Patent attributes
An interface component (10) for a universal in-/output module with connection points (X0, M) for field devices includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), a digital-to-analog converter (DCA), a power source (25) and a combinational circuit, through which, as required, the analog-to-digital converter (ADC), the digital-to-analog converter (DAC) or the power source (25) are each able to be automatically connected to connection points of the interface component (10). The interface component (10) is able to be connected via a microcomputer to a digital data bus of a control and/or regulation device. A connection point (X0, M) for a field device includes a terminal (X0) able to be configured via the interface component (10) for the field device as an input and/or as an output for bidirectional signals. The terminal (X0) is connected via a first ohmic resistor (Ri) to a first connection point (IOX01) of the interface component (10) and via a second ohmic resistor (Ro) to a second connection point (IOX00) of the interface component (10), the first connection point (IOX01) being able to be connected via the combinational circuit to the input of the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and the second connection point (IOX00) via the combinational circuit to the power source (25). The two ohmic resistors (Ro, Ri) are not implemented in the interface component (10). Through the two resistors, the interface component that is able to be used for sensors and/or servo elements is able, independently of the current configuration of the terminal (X0), to be largely protected against instances of incorrect wiring without a signal recording or signal generation at the universally usable terminal (X0) being impermissibly changed.
