数字控制技术、微电子和数字数据通信是快速发展的领域。诸如地理和功能分布、网络拓扑、层次结构、介质访问控制和物理连接等有争议的问题没有得到解决。覆盖上述范围的单一设计标准是不切实际的。在此之前，本指南介绍了应用数字控制系统的替代方法，比较了这些方法的相对优缺点，并介绍了用于判断商用系统是否适用于发电行业的标准。

Digital control technology, microelectronics, and digital data communication are rapidly evolving fields. Controversial issues such as geographical and functional distribution, network topologies, hierarchical architectures, medium access control, and the physical connection are not resolved. A single design standard to cover the scope outlined above is impractical. This guide, therefore, addresses alternate approaches to the task of applying a digital control system, comparing relative advantages and disadvantages of these approaches, and addresses criteria to be used to judge the suitability of commercially available systems for use in the power generation industry.