Abstract: An Active Input/Output (I/O) Module forming a node of an industrial control network includes a housing for mounting a plurality of input and/or output serial data bus connectors, input and output device data connectors, and main and auxiliary power connectors, if desired. A programmed microprocessor unit is housed within the housing for controlling data and communication with a system main Programmable Logic Controller, or equivalent. A portion of the memory associated with the microprocessor for storing data specific to the node represented by the I/O module comprises a Removable Memory Unit, thus permitting the I/O module to be replaced upon failure with a new I/O module capable of receiving the Removable Memory Unit to re-constitute the I/O module without having to re-program the node-specific data on site.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for measuring, calculating, recording and monitoring significant system parameters for a local communication network of the type used in industrial automation applications. The apparatus is disclosed in the context of a network employing the DeviceNet protocol.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for measuring, calculating, recording and monitoring significant system parameters for a local communication network of the type used in industrial automation applications. The apparatus is disclosed in the context of a network employing the DeviceNet protocol.

Abstract: A device for monitoring power conditions in the power leads of a communication network or power distribution bus includes a microprocessor 54 which measures the voltage on the power leads and computers a filtered bus voltage, Vbus, and a time-averaged bus voltage, Vave. From these, the microprocessor determines whether overvoltage, undervoltage or ripple conditions exist to actuate associated visual indicator intermittently (LEDs 57, 58, 59), or surge, brownout or transient conditions to actuate the associated indicators (LEDs 57, 58, 59) constantly for their associated slot times in a display cycle. The device may be in the form of a compatible terminator or a Tee for the network or power bus.

Abstract: A universal communication system (UCS) consists of a number of communication modules that connect automation devices including controllers, sensors, actuators and input/output components to various communication networks. Each module transfers data between an automation device and the network using network-specific services and protocols. All modules present the same physical, electrical and logical interface to the automation device. Configuration data that customizes the presentation of the device and its data to the network is stored in non-volatile memory in the communication module. In this way, a single device design can support multiple network types by using appropriately configured modules.

Abstract: A portable test meter is disclosed for measuring, calculating, recording and monitoring significant system parameters for a local communication network of the type used in industrial automation applications. The meter is disclosed in the context of a network employing the DeviceNet protocol. For each network parameter of interest, a rotary switch selects a desired one for display. An auto search mode selectable by the operator, increments through selected network parameters and compares measured or calculated values against stored data representing acceptable, marginal, or unacceptable conditions, and an associated visual indicia is displayed for each unacceptable or margin condition detected.

Abstract: A portable test meter is disclosed for measuring, calculating, recording and monitoring significant system parameters for a local communication network of the type used in industrial automation applications. The meter is disclosed in the context of a network employing the DeviceNet protocol. For each network parameter of interest, a rotary switch selects a desired one for display. An auto search mode selectable by the operator, increments through selected network parameters and compares measured or calculated values against stored data representing acceptable, marginal, or unacceptable conditions, and an associated visual indicia is displayed for each unacceptable or margin condition detected.

Abstract: A multi-port electrical connector system suitable for use in an industrial environment includes a plurality of quick change serial data signal connectors mounted to a rigid insulating casing. In addition, an industrial power connector and an industrial parallel data connector are mounted to the casing. Stored within the housing is a controller including a microprocessor and associated firmware for storing and routing signals and a media access controller for interfacing the microprocessor with the associated physical layer interface.

Abstract: A device for monitoring power conditions in the power leads of a communication network or power distribution bus includes a microprocessor 54 which measures the voltage on the power leads and computers a filtered bus voltage, Vbus, and a time-averaged bus voltage, Vave. From these, the microprocessor determines whether overvoltage, undervoltage or ripple conditions exist to actuate associated visual indicator intermittently (LEDs 57, 58, 59), or surge, brownout or transient conditions to actuate the associated indicators (LEDs 57, 58, 59) constantly for their associated slot times in a display cycle. The device may be in the form of a compatible terminator or a Tee for the network or power bus.