Interface module and controller network
US8787209B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 3, 2010 |
| Grant date | Jul 22, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 1, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02D30/50
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An interface module is provided for connecting a device to a controller within a controller network. The controller is adapted to supply and/or receive data according to a network protocol, and the device is adapted to supply and/or receive data according to a device protocol. The interface module comprises: a network connector supporting a plurality of network channels for connecting the interface module to the controller via the controller network; a device connector supporting a plurality of device channels for connecting the interface module to the device; a conversion unit arranged to receive the plurality of network channels from the network connector, and adapted to convert data between the network protocol and the device protocol, the conversion unit having one or more signal terminals for supplying and/or receiving signals to or from the device; and a configuration unit between the conversion unit and the device connector, adapted to configure the interface module to the device by routing selected device channels to selected signal terminals of the conversion unit. The configuration unit is separable from and removably coupled to the conversion unit such that the interface…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.