Field Device Software Version History Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional field devices lack the ability to manage and store history information of software revisions, making it difficult to restore previous software versions in case of defects, which complicates maintenance and affects the overall process control system.
Innovation Solution
A field device with a history information generation and management section that stores revision information and option information about installed functions, allowing for the creation and storage of software download history when new software is downloaded, enabling the tracking of previous software versions and facilitating their restoration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If software is replaced in the field device using the field bus, then the function and reliability of the field device are improved, but the ability to track and restore previous software versions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically saving the current software version information before replacing it with new software. The version management unit stores the old software's version number and identification information in advance, so that when software updates are needed, the historical version information is already available for restoration purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a copy of the software version information rather than modifying the original software itself. The version management unit generates and stores copy information including version numbers and identification data, which can be used to restore previous versions without affecting the current operating software.
2Productivity
If software replacement is performed without version history management, then the software update process is simplified and faster, but maintenance time increases when defects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically managing software version information without requiring manual intervention. The version management unit automatically saves, manages, and restores software version information, reducing the need for manual tracking and speeding up both updates and repairs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by providing version information management that feeds back into the software update process. The version management unit continuously tracks and stores version information, which can be retrieved and used to restore previous versions, creating a closed-loop system that improves both update efficiency and repair ease.
3Device complexity
If no software version history is stored, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to investigate and resolve software defects is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies segmentation by separating the version management function from the main software execution. The version management unit is a distinct component that handles version information storage and retrieval independently, allowing the main software to run without complexity while version tracking is handled by a dedicated module.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a field device for downloading a new software through a field bus from a host system and replacing a current software which is currently executed with the new software. The field device includes: a history information generation and management section which generates and stores history information of the current software when the new software is downloaded from the host system.