Distributed Control Timing Windows for Conflict-Free Signal Streams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control systems in industrial processes face challenges with data transmission reliability due to uncoordinated sensor data feeds leading to potential data loss and disruptions, especially in open communication networks like Ethernet, where multiple sensors transmit data simultaneously, causing overload and latency issues.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a control method where sensors transmit actual states via a first protected connection and the central unit transmits control signals via a second protected connection, with each sensor assigned a specific transmitter-side sub-region to ensure sequential data arrival at the central unit, and each actuator receives control signals within a predetermined latency, using disjointed receiver-side sub-regions to prevent conflicts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors transmit data simultaneously via open communication network, then communication flexibility is improved, but data transmission reliability deteriorates due to potential data loss and overload
Solution Approach 1:
The time window for data transmission is segmented into multiple time slots, with each sensor assigned to a specific time slot. This segmentation prevents simultaneous transmissions from multiple sensors, eliminating data collisions and overload while maintaining the flexibility of open network architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors transmit data periodically in a cyclic manner, with each sensor transmitting once per time window during its assigned time slot. This periodic transmission pattern ensures deterministic timing and prevents data loss while preserving open network adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If sensors transmit data without coordinated timing, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of time increases due to data loss and retransmission
Solution Approach 1:
Time slots for each sensor are predetermined and configured in advance before actual data transmission begins. This preliminary assignment of transmission slots eliminates the need for real-time coordination during operation, simplifying ease of use while preventing data collisions that would cause time loss.
3Device complexity
If uncoordinated data feeds from multiple sensors are allowed, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of information occurs due to data overload and disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission process is segmented into discrete time slots assigned to individual sensors. This segmentation prevents data overload by ensuring only one sensor transmits at a time, eliminating information loss while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through centralized time slot management.
Data Source
AI summary
Sensors of a control system transmit detected cyclical actual states of a technical industrial process to a common central unit via a first protected connection of a first open communication network once within a specified time window. The central unit transmits cyclical control signals commensurate with the actual states to multiple actuators via a second protected connection of a second open communication network once within the specified time window. Each sensor supplies the actual state detected by the sensor to the first open communication network within a respective transmitter-side sub-region within the time window. The central unit receives the transmitted actual states within a respective corresponding receiver-side sub-region within the time window. The transmitter-side sub-regions of the sensors are specified such that the receiver-side sub-regions are disjointed from one another.