Patent ID: 6225825
Filing Date: 2001-05-01
Classification: G05B

Abstract:
A programmable I/O circuit for use in an industrial control system, the programmable I/O circuit comprising:a plurality of configurable gain stages; anda plurality of programmable isolating links, the plurality of programmable isolating links being coupled to the plurality of configurable gain stages, the plurality of programmable isolating links being programmable to determine an arrangement of the plurality of configurable gain stages; andwherein the plurality of configurable gain stages are adapted for being configured in first and second arrangements;wherein, in the first arrangement, the plurality of configurable gain stages are arranged in series so as to provide a first output control signal to an output device;wherein, in the second arrangement, the plurality of configurable gain stages are arranged in parallel so as to provide a second output control signal to an output device; andwherein, the first output control signal is a low current, high voltage output signal as compared to the second output control signal and the second output control signal is a high current, low voltage output signal as compared to the first output control signal.