Method and apparatus for advanced control using function blocks in industrial process control and automation systems

A method includes executing (1002) a first function block (202) configured to (i) receive multiple input data values associated with an industrial process control and automation system (100), (ii) pre-process the input data values, and (iii) store the pre-processed input data values in a shared memory (302). The method also includes executing (1006) a second function block (204) configured to (i) receive references to the pre-processed input data values in the shared memory, (ii) invoke execution of one or more core functions (208) to implement a process control algorithm, and (iii) store output data values in the shared memory. The method further includes executing (1014) a third function block (206) configured to (i) receive references to the output data values in the shared memory, (ii) post-process the output data values, and (iii) output multiple output signals containing the post-processed output data values.