Abstract: An industrial controller with a modular backplane includes multiple modules, where each module includes a base and a chassis. Electrical connectors located on each side of the base engage the base of an adjacent module such that the bases are electrically connected. The backplane is defined by and extends through each of the bases connected to each other. A chassis is inserted into each base. Each chassis includes an embedded switch and a local circuit. The embedded switch is in communication with the base, and the local circuit performs the operation of the corresponding module. The embedded switch receives data transmitted along the backplane between bases. The embedded switch reads the data intended for the module and passes the data to the local circuit for further processing. Similarly, the embedded switch receives data from the local circuit and inserts the data on the backplane for transmission to the appropriate module.

Abstract: An industrial controller with a modular backplane includes multiple modules, where each module includes a base and a chassis. Electrical connectors located on each side of the base engage the base of an adjacent module such that the bases are electrically connected. The backplane is defined by and extends through each of the bases connected to each other. A chassis is inserted into each base. Each chassis includes an embedded switch and a local circuit. The embedded switch is in communication with the base, and the local circuit performs the operation of the corresponding module. The embedded switch receives data transmitted along the backplane between bases. The embedded switch reads the data intended for the module and passes the data to the local circuit for further processing. Similarly, the embedded switch receives data from the local circuit and inserts the data on the backplane for transmission to the appropriate module.

Abstract: An industrial controller with a modular backplane includes multiple modules, where each module includes a base and a chassis. Electrical connectors located on each side of the base engage the base of an adjacent module such that the bases are electrically connected. The backplane is defined by and extends through each of the bases connected to each other. A chassis is inserted into each base. Each chassis includes an embedded switch and a local circuit. The embedded switch is in communication with the base, and the local circuit performs the operation of the corresponding module. The embedded switch receives data transmitted along the backplane between bases. The embedded switch reads the data intended for the module and passes the data to the local circuit for further processing. Similarly, the embedded switch receives data from the local circuit and inserts the data on the backplane for transmission to the appropriate module.

Abstract: An improved system for handling events in an industrial control system is disclosed. A module in an industrial controller is configured to generate an event responsive to a predefined signal or combination of signals occurring. The event is transferred to an event queue for subsequent execution. The event queue may also be configured to store a copy of the state of the module at the time the event is generated. The event queue may hold multiple events and each event is configured to trigger at least one event task. Subsequent events that occur during execution of the event task are stored in the event queue for later execution. An event, or combination of events, may trigger execution of an event task within the module, within the controller to which the module is connected, or within multiple controllers.

Abstract: A method and system for interacting with data frames passing through a module connected to an industrial network is disclosed. Each module includes an aggregation unit located on the network interface above the physical layer. To transmit data, the aggregation unit reads a header from a dynamic data packet to determine if the module is a participant module for the packet. If so, the aggregation unit inserts data from the module into the data packet and transmits the packet to another module. To receive data, the aggregation unit reads a header from the data packet to determine whether the data packet includes data for the module. If so, the aggregation unit reads the data and passes the data packet to another module. If the aggregation unit determines that a data packet is not intended for the module, the data packet is passed to another module with no further interaction.

Abstract: Aspects describe multiple interface support that provides dynamic switching between new and old interface revisions. A first interface application is selected from a set of alternative interface applications for an industrial automation system. Support for each interface application included in the set of alternative interface applications is provided. A second interface application is downloaded and associated with the first interface application. The second interface application is enabled during runtime. If needed, the second interface application can be selectively disabled and an operation resumed with the first interface application.

Abstract: A method and system for assigning slot addresses to modules in an industrial control system is disclosed. The modules are set up in a daisy chain topology. On power-up, a first module in the chain reads its slot address from a user configurable input or sets its slot address to a default value. The first module communicates to its immediate right neighbor using a special, one-hop message. The neighboring modules communicate to receive each other's information. The first module then sets an enable signal between the modules and sends a slot number to the neighbor in a firmware message. The neighbor checks if the enable signal is set and verifies that the slot number is a valid slot number. If so, then the neighboring module accepts the slot and repeats the same procedure to its next immediate neighbor, and so on until the last module.

Abstract: Present embodiments include an automation control system that includes an input/output device module with a device bus therein. The input/output module also includes a first bus contact on a first side of the input/output device module and communicatively coupled with a first end of the device bus, and a second bus contact on a second side of the input/output device module and communicatively coupled with a second end of the device bus. The second side generally faces an opposite direction from the first side and the input/output device module is configured to be coupled with additional input/output device modules positioned on the first and second sides of the input/output device module via the first and second bus contacts.

Abstract: A method and system for interacting with data frames passing through a module connected to an industrial network is disclosed. Each module includes an aggregation unit located on the network interface above the physical layer. To transmit data, the aggregation unit reads a header from a dynamic data packet to determine if the module is a participant module for the packet. If so, the aggregation unit inserts data from the module into the data packet and transmits the packet to another module. To receive data, the aggregation unit reads a header from the data packet to determine whether the data. packet includes data for the module. If so, the aggregation unit reads the data and passes the data packet to another module. If the aggregation unit determines that a data packet is not intended for the module, the data packet is passed to another module with no further interaction.

Abstract: An industrial control configuration can be a dynamic entity where different controllers are added, are subtracted, fail, etc. When dynamic functions occur, bindings of the configuration can benefit from a modification. Therefore, automatic adjustment of bindings can occur to facilitated improved operation. Automatic adjustment can be practiced when the industrial control configuration is a distributed control configuration without reliance upon a central database.

Abstract: Present embodiments include an adaptable automation control component that includes a base capable of communicatively coupling with a system bus and with a functional module that includes communication and control circuitry. The adaptable automation control component also includes a device power bus including electrical contacts that are capable of communicatively coupling the adaptable automation control component with a separate automation control component, and an activation mechanism including circuitry capable of continuing the device power bus when the activation mechanism is engaged, and capable of discontinuing the device power bus when the activation mechanism is disengaged. The adaptable automation control component facilitates functionality of the adaptable automation control component as an input/output module or a power distribution module depending on whether the activation mechanism is engaged or disengaged.

Abstract: An improved system for handling events in an industrial control system is disclosed. A module in an industrial controller is configured to generate an event responsive to a predefined signal or combination of signals occurring. The event is transferred to an event queue for subsequent execution. The event queue may also be configured to store a copy of the state of the module at the time the event is generated. The event queue may hold multiple events and each event is configured to trigger at least one event task. Subsequent events that occur during execution of the event task are stored in the event queue for later execution. An event, or combination of events, may trigger execution of an event task within the module, within the controller to which the module is connected, or within multiple controllers.

Abstract: A method and system for interacting with data frames passing through a module connected to an industrial network is disclosed. Each module includes an aggregation unit located on the network interface above the physical layer. To transmit data, the aggregation unit reads a header from a dynamic data packet to determine if the module is a participant module for the packet. If so, the aggregation unit inserts data from the module into the data packet and transmits the packet to another module. To receive data, the aggregation unit reads a header from the data packet to determine whether the data packet includes data for the module. If so, the aggregation unit reads the data and passes the data packet to another module. If the aggregation unit determines that a data packet is not intended for the module, the data packet is passed to another module with no further interaction.

Abstract: An improved system for handling events in an industrial control system is disclosed. A module in an industrial controller is configured to generate an event responsive to a predefined signal or combination of signals occurring. The event is transferred to an event queue for subsequent execution. The event queue may also be configured to store a copy of the state of the module at the time the event is generated. The event queue may hold multiple events and each event is configured to trigger at least one event task. Subsequent events that occur during execution of the event task are stored in the event queue for later execution. An event, or combination of events, may trigger execution of an event task within the module, within the controller to which the module is connected, or within multiple controllers.

Abstract: An output module for an industrial controller configurable to simplify setup and commissioning is disclosed. The output module includes configurable PWM outputs that may be scheduled to start at different times within the PWM period, that may be configured to generate a fixed number of PWM pulses, and that may have an extendable PWM period. The output terminals are configurable to enter a first state upon generation of a fault and further configurable to enter a second state after a configurable time delay following the fault being generated. The output module may receive inputs signals directly from another module and set output signals at the terminals responsive to these signals.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or method that facilitates employing safety within an industrial environment. An enhancing component can implement at least one of a security level, authentication, authorization, or an access right to a validated action to at least one of the controller or the controller engine instance. The enhancing component can further separate two or more entities within the industrial environment, the first entity related to process control and the second entity related to process safety. Additionally, the enhancing component can employ at least one of a backup controller or a backup controller engine instance in the event of at least one of a software error or a hardware error within the industrial environment.

Abstract: In an industrial control setting, different components can have information that can be valuable to various entities, such as other components, technicians, and the like. A decision can be made as to what information should be available to entities and a determination can be made if the information should be published in a directory or be discoverable. Security can be taken into account in determining if information should be published and decision making can employ adaptive learning, such that a publish and/or discovery decision criterion can be modified based on the learning.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for aligning status indicators on a terminal block of an I/O device by locating the status indicators directly adjacent to or integrated directly within their respective terminals on the terminal block. The status indicators are illuminated by LEDs or other light emitters disposed within a housing of the I/O device. Light from the LEDs are directed to the status indicators by light pipes disposed within the housing of the I/O device. LED activation circuitry disposed within the housing determines a manner in which to activate the LEDs to illuminate the status indicators based on inputs and outputs between the I/O device and a controlled process. In certain embodiments, the status indicators are disposed on a raised section of the I/O device, which may be part of a removable LED indication assembly including the LEDs, light pipes, and LED activation circuitry.

Abstract: A method and system for interacting with data frames passing through a module connected to an industrial network is disclosed. Each module includes an aggregation unit located on the network interface above the physical layer. To transmit data, the aggregation unit reads a header from a dynamic data packet to determine if the module is a participant module for the packet. If so, the aggregation unit inserts data from the module into the data packet and transmits the packet to another module. To receive data, the aggregation unit reads a header from the data packet to determine whether the data packet includes data for the module. If so, the aggregation unit reads the data and passes the data packet to another module. If the aggregation unit determines that a data packet is not intended for the module, the data packet is passed to another module with no further interaction.

Abstract: A method and system for assigning slot addresses to modules in an industrial control system is disclosed. The modules are set up in a daisy chain topology. On power-up, a first module in the chain reads its slot address from a user configurable input or sets its slot address to a default value. The first module communicates to its immediate right neighbor using a special, one-hop message. The neighboring modules communicate to receive each other's information. The first module then sets an enable signal between the modules and sends a slot number to the neighbor in a firmware message. The neighbor checks if the enable signal is set and verifies that the slot number is a valid slot number. If so, then the neighboring module accepts the slot and repeats the same procedure to its next immediate neighbor, and so on until the last module.