ABSTRACT
Networks have become an integral part of manufacturing over the past two decades, replacing point-to-point communications at all levels. The primary application of control networks is supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems. This chapter explores the application of networked control systems (NCSs) in the domains of control, diagnostics, and safety in manufacturing. It explores the parameterization of networks with respect to balancing quality of service (QoS) capabilities. The chapter introduces common network protocol approaches and differentiates them with respect to functional characteristics. It presents a method for NCS evaluation that includes theoretical, experimental, and analytical components. Network applications within the domain of manufacturing are explored; these include application subdomains of control, diagnostics, and safety, as well as different levels of control in the factory such as machine level, cell level, and system level. The chapter concludes with a discussion of future trends in industrial networks with a focus on the continued movement to wireless networking technology.
