Distributed modular input/output (I/O) system with redundant ethernet backplane networks for improved fault tolerance

A modular I/O system for an industrial automation network, said modular I/O system comprising:

• a network adapter including first and second adapter modules, wherein each adapter module is configured for operative connection with an associated industrial network, said network adapter module including a first backplane connector;
• a first I/O device located adjacent to the network adapter and including first and second I/O modules each configured for operative connection to an associated controlled system for input and output of data with respect to the associated controlled system, said first I/O device including second and third backplane connectors;
• a second I/O device located adjacent to the first I/O device and including third and fourth I/O modules each configured for operative connection to the associated controlled system for input and output of data with respect to the associated controlled system, said second I/O device including fourth and fifth backplane connectors;
• first and second independent backplane data networks that operably connect each of the first and second adapter modules to each of the first, second, third, and fourth I/O modules;
• first and second network data switches physically connected to said network adapter, wherein said first network data switch is operably connected to said first backplane network and said second network data switch is operably connected to said second backplane network;
• wherein said first and second network data switches of said network adapter are each operably connected to both said first and second adapter modules of said network adapter for communication of data between each of said first and second network data switches of said network adapter and both of said first and second adapter modules;
• wherein said first backplane connector of said network adapter and said second backplane connector of said first I/O device are physically mated with each other and define part of both of said first and second backplane networks;
• and,
• wherein said third backplane connector of said first I/O device is physically mated with said fourth backplane connector of said second I/O device such that said third and fourth backplane connectors define part of both of said first and second backplane circuits.