Patent ID: 6151640
Filing Date: 2000-11-21
Classification: B23K

Abstract:
A control input/output (I/O) module comprising:A. a field bus communications adapter for coupling a field bus network of input and output devices to the control I/O module;B. a local I/O connector for coupling a plurality of local input and output devices to the control I/O module;C. a serial controller interface for coupling the control I/O module to the control system;D. an I/O processor for controlling interactions between the plurality of local input and output devices, the field bus network of input and output devices, and the control system;E. wherein said control I/O module for interfacing the field bus network of input and output devices to the control system; andF. wherein said field bus communications adapter allows for an interchangeability of field bus protocols for the field bus network of input and output devices independent to the control system functionality by using a common field bus protocol between the control I/O module and the control system.