A directed graph model for distributed sequential control

Abstract

With the rapid emergence of fieldbus systems, there is a trend towards distributed control with intelligent sensors and actuators interconnected via a communication network. This paper presents a new approach of sequential control using fieldbus technology. The distributed sequential control system consists of a group of intelligent nodes of sensors and actuators communicating with one another via a network to achieve a sequence of control actions without a master controller. A directed graph model has also been developed to facilitate the configuration for the distributed control system. It translates a user-defined sequence of control actions to a Petri net model and analyses the Petri net to check feasibility of the sequence. It can also generate the necessary network data for the distributed sequential control.