Control System Cyclic Transmission Timing Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control systems face challenges in shortening the program execution cycle due to transmission time delays in transmitting field information and command values via networks, which can hinder the efficiency of machinery and equipment control.
Innovation Solution
A control system with a master apparatus and slave apparatuses connected via a network, where the communication processing unit manages cyclic transmission of data sequences, allowing for concurrent output and input processing, and initiating data transmission before input processing starts, thereby reducing waiting times and shortening the program execution cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If transmission of field information and command values is performed via network in conventional control systems, then communication between master apparatus and slave apparatuses is established, but transmission time delay occurs which prevents shortening of program execution cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The communication processing unit initiates transmission of the second data sequence (for obtaining field information) a predetermined time period before the input processing execution start timing. This preliminary action ensures that field information is collected and available before the input processing needs to execute, eliminating waiting time and enabling shorter program execution cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements overlapping execution where the first data sequence transmission (for command values) and second data sequence transmission (for field information) are performed in an overlapping manner. This continuous utilization of communication resources eliminates idle waiting periods and maintains continuous useful action throughout the control cycle.
2Productivity
If program execution cycle is shortened to improve control responsiveness, then control accuracy and speed are improved, but transmission time becomes a limiting factor that cannot be resolved
Solution Approach 1:
Field information collection is performed in advance before input processing execution starts. The communication processing unit sends the second data sequence early enough to ensure field information is ready when needed, eliminating communication waiting time from the critical path and enabling shorter control execution cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system segments communication tasks into two separate data sequences: first data sequence for command value transmission and second data sequence for field information collection. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each communication task and enables overlapping execution to eliminate idle waiting time.
3Ease of operation
If conventional sequential processing is used where input processing waits for field information collection, then processing order is simple to manage, but waiting time occurs that prevents execution cycle shortening
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains simple sequential processing management while eliminating waiting time by overlapping communication tasks. The first data sequence transmission and second data sequence transmission execute in an overlapping manner, ensuring continuous useful action without complex processing management.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system includes a master apparatus that includes a calculation unit and a communication processing unit, and one or more slave apparatuses connected to the master apparatus via a network. The communication processing unit is configured to manage cyclic transmission, on the network, of a data sequence containing data that is handled by the master apparatus and the one or more slave apparatuses. The communication processing unit is configured to start cyclic transmission of a first data sequence that contains output data for the one or more slave apparatuses in conjunction with execution of output processing in the operation unit, and to start, a predetermined time period before execution start of input processing in the operation unit, cyclic transmission of a second data sequence for obtaining information collected by the one or more slave apparatuses from the control target.