APL Network Resource Management for Mixed Industrial 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 hinders efficient communication and prioritization of messages.
Innovation Solution
A highly versatile field device is designed to operate as a data server, supporting multiple applications and protocols, enabling simultaneous communication with various client devices using a common communication network infrastructure, including IP-based protocols and Advanced Physical Layer (APL) networks, allowing direct communication with process controllers, condition monitoring systems, and other applications, while also providing secure and configurable communication capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple I/O devices are used to support different communication protocols, then protocol compatibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The field device is designed with multi-functionality to support multiple communication protocols (HART, Fieldbus, Profibus, Ethernet/IP, Profinet) through a single unified interface. The device can dynamically adapt its communication mode based on the connected client device, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated I/O devices while maintaining protocol compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple communication protocol capabilities are merged into a single field device unit. The device integrates protocol conversion and communication handling functions that previously required separate I/O devices, consolidating them into one multifunctional component that can handle different protocols through a unified architecture.
2Measurement precision
If precise mapping of physical and logical connections is implemented, then communication accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The field device automatically performs protocol detection and connection configuration without requiring manual mapping setup. The device self-configures the communication parameters and protocol mode based on the connected client device, eliminating the need for complex manual physical and logical connection mapping while maintaining communication accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The field device pre-configures multiple communication protocol stacks and communication modes internally. When a client device connects, the device quickly activates the appropriate pre-configured protocol stack, avoiding the need for complex runtime mapping decisions and reducing system complexity.
3Productivity
If field devices communicate directly with multiple client devices, then communication efficiency is improved, but network management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A network manager component is introduced as an intermediary to manage the field devices communicating on the industrial network. The network manager handles device discovery, protocol negotiation, and communication coordination, allowing field devices to communicate efficiently with multiple clients while the network manager absorbs the management complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication management function is segmented between the field device level (handling protocol-specific communication) and the network manager level (handling overall coordination and device discovery). This segmentation allows efficient local communication while distributing management responsibilities to reduce overall network management complexity.
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.