JP5032764B2 - Equipment controller for industrial equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to equipment controller of the industrial equipment.

  In large-scale devices such as manufacturing / inspection / evaluation devices used in the field of semiconductor manufacturing and automatic analyzers used in the medical field, a plurality of substrates (boards) having different functions are used. A method for configuring an in-device control system is known. This is because, if the entire function of the device is realized with a single board, the board becomes too large and the processing becomes complicated. Therefore, the functions are distributed over a plurality of boards, thereby facilitating maintenance and upgrading of the apparatus itself. ing.

  The above idea is general and standardized in the industry. A standard for configuring a board, for example, a VME bus (Versa Module Europe: IEEE1014 standard asynchronous bus), a compact PCI (Peripheral Components Interconnect) bus, and the like are housed in the motherboard as a common bus. A backplane storage type system having a rack mounting configuration in which a plurality of slots connected in parallel to the common bus are provided and a board is inserted into each slot is widely applied to the in-device control system.

  The control system in the apparatus using the board conforming to the standard such as the VME bus has a master module which is a board for managing the entire apparatus and a plurality of slave modules which are boards for realizing each function. Composed. Since the master module manages the configuration and control of the VME bus and the like, the master module also knows the functions and configuration of the entire apparatus. Since the master module is equipped with an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) and controls the entire apparatus by an embedded program, it is called an apparatus controller or an embedded controller.

  FIG. 8 shows a configuration of a conventional apparatus controller. The device controller (board) 21 is supplied with operating power via the VME bus buffer 2131 by connecting the VME bus connector 2132 to a backplane (not shown). The device controller 21 has a built-in MPU 2100 and operates based on a program stored in the main memory 2120. The communication between the device controller 21 and an actual device of an industrial device (not shown) is performed from the MPU 2100 to the MPU bus 2101, the system control LSI 2112, the PCI bus 2102, the VME-PCI bus bridge 2130, the VME bus buffer 2131, the connector 2132, and a backplane (not shown). This is done by transmitting / receiving data to / from the actual device via a slave module connected to the network and a predetermined transmission line. Note that, in FIG. 8, elements that have not been described among the elements indicated by reference numerals will be described in an embodiment described later.

  Further, in Patent Document 1, a plurality of gate arrays (FPGAs) configured to configure an internal logic circuit are mounted on a device controller, and the internal logic circuit is divided into functions and divided into a plurality of gate arrays. The technology is disclosed.

In recent years, industrial equipment used in manufacturing equipment, inspection equipment, analysis equipment, etc. in various fields has been automated and improved in performance with the development of computer technology etc., and the role of industrial equipment is extremely important. It is becoming. In order to realize these demands, there is a growing need for higher-function and high-reliability industrial equipment, that is, more sophisticated equipment, and correspondingly, software built into the equipment. Volumes in the world are increasing rapidly. For this reason, the proportion of software development in the device development of new products has increased, making it difficult to develop products in a short period of time. As a corresponding method, device controllers and slaves are provisionally used for software debugging. Measures are taken such as preparing a partial debugging environment for modules in advance, or making prototypes of multiple devices.
Japanese Patent No. 3686380 (paragraphs “0012” to “0025”, FIG. 1)

  However, even when the above method is adopted, there is a problem that full-scale software debugging cannot be performed unless the hardware of the apparatus (actual machine) is manufactured. In the entire device development process, hardware and software development can only be performed in series in the verification part regarding functions, performance, reliability, etc., and thus no radical solution has been reached regarding shortening the development period.

  For this reason, in order to radically shorten the device development period, it is necessary to perform software development at a level that is different from the previous device development process. In particular, parallel hardware and software development must be realized. Is essential.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a technology capable of debugging the same software as a real machine in a non-real machine environment, corresponding to the advancement of electronic devices including industrial devices.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention accommodates a device controller equipped with software and one or more slave modules in a rack equipped with a bus communicable with an actual machine constituting an industrial device. In the virtual simulation system of an industrial device in which a virtual device that simulates the operation of the real machine is connected to the outside, the device controller uses the same data as communication data communicated with the real machine via the bus The apparatus controller includes a data transfer interface circuit that communicates with the virtual device, a mode switch that switches an operation mode in a communication state, and the device controller performs communication between the built-in MPU and the slave module. One mode and a second mode for communication between the MPU and the virtual device. And in the state where the virtual device and the real machine are connected to the device controller as in the first mode, communication between the MPU built in the device controller and the real machine is performed via the slave module. In addition, as in the second mode, a third mode for performing communication between the MPU and the virtual device, and a fourth mode for performing communication between the virtual device and the real machine via the slave module, And is configured to transmit and receive data by switching to one of the first mode, the second mode, the third mode, and the fourth mode according to a command from the mode switch. It is characterized by.

  According to this configuration, when a virtual device is configured with a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “PC” as appropriate), the virtual device is configured as a virtual device, a device controller, and a PC for human interface that is directly connected to the device controller. By making it possible to build a virtual environment that uses a real machine, it is possible to develop software without being involved in the hardware production process of the prototype device.

  Furthermore, according to this configuration, the data transmitted and received between the device controller and the slave module are output in parallel to the virtual device via the data transfer interface circuit, so the timing of the virtual hardware in the virtual device is compared.・ Can analyze and learn.

  Furthermore, according to such a configuration, since the virtual device can communicate with the slave module via the data transfer interface circuit without using the microprocessor equipped with the device controller, diagnosis and learning of the operation and timing of the device controller can be performed. It can be carried out.

  According to the present invention, software can be debugged in the same environment as an actual machine with a system configuration including an apparatus controller and a virtual device configured by a PC, so that software development can be performed even without an actual machine. Therefore, since hardware and software can be developed in parallel, the development period of the apparatus can be shortened.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter appropriately described as “embodiment”) will be described in detail. FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram showing a schematic structure of a large-scale industrial apparatus and an arrangement of devices in the industrial apparatus. The large-scale industrial equipment here is represented by manufacturing equipment and inspection equipment used in the field of semiconductor manufacturing, analytical equipment and automation equipment used in the fields of physics and chemistry and medicine. The apparatus has a large number of I / Os, and transport control and sensor / actuator control for processing such as manufacturing, inspection, and analysis are performed.

  A large number of field devices 1 such as motors, valves, sensors, and the like are distributed in the apparatus shown in FIG. The slave modules (22 to 24) in the device control rack 2 and the field device 1 are connected by the wiring 5, and the device controller 21 in the device control rack 2 connects the field device 1 via the slave modules (22 to 24). I have control. The human interface device (operation terminal) 3 is connected to the apparatus controller 21 via a LAN (Local Area Network) such as Ethernet (registered trademark), and allows an operator to perform processing such as system manufacture, inspection, and analysis. The operation is performed via the human interface device 3 and the progress of each process is displayed on the screen.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a structural example of an apparatus control rack using a VME bus. The device control rack 2 includes a backplane 20 corresponding to a VME bus, a device controller 21 and slave modules (22 to 24). The slave modules (22 to 24) are a slave module 22 that performs extended communication such as RS-232C (Recommended Standard 232 version C), a slave module 23 that performs control processing of a pulse motor, and a slave that performs control processing of a sensor / actuator. Module 24 etc. are included.

  The device controller 21 can be attached in the device control rack 2 by one, and the slot to be attached is designated. A plurality of slave modules (22 to 24) can be mounted according to the scale of the apparatus, and an expansion slot may be provided in the apparatus control rack 2 in consideration of future function expansion. . The operating power of these substrates is supplied through a power line of, for example, +5 V that extends through the backplane 20.

  Substrates such as the device controller 21 and slave modules (22 to 24) mounted in the device control rack 2 are connected via a VME bus mounted on the backplane 20 in the device control rack 2. The various slave modules (22 to 24) perform I / O control processing in accordance with instructions from the device controller 21 connected via the VME bus. For this reason, each field device 1 in FIG. 1 is configured to be controlled by the MPU of the apparatus controller 21 via each slave module (22 to 24).

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an apparatus controller in the industrial apparatus according to the present embodiment. As described above, the device controller 21 operates from the backplane 20 via the connector 2132, VME bus buffer 2131, and VME-PCI bus bridge 2130 by connecting the VMEbus connector 2132 to the backplane 20 of FIG. 2. The power is supplied. The device controller 21 incorporates a high-performance MPU 2100 and normally operates according to a program incorporated in the main memory 2120.

A connector for communication I / F is arranged on the front panel of the device controller 21 for connection with the field device 1. Specifically, connectors for communication interfaces such as LAN, USB (Universal Serial Bus), RS-232C (hereinafter referred to as “communication I / F” as appropriate) are arranged, and a dedicated chip (not shown) of the communication I / F is controlled. For this purpose, the MPU 2100 and the dedicated chip are connected by the PCI bus 2102 and the local bus 2103. Here, the connector 2142 is a LAN communication connector for connecting to the human interface device 3 (FIG. 1) or a host system (not shown), and the connector 2152 is for USB communication for connecting to an auxiliary storage device such as a USB memory. The connector 2162 is an RS-232C communication connector for connecting to a barcode reader or a peripheral device of the apparatus by RS-232C or the like.
The connector 2172 is a connector for connecting to a nonvolatile memory 2173 for storing device information. As an example of the nonvolatile memory 2173, a nonvolatile memory card or the like is mounted.

  The non-volatile memory 2173 is a module in the form of a memory card that can be detached from the device controller 21, and has a capacity of, for example, about 128 MB to 1 GB. The nonvolatile memory 2173 stores confidential information such as setting values of the operating conditions of the apparatus, operation history / maintenance information of each part in the apparatus, in addition to the apparatus control program and the diagnosis / maintenance program of the apparatus controller 21. ing.

These communication I / Fs communicate with an external device via a communication-specific MAU (Medium Attachment Unit) from a communication dedicated controller having a dedicated chip (not shown). That is, the LAN controller 2140 performs LAN communication via the LAN MAU 2141, the USB controller 2150 performs USB communication via the USB MAU 2151, and the RS-232C controller 2160 performs RS-232C communication via the driver receiver 2161.
In addition, communication with the nonvolatile memory 2173 is performed via the external memory I / F circuit 2170.
Each communication dedicated controller (2140, 2150, 2160) and external memory I / F circuit 2170 are compatible with the PCI bus 2102 and the local bus 2103. For this reason, a PCI bus 2102 and a local bus 2103 are wired in the device controller 21 in addition to the MPU bus 2101 including the address bus, data bus, and control line of the MPU 2100.

  A connector 2182 is a connector for connecting to a virtual device, and is one of the embodiments, a virtual mode (second mode), a learning mode (third mode), and a test mode (fourth mode). Used during implementation. A detailed description of the virtual device and each mode will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  In the configuration of FIG. 3, the VME-PCI bus bridge 2130 is connected to the PCI bus 2102 in order to connect the device controller 21 and the backplane 20 of FIG. 2 via the VME bus, but the processing performance of the VME bus is improved. If necessary, the configuration in which the VME-PCI bus bridge 2130 is directly connected to the MPU bus 2101 may be changed including the internal configuration.

  The main memory 2120 is composed of, for example, a plurality of SDRAMs (Synchronous DRAMs), and is used as a program executed by the MPU 2100 and a work area thereof.

  The system control LSI 2112 arbitrates operations between the individually operating buses such as the PCI bus 2102 and the local bus 2103 in the device controller 21 and the MPU 2100 and the main memory 2120.

  The RTC 2190 is a watch having a calendar function, and the MPU 2100 can read out the information via the local bus 2103 and set the RTC 2190.

  A high-speed data transfer interface circuit (hereinafter referred to as “high-speed data transfer I / F circuit” as appropriate) (data transfer interface circuit) 2180 is a slave connected by a VME bus connector 2132 via a system control LSI 2112 and a PCI bus 2102. It has a function of transmitting or transferring communication data between the modules (22 to 24) and the MPU 2100 together with the virtual device 4 and the like, and a signal from the mode switch 2181 (for example, a switch provided in the mode switch 2181) ) Switches the direction of data transmission and the interface for communication.

[Each mode and operation]
FIG. 6 shows each mode and communication device switched by the mode switch. FIG. 5 is an operation flow of the device controller 21 in each mode of FIG. Each mode and the operation of the device controller 21 will be described with reference to FIG.

(Actual machine mode)
The apparatus configuration in the real machine mode (first mode) in FIG. 6 is the form shown in FIG.
The actual machine mode is a mode in which data communication between the MPU 2100 of the device controller 21 and the field device 1 (actual machine) in FIG. 3 is performed via a plurality of slave modules (22 to 24), and the MPU 2100, MPU bus 2101, Communication is performed via the system control LSI 2112, the PCI bus 2102, the VME-PCI bus bridge 2130, the VME bus buffer 2131, and the connector 2132. In this case, communication with the virtual device 4 (FIG. 4) is not performed.

Referring to FIG. 5A, the real machine mode will be described in detail. The high-speed data transfer I / F circuit 2180 of the device controller 21 monitors data transmission from the MPU 2100 to the system control LSI 2112 (S611). If this happens (S612 → Yes), the system control LSI 2112 is instructed to transmit the data to the corresponding slave modules (22 to 24) (S613). As a result, data is transmitted from the MPU 2100 to the corresponding slave module. On the other hand, if there is no transmission data (S612 → None), the process returns to step S611.
Furthermore, the high-speed data transfer I / F circuit 2180 monitors the presence / absence of transmission data transmitted from the slave modules (22 to 24) to the device controller 21 (S614), and when there is transmission data (S615 → present). ) Instructs the system control LSI 2112 to transmit the data to the MPU 2100 (S616). As a result, data is transmitted from the slave modules (22 to 24) to the MPU 2100. On the other hand, if there is no transmission data (S615 → None), the process returns to step S614.

  This actual machine mode is set when an industrial apparatus is used as an actual apparatus, for example, installed at a customer site.

(Virtual mode)
The device configuration of the virtual mode (second mode) in FIG. 6 is the form shown in FIG. 4, and the device controller 21 in the device control rack 2 is connected to the virtual device 4 via the connector 2182 in FIG. Yes. Further, the human interface device 3 is connected to the device controller 21 via the LAN as described above.
Since the virtual device 4 includes a function for performing the same processing as that of the real machine, a virtual device environment is constructed, and the progress of processing of the virtual device 4 using the human interface device 3 at the same level as the real machine Screen display, software development and debugging.

In the virtual mode, instead of the above-described actual machine mode (data transfer between the MPU 2100 and the field device 1 via the slave modules (22 to 24)), the MPU 2100 and FIG. 4 are connected via the high-speed data transfer I / F circuit 2180. In this mode, data communication is performed with the virtual device 4. Here, communication with the virtual device 4 is performed from the MPU 2100 through the MPU bus 2101, the system control LSI 2112, the high-speed data transfer I / F circuit 2180, and the connector 2182.
The system control LSI 2112 performs the same processing as in the real machine mode (monitors the signal transmitted to the VME bus), and the high-speed data transfer I / F circuit 2180 changes the transmission from the slave module (22 to 24) to the virtual device. The data transfer timing is the same as that performed with the slave modules (22 to 24), and the control software installed in the main memory 2120 is not changed. Since the processing is performed assuming that the virtual device 4 in FIG. 4 is an actual machine, there is an effect that software development can be performed even in a configuration without an actual machine as shown in FIG.

The virtual mode will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 5B. The high-speed data transfer I / F circuit 2180 monitors data transmission from the MPU 2100 to the system control LSI 2112 (S621), and when there is transmission data. (S622 → Yes), the system control LSI 2112 instructs the system control LSI 2112 to transmit the data to the virtual device 4 via the high-speed data transfer I / F circuit 2180 which is itself (S623). As a result, data is transmitted from the MPU 2100 to the virtual device 4. On the other hand, if there is no transmission data (S622 → None), the process returns to step S621.
Further, the high-speed data transfer I / F circuit 2180 monitors the presence / absence of transmission data transmitted from the virtual device 4 to the device controller 21 (S624), and when there is transmission data (S625 → present), The system control LSI 2112 is instructed to transmit the data to the MPU 2100 via a certain high-speed data transfer I / F circuit 2180 (S626). As a result, data is transmitted from the virtual device 4 to the MPU 2100. On the other hand, if there is no transmission data (S625 → None), the process returns to step S624.

In this virtual mode, the processing result of processing performed by the virtual device 4 using the data received from the device controller 21 and the processing result received from the field device 1 (actual device) are output to the screen of the human interface device 3 or the like. Thus, the operator can compare the operations of the field device 1 (actual machine) and the virtual device 4.
In addition, in the virtual device 4, it is possible to easily generate operation timings, abnormalities, errors, etc. that are difficult to occur in the field device 1 (actual machine) as a simulation environment, and software development function verification can be performed. Industrial equipment can be developed.

  Furthermore, in software debugging using a conventional actual machine, it is necessary to carry out without breaking the actual machine due to malfunction caused by software, and since the actual machine is started up gradually while performing partial operation confirmation, There was a problem of spending time and labor. However, in this virtual mode, there is no phenomenon of breaking and there is no need for partial operation confirmation, so software quality can be improved in a short period of time by performing software operation verification at once, and the software debugging period is greatly increased. Can be shortened.

(Learning mode)
The apparatus configuration of the learning mode (third mode) in FIG. 6 is the form shown in FIG. 7, and the apparatus controller 21 in the apparatus control rack 2 includes virtual devices in addition to the plurality of slave modules (22 to 24). Data is transmitted to the virtual device 4 through the connection connector 6 at the same timing as the slave modules (22 to 24). The virtual device connection connector 6 is an external connection connector provided on a side surface of an industrial device or the like, and is connected to the connector 2182 of the device controller 21.
In the learning mode, the virtual device 4 learns them to simulate the operation of the field device 1 (actual machine) and its detailed timing, and conversely the operation of the field device 1 (actual machine) and its detailed timing. It is used when analyzing the operation of industrial equipment by comparing with the specified operation flow and timing data.

In the learning mode, data transmission / reception between the MPU 2100 and the plurality of slave modules (22-24) in FIG. 3 is performed via the high-speed data transfer I / F circuit 2180 simultaneously with the slave module (22-24) side. This mode is also performed with the virtual device 4. Here, in addition to the communication between the MPU 2100 and the slave modules (22 to 24) in the real machine mode, the MPU 2100 and the MPU 2100 via the MPU 2100, the MPU bus 2101, the system control LSI 2112, the high-speed data transfer I / F circuit 2180, and the connector 2182 Communication between the virtual devices 4 is also performed at the same time.
In this case as well, as in the virtual mode described above, the system control LSI 2112 performs the same processing as in the real machine mode, and in addition to communication with the slave modules (22 to 24) by the high-speed data transfer I / F circuit 2180. Communication between the MPU 2100 and the virtual device 4 is also performed at the same time. Therefore, it is possible to perform error checking by acquiring in real time the data transmitted and received between the MPU 2100 and the field device 1 (actual machine) in the human interface device 3 without changing the control software installed in the main memory 2120. effective.

The learning mode will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 5C. The high-speed data transfer I / F circuit 2180 monitors data transmission from the MPU 2100 to the system control LSI 2112 (S631), and when there is transmission data (S631) S632 → Yes), the slave module (22 to 24), and the system control LSI 2112 to transmit the data to the virtual device 4 via the high-speed data transfer I / F circuit 2180 which is the system module (S633) . As a result, data is transmitted from the MPU 2100 to the corresponding slave modules (22 to 24) and the virtual device 4. On the other hand, if there is no transmission data (S632 → None), the process returns to step S631.
Further, the high-speed data transfer I / F circuit 2180 monitors the presence / absence of transmission data transmitted from the slave modules (22 to 24) to the device controller 21 (S634), and when there is transmission data (S635 → present). The system control LSI 2112 is instructed to transmit the data to the virtual device 4 via the MPU 2100 and the high-speed data transfer I / F circuit 2180 that is the device itself (S636). As a result, data is transmitted from the slave modules (22 to 24) to the virtual device 4. On the other hand, if there is no transmission data (S635 → None), the process returns to step S634.

  By this learning mode, the processing result received by the virtual device 4 using the data received from the device controller 21 and the processing result received from the field device 1 (actual machine) are displayed on the screen of the human interface device 3 or the like. The operator can compare both pieces of information in real time. Therefore, by acquiring information such as the processing operation of the field device 1 (actual machine) and its detailed timing from the field device 1 (actual machine) and learning the processing operation and the detailed timing, the actual field device 1 (actual machine) ) Can be easily realized.

  In addition, by analyzing the operation of the actual machine from the outside, it is possible to detect malfunctions in the actual machine and compare performance variations between actual machines to determine whether they are within the specified range. There is an effect that it is possible to provide a highly maintainable and highly reliable industrial apparatus that can perform failure prediction and abnormality prediction of the entire apparatus.

(Test mode)
The apparatus configuration of the test mode (fourth mode) in FIG. 6 is the form shown in FIG. However, unlike the above-described learning mode, this test mode does not perform communication with the MPU 2100 and involves data transfer between the virtual device 4 and the slave modules (22 to 24), so that the main memory shown in FIG. This is used when an operation command is issued from the virtual device 4 side to the slave modules (22 to 24) separately from the operation command of the software installed in 2120.
In the test mode, from virtual device 4 (virtual device connection connector 6), connector 2182, high-speed data transfer I / F circuit 2180, system control LSI 2112, PCI bus 2102, VME-PCI bus bridge 2130, VME bus buffer 2131 and connector 2132 Communication with the slave modules (22 to 24) is performed.

The test mode will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 5D. The high-speed data transfer I / F circuit 2180 monitors data transmission from the virtual device 4 to the high-speed data transfer I / F circuit 2180 (S641). When there is transmission data (S642 → Yes), the system control LSI is instructed to transmit the data to the corresponding slave modules (22 to 24) (S643). As a result, data is transmitted from the virtual device 4 to the corresponding slave modules (22 to 24). On the other hand, if there is no transmission data (S642 → None), the process returns to step S641.
Further, the high-speed data transfer I / F circuit 2180 monitors the presence / absence of transmission data transmitted from the slave modules (22 to 24) to the device controller 21 (S644). ) Instructs the system control LSI 2112 to transmit the data to the virtual device 4 (S646). As a result, data is transmitted from the slave modules (22 to 24) to the virtual device 4. On the other hand, if there is no transmission data (S645 → None), the process returns to step S644.

In this test mode, the first information transmitted from the device controller 21 to the field device 1 (actual device) and the second information that is the processing result transmitted from the field device 1 (actual device) to the device controller 21 are represented as virtual devices. 4, the first information is transmitted from the virtual device 4 to the field device 1 (actual machine) via the slave module (22 to 24) in this test mode, and is transmitted from the field device 1 (actual machine). By displaying the third information as the processing result and the second information acquired in advance on the screen or the like of the human interface device 3, the operator can compare them.
For example, when there is a malfunction or abnormal operation whose cause is unknown while performing the operation in the real machine mode in the apparatus configuration of FIG. 1, the virtual device 4 is connected via the virtual device connection connector 6 as in the system configuration of FIG. Since the hardware of the device controller 21 can be tested (diagnosed) without intervention of the software of the device controller 21, there is an effect that it is possible to easily identify whether a hardware failure or a software failure.

  In the present embodiment, the mode switching described above is performed by a command from a switch included in the mode switch 2181. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the MPU 2100 in the device controller 21 and the high-speed data transfer I / O Each mode may be switched by a signal from the virtual device 4 or the like via the F circuit 2180. In addition, other modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

In the development of conventional industrial equipment, it was not possible to conduct a test with the actual machine connected to the software until the actual machine was completed. Also, even if the test is performed with software alone, if the test results at the stage where the actual machine is connected are not successful, the actual machine will be occupied for a long time by debugging the software. It took time and effort.
However, according to the present invention, it is possible to perform a test by connecting a virtual device until the real machine is completed, and even in a state where the real machine is connected, as soon as an error occurs during the test, the virtual mode is established. Since debugging can be performed by switching to a learning mode, a test mode, etc., it becomes possible to eliminate a barrier between processes in system development. Furthermore, even for errors that occur less frequently on real machines, tests that are difficult in an actual machine environment can be easily performed by creating and testing them with virtual devices.

The schematic structure figure which implement | achieves the real machine environment (real machine mode) in this embodiment. The figure which shows the structural example of the apparatus control rack of FIG. The block diagram which shows the structural example of the apparatus controller in embodiment of this invention. The schematic structure figure which implement | achieves the virtual environment (virtual mode) in this embodiment. It is an operation | movement flow in each mode of this embodiment, and is a figure which shows (a) real machine mode, (b) virtual mode, (c) learning mode, (d) test mode. The figure which shows each mode and communication apparatus of this embodiment. The schematic structure figure which implement | achieves virtual environment (learning mode, test mode) in this embodiment. The block diagram which shows the structure of the apparatus controller in the conventional industrial apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

1 Field device (actual machine)
2 Equipment control rack 3 Human interface equipment (operation terminal)
4 Virtual equipment 21 Device controller 2100 MPU
2112 System control LSI
2120 Main memory 2180 High-speed data transfer I / F circuit (data transfer interface circuit)
2181 Mode selector

Claims (3)

A virtual machine that imitates the operation of the actual machine outside the rack by storing a device controller and one or more slave modules loaded with software in a rack equipped with a bus that can communicate with the actual machine that constitutes the industrial device. The device controller in a virtual simulation system of an industrial device to which devices are connected,
A data transfer interface circuit for communicating with the virtual device using the same data as the communication data communicated with the real machine via the bus;
A mode switch for switching the mode of operation in the communication state;
A first mode in which the device controller performs communication between a built-in MPU and the slave module;
A second mode for communicating between the MPU and the virtual device;
As in the first mode, with the virtual device and the real machine connected to the device controller, the MPU built in the device controller and the real machine communicate with each other via the slave module. A third mode for performing communication between the MPU and the virtual device in the same manner as the second mode;
A fourth mode in which communication between the virtual device and the real machine is performed via the slave module;
According to a command from the mode switch, the data is transmitted / received by switching to the first mode, the second mode, the third mode, or the fourth mode. Equipment controller for industrial equipment.   The mode switch is
  In response to a command from the MPU, a command from the virtual device via the data transfer interface circuit, or a command from the mode switch connected to the data transfer interface circuit, the first mode, the second mode Switching between the mode and the third mode
  The apparatus controller of the industrial apparatus according to claim 1, wherein   The mode switch is
  In response to a command from the MPU, a command from the virtual device via the data transfer interface circuit, or a command from the mode switch connected to the data transfer interface circuit, the first mode, the second mode Switching operation to any one of the mode, the third mode, and the fourth mode
  The apparatus controller of the industrial apparatus according to claim 1, wherein

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