Abstract: A method for connecting an expansion module to a programmable electric switching device includes initiating a recognition mode within the switching device during which an interrogation is carried out as to whether or not the connected expansion module is initializable. If the expansion module is not initializable, no data is exchanged between the switching device and the expansion module. If the expansion module is initializable, the switching device switches into an expansion communication mode in which data exchange takes place under the control of the operating system of the expansion module.

Abstract: A mini controller has an intelligent central unit; a storage unit, an operating unit and a display unit. The display unit is subdivided into a sign matrix with n*m sign locations, each sign location in turn being formed by an x*y pixel matrix. Each sign location is associated with a particular type of object, so that only particular types of objects can be input and processed at particular sign locations. Sign locations are provided for at least one object of the operand type, of the connection type and of the assignment type. The object types, the momentary operand states and the resulting connection states are stored in an object assignment table, so that logic-forming current paths can be created by inputting in rows and/or columns the operand, connection and assignment objects into their associated sign locations.

Abstract: A method for connecting an expansion module to a programmable electric switching device includes initiating a recognition mode within the switching device during which an interrogation is carried out as to whether or not the connected expansion module is initializable. If the expansion module is not initializable, no data is exchanged between the switching device and the expansion module. If the expansion module is initializable, the switching device switches into an expansion communication mode in which data exchange takes place under the control of the operating system of the expansion module.