Abstract: A node has at least one memory module comprising at least one reflective memory region configured to reflect at least one reflective memory region of one or more other nodes, and the node and the one or more other nodes being configured to communicate on a packet-based serial point-to-point topology network. The node also comprises at least one network switch configured to provide at least two links each configured to connect to at least one non-host peer node on the network, multicast to the one or more other nodes at least one change to the at least one reflective memory region, receive from the one or more other nodes at least one other change to the at least one reflective memory region, and communicate to the at least one memory module the received at least one other change to the at least one reflective memory region.

Abstract: A control unit for industrial applications is provided comprising a first compute box having a first microprocessor and being configured to run at least one first operating system. A second compute box may also be provided having a second microprocessor and being configured to run at least one second operating system. The first and second operating systems may be the same or different. The compute boxes may be mechanically coupled together or connected via one or more copper or fiber-optic cables, for example. Additional compute boxes may be added to expand the capabilities of each control unit. An integrated or detachable display may also be added. A control system for controlling a plurality of local input and output drops or devices is also provided. The control system includes a plurality of control units that may be distributed around an industrial installation and capable of data transfer between each control unit.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for providing a daisy-chain topology for networking compute devices having PCIe bridges are disclosed. The daisy-chain topology is an extensible PCIe or similar standard solution that allows for a variable number of nodes. The topology has no chassis and no fixed slots, and there is no single device or bridge designated as the PCIe root. This topology allows additional devices to be added to the daisy-chain without construction of a new chassis. Some or all of can be mechanically coupled to provide a common communication channel. Once connected on the expansion link, any device has the ability to communicate to any other device on the daisy-chain. The devices on the daisy-chain are able to let their CPU or processors directly talk to those of another device. This results in a master/master relationship rather than one device serving as the master and the remaining devices the slaves.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for providing a ring topology for physically connecting compute devices having PCIe bridges are disclosed. Each device, having an internal PCIe bus or other similar standard that natively support a tree structure, is connected in a ring to neighboring compute devices. Two physical links connecting each device to the ring are provided, enabling each device to communicate with all of the other devices on the ring, without requiring a server or main host to enumerate or control the flow of information between devices. If a failure occurs in the physical connection at any single point in the ring, there is still an alternate path to communicate with every device. Methods for performing data transfer between PCIe compute devices connected to the ring are also disclosed.