PLC Protocol Auto-Setting Server Using Software Stack
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing PLC systems require manual protocol presetting and additional servers for clients using different protocols, leading to increased construction costs and inefficiencies in communication.
Innovation Solution
A method where a server automatically analyzes request frames using a software-implemented protocol stack to determine the appropriate response frame, eliminating the need for manual presetting and additional hardware, allowing communication with multiple clients using various protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a server supports only a single protocol, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability to communicate with clients using different protocols deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The server is designed to support multiple communication protocols simultaneously through a protocol selection module that can identify and handle different protocol types (Modbus, Profibus, Profinet, Ethernet IP, etc.). This allows a single server to serve clients using various protocols without requiring separate dedicated servers for each protocol, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining operational simplicity through automated protocol detection and selection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a server supports multiple protocols, then the adaptability to communicate with clients using different protocols is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for manual protocol presetting and additional servers
Solution Approach 1:
The server incorporates an automated protocol identification and selection mechanism that automatically detects the protocol type of incoming client requests and selects the appropriate protocol handler without requiring manual presetting or configuration. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex manual setup procedures and reduces the need for additional dedicated servers, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining high adaptability to multiple protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The server pre-configures multiple protocol handlers and detection mechanisms in advance, allowing it to quickly identify and switch between different protocols when clients connect. This preliminary preparation enables the server to handle multiple protocols efficiently without requiring complex real-time decision-making or manual intervention, thus reducing operational complexity while maintaining versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional servers are added to support different protocols, then the adaptability is improved, but the system construction cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple protocol support capabilities into a single server through a unified architecture that includes a protocol selection module and multiple protocol handlers. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate dedicated servers for each protocol, reducing the total quantity of server hardware required while maintaining the ability to communicate with clients using different protocols, thereby reducing system construction costs while preserving adaptability.
Data Source
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Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
A method of automatically setting a protocol is performed in a protocol automatic setting server (100) communicating with a client in a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) system. The method includes: receiving a request frame from a client; analyzing a protocol of the request frame based on a protocol stack and determining a response frame corresponding to the request frame according to an analysis result; and transmitting the response frame to the client. The server automatically analyzes a request frame from the client based on the protocol stack, and thus conventional protocol presetting can be eliminated.