Network Access Protocols for Real-Time Distributed Control Systems

Analysis and design for real-time distributed data communication and control system networks is an evolving field which requires interactions between the disciplines of communication systems and control systems engineering. Concepts of pertinent network parameters are introduced and an analytical base for system design is established. A simulation methodology has been developed for performance evaluation of real-time control system networks for distributed dynamical processes like autonomous manufacturing, electric power and chemical plants, and aircraft and spacecraft. The network-induced delays, resulting from data latencies, data loss, and missynchronism between system components, degrade the dynamic performance of the controlled process and are a source of potential instability. The impact of delays induced by different network access protocols on the control system performance are investigated. The results of combined discrete-event and continuous-time simulation are presented to this effect.