Redundant communication in a distributed control system

In line with the functional decentralization of the automation functions by splitting up into coupling processor systems and programmable controllers the individual hierarchical levels of the digital operational instrumentation and control system in nuclear power plant are connected by dedicated communication paths and methods. All communication paths feature consistent redundancy. Autonomous communication modules allow implementation of a modular design, which would also allow replacement of individual hierarchical levels of the control system when innovations are made. 6 figs