Multi-processor based programmable logic controller and method for operating the same
AssigneeGeneral Electric Company
InventorsWeihua Shang, Yongzhi Liu, William Henry Lueckenbach, Li Liu, Yu Zhang
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A programmable logic processor (PLC) with multiple PLC functions is disclosed. The PLC includes at least one memory storing at least one of a plurality of programs or data, and one or more processor assigned to each of the PLC function and couple to the memory. The PLC functions are run in parallel. A method of operating the PLC and a PLC system with multiple processors are also disclosed.
Claims22
A programmable logic controller (PLC) capable of a plurality of PLC functions, comprising:
- one or more processors assigned to each of the PLC functions;
- at least one memory coupled to the one or more processors and storing at least one of a plurality of programs or data;
- and
- a plurality of channels connecting the one or more processors corresponding to each of the PLC functions to enable the one or more processors to communicate with each other;
- wherein at least two of the PLC functions are run in parallel.
A method of operating a programmable logic controller (PLC) capable of a plurality of PLC functions, the PLC comprising:
- at least one memory storing at least one of a plurality of programs or data;
- and one or more processors assigned to each of the PLC function and coupled to the memory, the method comprising:
- (a) initializing the one or more processors corresponding to each of the PLC functions simultaneously;
- (b) running the PLC functions in parallel by using the one or more processors to execute the at least one of the plurality of corresponding programs in current sweep cycle;
- (c) exchanging data in parallel by using the one or more processors in current sweep cycle;
- (d) switching the one or more processors to step (b) in next sweep cycle to periodically perform steps (b), (c) and (d) until the one or more processors respectively finish all required programs.
A programmable logic controller (PLC) system, comprising:
- a plurality of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) each of which is capable of a plurality of PLC functions;
- a plurality of system links connecting the PLCs;
- and
- a plurality of IO modules connecting the PLCs with one or more devices;
- each PLC comprising:
- one or more processors assigned to each of the plurality of PLC functions, wherein the one or more processors comprises a plurality of logic solving processors;
- and
- at least one memory coupled to the one or more processors and storing at least one of a plurality of programs or data;
- wherein at least two of the PLC functions are run in parallel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.