Programmable hardware element with cartridge controllers for controlling modular measurement cartridges that convey interface information
First Claim
1. A programmable hardware element (PHE), comprising:
- a first one or more portions, each configured to implement a respective interface protocol of a plurality of interface protocols for communicating with one or more cartridges; and
a second one or more portions, coupled to the first one or more portions, and each configured to implement a cartridge controller operable to provide an interface between controlling software and a respective cartridge;
wherein each cartridge controller is operable to;
detect coupling of the respective cartridge to the PHE;
query the respective cartridge for configuration information of the respective cartridge;
determine a first respective interface protocol based on the determined configuration information; and
establish communication with the respective cartridge via a respective portion of the first one or more portions according to the first respective interface protocol implemented by the respective portion; and
wherein the PHE is operable to control one or more cartridges coupled to the PHE for industrial operations.
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Accused Products
Abstract
System and method for measurement, DAQ, and control operations which uses small form-factor measurement modules or cartridges with a re-configurable carrier unit, sensors, and a computer system to provide modular, efficient, cost-effective measurement solutions. The measurement module includes measurement circuitry, e.g., signal conditioner and/or signal conversion circuitry, and interface circuitry for communicating with the carrier unit. The module communicates interface information to the carrier unit, which informs the computer system how to program or configure a functional unit on the carrier unit to implement the communicated interface, or sends the information directly to the computer system. The computer system programs the carrier unit with the interface, and the programmed carrier unit and measurement module together function as a DAQ, measurement, and/or control device. The carrier unit may receive multiple cartridges, each having a respective interface protocol, where the carrier unit is configurable to support the respective protocols sequentially and/or in parallel.
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Citations
24 Claims
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1. A programmable hardware element (PHE), comprising:
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a first one or more portions, each configured to implement a respective interface protocol of a plurality of interface protocols for communicating with one or more cartridges; and
a second one or more portions, coupled to the first one or more portions, and each configured to implement a cartridge controller operable to provide an interface between controlling software and a respective cartridge;
wherein each cartridge controller is operable to;
detect coupling of the respective cartridge to the PHE;
query the respective cartridge for configuration information of the respective cartridge;
determine a first respective interface protocol based on the determined configuration information; and
establish communication with the respective cartridge via a respective portion of the first one or more portions according to the first respective interface protocol implemented by the respective portion; and
wherein the PHE is operable to control one or more cartridges coupled to the PHE for industrial operations. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. A method for utilizing a programmable hardware element (PHE) to control one or more cartridges to perform one or more industrial operations, comprising:
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detecting coupling of one or more cartridges to one or more respective cartridge controllers, wherein the one or more cartridge controllers are comprised in the PHE;
querying the one or more cartridges for respective configuration information of the one or more cartridges;
determining one or more respective interface protocols based on the respective configuration information; and
establishing communication between the one or more cartridges and a controlling portion of the PHE via the one or more respective cartridge controllers using the determined one or more respective interface protocols;
wherein the controlling portion of the PHE is operable to perform one or more industrial operations using at least a subset of the one or more cartridges and a corresponding subset of the one or more cartridge controllers.
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24-1. A system, comprising:
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means for detecting coupling of one or more cartridges to one or more respective cartridge controllers, wherein the one or more cartridge controllers are comprised in the PHE;
means for querying the one or more cartridges for respective configuration information of the one or more cartridges;
means for determining one or more respective interface protocols based on the respective configuration information; and
means for establishing communication between the one or more cartridges and a controlling portion of the PHE via the one or more respective cartridge controllers using the determined one or more respective interface protocols;
wherein the controlling portion of the PHE is operable to perform one or more industrial operations using at least a subset of the one or more cartridges and a corresponding subset of the one or more cartridge controllers.
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Specification