Control Devices Sharing IO Network via Multicast
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer networks require separate infrastructures and hardware for each additional control device, leading to high costs and latency when sharing information among multiple control devices on separate networks, which affects network efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Enabling multiple control devices to operate on the same input/output (IO) network by configuring each control device with a unique Internet Protocol (IP) address and associating it with a subset of IO devices, allowing for efficient communication through multicast messaging, thereby preventing data collisions and reducing the need for additional hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If separate control devices are added to provide additional processing capability, then processing capability is improved, but hardware infrastructure cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple control devices are merged onto a single IO network, sharing common hardware infrastructure including network switches, cables, and communication protocols. This consolidation achieves additional processing capability while avoiding the need for separate dedicated hardware for each control device, directly resolving the contradiction between improved processing power and increased hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The IO network is designed to support multiple control devices with different functions (e.g., HMI, SCADA, advanced process control) sharing the same network infrastructure. Each control device performs its specific function while utilizing the common network resources, achieving multi-functionality that reduces overall hardware requirements while maintaining enhanced processing capability.
2Reliability
If multiple control devices operate on separate networks, then each device has dedicated infrastructure, but latency increases and network efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple control devices are combined on a single IO network, eliminating the need for inter-network communication. This direct connectivity on one network reduces latency by removing routing hops between separate networks while maintaining reliable dedicated infrastructure through proper network addressing and communication protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs network communication protocols and addressing mechanisms as intermediaries to enable efficient data exchange between multiple control devices on the same network. These protocols facilitate coordinated communication, reducing latency and improving efficiency while maintaining the reliability benefits of dedicated infrastructure through structured network management.
3Device complexity
If multiple control devices share the same IO network, then hardware cost is reduced and latency is minimized, but data collisions may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into distinct communication channels or time slots for different control devices, allowing multiple devices to share the same physical network infrastructure without data collisions. This segmentation enables cost-effective shared hardware while preventing harmful data conflicts through structured access control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where control devices monitor network conditions and adjust their communication timing accordingly. This feedback control prevents data collisions by allowing devices to detect when the network is busy and wait for appropriate transmission opportunities, enabling shared hardware usage without conflicts.
Data Source
AI summary
Certain embodiments of the invention can include systems and methods for enabling the operation of multiple control devices on the same network. Each control device on a network can be configured to monitor and receive input messages from multiple IO devices on the network. The control devices may also be configured to send output messages to one or more of the IO devices. According to certain embodiments, one control device may send output messages to certain IO devices while another IO device may send output messages to different IO devices. The input and output messages can both be sent via multicast according to certain embodiments.