Abstract: A bus controller which is connectable to a data communication bus includes a memory circuit configured to store a plurality of messages for transmission and arbitration logic associated with the memory circuit. The arbitration logic is configured to prioritize messages based on a bitwise comparison of the messages of the messages prior to transmission of any message of the plurality of messages.

Abstract: A communication controller includes a memory circuit and a processor operable in response to data and instructions stored in the memory circuit. A first communication circuit is under control of the processor for communicating between the communication controller and a first remote device according to a first data communication standard. A second communication circuit is under control of the processor for communicating between the communication controller and a second remote device according to a second data communication standard. The second data communication standard is different from the first data communication standard.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing material to a mold, such as in an injection molding system, wherein the settings for controlling the molding operation are retained in a non-volatile memory in a hot-half of the mold. When connected to a system controller, the hot-half of the mold is configured to communicate the retained information to the system controller, thereby enabling simplified set up of the molding operation. The retained information includes system information, initial settings for a plurality of heating zones, and historical information associated with that particular hot-half of the mold. Changes made to the information at the system controller are transmitted to the hot-half for dynamic updating of the non-volatile memory.