Adaptable automation control module with integrated power bus distributor

An adaptable automation control component, comprising:

• a base configured to communicatively couple with a system bus;
• a functional module integral with the base or configured to communicatively couple with the base via a detachable mating;
• a terminal block configured to communicatively couple the base and functional module with field wiring;
• a device power bus including electrical contacts configured to communicatively couple the adaptable automation control component with other automation control components;
• power terminals on the base or terminal block configured to couple a power source to the device power bus;
• and
• an activation mechanism configured to complete the device power bus while the activation mechanism is in a default position such that the adaptable automation control component can function as an input/output module, and configured to break the device power bus while the activation mechanism is in a non-default position such that the adaptable automation control component can function as a power distribution module.

A method of manufacturing an adaptable automation control component, comprising:

• assembling a base including an attachment feature and circuitry configured to communicatively couple with a system bus and including a mating feature and circuitry configured to couple with a functional module that includes communication and control circuitry;
• installing a device power bus within the base, wherein the device power bus includes electrical contacts configured to communicatively couple the adaptable automation control component with another automation control component;
• and
• installing an activation mechanism including circuitry configured to continue the device power bus when the activation mechanism is engaged and to discontinue the device power bus when the activation mechanism is disengaged.