RU2260835C2 - Extensible automatic system - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: computer-aided systems, namely the extensible automatic systems.

SUBSTANCE: the proposed extensible automatic system has the following units: two programmable controllers, capable of autonomous operation; module of the interface of the first type; module of the interface of the second type; switch; decoder; bus shapers, used as attached elements; adapters; modules of expansion of the first type; modules of expansion of the second type; interface bus; information bus of the first type and information bus of the second type.

EFFECT: technical result of the invention is increasing the reliability and flexibility of extensible automatic systems.

1 cl, 4 dwg

Description

The present invention relates to automation systems, and more specifically to extensible automatic systems. Automatic systems can be divided into two groups, namely: programmable controllers of modular design and programmable controllers capable of autonomous or functionally independent operation. The latter can be expanded by connecting external devices. Both types of programmable controllers, however, have disadvantages specific to their groups.

Programmable controllers capable of autonomous operation, the so-called compact units, are relatively inexpensive devices during initial installation. However, when the level of automation increases later, they quickly exhaust their computing capabilities. Therefore, when further expansion is required, the compact programmable controller is often replaced by a programmable controller with a modular design.

Modular automation systems avoid these shortcomings. However, their minimal configuration, consisting of a central processor element and several expansion modules, is often much more expensive than a compact unit.

The prototype of the proposed expandable automatic system is the system proposed in US patent No. 5541810. It includes a programmable controller that is able to work both in stand-alone mode and in the mode of a modular programmable controller. The programmable controller, which is able to work in standalone mode, is expanded by expansion modules. The modular programmable controller 1 (Fig. 1) consists of a central processor element, an interface module 7, and expansion modules 4 of the same type, which are connected to the interface module by means of series-connected connecting elements 11 as the number and complexity of serviced objects increases. In the described patent, an interface such as a multi-pin connector is used to connect expansion modules. Each next connecting element 11 is connected to the previous one via the same interface connector and interface bus 6. An expansion module 4 is inserted into the corresponding connecting element 11 and connected to it via a multi-pole interface connector.

The system described in this patent provides the following advantages.

The use of scalable capacity solves the problem of increasing previously unattainable flexibility and cost effectiveness. For example, for tasks of small automation, the user can only use controller 1. Later, if the automation capabilities are desired, expansion modules 4 can be connected to the controller 1 through the interface module 7. Later, automation capabilities could again be required, for which the computing power of controller 1 could turn out to be too small. If this is the case, the controller 1 together with the interface module 7 can be replaced. Then additional expansion modules 4 can be added, due to the higher computing capabilities of the central processor element of the modular programmable controller. Of course, in this case it will be possible to use previously connected expansion modules 4.

However, the system described in patent No. 5541810 has some disadvantages, which include the following.

In this expandable automatic system there are series-connected connectors with detachable contacts, the failure of one of the contacts of the detachable connectors of the connecting element located closer to the controller leads to a complete failure of all expansion modules included after it and the entire system as a whole fails. Therefore, the possibilities of expansion proposed in the described patent system are limited.

Another disadvantage of the described system is the need to determine the address of the expansion module by the equipment installed in each expansion module. This, in principle, requires an increase in the amount of equipment in the system compared, for example, with a system having one decoder for all expansion devices, while its reliability decreases.

In addition, the disadvantage of the system described in patent No. 5541810 is that the expansion of the system is only due to the mechanical connection of structurally complete elements to each other. It is impossible to remove them from each other, although in real systems, to ensure monitoring and control of a large number of channels, expansion modules must be spaced at least within the cabinet.

Another disadvantage of the described system is that the failure of any conductor or contact in the connecting elements means a failure of the entire system, i.e. the system survivability is low, so it will work reliably only with a small number of expansion modules.

In addition, in the system described in the patent, there is only one controller capable of autonomous operation. The failure of this controller leads to the failure of the entire extensible system. For responsible facilities this is unacceptable.

In the system proposed in the application, the interface module is connected to the interface bus, to which the connecting elements are connected in parallel. This ensures the independence of the expansion modules connected to each of the connecting elements, while the choice of the expansion module currently operating is carried out by one decoder. Thus, one of the objectives of the invention is to increase the reliability of the system, which is due to the proposed technical solution. To increase structural flexibility when placing expansion modules, the interface bus can be made in the form of a flat multicore cable, which solves another technical problem - increasing the flexibility of the system.

In the proposed system, the interface bus can be propagated using adapters connected to this trunk, and several expansion modules are connected to the output of each adapter using the bus. Failure of the information bus connected to the adapter output can lead to failure of only that part of the system that is connected to the output of one of the adapters, i.e. this is a partial failure of the system, limiting the functions of the system, but the system as a whole remains operational. This property of the proposed system allows to increase the reliability of the system by connecting the expansion modules to different adapters independent from each other. In addition, it allows you to increase the number of expansion modules and, therefore, the number of monitoring and control channels several times in comparison with the system described in patent No. 5541810. Thus, another objective of the invention is to increase the reliability of the system by connecting expansion modules to different adapters independent from each other.

In the system proposed in the application, it is possible to work with two controllers capable of autonomous operation. One controller is primary and the other is redundant. In case of failure of the main controller, control is transferred to the standby one, the system remains in operation. Thus, another objective of the invention is to increase the reliability of the system by introducing an redundant, backup controller capable of autonomous operation.

The essence of the invention lies in the fact that it offers an extensible automatic system, which includes a modular programmable controller capable of autonomous operation, having a first input-output with the controller interface. It includes a plurality of expansion modules having an expansion module interface, wherein the modules of said plurality of expansion modules can be used as expansion blocks of said controller. The system also includes an interface bus and an interface module having a first input-output with a programmable controller interface and a second input-output with an interface of an interface module, as well as many connecting elements with first inputs and outputs compatible with the specified interface of the interface module and second inputs - outputs compatible with the specified interface of the expansion module. The first input-output of the specified controller is connected to the first input-output of the interface module, the second input-output of the interface module is connected to the interface bus, and the first inputs and outputs of the connecting elements are connected to the interface bus.

(The following are the distinguishing features of the invention.)

The proposed system also contains a decoder having an input compatible with the interface bus and control outputs. It also contains information buses compatible with the interface of expansion modules. In this case, the connecting elements have control inputs connected to the control outputs of the decoder, the second inputs and outputs of the connecting elements compatible with the interface of the expansion modules are connected to the inputs and outputs of the expansion modules via data buses, and the input of the decoder is connected to the interface bus.

In addition, the proposed expandable automatic system may include at least one adapter having a first input-output with an interface compatible with the specified interface of the expansion module, and a second input-output with the output interface of the adapter. It may contain a second type of information bus compatible with the output interface of the adapter, and a plurality of second type expansion modules having inputs and outputs with an interface compatible with the output interface of the adapter. In this case, the first input-output of the adapter is connected to one of the information buses, the second input-output of the adapter and the inputs and outputs of many expansion modules of the second type are interconnected using the information bus of the second type.

A variant of an expandable automatic system is also proposed having the following essential features.

An expandable automatic system that includes a modular programmable controller capable of autonomous operation, having a first input-output with a controller interface. It includes a plurality of expansion modules having an expansion module interface, wherein the modules of said plurality of expansion modules can be used as expansion blocks of said controller. The system also includes an interface bus and an interface module having a first input-output with a programmable controller interface and a second input-output with an interface of an interface module, as well as many connecting elements with first inputs and outputs compatible with the specified interface of the interface module and second inputs - outputs compatible with the specified interface of the expansion module. The first input-output of the specified controller is connected to the first input-output of the interface module, the first inputs and outputs of the connecting elements are connected to the interface bus.

(The following are the hallmarks of a variant of the invention.)

The proposed system also contains a decoder having an input and control outputs, and one or more data buses compatible with the interface of the expansion modules. In this case, the connecting elements have control inputs connected to the control outputs of the decoder, the second inputs and outputs of the connecting elements compatible with the interface of the expansion modules are connected to the inputs and outputs of the expansion modules via data buses, and the input of the decoder is connected to the interface bus. It contains, in addition, a second programmable controller capable of autonomous operation, having a first input-output compatible with the first interface, a second input-output with a data exchange interface. It also contains a second type interface module having a first input / output compatible with the first interface of the interface module and a second input / output with an interface of the second type of interface module. In addition, it comprises a switch having a first input-output compatible with the second interface of the second type of interface module, a second input-output compatible with the second interface of the interface module, and a third input-output compatible with the interface of the interface module. It also contains a data bus with a data interface. In this case, the programmable controller has a second input-output with a data exchange interface. The second input-output of the programmable controller of the second type is connected to the second input-output of the programmable controller via the data exchange bus. The first input-output of the programmable controller of the second type is connected to the first input-output of the interface module of the second type, and the second input-output of the interface module of the second type is connected to the first input-output of the switch. The second input-output of the interface module is connected to the second input-output of the switch, and the third input-output of the switch is compatible with the interface of the interface module and connected to the interface bus.

The invention is illustrated by the following figures.

Figure 1 shows a block diagram of a prototype of the invention (US patent No. 554180).

Figure 2 shows a block diagram of the proposed expandable system.

Figure 3 shows a block diagram of a variant of the proposed expandable system using adapters.

Figure 4 shows a block diagram of a variant of the proposed extensible system using a backup programmable controller.

Figure 5 shows the structure of the control measuring and computing complex SM1820MNU, built using all the features of the proposed expandable automatic system

Notation list

1. a modular programmable controller capable of autonomous operation;

2. The first input-output of the programmable controller;

3. programmable controller interface;

4. expansion module;

5. expansion module interface;

6. interface bus;

7. interface module;

8. first input-output of the interface module;

9. second input-output of the interface module;

10. interface module interface;

11. connecting element;

12. The first input-output of the connecting element;

13. The second input-output of the connecting element;

14. decoder;

15. decoder input;

16. control outputs of the decoder;

17. information bus;

18. control input of the connecting element;

19. input-output of the expansion module;

20. The first input-output adapter;

21. the second input-output adapter;

22. adapter output interface;

23. information bus of the second type;

24. an expansion module of the second type;

25. inputs and outputs of expansion modules of the second type;

26. adapter;

27. a second programmable controller capable of autonomous operation;

28. first input-output of the second programmable controller;

29. second input-output of the second programmable controller;

30. data exchange interface;

31. an interface module of the second type;

32. first input-output of a second type interface module;

33. the second input-output module interface of the second type;

34. the interface module interface of the second type;

35. switch;

36. first input-output switch;

37. second input-output switch;

38. third input-output switch;

39. data exchange bus;

40. The second input-output of the programmable controller.

Figure 1 shows a block diagram of a prototype of the invention. The first input-output 2 of the programmable controller 1, capable of autonomous operation, is connected via a connector (interface 3 of the programmable controller) to the first input-output 8 of the interface module 7, through which the connecting elements 11 are connected in series. The second input-output 9 of the interface module using a connector (interface 10 of the interface module) is connected to the first input-output 12 of the first of the series of connecting elements 11. The next connecting element 11 using a similar connector unites with its first input-output 12 to the first connecting element 11 and so on. The connectors at the output 9 of the interface module and at the input 12 of the first from the serial circuit of the connecting elements 11, as well as the series-connected connectors 12 of the first inputs and outputs of the connecting elements 11 form an interface bus 6. Each of the connecting elements 11 has a second input-output 13, which through the interface 5 of the expansion module is connected to the corresponding expansion module 4.

Power supply for expansion modules 4 is carried out from the interface module 7, which makes it possible to free programmable controller 1 from this load.

Figure 2 shows a block diagram of the main variant of the proposed system. The first input-output 2 of the programmable controller 1, capable of autonomous operation, is connected (interface 3 of the programmable controller) with the first input-output 8 of the interface module 7, through which the connecting elements 11 are connected. The second input-output 9 of the interface module 7 is connected (interface 10 of the interface module) with an interface bus 6, to which the first inputs and outputs 12 of the connecting elements 11 and the input 15 of the decoder 14 are connected in parallel. The interface bus 6 in the proposed system can be made in the form of a set of wires Odnikov on the printed circuit board or in the form of a flat cable, on which plug connectors are installed (interface 10). All connectors are connected to the interface bus 6 in parallel, a violation of the contact in one of the detachable connections does not affect the operation of other devices connected to the information bus 6. The second inputs / outputs 13 of the connecting elements 11 are connected via information buses 17 (interface of the expansion module 5) to the input -the output 19 of expansion modules 4. The information bus 17 is a flexible flat cable, at the ends of which are detachable connectors. The length of this bus is determined by the location of the expansion modules. The control outputs 16 of the decoder 14 are connected to the control inputs 18 of the connecting elements 11.

Figure 3 shows a block diagram of a variant of the proposed expandable system using adapters. In contrast to the main version of the system, an adapter 26 is connected to at least one of the connecting elements 11 via the information bus 17, which is, for example, a module that provides the transmission and reception of information via interface 5 to the first input-output 20 of the adapter and broadcasting it to the second input-output 21 of the adapter with the interface 22. The first input-output 20 of the adapter 26 is connected to the specified information bus 17, and its second input-output 21 is connected (output interface 22 of the adapter) to the information bus of the second type 23, which is parallel to the input / output 25 of one or more expansion modules of the second type 24 are switched on. The expansion modules of the second type 24 can be, for example, input-output modules of discrete or analog signals or modules with other functional purposes, made in the form of separate small blocks having their own casing, providing installation in cabinet designs or on other supporting structures. The design of the modules can provide the replacement of individual expansion modules without disconnecting the expandable system from power in the \ hot \ swap mode.

Figure 4 shows a block diagram of a variant of the proposed extensible system using a backup programmable controller. In contrast to the described variant of the proposed expandable system shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, a second programmable controller 27 capable of autonomous operation, an interface module of the second type 31, a data exchange bus 39 and a switch 35 are additionally used. First input-output 28 of the second programmable controller 27 is connected (interface 3) to the first input-output 32 of the second type of interface module 31, the second input-output 33 of the second type of interface module 31 is connected (interface 34 of the second type of interface module) to the first input-output m 36 of the switch 35. As mentioned above, the first programmable controller 1 in this embodiment has a second input-output 40 for data exchange (data exchange interface 30), the specified data exchange bus 39 is connected to it, the other end of which is connected to the second input-output 29 of the second programmable controller 27. The second input-output 9 of the interface module 7 is connected to the interface bus 6 through the switch 35, connecting (interface 10) to the second input-output 37 of the latter. The third input-output 38 of the switch 35 is connected (interface 10) to the interface bus 6. The remaining connections do not differ from those described in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 or in the above-described embodiment of the proposed expandable system using adapters.

In the general case, all interfaces can be different connectors, however they can also be the same. Information and interface buses can be made flexible flat multi-wire cable.

The expansion modules of the second type 24 differ from the expansion modules 5 in that they recognize their address transmitted via the information bus of the second type 23 and provide a connection to the output of the adapter 26 for further information exchange with a programmable controller capable of autonomous operation 1, while how the expansion modules 5 are connected to the interface bus 6 through the connecting elements 11, controlled by a separate decoder 14.

The information bus of the second type 23 differs from the information bus 17 in that it contains special conductors for transmitting the address of the selectable expansion module of the second type 23.

The interface module of the second type 31 differs from the interface module by the presence of signals at the output that enable the command to be transmitted to the switch 35 to switch to work with the programmable controller 1 or with the second programmable controller 27.

Figure 5 shows the structure of the control measuring and computing complex SM1820MNU, built using all the features of the proposed expandable automatic system. A programmable controller 1 having an interface 3 is connected to an interface module 7. Through a second interface 5, the output of an interface module 7 is connected to one input 36 of a switch 35. A second programmable controller 27 is connected to another input 37 of a switch 35 through an interface 34 and an interface module of a second type 31, used as backup. The output 38 of the switch 35 is connected to the interface bus 6. To the bus 6 through the connecting elements 11 and through the interfaces 5 are connected expansion modules 4 and adapters 26. Adapters 26 through the information bus of the second type 23 are connected to the expansion modules of the second type 24.

Work of the proposed expandable automatic system

Shown in figure 2, the main version of an expandable automatic system operates as follows. Programmable controller 1 (for which, for example, computing units based on PCI or ISA standards can be used) transmits via interface 3 a set of binary signals for interface module 7, which receives command code and information for transmitting it to its second input via interface 3 -exit 9. As a module of interface 7, a discrete input-output module can be used, part of the output circuits of which are used to transmit the address of the expansion module. The address code is fed to the input 15 of the decoder 14, which can be used as a set of logic elements or an integrated circuit 74NST138. The decoder 14 decodes the signal of the address code, and on one of the control outputs of the decoder 16 a permission signal appears, which arrives at the corresponding control input 18 of the connecting element 11. As a connecting element 11, a bus driver 74НСТ245 can be used. At the output of the interface module 7, in addition to the address of the expansion module 4, several signals are a command for determining the functions that the expansion module 4 must perform, for example, issuing discrete signals to the output of a connected control object or reading a digital code corresponding to the value of the analog signal at the input of the expansion module 4 These signals are transmitted via interface 5 at the output 13 of the connecting element 11 through the information bus 17, and this bus can be made flexible flat multi-wire cable, providing which allows convenient placement of expansion module 4 in accordance with the chosen system design, for example, in a floor or wall cabinet.

Shown in figure 3 a variant of the proposed expandable system using adapters works as follows.

As mentioned above, the system has one or more adapters 26 connected to the information bus 17 with interface 5. Each such adapter 26 provides the controller 1 with the exchange of commands and data with one or more expansion modules of the second type 24, with input and output 21 adapter with interface 22 can connect many of these expansion modules.

To select a specific expansion module of the second type 24, connected to the output of the adapter 26 with the interface 22 using the type 23 information bus, a programmable controller 1 capable of autonomous operation through the interface module 7, address signals defining the address of the connecting element 11 connected to the interface bus 6, and the address of the expansion module of the second type 24, connected to the information bus of the second type 23, and this can be done sequentially in two stages - first the address of the connecting element 11 is transmitted, about provides the choice of adapter 26, and then the address of the expansion module of the second type 24.

Shown in figure 4 a variant of the proposed expandable system using a backup programmable controller operates as follows.

In an expandable system with two controllers capable of autonomous operation, one of them, for example, controller 1 is the main one, and the second controller 27 is the backup. The communication between these controllers is supported via the data bus 39 with the interface 30. In case of a failure of the main controller 1, the backup controller 27 can send a command to the switch 35 through the interface module of the second type 31 to disconnect its first input-output 37 with interface 10 from the input-output 9 of the interface module 7 and connect to the interface bus 8 the second input-output 36 with the interface 34, thus connecting to the interface bus 8 the backup controller 27. From this moment, the operation of the system is provided by the second programmable controller, with individuality of autonomous operation controller 27. When recovering backup operability 1 controller 27 is notified via bus 39 and exchange data switch 35 receives a command to switch to the original state.

As a result, the reliability and likelihood of uptime of an expandable automation system is increasing.

Shown in figure 5, the control measuring and computing complex SM1820MNU operates in two modes. In normal mode, the programmable controller 1 through the interface module 7 is connected to the input 37 of the switch 38. The switch 35 is turned on so that the signals from the input 37 pass to the output of the switch and through the interface 10 are fed to the interface bus 6. Next, the signals are fed to the input 15 of the decoder 14 and to the connecting elements 11. The choice of the connecting element is made by the decoder 14, supplying an enable signal to one of its control outputs 16. From the connecting elements 11, the signals are fed to the inputs of the expansion modules 4 and to the inputs adapters 26. Extension modules 4, which can be, for example, input / output modules of analog or discrete signals, exchange information with the control object. The adapters 26 transmit the signals through the output interface 21 to the interface bus of the second type 23, to which the expansion modules of the second type 24 are connected. Next, the expansion modules 4 and the expansion modules of the second type 24 receive signals and operate as described above (FIG. 2 and FIG. 3). Work in the mode with the second (backup) programmable controller 27 is carried out in the same way as shown in Fig.4. In case of failure of the programmable controller 1 on command from the second programmable controller 27, the switch 35 is switched so that now the signals from input 36 pass to the output 38 of the switch. Thus, the second programmable controller 27 is connected to the interface bus 6.

The expansion of the system is carried out both by installing additional expansion units 4 and adapters 26 connected to the interface bus 6, and by installing additional expansion modules 24 on the interface buses of the second type 23, and additional connectors, for example, type DIN41651, are used to install additional expansion modules of the second type 24 mounted on the interface bus of the second type 23, made flat flexible cable, method of tapping, without breaking this bus.

Thus, the invention solves the technical problems:

Due to the parallel connection of the connecting elements, which makes them independent from each other, the reliability of the system is increased.

In addition, multiplying the interface bus using adapters allows you to increase the reliability of the system by connecting the expansion modules to different adapters independent from each other.

Improving the reliability of the system also provides the ability to work with two controllers by introducing an redundant, backup controller capable of autonomous operation.

Increasing the flexibility of the system is provided by the ability to run the interface bus in the form of a flat multicore cable.

In addition, reproduction using adapters allows you to increase the number of expansion modules and, therefore, the number of control and management channels by several times compared with the system described in the prototype.

The practical applicability of the proposed invention is confirmed by using it in the control measuring and computing complex SM1820MNU described above.

Claims (1)

An expandable automatic system, which includes a modular programmable controller capable of autonomous operation, having a first input-output with an interface, a plurality of expansion modules having an interface, these modules can be used as expansion units of the specified controller, an interface bus, an interface module having a first input - an output connected to the interface of the programmable controller, and a second input-output with an interface, a plurality of bus formers having first inputs and outputs compatible with interface of the second input-output of the interface module, and second inputs and outputs compatible with the interface of the expansion module, characterized in that it contains a second modular programmable controller capable of autonomous operation, a data exchange bus with a data exchange interface, a decoder, information buses, a plurality of adapters, a plurality of expansion modules of the second type recognizing their address, an information bus of the second type containing conductors for transmitting the address of a selectable expansion module of the second type, an in An interface of the second type, having signals at the output, providing the possibility of transmitting a command to a switch connecting to its third input-output circuit of its first or second input-output depending on the state of the signals received at its first input-output, and the programmable controller has a second input - output with a data exchange interface and is connected via a data exchange bus to a second input-output having a data exchange interface of a second programmable controller, the first input-output of a second programmable the controller is connected to the first input-output of the interface module of the second type, the second input-output of the interface module is connected to the second input-output of the switch, the first input-output of which is connected to the second input-output of the interface of the interface module of the second type, the third input-output of the switch is connected to an interface bus, to which the first inputs and outputs of the bus drivers and the decoder input are connected in parallel, the control outputs of which are connected to the control inputs of the bus drivers, the second inputs and outputs of which are locally with the interface of expansion modules, connected to the inputs and outputs of expansion modules via data buses, at least one of the bus drivers is connected to an adapter, the first input-output of which is connected to the information bus, the second input-output of the adapter through the output interface is connected to the information a bus of the second type, to which parallel expansion modules of the second type are connected by inputs / outputs.

Images