IO-Link Master Connection Device for Reducing Communication Cycle Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems for connecting field devices to higher-level control devices, such as PLCs, via IO-Link systems, face inefficiencies in mapping input process data to output process data, leading to prolonged communication cycles.
Innovation Solution
A modified IO-Link master connection device with multiple functional devices and a programmable switching device that processes input data from field devices and generates output data directly, reducing the need for higher-level control device intervention and enabling shorter communication cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If input process data is mapped to output process data in a higher-level control device (PLC), then centralized control is maintained, but communication cycle time increases and processing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control system into two segments: the higher-level control device (PLC) that handles centralized control logic, and the connection device (modified IO-Link master) that handles local data mapping and processing. This segmentation allows processing to occur at the appropriate level, reducing communication cycle times while maintaining centralized control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection device acts as an intermediary between field devices and the higher-level control device. It performs data mapping and processing functions locally, reducing the burden on the PLC and accelerating communication cycles while maintaining the hierarchical control structure.
2Loss of time
If multiple field devices are connected through a higher-level control device for data processing, then centralized control is achieved, but communication latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device performs preliminary data processing and mapping actions locally before data needs to be used by actuators or higher-level control. By preparing data in advance at the connection device level, communication latency is reduced while enabling distributed processing capabilities.
3Productivity
If a modified IO-Link master with functional devices is used for local data processing, then communication cycles are shortened, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device is designed with multiple functional devices that can perform various data processing tasks (logic operations, data transformation, filtering). This multi-functionality allows a single device to handle diverse processing requirements, increasing productivity while managing complexity through standardized functional blocks.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
To be able to achieve shorter communication cycles, the invention proposes a communication system which is able to connect field devices to a higher-order control device. For this purpose, a connection device is provided which is connectable to a higher-order control device via a transmission medium. The connection device has at least one first port and at least one second port, to each of which a field device may be connected. The connection device has at least one functional device which is switchable between at least one first port and at least one second port. The functional device is designed to generate output data intended for the second port in response to the input data arriving at the first port.