CONFIGURATION AND DISPLAY MODULE FOR BUS-NETWORKED STATIONS
A system for configuring slave stations connected to a bus configured to have a predefined number of slave stations connected thereto includes at least one master station, and a configuration module connected to the bus and configured to receive a query from the master station at a beginning of a configuration process. The configuration module is configured to provide information corresponding to a configuration of the slave stations connected to the bus. The configuration module has a plurality of mechanical setting devices, a number of the mechanical setting devices corresponding to the predefined number of slave stations connectable to the bus. Respective positions of the mechanical setting devices indicate a sequence of the slave stations connected to the bus.
1 - 12 . (canceled)
13 . A system for configuring slave stations connected to a bus configured to have a predefined number of slave stations connected thereto, the system comprising:
at least one master station; and
a configuration module connected to the bus and configured to receive a query from the master station at a beginning of a configuration process, the configuration module configured to provide information corresponding to a configuration of the slave stations connected to the bus, the configuration module having a plurality of mechanical setting devices, a number of the mechanical setting devices corresponding to the predefined number of slave stations connectable to the bus, respective positions of the mechanical setting devices indicating a sequence of the slave stations connected to the bus.
14 . The system as recited in claim 13 , wherein the information includes the predefined number of slave stations connectable to the bus and the sequence of the slave stations connected to the bus.
15 . The system as recited in claim 14 , wherein the configuration module is configured to provide the information by transmission in a form of a data telegram via the bus.
16 . The system as recited in claim 13 , wherein the information provided by the configuration module is storable by the master station.
17 . The system as recited in claim 13 , wherein the mechanical setting devices include binary switches having a first position indicating a presence of a slave station and a second position indicating an absence of a slave station.
18 . The system as recited in claim 13 , wherein the configuration module includes a setting element configured to transmit settings or parameters to the master station.
19 . The system as recited in claim 18 , wherein the setting element is configured to permit selection of parameters.
20 . The system as recited in claim 19 , wherein the selection of parameters includes at least one of an operating mode and a behavior the master station in an error condition.
21 . The system as recited in claim 18 , wherein the setting element includes a rotary switch.
22 . The system as recited in claim 13 , wherein the configuration module is configured to send, receive, and process data via and from the bus.
23 . The system as recited in claim 13 , wherein the configuration module includes an optical device configured to display a status message.
24 . The system as recited in claim 13 , wherein the configuration module includes a data interface for a data line connected an external system.
25 . The system as recited in claim 13 , wherein the configuration module includes at least one plug-in connection to connect to the bus.