Shadow function box interface for use in process control network e.g. chemical or petroleum process has memory receiving data pertaining to external function block, according to configuration protocol of internal function block

摘要

A shadow function block (108) has a communications port with an input that communicates with an external function block (112) via the communication network. This is done to receive data pertaining to the external function block. A memory (156) stores the received data pertaining to the external function block, according to a configuration protocol of the internal function block (152). Independent claims are also included for (1) A controller adapted to be communicatively coupled to a number of field devices, and (2) A method of implementing a control routine within a process controller.