摘要:
A inter-network interface device usable in a highly reliable industrial control system provides an interface between a producer module transmitting redundant messages in accordance with a communication protocol and a consumer module receiving the messages in accordance with a different communication protocol. The inter-network interface device includes a first network interface receiving two messages from the producer, a microprocessor capable of converting the messages from the producer communication protocol to consumer communication protocol, and a second network interface transmitting the messages to the consumer. One of the messages is reversible altered with respect to the other message. The altered message is uninverted in the consumer module, and compared to the other message to ensure that no transmission errors have occurred.
摘要:
A system for electronically controlling physical operation of dangerous equipment is provided. The system reads data from an electronic key and controls the flow of electricity, air, water and/or hydraulic fluid, for example, to a piece of dangerous equipment. The system includes electronic keys that store electronic key data and an electronic key reader that reads the electronic key data. The electronic key data analyzer analyzes the electronic key data and produces disconnect control data based on the electronic key data and other information like the status of the dangerous equipment. The system further includes a disconnector that can disable the piece of dangerous equipment based on the disconnect control data. The disconnector can also re-enable the piece of dangerous equipment. When operated in a networked environment, the system can perform actions like logging data, scheduling personnel and material, and performing EDI for pieces of dangerous equipment and related equipment.
摘要:
Safety level error detection comparable to that provided by redundant wired safety relays is obtained on a backplane of a programmable logic controller or the like by a combination of error detection methods that in sum provide the requisite level of error detection required without necessitating a particular hardware requirement or duplicative message transmissions.