Abstract: There is provided a method for the transmission of data via a bus network to which a plurality of subscribers are connected. The method includes a first step of transmitting data from at least one subscriber, e.g., Master, to at least another subscriber, e.g., TNx or STNx, by employing a data transmission protocol designed for point-to-point transmission. The method includes a second step of defining a broadcast message, within which selected data can be transmitted in a broadcast transmission mode, within the point-to-point transmission protocol. In a supplementary or alternative embodiment, the method includes inserting a safety broadcast message in addition to a standard or general broadcast protocol. There is also provided an apparatus for transmission of data via a bus network.

Abstract: A data processing system ensures maximum reaction times. A novel and significantly improved way of ascertaining, checking and/or observing maximum reaction times in data processing systems includes complex or distributed, safe and/or nonsafe systems, particularly between a safe input signal and the corresponding safe output signal, in a flexible and universally applicable manner. Input and/or output data, which are present on the input side of users incorporated in the system, are read in synchronously during each data cycle and checked in relation to currency parameters, which are based on at least one data cycle and associated with the input and/or output data An error is identified in response to a defined discrepancy being reached between at least one currency parameter and a defined currency threshold, and a defined function, particularly a safety-oriented function, are triggered in response to identification of an error.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the transmission of safe process information including detecting two or more process signals redundantly, identifying an event that is relevant to system safety, and converting said process signals to a single process signal for further system-based processing.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement allows data, which are necessary for building up fault-tolerant structures, to be transmitted on standard ring-shaped bus systems. Its implementation requires a monitoring unit and input and output units which transmit or receive data for control. The circuit arrangement handles the task of detecting any faults which can become a danger for the process within a machine or plant. Due to its internal configuration, the circuit arrangement identifies any fault even before the detection of the fault and initiates a protected switch-off. In this arrangement, it is of no importance whether it is the external control unit or the bus system used which is responsible for the fault.

Abstract: The present circuit arrangement allows data, which are necessary for building up fault-tolerant structures, to be transmitted on standard ring-shaped bus systems. Its implementation requires a monitoring unit and input and output units which transmit or receive data for control. The circuit arrangement handles the task of detecting any faults which can become a danger for the process within a machine or plant. Due to its internal configuration, the circuit arrangement identifies any fault even before the detection of the fault and initiates a protected switch-off. In this arrangement, it is of no importance whether it is the external control unit or the bus system used which is responsible for the fault.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety-related automation system, and to a method for operating such a system. In order to provide a safety-related automation bus system which needs only a low level of hardware redundancy and can be flexibly matched to the respective requirements, the automation system comprises at least one safety analyzer, which is connected by means of an interface to the bus and monitors the data flow via the bus, the analyzer being set up for carrying out safety-related functions. The automation system is distinguished in that the standard control device drives at least one safety-related output, and the safety analyzer is designed for checking and/or for processing safety-related data in the bus datastream.

Abstract: A control and data transmission installation and a process for transmission of safely-related data in a control and data transmission installation. In accordance with the invention, safety procedures of existing field bus systems, particularly the interbus, are improved in such a way that there is no need either for additional lines for the transmission of control signals or redundant, safety-related units. In the inventive control and data installation, a master control device and a number of bus subscribers each include respective safety-related devices for carrying out predetermined safety functions. The safety-related devices can communicate with each other by way of a field bus.

Abstract: A control and data transmission installation and a process for transmission of safety-related data in a control and data transmission installation. In accordance with the invention, safety procedures of existing field bus systems, particularly the interbus, are improved in such a way that there is no need either for additional lines for the transmission of control signals or redundant, safety-related units. In the inventive control and data installation, a master control device and a number of bus subscribers each include respective safety-related devices for carrying out predetermined safety functions. The safety-related devices can communicate with each other by way of a field bus.