a successful passage of said data (D) through one of said software modules (2B).

Abstract: Updating method for coupling a supplementary automation system (AGS) to an overall automation system (AGS) having a basic system and transferring the contents of the main memory area (BAS) of the basic system (BAS) by section-by-section readout and writing to the main memory area (ZAS) of the supplementary system (ZAS), with the same data being written to a buffer memory area both when data is read section-by-section from the main memory area of the basic system and when data is written from and to the main memory area of the basic automation system and being transferred from the buffer memory area to the main memory of the supplementary system.

Abstract: A synchronization method for a redundant automation system composed of at least two subsystems is provided, where these subsystems execute functionally identical sequences of machine instructions, said sequences of functionally identical machine instructions having increment instructions at corresponding locations for incrementing a synchronization counter. Synchronization is performed on the basis of the value of a synchronization counter at least when one subsystem registers a special event. To do so, a synchronization counter target value is determined so that the subsystems interrupt the execution of the sequence of machine instructions on attaining a synchronization position at which the values of the respective synchronization counters attain the synchronization counter target value.