Dual-OS TSN Network Controller with Synchronized Time Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial controllers in conventional industrial control networks face challenges in efficiently integrating with time-sensitive networking (TSN) switches due to their placement far from industrial equipment, leading to difficulties in obtaining timely information and reduced network flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A network device integrating both network switch and industrial controller functions, utilizing dual operating systems to process data forwarding and industrial control, with synchronized time management through a communication protocol processing module and time synchronization method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If switches are placed in the center of each field far away from industrial equipment, then network management and TSN standards compliance are improved, but information acquisition about industrial equipment becomes difficult and response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the network switch and industrial controller into a single integrated device. The switch includes a controller that can directly access and process industrial equipment data, merging the previously separate functions of network switching and industrial control into one unified system. This eliminates the information loss that occurred when switches were placed far from equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated controller acts as an intermediary between the network switch and industrial equipment. It collects information from industrial equipment locally and processes it through the switch, serving as a mediator that bridges the gap between network infrastructure and industrial devices, thereby maintaining both TSN compliance and direct equipment access.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dual operating systems are used to process both TSN data forwarding and industrial control, then functional integration is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides functionality into two separate operating systems: one dedicated to TSN data forwarding and another to industrial control protocols. Each OS handles its specific function independently, reducing the complexity that would arise from trying to manage both functions within a single monolithic system while still achieving full functional integration at the device level.
Data Source
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AI summary
A network device (200, 202, 30, 70, 80) for industrial control includes at least one processor (700), configured to operate a first operating system (300) to process data forwarding with TSN standards and operate a second operating system (310) to operate with an industrial protocol to process industrial control; and a communication protocol processing module (710), coupled to the at least one processor, configured to process network traffic of the first operating system and the second operating system according to a synchronized time. The first operating system and the second operating system perform time synchronization through a time message to obtain the synchronized time.