OPC-UA Protocol Priority Allocation for Automation Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication protocols in industrial automation networks struggle to integrate subnetworks effectively, particularly in meeting diverse synchronization requirements across different levels, such as hard real-time needs in the field level and soft real-time requirements in other areas, often leading to inefficient data transmission and potential collisions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a communication protocol with an OPC-UA interface that includes a priority allocation function, allowing assignment of different priority values to data packets, enabling data interchange within a predetermined time period with a predefined probability, thereby addressing soft real-time requirements without the need for complex preplanning or additional hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a communication protocol without priority allocation is used, then the system is simpler, but data transmission reliability deteriorates due to collisions and unpredictable timing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing priority values as a new parameter to data packets. The priority allocation function assigns different priority levels to different data packets, transforming the communication protocol from a simple FIFO (first-in-first-out) system to a priority-based scheduling system. This resolves the contradiction by improving transmission reliability through predictable timing for high-priority data while maintaining protocol simplicity through standardized priority levels and allocation rules.
2Reliability
If complex preplanning and additional hardware are implemented to meet real-time requirements, then data transmission reliability improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a dynamic priority allocation function that adapts to different data types and transmission requirements. Instead of static real-time guarantees requiring complex hardware, the system dynamically assigns priorities based on data characteristics (e.g., cyclic vs. acyclic data, deterministic vs. probabilistic requirements). This allows the protocol to flexibly meet real-time requirements for different applications without requiring complex preplanning or additional hardware infrastructure.
3Loss of time
If priority-based data interchange is implemented, then transmission timing predictability improves, but protocol complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the communication protocol into distinct functional segments: a priority allocation function that assigns priorities to individual data packets, and a priority-based transmission mechanism that processes packets according to their assigned priorities. This segmentation allows the timing predictability benefits of priority-based scheduling to be achieved while managing protocol complexity through modular, standardized priority levels and allocation rules that can be implemented independently in different system components.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for interchanging data between two devices in a network which utilizes a communication protocol with an interface based on an Object Linking and Embedding for Process Control Unified Architecture (OPC-UA) standard to interchange the data, wherein the communication protocol includes a priority allocation function which can allocate to the data at least two different priority values, and the data are interchanged based on the allocated priority values, such that the data interchangeable between the two devices in a predetermined period of time with a prescribed probability.