Abstract: Systems (200, 230, 240) and methods (700) for controlling a simulation of an operation of a Fieldbus system (100) comprising at least one FIM (114, 116) communicatively coupled to field devices (122, 124). The methods involve initiating a current simulation (CS) of an operation of the FIM and/or field devices. The methods also involve obtaining intermediate simulation information (ISI) indicating a status/progress of CS. The methods further involve displaying ISI to a user of a simulation system and displaying visual elements (610, . . . , 620) for controlling the progress of CS to the user. Gantt charts (672, 674) for the FIM/field devices and visual content showing data exchanges between software elements and/or hardware elements of the simulation system can further be displayed to the user. The visual elements can facilitate speeding up CS, slowing down CS, moving the progress of CS backwards/forwards, and/or stopping/re-starting the CS.

Abstract: Systems and methods for simulating operations of a Fieldbus system (FS). The FS (200) includes a Fieldbus interface module (FIM) coupled to field devices. The methods involve creating a simulation computer model (SCM) of the FS, generating simulation data records (SDRs), and running simulation software (SS). The SS is installed on a computer system (242), FIM (232, 234), or embedded device (222, 226). The SS simulates at least one operation of the FS. The SS uses at least a portion of the SCM and at least one of the SDRs. The SCM includes functional blocks and interconnections between the functional blocks. The functional blocks represent the FIM and/or field devices. The SDRs include data defining the SCM, a control strategy of the FS, and communication links between the FIM and field devices. The SDRs also include data defining the operating characteristics of the FIM and field devices.

Abstract: Systems (200, 230, 240) and methods (700) for controlling a simulation of an operation of a Fieldbus system (100) comprising at least one FIM (114, 116) communicatively coupled to field devices (122, 124). The methods involve initiating a current simulation (CS) of an operation of the FIM and/or field devices. The methods also involve obtaining intermediate simulation information (ISI) indicating a status/progress of CS. The methods further involve displaying ISI to a user of a simulation system and displaying visual elements (610, . . . , 620) for controlling the progress of CS to the user. Gantt charts (672, 674) for the FIM/field devices and visual content showing data exchanges between software elements and/or hardware elements of the simulation system can further be displayed to the user. The visual elements can facilitate speeding up CS, slowing down CS, moving the progress of CS backwards/forwards, and/or stopping/re-starting the CS.

Abstract: Systems and methods for simulating operations of a Fieldbus system (FS). The FS (200) includes a Fieldbus interface module (FIM) coupled to field devices. The methods involve creating a simulation computer model (SCM) of the FS, generating simulation data records (SDRs), and running simulation software (SS). The SS is installed on a computer system (242), FIM (232, 234), or embedded device (222, 226). The SS simulates at least one operation of the FS. The SS uses at least a portion of the SCM and at least one of the SDRs. The SCM includes functional blocks and interconnections between the functional blocks. The functional blocks represent the FIM and/or field devices. The SDRs include data defining the SCM, a control strategy of the FS, and communication links between the FIM and field devices. The SDRs also include data defining the operating characteristics of the FIM and field devices.

Abstract: A fault tolerant communication apparatus provides redundant links between at least two computers. The apparatus includes a first set of links connected to a first computer, a second set of links connected to at least one second computer, and a communication controller between the first set of links and the second set of links. The communication controller ensures communication between the two computers if there is at least one active link between the computers for data communication. USB/Firewire based serial links can be used.

Abstract: Data in a data structure is compressed by exploiting prior knowledge of the format of the data structure. A portion of the data structure is captured. A metadata component is selected for the portion. A data buffer is updated by using the selected metadata component and the captured portion. This compression technique achieves real-time data compression suitable for use with data structures used for the synchronization of the state of communication entities. The compression technique reduces the volume of data to be communicated for the synchronization of the state of communication entities and, therefore, provides faster synchronization. The present technique is suitable for use in redundant systems.