Embedded Gateway Protocol Translation in Industrial Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing industrial control systems require multiple gateway devices and configuration tools to translate between different communications protocols, leading to increased complexity, resource requirements, and potential points of failure.
Innovation Solution
An industrial control system that eliminates the need for separate gateway devices by using a single device to translate communications between different protocols, allowing a controller to communicate with devices using different protocols directly through a single configuration tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated gateway devices are used to translate between different communications protocols, then communication compatibility between devices using different protocols is improved, but device complexity and the number of components in the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the gateway translation function directly into the I/O device that natively supports the second protocol. Instead of using separate gateway devices to translate between protocols, the I/O device itself is equipped with the capability to communicate natively with both the controller (first protocol) and the second protocol device (second protocol), eliminating the need for external translation components.
Solution Approach 2:
The I/O device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a native device for the second protocol and as a communication bridge to the controller using the first protocol. This universal capability allows a single device to perform multiple functions: monitoring/controlling the second protocol device and simultaneously interfacing with the controller, replacing what would traditionally require multiple specialized devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple gateway devices are deployed to support different communications protocols, then protocol translation capability is improved, but reliability of the system deteriorates due to additional points of failure
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the translation capability into the I/O device itself, the system eliminates separate gateway components that would introduce additional failure points. The I/O device becomes a single integrated unit that handles both protocol communications, reducing the total number of components and thereby improving system reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate gateway devices are used for protocol translation, then communication between different protocols is enabled, but resource requirements and configuration complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The I/O device is designed as a universal interface that natively supports multiple protocols. This eliminates the need for separate configuration tools for each gateway device, as the single I/O device can be configured once to handle communications with both the controller and the second protocol device, reducing the quantity of configuration tools and programming resources required.
4Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated gateway devices are implemented, then protocol compatibility is achieved, but time and resources required for programming and configuration increase
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the gateway functionality into the I/O device, the system reduces the number of configuration steps required. Instead of configuring separate gateway devices and their associated translation rules, the I/O device is configured once to establish direct communication paths to both the controller and the second protocol device, significantly reducing programming and configuration time.
Data Source
AI summary
An industrial control system and a method of controlling an industrial control system having two communications protocols is described. The method comprises sending, by a controller, communications over a first communications network to a first device, the communications intended to control the first device and a second device, the communications transmitted to the first device from the controller in a first communications protocol; translating, by the first device, the communications from the controller in the first communications protocol intended for the second device into a second communications protocol; and transmitting, by the first device, the translated communications to the second device over a second communications network using the second communications protocol, wherein the first device is used to control or monitor one or more first processes in an industrial system and the second device is used to control or monitor one or more second processes in the industrial system.