Abstract: A system includes an input/output module (IOM) configured to interface with a field device. The IOM includes a terminal block including a plurality of inputs or outputs, each of the inputs or outputs configured to send and receive signals to and from the field device. The IOM also includes a plurality of temperature sensors, each of the plurality of temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature in a vicinity of the temperature sensor. The IOM also includes a connector configured to transmit the temperature of each of the plurality of temperature sensors to a processing device.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, at a first processing device of an input/output module (IOM), new firmware data for the IOM. The method also includes sending an output hold command from the first processing device to a second processing device of the IOM. The method further includes upgrading firmware of the IOM with the new firmware data using the first processing device and attempting a reboot of the first processing device. In addition, the method includes, in response to the output hold command and during the upgrading of the firmware and the rebooting of the first processing device, using the second processing device to cause a field circuit of the IOM to hold at least one previous output signal for one or more external devices.

Abstract: An industrial process/safety control and automation system is provided. The system includes a user interface device and an industrial device/controller. The user interface device is configured to activate a password set function. The user interface device is also configured to receive a password for transmission to the industrial device/controller. The industrial device/controller is configured to receive the password from the user interface device. The industrial device/controller is also configured to detect a performance of a physical password replacement authentication procedure. The industrial device/controller is further configured to replace a current password with the received password in response to performing the physical password replacement authentication procedure.

Abstract: An apparatus performs methods for device diagnostics based on signals from digital outputs. The apparatus includes an input/output module with a digital output module to be coupled to a device. The input/output module measures one or more characteristics of a digital signal provided by the digital output module, where at least one of the one or more characteristics of the digital signal is associated with an output current of the digital output module. The input/output module also performs one or more diagnostics using the one or more measured characteristics of the digital signal.

Abstract: Energy usage of a plurality of appliances is measured using a single meter. A pattern of energy usage with respect to the plurality of appliances is determined dependent upon the measured energy usage, appliance details of the plurality of appliances, and usage hours of the plurality of appliances. The pattern is provided to a user of the appliances.

Abstract: Energy usage of a plurality of appliances is measured using a single meter. A pattern of energy usage with respect to the plurality of appliances is determined dependent upon the measured energy usage, appliance details of the plurality of appliances, and usage hours of the plurality of appliances. The pattern is provided to a user of the appliances.

Abstract: An industrial process/safety control and automation system is provided. The system includes a user interface device and an industrial device/controller. The user interface device is configured to activate a password set function. The user interface device is also configured to receive a password for transmission to the industrial device/controller. The industrial device/controller is configured to receive the password from the user interface device. The industrial device/controller is also configured to detect a performance of a physical password replacement authentication procedure. The industrial device/controller is further configured to replace a current password with the received password in response to performing the physical password replacement authentication procedure.

Abstract: A method includes measuring a first voltage (VA) across a first sensing coil of a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) and measuring a second voltage (VB) across a second sensing coil of the LVDT. The method also includes signaling a core fallout condition in response to (i) determining that a ratio of VA and VB is within a specified range of a value of one and (ii) determining that a sum of VA and VB is less than a sum of VA0 and VB0 by more than a specified amount. VA0 and VB0 are minimum voltages across the first and second sensing coils of the LVDT, respectively, when a core of the LVDT is in the LVDT.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method are provided for testing a secondary servo control circuit in a redundant control configuration. A first circuit is configured to receive a control signal and to control an attribute of an actuator based on the control signal using a first control input of the actuator. A second circuit is configured to test operation of an actuator circuit using a test signal. The actuator circuit includes at least part of the second circuit and a second control input of the actuator. The test signal is selected to avoid causing independent motion of the actuator. The actuator could be a dual coil servo valve, and the test signal could be a current (such as a DC current, an AC current, or a pulsed current) having a magnitude less than a bias current of the actuator.

Abstract: A method includes measuring a first voltage (VA) across a first sensing coil of a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) and measuring a second voltage (VB) across a second sensing coil of the LVDT. The method also includes signaling a core fallout condition in response to (i) determining that a ratio of VA and VB is within a specified range of a value of one and (ii) determining that a sum of VA and VB is less than a sum of VA0 and VB0 by more than a specified amount. VA0 and VB0 are minimum voltages across the first and second sensing coils of the LVDT, respectively, when a core of the LVDT is in the LVDT.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method are provided for testing a secondary servo control circuit in a redundant control configuration. A first circuit is configured to receive a control signal and to control an attribute of an actuator based on the control signal using a first control input of the actuator. A second circuit is configured to test operation of an actuator circuit using a test signal. The actuator circuit includes at least part of the second circuit and a second control input of the actuator. The test signal is selected to avoid causing independent motion of the actuator. The actuator could be a dual coil servo valve, and the test signal could be a current (such as a DC current, an AC current, or a pulsed current) having a magnitude less than a bias current of the actuator.

Abstract: Energy usage of a plurality of appliances is measured using a single meter. A pattern of energy usage with respect to the plurality of appliances is determined dependent upon the measured energy usage, appliance details of the plurality of appliances, and usage hours of the plurality of appliances. The pattern is provided to a user of the appliances.