Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that is used in an industrial process control and automation system that operates using an open platform data communication protocol. The apparatus includes a processor and a memory, and a communications interface connected to at least one process instrument and arranged to transmit instructions to and receive data from the at least one process instrument and to a data network of the industrial process control and automation system that communicates using the open platform data communication protocol. The apparatus memory contains a system repository file containing process data information sent to the apparatus from the at least one process instrument, a stored function block definition file containing function blocks that define a control strategy for controlling the at least one process instrument and an engineering repository containing the characteristics and parameters for the function blocks associated with the at least one process instrument.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that is used in an industrial process control and automation system that operates using an open platform data communication protocol. The apparatus includes a processor and a memory, and a communications interface connected to at least one process instrument and arranged to transmit instructions to and receive data from the at least one process instrument and to a data network of the industrial process control and automation system that communicates using the open platform data communication protocol. The apparatus memory contains a system repository file containing process data information sent to the apparatus from the at least one process instrument, a stored function block definition file containing function blocks that define a control strategy for controlling the at least one process instrument and an engineering repository containing the characteristics and parameters for the function blocks associated with the at least one process instrument.

Abstract: A system for, and method of, achieving heterogeneous data flow between first and second algorithm blocks in a control system, and a distributed, real-time process control system employing the system or the method. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) a passive connection, associated with a control module containing the second algorithm block, that provides for the communication of data from the first algorithm block to the second algorithm block without requiring the allocation of connector resources within the second algorithm block; and (2) an active connection, associated with the second algorithm block, that provides for the communication of data from the first algorithm block to the second algorithm block using dedicated connector resources within the second algorithm block, the control system thereby capable of providing data to the second algorithm block through both passive and active connections.