Virtualized Automation Architecture for Centralized Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional automation systems are inflexible, complex, and lack central management, leading to inefficiencies, high costs, and vulnerability to security risks and disasters.
Innovation Solution
A software-defined automation (SDA) system that transforms rigid architectures into flexible, flatter systems using virtualization, networking technologies, and centralized management, enabling dynamic application and network configuration, and integrating with enterprise systems for holistic control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional automation systems use rigid hierarchical architecture with dedicated controllers, then system stability and control precision are maintained, but system flexibility and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the traditional monolithic controller into multiple virtualized control functions that can be independently deployed and managed. Control logic is divided into discrete, reusable components that can be allocated dynamically across different physical devices, enabling flexible system reconfiguration without hardware changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal virtualization layer that allows a single physical infrastructure to host multiple control functions and applications. This multi-functional platform enables the same hardware resources to serve different control purposes through software abstraction, eliminating the need for dedicated controllers for each function.
2Reliability
If traditional automation systems deploy dedicated controllers for each control function, then control reliability is ensured, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple dedicated controllers into a single virtualized control platform that hosts multiple virtual control instances. By combining physical resources while maintaining logical separation through virtualization, the system achieves the same reliability requirements with fewer physical devices, reducing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtualization layer as an intermediary between the physical infrastructure and control functions. This intermediary abstracts the physical hardware, allowing control applications to interact with standardized virtual interfaces while the virtualization layer manages resource allocation and ensures reliability requirements are met.
3Productivity
If traditional automation systems use hierarchical control architecture, then clear control hierarchy is established, but operational efficiency and response time deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a virtualization dimension to the traditional hierarchical architecture, creating a logical layer that spans across multiple hierarchical levels. This additional dimension allows control functions to be organized and managed virtually without being constrained by physical hierarchical boundaries, enabling more direct communication paths and improved operational efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of a software defined automation system that provides a reference architecture for designing, managing and maintaining a highly available, scalable and flexible automation system. In some embodiments, an SDA system can include a localized subsystem including a system controller node and multiple compute nodes. The multiple compute nodes can be communicatively coupled to the system controller node via a first communication network. The system controller node can manage the multiple compute nodes and virtualization of a control system on a compute node via the first communication network. The virtualized control system includes virtualized control system elements connected to a virtual network that is connected to a second communication network to enable the virtualized control system elements to control a physical control system element via the second communication network connected to the virtual network.