Abstract: A method of secure transmission of data signals over a bus system is described, where the data signals are generated by at least one sensor and are transmitted over the bus system to at least one actuator. The data signals generated by at least one of the sensors are encoded according to a predetermined secure encoding method before being introduced into the bus system. The encoded data signals are fed into the bus system and transmitted over it. The encoded data signals are received by at least one of the actuators and decoded according to a decoding method corresponding to the predetermined secure encoding method. In addition, an electronic monitoring system is described for carrying out this method.

Abstract: A coupling apparatus is described for the coupling of devices such as sensors, actuators or controls to a bus system. The communication between the devices, i.e. the transmission and/or reception of data via the bus system takes place via any desired given first communications protocol (bus protocol). At least one interface at the device side is provided for the connection of a device to the coupling apparatus, with the interface at the device side being designed for the communication with the device via a second standardized communications protocol different from the bus protocol. Furthermore, at least one interface at the bus side is provided for the connection of the coupling apparatus to the bus system, with the interface at the bus side being designed for communication with the bus system via the bus protocol.

Abstract: A safety switching arrangement has at least two break switches (12a, 12b, 12c) which are connected in series to an evaluation unit (11), in which case the evaluation unit (11) initiates a safety signal, in particular an alarm signal and/or disconnection signal, when at least one of the break switches (12a, 12b, 12c) opens, and determines which of the break switches (12a, 12b, 12c) has opened.