APL Network Resource Management for Mixed Process Control Traffic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing process control systems face complexity in integrating advanced communication protocols like Ethernet and IP-based protocols with traditional field devices, leading to cumbersome communication setups and reduced effectiveness due to the need for multiple I/O devices and precise mapping of physical and logical connections, which hampers efficient data exchange and prioritization of communications.
Innovation Solution
A highly versatile field device is designed to operate as a data server, supporting multiple applications and protocols, enabling direct communication with various client devices using a common communication network infrastructure, including IP-based protocols, and advanced physical layers like APL, which allows simultaneous operation with traditional and legacy systems, enhancing security and protocol compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple I/O devices are used to support different field device protocols, then protocol compatibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal I/O device architecture where a single I/O device can support multiple field device protocols (HART, Fieldbus, Profibus, etc.) through software configuration rather than requiring separate hardware devices for each protocol. This multi-functional approach reduces the total number of devices needed while maintaining broad protocol compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple protocol support capabilities into a single I/O device unit. Instead of having separate I/O devices for each protocol type, the system combines them into one integrated device that can be configured to handle different protocols as needed, thereby reducing system complexity.
2Reliability
If precise mapping of physical and logical connections is implemented, then communication reliability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The I/O device incorporates automatic connection mapping capabilities that self-configure physical and logical connections without requiring manual intervention. The device automatically detects and maps connections between field devices, controllers, and client devices, reducing the complexity of connection management while maintaining reliable communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts connection mapping parameters based on the detected field device type and protocol. The I/O device can change its configuration parameters automatically to match the connected field device, simplifying the mapping process while ensuring reliable communication for each specific device type.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional field devices are integrated with advanced IP-based protocols, then adaptability is improved, but communication efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication architecture into distinct layers: field device protocol layer, I/O device translation layer, and IP-based network layer. This segmentation allows traditional field devices to communicate efficiently through their native protocols while the I/O device handles protocol translation to IP-based protocols, maintaining communication efficiency at each layer while achieving overall system adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and associated system, includes implementing a controller, configured to communicate, over a communication network, with a plurality of highly-versatile field devices coupled to the controller. The method and system also include configuring the network to facilitate communication of traffic over an advanced physical layer (APL) medium. One or more APL power switches are configured to provide connectivity to other devices and each includes a power supply to provide power via the medium. One or more APL field switches, each receiving power from a power switch, are configured to distribute both communication signals and power signals to field devices communicatively coupled to a respective field switch. The method further includes configuring a network resource management component to manage network resources to facilitate communication over the network of traffic that includes both managed traffic, of which the management component is aware, and unmanaged traffic, of which the management component is not aware.