Fundamental issues in networked cascade control systems

Based on industrial process control practice, the concept of networked cascade control system is put forward. Four configurations of networked cascade control system are explicitly proposed and the advantages and disadvantages of each are presented and compared. Several issues induced by the network intersected in the control loops are analyzed, including the network-induced delay, data packet dropout, and so on. Simulation examples are given to illustrate how the network affects the tracking and regulation performance of the NCCS. Future research directions are given for further analysis and design of the networked cascade control system.