Electrical computers and digital data processing systems: input/ – Input/output data processing – Peripheral configuration
Reexamination Certificate
1998-04-15
2001-09-11
Shin, Christopher B. (Department: 2182)
Electrical computers and digital data processing systems: input/
Input/output data processing
Peripheral configuration
C713S400000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06289400
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an electrical control device for producing control signals for driving electrical devices.
Electrical control devices of this generic type are known in innumerable embodiments and are used for a wide variety of purposes.
The construction of the electrical control device depends very much on such variables as what device is to be controlled and in dependence of which events or parameters. The result of this is that the options for using a respective electrical control device are relatively limited, which is without doubt a disadvantage of the prior art control devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide an electrical control device, which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art devices and methods of this general type and which is of simple construction and suitable for use in a variety of ways.
With the foregoing and other objects in view there is provided, in accordance with the invention, an electrical control device for producing control signals for driving electrical devices, comprising: a plurality of control modules configurable with respect to an interaction thereof, the control modules producing control signals for driving electrical devices.
In other words, the invention is characterized by a large number of control modules which produce the control signals and whose interaction can be configured.
Due to the fact that the interaction of the control modules can be set individually, it is possible to configure the control device for a wide variety of control tasks, that is to say to use it for extremely diverse purposes. The amount of effort required for this is no greater than in the case of conventional control devices of comparable performance.
In accordance with an added feature of the invention, the control modules are adapted to react in a predetermined manner to specific events and to output data or signals representing the reaction to respective other control modules and/or as output signals of the control device.
In accordance with an additional feature of the invention, there is provided a setting device connected to the control modules, the setting device selectively setting an interaction between respective control modules.
In accordance with a further feature of the invention, the setting device selectively sets which of the control modules are connected to which input terminals and output terminals of the control device.
In accordance with another feature of the invention, the setting device is adapted to implement the settings individually while the control device is in operation.
In accordance with again a further feature of the invention, the control modules are connected in series to form a control module sequence.
In accordance with again another feature of the invention, the control modules feed data or signals to a respective control module which is connected adjacent (upstream or downstream in terms of signal flow) in the control module sequence.
In accordance with again an additional feature of the invention, the control modules are adapted to pass on data or signals received from one of the control module to another control module.
In accordance with again an added feature of the invention, the control modules are each substantially identical.
In accordance with again another feature of the invention, the control modules are multifunctional modules which can operate independently of one another in one of a plurality of operating modes as selected.
In accordance with a concomitant feature of the invention, the control modules are adapted to be used as one or more of the following: a counter, a comparator, an edge detector, and a capture unit.
Other features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims.
Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in an electrical control device, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.
The construction and method of operation of the invention, however, together with additional objects and advantages thereof will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.
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Leteinturier Patrick
Rohm Peter
Greenberg Laurence A.
Infineon - Technologies AG
Lerner Herbert L.
Shin Christopher B.
Stemer Werner H.
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