Abstract: A modular I/O device includes a terminal base with a terminal block that includes a plurality of wiring connectors. An auxiliary wiring device includes a plurality of auxiliary wiring connectors and is selectively physically connectable to the terminal base in an operative position and selectively physically removable from the terminal base. The terminal block and auxiliary wiring connector can be coupled to an I/O module. One or more of the I/O module terminal block and auxiliary wiring connector can include electrical or electronic components included converters, fuses, switches, etc.

Abstract: A modular I/O device includes a terminal base with a terminal block that includes a plurality of wiring connectors. An auxiliary wiring device includes a plurality of auxiliary wiring connectors and is selectively physically connectable to the terminal base in an operative position and selectively physically removable from the terminal base. The terminal block and auxiliary wiring connector can be coupled to an I/O module. One or more of the I/O module terminal block and auxiliary wiring connector can include electrical or electronic components included converters, fuses, switches, etc.

Abstract: An electronics module having a latch assembly including first and second reciprocating latch portions adapted to engage respective first and second opposite edges of a mounting rail. Each of the latch portions includes a locking tab, the locking tabs movable away from each other from a latched position to an unlatched position, the first and second latch portions being coupled together for reciprocating motion, at least one of said latch portions including an actuator portion extending from the housing for manual actuation of the latch assembly between the latch and unlatched positions.

Abstract: This disclosure regards a self-keying system for an input/output (I/O) device. An I/O module mountable on a terminal base exchanges I/O signals with external devices via the terminal base. The I/O module comprises a key, and the terminal base comprises a locking assembly to allow insertion of only compatible I/O modules into the terminal base. The locking assembly comprises parallel slots containing a plurality of lock pins movable in the slots between a biased position and a second position. A blocking member is actuated by the key to block each of the lock pins in their respective position to key the base. A maintaining member maintains the blocking member in the keyed position. After keying, a non-compatible key would be rejected from the locking assembly due to the blocked lock pins. A reset to the unkeyed configuration may be accomplished without the use of tools by actuating the maintaining member.

Abstract: A system including a support structure, a plurality of terminal bases mounted to the support structure, a plurality of migration adapters, each migration adapter mounted to a respective terminal base and having first and second adapter connector structures and including first and second backplane connectors for mating with corresponding backplane connectors of one or more adjacent migration adapters mounted to respective adjacent terminal bases for forming a backplane electrically coupling the plurality of migration adapters, and a plurality of I/O modules mounted to the plurality of migration adapters.

Abstract: A method of assembling a connector module is provided. The method of assembling includes abutting an engagement surface of a connector extending from a circuit board with corresponding engagement surfaces of first and second support members disposed within a housing. The method of assembling includes resisting movement of the connector towards a base of the housing at a first end of the connector through a substantially perpendicular extension from at least one of the first and second support members. The method of assembling includes constraining lateral movement of the connector through engaging a receptacle formed on a second end of the connector with a pin of the first support member.

Abstract: An electronics module having a latch assembly including first and second reciprocating latch portions adapted to engage respective first and second opposite edges of a mounting rail. Each of the latch portions includes a locking tab, the locking tabs movable away from each other from a latched position to an unlatched position, the first and second latch portions being coupled together for reciprocating motion, at least one of said latch portions including an actuator portion extending from the housing for manual actuation of the latch assembly between the latch and unlatched positions.

Abstract: An input/output (I/O) device for an automation control system includes a device housing containing control circuitry, the device housing being mountable to a support, a control power input for receiving control power from a first adjacent I/O device when connected thereto, the control power input configured to supply control power to the control circuitry, a control power output for outputting control power to a second associated adjacent I/O device, a field power input for receiving field power from the first associated adjacent I/O device when connected thereto, and a field power output for transmitting field power to the second associated I/O device. The field power input is selectively removable to prevent field power from being received by the I/O device from the first associated adjacent I/O device when connected thereto.

Abstract: An input/output (I/O) device for an automation control system includes a device housing containing control circuitry, the device housing being mountable to a support, a control power input for receiving control power from a first adjacent I/O device when connected thereto, the control power input configured to supply control power to the control circuitry, a control power output for outputting control power to a second associated adjacent I/O device, a field power input for receiving field power from the first associated adjacent I/O device when connected thereto, and a field power output for transmitting field power to the second associated I/O device. The field power input is selectively removable to prevent field power from being received by the I/O device from the first associated adjacent I/O device when connected thereto.

Abstract: An input/output (I/O) device having a base portion configured to communicatively connect the I/O device with at least one other device, an I/O module physically and communicatively connected to the base portion and comprising I/O communication circuitry and a terminal block mount surface, and a terminal block physically and communicatively connected to the terminal block mount surface of the I/O module. The terminal block mount surface has a width that is greater than a corresponding width of the terminal block such that a portion of the terminal block mount surface extends beyond the terminal block, said portion of the terminal block mount surface extending beyond the terminal block including at least one vent for permitting the flow of air through the I/O module and along the terminal block.

Abstract: An input/output (I/O) device having a base portion configured to communicatively connect the I/O device with at least one other device, an I/O module physically and communicatively connected to the base portion and comprising I/O communication circuitry and a terminal block mount surface, and a terminal block physically and communicatively connected to the terminal block mount surface of the I/O module. The terminal block mount surface has a width that is greater than a corresponding width of the terminal block such that a portion of the terminal block mount surface extends beyond the terminal block, said portion of the terminal block mount surface extending beyond the terminal block including at least one vent for permitting the flow of air through the I/O module and along the terminal block.

Abstract: An integral cable guide for an electronic module is provided. The electronic module includes a top housing with a ridge formed on one side. The top housing is configured to removably couple with a bottom housing to enclose electronic components. The electronic module further includes a receptacle within the top housing configured to receive a removable terminal block (RTB), such that a channel is formed between the ridge and the RTB when the RTB is placed within the receptacle. The channel guides cables coupled to the RTB to an outside edge of the module. The electronic module further includes at least one anchor that provides support for the cables.

Abstract: A connector support system for an automation system device is provided. The connector support system includes a device housing configured to hold a printed circuit board with a connector coupled to the printed circuit board. The connector support system also includes one or more support members coupled to a surface of the housing, wherein the one or more support members are configured to support the connector relative to the housing and configured to resist an overturning moment tending to remove the connector from the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A connector support system for an automation system device is provided. The connector support system includes a device housing configured to hold a printed circuit board with a connector coupled to the printed circuit board. The connector support system also includes one or more support members coupled to a surface of the housing, wherein the one or more support members are configured to support the connector relative to the housing and configured to resist an overturning moment tending to remove the connector from the printed circuit board.

Abstract: An interlocking system for connecting a programmable module and an automation controller of an industrial control and automation system is provided. The interlocking system includes a key comprising a shaft with a head and a first attachment feature. The interlocking system also includes a first keyhole in a programmable module cover. The first keyhole is configured to enable the head to pass upwardly there through. The interlocking system also includes a second keyhole in an automation controller cover. The second keyhole is configured to enable the first attachment feature to slide downwardly there through such that disengagement of the key from the second keyhole is resisted. The interlocking system also includes a second attachment feature on a lower surface of the automation controller cover. The second attachment feature is configured to engage with the first attachment feature when the first attachment feature is rotated about an axis of the shaft.

Abstract: An electronic component and housing interlocking system is provided. The system includes a device housing configured to hold a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board includes a projection from a side of the printed circuit board. The system also includes a locking member having a tab coupled at a first end of the tab to a side wall of the device housing and free at a second end of the tab such that the tab is configured to flex about the first end when the printed circuit board is slid into the device housing and the projection is pushed against the second end of the tab. The tab includes an opening configured to receive the projection after being slid past the second end such that the tab engages the printed circuit board within the device housing in a locked position.

Abstract: An interlocking system for connecting a programmable module and an automation controller of an industrial control and automation system is provided. The interlocking system includes a key comprising a shaft with a head and a first attachment feature. The interlocking system also includes a first keyhole in a programmable module cover. The first keyhole is configured to enable the head to pass upwardly there through. The interlocking system also includes a second keyhole in an automation controller cover. The second keyhole is configured to enable the first attachment feature to slide downwardly there through such that disengagement of the key from the second keyhole is resisted. The interlocking system also includes a second attachment feature on a lower surface of the automation controller cover. The second attachment feature is configured to engage with the first attachment feature when the first attachment feature is rotated about an axis of the shaft.

Abstract: An integral cable guide for an electronic module is provided. The electronic module includes a top housing with a ridge formed on one side. The top housing is configured to removably couple with a bottom housing to enclose electronic components. The electronic module further includes a receptacle within the top housing configured to receive a removable terminal block (RTB), such that a channel is formed between the ridge and the RTB when the RTB is placed within the receptacle. The channel guides cables coupled to the RTB to an outside edge of the module. The electronic module further includes at least one anchor that provides support for the cables.