Flexible input/output devices for use in process control systems

摘要

Methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture are disclosed that provide flexible input/output device communications in a process control system. In one example, a process control system controls a plurality of field devices. The process control system includes a control device and a communications protocol component. The communications protocol component has at least one communications channel that is selectively configurable to use at least a first or second communications protocol and to communicate with at least one of the field devices.

主权项

1. A process control system to control a plurality of field devices, the process control system comprising:
a control device; and an input/output card, the input/output card having a communication protocol component, the communication protocol component comprising:
a first communications channel that is selectively configurable to use one of a plurality of communication protocols and to communicate with at least one of the field devices, anda second communications channel that is selectively configurable to use one of a plurality communication protocols and to communicate with at least one of the field devices,wherein the first channel, when configured to use a first communication protocol, communicates with a first one of the field devices while the second channel, when configured to use a second communication protocol, is enabled to simultaneously communicate with a second one of the field devices,wherein the second communication protocol is different than the first communication protocol,wherein each of the plurality of communications channels is coupled to a respective reconfigurable component of the communication protocol component and the reconfigurable components are configurable using a configuration application associated with the process control system, andwherein the configuration application is enabled to selectively and independently configure the reconfigurable components.