Multi-master-station communication system

Abstract

The utility model relates to a multi-master-station communication system. The multi-master-station communication system comprises an interface converter and at least two master stations, wherein the interface converter supports Profibus DP communication; all the master stations are connected with the interface converter so as to realize information interaction between the master stations; the interface converter comprises a main control module used for data communication protocol conversion; the input communication module is connected with the main control module and is used for selecting a communication protocol for data input; and the output communication module is connected with the main control module and is used for selecting a communication protocol for data output. According to the utility model, the problem that the existing communication system is difficult to establish communication among multiple master stations is solved, and the problem that the existing communication system is complex in structure can also be solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of controller communication, in particular to a multi-master station communication system. Background Art

[0002] Traditional communication methods use a master station and multiple slave stations. In the field of industrial automation, most PLCs of different brands currently use the Modbus protocol to communicate between two controllers. When two controllers of different brands need to communicate, one controller acts as the master station to actively issue commands, and the other controller acts as the slave station to passively receive commands. With the rapid development of automated control, more and more higher control requirements have been put forward. The master-slave communication, or even the communication mode between two master stations, can no longer meet the development needs of automated control.

[0003] Traditional communication architectures typically utilize a single master station and multiple slave stations. In industrial automation, when PLCs from different brands need to interact, the Modbus protocol is often used as the communication bridge between the two controllers. Specifically, in this communication scenario, one controller is designated as the master station, actively issuing commands, while the other, as the slave station, passively receives and executes these commands.

[0004] However, with the rapid advancement of automation control technology, the industry's requirements for control systems are also increasing. Traditional master-slave communication models, even communication models between two master stations, have gradually revealed their limitations and are unable to meet the rapid development needs of the current automation control field. For example, CN212163361U discloses a two-master station controller communication system, including at least one Ethernet communication controller, a gateway, and at least one serial communication controller; each Ethernet communication controller is connected to the gateway, and the gateway is connected to each serial communication controller; the Ethernet communication controller includes a Modbus-TCP client, the gateway includes a Modbus-TCP server and a Modbus-RTU slave connected to the Modbus-TCP server, and the serial communication controller includes a Modbus-RTU master; the Modbus-TCP client is connected to the Modbus-TCP server, and the Modbus-RTU master is connected to the Modbus-RTU slave. Although this communication system can integrate the communication between Modbus-RTU master and slave stations and the communication between the Modbus-TCP client and the Modbus-TCP server, it can realize that the Ethernet communication controller and the serial communication controller are both master station controllers. However, in addition to requiring a protocol converter, this communication system also requires communication between master stations through a server, making the communication system structure complex. Furthermore, it is difficult to establish communication between multiple PLC master stations (three or more) of the same or different brands. Therefore, there is an urgent need to explore and research more efficient and flexible communication methods to promote the continuous advancement of automation control technology. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of this, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a multi-master station communication system to solve the problem that the existing communication system is difficult to establish communication between multiple master stations, and also to solve the problem that the existing communication system has a complex structure.

[0006] In order to achieve the above purpose, the technical solution adopted by the utility model is as follows:

[0007] A multi-master station communication system includes an interface converter supporting Profibus DP communication and at least two master stations;

[0008] All the master stations are connected to the interface converter to achieve information interaction between the master stations;

[0009] The interface converter comprises:

[0010] Main control module, used for data communication protocol conversion;

[0011] An input communication module, connected to the main control module, for selecting a communication protocol for data input;

[0012] The output communication module is connected to the main control module and is used to select the communication protocol for data output.

[0013] According to the above technical means, by using an interface converter that supports Profibus DP communication to directly connect multiple master stations, not only the information interaction between multiple master stations is effectively realized, but also the use of connection components (such as servers) is reduced, the spatial layout difficulty of the multi-master station communication system is reduced, the space usage cost is reduced, and the system maintenance cost is reduced. It has the advantages of simple structure, easy operation, low cost and wide application.

[0014] Preferably, the interface converter further includes:

[0015] An external interface board, used for connecting to the master station, the external interface board being connected to the input communication module and the output communication module;

[0016] A power supply module is connected to the main control module and is used to supply power to the interface converter.

[0017] Preferably, the interface converter is selected from a protocol communication converter.

[0018] By selecting a protocol communication converter based on Profibus DP communication as the interface converter, the use of servers is reduced, and multiple master stations can complete communication by connecting to the protocol conversion communicator via communication cables.

[0019] Preferably, the protocol communication converter includes:

[0020] Power module, used to supply power to the protocol conversion communicator;

[0021] A main control module, used for performing data communication protocol conversion, the power module being electrically connected to the main control module;

[0022] An input communication module, used to select a communication protocol / mode for data input, wherein the input communication module is connected to the main control module via telecommunication;

[0023] An output communication module, used to select a communication protocol / mode for data output, wherein the output communication module is connected to the main control module via telecommunication;

[0024] The external interface board serves as a hardware interface for communicating with an external system, and is connected to the input communication module and the output communication module.

[0025] Among them, the power module supplies power to the protocol conversion communicator. Combined with business needs, the corresponding external interface board and input and output communication module are selected and deployed. Data is collected to the input communication module through the external interface board. After passing through the main control module, the data is converted into the specified output format and finally output to the external system by the external interface board, that is, the external interface board finally outputs it to the main station.

[0026] Preferably, the input communication module is selected from at least one of a serial communication interface RS-232, a serial communication interface RS-422, a serial communication interface RS-485, Ethernet and Profibus DP.

[0027] Preferably, the output communication module is selected from at least one of a serial communication interface RS-232, a serial communication interface RS-422, a serial communication interface RS-485, Ethernet and Profibus DP.

[0028] Preferably, the master station is a PLC multi-master station of different brands.

[0029] For multi-master PLCs of different brands, simply import the corresponding PLC communication protocol text file into the interface converter and configure the relevant communication addresses to complete multi-master communication. This design allows the system to flexibly integrate PLCs from different manufacturers, improving system compatibility and scalability.

[0030] Preferably, the master station is a PLC multi-master station of exactly the same brand.

[0031] Preferably, each of the master stations is connected to the interface converter via a communication cable.

[0032] Preferably, at least one of the master stations is connected to a first slave station.

[0033] Preferably, the first slave station is connected to a second slave station.

[0034] Preferably, the first slave station is connected to the second slave station via a serial communication interface, a communication bus or a network.

[0035] Preferably, the first slave station and the second slave station can be connected via a communication bus or network protocol such as a serial communication interface (such as RS-485), CAN (Controller Area Network), or Ethernet. These connection methods allow data exchange and communication between the slave stations to achieve system collaboration and functionality.

[0036] Preferably, the master station is connected to the first slave station via a serial communication interface, a communication bus or a network.

[0037] The above master-slave station structure is particularly suitable for the field of industrial automation, such as machine tool communication, in which the master station is responsible for control and management, while the slave station performs specific tasks such as sensor data acquisition and actuator control.

[0038] Preferably, the master station can be connected via a serial communication interface (such as RS-232, RS-422, RS-485), an industrial field bus (such as CAN (Controller Area Network), Profibus, etc.), Ethernet, wireless communication (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, etc.), or other communication bus or network protocol, thereby enabling data exchange and communication between the master station and the slave stations.

[0039] Beneficial effects of the utility model:

[0040] The multi-master station communication system of the utility model realizes direct and efficient connection between multiple master stations by cleverly adopting an interface converter that supports Profibus DP communication. It not only successfully promotes the smooth interaction of information between multiple master stations, but also significantly reduces the dependence on additional connection components (such as servers), thereby reducing the complexity of the system space layout and effectively reducing the space utilization cost. At the same time, it further optimizes the system maintenance process and reduces the overall maintenance cost. It has the advantages of simple structure, convenient operation, significant cost-effectiveness and wide application. In the field of controller communication technology, it has promotion and application value and practical value. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Figure 1 It is a structural diagram of the multi-master station communication system of the utility model;

[0042] Figure 2 This is an architectural diagram of an interface converter;

[0043] Figure 3 Layout diagram of the electrical cabinet using the interface converter;

[0044] Figure 4 This is the layout diagram of the electrical cabinet without using an interface converter;

[0045] Among them, 1-interface converter, 11-master control module, 12-input communication module, 13-output communication module, 14-external interface board, 15-power module; 2-master station; 3-communication cable; 4-first slave station; 5-second slave station;

[0046] 01-Communication hardware. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] The following describes the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art will readily understand the other advantages and benefits of the present invention from the disclosure herein. The present invention may also be implemented or applied through various other specific embodiments, and the details in this specification may be modified or altered based on different perspectives and applications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments are intended solely to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0048] It should be noted that the illustrations provided in the following embodiments are only schematic illustrations of the basic concept of the present invention. Therefore, the drawings only show components related to the present invention and are not drawn according to the number, shape and size of components in actual implementation. In actual implementation, the type, quantity and proportion of each component can be changed at will, and the component layout type may also be more complicated. Example

[0049] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, a multi-master station communication system includes an interface converter 1 supporting Profibus DP communication and at least two master stations 2;

[0050] All master stations 2 are connected to the interface converter 1 to realize information exchange between the master stations 2;

[0051] The interface converter 1 comprises:

[0052] Main control module 11, used for data communication protocol conversion;

[0053] Input communication module 12, connected to main control module 11, for selecting communication protocol for data input;

[0054] The output communication module 13 is connected to the main control module 11 and is used to select a communication protocol for data output.

[0055] By using an interface converter that supports Profibus DP communication to directly connect multiple master stations, not only can information interaction between multiple master stations be effectively realized, but the use of connection components (such as servers) can also be reduced, which reduces the difficulty of spatial layout of the multi-master station communication system, reduces space usage costs, and reduces system maintenance costs. It has the advantages of simple structure, easy operation, low cost and wide application.

[0056] Profibus DP is a protocol for industrial field communications. It is a type of Profibus (Process Fieldbus). DP stands for "Decentralized Periphery." This protocol is primarily used for high-speed data transmission between devices in automation systems.

[0057] Figure 1 In the table, N represents the number of master stations or slave stations, and the value of N is an integer greater than or equal to 3.

[0058] Figure 3 This is the layout diagram of the electrical cabinet using the interface converter. Figure 4 The following is the layout diagram of the electrical cabinet without using an interface converter. By comparing and observing, it can be seen that after using the interface converter to connect to the main station, the difficulty of space layout is significantly reduced.

[0059] In some embodiments, the interface converter 1 further includes:

[0060] The external interface board 14 is used to connect to the master station 2. The external interface board 14 is connected to the input communication module 12 and the output communication module 13;

[0061] The power supply module 15 is connected to the main control module 11 and is used to supply power to the interface converter 1 .

[0062] In some embodiments, in order to reduce the use of servers and lower the difficulty and cost of space layout, a protocol communication converter is selected as the interface converter 1.

[0063] A protocol converter, also often referred to as a protocol converter or interface converter, is a device used in communication networks to resolve communication issues between different protocols. It primarily operates between heterogeneous networks, converting the communication formats between different protocols, enabling devices or systems that would otherwise be unable to communicate directly to connect and transfer data. Specifically, a protocol converter can perform the following functions: 1) Protocol conversion: Converting the data format of one communication protocol into a format supported by another, thereby enabling data exchange between devices with different protocols; 2) Interface adaptation: Since different devices may use different physical interfaces (such as RS232, RS485, Ethernet, etc.), a protocol converter can also provide interface adaptation to ensure smooth data transmission between different interfaces; 3) Extending transmission distance: In some cases, a protocol converter can also convert signals into a format more suitable for long-distance transmission, thereby extending the signal's transmission distance; 4) Improving data confidentiality: Some advanced protocol converters can also design encryption and decryption algorithms to process the data flowing through them, enhancing the system's data confidentiality. Protocol conversion communicators are widely used in enterprise informatization, building BAS, industrial control projects and other fields. They are of great significance in solving the conversion and communication standardization problems of automation system communication protocols.

[0064] In some embodiments, the input communication module 12 is selected from at least one of a serial communication interface RS-232, a serial communication interface RS-422, a serial communication interface RS-485, Ethernet, and Profibus DP.

[0065] In some embodiments, the output communication module 13 is selected from at least one of a serial communication interface RS-232, a serial communication interface RS-422, a serial communication interface RS-485, Ethernet, and Profibus DP.

[0066] In some embodiments, the master station 2 is a PLC multi-master station of different brands.

[0067] For multi-master PLCs of different brands, simply import the corresponding PLC communication protocol text file into the interface converter and configure the relevant communication addresses to complete multi-master communication. This design allows the system to flexibly integrate PLCs from different manufacturers, improving system compatibility and scalability.

[0068] Among them, a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) is a digital computing and operating electronic system designed specifically for industrial environments. Using programmable memory, PLCs store instructions for performing operations such as logic operations, sequential control, timing, counting, and arithmetic calculations. Through digital or analog input and output interfaces, PLCs control various types of mechanical equipment or production processes. PLCs have the following notable features: 1) High reliability: PLCs utilize modern large-scale integrated circuit technology, and their internal circuitry incorporates advanced anti-interference technology, resulting in high reliability. Furthermore, PLCs utilize simplified external circuitry, significantly reducing electrical wiring and switch contacts, further reducing failure rates. 2) Flexibility and scalability: PLCs can be programmed and configured to meet diverse control requirements, adapting to a variety of complex industrial control scenarios. Furthermore, PLC systems support expansion and upgrades to accommodate changes in production lines or new control requirements. 3) Easy maintenance and programming: PLCs utilize a modular design, making maintenance and replacement easier. Furthermore, PLC programming languages are easily understood and accepted by engineers. For example, ladder diagrams, with their graphical symbols and representations similar to relay circuit diagrams, reduce programming complexity. 4) Powerful Functionality: PLCs not only possess basic logic control functions but also enable a variety of complex control functions, such as timing, counting, and arithmetic operations. These capabilities make PLCs widely applicable in industrial automation. In summary, as an advanced industrial control device, PLCs play a vital role in industrial automation due to their high reliability, flexibility, ease of maintenance, and powerful functionality.

[0069] In some embodiments, the master station 2 is a PLC multi-master station of exactly the same brand.

[0070] In some embodiments, each master station 2 is connected to the interface converter 1 via a communication cable 3 .

[0071] In some embodiments, at least one of the master stations 2 is connected to a first slave station 4 .

[0072] In some embodiments, the first slave station 4 is connected to the second slave station 5 .

[0073] In some embodiments, the first slave station 4 is connected to the second slave station 5 via a serial communication interface, a communication bus or a network.

[0074] For example, the first slave station 4 and the second slave station 5 can be connected via a communication bus or network protocol such as a serial communication interface (e.g., RS-485), CAN (Controller Area Network), or Ethernet. These connection methods allow data exchange and communication between the slave stations to achieve system collaboration and functionality.

[0075] In some embodiments, the master station 2 is connected to the first slave station 4 via a serial communication interface, a communication bus, or a network.

[0076] The above master-slave station structure is particularly suitable for the field of industrial automation, such as machine tool communication, in which the master station is responsible for control and management, while the slave station performs specific tasks such as sensor data acquisition and actuator control.

[0077] For example, the master station 2 can be connected via a serial communication interface (such as RS-232, RS-422, RS-485), an industrial field bus (such as CAN (Controller Area Network), Profibus, etc.), Ethernet, wireless communication (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, etc.), or other communication bus or network protocol, thereby enabling data exchange and communication between the master station and the slave station.

[0078] In summary, the multi-master communication system of the present invention innovatively incorporates an interface converter that supports Profibus DP communication. This design not only achieves unprecedented direct and efficient connection between multiple master stations, but also demonstrates its outstanding beneficial effects in multiple dimensions.

[0079] Specifically: First, from the perspective of information exchange, this system greatly facilitates the flow and sharing of information between multiple master stations. In traditional communication systems, information exchange between master stations often requires complex routing or the reliance on additional servers for relaying. This not only increases data transmission latency but can also lead to information loss or delays due to failures in intermediate links. The present invention, by directly connecting to the master stations, eliminates these intermediate links, ensuring the real-time, accuracy, and integrity of information, enabling closer collaboration between multiple master stations and significantly improving response speed. Second, in terms of system construction and cost savings, the present system significantly reduces the reliance on additional connection components, such as servers. In traditional architectures, supporting multi-master station communication often requires the deployment of high-performance servers as data exchange centers, which not only increases system complexity and cost but also consumes valuable physical space. However, the present invention, through the clever use of interface converters, enables direct communication between master stations without the need for additional servers, significantly reducing system construction costs. It also simplifies the system structure, reduces space usage, and saves users valuable space resources and lowers space usage costs. Furthermore, from the perspective of system maintenance and optimization, the present invention also demonstrates unique advantages. The simplified system structure reduces intermediary links, making troubleshooting and maintenance more direct and efficient. When a system failure occurs, maintenance personnel can locate the problem more quickly, reducing downtime and improving system reliability and stability. Furthermore, by eliminating unnecessary hardware and complex connections, overall system maintenance costs are effectively reduced.

[0080] Therefore, the multi-master communication system of this utility model, with its simple structure, convenient operation, significant cost-effectiveness, and wide application, demonstrates strong application and practical value in the field of controller communication technology. It not only improves the efficiency and reliability of multi-master communication, but also brings significant economic and social benefits to users, and is a major force in promoting the development of industrial automation and intelligentization.

[0081] The above embodiments are only preferred embodiments for fully illustrating the present invention, and the protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitution or modification made by those skilled in the art based on the present invention shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-master station communication system, characterized in that: It includes an interface converter (1) supporting Profibus DP communication and at least two master stations (2); All the master stations (2) are connected to the interface converter (1) to achieve information interaction between the master stations (2); The interface converter (1) comprises: Main control module (11), used for data communication protocol conversion; An input communication module (12), connected to the main control module (11), for selecting a communication protocol for data input; The output communication module (13) is connected to the main control module (11) and is used to select a communication protocol for data output.

2. The multi-master station communication system according to claim 1, wherein: The interface converter (1) further comprises: An external interface board (14) for connecting to the master station (2), the external interface board (14) being connected to the input communication module (12) and the output communication module (13); A power supply module (15) is connected to the main control module (11) and is used to supply power to the interface converter (1).

3. The multi-master station communication system according to claim 1, wherein: The interface converter (1) is selected from a protocol communication converter.

4. The multi-master station communication system according to claim 1, wherein: The input communication module (12) is selected from at least one of a serial communication interface RS-232, a serial communication interface RS-422, a serial communication interface RS-485, Ethernet and Profibus DP; And / or, the output communication module (13) is selected from at least one of a serial communication interface RS-232, a serial communication interface RS-422, a serial communication interface RS-485, Ethernet and Profibus DP.

5. The multi-master station communication system according to claim 1, wherein: The master station (2) is a PLC multi-master station of different brands; Alternatively, the master station (2) is a PLC multi-master station of exactly the same brand.

6. The multi-master station communication system according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the master stations (2) is connected to the interface converter (1) via a communication cable (3).

7. The multi-master station communication system according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the master stations (2) is connected to a first slave station (4).

8. The multi-master station communication system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first slave station (4) is connected to a second slave station (5).

9. The multi-master station communication system according to claim 8, characterized in that: The first slave station (4) is connected to the second slave station (5) via a serial communication interface, a communication bus or a network.

10. The multi-master station communication system according to claim 7, wherein: The master station (2) is connected to the first slave station (4) via a serial communication interface, a communication bus or a network.

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