Duplexed CPU Version Compatibility Check

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Solution Overview

Problem

In programmable controller systems, duplexed operations are challenging when CPU units have different versions, leading to potential system failures and operational disruptions during version updates, as support tools cannot ensure compatibility between executing and standby CPU units with different versions.

Innovation Solution

Implementing CPU units that can judge their own and each other's version data to determine executable user programs, ensuring that duplexed operations are only initiated if both units can execute the program correctly, thereby preventing system failures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If CPU units of different versions are used in duplexed operation, then system adaptability is improved, but system reliability deteriorates due to potential execution failures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveversion compatibilityVSAvoidexecution reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary version compatibility checking between the executing CPU unit and standby CPU unit before initiating duplexed operation. The judging means evaluates whether the standby unit's version can execute the running program, and only starts duplexing when compatibility is confirmed, preventing execution failures from the outset

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A judging means is introduced as an intermediary component that mediates between CPU units of different versions. This judging means evaluates version compatibility and controls the startup conditions, enabling safe interoperability between different CPU versions while maintaining system reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If version checking is performed before duplexed operation, then system reliability is improved, but operation time is increased due to additional checking steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveduplexed operation reliabilityVSAvoidstartup time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Version compatibility checking is performed as a preliminary action during CPU unit startup before duplexed operation begins. By completing the version verification in advance during the initialization phase, the system ensures reliability without causing time loss during actual operation, as the checking only occurs during startup

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS7536590B2Programmable controller, programmable controller system, CPU unit and method of starting duplexed operation

Publication Date: 2009.05.19 OMRON CORP

AI summary

A programmable controller has a first (executing) CPU unit and a second (standby) CPU unit for a duplexed operation. Each CPU unit stores CPU version indicating its functionality and function version indicative of the functionality of the user program stored in itself. Before the duplexed operation is started, the first CPU unit acquires the unit version of the second CPU unit, compares it with the function version stored in itself and judges from this comparison whether a duplexed operation is possible or not. Only if it is judged that the duplexed operation is possible, the first CPU unit copies the user program stored in itself to the second CPU unit together with the function version and the duplexed operation is started.