IEEE 802.15.4e LLDN: Superframe configuration for networked control systems

Wireless networked control systems have gained significant popularity due to commissioning and maintenance ease. Currently there are various wireless communication protocols available to accomplish the control networks. Recently, IEEE 802.15.4e protocol for low latency deterministic network has been introduced that shows prominent theoretical characteristics under effective frequency planning to minimize mutual interference. Factory automation, highly exacting from low latency point of view, requires sensors refresh rate not more than of order 10 milliseconds. This new protocol meets such stringent requirement of industrial automation systems. In this paper, we compare the new protocol with its previous version and observe its suitability for industrial networked control systems as a communication protocol. We introduce different LLDN (low latency deterministic network) superframe configurations that show trade-offs among various network parameters. It gives an insight of relationship among various network parameters like sensors refresh rate, number of devices accommodated in network and data payload exchanged between coordinator and end devices with emphasis on different levels of security incorporated.