Abstract: An Active Input/Output (I/O) Module forming a node of an industrial control network includes a housing for mounting a plurality of input and/or output serial data bus connectors, input and output device data connectors, and main and auxiliary power connectors, if desired. A programmed microprocessor unit is housed within the housing for controlling data and communication with a system main Programmable Logic Controller, or equivalent. A portion of the memory associated with the microprocessor for storing data specific to the node represented by the I/O module comprises a Removable Memory Unit, thus permitting the I/O module to be replaced upon failure with a new I/O module capable of receiving the Removable Memory Unit to re-constitute the I/O module without having to re-program the node-specific data on site.

Abstract: A multi-port electrical connector system suitable for use in an industrial environment includes a plurality of quick change serial data signal connectors mounted to a rigid insulating casing. In addition, an industrial power connector and an industrial parallel data connector are mounted to the casing. Stored within the housing is a controller including a microprocessor and associated firmware for storing and routing signals and a media access controller for interfacing the microprocessor with the associated physical layer interface.