Flexible distributed control of production line with the LON fieldbus technology: a laboratory study

Abstract

Almost all industrial systems are distributed with multiple control points which interact to a limited extent, for which the idea of distribution of task at local (field) level is emerging. As locally‐based application tasks can reduce control delays, a fieldbus‐based smart and reliable DCS solution is recognised as a leader for real‐time industrial automation. Advanced control system has turned itself towards the implementation of digital distributed control systems (DCS) from centralised control systems. The phenomenon is becoming very popular because of its advantages over the whole operating system. Presents a case study for realising manufacturing systems (production lines) with fieldbus technology. The local operating network (LON) fieldbus system was chosen for this purpose because of availability of a wide range of products. Emphasises the reliability aspects of the control systems. A representative of a conveyor system, integrated with field devices, was conceived as the target platform.