Process control configuration system for use with a network incorporating AS Interface device network

摘要

The configuration system provides a single configuration database in a process control network which has a controller, a first device network that communicates using a first input/output protocol, such as a Fieldbus 32, or a HART device 34 protocol, and an AS-Interface device network 60 that communicates using an AS-Interface input/output communication protocol. The system includes the configuration database that stores configuration information pertaining to the first device network and configuration information pertaining to the AS-Interface device network, a data access routine that automatically requests configuration information pertaining to the first device network and configuration information pertaining to the AS-Interface device network, and a configurator that configures the AS- Interface device network based on the AS-Interface device network configuration information. The configuration information may be obtained by auto-sensing of attached devices, from stored manufacturers information and from manual input. A documentation routine accesses the configuration database to display a process control documentation schematic illustrating the configuration of the first device network and the AS-Interface device network within the process control system.