PROGRAMMABLE CONTROLLER WHICH OPERATES BY MEANS OF DATA MANAGEMENT USING NETWORK COMPUTERS AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A PROGRAMMABLE CONTROLLER

A memory-programmable controller used, in particular, in a larger automation system and a method for operation of a memory-programmable controller (S1-Sn). The memory programmable controller (S1-Sn) is linked to a central computer (R) of the automation system over a network (2). All of the user data (3), application programs (4), configuration data (5) and the operating systems (6) of the memory-programmable controller (S1-Sn) are stored on a central computer. However, only working copies of the data are stored in the memory of the memory-programmable controller (S1-Sn). In the case of a failure of the memory-programmable controller (S1-Sn) or components therein, the user data (3), application programs (4), configuration data (5) and/or the operating system (6) are loaded in the memory of the memory-programmable controller from a central computer (R) by way of the network (2). Because of this, updates to the operating system can be carried out centrally and very easily. In addition, in each case, the current versions of the application programs are available centrally and thus can be easily archived. Moreover, in the case of a malfunction, the required data can be loaded at any time, preferably automatically.