Emulating EAM-R Redundancy via Software Virtualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial process control and automation systems face challenges in maintaining redundancy and fault tolerance due to the end-of-life status of hardware components like the 68040 processor, which are difficult to obtain, while still requiring the functionality of Enhanced Application Module Redundancy (EAM-R) systems for compatibility and reliability.
Innovation Solution
The system and method for emulating EAM-R using a primary and secondary computing device connected by data communications cables, where data is copied from a primary memory block to a secondary memory block, allowing for redundancy without the physical presence of EAM-R boards, utilizing network connections for communication and synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical EAM-R boards with 68040 processors are used, then redundancy functionality is achieved, but hardware availability deteriorates due to end-of-life status
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the EAM-R board functionality through software emulation. The virtual EAM-R board replicates the behavior and interface of the physical board, allowing the system to maintain redundancy functionality without requiring the obsolete physical hardware with 68040 processors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical EAM-R board hardware with a software-based virtual implementation. This substitution eliminates the need for obsolete physical components while preserving the redundancy functionality through virtualization and software emulation.
2Ease of manufacture
If virtual EAM-R boards are used, then hardware availability is improved, but system complexity increases due to emulation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual EAM-R board is designed to be universally compatible with existing control systems. It implements standardized interfaces and protocols that allow it to function as a drop-in replacement for various physical EAM-R boards, reducing the need for system-specific customization and lowering overall complexity.
3Reliability
If data copying between primary and secondary devices is implemented, then redundancy is maintained, but data synchronization time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary data staging and buffering before final synchronization is needed. By preparing data in advance and maintaining ready-to-transfer buffers, the system reduces the actual synchronization time when redundancy switching is required, as the data is already prepared and queued for immediate transfer.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes emulating an Enhanced Application Module Redundancy (EAM-R) system that includes a primary EAM-R board and a secondary EAM-R board. Emulating the EAM-R system includes detecting that data received from a sensor has been written to a memory block associated with the primary EAM-R board, and sending instructions to a secondary computing device to write a copy of the data to a same memory block in the secondary computing device that is associated with the secondary EAM-R board. The EAM-R system is emulated in an emulation system that includes at least one network connection. The emulation system does not include a physical primary EAM-R board or a physical secondary EAM-R board.