Dedicated memory module for device

Abstract

A memory module is provided for an electrical device such as a switching device or circuit interrupter wherein the memory module is arranged to be mounted with the device and arranged to store data including device characteristics, operating configuration and operational history.

1 . A memory module arrangement for an electrical device that has functions controllable by a control and that provides operational data to the control, the, arrangement comprising: 
 a control that sends control information to and receives operational information from a controlled device;    a memory module having stored therein information about the device and having writeable memory storage facilities; and    bidirectional data communication means for communicating information between the memory and the control so as to receive the stored information from the memory module and write information to the memory module during operation of the device.    
   
   
       2 . The memory module arrangement of  claim 1  wherein the memory module includes facilities for retaining information independent of the presence of the control.  
   
   
       3 . The memory module arrangement of  claim 1  wherein the device includes a mounting arrangement that also houses the control and the memory module, the control being removable from the mounting arrangement.  
   
   
       4 . An electrical device comprising: 
 a switching device;    a mounting arrangement for supporting the switching device;    a control housed within the mounting arrangement and including facilities for controlling the switching device;    a memory module housed within the mounting arrangement having stored therein first information about the switching device and retaining said first information independent of the control;    the control further including facilities for communicating information to and receiving information from the memory module, the memory module further having stored therein second information received from the control.