Patent ID: 7190093

Claim:
An automation device comprising a modular assembly configured to be used with a hardware element, the modular assembly comprising: a primary group of modules located on a common rigid frame associated with a primary zone of the hardware element, the primary group comprising a control unit configured to provide control signals, input/output modules connected to the automated units, a feeder unit configured to provide feeder power to the input/output modules and to the automated units, a primary first link connecting the feeder unit and the input/output modules, the primary first link configured to carry the control signals and to carry the feeder power to the input/output modules, a primary second link connecting the feeder unit and the input/output modules and configured to carry the feeder power to the automated units, and a terminating module connected to the primary first and second links; at least one secondary group of modules associated with a secondary zone of the hardware element and located on a second rigid frame, the secondary group comprising a lead module connected to a secondary first link and a secondary second link, the secondary first link connected to the primary first link and the secondary second link connected to the primary second link; and a linking cable connecting the terminating module of the primary group with the lead module, the linking cable comprising a shielded cable configured to carry the control signals and feeder power to the secondary group of modules.