Abstract: An apparatus and system is disclosed connected to at least one input/output (I/O) module and to at least one controller of an industrial distributed control system. The apparatus and system comprises a control network module having a control component that uses a processor to execute operating software that implements operating configurations for the control network module. At least one I/O port is connected to the control component that is configurable by the operating software to enable port configurations to connect the at least one I/O module to the control network module. An expansion component connected to the control component has at least one expansion port connected to the at least one controller. The expansion port connects the at least one controller to the control component for communicating data and control signals to and from the at least one controller to the at least one I/O module. A security component regulates access to the apparatus based upon one or more security attributes.

Abstract: An industrial automation system employing a mesh topology of input/output allows flexibility in pairing field devices and controllers though the I/O mesh. Field devices can be connected to the geographically closest I/O module channel without regard to the location of the necessary controller. Modular prefabrication and deployment of the I/O modules becomes less complex and less time consuming thereby reducing costs.

Abstract: An industrial automation system employing a mesh topology of input/output allows flexibility in pairing field devices and controllers though the I/O mesh. Field devices can be connected to the geographically closest I/O module channel without regard to the location of the necessary controller. Modular prefabrication and deployment of the I/O modules becomes less complex and less time consuming thereby reducing costs.

Abstract: The apparatus detects error in transceivers of individual modules connected to a communication network, the network being a two-line network. The apparatus comprises a reference voltage source to output a first and second reference voltage value in response to a control signal. A controller controls a predefined sequence of steps in performing a test to detect the errors of the transceivers. A first and second comparator compares a voltage of the corresponding first and second line to a select first and second reference voltage as commanded by the sequence of steps of the test sequence.