Multi-tasking machine and process control for digital drives utilized in textile, fiber and film applications

The benefits of using multitasking operating systems in textile applications are examined. The extrusion process is used to explore the demands placed on the system level controller, the digital drives, and the control engineer. The difficulties encountered with conventional control are discussed. The operation of an integrated multitasking controller is described, and the benefits of the approach are summarized. It is concluded that successful implementation of multitasking system controllers eases the burden placed on the control engineer by allowing the process problem to be addressed in manageable parts (tasks), and the unique software structure and high-level languages permit higher levels of flexibility and total integration in the process environment