Mixed criticality control system

Abstract

A control system includes a multi-core processor configured to operate plural different applications performing different operations for controlling a controlled system. The applications are associated with different levels of criticality based on the operations performed by the applications. The processor is configured to provide a single hardware platform providing both spatial and temporal isolation between the different applications based on the different levels of criticality associated with the different applications. The processor also is configured to synchronize communications of the applications operating in a real time operating system with scheduled communications of a time sensitive network (TSN).

Description

FIELD[0001]Embodiments of the subject matter described herein relate to control systems that control operation of one or more assets using several applications.BACKGROUND[0002]Control systems direct the operations of various other systems (which can be referred to as controlled systems), such as equipment or machines, to perform many functions of the controlled systems. The control systems may direct the asset operations using software applications having a variety of different levels of criticality to the overall operation of the powered system being controlled by a control system. For example, applications that control safe operation of the controlled system, may have a higher level of criticality to the operation of the controlled system than other applications, such as applications that monitor the system, that diagnose problems with the controlled system, that provide displays to an operator, etc.[0003]Control system platforms may support a large number of independent and depen...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004]In one embodiment, a control system includes a multi-core processor configured to operate plural different applications performing different operations for controlling a controlled system. The applications are associated with different levels of criticality based on the operations performed by the applications. The processor is configured to provide a single hardware platform providing both spatial and temporal isolation between the different applications based on the different levels of criticality associated with the different applications. The processor also is configured to synchronize communications of the applications operating in a real time operating system with scheduled communications of a time sensitive network (TSN).

[0005]In one embodiment, a control method includes performing different operations for controlling a controlled system using plural different applications operating on a multi-core processor. The applications are associated with different levels of criticality based on the operations performed by the applications. The method also can include spatially isolating the different applications on the multi-core processor based on the different levels of criticality associated with the different applications, and temporally isolating the different applications in a TSN through which the different applications communicate with one or more of a sensor, a transducer, or the controlled system. The method also can include synchronizing communications of the applications operating in a real time operating system with scheduled communications of the TSN.

Problems solved by technology

As a result, these control systems are highly restrictive in developing improvements or making other changes to the control systems.

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