Abstract: A method that tests the real-time behavior of an operating system having a first time system (e.g., a SMI tracer real-time extension) responsible for the real-time behavior of the operating system, wherein a test routine is periodically called for execution and the actual point in time of execution of the test routine is compared with an expected periodic point in time of execution of the test routine.

Abstract: A method and a programmable logic controller (SPS) for verifying an application program in a failsafe programmable logic controller, wherein a signature (desired value) is generated using program modules or a complete application program when creating a program, and a copy of the signature is stored in the programmable logic controller and in an external component, respectively. Before the safety-oriented application program is started, the copy of the signature stored by the programmable logic controller is transmitted to the external component and is compared with the copy in the external component. In a further comparison, a signature (actual value) is generated using the content of the main memory of the programmable logic controller and using the actually loaded application program and is then compared with the local copy of the desired value of the signature. Starting of the actual application program is enabled only when both comparisons are positive.

Abstract: An apparatus for upgrading a standard PC system to a fail-safe computation system, comprising a plug device for plugging into the computation system, a memory module, a microcontroller, and a first device for generating a first time signal, wherein the microcontroller and the first device interact such that the computation system is provided with the first time signal through the plug device device.

Abstract: A method and a programmable logic controller (SPS) for verifying an application program in a failsafe programmable logic controller, wherein a signature (desired value) is generated using program modules or a complete application program when creating a program, and a copy of the signature is stored in the programmable logic controller and in an external component, respectively. Before the safety-oriented application program is started, the copy of the signature stored by the programmable logic controller is transmitted to the external component and is compared with the copy in the external component. In a further comparison, a signature (actual value) is generated using the content of the main memory of the programmable logic controller and using the actually loaded application program and is then compared with the local copy of the desired value of the signature. Starting of the actual application program is enabled only when both comparisons are positive.

Abstract: A method that tests the real-time behavior of an operating system having a first time system (e.g., a SMI tracer real-time extension) responsible for the real-time behavior of the operating system, wherein a test routine is periodically called for execution and the actual point in time of execution of the test routine is compared with an expected periodic point in time of execution of the test routine.

Abstract: A method for radio-based activation and deactivation of a zero-energy standby mode of automation components, wherein a passive unit of the automation component receives a radio signal, energy transmitted with the radio signal is converted into energy for actuating an electronic switch, and the energy supplied to a functional unit of the automation component is interrupted or restored by the actuation of the electronic switch such that the functional unit of the automation component is activated or deactivated.

Abstract: An apparatus for upgrading a standard PC system to a fail-safe computation system, comprising a plug device for plugging into the computation system, a memory module, a microcontroller, and a first device for generating a first time signal, wherein the microcontroller and the first device interact such that the computation system is provided with the first time signal through the plug device device.