Patent ID: 7505847
Filing Date: 2009-03-17
Classification: G05B

Abstract:
1. A configurable electronic control system comprising: a control logic module; an adaptive input cell having a sensor input, a control input and an adaptive input cell output, said adaptive input cell being operable in a first mode to convert a first class of signals received at the sensor input into an output signal that can be received by the control logic module and further being operable in a second mode to convert a second class of signals received at the sensor input into an output signal that can be received by the control logic module, said second class of signals being different from the first class of signals; and a sensor connected to the sensor input and adapted to generate signals that reflect a sensed condition, said sensor signals being of the first class of signals; said control logic module being operable in a normal mode wherein said control logic module generates a mode signal causing the adaptive input cell to operate in the first mode and wherein said control logic module further interprets any output signals from the adaptive input cell as being indicative of a sensed condition; said control logic module further being operable in a diagnostic mode wherein said control logic module generates a mode signal causing the adaptive input cell to operate in the second mode, and wherein said control logic module interprets any output signals from the adaptive input cell as being indicative of a diagnostic condition.