Patent attributes
An emulation module configured to model a logical behavior of an industrial control device may be stored or embedded in the industrial control device for subsequent downloading and emulation by another device. The industrial control device storing the emulation module may execute firmware for its operation, and the stored emulation module may be used to model the logical behavior of the industrial control device executing the firmware. The industrial control device storing the emulation module may provide the emulation module to another device using an industry standard bi-directional communication interface, such as an EtherNet/IP control network interface. The industrial control device may also store multiple emulation modules with identifiable revisions, and a revision of an emulation module may correspond to a revision of firmware for execution by the industrial control device.