plane of control
The control or process level forms the middle level in the hierarchical level model for automation, which is located between the field level and the control level.
The computers at this level collect the data from the sensors and actuators, prepare it, process it in process computers, execute the control mechanisms and forward certain data to the master computers. In addition, the data is processed and displayed in graphical form.
Control devices, programmable logic controllers(PLCs) and CNC machines are located at the process level. Fieldbuses used at this level are Profibus, CAN bus and DeviceNet as well as Industrial Ethernet.