Dual protocol stack for maximum speed access to a programmable logic controller (PLC) in a factor automation system

For an interface module being capable for receiving messages from a remote location and providing access to a control system including a programmable logic controller having at least one operably connected I/O module, the interface module further including a dual protocol stack including a first protocol stack and a second protocol stack, a method of facilitating control communication with the control system comprising the steps of:

• receiving a message;
• determining whether the received message includes a control aspect;
• and,
• distributing the received message with the control aspect to the second protocol stack wherein execution of messages residing on the second protocol stack are expedited with respect to messages residing on the first protocol stack.

An interface module for receiving messages from a remote location, the interface module providing access to a control system including a programmable logic controller having at least one operably connected I/O module, the interface module comprising:

• a central processing unit;
• a real time operating system operating the central processing unit;
• a network interface for facilitating communication with the control system;
• a back plane driver for communicating with the programmable logic controller through a back plane of the programmable logic controller;
• and;
• a dual protocol stack including a first and second protocol stack, the interface module being capable of parsing through received messages and distributing messages involving control aspects between the controller and the at least one I/O module to the second protocol stack wherein execution of messages residing on the second protocol stack are expedited with respect to messages residing on the first protocol stack, wherein the dual protocol stack comprises a dual TCP/IP stack.

An interface module for receiving messages from a remote location, the interface module providing access to a control system including a programmable logic controller having at least one operably connected I/O module, the interface module comprising:

• a central processing unit;
• a real time operating system operating the central processing unit;
• a network interface for facilitating communication with the control system;
• a back plane driver for communicating with the programmable logic controller through a back plane of the programmable logic controller;
• and;
• a dual protocol stack including a first and second protocol stack, the interface module being capable of parsing through received messages and distributing message involving control aspects between the controller and the at least one I/O module to the second protocol stack wherein execution of messages residing on the second protocol stack are expedited with respect to messages residing on the first protocol stack, wherein the first protocol stack comprises a first TCP/IP stack and the second protocol stack comprises a second TCP/IP stack.