WO2019069433A1

WO2019069433A1 - Parameter adjustment system, parameter adjustment method, and input-output device

Info

Publication number: WO2019069433A1
Application number: PCT/JP2017/036342
Authority: WO
Inventors: 正弘内越
Original assignee: 三菱電機株式会社
Priority date: 2017-10-05
Filing date: 2017-10-05
Publication date: 2019-04-11
Also published as: JPWO2019069433A1

Abstract

A parameter adjustment system (100) comprises: a remote I/O (20X) that, according to instructions from a control unit (10) for controlling an output device (51X) and an input device (52X) that are devices to be controlled, performs input and output of signals between the output device (51X) and the input device (52X) using parameters; and a parameter adjustment device (30) that instructs adjustment of the parameters to a plurality of the remote I/Os (20X); the remote I/Os (20X) performing adjustment of the parameters in accordance with the actual environment according to the instructions from the parameter adjustment device (30).

Description

Parameter adjustment system, parameter adjustment method, and input / output device

The present invention relates to a parameter adjustment system for adjusting parameters used by an input / output device, a parameter adjustment method, and an input / output device.

A programmable logic controller (PLC: Programmable Logic Controller) used in the field of FA (Factory Automation) that automates the production process of a factory is a device that controls controlled devices. Such PLCs are disposed in a network system and connected to input / output devices that input and output signals. Conventionally, a user of an input / output device sets parameter values in the input / output device in consideration of communication time in a network system or processing time of a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

For this reason, the user took much time to set and adjust the parameter value. The user can make adjustment work easier by giving a margin to the parameter value, but if the parameter value has a margin, the response performance is lowered and the performance of the entire system is lowered. On the other hand, if there is no margin in the parameter value, the network system will stop frequently.

The programmable controller of Patent Document 1 accesses the storage means when power on is detected, reads communication parameters, and establishes a connection with another terminal based on the read communication parameters.

Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 6-324720

However, in patent document 1 which is the above-mentioned prior art, when setting parameter values to a plurality of devices, it is necessary to establish a connection based on the parameter values for each device. That is, since the network system is composed of a plurality of devices, it is necessary to set parameter values for each device. The parameter values set for each device need to be set for each device while referring to the parameter values of other devices, because the parameter values set for each device are affected by the devices configuring the network system depending on the type of parameter. Further, the setting of the parameter value may be performed again after operation of the network system as well as at the time of power-on as in Patent Document 1. For this reason, when setting the parameter value again, the user needs to adjust the parameter value for each device, and there is a problem that setting of the parameter value becomes complicated.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and it is an object of the present invention to obtain a parameter adjustment system capable of easily setting parameter values in a plurality of devices.

In order to solve the problems described above and achieve the object, the present invention relates to an input / output device for performing input / output of a signal using a parameter according to an instruction from a control device that controls a controlled device in a parameter adjustment system; And a parameter adjustment device that instructs the plurality of input / output devices to adjust the parameters. Further, in the parameter adjustment system of the present invention, the input / output device adjusts the parameters according to the actual environment in accordance with the instruction from the parameter adjustment device.

The parameter adjustment system according to the present invention has an effect that parameter values can be easily set in a plurality of devices.

The figure which shows the structure of the parameter adjustment system concerning embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the structure of the parameter adjustment apparatus concerning embodiment A diagram showing a configuration of remote I / O (Input / Output) according to the embodiment Diagram for explaining how to set the timeout time according to the embodiment A figure for explaining chattering filter processing concerning an embodiment Diagram for explaining the relationship between chattering time and filter time according to the embodiment Diagram for explaining unmatched signal filter processing according to the embodiment Diagram for explaining the relationship between duplexing mismatch time and filter time according to the embodiment Diagram for explaining dark test processing of input according to the embodiment A diagram for explaining the relationship between an output pulse and an input signal according to an embodiment A figure for explaining the 1st example of processing of a dark test process of an output concerning an embodiment A diagram for explaining a first relationship between an output pulse and a detection pulse according to the embodiment A figure for explaining the 2nd processing example of a dark test processing of an output concerning an embodiment. A diagram for explaining a second relationship between an output pulse and a detection pulse according to the embodiment The figure which shows the 1st screen example of the engineering tool concerning embodiment. A diagram showing a second screen example of the engineering tool according to the embodiment Diagram for explaining setting process of tuning range of parameter according to the embodiment Flow chart showing setting processing procedure of auto tuning according to the embodiment A figure showing an example of hardware constitutions of a microcomputer concerning an embodiment

Hereinafter, a parameter adjustment system, a parameter adjustment method, and an input / output device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings. The present invention is not limited by the embodiment.

Embodiment.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a parameter adjustment system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The parameter adjustment system 100 includes PLCs 6 to 8 as control devices, a remote I / O 20X connected to the PLC 6, and a PC (Personal Computer) 9 connected to the PLC 6. The parameter adjustment system 100 also includes an output device 51X and an input device 52X connected to the remote I / O 20X. The parameter adjustment system 100 further includes an edge computer 2, an upper computer 3, and a server 1, which are upper computers than the PLCs 6 to 8. The remote I / O 20X indicates a plurality of units, and an example of the remote I / O 20X is a remote I / O 20A shown in FIG. 5 described later, or a remote I / O 20B shown in FIG. 7 described later.

The edge computer 2, the host computer 3 and the server 1 are connected to a communication network 4 using a communication standard such as Ethernet (registered trademark). The edge computer 2 and the PLCs 6 to 8 are connected to the inter-PLC network 5.

The PLCs 6 to 8 are FA controllers that control various devices according to a ladder language specialized for machine control. The PLC 6 here is provided with a control unit 10 such as a CPU unit. The control unit 10, which is the master station, generates an instruction to control the output device 51X and the input device 52X, and transmits the instruction to the remote I / O 20X, which is a remote station. The control unit 10 also receives various information from the remote I / O 20X.

The PLC 6 may include units other than the control unit 10. The PLC 6 may include an I / O unit that performs input / output of information or a network unit that communicates with other devices, and the control unit 10 has the function of an I / O unit or a network unit. It is also good. If the PLC 6 comprises a network unit, the network unit is connected to the remote I / O 20X. When the control unit 10 has the function of a network unit, the control unit 10 is connected to the remote I / O 20X.

The control unit 10 sends parameter setting instructions to the remote I / O 20X, which is an example of an input / output device. The control unit 10 according to the embodiment can send, to the remote I / O 20X, a batch setting instruction which is an instruction to set a plurality of parameters at one time or a specific setting instruction which is an instruction to set a specific parameter.

The collective setting instruction is a parameter setting instruction to all of the devices that can cause the control unit 10 to adjust the parameters. The control unit 10 may output a batch setting instruction excluding some of the devices from parameter setting. The specific setting instruction is a parameter setting instruction to a specific device designated by the user among the devices whose control unit 10 can adjust the parameter. In addition to adjusting the value of the set parameter, the adjustment of the parameter includes setting the value of the unset parameter.

In the following description, a parameter batch setting instruction or a specific setting instruction may be referred to as a parameter setting instruction. When the control unit 10 sends a parameter setting instruction to the remote I / O 20X, the remote I / O 20X performs auto tuning of the parameters. The parameters that the remote I / O 20X performs auto tuning are communication parameters and input / output parameters. The communication parameter is a parameter used when performing communication with the control unit 10, and the input / output parameter is a parameter used when inputting / outputting a signal between the output device 51X and the input device 52X. It is. The remote I / O 20X autotunes the parameters so that the certainty of communication processing and signal input / output processing can be improved. In other words, the remote I / O 20X autotunes the parameters so that the success probability of communication processing and signal input / output processing is higher than a reference value. The remote I / O 20X may auto-tune parameters that are not related to the certainty of communication processing and signal input / output processing.

When setting communication parameters, the remote I / O 20X, which is a remote input / output device, cooperates with the PLC 6 to execute automatic tuning of the communication parameters. Further, when setting the input / output parameters, the remote I / O 20X performs the auto tuning of the input / output parameters using the output device 51X or the input device 52X. The input / output parameter according to the embodiment is an input parameter used when the remote I / O 20X inputs a signal from the input device 52X, or an output used when the remote I / O 20X outputs a signal to the output device 51X It is a parameter.

The remote I / O 20X communicates with the PLC 6 via the field network 11. At this time, the remote I / O 20X executes communication with the PLC 6 using the communication parameter which is an adjustable parameter value.

The remote I / O 20X operates according to the instruction sent from the PLC 6. The remote I / O 20X outputs a signal to the output device 51X according to the instruction from the PLC 6. At this time, the remote I / O 20X outputs a signal to the output device 51X using input / output parameters which are adjustable parameter values. The output device 51X is a device for receiving a signal output from the remote I / O 20X, and an example of the output device 51X is a conductor, an electromagnet, a valve or a monitor.

Also, the remote I / O 20X receives a signal input by the input device 52X. At this time, the remote I / O 20X receives a signal from the input device 52X using input / output parameters. The input device 52X is a device for inputting a signal to the remote I / O 20X, and an example of the input device 52X is a sensor or a button. In the following description, a system including the PLC 6, the remote I / O 20X, the output device 51X, and the input device 52X may be referred to as a PLC system.

The PC 9 is provided with a parameter adjustment device 30 for performing various settings to the PLC 6. The parameter adjustment device 30 is a device that sends a parameter setting instruction to the remote I / O 20X. When the parameter adjustment device 30 sends a parameter setting instruction to the PLC 6, the PLC 6 sends the parameter setting instruction to the remote I / O 20X in accordance with the instruction from the parameter adjustment device 30.

The parameter adjustment device 30 according to the embodiment can send both the batch setting instruction and the specific setting instruction to the PLC 6. When receiving the batch setting instruction from the parameter adjustment device 30, the control unit 10 of the PLC 6 sends the batch setting instruction to the remote I / O 20X. Also, upon receiving the specific setting instruction from the parameter adjustment device 30, the control unit 10 sends the specific setting instruction to the remote I / O 20X. The parameter adjustment device 30 is realized by an engineering tool 90 described later.

The PLCs 7 and 8 are devices having the same configuration as the PLC 6. In FIG. 1, the control units included in the PLCs 7 and 8 are not shown. Further, in FIG. 1, illustration of the remote I / O connected to the PLCs 7 and 8 and the output device and input device connected to the remote I / O is omitted.

The control unit 10 may send a parameter setting instruction to a device other than the remote I / O 20X. The control unit 10 may send parameter setting instructions to the other PLCs 7 and 8 connected to the inter-PLC network 5 or may send parameter setting instructions to a specific unit connected to the inter-PLC network 5. Further, the control unit 10 may send a setting instruction to set parameters used by the device of the connection destination of the remote I / O 20X to the remote I / O 20X. In other words, the control unit 10 may target any device as a parameter of the device capable of automatic tuning.

Thus, the target to which the control unit 10 sends the parameter setting instruction may be any of the device connected to the inter-PLC network 5, the remote I / O 20X, and the device connected to the remote I / O 20X. . The target to which the parameter adjustment device 30 sends the parameter setting instruction may be any device within the parameter adjustment system 100.

The edge computer 2 collects data from the production line in which the PLCs 6 to 8 are arranged. The edge computer 2 collects data from the PLCs 6 to 8 in real time via the inter-PLC network 5. Further, the edge computer 2 manages the production line in which the PLCs 6 to 8 are arranged, using the collected data. Also, the edge computer 2 sends the collected data and the managed data to the upper computer 3 and the server 1 via the communication network 4. The edge computer 2 also receives instruction information and management information for managing a production line from the host computer 3 and the server 1. In addition, the edge computer 2 transmits instruction information and management information to the PLCs 6 to 8. The instruction information and the management information that the edge computer 2 transmits to the PLCs 6 to 8 may be generated by the edge computer 2 or may be generated by the host computer 3 or the server 1.

The host computer 3 is a computer that manages the edge computer 2. The host computer 3 collects data from one to a plurality of edge computers 2 and manages a production line group in which one to a plurality of edge computers 2 are arranged.

The server 1 is a computer that is disposed in a factory having a production line and collects data. The server 1 collects data from one to a plurality of upper computers 3 and manages a factory where the one to a plurality of upper computers 3 are arranged.

The host computer 3 or the server 1 may be a SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition), or may be a computer applied to Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) of a core information system. SCADA is an industrial control system, which performs system monitoring and process control by a computer. SCADA is also called data acquisition and supervisory control system.

The server 1 may be connected to a host information processing apparatus which is a computer higher than the server 1 via a communication network such as the Internet. The parameter adjustment system 100 in this case manages a production line using a cloud computing system.

Further, any device in the parameter adjustment system 100 may send a parameter setting instruction to the PLC 6, or a device other than the parameter adjustment device 30 may send a parameter setting instruction to the PLC 6. Also, the upper information processing apparatus connected to the server 1 may send a parameter setting instruction to the PLC 6.

Among the upper information processing apparatus connected to the server 1, the upper computer 3, the edge computer 2, the server 1, the PLCs 6 to 8 and the PC 9, an apparatus for sending parameter setting instructions to the PLC 6 comprises a parameter adjustment apparatus 30 described later There is. The parameter adjustment device 30 is a device that sends parameter setting instructions to the remote I / O 20X and manages parameter adjustment processing by the remote I / O 20X. Among the host information processing apparatus, the server 1, the host computer 3, the edge computer 2, the PLCs 6 to 8 and the PC 9, the apparatus for sending the parameter setting instruction to the PLC 6 is a function of the parameter adjustment apparatus 30 instead of the parameter adjustment apparatus 30. You may use the parameter adjustment program which is a program which implement | achieves.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the parameter adjustment device according to the embodiment. The parameter adjustment device 30 is disposed in any of the upper information processing device in the parameter adjustment system 100, the upper computer 3, the edge computer 2, the server 1, the PLCs 6 to 8 and the PC 9. The parameter adjustment device 30 includes a parameter management unit 320X that manages a set value described later used when adjusting the parameter, and an adjustment setting unit 330 that sets a tuning range that is an adjustable range of the parameter. The parameter adjustment device 30 further includes an adjustment history storage unit 340 that stores setting data of the parameter for which adjustment has been completed, and an error occurrence prediction unit 350 that predicts the occurrence of an error. The parameter adjustment device 30 further includes an instruction unit 310 that sends an instruction of auto tuning to the control unit 10 based on the information stored in the parameter management unit 320X.

The parameter management unit 320X has a storage unit such as a memory, and stores the setting value of the parameter adjustment by this storage unit. The setting values of the parameter adjustment include setting values used when adjusting the parameters and parameter values actually set by the adjustment. Examples of setting values of parameter adjustment managed by the parameter managing unit 320X are an initial value of a parameter, a tuning range of the parameter, and an actually set parameter value. The initial value of the parameter and the tuning range of the parameter are used when the remote I / O 20X auto-tunes the parameter. When auto tuning parameters, the remote I / O 20X changes the parameters from the initial values of the parameters to find the appropriate parameter. In this case, the remote I / O 20X finds the appropriate parameter by changing the parameter within the tuning range of the parameter. The parameter is a parameter setting value that the remote I / O 20X has actually set by auto tuning of the parameter.

In the embodiment, the instruction unit 310 of the parameter adjustment device 30 generates a parameter setting instruction using the initial value of the parameter and the tuning range managed by the parameter management unit 320X, and generates the parameter setting instruction as a remote I. Send to / O 20X.

The adjustment setting unit 330 sets a tuning range of parameters in accordance with an instruction from the user. The adjustment setting unit 330 stores the set tuning range in the parameter management unit 320X.

The adjustment history storage unit 340 stores the history of the parameter values set by the remote I / O 20X by the automatic tuning of the parameters. The adjustment history storage unit 340 stores the parameter values set so far. The history of the parameter value stored in the adjustment history storage unit 340 may be a history of the setting value itself of the parameter, or may be a history of the correction value used for adjusting the parameter.

The error occurrence prediction unit 350 predicts an error that occurs in a target device for auto tuning, such as the remote I / O 20X, based on the parameter values stored in the adjustment history storage unit 340. The error occurrence prediction unit 350 determines the tendency of communication processing, the tendency of chattering of the input signal, the tendency of mismatch of duplicated signals, and the signal used for the input / output processing based on the later-collected information collected so far. Analyze pulse width trends and predict errors.

The instructing unit 310 sends an instruction of auto tuning to the control unit 10 based on the information stored in the parameter managing unit 320X. The instruction unit 310 also transmits an instruction to display an error notification to an external device such as a display device based on the prediction result of the error occurrence prediction unit 350. One example of a display device is a programmable display.

Next, the configuration of the remote I / O 20X will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the remote I / O according to the embodiment. The remote I / O 20X includes a communication interface (IF: InterFace) 21 that communicates with the control unit 10, and a microcomputer 22 that performs automatic tuning of parameters. The remote I / O 20X also includes an output circuit 23X that outputs a signal to the output device 51X according to an instruction from the microcomputer 22, and an input circuit 25X that receives a signal input by the input device 52X and sends it to the microcomputer 22. ing. The remote I / O 20X also has a pulse detection circuit 24X that detects pulses of the output signal sent from the output circuit 23X and the output device 51X, and a test output circuit 26 that sends out a signal for test and sends it to the input device 52X. And have.

The communication IF 21 is connected to the control unit 10 and the microcomputer 22. The communication IF 21 executes communication with the control unit 10 using the communication parameters that the microcomputer 22 has auto-tuned. The communication IF 21 sends an instruction from the control unit 10 to the microcomputer 22 and sends a signal from the microcomputer 22 to the control unit 10. An example of an instruction from the control unit 10 to the remote I / O 20X is a parameter setting instruction. The parameter setting instruction includes the initial value of the parameter and the tuning range of the parameter.

The information from the microcomputer 22 to the control unit 10 is the information collected by the microcomputer 22. Examples of the information collected by the microcomputer 22 are information acquired by the input circuit 25X from the input device 52X, or communication parameters and input / output parameters acquired by the microcomputer 22 by auto tuning.

The microcomputer 22 executes parameter auto tuning and parameter management based on the parameter setting instruction. The microcomputer 22 includes an auto tuning unit 31Y that performs auto tuning of communication parameters used by the remote I / O 20X, and an auto tuning unit 31X that performs auto tuning of input / output parameters used by the remote I / O 20X. The microcomputer 22 further includes a parameter management unit 32A that manages communication parameters and input / output parameters acquired by the auto-tuning units 31X and 31Y by the auto-tuning.

The auto tuning unit 31 Y performs communication with the control unit 10 via the communication IF 21 to perform auto tuning of communication parameters. The auto-tuning unit 31X performs auto-tuning of input / output parameters using the output circuit 23X, the pulse detection circuit 24X, the input circuit 25X, and the test output circuit 26.

The auto-tuning unit 31X causes the output circuit 23X to output an output signal when auto-tuning an output parameter of the input and output parameters. Thus, the output circuit 23X outputs an output signal to the output device 51X. The auto tuning unit 31X receives an output signal detected by the pulse detection circuit 24X when auto tuning an output parameter, and auto tunes the output parameter based on the output signal and the output signal output to the output circuit 23X. Do.

The auto-tuning unit 31X causes the test output circuit 26 to output an output signal when auto-tuning an input parameter of the input and output parameters. Thus, the test output circuit 26 outputs an output signal for test to the input device 52X. When auto-tuning an input parameter, the auto-tuning unit 31X receives an input signal input to the input circuit 25X, and auto-tunes the input parameter based on the input signal.

The parameter management unit 32A has the same function as the parameter management unit 320X of the parameter adjustment device 30. The parameter managing unit 32A stores the initial value of the parameter, the tuning range, and the set parameter value.

The microcomputer 22 may perform auto tuning of parameters when the remote I / O 20X is activated, or may perform auto tuning of parameters during operation of the remote I / O 20X.

The auto tuning units 31X and 31Y may execute auto tuning based on an instruction from the parameter management unit 32A. In this case, the auto-tuning units 31X and 31Y perform auto-tuning using a signal such as an output signal or an input signal sent from the parameter management unit 32A.

The auto tuning units 31X and 31Y may execute auto tuning based on an instruction from the parameter adjustment device 30. In this case, the auto-tuning units 31X and 31Y perform auto-tuning using a signal such as a tuning range described later that is sent from the parameter adjustment device 30. Further, the auto tuning units 31X and 31Y may auto tune parameter values of items designated by the parameter adjustment device 30.

The communication IF 21 executes communication with the control unit 10 using the communication parameter that has been auto-tuned, when executing the normal operation after auto-tuning is completed.

When executing the normal operation after the completion of the auto tuning, the output circuit 23X outputs a signal to the output device 51X using the auto-tuned input / output parameter. When the input / output parameter is a parameter for adjusting the pulse width of the output signal, the output circuit 23X adjusts the pulse width of the output signal using the input / output parameter and then outputs the output signal to the output device 51X.

Further, when executing the normal operation after the completion of the auto-tuning, the input circuit 25X takes in the signal from the input device 52X using the auto-tuned input / output parameter. When the input / output parameter is a filter time, the input circuit 25X takes in the input signal after filtering the input signal using the input / output parameter.

The control unit 10 includes an auto-tuning unit 31Z that performs auto-tuning of communication parameters used by the control unit 10, and a parameter management unit 32B that manages communication parameters acquired by the auto-tuning unit 31Z by auto-tuning. When performing auto-tuning, the auto-tuning unit 31Z sends a tuning start instruction to the remote I / O 20X, and then receives a parameter set by the remote I / O 20X from the remote I / O 20X.

Next, the auto tuning process will be described. First, communication parameter auto tuning processing will be described, and then input / output parameter auto tuning processing will be described. An example of communication parameters which the auto tuning units 31Y and 31Z perform auto tuning is a timeout time in communication via the field network 11.

(Communication timeout time)
The control unit 10 which is a master station and the remote I / O 20X which is a remote station mutually monitor response time. When a failure occurs in any of the control unit 10, the remote I / O 20X, and the field network 11 which is a communication path, the remote I / O 20X initializes the output. An example of the initial state is a state in which the output is off. Among the power sources that the remote I / O 20X operates, there is a power source that you want to stop immediately when a failure occurs. The remote I / O 20X secures a safe state by stopping the power source upon detecting a failure while operating the power source to be stopped immediately. Therefore, the auto tuning unit 31Y sets a time-out time for monitoring the response time in the communication parameter. The timeout time set by the auto-tuning unit 31Y is a time during which communication processing is monitored in order to realize safety communication that enables desired communication.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a setting method of the timeout time according to the embodiment. The horizontal axis of the graph shown in FIG. 4 is the timeout time, and the vertical axis is the number of error packets. The auto-tuning unit 31Y of the remote I / O 20X transmits and receives packets with the auto-tuning unit 31Z of the control unit 10 when performing auto-tuning of communication parameters. In this case, the auto-tuning units 31Y and 31Z may detect an error packet such as packet loss, out-of-order of packet arrival, or packet destruction. In such a case, the auto-tuning units 31Y and 31Z retransmit and receive packets so that error packets disappear. The relationship between the time-out period until the end of re-transmission / reception at this time and the number of error packets is shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the timeout time is set to a long time, the number of transmission / reception increases, so the number of error packets decreases. When the number of error packets becomes smaller than the reference number, the auto-tuning units 31Y and 31Z determine that the communication processing has passed, and set the timeout time T1 at this time as a communication parameter. When the ratio of the number of error packets to the total number of transmitted packets is smaller than the reference value, the auto tuning units 31Y and 31Z determine that the communication processing is acceptable, and set the timeout time at this time to the communication parameter. May be

Thus, the auto-tuning units 31Y and 31Z auto-tune communication parameters according to the actual environment. In the parameter adjustment system 100, the number of error packets varies depending on the number of devices connected to the field network 11. Therefore, the auto-tuning units 31Y and 31Z according to the embodiment determine the timeout time T1 based on the number of error packets, and set the timeout time T1 as a communication parameter. As a result, the auto tuning units 31Y and 31Z can perform auto tuning in accordance with the actual environment. As a result, the user does not have to set a time-out time such as the time-out time T1 in the communication parameter while referring to the parameter values of other devices connected to the field network 11. The parameter management unit 32A stores the communication parameter auto-tuned by the auto-tuning unit 31Y, and the parameter management unit 32B stores the communication parameter auto-tuned by the auto-tuning unit 31Z.

The parameter managing units 32A and 32B store the relationship between the timeout time and the number of error packets as shown in FIG. The relationship between the timeout time and the number of error packets differs between the relationship acquired by the parameter management unit 32A and the relationship acquired by the parameter management unit 32B. This is because the packet transmission direction differs between the packet sent from the parameter managing unit 32A to the parameter managing unit 32B and the packet sent from the parameter managing unit 32B to the parameter managing unit 32A.

The parameter management units 32A and 32B send the collected information collected when auto-tuning communication parameters to the parameter adjustment device 30. An example of the collected information that the parameter management units 32A and 32B send to the parameter adjustment device 30 is the relationship between the timeout time and the number of error packets. The parameter adjustment device 30 is disposed in the PLCs 6 to 8, the PC 9, the remote I / O 20 X, the edge computer 2, the host computer 3 or the server 1.

The error occurrence prediction unit 350 of the parameter adjustment device 30 analyzes the tendency of the communication processing between the control unit 10 and the remote I / O 20X based on the collected information. If the collected information has a relationship between the timeout time and the number of error packets, the error occurrence prediction unit 350 predicts the timing at which the response time of the communication between the control unit 10 and the remote I / O 20X exceeds the timeout time T1. Do. At this time, the error occurrence prediction unit 350 predicts the timing of exceeding the timeout time T1 based on various information such as the degree of deterioration of the communication processing up to now, the progress degree of deterioration, and the collected information so far. Then, the instruction unit 310 of the parameter adjustment device 30 notifies the user of the guidance indicating the prediction result. At this time, the instruction unit 310 notifies the user of the prediction result by displaying the timing of exceeding the timeout time T1 on a display device such as a liquid crystal monitor. Thereby, the parameter adjustment device 30 prompts the user to retune the parameter value.

The control unit 10 and the remote I / O 20X may execute communication between the field networks 11 using two or more communication parameters. Even in such a case, the auto-tuning units 31Y and 31Z execute auto-tuning of two or more communication parameters by executing communication processing under various conditions.

Specifically, when performing auto-tuning of two communication parameters, the auto-tuning units 31Y and 31Z determine in which combination each parameter value of the two communication parameters approaches a desired communication process. Do. Then, the auto tuning units 31Y and 31Z cause the parameter management units 32A and 32B to store a combination of communication parameters that can execute desired communication processing. The auto-tuning unit 31X may execute auto-tuning of two or more input / output parameters in the same manner as the auto-tuning units 31Y and 31Z.

Next, auto-tuning processing of input / output parameters will be described. Examples of input / output parameters to be auto-tuned by the auto-tuning unit 31X are the following (1) to (4).
(1) Filter time to the input signal when chattering occurs in the input signal (2) Filter time to the input signal when the duplexed input signals do not match (3) Output pulse used in the dark test function of the input Pulse width of output pulse used in dark test function of pulse width (4) output

(Filter time when chattering occurs in the input signal)
First, the process in the case where the auto tuning unit 31X performs auto tuning on the filter time of the input signal in which chattering has occurred will be described. When the input device 52X is a mechanical contact such as a button, the remote I / O 20X receives an input signal in which chattering has occurred. When the remote I / O 20X receives this chattered input signal and transmits the input signal as it is to the control unit 10, the control unit 10 executes the logic operation using the chattered input signal. In such a case, the PLC system may not operate as intended. For this reason, in the embodiment, the input circuit 25X of the remote I / O 20X executes chattering filter processing, which is processing for filtering the chattering signal, only during the time when the chattering signal is generated. In other words, the remote I / O 20X provides a filter time for filtering the chattering signal, and sets this filter time as an input / output parameter.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining chattering filter processing according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 illustrates the remote I / O 20A, which is an example of the remote I / O 20X, and the input device 52A, which is an example of the input device 52X. The remote I / O 20A includes an input circuit 25A, which is an example of the input circuit 25X, and an auto tuning unit 31A, which is an example of the auto tuning unit 31X. In FIG. 5, among the components included in the remote I / O 20A, components other than the input circuit 25A and the auto tuning unit 31A are not shown.

An example of the input device 52A is a button. The input device 52A is connected to the signal source 71A, and the signal from the signal source 71A is input. When the button is pressed by the user, the input device 52A connects the signal source 71A and the input circuit 25A, and inputs the input signal 101A from the signal source 71A to the input circuit 25A.

Thereby, the input circuit 25A sends the input signal 101A from the input device 52A to the auto tuning unit 31A. Then, the auto tuning unit 31A detects a chattering time which is a time during which chattering occurs.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between chattering time and filter time according to the embodiment. The auto-tuning unit 31A detects chattering that occurs in the input signal 101A for a certain period of time after the input of the input signal 101A is started. The time when this chattering is occurring is the chattering time.

The auto tuning unit 31A sets a time longer than the chattering time as the filter time. Specifically, the auto-tuning unit 31A sets a filter time that is longer than the chattering time by a specific time.

The filter time set by the auto-tuning unit 31A is a time when the input circuit 25A does not receive the input signal 101A. The auto tuning unit 31A sends the set filter time to the input circuit 25A. Then, the input circuit 25A sets the filter time. Accordingly, when the input signal 101A is input from the input device 52A, the input circuit 25A does not receive the input signal 101A for the filter time, and starts receiving the input signal 101A after the filter time has elapsed.

Thus, when chattering occurs in the input signal 101A, the auto-tuning unit 31A sets the filter time of chattering to one of the input and output parameters. Then, the input circuit 25A of the remote I / O 20A filters the input signal 101A for the filter time. A signal obtained by filtering the input signal 101A for a filter time is a filtered signal. In the parameter adjustment system 100, chattering time fluctuates due to aging of the input device 52A or the like. Therefore, the auto-tuning unit 31A determines the filter time based on the chattering time, and sets this filter time as one of the input and output parameters. Thus, the auto tuning unit 31A can perform auto tuning in accordance with the actual environment. As a result, the user does not have to set the filter time for chattering time as an input / output parameter.

As described above, the auto-tuning unit 31A performs auto-tuning for the filter time of chattering according to the actual environment. Then, the parameter managing unit 32A manages the input / output parameters which are automatically tuned by the auto tuning unit 31A.

The parameter managing unit 32A stores the chattering time detected so far and the latest filter time. Then, the parameter management unit 32A sends the chattering time and the filter time stored so far to the parameter adjustment device 30. Thereby, the error occurrence prediction unit 350 of the parameter adjustment device 30 analyzes the tendency of chattering of the input device 52A based on the history of chattering time. Then, the error occurrence prediction unit 350 predicts the transition of the chattering time after this and the time when the chattering time exceeds the filter time. Then, the parameter adjustment device 30 notifies the user of the guidance indicating the prediction result. At this time, the parameter adjustment device 30 notifies the user of the prediction result by displaying transition prediction of chattering time on a display device such as a liquid crystal monitor. Thereby, the parameter adjustment device 30 prompts the user to retune the parameter value.

The microcomputer 22 may execute the chattering filter process. In this case, the auto-tuning unit 31A sends the auto-tuned filter time to the microcomputer 22, and the microcomputer 22 sets the filter time. The microcomputer 22 filters the input signal 101A during the filter time, and sends the filtered input signal 101A to the control unit 10 via the communication IF 21.

(Filter time when duplicate input signals do not match)
Next, processing in the case where the auto tuning unit 31X performs auto tuning on the filter time for filtering two unmatched input signals will be described. The PLC system duplicates the input signal from the input device 52X, and detects a mismatch in the value of the duplicated input signal, thereby detecting a failure of the input wire connected to the input device 52X or the input device 52X.

When the input device 52X is two sensors that detect the opening and closing of the door, when the two sensors detect the opening and closing of the door, the two sensors input an input signal indicating the detection to the input circuit 25X. When such a door is distorted due to aging, a difference may occur in the timing at which the two sensors detect the opening and closing of the door. In such a case, the input circuit 25X receives an input signal from two sensors at different timings.

In addition, when the duplicated input signal changes, even if the input device 52X is in a normal state, the two input signals may instantaneously have different values due to the operation variation of the input device 52X. At this time, if the remote I / O 20X detects a mismatch in the duplexing input, the remote I / O 20X erroneously detects that the input device 52X has failed.

Therefore, in the embodiment, the input circuit 25X of the remote I / O 20X executes the unmatched signal filtering process which is a process of filtering the input signal only for the time when the duplicated input signal is unmatched. In other words, the remote I / O 20X provides a filter time for filtering the mismatched state of the duplexing input, and sets this filter time as an input / output parameter.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the unmatched signal filter process according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 illustrates the remote I / O 20B, which is an example of the remote I / O 20X, and the input device 52B, which is an example of the input device 52X. The remote I / O 20B includes input circuits 25a and 25b which are examples of the input circuit 25X, and an auto tuning unit 31B which is an example of the auto tuning unit 31X. In FIG. 7, among the components included in the remote I / O 20B, components other than the input circuits 25a and 25b and the auto tuning unit 31B are not shown. Although FIG. 7 illustrates the case where the input device 52B is a button, the input device 52B may be any device.

The input device 52B is connected to the

signal sources

71a and 71b, and receives signals from the

signal sources

71a and 71b. When the button is pressed by the user, the input device 52B connects the signal source 71a and the input circuit 25a, and connects the signal source 71b and the input circuit 25b. Thereby, the input device 52B inputs the input signal 101a from the signal source 71a to the input circuit 25a, and inputs the input signal 101b from the signal source 71b to the input circuit 25b.

The input circuit 25a sends the input signal 101a from the input device 52B to the auto-tuning unit 31B, and the input circuit 25b sends the input signal 101b from the input device 52B to the auto-tuning unit 31B. Then, the auto-tuning unit 31B detects a duplication mismatch time which is a time during which a signal mismatch occurs with the input signals 101a and 101b. The auto-tuning unit 31B sets, in the input circuits 25a and 25b, a filter time for ignoring the input signals 101a and 101b during the duplication mismatch time. After that, when the input circuits 25a and 25b are sent from the input device 52B, the input circuits 25a and 25b automatically adjust the after-filter signal 102, which is a signal ignoring the input signals 101a and 101b, during the filter time. Send to 31B. Then, the auto tuning unit 31B outputs the filtered signal 102.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the duplication mismatch time and the filter time according to the embodiment. The auto-tuning unit 31B detects a mismatch between signals generated between the input signals 101a and 101b for a certain period of time after the input of the input signals 101a and 101b is started. The time when this mismatch occurs is the duplication mismatch time.

The auto tuning unit 31B sets a time longer than the duplication mismatch time as the filter time. Specifically, the auto-tuning unit 31B sets a filter time that is longer than the duplication mismatch time by a specific time.

The filter time set by the auto-tuning unit 31B is a time when the input circuits 25a and 25b do not receive the input signals 101a and 101b. The auto tuning unit 31B sends the set filter time to the input circuits 25a and 25b. Then, the input circuits 25a and 25b set the filter time. Thus, when the input signal 101a is input from the input device 52B, the input circuit 25a does not receive the input signal 101a for the filter time, and the input circuit 25b receives the input signal 101b from the input device 52B. , Filter time does not accept the input signal 101b. Then, the input circuits 25a and 25b start receiving the input signals 101a and 101b after the filter time has elapsed.

As described above, when a mismatch occurs in the input signals 101a and 101b, the auto tuning unit 31B sets a filter time longer than the duplex mismatch time to one of the input and output parameters. Then, after the input circuits 25a, 25b of the remote I / O 20B start to input the input signals 101a, 101b, the input signals 101a, 101b are filtered for the filter time. Thereby, the input circuits 25a and 25b send the filtered signal 102 obtained by filtering the input signals 101a and 101b to the auto tuning unit 31B, and the auto tuning unit 31B outputs the filtered signal 102. The filtered signal 102 is a signal of the input signals 101a and 101b in which the signal is ignored for the filter time from the start of the input. In the parameter adjustment system 100, the duplication mismatch time changes due to aging of the input device 52B and the like. Therefore, the auto-tuning unit 31B determines the filter time based on the duplication mismatch time, and sets this filter time as one of the input and output parameters. Thereby, the auto tuning unit 31B can perform auto tuning in accordance with the actual environment. As a result, the user does not have to set the filter time for the duplication mismatch time to the input / output parameter.

Thus, the auto tuning unit 31 B performs auto tuning on the filter time of the duplexed signal according to the actual environment. Then, the parameter management unit 32A manages the input / output parameters that are automatically tuned by the auto-tuning unit 31B.

The parameter managing unit 32A also stores the duplexing mismatch time detected so far and the latest filter time. Then, the parameter management unit 32B sends the duplication mismatch time and the filter time stored so far to the parameter adjustment device 30. Thereby, the error occurrence prediction unit 350 of the parameter adjustment device 30 analyzes the tendency of the mismatch of the duplexed input signal based on the history of duplexing mismatch time. Then, the error occurrence prediction unit 350 predicts the subsequent transition of the duplication mismatch time and the timing when the duplication mismatch time exceeds the filter time. Then, the parameter adjustment device 30 notifies the user of the guidance indicating the prediction result. At this time, the parameter adjustment device 30 notifies the user of the prediction result by displaying transition prediction of the duplication mismatch time on a display device such as a liquid crystal monitor. Thereby, the parameter adjustment device 30 prompts the user to retune the parameter value.

The microcomputer 22 may execute the unmatched signal filtering process. In this case, the auto-tuning unit 31B sends the auto-tuned filter time to the microcomputer 22, and the microcomputer 22 sets the filter time. The microcomputer 22 filters the input signals 101a and 101b during the filter time, and sends the filtered input signals 101a and 101b to the control unit 10 via the communication IF 21.

(Pulse width of output pulse used in dark test function of input)
Next, a process of auto-tuning the pulse width of the output pulse used by the dark test function of the input will be described. The auto tuning unit 31X has a dark test function of executing a dark test process of the input. The input dark test function is a function to detect a failure of the input device 52X or input wiring. The input dark test function is a function that outputs a pulse signal to the input device 52X and tests whether this pulse signal is correctly input from the input device 52X to the remote I / O 20X.

When the remote I / O 20X shortens the pulse width of the pulse output to the input device 52X, the waveform of the pulse input to the input device 52X may be degraded due to the electrical characteristics of the input device 52X or the input wiring . In such a case, a pulse may not be input correctly to the input device 52X, and the remote I / O 20X may erroneously detect a failure. However, when the remote I / O 20X lengthens the pulse width of the output pulse, the response time of the PLC system decreases because the time during which the input signal from the input device 52X can not be received increases. Therefore, in the embodiment, the remote I / O 20X adjusts the pulse width of the output pulse used in the dark test function of the input to an appropriate time, and sets the adjusted pulse width to the input / output parameter.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the dark test process of the input according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 illustrates a remote I / O 20C, which is an example of the remote I / O 20X, and an input device 52C, which is an example of the input device 52X. The remote I / O 20C includes an input circuit 25C which is an example of the input circuit 25X, an auto tuning unit 31C which is an example of the auto tuning unit 31X, and a test output circuit 26. In FIG. 9, among the components included in the remote I / O 20C, components other than the input circuit 25C, the test output circuit 26, and the auto tuning unit 31C are not shown. Although FIG. 9 illustrates the case where the input device 52C is a button, the input device 52C may be any device.

The test output circuit 26 includes a power supply 73C which is a signal source, and the power supply 73C outputs a test signal 71C. The test output circuit 26 is connected to the auto tuning unit 31C, and outputs the test signal 71C to the input device 52C in accordance with the pulse output from the auto tuning unit 31C.

The input device 52C is connected to the test output circuit 26, and receives the test signal 71C from the test output circuit 26. When the button is pressed by the user, the input device 52C connects the test output circuit 26 and the input circuit 25C, and inputs an input signal 101C, which is a test signal 71C, to the input circuit 25C.

Thereby, the input circuit 25C sends the input signal 101C from the input device 52C to the auto tuning unit 31C. Then, the auto tuning unit 31C detects the input signal 101C. At this time, the auto-tuning unit 31C sweeps the pulse width of the pulse output to the test output circuit 26, and records the pulse width at which the pulse is correctly input to the input circuit 25C. The auto-tuning unit 31C sets a pulse having a pulse width that can correctly input a pulse to the input circuit 25C as an output pulse to the test output circuit 26. Thereafter, when the input circuit 25C receives the input signal 101C capable of correctly detecting the pulse, the input circuit 25C sends the input signal 101C to the auto-tuning unit 31C. Then, the auto tuning unit 31C outputs the input signal 101C.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between an output pulse and an input signal according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 shows the output pulse output from the auto-tuning unit 31C and the input signal 101C input to the input circuit 25C.

The test output circuit 26 turns on the output of the test signal 71C, thereby inputting the test signal 71C to the input device 52C. Then, the test output circuit 26 turns off the test signal 71C only for the time when the output pulse is output from the auto tuning unit 31C. Thus, while the test signal 71C is on, the auto tuning unit 31C detects the on input signal 101C, and detects the off input signal 101C at the timing when the auto tuning unit 31C outputs the output pulse.

The auto tuning unit 31C compares the output pulse output to the test output circuit 26 with the off pulse of the input signal 101C input to the input circuit 25C. Specifically, the auto-tuning unit 31C compares the pulse width of the pulse output to the test output circuit 26 with the pulse width of the input signal 101C.

Then, among the pulse widths of the plurality of pulses output to the test output circuit 26, the auto tuning unit 31C determines a pulse width at which the pulse width of the input signal 101C is not erroneously detected by the remote I / O 20C. In this case, the auto-tuning unit 31C selects the pulse with the shortest pulse width among the pulses that are not erroneously detected by the remote I / O 20C. The auto tuning unit 31C sets the pulse width of the selected pulse as an input / output parameter. In the parameter adjustment system 100, the pulse width of the test signal 71C in which the remote I / O 20C does not erroneously detect the input signal 101C fluctuates due to the influence of peripheral devices connected to the remote I / O 20C. Therefore, the auto-tuning unit 31C according to the embodiment determines the pulse width of the output pulse used in the dark test function of the input based on the test signal 71C and the input signal 101C, and this pulse width is one of input / output parameters. Set to Thereby, the auto tuning unit 31C can perform auto tuning in accordance with the actual environment. As a result, the user does not have to set the pulse width of the output pulse used in the dark test function of the input to the input / output parameter.

As described above, the auto-tuning unit 31C performs auto-tuning of the pulse width of the output pulse used in the dark test function of the input according to the actual environment. Then, the parameter management unit 32A manages the input / output parameters that are automatically tuned by the auto-tuning unit 31C.

The parameter managing unit 32A stores the pulse width of the output pulse set up to this time in the dark test process of the input. Then, the parameter management unit 32A sends the pulse width stored so far to the parameter adjustment device 30. Thereby, the error occurrence prediction unit 350 of the parameter adjustment device 30 analyzes the tendency of the pulse width of the pulse input from the input device 52C to the remote I / O 20C based on the history of the pulse width. Then, the parameter adjustment device 30 predicts the time when the pulse width of the detection pulse does not satisfy the reference value. Furthermore, the parameter adjustment device 30 notifies the user of the guidance indicating the prediction result. At this time, the parameter adjustment device 30 notifies the user of the prediction result by displaying transition prediction of the pulse width on a display device such as a liquid crystal monitor. Thereby, the parameter adjustment device 30 prompts the user to retune the parameter value.

The auto-tuning unit 31 C automatically outputs the output timing of the output pulse used in the dark test function of the input based on the timing difference between the output timing of the pulse output to the test output circuit 26 and the detection timing of the input signal 101 C. It may be tuned.

(Pulse width of output pulse used in dark test function of output)
Next, a process of auto-tuning the pulse width of the output pulse used by the dark test function of the output will be described. The auto tuning unit 31X has a dark test function of executing a dark test process of the output. The output dark test function is a function to detect a failure of the output device 51X or the output wiring. The output dark test function is a function of outputting a pulse signal to the output device 51X and testing whether the pulse signal is correctly input to a pulse detection circuit 24D described later.

When the remote I / O 20X shortens the pulse width of the pulse output to the output device 51X, the waveform of the pulse input to the output device 51X may be degraded due to the electrical characteristics of the output device 51X or the output wiring . In such a case, the pulse detection circuit 24X can not correctly detect a pulse, and the remote I / O 20X may erroneously detect a failure. However, when the remote I / O 20X lengthens the pulse width of the output pulse, the output device 51X may malfunction due to the influence of the pulse. Therefore, in the embodiment, the remote I / O 20X adjusts the pulse width of the output pulse used in the dark test function of the output to an appropriate time, and sets the adjusted pulse width to the input / output parameter.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for describing a first processing example of output dark test processing according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 illustrates a remote I / O 20D, which is an example of the remote I / O 20X, and an output device 51D, which is an example of the output device 51X. The remote I / O 20D includes an output circuit 23D which is an example of the output circuit 23X, an auto tuning unit 31D which is an example of the auto tuning unit 31X, and a pulse detection circuit 24D which is an example of the pulse detection circuit 24X. In FIG. 11, among the components included in the remote I / O 20D, components other than the pulse detection circuit 24D, the output circuit 23D, and the auto-tuning unit 31D are not shown.

When the remote I / O 20D and the output device 51D are connected, the output device 51D does not need to send a signal output from the output device 51D to the pulse detection circuit 24D. Therefore, the wiring on the output side of the output device 51D is not connected to the pulse detection circuit 24D.

The output circuit 23D includes a power source 73D which is a signal source, and the power source 73D outputs an output signal 76D. The output circuit 23D is connected to the auto tuning unit 31D, and outputs the output signal 76D to the output device 51D according to the pulse of the output signal 76D output from the auto tuning unit 31D. At this time, the auto tuning unit 31D sends the output signal 76D sent from the parameter management unit 32A to the output circuit 23D.

The output device 51D has a load 75D. The output device 51D is connected to the output circuit 23D, and the output signal 76D from the output circuit 23D is applied to the load 75D. One of the output devices 51D is connected to the output circuit 23D, and the other is connected to 0V. The output circuit 23D is connected to the pulse detection circuit 24D. With this configuration, the pulse detection circuit 24D detects the output signal 76D if there is no failure between the output circuit 23D and the output device 51D.

The pulse detection circuit 24D sends the output signal 76D from the output circuit 23D to the auto tuning unit 31D. Then, the auto tuning unit 31D acquires the output signal 76D. At this time, the auto-tuning unit 31D sweeps the pulse width of the pulse output to the output circuit 23D, and records a pulse width that allows the pulse to be detected correctly by the pulse detection circuit 24D.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for describing a first relationship between an output pulse and a detection pulse according to the embodiment. FIG. 12 shows the output pulse output from the auto-tuning unit 31D and the detection pulse detected by the pulse detection circuit 24D.

The output circuit 23D turns on the output of the output signal 76D, thereby inputting the output signal 76D to the output device 51D. Then, the output circuit 23D turns off the output signal 76D for the time when the output pulse is output from the auto tuning unit 31D. Thus, while the output signal 76D is on, the pulse detection circuit 24D detects an on signal and detects an off signal at the timing when the auto tuning unit 31D outputs an output pulse.

The auto tuning unit 31D compares the output pulse output to the output circuit 23D with the detection pulse detected by the pulse detection circuit 24D. Specifically, the auto-tuning unit 31D compares the pulse width of the output pulse output to the output circuit 23D with the pulse width of the detection pulse of the output signal 76D detected by the pulse detection circuit 24D.

Then, the auto-tuning unit 31D determines the pulse width of a pulse that is not erroneously detected by the pulse detection circuit 24D among the pulse widths of the plurality of pulses output to the output circuit 23D. In this case, the auto-tuning unit 31D selects the shortest pulse width from pulse widths that are not erroneously detected by the pulse detection circuit 24D. The auto tuning unit 31D sets the selected pulse width as an input / output parameter. In the parameter adjustment system 100, the pulse width of the output signal 76D from which the remote I / O 20D does not erroneously detect the output signal 76D fluctuates due to the influence of peripheral devices connected to the remote I / O 20D. Therefore, the auto-tuning unit 31D according to the embodiment determines the output dark based on the pulse width of the output pulse output to the output circuit 23D and the pulse width of the detection pulse of the output signal 76D detected by the pulse detection circuit 24D. The pulse width of the output pulse used in the test function is determined, and this pulse width is set to one of the input and output parameters. Thus, the auto tuning unit 31D can perform auto tuning in accordance with the actual environment. As a result, the user does not have to set the pulse width of the output pulse used in the output dark test function to the input / output parameter.

Thus, the auto-tuning unit 31D performs auto-tuning of the pulse width of the output pulse used in the dark test function of the output according to the actual environment. Then, the parameter managing unit 32A manages the input / output parameters that are automatically tuned by the auto tuning unit 31D.

The parameter managing unit 32A also stores the pulse width set up to now in the dark test process of the output. Then, the parameter management unit 32A sends the pulse width stored so far to the parameter adjustment device 30. Thereby, the error occurrence prediction unit 350 of the parameter adjustment device 30 analyzes the tendency of the pulse width of the pulse output from the output circuit 23D to the output device 51D based on the history of the pulse width. Then, the parameter adjustment device 30 predicts the time when the pulse width of the detection pulse does not satisfy the reference value. Furthermore, the parameter adjustment device 30 notifies the user of the guidance indicating the prediction result. At this time, the parameter adjustment device 30 notifies the user of the prediction result by displaying transition prediction of the pulse width on a display device such as a liquid crystal monitor. Thereby, the parameter adjustment device 30 prompts the user to retune the parameter value.

The auto-tuning unit 31D performs auto-tuning of the output timing of the output pulse used in the dark test function of the output based on the timing shift between the output timing of the pulse output to the output circuit 23D and the detection timing of the detection pulse. May be

There are various types of output circuits applied to the remote I / O 20X. In the remote I / O 20X, the output circuit 23X may be disposed on the power supply 73D side, or the output circuit 23X may be disposed on both the power supply 73D side and the 0 V side. The remote I / O 20X when the output circuit 23X is disposed on the power supply 73D side is the remote I / O 20D. The remote I / O 20X in which the output circuit 23X is disposed on both the power supply 73D side and the 0 V side also performs the same auto-tuning as the remote I / O 20D in the case where the output circuit 23X is disposed on the power supply 73D side.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for describing a second processing example of the output dark test processing according to the embodiment. FIG. 13 illustrates a remote I / O 20E, which is an example of the remote I / O 20X, and an output device 51E, which is an example of the output device 51X. The remote I / O 20E includes output circuits 23E and 23F which are an example of the output circuit 23X, an auto tuning unit 31E which is an example of the auto tuning unit 31X, and pulse detection circuits 24E and 24F which is an example of the pulse detection circuit 24X. Have. In FIG. 13, among the components included in the remote I / O 20E, components other than the pulse detection circuits 24E and 24F, the output circuits 23E and 23F, and the auto-tuning unit 31E are not shown.

The output circuit 23E includes a power source 73E which is a signal source, and the power source 73E outputs an output signal 76E. The output circuit 23E is connected to the auto tuning unit 31E, and outputs the output signal 76E to the output device 51E according to the pulse of the output signal 105 output from the auto tuning unit 31E. At this time, the auto tuning unit 31E sends the output signal 105 sent from the parameter management unit 32A to the output circuit 23E.

The output circuit 23F is connected to 0 V and outputs an output signal of 0 V. The output circuit 23F is connected to the auto tuning unit 31E, and outputs an output signal of 0 V to the output device 51E according to the pulse output from the auto tuning unit 31E. At this time, the auto tuning unit 31E sends the output signal 106 sent from the parameter management unit 32A to the output circuit 23F.

The output device 51E has a load 75E. The output device 51E is connected to the output circuit 23E, and the output signal 76E from the output circuit 23E is applied to the load 75E. One of the output devices 51E is connected to the output circuit 23E, and the other is connected to the output circuit 23F.

The output circuit 23E is connected to the pulse detection circuit 24E. With this configuration, the pulse detection circuit 24E detects the output signal 76E if there is no failure between the output circuit 23E and the output device 51E.

The output circuit 23F is connected to the pulse detection circuit 24F. With this configuration, the pulse detection circuit 24F detects a signal of 0 V if there is no failure between the output circuit 23F and the output device 51E.

The pulse detection circuit 24E sends the output signal 76E from the output circuit 23E to the auto tuning unit 31E. Then, the auto tuning unit 31E acquires the output signal 76E. At this time, the auto-tuning unit 31E sweeps the pulse width of the pulse to be output to the output circuit 23E, and records the pulse width that can be detected correctly by the pulse detection circuit 24E.

Also, the pulse detection circuit 24F sends the 0 V signal from the output circuit 23F to the auto tuning unit 31E. Then, the auto tuning unit 31E acquires a signal of 0 V. At this time, the auto-tuning unit 31E sweeps the pulse width of the pulse output to the output circuit 23F, and records a pulse width that allows the pulse to be detected correctly by the pulse detection circuit 24F.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for describing a second relationship between an output pulse and a detection pulse according to the embodiment. FIG. 14 shows the output pulse output from the auto-tuning unit 31E to the output circuit 23E and the detection pulse detected by the pulse detection circuits 24E and 24F.

The output circuit 23E in this case turns on the output of the output signal 76E, thereby inputting the output signal 76E to the output device 51E. Furthermore, the output circuit 23F keeps the output signal 76E off. Then, the output circuit 23E turns off the output signal 76E for the time when the output pulse is output from the auto tuning unit 31E. Thus, while the output signal 76E is on, the pulse detection circuits 24E and 24F detect the on signal and detect the off signal at the timing when the auto tuning unit 31E outputs the output pulse.

The auto tuning unit 31E compares the output pulse output to the output circuit 23E with the detection pulse detected by the pulse detection circuits 24E and 24F. Specifically, the auto-tuning unit 31E compares the pulse width of the output pulse output to the output circuit 23E with the pulse width of the detection pulse detected by the pulse detection circuits 24E and 24F.

Then, among the pulse widths of the plurality of pulses output to the output circuit 23E, the auto-tuning unit 31E determines the pulse widths of the pulses for which the detection pulses are not erroneously detected by the pulse detection circuits 24E and 24F. In this case, the auto-tuning unit 31E selects the shortest pulse width from pulse widths which are not erroneously detected by the pulse detection circuits 24E and 24F. The auto tuning unit 31E sets the selected pulse width as an input / output parameter.

Thus, the auto tuning unit 31E performs the same auto tuning as the auto tuning unit 31D. Then, the parameter managing unit 32A manages the input / output parameters which are automatically tuned by the auto tuning unit 31E.

The parameter managing unit 32A also stores the pulse width set up to now in the dark test process of the output. Then, the parameter management unit 32A sends the pulse width stored so far to the parameter adjustment device 30. Thereby, the parameter adjustment device 30 executes the management of the parameter values described above, the analysis of the tendency of the pulse width, the prediction of the time when the pulse width does not satisfy the reference value, and the notification of the prediction result to the user.

The auto-tuning unit 31E performs auto-tuning of the output timing of the output pulse used in the dark test function of the output based on the timing shift between the output timing of the pulse output to the output circuit 23E and the detection timing of the detection pulse. May be

The remote I / O 20D having the output circuit 23D on the power supply 73D side can detect the failure of the power supply sticking and the 0V sticking of the output wiring on the power supply 73D side. On the other hand, the remote I / O 20E in which the output circuit 23E is disposed on the power supply 73E side and the output circuit 23F is disposed on the 0V side can detect power supply sticking and 0V sticking on both the power supply 73E side and 0V. Further, the remote I / O 20E can detect a disconnection failure in the output device 51E and a disconnection failure of a wiring connected to the output device 51E.

In the parameter adjustment system 100, an engineering tool 90 (not shown) having the function of the parameter adjustment device 30 may instruct the above-described remote I / Os 20A to 20E to execute auto tuning via the control unit 10. Here, processing in the case where the control unit 10 instructs the remote I / Os 20A to 20E to execute auto tuning based on an instruction from the engineering tool 90 will be described.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a first screen example of the engineering tool according to the embodiment. Here, the screen 150 on which the engineering tool 90 having the function of the parameter adjustment device 30 displays the device to be the target of the auto-tuning is shown.

The screen 150 of the engineering tool 90 is displayed on a display device connected to the PC 9. The engineering tool 90 lists the names of devices that can be targets of auto-tuning in the screen area 94 in the screen 150. In addition, the engineering tool 90 displays a button 95 for auto-tuning all the devices listed in the screen area 94 collectively. When this button 95 is selected by the user, the engineering tool 90 sends an auto tuning instruction to the listed devices. Since the list display here includes the name of the remote I / O 20X, the engineering tool 90 sends an auto-tuning instruction to the control unit 10 that controls the remote I / O 20X. Thereby, the control unit 10 sends an instruction of auto tuning to the remote I / O 20X, and the remote I / O 20X executes auto tuning.

The engineering tool 90 may collectively send an instruction of auto tuning to a device selected by the user from among the devices listed on the screen 150. When a plurality of remote I / Os 20X are displayed on the screen 150 and the plurality of remote I / Os 20X are selected by the user, the engineering tool 90 sends the auto tuning instruction to the selected remote I / O 20X in a batch. .

Further, the screen 150 displays device names for each station, such as the control unit 10 and the remote I / O 20X. When one of the device names is selected by the user, the engineering tool 90 displays a screen 151 described later.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a second screen example of the engineering tool according to the embodiment. When the remote I / O 20X is selected by the user on the screen 150, the engineering tool 90 displays the screen 151. The screen 151 is a screen for setting communication parameters and input / output parameters in the remote I / O 20X.

The engineering tool 90 displays a list of items that can be automatically tuned to the remote I / O 20X on the screen 151. Further, the engineering tool 90 displays a button 96 for executing auto tuning on the screen 151. In the screen 151, when one or more of the items that can be auto-tuned are selected by the user and then the button 96 is pressed by the user, the engineering tool 90 instructs the auto-tuning of the selected item to be performed. Are output to the control unit 10.

Here, setting processing of the tuning range of the parameter will be described. FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining setting processing of a parameter tuning range according to the embodiment. In FIG. 17, the screen 160 which the parameter adjustment apparatus 30 displays on a display apparatus is shown. The screen 160 is a screen for setting the tuning range of the parameter. The screen 160 displays the parameter name of the parameter to be set and the tuning range. The tuning range is set by user's numerical value input operation. The tuning range is an allowable range of parameters, and is defined by the lower limit value and the upper limit value which allow tuning.

The adjustment setting unit 330 sets a tuning range of parameters in accordance with an instruction from the user. Then, the adjustment setting unit 330 causes the parameter management unit 320X to store the set tuning range. The parameter adjustment device 30 may store the tuning range stored in the parameter management unit 320X in the parameter management unit 32B of the control unit 10 or may store the tuning range in the parameter management unit 32A of the remote I / O 20X. In this way, setting the tuning range of the parameters can prevent unexpected settings from being performed by auto tuning.

Next, the setting process procedure of the auto tuning will be described. FIG. 18 is a flowchart of an auto-tuning setting process according to the embodiment. Here, the case where the control unit 10 and the remote I / O 20X execute auto tuning in accordance with an instruction from the parameter adjustment device 30 will be described. The control unit 10 here performs auto tuning while displaying various information on the programmable display.

The parameter managing unit 320X of the parameter adjusting device 30 stores setting values used for adjusting the parameters. Examples of this set value are the initial value of the parameter and the tuning range of the parameter. The initial value and tuning range of this parameter may be set from the control unit 10 by the user, or may be set from the parameter adjustment device 30 by the user. In addition, when the tuning range is input by the user, the parameter managing unit 320X receives and stores the tuning range. The instruction unit 310 of the parameter adjustment device 30 sends an instruction of auto tuning to the control unit 10 based on the information stored in the parameter management unit 320X. The instruction that the instruction unit 310 sends to the parameter management unit 320X includes a setting range to be subjected to the auto-tuning. The setting range to be subjected to the auto tuning is information indicating which parameter value of which device is to be subjected to the auto tuning.

In step S10, the control unit 10 receives a set range to be an object of auto tuning, and inputs the set range to the auto tuning unit 31Z. In step S20, the control unit 10 starts auto tuning. Then, in step S30, the control unit 10 transmits the setting range data and the tuning start instruction to the auto tuning units 31X and 31Y of the remote I / O 20X. The setting range data is information specifying the type of parameter to be subjected to auto tuning, and the tuning start instruction is information instructing start of auto tuning.

In step S40, the auto-tuning units 31X and 31Y of the remote I / O 20X receive the setting range data and the tuning start instruction from the control unit 10. Thereby, in step S50, the auto tuning units 31X and 31Y start auto tuning. Then, in step S60, the auto-tuning units 31X and 31Y perform auto-tuning while sweeping the parameter values. An example of a sweep of parameter values is a sweep of communication time-out time T1 or a sweep of pulse width.

In step S70, the auto-tuning units 31X and 31Y execute a detection check as to which parameter is used for processing. An example of the detection check performed by the auto-tuning units 31X and 31Y is whether the pulse width of the input signal 101C input to the input circuit 25C is larger than a reference value or detection pulses detected by the pulse detection circuits 24D to 24F. The pulse width of is larger than the reference value.

If the detection check fails, that is, No in step S70, the auto tuning units 31X and 31Y execute the processes of steps S60 and S70. The auto-tuning units 31X and 31Y repeat the processes of steps S60 and S70 until the detection check passes.

If the detection check is passed, that is, if Yes in step S70, the auto tuning units 31X and 31Y transmit the parameter value determined to be passed to the control unit 10 in step S80.

In step S90, the auto tuning unit 31Z of the control unit 10 receives the parameter values from the auto tuning units 31X and 31Y. In step S100, the auto-tuning unit 31Z causes the programmable display to display the parameter value that is the tuning result. Thus, the control unit 10 presents the parameter value to the user. The programmable display has an approval button for approving the displayed parameter value. The approval button may be displayed on the touch panel included in the programmable display, or may be disposed at another place. When the approval button is pressed by the user, the programmable display transmits information indicating that it has been approved to the control unit 10. Accordingly, the control unit 10 determines that the parameter value is approved, and transmits a parameter value setting command to the remote I / O 20X in step S110. The parameter value setting instruction is an instruction for setting the latest parameter value sent from the remote I / O 20X to the parameter value used by the remote I / O 20X.

In step S120, the parameter management unit 32A receives a parameter value setting command from the control unit 10. Then, in step S130, the auto-tuning units 31X and 31Y write the parameter value corresponding to the parameter value setting command in the parameter management unit 32A in the remote I / O 20X. The parameter value corresponding to the parameter value setting command is the parameter value transmitted by the remote I / O 20X to the control unit 10 in the process of step S80.

Thereby, the parameter managing unit 32A stores the parameter value corresponding to the parameter value setting instruction in addition to the initial value of the parameter and the tuning range. The parameter value stored by the parameter management unit 32A is a parameter setting value. The auto-tuning units 31X and 31Y may write parameter values corresponding to the parameter value setting instruction into an apparatus other than the remote I / O 20X.

In step S140, when the setting of the parameter values is completed, the auto-tuning units 31X and 31Y transmit, to the control unit 10, a setting result indicating that the setting has been properly performed. Then, in step S150, the control unit 10 receives the setting result indicating that the setting has been properly performed.

The control unit 10 sends the parameter values set by the auto-tuning units 31X and 31Y to the parameter adjustment device 30. The parameter values set by the auto tuning units 31X and 31Y are the parameter values written to the parameter management unit 32A by the auto tuning units 31X and 31Y in the process of step S130. This parameter value is a parameter value received by the control unit 10 in the process of step S90.

Any one of the auto tuning units 31X and 31Y may perform auto tuning first. Further, the auto tuning units 31X and 31Y may execute auto tuning at the same time.

Here, the hardware configuration of the parameter adjustment device 30 described in the embodiment will be described. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a microcomputer according to the embodiment. The parameter adjustment device 30 can be realized by the control circuit 300 shown in FIG. 19, that is, the processor 301 and the memory 302. The processor 301 is a CPU (also referred to as a central processing unit, processing unit, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, processor, DSP (Digital Signal Processor)), system LSI (Large Scale Integration), or the like. The memory 302 may be a nonvolatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as a random access memory (RAM) or a read only memory (ROM), or may be a magnetic disk or a flexible disk.

The parameter adjustment device 30 is realized by the processor 301 reading out and executing a program stored in the memory 302 for operating as the parameter adjustment device 30. Further, it can be said that this program causes a computer to execute the procedure or method of the instruction unit 310, the parameter management unit 320X, the adjustment setting unit 330, the adjustment history storage unit 340, and the error occurrence prediction unit 350. The memory 302 is also used as a temporary memory when the processor 301 executes various processes.

Thus, the program executed by the processor 301 is a computer-executable computer program product having a computer readable non-transitory recording medium including a plurality of instructions for determining a component temperature. It is. The program executed by the processor 301 causes the computer to execute temperature determinations of a plurality of instructions.

The function of the parameter adjustment device 30 may be realized by dedicated hardware. In addition, a part of the function of the parameter adjustment device 30 may be realized by dedicated hardware and a part may be realized by software or firmware.

The parameter adjustment system 100 increases the load of the control unit 10, the inter-PLC network 5 or the field network 11 by the expansion of the function. In such a case, the PLC system may not be able to execute desired processing with the communication parameters set initially. As a result, the PLC system may be frequently shut down. In the embodiment, since the parameter adjustment device 30 predicts the timing at which the response time of communication exceeds the timeout time T1 and notifies the user, the PLC 6 and the remote I / O 20X communicate parameters before the PLC system stops. It is possible to execute the auto tuning of

In the parameter adjustment system 100, when mechanical aging of the input device 52X or the output device 51X occurs, temporal variations in input signals or deterioration of signal waveforms occur. In such a case, the PLC system may not be able to execute desired processing with the input / output parameters set initially. As a result, the PLC system may be frequently shut down. In the embodiment, the parameter adjustment device 30 analyzes and analyzes the tendency of communication processing, the tendency of chattering of an input signal, the tendency of mismatched duplicated signals, and the tendency of pulse widths of signals used for signal input and output. Since the result is notified to the user, the remote I / O 20X can perform auto tuning of input / output parameters before the PLC system stops.

As described above, the parameter adjustment system 100 can collectively set parameter values in accordance with the actual system, so that shortening of the operation time and prevention of deterioration of the response performance can be realized.

The control unit 10 may send an execution instruction of auto tuning to an I / O unit which is an input / output unit included in the PLC 6. In this case, the I / O unit is an input / output device, and the I / O unit executes auto tuning by the same processing as the remote I / O 20X.

As described above, according to the embodiment, the parameter adjustment device 30 collectively instructs parameter adjustment to a plurality of devices including the remote I / O 20X, and the remote I / O 20X instructs the parameter adjustment device 30 Since parameter adjustment is performed according to the above, parameter values can be easily set in a plurality of devices.

In addition, since the parameter adjustment device 30 is disposed in the PLCs 6 to 8, the PC 9, the remote I / O 20X, the edge computer 2, the host computer 3 or the server 1, it is possible to collectively transmit auto tuning instructions from various positions. it can.

The configuration shown in the above embodiment shows an example of the contents of the present invention, and can be combined with another known technique, and one of the configurations is possible within the scope of the present invention. Parts can be omitted or changed.

Reference Signs List 1 server, 2 edge computer, 3 host computer, 6 to 8 PLC, 9 PC, 10 control unit, 20A to 20E, 20X remote I / O, 22 microcomputer, 23D to 23F, 23X output circuit, 24D to 24F, 24X Pulse detection circuit, 25A, 25C, 25X, 25a, 25b input circuit, 26 test output circuit, 30 parameter adjustment device, 31A to 31E, 31X to 31Z auto tuning unit, 32A, 32B, 320X parameter management unit, 51D, 51E, 51X output device, 52A to 52C, 52X input device, 100 parameter adjustment system, 310 instruction unit, 330 adjustment setting unit, 340 adjustment history storage unit, 350 error occurrence prediction unit.

Claims

An input / output device that inputs / outputs a signal using a parameter in accordance with an instruction from a control device that controls the controlled device;
A parameter adjustment device that instructs the plurality of input / output devices to adjust the parameters;
Equipped with
The parameter adjustment system, wherein the input / output device adjusts the parameter according to an actual environment according to an instruction from the parameter adjustment device.
The parameter adjustment device collectively instructs adjustment of the parameters to a plurality of the input / output devices.
The parameter adjustment system according to claim 1, characterized in that:
The parameter adjustment device is provided in the control device, in the input / output device, in an edge computer connected above the control device, or in an engineering tool.
The parameter adjustment system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that:
The parameters include communication parameters and input / output parameters
The input / output device adjusts the communication parameter and the input / output parameter in accordance with an instruction from the parameter adjustment device.
The parameter adjustment system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that:
The parameter adjustment device
A parameter management unit that manages setting values used to adjust the parameters;
An instruction unit that transmits the setting value to the input / output device;
Have
The input / output device adjusts the parameter based on the setting value.
The parameter adjustment system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that:
The parameter adjustment device
An adjustment setting unit configured to set an allowable range of the parameter based on an instruction from a user;
An instruction unit that transmits a setting value used to adjust the parameter to the input / output device;
Have
The input / output device adjusts the parameter based on the allowable range.
The parameter adjustment system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that:
The parameter adjustment device
An adjustment history storage unit that stores a history of parameter setting values that are parameters after adjustment or a history of correction values used for adjustment of the parameters;
An error occurrence prediction unit that predicts an error occurring in the input / output device based on a history of the parameter setting value or a history of the correction value;
Have
The parameter adjustment system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that:
The controller is a control unit disposed in a programmable logic controller,
The input / output device is a remote input / output device that inputs / outputs the signal to / from the controlled device,
The parameter adjustment system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that:
An input / output step of inputting / outputting a signal using a parameter in accordance with an instruction from a control device that controls the controlled device;
An instruction step of the parameter adjustment device instructing the plurality of input / output devices to adjust the parameters collectively;
An adjusting step in which the input / output device adjusts the parameter in accordance with an instruction from the parameter adjusting device;
including,
Parameter adjustment method characterized in that.
An input / output device that inputs / outputs a signal using a parameter according to an instruction from a control device that controls a controlled device,
An input / output device comprising an auto-tuning unit that adjusts the parameter according to the actual environment according to an instruction from the parameter adjustment device that instructs the input / output device and the other input / output device to adjust the parameter .