Patent ID: 7254512

Claim:
A programmable hardware element (PHE), comprising: a first one or more portions, each configured to implement a respective interface protocol of a plurality of interface protocols for communicating with one or more cartridges; and a second one or more portions, coupled to the first one or more portions, and each configured to implement a cartridge controller operable to provide an interface between controlling software and a respective cartridge; wherein each cartridge controller is operable to: detect coupling of the respective cartridge to the PHE; query the respective cartridge for configuration information of the respective cartridge; determine a first respective interface protocol based on the determined configuration information; and establish communication with the respective cartridge via a respective portion of the first one or more portions according to the first respective interface protocol implemented by the respective portion; and wherein the PHE is operable to control one or more cartridges coupled to the PHE for industrial operations.