Multicore Industrial Controller Shared Memory Architecture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Industrial controllers face complexity and reliability issues due to dual-computer systems with separate processors for industrial control and general-purpose computing, leading to difficulties in programming, fault handling, and flexibility in task allocation.

Innovation Solution

A multicore processor architecture with two processors, each running a different operating system, sharing memory for close integration and high-speed communication, with a startup sequence circuit to load and assign application programs, ensuring reliable and flexible operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If dual-computer systems with separate processors are used for industrial control and general-purpose computing, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two separate computer systems into a single integrated processor platform. The industrial controller includes a processor that can execute both industrial control applications and general-purpose computing tasks within the same hardware unit, eliminating the need for separate processors while maintaining functional versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The processor is designed with universal capabilities to perform multiple functions. It can execute industrial control algorithms, run operating systems, handle communication protocols, and perform general-purpose computing tasks all through a single multi-functional processing unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If dual-computer systems are used with separate processors, then task specialization is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetask specializationVSAvoidprogramming difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The single processor provides a unified platform that can be programmed for different tasks through software rather than requiring separate hardware systems. This universal approach simplifies operation by allowing centralized control and easier programming compared to coordinating multiple separate processors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If separate processors are used for industrial control and general-purpose computing, then processing capacity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing capacityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple processing functions into a single processor unit. The industrial controller uses one processor that can handle both real-time industrial control tasks and general-purpose computing operations, achieving the processing capacity of multiple separate processors while reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9092023B2Industrial controller using shared memory multicore architecture

Publication Date: 2015.07.28 ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECH INC

AI summary

A multicore processor for industrial control provides for the execution of separate operating systems on the cores under control of one of the cores to tailor the operating system to optimum execution of different applications of industrial control and communication. One core may provide for a reduced instruction set for execution of industrial control programs with the remaining cores providing a general-purpose instruction set.