Modular monitoring and protection system with automatic device programming

A system for monitoring and protection of a machine, the system comprising:

• a plurality of monitoring groups, each group including a sensor for detecting a dynamic operating parameter of the machine at a desired location of interest and for generating a signal representative thereof, a monitor disposed local to the location of interest and coupled to the sensor for receiving and processing the signal, the monitor including a memory for storing configuration settings for the processing of the received signal, and a master component disposed local to the monitor and coupled to the monitor for exchange of data in accordance with an open industrial data exchange protocol, the master component including a memory circuit for storing at least a portion of the configuration settings, whereby the configuration settings may be restored to the monitor or to a replacement monitor by transfer from the master component,
• wherein the monitoring groups are coupled to one another and configured to exchange data with one another in accordance with the open industrial data exchange protocol.