10 - Capabilities

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Distributed Intelligence Functional Capabilities

Scalability	Distributed Intelligence based on IEC-61499 provides an architecture that allows an application to start very small (unit size of one), but growth infinitely to accommodate future needs. Scalability of a system also provides a migration path from existing control technology to a distributed technology in a staged and cost effective manner.
Modularity	Decompose complexity into smaller, more logical modules. Modularity lends itself well to object orientate software and modules can be easily swapped out with other devices based on features requirements.
Reusability	Modular design leads to reusability and functionality decomposed into fine grain modules can be use within as well as across multiple applications.
Reliability	Because devices are self contained they are easier to test and verify for correctness. The network topography of distributed Intelligence several reduces the wiring complexity and builds an inherent redundancy capability through communications paths and other processing nodes. A well engineered system can withstand partial failure through cellular design techniques.
Extensibility	Allows added functionality by just adding modules or software. It also allows devices with I/O to be normalized as well as allowing the integration of disparate systems. Systems can include diagnostic and debugging tools with simulation capabilities included.
Deterministic	As the control functionality is performed in real-time at the device, a deterministic operation time can be achieved. The adoption of deterministic communications protocols such as DeviceNet and Ethernet IP can provide deterministic operations where the control is distributed over many devise. Determinism is the ability to be certain that an operation will be completed with in its allotted time. The factors that affect determinism are medium access control, network utilization, data frame size and data frame prioritization.
Synchronisation	The adoption of IEC-61499 standard provides both event a data synchronization regardless whether the process is control by a single device or multiple devices. This is also the case when non deterministic protocols are adopted.
Compatibility	TCS Distributed Intelligence products provide compatibility with existing PLC systems and management IT architectures through commercial and industrial Ethernet based protocols. Compatibility with third party vendor products such as barcode scanners, RFID read/writers, weigh indicators, label printers, inkjet coders, HART capable devices, instrumentation, etc. is also provided with proprietary communications function blocks and standard RS-232, RS-422 communications hardware.
Graphical Programming	Distributed Intelligence is programmed via a function block programming language (IEC-61499) a new international standard for highly distributed automation control. Providing seamless event driven sequencing over multiple devices. The standard (IEC 61499) defines an architecture and compliance rules that promote interoperability between devices of multiple vendors, portability of software between tools from multiple vendors and the configurability of devices from multiple vendors by software tools of multiple vendors. Function block programming provides a simple engineering tool with 100’s of developed function blocks already available or create your complex function blocks using Java. Function blocks are object orientated providing robust, reusable and reliable objects.
Autonomous	having the ability to be created and operate independently of other devices, they provide self contained functionality; i.e. this functionality would be useful even if it was not associated with any higher-level system.
Interoperability	This is favored by clearly abstracting the interface that a service exposes to its environment, from the implementation of that service. Device level interoperability is a key attribute of the IEC-61499 standard, the ability to distribute an application over the entire network of function block controllers. Data and Event inter-processor communication over Ethernet or DeviceNet automatically occurs as a result of the linking of the function blocks data and event lines. Example: the I/O for one function block can be derived from the I/O of a function block running on a different piece of hardware. Interoperability provides end to end communications to levels of an enterprise.
Distributed Intelligence	Distributing the control or decision making process over a multitude of processes has many benefits. No single point of failure, could mean if a plant is designed in a cellular manner production would never stop as it has multiple paths for product to flow. Distributed Intelligent devices are not constrained by the need for hierarchal decision making, which create delays in response times. But they are still able report seamless to master scheduler for re-ordering of production requirements. Distributed Intelligence is designed to equip traditionally unintelligent network devices with control software. This new architecture makes it possible to perform all control activities in intelligent peripheral devices without any central control units. Making the vision of intelligent and collaborative industrial environments with dynamic, agile and reconfigurable production and manufacturing equipment a reality. With a network topography distributed intelligence means minimal bandwidth usage, creating free flow of information on the network. Distributed intelligence couple with Ethernet IP (Industrial Protocol) provides deterministic interoperability throughout the plant for real-time automation.
Multi-vendor products	The realignment of the automation industry from a vertically integrated vendors to horizontally integrated customer-driven solutions will bring prices down dramatically. The current vertically integrated industry, a customer would buy almost all of the elements of a solution from a single company, Every vendor Rockwell Automation, Semiens, Schnieder Electric, OMRON, Honeywell and others had its own vertical solution. Sales volumes low and prices high. Integration among vendors is difficult and expensive. Switching cost for customers are extremely high since every piece of the solution would have to change. These vertically integrated vendor solutions will be displaced by the multi-vendor Distributed Intelligence approach, in which specialist companies give customers choice in each of the infrastructure layer; target hardware, operating systems, software functionality, business applications, networking, systems integration, and services. Although many companies will operate in more than one layer, this new horizontal structure will offer customers maximum flexibility. Open Standards Because Distributed Intelligence is based on open standards, all pieces; hardware, software and communications are easier to put together. The methodology for building distributed Intelligence is for creating good flow of information to levels of the enterprise.
Web Enabled	TCS Distributed Intelligence devices are able to connect to or be run on the Web. This term refers to the ability to output HTML for display on the Web or that launches a Web browser to retrieve specific Web pages. Open Technologies TCS Distributed Intelligence is based on open technologies or widely adopted technologies to provide the user with the maximum flexibility and interoperability possible. The adoption of open technologies is one of the most critical factors in providing a truly multi-vendor product environment. · Windows.CE.net RTOS. Windows Consumer Electronics) Microsoft's version of Windows for handheld devices and embedded systems that use x86, ARM, MIPS and SHx CPUs. · JAVA KVM (virtual machine), a version of the Java Virtual Machine for small devices with limited memory · Extensible Markup Language (XML) a standardized set of rules for adding structure to any form of data using a system of markup tags · IEC 61499 defines a general model and methodology for describing functions blocks in a format that is independent of implementation. The methodology can be used by system designers to construct distributed control systems. It allows a system to be defined in terms of logically connected function blocks that run on different processing resources. · Ethernet, the most widely used local area network (LAN) access method, defined by the IEEE as the 802.3 standard. · TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) is a protocol for communication between computers, used as a standard for transmitting data over networks and as the basis for standard Internet protocols. · UDP (User Datagram Protocol) - Transport layer protocol in the TCP/IP protocol suite used in the Internet. UDP is used at the two ends of a data transfer. It does not establish a connection or provide reliable data transfer like TCP.
Cost Effective	Horizontal integration makes for flexibility at a low price. The independence of each layer means that competition drives each layer to evolve at a maximum speed. Object Orientated A type of programming in which programmers define not only the data type of a data structure, but also the types of operations (functions) that can be applied to the data structure. In this way, the data structure becomes an object that includes both data and functions. In addition, programmers can create relationships between one object and another. For example, objects can inherit characteristics from other objects.
Redundancy	The mere nature of distributed control to multiple devices provides a level of redundant capabilities that can not be replicated in a PLC system.