The open controller

The author proposes a method of achieving open control systems which, he contends, could replace the PLC. It uses IEEE1451 as a truly network-independent standard for transducers and associated networks implemented on volume hardware. A combination of chip vendors and board vendors supplies a variety of markets. JDC/IDC is used for the strategy engines running on chips and boards based on Web technology. Microsoft standards are used for a development environment and for supervisory functions. Operator screens based on Web browser technology are used. The underlying theme should be objects. As for the actual hardware to implement these standards, the fieldbuses at present define hardware: however, people are starting to mix and match. The new RISC machines, found, for instance, in the handheld devices, provide excellent cost-effective vehicles, and mezzanine standards are emerging. Associated flatscreen technology is providing good cost-effective methods for operator displays