An algorithm to build schedule table for schedule-based fieldbus to reduce communication jitter to its minimum

Area of Science:

• Industrial Automation and Control Systems
• Real-Time Communication Networks

Background:

• Schedule-based fieldbus systems are crucial for industrial control, where performance heavily relies on the construction of schedule tables (ST).
• Communication jitter and inefficient variable arrangement within micro-cycles of ST significantly degrade time-critical performance, leading to potential delays and system instability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and evaluate a novel algorithm for building schedule tables (ST) in industrial control systems.
• To investigate and minimize communication jitter within ST.
• To enhance the evenness and efficiency of variable scheduling in micro-cycles.

Main Methods:

• Development of an algorithm for ST construction based on the numerical co-prime method.
• Introduction and application of the concept of ST rank, evaluated using the numerical co-prime method.
• Detailed presentation and exemplification of the ST building algorithm and procedure.

Main Results:

• The proposed numerical co-prime method effectively reduces communication jitter to its minimum.
• The algorithm optimizes the longest time consumed for scheduling variables within a single micro-cycle.
• A significant reduction in the likelihood of exceeding micro-cycle time limits for variable scheduling was demonstrated.

Conclusions:

• The numerical co-prime method offers a superior approach to ST construction compared to traditional methods like HCF/LCM.
• The developed algorithm enhances the reliability and efficiency of time-critical communication in industrial control systems.
• This method provides a robust solution for minimizing jitter and optimizing scheduling in demanding industrial environments.