Various systems and methods may be used to implement a software defined industrial system. For example, an edge control node of the industrial system may include a system on a chip including a microcontroller (MCU) to convert IO data. The system on a chip includes a central processing unit (CPU) in an initial inactive state to receive an activation signal from, for example, an orchestration server, and change to an activated state in response to receiving the activation signal.

Various systems and methods are provided for implementing a software defined industrial system. In an example, self-descriptive control applications and software modules are provided in the context of orchestratable distributed systems. The self-descriptive control applications may be executed by an orchestrator or like control device, configured to: identify available software modules adapted to perform functional operations in a control system environment; identify operational characteristics that identify characteristics of execution of the available software modules that are available to implement a control system application; select a software module for execution based on the operational configuration and the operational characteristics identified in the manifest; and cause the execution of the selected software module in the control system environment based on an application specification for the control system application.

Various systems and methods may be used to implement a software defined industrial system. For example, an orchestrated system of distributed nodes may run an application, including modules implemented on the distributed nodes. The orchestrated system may include an orchestration server, a first node executing a first module, and a second node executing a second module. In response to the second node failing, the second module may be redeployed to a replacement node (e.g., the first node or a different node). The replacement mode may be determined by the first node or another node, for example based on connections to or from the second node.

In the case of the method and the device described here for automated parameterisation of at least one IO-Link device (300-310) connected, via an IO-Link connection (315-325) using communication technology, to a device (330) having IO-Link Master functionalities for a predetermined intended use (410) of at least one IO-Link device (300-310) by means of a configuration assistant (400), it is in particular provided that on the basis of the intended use (410) by means of an expert system (430) which is based on an artificial neural network and/or is rule-based, by means of which information (435) relevant for the parameterisation is automatically determined by means of user (445) inputs (440) guided by a configuration assistant (400) serving as a front end for the expert system (430), and a parameter set (455) suitable for the preferably application-related intended use (410) is automatically created for the parameterisation from the determined information (435) relevant for the parameterisation.

To cause multiple field devices to operate together in coordination in accordance with a predetermined program through a network allowing periodic communication, a control device includes an estimator that calculates, based on a position of a first field device in a first cycle, a position of the first field device operable in accordance with a first program in a second cycle following the first cycle, and a processor that determines, based on the first program, a first command value to cause the first field device to operate, transmits the first command value to the first field device through an interface allowing communication with the field devices, determines, based on the estimated position and a second program, a second command value to cause a second field device to operate in coordination with the first field device, and transmits the second command value to the second field device through the interface.

A method for automated configuration of an industrial controller comprises the steps of providing an identification from an industrial controller to a server connected to said industrial controller via a network, said identification identifying said industrial controller, and receiving, from said server via said network, an industrial program and/or a parameter for an industrial program in accordance with said identification.

The EIP Protocol Converter System is a system that facilitates integration of laser or dot peer marking systems into factory automation networks using the standard EtherNet/lP (EIP) protocol. Built-in support for the EIP protocol greatly simplifies the PLC programming task, and lowers the cost of integrating the marking system into factory operations.

A control system includes a controller, a transmission unit, an application executing unit, and a management unit. The controller executes a control program controlling a control target, and manages pieces of process data referred to or updated in the control program. The transmission unit transmits data sets including values of the pieces of process data managed by the controller, each of the data sets including one or more process data values. The application execution unit executes one or more applications using the value of the process data included in the data set transmitted by the transmission unit. The management unit determines a data set validating transmission in the data sets transmittable by the transmission unit according to the application executed by the application execution unit.

Systems and methods for controlling lab equipment such as transmitters are provided that includes a mini automation controller (MAC). The system provides a control system, user interface, and interfaces, including network interfaces usable for interfacing equipment, MAC, and user interfaces over a network, which provide a variety of functions including automation and monitoring of transmission sequences and receiver events. An exemplary MAC may include an Ethernet controller capable of converting an Ethernet signal to a serial signal. The MAC may also include a receiver monitor section comprising a fiber optic receiver input, a copper cable receiver input, and a monostable multivibrator. In addition to the receiver monitor section, the MAC may have a transmitter control section including a transmitter control pulse and a power output. An exemplary MAC may have a microcontroller coupled to the Ethernet controller, the receiver monitor section, and the transmitter control section.

Systems and methods for controlling lab equipment such as transmitters are provided that includes a mini automation controller (MAC). The system provides a control system, user interface, and interfaces, including network interfaces usable for interfacing equipment, MAC, and user interfaces over a network, which provide a variety of functions including automation and monitoring of transmission sequences and receiver events. An exemplary MAC may include an Ethernet controller capable of converting an Ethernet signal to a serial signal. The MAC may also include a receiver monitor section comprising a fiber optic receiver input, a copper cable receiver input, and a monostable multivibrator. In addition to the receiver monitor section, the MAC may have a transmitter control section including a transmitter control pulse and a power output. An exemplary MAC may have a microcontroller coupled to the Ethernet controller, the receiver monitor section, and the transmitter control section.