Field Device Local Communication Gateway for Controller Load Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In distributed control systems and plant asset management systems, the increased amount of information from digitized and intelligent field devices can overwhelm controllers, leading to communication failures and reduced operational efficiency when communication between controllers and field devices is disrupted.
Innovation Solution
A field device equipped with a local communicator for wireless or cable communication with other field devices and a processor for information processing, including self-diagnosis and alarm separation, to reduce the load on control devices and prevent communication failures by allowing information sharing and processing among field devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If field devices are digitized and equipped with intelligent functions to obtain and transmit more information, then the ability to detect and diagnose field device conditions is improved, but the load on the controller increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the information processing function by introducing a gateway device that separates data collection from data processing. Field devices transmit information to the gateway, which performs the processing, thereby dividing the controller's burden and reducing its load while maintaining enhanced detection capabilities.
2Extent of automation
If all measurement results from field devices are collected centrally in the controller, then centralized control is achieved, but communication failure between controller and field device disrupts system operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway device as an intermediary between field devices and the controller. This gateway collects information from field devices and performs preliminary processing, acting as a buffer that maintains system operation even when direct communication between the controller and field devices fails.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway performs preliminary information processing before data reaches the controller, preparing and filtering data in advance. This preliminary action reduces the controller's processing burden and ensures that even if communication fails at the controller level, the gateway can maintain local functionality and data availability.
3Productivity
If the controller processes all information from field devices, then comprehensive control is achieved, but the controller becomes overwhelmed and communication failures occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the information processing workload by introducing a gateway device that handles data collection and preliminary processing. This division allows the controller to maintain comprehensive control functionality while avoiding being overwhelmed by raw data processing, thereby improving communication stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system includes a plurality of field devices connected to a field network, and a controller configured to communicate with the field devices via the field network to control the field devices. The field device is configured to communicate with the controller via the field network, and to perform a predetermined processing using information obtained by a communication between the field devices via a local network.