Networked embedded systems in industrial automation

Abstract

This presentation introduces some of the design, deployment, and operation requirements imposed on the embedded systems by the industrial environment, specifically in control and automation. An introduction is offered to typical field devices deployed in industrial automation and the architectures of the associated embedded nodes, as well as technologies used. Connectivity being one of those requirements is discussed in detail, including the integration issues and solutions. Special focus ison the actual implementations of the real-time Ethernet and emerging standards. Security at the field and embedded level arising from the exposure of the field level to the wide area network and the Internet users are presented in some detail. Fault tolerant services and protocols are explored in the context of the safety critical real-time embedded systems and applications. A considerable attention is paid to wireless sensor networks used in industrial automation: specific requirements, architectures, design issues, and protocols are discussed. Programmable platforms are discussed; in this context a need for a generic meta-platform(s) for specific industrial applications in controls and automation is explored. The presentation concludes with an overview of the emerging trends.