Field Device Commissioning via OPC UA Role-Based Parameterization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The commissioning of field devices in industrial system networks requires manual intervention, leading to errors, time consumption, and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A plug-and-produce system utilizing OPC UA servers for self-description and communication, along with TSN-enabled network switches, allows for deterministic real-time control loops, enabling automatic device discovery, parameterization, and signal matching, reducing the need for manual intervention through the Plug and Produce Service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual commissioning methods are used for field devices, then device configuration can be completed, but the process requires significant manual intervention leading to errors and time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The field device performs self-configuration and self-commissioning by automatically discovering its own parameters, matching signals with the control system, and configuring itself without manual intervention. The device reads its own identification data, determines signal assignments autonomously, and completes the commissioning process independently, eliminating the need for manual configuration steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The field device stores commissioning-relevant parameters, identification data, and signal configuration information in advance during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation enables the device to automatically execute the commissioning process upon connection to the network, eliminating the need for manual configuration during installation.
2Reliability
If manual commissioning methods are used for field devices, then device configuration can be completed, but errors increase due to manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The field device autonomously reads its own identification data from internal memory, determines signal assignments based on pre-stored parameters, and configures itself without human intervention. This self-service approach eliminates manual configuration steps that are prone to errors, ensuring accurate and reliable device commissioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The field device communicates with the control system through the network, exchanging configuration data and signal information. The device receives feedback from the control system about signal matching and configuration status, allowing it to adjust and confirm its settings automatically, ensuring accurate configuration without manual intervention.
3Productivity
If automatic self-configuration is implemented for field devices, then commissioning time is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The field device incorporates a universal self-configuration system that handles multiple commissioning tasks automatically: reading identification data, determining signal assignments, matching signals with the control system, and configuring communication parameters. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate manual operations into a single automated process.
Solution Approach 2:
The industrial network serves as an intermediary between the field device and the control system, enabling automatic communication and data exchange. The network transmits configuration parameters, signal information, and identification data between the device and control system, facilitating automated commissioning without requiring direct manual intervention.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of commissioning a field device in an industrial system network, the method comprising: connecting a field device to an industrial system network; providing, information about the field device, the information comprising functional information for the field device; utilizing the functional information for the field device to retrieve information relating to a role of the field device in an automation application; utilizing capability information relating to the field device type and the information relating to the role of the field device in the automation application to retrieve a parameter set for the field device for operation in the automation application; and downloading the parameter set to the field device.