Abstract: A process control system is disclosed which can include a plurality of spatially distributed, internetworked network subscribers with secure communication between the network subscribers via a communication network. Communication integrity can be based on an interchange of certificates. In order to protect the communication integrity, the process control system can include a central certification point which is an integral part of the process control system and allocates and distributes certificates.

Abstract: A process control system is disclosed in an automation installation having field devices which are networked by means of a system bus and which can be operated using associated system control units which are connected by means of a terminal bus to at least one central engineering computer for configuring the system and to a central control station for monitoring and operating the system. For the purpose of linking at least one extraneous control unit to the terminal bus an interposed control computer is proposed which, under software control, simulates a system-compliant I/O unit on the terminal bus, which I/O unit is bi-directionally connected to an OPC client residing on the extraneous control unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for remote diagnostics of a field device in a process engineering system that is part of a distributed control system. The field devices are connected to I/O units and are operated by a central device. The diagnostics device is functionally divided into a recording unit and a physically separate processing unit. The recording unit and the processing unit are logically connected to one another via a wireless communications link.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device and a method for monitoring the data traffic on a fieldbus of a process automation system which comprises a plurality of field devices for carrying out a process function, which field devices can be controlled via at least one higher-level control unit, with a monitoring appliance for the data traffic and for passing on information contained in the data traffic to the higher-level control unit being connected to the fieldbus. The invention proposes that the monitoring appliance continuously records quality parameters of the data traffic and communicates them directly via a data radio channel to the level of the higher-level control unit which analyzes the quality parameters of the data traffic.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for remote diagnostics of a field device in a process engineering system that is part of a distributed control system. The field devices are connected to I/O units and are operated by a central device. The diagnostics device is functionally divided into a recording unit and a physically separate processing unit. The recording unit and the processing unit are logically connected to one another via a wireless communications link.