Abstract: Protocol detection circuits for detecting the field device protocol of a field device attached to a channel having a data line are sequentially connected to the data line by a controller that communicates to the field device through the protocol detection circuits. The protocol detection circuits are disconnected from the field device after protocol detection is completed. The channel may be one of a number of channels; the controller may also connect and disconnect the protocol detection circuits from the one channel whereby the protocol detection circuits can be used with any channel. After the protocol of the field device is identified a protocol adapter can be inserted into the channel to enable data conversion between the field device protocol and an another protocol used by the channel for data transmission.

Abstract: A method for maintaining continuity of a network signal path extending along a backplane includes providing a bypass signal circuit compatible with the network signal path and being electrically connected in series with the first and second portions of the network signal path. The bypass signal circuit includes a normally open circuit portion and an electrical contact movable with respect to the bypass signal circuit. An electrical contact is mechanically moved out of contact with the bypass signal circuit and moved mechanically into contact with the bypass signal circuit in response to the function module being detached from or attached to the function module electrical connector and not in response to an electrical control signal.

Abstract: A method for maintaining continuity of a network signal path extending along a backplane includes providing a bypass signal circuit compatible with the network signal path and being electrically connected in series with the first and second portions of the network signal path. The bypass signal circuit includes a normally open circuit portion and an electrical contact movable with respect to the bypass signal circuit. An electrical contact is mechanically moved out of contact with the bypass signal circuit and moved mechanically into contact with the bypass signal circuit in response to the function module being detached from or attached to the function module electrical connector and not in response to an electrical control signal.

Abstract: A backplane or backplane module for transmitting data along a signal path of a network to one or more functional modules attached to the signal path includes a printed circuit board, a functional module electrical connector attached to the printed circuit board, and a mechanically actuated bypass circuit assembly that maintains signal continuity along the signal path when a function module is not attached to the function module electrical connector.

Abstract: A backplane or backplane module for transmitting data along a signal path of a network to one or more functional modules attached to the signal path includes a printed circuit board, a functional module electrical connector attached to the printed circuit board, and a mechanically actuated bypass circuit assembly that maintains signal continuity along the signal path when a function module is not attached to the function module electrical connector.

Abstract: A mounting bracket for attaching a component housing to a mounting rail includes a mounting clip and a base. The mounting clip carries the component housing and the base attaches the mounting clip to the mounting rail. The mounting clip is rotatably attached to the base to enable positioning the component housing in different angular positions with respect to the mounting rail.

Abstract: An assembly for attaching and detaching an electronics module from a base includes a feedback assembly that provides an operator with tactile feedback on the relative positioning of the module with the base during attachment or detachment of the module to or from the base. The feedback assembly includes cams on the electronics module and a follower attached to an end of a spring arm on the base. The spring arm forms a portion of a wall that guides movement of the module along the base during attachment or detachment of the module.

Abstract: An assembly for attaching and detaching an electronics module from a base includes a feedback assembly that provides an operator with tactile feedback on the relative positioning of the module with the base during attachment or detachment of the module to or from the base. The feedback assembly includes cams on the electronics module and a follower attached to an end of a spring arm on the base. The spring arm forms a portion of a wall that guides movement of the module along the base during attachment or detachment of the module.

Abstract: A housing slice for forming a modular housing for mounting an electrical component on a grounding rail carries a grounding member for grounding the electrical component to the grounding rail. The grounding member extends outside of the housing slice but does not extend beyond the sides of the housing slice to permit side-by-side stacking of the housing slice carrying the grounding member with other housing slices with or without grounding members.

Abstract: A housing slice for forming a modular housing for mounting an electrical component on a grounding rail carries a grounding member for grounding the electrical component to the grounding rail. The grounding member extends outside of the housing slice but does not extend beyond the sides of the housing slice to permit side-by-side stacking of the housing slice carrying the grounding member with other housing slices with or without grounding members.