Patent ID: 9124269
Filing Date: 2015-09-01
Classification: H03K

Abstract:
1. A method for operating a fail-safe automation component to provide functional security for a programmable logic controller of an automation environment, said fail-safe automation component having an output circuit by which a voltage is connected through to a load connected to an output, which creates a current, the method comprising: operating a first driver module between a supply voltage connection on the output subassembly and the output and actuating the first driver module via a first control input to connect the voltage through to the output, the first driver module including a current switch-off that only takes effect if a short circuit occurs; operating a second driver module in parallel with the first driver module between the supply voltage connection and the output and actuating the second driver module, via a second control input to connect the voltage through to the output; receiving by a control circuit, at a starting time point, a switching command from the programmable logic controller of the automation environment to switch the voltage through to the output and initially actuating, by the control circuit, the second control input for a predefined first length of time, such that the second driver module is operated with current level limitation up to a maximum current level; and actuating additionally, by the control circuit, after elapse of a predefined second length of time selected as a value which is less than or equal to a value of the first length of time, measured from the starting time point, the first control input for as long as the switching command remains in effect such that the fail-safe automation component provides functional security for the programmable logic controller of the automation environment.