Communication Controller Segmentation for Low Latency Fieldbus Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current process control systems face challenges in maximizing the effectiveness of Fieldbus communication, particularly in handling high volumes of digital data while maintaining power delivery to field devices and ensuring intrinsic safety in hazardous environments.
Innovation Solution
A communication controller is introduced that includes a data queue and received message objects, which manage message processing and timer management, reducing the workload on the application processor and enhancing communication efficiency by filtering unnecessary interrupts and optimizing data transmission and reception processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a communication controller processes high volumes of digital data from Fieldbus devices, then communication effectiveness is improved, but processing latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication processing function into two distinct components: a communication controller that handles low-level data reception and a state machine that manages high-level protocol state. This segmentation allows the communication controller to process data packets efficiently without being burdened by complex state management, thereby reducing processing latency while maintaining high communication effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a message object as an intermediary data structure that bridges the communication controller and the application processor. The message object contains pre-processed communication data and control information, allowing the application processor to handle high-level logic without directly processing raw communication data, thus reducing overall processing latency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple field devices are supported on a single communication medium, then system scalability is improved, but communication reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments communication data into distinct message objects with clear delimiters and structure. Each message object contains specific fields for different types of communication data, allowing the system to handle multiple device communications in an organized manner. This segmentation prevents data confusion and maintains reliability even as the number of supported devices increases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a state machine that provides feedback control for communication protocol management. The state machine monitors communication states and adjusts processing accordingly, ensuring that multiple devices can communicate reliably on a single medium by managing conflicts and coordinating access.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices in a process control system communicate by data messages over a communication medium segment. Each device includes a communication controller that includes a data queue and a queue of received message objects. The data queue stores a plurality of messages received on the communication medium. The received message objects contain information about a corresponding message in the data queue.