Apparatus and method for enabling a different types of data flow between the algorithms blocks in a distributed control system

摘要

A system for, and method of, achieving heterogeneous data flow between first and second algorithm blocks in a control system, and a distributed, real-time process control system employing the system or the method. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) a passive connection, associated with a control module containing the second algorithm block, that provides for the communication of data from the first algorithm block to the second algorithm block without requiring the allocation of connector resources within the second algorithm block; and (2) an active connection, associated with the second algorithm block, that provides for the communication of data from the first algorithm block to the second algorithm block using dedicated connector resources within the second algorithm block, the control system thereby capable of providing data to the second algorithm block through both passive and active connections.