Reliability for harsh environments

The need for improved performance is evidenced by continuous new product introductions by processor manufacturers such as Intel, AMD, and others. Whether it is better threading, more cores, better graphics, lower power, or higher clock speeds, these companies continuously respond to demand for more and faster computing across the board – whether on the desktop or in embedded industrial systems. But replacing a complete subassembly or subsystem each time a compelling new generation of technology becomes available is time-consuming, expensive, and risky. And yet the need to leverage greater levels of processor power and performance is an imperative. Separating the processor module from the underlying carrier means that technology upgrade is painless and affordable.

Beyond this, the modular COM Express approach allows users the flexibility to deliver

refer to:http://industrial-embedded.com/articles/rugged-increasingly-connected-world/

UAV software development using model

An in-the-loop testing strategy is often used as itemized below and summarized in Table 2:
1. Simulation test cases are derived and run on the model using Model-In-the-Loop (MIL) testing.
2. Source code is verified by compiling and executing it on a host computer using Software-In-the-Loop (SIL) testing.
3. Executable object code is verified by cross-compiling and executing it on the embedded processor or an instruction set simulator using Processor-In-the-Loop (PIL) testing.
4. Hardware implementation is verified by synthesizing HDL and executing it on an FPGA using FPGA-In-the-Loop (FIL) testing.
5. The embedded system is verified and validated using the original plant model using Hardware-In-the-Loop (HIL) testing.
A requirements-based test approach with test reuse for models and code is explicitly described in ARP4754A, DO-178C, and DO-331, the model-based design supplement to DO-178C.
Introduction to model-based design
With model-based design, UAV engineers develop and simulate system models comprised of hardware and software using block diagrams and state charts, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. They then automatically generate, deploy, and verify code on their embedded systems. With textual computation languages and block diagram model tools, one can generate code in C, C++, Verilog, and VHDL languages, enabling implementation on MCU, DSP[], FPGA[], and ASIC hardware. This lets system, software, and hardware engineers collaborate using the same tools and environment to develop, implement, and verify systems. Given their auto-nomous nature, UAV systems heavily employ closed-loop controls, making system modeling and closed-loop simulation, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, a natural fit.
Testing actual UAV systems via ground-controlled flight tests is expensive. A better way is to test early in the design process using desktop simulation and lab test benches. With model-based design, verification starts as soon as models are created and simulated for the first time. Tests cases based on high-level requirements formalize simulation testing. A common verification workflow is to reuse the simulation tests throughout model-based design as the model transitions from system model to software model to source code to executable object code using code generators and cross-compilers.

refer to:
http://mil-embedded.com/articles/transitioning-do-178c-arp4754a-uav-using-model-based-design/

The network influence of Industry 4G

John Browett, general manager of the CLPA, addresses what sort of impact the concept of Industry 4.0, and importantly the technologies that underpin it, will have on open industrial networks such as CC-Link.

One of the biggest implications of Industry 4.0 is that the demands placed on industrial networks will increase significantly.

We are facing a potentially exponential increase in the amount of data manufacturing systems will handle as vision systems, batch control, regulatory compliance, quality management and more will mean that the amount of data those networks have to handle is going to rocket.

As a result, we require sufficient bandwidth to allow for this increased use. At present, CC-Link IE is the only industrial automation networking technology that can provide a gigabit (1 Gbit/s) of bandwidth, which makes it exceptionally well placed to deal with the demands of Industry 4.0.

To find an example of how data intensive these solutions can be one only has to look at the needs of the leading Korean flat panel display manufacturers. Their tolerance for so-called ‘dead pixels’ is almost zero. To put this into perspective, a modern HD screen has 1080 vertical pixels horizontally and 1920 vertically. That’s 2,073,600 pixels on each unit. The manufacturing processes have to check each of these pixels, hundreds of times a day to ensure quality and control yield. It’s easy to see how quickly solutions like this will generate vast volumes of data.

As another example, the global automotive industry produces countless different combinations of each vehicle model at an incredible rate. It’s typical for an assembly plant to produce a complete in-vehicle at a rate of more than one per minute.

Producing these countless different versions at such a pace demands a huge amount of flexibility and a great deal of bandwidth to cope with both the production instructions and the quality control. Most models today have literally thousands of different model configurations depending on customer option choice. To complicate things further, it’s not uncommon for one assembly plant to produce a variety of models. Again, it’s easy to see how this puts huge demands on the networks that deliver this information to the assembly line systems that ensure the correct parts are fitted on the correct vehicle.

refer to:http://www.connectingindustry.com/automation/the-networking-implications-of-industry-40.aspx

SATA in the embedded computer matrix

Embedded computer is an Intel Atom-based platform equipped with interfaces like SATA, Gigabit Ethernet, and PCI Express, and is suited for applications such as networking appliance Storage (NAS) and network security, Garman says. “Professional embedded developers working on commercial products will like the fact that the MinnowBoard is open hardware, and can be customized without having to sign any Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs),” he adds.

GizmoSphere has also entered the maker market with x86 process technology, including an industrial AMD Embedded G-Series APU capable of 52.8 GFLOPS at under 10 W on their Gizmo board. Part of the Gizmo Explorer Kit, the package “was designed to be flexible so that designers can customize the system according to their specific industrial development goals,” says Kerry Brown, Vice President and Chief Operations Officer, Sage Electronic Engineering.

refer to:
http://embedded-computing.com/articles/diy-pushes-open-hardware-kindergarten-kickstarter/

security elements concerns for automation

The 4th generation Intel Core processor adds a number of features to its security portfolio, including McAfee’s Deep Defender technology, which resides between the memory and embedded system to perform real-time memory and CPU monitoring without impacting overall system performance.

As shown in the picture, additional security elements include multiple solutions. TenAsys also offers the INtime RTOS family, which can run as a stand-alone RTOS or alongside Microsoft Windows as shown. Both products enable users to partition a multicore platform to run mixed fanless embedded systems, making better use of the processor’s advanced features to provide highly integrated  solutions. (Microsoft and TenAsys are both Associate members of the Alliance.)A factory is only as strong as its weakest link, so every Internet of Things client in the factory needs protection from viruses, malware, and hacking to prevent costly interruptions to factory operation.

refer to:

http://embedded-computing.com/articles/transform-factory-the-intel-core-processor/

Pecise actuation in use

The Contrac series continuous electric variable-speed actuators are the ideal solution for highly precise, continuous position regulation of injection control valves and reduce operating costs.
The intelligent field devices of Contrac actuator systems are based upon single board computer of conventional rotary and linear actuators. The name Contrac is an amalgamation of the words 'control' and 'actuator'. The actuator system sets itself apart with continuous positioning, precise control, long service intervals, overload protection in end positions without torque-dependent cut-off as well as its high protection class. The single board computer series comprises tried and tested mechanical components combined with microprocessor electronics and is compatible with fieldbuses as well as conventional control methods. The embedded systems devices offer diagnostic options and parameter settings are performed via a graphic user interface. The systems are self-monitoring and offer fail-safe back-up of technical data.


refer to: http://www.power-eng.com/articles/print/volume-117/issue-8/features/opportunities-to-improve-efficiency.html

Cross-lateral cooperation for JR and AWL

JR Automation,  in business since 1980, is a rapidly expanding embedded system automation company with experience in creating a wide range of solutions, from stand-alone operator assist stations to highly automated assembly lines. Similarly, AWL is a leader in production industrial computer and experienced in the automotive and general industries with proficiency in laser welding.  With JR and AWL’s standing as leading global system integrators, this strategic partnership will facilitate an environment rich with knowledge, ability, and possibility for our customers.

With the advancement of customer success at the helm, the strategies of JR Automation and AWL-Techniek have aligned, creating a partnership that will allow global customer bases to benefit from an equally global system integrator presence. JR will service and support customers in the US, Canada, and Mexico, and AWL will support customers in Europe and China.

refer to: http://www.automation.com/jr-automation-and-awl-techniek-join-forces