Patent Document

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to industrial I/O controller circuits for industrial control systems, and in particular to industrial I/O controller circuits for frequency input modules that measure system frequencies using adaptive threshold voltage and/or adaptive hysteresis feedback. 
         [0002]    Industrial controllers are specialized computer systems used for the control of industrial processes or machinery, for example, in a factory environment. Industrial controllers typically comprise I/O controller circuits to accomplish different functions as part of the industrial control system. One such function is measuring the frequency or revolutions per minute (RPM) of a moving machine, such as a large rotating toothed wheel, so that some action may be taken by the industrial control system. For example, an industrial controller may comprise an I/O controller circuit used for measuring the frequency of a turbine engine so that additional power can be applied to (or removed from) the turbine engine by the industrial controller based on the measured frequency. 
         [0003]    In such frequency measuring applications, the electromagnetic field produced by the physical motion, of the moving machine may be sensed by a sensor positioned in close proximity to the machine. The sensor may then, produce, an electrical signal of varying frequency and amplitude, approximately corresponding to the periodic motion of the machine. A variable reluctance sensor comprising a permanent magnet and a pick up coil is typical sensor that may be used for such motion sensing applications. 
         [0004]    The electrical signal may be inputted to a threshold detector and compared to a predetermined threshold level to produce a square wave digital output signal having first and second states, e.g. logic zero and logic one. The states of the square wave digital output may reflect the frequency of the machine. The output may subsequently be processed by digital hardware, software or any combination thereof in the industrial control system. In operation, each time the electrical input signal crosses the predetermined threshold level, the threshold detector toggles the square wave digital output signal it produces between the first and second states. 
         [0005]    In application, the electrical signals produced by sensors are often subject to noise and distortion due to electromagnetic interference (EMI). EMI may originate from other machinery in the factory environment, or by cross-coupling from neighboring channels, such as by another electrical signal from a nearby sensor. The result of EMI is a loss of signal integrity in the electrical signal, which may cause random noise and ringing to the electrical signal. 
         [0006]    To oppose the effects of EMI, ferrite beads or other filtering circuitry may be applied to the electrical signal to improve signal integrity. Such filtering inherently reduces the time resolution of the derived digital signal by removing high-frequency components of the sensed signal. The use of hysteresis may also be employed to reduce the effects of electrical noise. 
         [0007]    The strength of the electrical signal from a variable reluctance type sensor may vary significantly depending on the placement of the sensor and speed of movement of the sensed metal element. For this reason, the threshold used to produce the desired square wave signal can be a complicated exercise. Placing the threshold too low will make the sensor susceptible to electrical noise whereas placing the threshold too high may cause the system to fail to detect low level signals from the variable reluctance sensor at low machine speeds. Similar problems arise with respect to determining the amount of hysteresis that is optimum. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The present, invention provides a dynamic threshold for variable reluctance type sensors that automatically adjust the detection threshold depending on the frequency of the received signal. Frequency serves as a proxy for the expected strength of the sensor signal that is relatively immune to momentary bursts of electrical noise. By automatically raising the threshold with increased frequency of the sensor signal, precise setting of the threshold is less critical and an improved trade-off between threshold level, noise resistance, and sensitivity to sensor signal may be obtained. 
         [0009]    In one embodiment, the invention provides an industrial I/O circuit for measuring the frequency of an electrical input signal. The circuit comprises an input port for receiving an electrical input signal having a frequency; a threshold generator providing a threshold level; and a threshold detector coupled to the input port for receiving the electrical input signal and to the threshold generator for receiving the threshold level. The threshold detector compares the electrical input signal to the threshold level to produce an electrical digital output signal having a first state when the electrical input signal is detected below the threshold level and a second state when the electrical input signal is detected above the threshold level. The threshold generator is operative to adjust the threshold level in response to the frequency of the electrical input signal. 
         [0010]    The threshold generator may further comprise a counter and a timer for counting one or more transitions between the first state and the second state of the electrical digital output signal over a length of time wherein the value of the counter is used to determine the frequency of the electrical input signal for adjusting the threshold level. The threshold generator may also set the threshold level between a discrete first and second predetermined threshold level in response to the frequency of the electrical input signal crossing a predetermined frequency threshold. The threshold generator may also provide a high threshold level or a low threshold level to adjust depending on a direction of transition of the electrical input signal to provide hysteresis. 
         [0011]    The threshold generator may further include a hysteresis generator operative to adjust the separation between the high threshold level and the low threshold level in response to the frequency of the electrical input signal. The threshold generator may also provide hysteresis by feeding back a signal from the output of the threshold detector to its input and setting the amount of feedback to a predetermined amount in response to the frequency of the electrical input signal crossing a predetermined frequency threshold. The industrial I/O controller may also comprise a housing including a screw terminal connected to the input port, and holding circuitry of the threshold generator, the threshold detector and the hysteresis generator, and further include a communication port coupled to the threshold generator for external digital data communication. 
         [0012]    In an alternative embodiment, the circuit comprises an input port for receiving an electrical input signal; an amplifier coupled to the input port for receiving the electrical input signal and providing an amplified signal; a threshold generator providing a threshold level; and a threshold detector coupled to the amplifier for receiving the amplified signal and to the threshold generator for receiving the threshold level. The threshold detector compares the amplified signal to the threshold level to produce an electrical digital output signal having a first state when the amplified signal is detected below the threshold level and a second state when the amplified signal is detected above the threshold level. The threshold generator also provides a high threshold level or a low threshold level depending on a direction of transition of the electrical input signal to provide hysteresis. The threshold generator further includes a hysteresis generator operative to adjust the separation between the high threshold level and the low threshold level in response to the frequency of the electrical input signal. 
         [0013]    The hysteresis generator may further comprise a counter and a timer for counting one or more transitions between the first state and the second state of the electrical digital output signal over a length of time wherein the value of the counter is used to determine the frequency of the electrical input signal for adjusting the separation between the high threshold level and the low threshold level. The threshold generator may also provide hysteresis by feeding back a signal from the output of the threshold detector to its input and setting the amount of hysteresis feedback to a predetermined amount in response to the frequency of the electrical input signal crossing a predetermined frequency threshold. The threshold generator may also set the gain of the amplifier to a predetermined amount in response to the frequency of the electrical input signal crossing a predetermined frequency threshold. The industrial I/O controller may also comprise a housing including a screw terminal connected to the input port, and holding circuitry of the amplifier, the threshold generator, the threshold detector and the hysteresis generator, and further including a communication port coupled to the threshold generator for external digital data communication 
         [0014]    The present invention also provides a method for measuring the frequency of an electrical input signal in an industrial I/O controller. The method comprises receiving an electrical input signal having a frequency; providing a threshold level; comparing the electrical input signal to the threshold level to produce an electrical digital output signal having a first state when the electrical input signal is detected below the threshold level and a second state when the electrical input, signal is detected above the threshold level; and adjusting the threshold level in response to the frequency of the electrical input signal. Adjusting the threshold level may further comprise counting one or more transitions between the first state and the second state of the electrical digital output signal over a length of time and using the counted value to determine the frequency of the electrical input signal for adjusting the threshold level. 
         [0015]    The method may farther comprise setting the threshold level between a discrete first and second predetermined threshold level in response to the frequency of the electrical input signal crossing a predetermined frequency threshold. The method may further comprise providing a high threshold level or a low threshold level for adjusting depending on a direction of transition of the electrical input signal to provide hysteresis. The method may further comprise adjusting the separation between the high threshold level and the low threshold level depending on the frequency of the electrical input signal. The method may further comprise setting the amount of hysteresis feedback to a predetermined amount in response to the frequency of the electrical input signal crossing a predetermined frequency threshold. 
         [0016]    By designing the I/O controller circuit to adapt its input circuitry according to the frequency of the moving machine, the I/O controller circuit can better distinguish between actual input pulses from the electrical input signal, as opposed to unwanted EMI induced input pulses. This maximizes the amount of EMI rejection, independent of the frequency of the moving machine, and results in less time to commission and adjust a sensor, fewer false frequency measurements and less system down time. These particular objects and advantages may apply to only some embodiments falling within the claims and thus do not define the scope of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is a system view of an industrial control system using an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is an embodiment of an industrial I/O controller circuit of the present invention, which is a part of the industrial control system; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3   a  is an example analog waveform of an electrical input signal provided by a sensor as a machine operates slowly, showing the effects of EMI or signal crosstalk on the signal integrity of the electrical input signal, and showing the related threshold level; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3   b  is an example waveform of an electrical digital output signal produced by comparing the electrical input signal of  FIG. 3   a  to the related threshold level of  FIG. 3   a;    
           [0021]      FIG. 4   a  is an example analog waveform of an electrical input signal provided by a sensor as a machine operates quickly, showing the effects of EMI or signal crosstalk on the signal integrity of the electrical input signal, and showing a related low threshold level and an alternatively raised threshold level; 
           [0022]      FIG. 4   b  is an example waveform of an electrical digital output signal produced by comparing the electrical input signal of  FIG. 4   a  to the related low threshold level of  FIG. 3   a , thereby producing an incorrect digital frequency; 
           [0023]      FIG. 4   c  is an example waveform of an electrical digital output signal produced by comparing the electrical input signal of  FIG. 4   a  to the alternatively raised threshold level of  FIG. 4   a , thereby producing the correct digital frequency; 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  is an example diagram demonstrating the effect of hysteresis feedback in a system; 
           [0025]      FIG. 6   a  is an example analog waveform of an electrical input signal provided by a sensor as a machine operates slowly, showing the effects of EMI or signal crosstalk on the signal integrity of the electrical input signal, and showing the related upper and lower values of the hysteresis range; 
           [0026]      FIG. 6   b  is an example waveform of an electrical digital output signal produced by comparing the electrical input signal of  FIG. 6   a  to the related hysteresis range of  FIG. 6   a;    
           [0027]      FIG. 7   a  is an example analog waveform of an electrical input signal provided by a sensor as a machine operates quickly, showing the effects of EMI or signal crosstalk on the signal integrity of the electrical input signal, and showing a related narrow hysteresis range of  FIG. 6   a  and an alternatively broadened hysteresis range; 
           [0028]      FIG. 7   b  is an example waveform of an electrical digital output signal produced by comparing the electrical input signal of  FIG. 7   a  to the related narrow hysteresis range of  FIG. 6  thereby producing an incorrect digital frequency; 
           [0029]      FIG. 7   c  is an example waveform of an electrical digital output signal produced by comparing the electrical input signal of  FIG. 7   a  to the alternatively broadened hysteresis range of  FIG. 7   a , thereby producing the correct digital frequency; 
           [0030]      FIG. 8  is an alternative embodiment of an industrial I/O controller circuit of the present invention, which is a part of the industrial control system; and 
           [0031]      FIG. 9  is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a method for measuring the frequency of an electrical input signal in an industrial I/O controller according to the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0032]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a large rotating toothed wheel  10  is shown as a moving machine in an industrial application system. The wheel  10  may be used in any various industrial applications, such as a turbine engine, a gear on an assembly line or a cooling fan. The wheel  10  may rotate with varying speeds ranging from stationary to as fast as the industrial system will allow, and could come alternatively in other shapes and with other periodic motions, such as a toothed rod moving linearly back and forth. 
         [0033]    In close proximity to the wheel  10  is a sensor  20  which may detect variations in the electromagnetic field produced by the physical motion of the wheel  10  across a gap  12 . The sensor  20  may be for example a variable reluctance sensor comprising a permanent magnet and a pick up coil as known in the art. In response to variations in the electromagnetic field, the sensor  20  produces an electrical input signal of varying frequency and amplitude that approximately corresponds to the periodic motion of the wheel  10 . In other words, a low speed rotation of the wheel  10  would result in the sensor  20  producing a weak electrical input signal having low frequency and small amplitude, whereas a high speed rotation of the wheel  10  would result in the sensor  20  producing a strong electrical input signal having high frequency and large amplitude. 
         [0034]    The electrical input signal produced by the sensor  20  is then transmitted along a conductor  22  through an optional filter, such as ferrite bead  24 , which may serve to filter noise and distortion due to EMI. The source of EMI may include the operation of other machinery in the factory environment, or cross-coupling from neighboring channels, such as another electrical input signal from another nearby conductor, sensor and toothed wheel. Conductors  28  may be for example neighboring channels with electrical input signals from other conductors, sensors and toothed wheels, which may be sources of EMI by cross-coupling with conductor  22 . Ferrite bead  24  may alternatively be any other resistor, inductor and/or capacitor network if desired for advantageously improving signal integrity as known in the art. The electrical input signal then continues along conductor  26  to industrial I/O controller circuit  30 . Conductor  26 , as well as conductors  28 , may connect to controller circuit  30  via screw terminals, though other methods of electro-mechanical connection to controller circuit  30  are possible as known in the art. 
         [0035]    The controller circuit  30  adaptively measures the frequency of the electrical input signal received on conductor  26 , as well as conductors  28  if so configured. The controller circuit  30  then externally communicates digital data with the industrial system over a bus or backplane  32 , which may include several other industrial control circuits or other modules connected to the backplane  32 , such as industrial control module  40 . The digital information communicated over backplane  32  may include, for example, configuration information for configuring the controller circuit  30 , and measured frequency data as reported by the controller circuit  30 . Module  40  may include a data connection  42 , such as an Ethernet connection, to data terminal equipment  50  which may be used to configure, monitor and control the industrial system by a user. 
         [0036]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , in one embodiment the controller circuit  30  has an input port  100  for receiving the electrical input signal produced by the sensor  20 . From the input port  100 , the electrical input signal passes through a voltage divider comprised of resistors  110  and  112 , and then to an input  114  of a threshold detector  118 , which may be, for example, the non-inverting input of an analog comparator or an operational amplifier configured to operate in saturation. The threshold detector  118  compares the electrical input signal received at its input  114  to a threshold level provided by a threshold generator  130  that is received at another input  116  of the threshold detector  118 , which may be, for example, the inverting input of an analog comparator or an operational amplifier. In operation, if the electrical input signal received at the input  114  is detected by the threshold detector  118  to be below the threshold level received at the other input  116 , then the threshold detector  118  will produce an electrical digital output signal at conductor  150  having a first digital state, such as a logic zero. If the electrical input signal received at the input  114  is detected by the threshold detector  118  to be above the threshold level received at the other input  116 , then the threshold detector  118  will produce an electrical digital output signal at conductor  150  having a second digital state, such as a logic one. The threshold detector  118  thereby produces a square wave digital output signal at conductor  150 . 
         [0037]    The electrical digital output signal at conductor  150  is transmitted to a threshold generator  130 , which may be a microcontroller or other programmable logic, comprising a digital to analog converter (DAC)  132 , a counter  134 , a timer  136  and processing logic  138 . In one embodiment, the electrical digital output signal at conductor  150  is received by the threshold generator  130  at the counter  134 , which may count the transitions between the first state and the second state of the electrical digital output signal and report the counted transitions to the logic  138 . The timer  136  provides a time base to the logic  138 , so that the logic  138  may continuously or occasionally measure the frequency of the electrical digital output signal by dividing the count received by the counter  134  over a length of time indicated by the timer  136 , e.g. cycles per second (Hz). The controller circuit  30  may also have a communication port  170  coupled to logic  138 , which may externally communicate bi-directional digital data over backplane  32  according to known protocols. The digital data communicated may include reporting the measured frequency or other data to the industrial system, or receiving configuration information or other data from the industrial system. 
         [0038]    The threshold generator  130  is operative to adjust the threshold level received at the input  116  of the threshold detector  118  in response to the frequency measured by the logic  138 . For example, if the logic  138  measures a lower frequency, e.g. 10 Hz, then the logic  138  may digitally control the DAC  132  to provide a lower threshold level to the input  116  of the threshold detector  118 . If the logic  138  measures a higher frequency, e.g. 5 kHz, then the logic  138  may digitally control the DAC  132  to provide a higher threshold level to the input  116  of the threshold detector  118 . The logic  138  may digitally control the DAC  132  to adjust the threshold level dynamically, such as by continuously adjusting the threshold level in response to changes in frequency to the granularity that the DAC  132  allows. 
         [0039]    In addition, in a preferred embodiment, the logic  138  may digitally control the DAC  132  to adjust the threshold level to a predetermined value in response to reaching a predetermined frequency amount. Alternatively, some combination of adjusting dynamically and then at predetermined frequency amounts may be used. The logic  138  could also adjust the threshold level with additional intelligence. For example, if the logic  138  measures a frequency of 2.75 KHz, causing the logic  138  to digitally control the DAC  132  to apply a threshold level of 10 V, and then the logic  138  measures a frequency of 3.0 KHz, causing the logic  138  to digitally control the DAC  132  to apply a threshold level of 12 V, the logic  138  could be advantageously configured not to lower the threshold level again below 12 V until an even lower frequency is measured, such as 2.5 kHz. This may avoid undesirable rapid changes in the system. The various parameters used by logic  138 , including the time base over which frequency is measured, how often frequency is measured, whether the threshold level adjusts dynamically or based on predetermined values or both, the predetermined values corresponding to the predetermined frequencies, etc., may be hard coded in logic  138 , supplied by the industrial system via communication port  170 , or any combination thereof. 
         [0040]    Referring now to  FIG. 3   a , an electrical input signal  300  is shown as it might appear at the input port  100  of the controller circuit  30 . The electrical input signal  300  has a low frequency and small amplitude which may indicate a weak signal from slowly moving machine. The electrical input signal  300  is also more susceptible to EMI and has poor signal integrity, including noise  306 . As the electrical input signal  300  crosses the threshold level  310 , the threshold detector  118  produces the electrical digital output signal  320  shown in  FIG. 3   b . The electrical input signal  300  transitioning up and crossing the threshold level  310  at the intersection  312  produces the electrical digital output signal  320  moving from the logic low state to the logic high state  322 . The electrical input signal  300  then transitioning down and crossing the threshold level  310  at the intersection  314  produces the electrical digital output signal  320  moving from the logic high state to the logic low state  324 . Here, the threshold level  310  allows the threshold detector  118  to produce the electrical digital output signal  320  at the correct frequency. 
         [0041]    Referring now to  FIG. 4   a , the same electrical input signal  400  now appears later in time having a high frequency and large amplitude, which may indicate a stronger signal from a more quickly moving machine. The high frequency and large amplitude of the electrical input signal  400  results in an overshoot  402  and ringing  404 . Using the same low threshold level  310  from before, despite the increase in frequency and amplitude, causes the threshold detector  118  to produce an electrical digital output signal  420  with an incorrect doubled frequency shown in  FIG. 4   b . In other words, due to the increased overshoot  402  and ringing  404 , the electrical input signal  400  crosses the threshold level  310  at additional intersections  414  and  416 . As a result, the electrical digital output signal  420  incorrectly includes additional transitions  424  and  426 , resulting in an incorrectly doubled frequency. 
         [0042]    However, with the threshold generator  130  operative to adjust the threshold level  310  to a higher threshold level  410  in response to the measured higher frequency, the threshold detector  118  produces the correct electrical digital output signal  440  shown in  FIG. 4   c . The increased overshoot  402  and ringing  404  does not result in crossing the higher threshold level  410  at additional intersections. Thus, the proper frequency is produced. 
         [0043]    Referring again to  FIG. 2 , the controller circuit  30  may also include a hysteresis generator  160  to provide hysteresis feedback to the electrical input signal. Hysteresis feedback may be applied to resist undesirable rapid changes. Referring briefly to  FIG. 5 , a hysteresis diagram is shown with a hysteresis range  500  in which a first state  510  is maintained by a system until a first value  520  causes a transition  530  to a second state  540 , but then the second state  540  is maintained by the system until a second value  550  less than the first value  520  is causes a transition  560  back to the first state  510 . By using a hysteresis range having lower and upper values depending from the current state, as opposed to using a single value independent of the current state, undesirable rapid changes may be avoided. Referring back to  FIG. 2 , the hysteresis generator  160  is shown using a digitally programmable resistor  162  configured by logic  138  (a static resistor may be used instead if adjustability is not desired). The resistor  162  receives the electrical digital output signal at conductor  150  and provides feedback to strengthen the electrical input signal at the input  114  of the threshold detector  118 . As a result, if the threshold detector  118  produces an electrical digital output signal at conductor  150  having a high logic state, the resistor  162  will feed back part of the electrical digital output signal to the input  114  of the threshold detector  118  thereby adding to the electrical input signal. If however the threshold detector  118  produces an electrical digital output signal at conductor  150  having a low logic sate, the resistor  162  will feed back part of the electrical digital output signal to the input  114  of the threshold detector  118  thereby subtracting from the electrical input signal. The result is an increased opposition of the electrical input signal from crossing the threshold level again, which may avoid undesirable rapid change. This is analogous to the operation of a Schmitt trigger. In an alternative embodiment, feedback from the electrical digital output signal may instead be provided to the input  116  of the threshold detector  118 , thereby adding to or subtracting from the threshold level. 
         [0044]    Similar to the threshold generator  130 , the hysteresis generator  162  may be operative to adjust the amount of hysteresis feedback based on the measured frequency. In this case, the hysteresis generator  160  may utilize the same microcontroller or other programmable logic functioning to serve the threshold generator  130 , if present. The hysteresis generator  162  may comprise the counter  134 , the timer  136 , the logic  138  and the resistor  162 . Referring again to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the electrical digital output signal at conductor  150  is received by the hysteresis generator  160  at the counter  134 , which may count the transitions between the first state and the second state of the electrical digital output signal and report the counted transitions to the logic  138 . The timer  136  provides a time base to the logic  138 , so that the logic  138  may continuously or occasionally measure the frequency of the electrical digital output signal by dividing the count received by the counter  134  over a length of time received by the timer  136 , e.g. cycles per second (Hz). 
         [0045]    The logic  138  may then adjust the resistor  162  in response to the measured frequency, thereby adjusting the amount of hysteresis feedback to the input  114  of the threshold detector  118 . For example, if the logic  138  measures a lower frequency, e.g. 10 Hz, then the logic  138  may digitally control the resistor  162  to provide less feedback to the input  114  of the threshold detector  118 . If the logic  138  measures a higher frequency, e.g. 5 kHz, then the logic  138  may digitally control the resistor  162  to provide more feedback to the input  114  of the threshold detector  118 . Again, in an alternative embodiment, feedback may instead be provided to the input  116  of the threshold detector  118 . The logic  138  may digitally control the resistor  162  to adjust the amount of feedback dynamically, such as adjusting the amount of hysteresis feedback continuously in response to changes in frequency to the granularity that the resistor  162  allows. In addition, in a preferred embodiment, the logic  138  may digitally control the resistor  162  to apply a predetermined amount of feedback in response to reaching a predetermined frequency amount, or to apply some combination of adjusting dynamically and then at predetermined times. As described above, the various parameters used by logic  138  may be hard coded in logic  138 , supplied by the industrial system via communication port  170 , or any combination thereof. 
         [0046]    With the hysteresis generator, and referring now to  FIG. 6   a , an electrical input signal  600  is shown as it might appear at the input port  100  of the controller circuit  30 . The electrical input signal  600  has a low frequency and small amplitude which may indicate a weak signal from a slowly moving machine. The electrical input signal  600  is also more susceptible to EMI and has poor signal integrity, including noise  606  and  616 . As the electrical input signal  600  crosses the upper value  610  at the intersection  612 , the threshold detector  118  produces the electrical digital output signal  620  transitioning to the logic one state  622  shown in  FIG. 6   b . However, despite the electrical input signal then falling back below the upper value at intersection  614 , and despite noise induced ringing  616  on the electrical input signal, the electrical digital output signal  620  stays in the logic one state. As the electrical input signal  600  crosses the lower value  618  at the intersection  619 , the threshold detector  118  produces the electrical digital output signal  620  transitioning to the logic zero state  624  shown in  FIG. 6   b . Here, the upper value  610  and lower value  618  provided by the hysteresis generator  160  allows the threshold detector  118  to produce the electrical digital output signal  620  at the correct frequency. 
         [0047]    Referring now to  FIG. 7   a , the same electrical input signal  700  now appears later in time having a high frequency and large amplitude, which may indicate a stronger signal from a more quickly moving machine. The high frequency and large amplitude of the electrical input signal  700  results in an overshoot  702  and ringing  704 . Using the same upper value  610  and lower value  618  from before, despite the increase in frequency and amplitude, causes the threshold detector  118  to produce an electrical digital output signal  720  with an incorrect doubled frequency shown in  FIG. 7   b . In other words, due to the increased overshoot  702  and ringing  704 , the electrical input signal  700  crosses the lower value  618  and upper value  610  at additional intersections  714  and  716 , respectively. As a result, the electrical digital output signal  720  incorrectly includes additional transitions  724  and  726 , resulting in an incorrectly doubled frequency. 
         [0048]    However, with the hysteresis generator  160  operative to adjust the amount of hysteresis feedback in response to the measured higher frequency, and thus the upper value  710  and lower value  719 , the threshold detector  118  produces the correct electrical digital output signal  740  shown in  FIG. 7   c . The increased overshoot  702  and ringing  704  does not result in crossing the lower value  719  and upper value  710  at additional intersections, Thus, the proper frequency is produced. 
         [0049]    Referring now to  FIG. 8 , in an alternative embodiment, the controller circuit  30  has an input port  800  for receiving the electrical input signal produced by the sensor  20 . From the input port  800 , the electrical input signal passes to a programmable gain amplifier  804  which may be digitally controlled to produce an amplified signal  806 . The programmable gain amplifier  804  in turn connects through a voltage divider comprised of resistors  810  and  812 , and then to an input  814  of a threshold detector  818 , which may be, for example, the non-inverting input of an analog comparator or an operational amplifier configured to operate in saturation. The threshold detector  818  compares the electrical input signal received at its input  814  to a threshold level provided by a reference voltage  830  that is received at another input  816  of the threshold detector  818 , which may be, for example, the inverting input of an analog comparator or an operational amplifier. In operation, if the electrical input signal received at the input  814  is detected by the threshold detector  818  to be below the threshold level received at the other input  816 , then the threshold detector  818  will produce an electrical digital output signal at conductor  850  having a first digital state, such as a logic zero. If the electrical input signal received at the input  814  is detected by the threshold detector  818  to be above the threshold level received at the other input  816 , then the threshold detector  818  will produce an electrical digital output signal at conductor  850  having a second digital state, such as a logic one. The threshold detector  818  thereby produces a square wave digital output signal at conductor  850 . 
         [0050]    Similar to the embodiment described in  FIG. 2 , the controller circuit  30  further includes a hysteresis generator  860  to provide hysteresis feedback to the electrical input signal at the input  814  of the threshold detector  818 . The hysteresis generator  860  may be operative to adjust the amount of hysteresis feedback based on the measured frequency. In operation, the electrical digital output signal at conductor  850  is transmitted to a hysteresis generator  860 , which may comprise a microcontroller or other programmable logic, comprising a counter  834 , a timer  836 , processing logic  838  and a digitally programmable resistor  862 . The electrical digital output signal at conductor  850  is received by the hysteresis generator  860  at the counter  834 , which may count the transitions between the first state and the second state of the electrical digital output signal and report the counted transitions to the logic  838 . The timer  836  provides a time base to the logic  838 , so that the logic  838  may continuously or occasionally measure the frequency of the electrical digital output signal by dividing the count received by the counter  834  over a length of, time received by the timer  836 , e.g. cycles per second (Hz). The controller circuit  30  may also have a communication port  870  coupled to logic  838 , which may externally communicate bi-directional digital data over backplane  32  according to known protocols. The data communicated may include reporting the measured frequency or other data to the industrial system, or receiving configuration information or other data from the industrial system. 
         [0051]    The logic  838  may then adjust the resistor  862  in response to the measured frequency, thereby adjusting the amount of hysteresis feedback to the input  814  of the threshold detector  818 . For example, if the logic  838  measures a lower frequency, e.g. 10 Hz, then the logic  838  may digitally control the resistor  862  to provide less feedback to the input  814  of the threshold detector  818 . If the logic  838  measures a higher frequency, e.g. 5 kHz, then the logic  838  may digitally control the resistor  862  to provide more feedback to the input  814  of the threshold detector  818 . In an alternative embodiment, feedback may instead be provided to the input  816  of the threshold detector  818 . The logic  838  may digitally control the resistor  862  to adjust the amount of feedback dynamically, such as adjusting the amount of hysteresis feedback continuously in response to continuous changes in frequency to the granularity that the resistor  862  allows. In addition, the logic  838  may digitally control the resistor  862  to apply a predetermined amount of feedback in response to reaching a predetermined frequency amount, or to apply some combination of adjusting dynamically and then at predetermined times. As described above, the various parameters used by logic  838  may be hard coded in logic  838 , supplied by the industrial system via communication port  870 , or any combination thereof. 
         [0052]    The logic  838  may similarly adjust the programmable gain amplifier  804  in response to the measured frequency, thereby adjusting the amount of gain produced at amplified signal  806 . For example, if the logic  838  measures a lower frequency, e.g. 10 Hz, then the logic  838  may digitally control the programmable gain amplifier  804  to provide more gain in producing amplified signal  806 . If the logic  838  measures a higher frequency, e.g. 5 kHz, then the logic  838  may digitally control the programmable gain amplifier  804  to provide less gain in producing amplified signal  806 . The logic  838  may digitally control the programmable gain amplifier  804  to adjust the amount of gain dynamically, such as adjusting the amount of gain continuously in response to continuous changes in frequency to the granularity that the programmable gain amplifier  804  allows. In addition, the logic  838  may digitally control the programmable gain amplifier  804  to apply a predetermined amount of gain in response to reaching a predetermined frequency amount, or to apply some combination of adjusting dynamically and then at predetermined times. Again, the various parameters used by logic  838  may be hard coded in logic  838 , supplied by the industrial system via communication port  870 , or any combination thereof. 
         [0053]    Referring now to  FIG. 9 , a method for measuring the frequency of an electrical input signal in an industrial I/O controller is shown. The method comprises receiving an electrical input signal  902  having a frequency provided by a sensor, providing a threshold level  904 , and comparing the electrical input signal to the threshold level to produce an electrical digital output signal  906 . If the electrical input signal is detected below the threshold level  908 , the electrical digital output signal will have a first state  910 . If the electrical input signal is not detected below the threshold level  912 , and the electrical input signal is detected above the threshold level  914 , the electrical digital output signal will have a second state  916 . If the electrical input signal is not detected below the threshold level  912 , and the electrical input signal is not detected above the threshold level  918 , such as an electrical input signal in the hysteresis range, the previous state is maintained and the method continues receiving the electrical input signal  902 . The electrical digital output signal having the first state  910 , or having the second state  916  is then used to measure the frequency of change between the first state and the second state of the electrical digital output signal  920 , which is then reported to the industrial system  922 . 
         [0054]    The method may then adjust the threshold level  924  in response to the frequency of change between the first state and the second state of the electrical digital output signal. Measuring the frequency of change  920  and adjusting the threshold level  924  may further comprise counting one or more transitions between the first state and the second state of the electrical digital output signal over a length of time. The method may further comprise setting the threshold level to a predetermined value in response to the frequency of change between the first state and the second state of the electrical digital output signal reaching a predetermined amount. 
         [0055]    The method may also provide hysteresis feedback  926  from the electrical digital output signal to the electrical input signal, which feedback may also be adjusted in response to the frequency of change between the first state and the second state of the electrical digital output signal. The method may also set the amount of hysteresis feedback to a predetermined amount in response to the frequency of change between the first state and the second state of the electrical digital output signal reaching a predetermined amount. 
         [0056]    Certain terminology is used herein for purposes of reference only, and thus is not intended to be limiting. For example, terms such as “upper,” “lower,” “above” and “below” refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. Such terminology may include the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. Similarly, the terms “first,” “second” and other such numerical terms referring to structures do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. 
         [0057]    When introducing elements or features of the present disclosure and the exemplary embodiments, the articles “a,” “an,” “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of such elements or features. The terms “comprising,” “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements or features other than those specifically noted. It is further to be understood that the method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that, additional or alternative steps may be employed. 
         [0058]    References to “a microcontroller” can be understood to include one or more microcontrollers, processors or microprocessors that can communicate in a stand-alone and/or a distributed environment(s), and can thus be configured to communicate via wired or wireless communications with other microcontrollers, where such one or more microcontrollers can be configured to operate on one or more microcontroller-controlled devices that can be similar or different devices. Furthermore, references to “logic,” unless otherwise specified, can include one or more microcontroller-readable and accessible logic or memory elements and/or components that can be internal to the microcontroller-controlled device, or external to the microcontroller-controlled device, and can be accessed via a wired or wireless network. 
         [0059]    This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. It is specifically intended that the present invention not be limited to the embodiments and illustrations contained herein and the claims should be understood to include modified forms of those embodiments including portions of the embodiments and combinations of elements of different embodiments as come within the scope of the following claims.

Technology Category: 3