Fieldbus Access Unit for Live Automation Network Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
In industrial automation, maintaining an up-to-date overview of the network infrastructure in a plant is complex due to manual synchronization of information, leading to outdated data when field devices are replaced or updated.
Innovation Solution
A method and fieldbus access unit that automatically generate and transmit structure data of network nodes and field devices by scanning the address space, providing a 'live' view of the network infrastructure, using a communication driver in a frame application to ensure current data transmission and visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual synchronization of network infrastructure information is used, then device complexity is reduced, but data currency and reliability deteriorate when field devices are replaced or updated
Solution Approach 1:
The fieldbus access unit automatically performs self-service by scanning the address space of the fieldbus network and generating structure data without external intervention. This self-organizing capability ensures the network infrastructure overview remains current while reducing manual operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the fieldbus network through automatic scanning and comparing detected devices with stored structure data. This closed-loop approach ensures data currency by automatically updating when changes are detected, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity
2Loss of information
If automatic scanning and generation of structure data is implemented, then data currency improves, but loss of time for network monitoring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fieldbus access unit performs periodic scanning of the address space at scheduled intervals rather than continuously. This periodic action maintains data currency by regularly updating structure data while minimizing time loss by allowing other operations to proceed between scan cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs partial scanning by focusing only on specific address ranges or network segments that have changed or require updating, rather than scanning the entire network continuously. This reduces the time loss associated with monitoring while maintaining data currency for critical areas
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive network infrastructure monitoring is implemented, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring function is segmented by separating the scanning and data generation capabilities into the fieldbus access unit from the visualization functions in the operator interface. This segmentation allows comprehensive monitoring with high measurement precision while distributing system complexity across multiple components rather than concentrating it in one complex device
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure resides in a method for monitoring an automated plant, which has a fieldbus access unit connected with a first communication network, wherein the first communication network has a plurality of field devices and network nodes, wherein a communication driver, which runs in a first frame application, which is implemented in a client computer connected with the fieldbus access unit via a second communication network, queries structure data of network nodes and field devices present in the first communication network, wherein the structure data are generated by the fieldbus access unit in the context of the query by scanning the address space of the network level and determining the network nodes and field devices present in the address space. The present disclosure further resides in a fieldbus access unit and an arrangement, comprising a client computer and a fieldbus access unit.