A method, apparatus, and system for controlling a process are provided. The control device apparatus includes an input section configured to receive input signals from a controlled process, a first output section communicatively coupled to the input section wherein the first output section is configured to transmit the received input signals to a controller, and a second output section communicatively coupled to the controller, the second output section is configured to transmit control signals from the controller to the controlled process. The apparatus further includes a safety logic block communicatively coupled to the input section in parallel with the received input signals that are transmitted to the controller, the safety logic block is configured to generate a safety output signal using the received input signals, the safety logic block is further configured to transmit the safety output signal to the controlled process independent of the control signals.