A method for redundant control in a distributed automation system, preferably a real-time automation system, for operating a client device of the distributed automation system is discussed. The method includes using the client device to monitor for the occurrence of a fault in communication between the client device and a first computing infrastructure that is part of the distributed automation system and operates the client device. The method may also include using the client device, once the fault occurs, to instruct a second computing infrastructure of the distributed automation system to operate the client device.

Disclosed is a redundant hot standby control system including K industrial personal computers, with a plurality of virtual control devices being established thereon respectively, at least one of the plurality of virtual control devices being established on each IPC as a main control device; and the other virtual control devices being standby control devices. Each of the standby control devices corresponds to a virtual control device, which serves as the main control device on another IPC, except for the IPC to which the standby control device itself belongs. A procedure, which is the same as that operated on the main control device corresponding thereto, is operated on the standby control device. A control bus of the system is used for connecting a plurality of the M IPCs; and a field bus is used for connecting the M IPCs and a plurality of field devices.

Disclosed is a redundant hot standby control system including K industrial personal computers, with a plurality of virtual control devices being established thereon respectively, at least one of the plurality of virtual control devices being established on each IPC as a main control device; and the other virtual control devices being standby control devices. Each of the standby control devices corresponds to a virtual control device, which serves as the main control device on another IPC, except for the IPC to which the standby control device itself belongs. A procedure, which is the same as that operated on the main control device corresponding thereto, is operated on the standby control device. A control bus of the system is used for connecting a plurality of the M IPCs; and a field bus is used for connecting the M IPCs and a plurality of field devices.

A method for redundant control in a distributed automation system, preferably a real-time automation system, for operating a client device of the distributed automation system is discussed. The method includes using the client device to monitor for the occurrence of a fault in communication between the client device and a first computing infrastructure that is part of the distributed automation system and operates the client device. The method may also include using the client device, once the fault occurs, to instruct a second computing infrastructure of the distributed automation system to operate the client device.