Abstract: A Modbus slave device is operable in an agile mode that allows the slave device to automatically interpret and respond to first-type and second-type message frames conveyed to the slave device by a master device. The slave device detects a first incoming character of a master query message frame generated by the master device. If the first incoming character is a prompt character for the first-type message frame, the slave device interprets the master query message frame as the first-type message frame. If the first incoming character is not the prompt character for the first-type message frame, the slave device interprets the master query message frame as the second-type message frame. If the slave device is addressed in the master query message frame, the slave device performs the command associated therewith and, if required by the command, generates a responsive slave message frame of the same type as the master query message frame.

Abstract: A programmable control system includes a control module having one or more inputs to which an external sensor device may be connected, and one or more outputs to which an external actuator device capable of manual override and providing a status feedback signal may be connected. One or more signal inputting devices are provided which a human operator can utilize to enter a learn mode. A display can be used to indicate a mode of the control system, and a memory can be used to store the characteristics of an external sensor device connected to an input and an association between inputs and outputs. A controller/processor has both a learn mode and a run mode. The control module may interface with external actuator devices such as circuit breakers located in one or more panels via an intelligent control bus and an address module.

Abstract: A programmable control system includes a control module having one or more inputs to which an external sensor device may be connected, and one or more outputs to which an external actuator device capable of manual override and providing a status feedback signal may be connected. One or more signal inputting devices are provided which a human operator can utilize to enter a learn mode. A display can be used to indicate a mode of the control system, and a memory can be used to store the characteristics of an external sensor device connected to an input and an association between inputs and outputs. A controller/processor has both a learn mode and a run mode. The control module may interface with external actuator devices such as circuit breakers located in one or more panels via an intelligent control bus and an address module.