I/O network module with unique network address

The I/O network module connects the field device to a process control network. Each I/O network module includes a set of electrical connectors for connecting a field device to the module and I/O channels extending from the set of electrical connectors to a network port. The EO channel includes a conversion circuit that converts between an EO signal and a network compatible signal. Each I/O channel connected to the process control network through the EO network module is associated with its own unique network address. This enables controllers and field devices on the process control network to communicate with each other substantially directly over the network. I/O网络模块将现场设备连接到过程控制网络。每个I/O网络模块包括用于将现场设备连接到模块的电连接器集合以及从该电连接器集合延伸到网络端口的I/O通道。EO通道包括在EO信号与网络兼容信号之间进行转换的转换电路。每个通过EO网络模块连接到过程控制网络的I/O通道与它自己的唯一网络地址相关联。这使得过程控制网络上的控制器和现场设备能够通过网络基本上直接与彼此通信。