Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A method is provided for converting a hardware configuration and corresponding control logic program for use on a first programmable logic controller (PLC) to an equivalent hardware configuration and control logic program for use on a second PLC. A graphic representation of hardware modules which are usable with the first PLC are displayed for the user's consideration. The user selects those modules which are actually employed in a particular hardware configuration for the first PLC and a first hardware configuration file is created therefrom. A determination is then made of those second PLC hardware modules which are equivalent to the first PLC hardware modules contained in the first hardware configuration file. This determination is made by referencing a first data base which includes information as to which hardware modules for use on the second PLC are equivalent to corresponding hardware modules for use on the first PLC. A mapping of I/O points from the first PLC to I/O points of the second PLC is then generated. These determining and generating a mapping steps define the second hardware configuration of the second PLC. The method further includes generating a second control program for use with the second PLC from the statements of the first PLC and the mapping of I/O points. This is accomplished by checking each statement of the first control program with a second data base to determine an equivalent statement for the second control program.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim