Patent Application
20080007441
A circuit 20 is illustrated in
The module 22 is shown receiving an input 29 from a switch 28. Module 22 processes the signal 29, and sends an output signal 31 to control the component 32 or sends the result of its processing to the central AC board, which based on this information and other available information will finally command the signal to the output. In a disclosed embodiment, this is used on an aircraft.
In a similar manner, the module 24 is shown receiving a signal 27 from a sensor 26. Module 24 processes this input and sends an output 33 to control another component 34 or sends the result of its processing to the central AC board, which based on this information and other available information will finally command the signal to the output.
The applications of the switches, sensors and components which may benefit from the inventive universal input/output module are numerous, and known in the art. One application of these systems would be for complex control systems that are typically found on aircraft. However, the present invention extends beyond that specific application.
Each of the modules is provided with a distinct DSP. The DSPs are operable to tailor a pull-up 44 and pull-down 46 component. These components are either enabled or disabled when the module is initially installed in the system. Also, “Act. High” and “Act. Low” are also provided and can be commanded by the DSP exclusively to provide a ground open or a 28V open output. Applying both output types exclusively also allows one to create a pulse with modulated output, i.e. used to dim lights or speed regulate motors. The input signals 27 or 29 can vary depending upon the switch or sensor that has been connected to the module. As one example, the signal could be either ground or open in one typical application, and in another application the signal could be high or open. A main goal of this universal input module is to provide the functionality such that either type signal, including analog signals, can be processed by this universal input/output module. Thus, the pull-down or pull-up component is enabled dependent on the type of switch or sensor such that the signal reaching the DSP 30 is a common signal no matter the type of input. Analog signals may need no such processing, but can be sent directly to DSP 30.
Another feature of the present invention is that a common power supply 36 communicates to each of the modules 22 and 24. As shown, redundant voltage supplies are provided to the supply 36. The redundancy ensures that a single power supply failure will not result in an entire circuit failing.
In a similar manner, a board microcontroller 38 communicates over redundant lines to both modules. Bus communication lines 40 report to a central control 42, and again the communication lines 40 are common to each of the modules and redundant lines are provided.
The present invention thus provides a universal input/output module which can be self-tailored to handle various type signals.
Although a preferred embodiment of this invention has been disclosed, a worker of ordinary skill in this art would recognize that certain modifications would come within the scope of this invention. For that reason, the following claims should be studied to determine the true scope and content of this invention.
