Systems, and/or devices to control the synchronization of diagnostic cycles and data conversion for redundant I/O applications

1. A system comprising:

a first analog input module adapted to:

request and then assume mastership with respect to a second analog input module;

output a synchronization pulse to said second analog input module to synchronize a diagnostic cycle and a data conversion cycle;

initiate a performance of a diagnostic cycle of said second analog input module; and

initiate a data conversion cycle; and

said second analog input module adapted to assume a slave role with respect to said first analog input module;

wherein the diagnostic cycle is disabled during the data conversion cycle.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein said first analog input module is further adapted to:

define a master/slave relationship with respect to said second analog input module.

3. The system of claim 1 , wherein said system is adapted to:

define a master/slave relationship between said first analog input module and said second analog input module.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein said first analog input module is further adapted to:

send to said second analog input module a request to establish communication with said second analog input module.

5. The system of claim 1 , wherein said first analog input module is further adapted to:

receive from said second analog input module an acknowledgment of a request to establish communication between said first analog input module and said second analog input module.

6. The system of claim 1 , wherein said first analog input module is further adapted to:

establish communication with said second analog input module.

7. The system of claim 1 , wherein said second analog input module is further adapted to:

upon completion of said diagnostic cycle, send acknowledgment that said diagnostic cycle is complete.

8. The system of claim 1 , wherein said second analog input module is further adapted to:

upon completion of said data conversion cycle, send acknowledgment that that data conversion cycle is complete.

9. The system of claim 1 , wherein said second analog input module is further adapted to:

if initiation of said diagnostic cycle does not occur within a predetermined time, assume mastership with respect to said first analog input module.

10. The system of claim 1 , wherein said second analog input module is further adapted to:

if initiation of said data conversion cycle does not occur within a predetermined time, assume mastership with respect to said first analog input module.

11. The system of claim 1 , wherein:

said diagnostic cycle is adapted to automatically detect a broken wire.

12. The system of claim 1 , wherein:

said data conversion cycle is adapted to automatically obtain a temperature value from a thermocouple.

13. A system comprising:

a first analog input module adapted to, via a sent synchronization signal to synchronize a diagnostic cycle and a data conversion cycle, automatically terminate a diagnostic cycle being performed by a second analog input module, said synchronization signal further adapted to cause an initiation of a data conversion cycle at said second analog input module after the termination of the diagnostic cycle, said synchronization signal sent subsequent to an acknowledged request to establish communication with said second analog input module.

14. A method comprising:

via a sent synchronization signal to synchronize a diagnostic cycle and a data conversion cycle, the synchronization signal sent by a first analog input module of a programmable logic controller, automatically causing a diagnostic cycle being performed by a second analog input module to terminate, said synchronization signal further adapted to cause an initiation of a data conversion cycle at said second analog input module after the termination of the diagnostic cycle, said synchronization signal sent subsequent to an acknowledged request to establish communication with said second analog input module.

15. A method comprising:

at a first analog input module:

requesting and then assuming mastership with respect to a second analog input module, said second analog input module adapted to assume a slave role with respect to said first analog input module;

outputting a synchronization pulse to said second analog input module to synchronize a diagnostic cycle and a data conversion cycle;

initiating a performance of a diagnostic cycle of said second analog input module; and

initiating a data conversion cycle after the diagnostic cycle has completed or been disabled via the synchronization pulse.