Control system and network architecture for fluidic control systems

A control system network architecture for a fluidic control system, said control system network architecture comprising:

• a plurality of nodes adapted to control fluid flow to a plurality of controlled endpoint devices, wherein each node of said plurality of nodes comprises a plurality of spool valves configurable individually to control fluid flow to single-acting controlled endpoint devices or to control fluid flow to a double-acting controlled endpoint device;
• a first group of nodes of the plurality of nodes clustered together and communicatively interconnected in a first control block, the first control block including a communication module for communicating data messages;
• a second group of nodes of the plurality of nodes clustered together and communicatively interconnected in a second control block;
• and
• a controller communicatively connected to at least the first control block;
• wherein the communication module of the first control block communicates the data messages with the controller and operates as a communication gateway between the controller and the second control block.

A control system network architecture for a fluidic control system, said control system network architecture comprising:

• a high-level controller;
• a node adapted for receiving data messages from the high-level controller and controlling fluid flow to at least one controlled endpoint device, the node being clustered together with a plurality of nodes in a control block, wherein said node comprises:
• a plurality of valve spools, each valve spool fluidically connectable to a single-acting, controlled endpoint device for supplying fluid to the single-acting, controlled endpoint device;
• a solenoid operable to control the positions of said plurality of valve spools;
• and
• a local controller adapted to control the operation of said solenoid;
• wherein said plurality of valve spools, said solenoid, and said local controller are clustered control-components co-located together;
• and
• a data communication network configured to communicate data messages to said node;
• wherein the control block operates as a communication gateway between the high-level controller and a second control block.