SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PORT-TO-PORT COMMUNICATION OF ADVANCED MODULAR CONTROLLERS

摘要

An extended modular controller is disclosed that includes a plurality of configurable communication ports and a control logic layer that is usable to control the equipment of a process plant. The plurality of communication ports includes a first set of communication ports and a second set of communication ports that may be used to communicate with one or more nodes of a distributed control system of the process plant. The enhanced modular controller also includes a software layer that accepts port configuration parameters that define one or more port communication rules for the first set of communication ports and for the second set of communication ports. The one or more port communication rules cause the software layer to selectively allow or restrict the forwarding of incoming messages, wherein the incoming messages are received at the first or second set of communication ports.