Integrated process controller with loop and valve control capability

An integrated valve controller configured to operate in a field, the integrated valve controller comprising:

• a housing;
• a backplane to removeably receive components and support selective replacement of one or more of the components, wherein the components include a network interface module, one or more function modules, and an output module;
• the network interface module residing in the housing, coupled to the backplane, and configured to receive, from a remote host via a communication link, a setpoint for a process variable;
• a memory readable by the one or more function modules, the memory storing parameters for a control loop;
• a sensor residing in the housing and integral with an assembly of the controller, the sensor configured to generate a measurement of the process variable;
• the one or more function modules residing in the housing, coupled to the backplane, and communicatively coupled to the sensor, the one or more function modules configured to (i) receive the measurement of a process variable and (ii) execute logic for the control loop including a valve based at least in part on the measurement of the process variable and the setpoint for the process variable, to generate an output signal independently of the remote host, wherein the output signal is for controlling the valve;
• and
• the output module coupled to the backplane and configured to directly apply the generated output signal to the valve disposed outside the housing.