OPC UA Network Modeling for TSN Configuration Interoperability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing industrial and automotive networks face challenges in ensuring deterministic real-time data delivery due to the limitations of Ethernet technology, leading to complex network management and monitoring when integrating Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) with existing SNMP-MIB and NETCONF-YANG protocols, which are not compatible with OPCUA protocols commonly used in industrial systems.
Innovation Solution
Extend OPCUA capabilities to network devices managed using NETCONF-YANG and SNMP-MIB protocols by implementing a Centralized User Configuration (CUC) and Centralized Network Controller (CNC) with OPCUA models to facilitate TSN parameter determination and provisioning, allowing translation between OPCUA, YANG, and MIB parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Ethernet technology is used for network backbone to support IoT/IIoT connectivity, then interoperability and cost are improved, but deterministic real-time delivery capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces TSN (Time-Sensitive Networking) as an intermediary layer that sits on top of standard Ethernet infrastructure. TSN provides deterministic real-time delivery guarantees while utilizing existing Ethernet hardware, thus maintaining interoperability and cost benefits while adding the required reliability for time-critical applications.
2Reliability
If TSN is introduced to ensure deterministic real-time delivery, then reliability is improved, but network management complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges TSN parameter management with existing industrial automation protocols (OPC UA, IEC 61499) and network management protocols (NETCONF, YANG). By integrating TSN configuration into familiar industrial automation toolchains, the system reduces management complexity while maintaining deterministic delivery capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal configuration framework that handles multiple protocols (OPC UA, NETCONF, YANG) and multiple TSN parameters through a single integrated system. This multi-functional approach allows the same infrastructure to manage diverse industrial devices and network parameters, reducing overall complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple protocols (SNMP-MIB, NETCONF-YANG, OPCUA) are used for network management, then compatibility with existing systems is improved, but system complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces protocol translation and mapping mechanisms that act as intermediaries between different protocol families (SNMP-MIB, NETCONF-YANG, OPCUA). These translators enable seamless communication and parameter exchange across protocol boundaries, maintaining compatibility with existing systems while reducing the need for multiple separate management infrastructures.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods/systems are provided for extending the capabilities of OPCUA to network devices that are otherwise configured and managed using NETCONF-YANG and SNMP-MIB protocols. The extension of OPCUA allows these devices to be described in network communications in the same manner as MIB or YANG. The systems/methods provide a CUC configured to request a TSN connection on the industrial network, the CUC including an OPCUA model therein. The CUC interacts with and configures an OPCUA based industrial controller connected to the industrial network, and an OPCUA based industrial device connected to the industrial network, to determine TSN parameters required for the TSN connection. The systems/methods further provide a CNC configured to provision the TSN connection on the industrial network upon request by the CUC. In some embodiments, the CNC includes an OPCUA model therein. Alternatively, the CUC may translate the TSN parameters from OPCUA parameters to YANG-MIB parameters for the CNC.