Dynamic Memory Configuration for Industrial Control Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional industrial control systems have predefined shared memory configurations that cannot be modified during runtime, limiting flexibility and real-time communication capabilities between software components.
Innovation Solution
A method to dynamically configure memory units by creating, erasing, or restructuring memory areas during runtime, allowing for flexible management of memory and enabling real-time-capable communication between processes and software components, using symbolic addresses and configuration information elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If shared memory configuration is predefined before commissioning, then system stability and reliability are improved, but adaptability and flexibility during runtime deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic memory configuration by allowing the memory map to be modified during runtime through configuration files. The system transitions from a static predefined memory structure to a dynamic one where memory areas can be created, modified, or deleted without system restart, resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of memory configuration from fixed to variable by introducing configuration files that define memory areas with specific parameters (name, data type, size, offset). These parameters can be adjusted during runtime, enabling the system to adapt while maintaining structured control over memory allocation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If shared memory configuration is modified during runtime, then adaptability and flexibility are improved, but system complexity and potential errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces configuration files as an intermediary layer between the control software and the memory structure. This intermediary allows runtime modification of memory configuration through structured file-based definitions, reducing direct manipulation complexity and providing a standardized interface for memory management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent requires that memory configuration changes be defined in advance through configuration files before being applied to the running system. This preliminary definition phase separates the configuration specification from the application phase, reducing runtime complexity and enabling systematic error checking.
3Device complexity
If conventional predefined memory configuration is used, then device complexity is reduced, but real-time communication capabilities between software components deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the shared memory into distinct memory areas with specific purposes (input, output, shared data). Each memory area is independently configurable with defined parameters, allowing efficient real-time communication between different software components while maintaining manageable complexity through structured organization.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a method for configuring a memory unit of a computing unit wherein, during a program operation of the computing unit, a memory area shared among a plurality of processes is created and configured in the memory unit in that a memory area address is assigned to the memory area and a data area for storing at least one datum is configured in the memory area in that at least one configuration information element of the data area within the memory area is defined and a revision number which characterizes a current configuration of the memory area is updated.