Master/slave management for redundant process controller modules

An apparatus comprising:

• a first controller module comprising first mode management circuitry configured to:
• identify whether the first controller module operates in a master mode or a slave mode;
• couple to second mode management circuitry in a second controller module;
• collectively operate with the second mode management circuitry so that one of the controller modules is assigned the master mode and the other of the controller modules is assigned the slave mode;
• and
• assign the master mode to the first controller module based on a takeover signal when the first mode management circuitry is ready for use.

A method comprising:

• operating a first controller module that is configured to be coupled to a second controller module;
• and
• identifying, by first mode management circuitry of the first controller module, whether the first controller module operates in a master mode or a slave mode;
• wherein the first mode management circuitry collectively operates with second mode management circuitry of the second controller module so that one of the controller modules is assigned the master mode and the other of the controller modules is assigned the slave mode;
• and
• wherein the first mode management circuitry assigns the master mode to the first controller module based on a takeover signal when the first mode management circuitry is ready for use.