Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, which can comprise a thermocouple input module. The thermocouple input module can be adapted to determine one or more calibration factors. The thermocouple input module can be adapted to store the calibration factors. The thermocouple input module can be adapted to apply the calibration factors to an incoming thermocouple voltage value to obtain an adjusted thermocouple voltage value.

Abstract: To reduce the cost and/or space occupied by diagnostic circuitry in a module of a programmable logic controller with multiple outputs, a multiplexer connects the same diagnostic circuitry to the different outputs. The outputs are sequentially tested with the same circuitry. To limit stress on an output driver, an overload condition may be tested while the driver is off. A different source of power is applied to the output, and the results of the application are measured for shorting to ground.

Abstract: Inductive commutation is detected for programmable logic controller (PLC) diagnosis. By detecting the inductive commutation, the need for any delay may be determined. Where the load is not inductive, the diagnostic may be performed with little or no delay.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, which can comprise a thermocouple input module. The thermocouple input module can be adapted to determine one or more calibration factors. The thermocouple input module can be adapted to store the calibration factors. The thermocouple input module can be adapted to apply the calibration factors to an incoming thermocouple voltage value to obtain an adjusted thermocouple voltage value.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, which can comprise a thermocouple input module. The thermocouple input module can be adapted to determine one or more calibration factors. The thermocouple input module can be adapted to store the calibration factors. The thermocouple input module can be adapted to apply the calibration factors to an incoming thermocouple voltage value to obtain an adjusted thermocouple voltage value.

Abstract: Inductive commutation is detected for programmable logic controller (PLC) diagnosis. By detecting the inductive commutation, the need for any delay may be determined. Where the load is not inductive, the diagnostic may be performed with little or no delay.

Abstract: To reduce the cost and/or space occupied by diagnostic circuitry in a module of a programmable logic controller with multiple outputs, a multiplexer connects the same diagnostic circuitry to the different outputs. The outputs are sequentially tested with the same circuitry. To limit stress on an output driver, an overload condition may be tested while the driver is off. A different source of power is applied to the output, and the results of the application are measured for shorting to ground.

Abstract: A circuit is provided that includes a power source and a sensor circuit electrically coupled by a switch to the power source. The circuit further includes an A/D converter electrically coupled to the sensor circuit and adapted to read a voltage difference across a resistive element to determine an impedance of the sensor circuit. A method is provided that includes closing a switch electrically coupling a power source to a sensor circuit and measuring a voltage difference across a resistive element at an A/D converter electrically coupled to the sensor circuit. The method further includes determining an impedance of the sensor circuit based on the voltage difference.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a method, which can comprise, via a state machine implemented as an application specific integrated circuit, responsive to an automatically detected asynchronous RAM interface signal, automatically transmitting a corresponding synchronous RAM interface signal. The state machine can be communicatively coupled to a programmable logic controller.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling the synchronization of diagnostic cycles and data conversion for redundant I/O applications are provided. An exemplary system comprises a first analog input module adapted to request mastership with respect to a second analog input module, output a synchronization pulse to said second analog input module, initiate a diagnostic cycle of said second analog input module, and initiate a data conversion cycle, and wherein said second analog input module, said second analog input module are adapted to assume a slave role with respect to said first analog input module. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: A circuit is provided that includes a power source and a sensor circuit electrically coupled by a switch to the power source. The circuit further includes an A/D converter electrically coupled to the sensor circuit and adapted to read a voltage difference across a resistive element to determine an impedance of the sensor circuit. A method is provided that includes closing a switch electrically coupling a power source to a sensor circuit and measuring a voltage difference across a resistive element at an A/D converter electrically coupled to the sensor circuit. The method further includes determining an impedance of the sensor circuit based on the voltage difference.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, which can comprise a thermocouple input module. The thermocouple input module can be adapted to determine one or more calibration factors. The thermocouple input module can be adapted to store the calibration factors. The thermocouple input module can be adapted to apply the calibration factors to an incoming thermocouple voltage value to obtain an adjusted thermocouple voltage value.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a first analog input module adapted to, via a sent synchronization signal, automatically terminate a diagnostic cycle of a second analog input module. The synchronization signal can be adapted to cause an initiation of a data conversion cycle at the second analog input module.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a method, which can comprise, via a state machine implemented as an application specific integrated circuit, responsive to an automatically detected asynchronous RAM interface signal, automatically transmitting a corresponding synchronous RAM interface signal. The state machine can be communicatively coupled to a programmable logic controller.