Protocol Gateway for Distributed Measurement Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for measuring and controlling distributed control systems face challenges in simplifying the distribution of functions related to measurement, control, data collection, tools, simulation, and protocols, requiring separate specialists and lacking efficient time indication and optimal task allocation between components.
Innovation Solution
A modular arrangement with a first unit compatible with a first protocol for handling analog and digital signals, connected to a second unit that transforms information between protocols, allowing for a tool arrangement to work with multiple layers of information stacks, including graphical display, input/output data, measurement, control, analysis, database, and network functions, with a gateway function for protocol conversion and time synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If measurement and control functions are handled by separate specialists using traditional independent systems, then functional expertise is maintained, but system complexity and integration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into distinct functional modules: measurement units with analog/digital inputs, protocol conversion units, tool arrangements, and simulation components. Each module can be developed and maintained by specialists in that domain while integrating through standardized interfaces, thus maintaining functional expertise without requiring full system integration knowledge in each specialist.
Solution Approach 2:
Protocol conversion units serve as intermediaries between different measurement and control systems using different protocols. These intermediary components enable integration of separately developed specialized systems without requiring direct complex integration between all components, reducing overall system integration complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If protocol conversion is implemented between first and second protocols, then compatibility with different tool arrangements is improved, but processing time and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Protocol conversion is performed in advance by dedicated conversion units before data reaches the tool arrangement. This preliminary conversion ensures that data is already in the required protocol format when needed, avoiding time-consuming real-time conversion during critical measurement and analysis operations.
3Productivity
If processor-intensive and memory-intensive tasks are distributed between various components, then optimal resource utilization is achieved, but system coordination and communication overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
Processor-intensive tasks such as real-time signal processing are assigned to measurement units with dedicated processing capabilities, while memory-intensive tasks like data storage and analysis are handled by tool arrangements and simulation components. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining manageable coordination through standardized communication protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
A first unit (200, 303, 304) works with analog and digital signals in physical sequences referring to one or several measurement objects (200′, 305, 307), which work with one or several functions (200″, 211, 302, 308, 309) and detectors (201, 202, 205) and/or control devices (212/214) detecting these functions. A distributed control system (206) works with a first protocol (218). The first unit (200) is connected to the control system (206) and is arranged, through its compatibility with the first protocol (218), to receive and/or send messages from/to the control system. The first unit (200) receives and sends physical signals for measurement and/or control of various types and combinations of functions and/or detectors or control devices, and processes the physical signals. The first unit is connected to a second connection (209) working with a second protocol (418). The second connection is in a link in a tool arrangement. The first unit communicates with a second unit (450 and/or 201, 221) via the second connection (209). The first unit van be set up via a connection that works with the first and/or the second protocol(s) or variant(s) thereof. In this way, more complex and simpler tasks can be dealt with separately, and can be divided up between different pieces of equipment and different people.