Abstract: I/O network modules connect field devices to a process control network. Each I/O network module includes a set of electrical connectors for connecting a field device to the module and an I/O channel extending from the set of electrical connectors to a network port. The I/O channel includes a conversion circuit that converts between an I/O signal and network-compatible signals. Each I/O channel connected to the process control network through an I/O network module is associated with its own unique network address. This enables controllers and field devices on the process control network to communicate essentially directly with one another through the network.

Abstract: Protocol detection circuits for detecting the field device protocol of a field device attached to a channel having a data line are sequentially connected to the data line by a controller that communicates to the field device through the protocol detection circuits. The protocol detection circuits are disconnected from the field device after protocol detection is completed. The channel may be one of a number of channels; the controller may also connect and disconnect the protocol detection circuits from the one channel whereby the protocol detection circuits can be used with any channel. After the protocol of the field device is identified a protocol adapter can be inserted into the channel to enable data conversion between the field device protocol and an another protocol used by the channel for data transmission.

Abstract: I/O network modules connect field devices to a process control network. Each I/O network module includes a set of electrical connectors for connecting a field device to the module and an I/O channel extending from the set of electrical connectors to a network port. The I/O channel includes a conversion circuit that converts between an I/O signal and network-compatible signals. Each I/O channel connected to the process control network through an I/O network module is associated with its own unique network address. This enables controllers and field devices on the process control network to communicate essentially directly with one another through the network.

Abstract: I/O network modules connect field devices to a process control network. Each I/O network module includes a set of electrical connectors for connecting a field device to the module and an I/O channel extending from the set of electrical connectors to a network port. The I/O channel includes a conversion circuit that converts between an I/O signal and network-compatible signals. Each I/O channel connected to the process control network through an I/O network module is associated with its own unique network address. This enables controllers and field devices on the process control network to communicate essentially directly with one another through the network.

Abstract: A field device I/O connector includes a base and an I/O module removably mounted on the base for transmitting I/O signals along an I/O channel. A set of electrical connectors mounted on the base connect the base to a field device. The electrical connectors, the base, and the I/O module mounted on the base cooperate to define the I/O channel. The I/O channel includes a conversion circuit to convert between I/O signals and a digital data format output from the field device I/O connector. The base and I/O module also cooperate to define a diagnostic circuit connected to the portion of the I/O channel extending through the I/O module. The diagnostic circuit extends to a diagnostic logic circuit that may be included on the base, in the I/O module, or away from the field device I/O connector.

Abstract: A convertible I/O signal processor is convertible between different operating configurations for connecting multiple field devices to the I/O signal processor by selectable types of electrical connectors such as cables, terminal blocks, and the like. The I/O signal processor includes a signal processing module connected to a signal processor and an interface module removably connected to the signal processing module. The interface module includes electrical connectors for receiving/transmitting I/O signals from and to field devices. The interface module and the signal processing module define I/O channels extending between the electrical connectors and the signal processor. The interface module in embodiments includes I/O module connectors that enable removable I/O modules to be interposed in the I/O channels.

Abstract: A convertible I/O signal processor is convertible between different operating configurations for connecting multiple field devices to the I/O signal processor by selectable types of electrical connectors such as cables, terminal blocks, and the like. The I/O signal processor includes a signal processing module connected to a signal processor and an interface module removably connected to the signal processing module. The interface module includes electrical connectors for receiving/transmitting I/O signals from and to field devices. The interface module and the signal processing module define I/O channels extending between the electrical connectors and the signal processor. The interface module in embodiments includes I/O module connectors that enable removable I/O modules to be interposed in the I/O channels.

Abstract: A field device I/O connector includes a base and an I/O module removably mounted on the base for transmitting I/O signals along an I/O channel. A set of electrical connectors mounted on the base connect the base to a field device. The electrical connectors, the base, and the I/O module mounted on the base cooperate to define the I/O channel. The I/O channel includes a conversion circuit to convert between I/O signals and a digital data format output from the field device I/O connector. The base and I/O module also cooperate to define a diagnostic circuit connected to the portion of the I/O channel extending through the I/O module. The diagnostic circuit extends to a diagnostic logic circuit that may be included on the base, in the I/O module, or away from the field device I/O connector.

Abstract: I/O network modules connect field devices to a process control network. Each I/O network module includes a set of electrical connectors for connecting a field device to the module and an I/O channel extending from the set of electrical connectors to a network port. The I/O channel includes a conversion circuit that converts between an I/O signal and network-compatible signals. Each I/O channel connected to the process control network through an I/O network module is associated with its own unique network address. This enables controllers and field devices on the process control network to communicate essentially directly with one another through the network.

Abstract: A fieldbus coupler for coupling a local fieldbus network utilizing a first fieldbus protocol to a foreign field device or foreign fieldbus network through an interconnecting wired or wireless network transmission line that utilizes a second fieldbus protocol different from the first fieldbus protocol includes a first circuit configured to communicate over the local fieldbus network using the first fieldbus protocol, a second circuit configured to connect the fieldbus coupler with the interconnecting network transmission line and communicate over the interconnecting network transmission line using the second fieldbus protocol, and a third circuit configured to communicate with the first and second circuits and capable of transmitting data to and from the first and second circuits to enable communications between the local fieldbus network via the interconnecting network transmission line.

Abstract: An assembly for attaching and detaching an electronics module from a base includes a feedback assembly that provides an operator with tactile feedback on the relative positioning of the module with the base during attachment or detachment of the module to or from the base. The feedback assembly includes cams on the electronics module and a follower attached to an end of a spring arm on the base. The spring arm forms a portion of a wall that guides movement of the module along the base during attachment or detachment of the module.

Abstract: A universal I/O interposer system for processing an I/O signal transmitted between an I/O field device and a controller, the system includes a base connected between the field device and the controller and a number of connector halves attached to the base. An interposer circuit carrier includes a corresponding connector half and includes a signal processing circuit for processing an I/O signal being transmitted between an I/O field device and a controller. An interposer circuit carrier can be changed without disconnecting the base from the field device or controller.

Abstract: An assembly for attaching and detaching an electronics module from a base includes a feedback assembly that provides an operator with tactile feedback on the relative positioning of the module with the base during attachment or detachment of the module to or from the base. The feedback assembly includes cams on the electronics module and a follower attached to an end of a spring arm on the base. The spring arm forms a portion of a wall that guides movement of the module along the base during attachment or detachment of the module.

Abstract: A fieldbus coupler for coupling a local fieldbus network utilizing a first fieldbus protocol to a foreign field device or foreign fieldbus network through an interconnecting wired or wireless network transmission line that utilizes a second fieldbus protocol different from the first fieldbus protocol includes a first circuit configured to communicate over the local fieldbus network using the first fieldbus protocol, a second circuit configured to connect the fieldbus coupler with the interconnecting network transmission line and communicate over the interconnecting network transmission line using the second fieldbus protocol, and a third circuit configured to communicate with the first and second circuits and capable of transmitting data to and from the first and second circuits to enable communications between the local fieldbus network via the interconnecting network transmission line.

Abstract: A universal I/O interposer system for processing an I/O signal transmitted between an I/O field device and a controller, the system includes a base connected between the field device and the controller and a number of connector halves attached to the base. An interposer circuit carrier includes a corresponding connector half and includes a signal processing circuit for processing an I/O signal being transmitted between an I/O field device and a controller. An interposer circuit carrier can be changed without disconnecting the base from the field device or controller.

Abstract: A two-wire process input-output (“IO”) transmitter powered by a two-wire process loop and configured as a single transmitter. The transmitter including a gateway module and at least one local IO module. The gateway module including a first circuit configured to wholly power the gateway module from the two-wire process loop, a second circuit configured to communicate via the two-wire process loop, and a third circuit configured to communicate with the at least one IO module via a local bus separated from the two-wire process loop. The at least one local IO module including a first circuit configured to wholly power the respective local IO module from the two-wire process loop, a second circuit to communicate at least with the gateway module via the local bus, and a third circuit configured to interface with at least one IO field device.

Abstract: A modular system for transmitting power and data between a control processor that receives and transmits signals along a trunk of a distributed control network, and one or more field devices located in a hazardous area includes a backplane bus and a trunk module connected to the backplane and interconnecting the trunk and backplane. Intrinsically safe spur modules are removably attached to the backplane.

Abstract: A two-wire process input-output (“IO”) transmitter powered by a two-wire process loop and configured as a single transmitter. The transmitter including a gateway module and at least one local IO module. The gateway module including a first circuit configured to wholly power the gateway module from the two-wire process loop, a second circuit configured to communicate via the two-wire process loop, and a third circuit configured to communicate with the at least one IO module via a local bus separated from the two-wire process loop. The at least one local IO module including a first circuit configured to wholly power the respective local IO module from the two-wire process loop, a second circuit to communicate at least with the gateway module via the local bus, and a third circuit configured to interface with at least one IO field device.

Abstract: A modular system for transmitting power and data between a control processor that receives and transmits signals along a trunk of a distributed control network, and one or more field devices located in a hazardous area includes a backplane bus and a trunk module connected to the backplane and interconnecting the trunk and backplane. Intrinsically safe spur modules are removably attached to the backplane.