Open controller enabled by an advanced real-time network

Fabrizio Meo

Fidia S.p.A., Italy

To realize a real-time capable platform for distributed control applications. This platform will enable a dynamic integration of control components that are based on an open specification. Through this a flexible and application specific configuration of control systems will be possible. The basic idea is to continue the approach of the OSACA project (Open System Architecture for Controls within Automation Systems) by adopting its benefits and realising a fundamental improvement on the basis of newly available technologies. This strategy promises a broad industrial acceptance of open control technologies.

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author(s)

The main objective of the project will be achieved through:

development of a distributed control system real-time framework (DCRF) for numerical controls based on standardised communication systems and delivered as open source
extended component-based open control reference architecture, not delivered as open source but with publicly available new standardised interfaces for motion control components of machine tools which will make use of the DCRF.

Standardised communication platform real-time capable in distributed hardware environments, able to host numerical control components in distributed open platforms. It is based on open source and standardised communication systems and delivered as open source.

Analysis of Communication Systems, Platforms and Tools

Design, implementation and validation of a Distributed Control System Real-time Framework (DCRF)

Design, implementation and validation of Motion Control base components for an open numerical control system

Design, implementation and validation of Motion Control extension components for an open numerical control system

System Integration and Demonstrators set-up

Objective: find an appropriate communication infrastructure for the "Distributed Control System Real-Time Framework (DCRF)“ (performances, cost, open source)

Analysis of CORBA implementations and Linux real-time extensions

TAO selected as most suitable CORBA ORB, and RTAI as Linux real-time extension

Implementation of the DCRF: porting of TAO to RTAI. Code release published on SourceForge

Configuration system: a framework that supports the definition, code generation, packaging, assembly and deployment of CORBA components

CIAO not mature enough; temporary configuration system under development

Motion Control kernel

HMI (Human Machine Interface) server

PLC

Kinematics

Process Control

Safety

Filter

Hardware Access

Completion of porting of TAO to RTAI, and consequently of the implementation of the DCRF.

Test and validation of Motion Control Base and Extension components.

Set-up of five different demonstration objects:

a 5-axes milling machine,

a parallel kinematics machine (PKM),

a wood working machine

another milling machine

a simulated machine tool.

Simplifies the integration of additional functionality and third party software.

Allows to merge components provided by different NC manufacturers. Possibility of synergies among NC manufacturers.

‘Open Source’ philosophy: developers spread around the world will cooperate in the further improvement of the product and will guarantee a wide propagation of results.

Hardware independent CNC