An embedded
control system is provided, which includes a generically applicable
computer module, display module, keyboard module, power supply module, and at least one input / output module. The display module is coupled to the
computer module by a first communication
bus, and the keyboard module is coupled to the
computer module by a second communication
bus. The power supply module is coupled to the computer module by a third communication
bus, and the at least one input / output module is coupled to the power supply module and the third communication bus. The input / output module is adapted for
coupling at least one additional input / output module to the third communication bus. The computer module automatically identifies the input / output modules on the third communication bus in response to applying power to the embedded
control system. The
system is adapted for different applications using
software resident in the computer module.