Abstract: A motor control host includes a plurality of ports, a memory, and a processing device. The memory is operable to store an enable mask defining an enablement state for each of the ports. The processing device is operable to send a first message over those selected ports having an affirmative enablement state to maintain a communication link over the selected ports and inhibit the first message for those ports having a negative enablement state. A method for configuring a motor control system including a motor control host having a plurality of ports includes storing an enable mask defining an enablement state for each of the ports. A first message is sent over those selected ports having an affirmative enablement state to maintain a communication link over the selected ports. The first message is inhibited for those ports having a negative enablement state.

Abstract: A machine automation system for controlling a device in a machine automation environment is provided. The machine automation system includes a device and interface software. The interface software is configured to receive a selection of the device, display a control window associated with the device, identify at least one device specific menu item from a group of device specific menu items by querying each of the device specific menu items with a characteristic of the device to identify which of the device specific menu items should be displayed, and display the device specific menu item in the control window.

Abstract: A device in a machine automation environment is controlled by executing a primary software application to generate a primary graphical view of controls for the device, executing a secondary software application to generate a secondary graphical view of controls for the device, and displaying an integrated graphical view comprising the secondary graphical view integrated with the primary graphical view.

Abstract: A motor control host includes a plurality of ports, a memory, and a processing device. The memory is operable to store an enable mask defining an enablement state for each of the ports. The processing device is operable to send a first message over those selected ports having an affirmative enablement state to maintain a communication link over the selected ports and inhibit the first message for those ports having a negative enablement state. A method for configuring a motor control system including a motor control host having a plurality of ports includes storing an enable mask defining an enablement state for each of the ports. A first message is sent over those selected ports having an affirmative enablement state to maintain a communication link over the selected ports. The first message is inhibited for those ports having a negative enablement state.