A reconfigurable interface device for providing access to a plurality of
fieldbus networks. The interface device includes a reconfigurable circuit
which provides access to a selected fieldbus network from among several
optional fieldbus networks. According to an embodiment, the reconfigurable
circuit includes a plurality of media units, each media unit providing
access to one of the several optional fieldbus networks, and a switch unit
coupled to each of the plurality of media units, the switch unit
activating a media unit corresponding to the selected fieldbus network,
and deactivating remaining media units. A reconfigurable control device is
provided for controlling and monitoring a plurality of fieldbus networks.
The control device includes a host, having a server and non-volatile
memory, and a reconfigurable interface device having a reconfigurable
circuit. The non-volatile memory stores firmwares for reconfiguring the
reconfigurable circuit in accordance with each of the several optional
fieldbus networks.
