Platform for Emulating Networked Control Systems in Laboratory Environments

Abstract

ter collisions (see e.g.[1], [3]). Such deficiencies are difficult for traditional control algorithms to handle. Often the This paper discusses a platform for prototyping control control algorithms assume constant sampling intervals and schemesfor networked control systems (NCS). The platform do not consider such asynchronic systems.provides tools for simulating various networks in connecAs the interest of automation industry rises towards diftion with real processes. The paperfocuses on an extension ferent networked systems, also wireless communication beto the MoCoNet platform [8], which is a unique environcomes an option for data transmission in networked control ment for monitoring and controlling processes over the Insystems. Wireless provides huge opportunities for efficient ternet in real-time. MoCoNet also provides capability of and flexible measuring in industrial systems, but it also inemulating different networks via network simulation. The volves some threats that need further research in connecplatform is extremely valuable for control design in NCS, tion with real process control systems. For evaluating and because the real processes can be first run over simulated researching different control algorithms in networked sysnetworks and different network congestion scenarios can tems, the MoCoNet system [6] has been developed. Mobe experimented. This paper extends the MoCoNet sysCoNet, abbreviated from Monitoring and controlling labotem by integrating it with the well known and widely acratory process over Internet, provides a platform to perform cepted network simulator [9], Ns2. The paper discusses networked control experiments with real processes. Besides various aspects of this novel integration of Ns2 with realan easy-to-use graphical user interface the MoCoNet systime operated control systems. The extension allows users tem provides tools for designing and tuning controllers for of the MoCoNet system to test the control algorithms for real case processes in networked control system setup, run-NCS with numerous wired/wireless technologies available ning real-time control experiments, and using a variety of in Ns2. Furthermore, the paper discusses the development network simulators to experience the effects of various netof a simple Java based GUI that is used to create virtual work technologies in control systems [5], [7]. Managing the networks in Ns2. networks in Ns2. experiments and scenario selections are all done over the Internet, and thus the system forms an outstanding remote control environment for both educational and research use.

A framework for realistic simulation of networked multi-robot systems

“…PiccSIM [9] is a joint network and control simulation tool that combines MATLAB and Simulink with the ns-2 simulator. After extending it to support mobility, authors of [10] applied PiccSIM to realistic simulations of a mobile robot squad.…”

A Real-Time Wireless Communication System Based on 802.11 MAC

“…In recent years, research activities in the eld of wireless real-time technologies for NCSs have been very active as testied by the relevant amount of literature produced on this subject, by the number of developed simulation/experimentation platforms (Andersson et al, 2005;Cervin et al 2007;Hasan et al, 2007;Nethi et al, 2007;Biasi et al, 2008;Chen et al, 2008), and by the already available communication technologies (Neumann, 2007;Pellegrini et al, 2006;Willig et al, 2005) for WNCSs. Herein, it follows a review of the most important contributions that are related to our discussion.…”

Technologies and Methodologies Enabling Reliable Real-Time Wireless Automation

“…PiccSIM stands for Platform for integrated communications and control design, simulation, implementation and modelling (Nethi et al, 2007) and is developed at Aalto University School of Science and Technology (PiccSIM, 2010). PiccSIM integrates two simulators to achieve an accurate and versatile simulation system at both the communication and control level for WiNCSs.…”

“…For further details see (Nethi et al, 2007), where the integration of ns-2 and Simulink is reported, and (Kohtamäki et al, 2009;Pohjola et al, 2005). Packets sent over the simulated network are routed through the ns-2 computer, which simulates the network in ns-2 according to any TCL script specification generated automatically by a network configuration tool.…”