Embedded - System - Design - Assignment 2

HCA3110 Embedded Distributed Systems – Distributed Processing in a box
University of Technology –
Mauritius
SCHOOL OF INNOVATIVE
TECHNOLOGIES & ENGINEERING
BEng (Hons.) Electronic Engineering & Computer

Science – Part-Time (Upgrade)
Module Title: Embedded Systems and Design

Module Code: HCA3110
Module Cohort: BEngEE/10A/PT
Title: “Embedded Distributed Systems-

Distributed processing in a box”
Academic Year 2010 – Semester 1 Assignment1
Submission and Presentation Date: 17.11.10
Name: KHODABUX Yaasir (100372)

BOODOO Sameer (100367)
PARAOUTY Shameer (100379)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Prepared by: Paraouty, Boodoo, Khodabux

Page 1
1.0 OVERVIEW OF DISTRIBUTED PROCESSING...........................................................3
1.1 Definition of embedded distributed system.......................................................3
1.2 Applications of Distributed processing .............................................................3
1.3 Advantages and disadvantages of Distributed processing systems..................4
1.5 Selected Real-time example

................................................................................................................................ 4
2.0 Communication of the PLC and the LAN network.................................................7
2.1 Hardware Components of a PLC System

................................................................................................................................ 7
2.2 The communication component of the system..................................................9
2.3 The existing components of the system..........................................................10
2.31 SOFREL PLC S50 Remote Terminal Unit and the SCADA software.............10
2.32 Connectivity of the PLC and other related RTUs. .......................................12
2.33 Communication Protocols...........................................................................15
3.0 The S50 System components and specification.................................................17
3.1 Specification of the PLC...................................................................................18
3.11 Additional boards.......................................................................................19
3.12 Communications boards............................................................................19
3.2 Detailed view of the CPU motherboard...........................................................20
3.21 Serial daughterboards and Connectivity linked..........................................21
3.22 Connection using the Serial communication..............................................22
................................................................................................................................. 23
4.0 Important review of distributed processing........................................................24
4.1 Synchronous and asynchronous transmissions...............................................24
5.0 References:........................................................................................................ 26

Page 2
1.0 OVERVIEW OF DISTRIBUTED PROCESSING

1.1 Definition of embedded distributed system
A distributed system is a collection of independent computers that

appear to the users of the system as a single coherent system. In
another word it can also be defined as having more than one processor
interconnected together used for performing one particular task or
even several one.
In Distributed Processing, the controller elements are not the core

location but rather the system is distributed throughout the system
with each sub-system controlled by one or more processors and
eventually the entire system is connected by a network for
communication and monitoring purposes.
1.2 Applications of Distributed processing
• The world wide web – information, resource sharing
• Clusters, Network of workstations
• Distributed manufacturing system (e.g.,automated assembly line)
• Network of branch office computers -Information system to

handle automatic processing of orders
• Network of embedded systems
• New Cell processor (PlayStation 3)

Page 3
1.3 Advantages and disadvantages of Distributed processing systems
Advantages Description
Economics Less costly when intended to further expand the
system (save Cost).
Speed Several nodes connected and no centralized
domain for storage of data (several memories
per nodes available).
Inherent distribution All the workstations are connected together and
each
Reliability System is much more reliable since if one
station failed there are still others from which
information can be fetched from.
Incremental growth Easier to add other processor or systems.
Disadvantages
Software Many software is needed
Network Virus on network
More components to
fail
1.5 Selected Real-time example
The wastewater system at Grand Baie Treatment Plant
The Grand Baie Treatment Plant is one of the three main Wastewater
Treatment Plant found in Mauritius. The wastewater is treated up to
the tertiary level at the Treatment Plant. Wastewater is collected from

Page 4
the Grand Baie Area which consists of inhabitation, bungalows,

restaurants and hotels. There are a total of 19 Nos Pumping stations
for this purpose. They are all connected to a SCADA system posted at
the Treatment Plant for Supervision and Emergency control. They
communicate to the SCADA system through telemetry system and
uses Dial-up communication.
At a pumping station there is an ultrasonic level transmitter for

measuring the level (thus flow) of wastewater in the pump well.
Normally float switches are used to run or stop a pump, but in case the
run float switch has failed, the transmitter can also directly start a
pump to prevent overflow.
Brief description of the Pumping Station

Page 5
The wastewater is pumped from the wet well of the PS to the

Treatment Plant. Actually there are two pumps installed in each of the
Pumping Station which provide flow to the TP. The Pumps is being
monitored from the monitor at the TP, in the SCADA room by two
operators. This is realized by the used of PLC system and SCADA
system. These are linked either through cables or wireless telemetry
system.
The most important part of this system in our case is the

communication type, the method used for the monitoring and
controlling of the pumps on the PS. Actually the SCADA room is
comprised of two Personal computer for data acquisition and
monitoring by using distributed SCADA processing system i,e the
pumps and other equipment can be controlled from any of the two
monitor.
Distributed Processing involved in the automated wastewater

system
As already described above the data acquisition, monitoring and

controlling of the different component present are done by using the
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). The SCADA system is also being

Page 6
implemented for supervisory purposes. The data collection and

processing, when performed by an individual controller, can burden the
processor’s scanning time, consume large amount of memory, and
complicate the control logic program and thus by using distributed
processing minimizes these drawbacks.
Distributed control applications allocate control functions, once

performed by a
single controller, among several controllers; this eliminates
dependence on a single controller and improves performance and
reliability. However to use the distributed processing approach, a LAN
and the PLCs attached to it must provide the following functions:
• communication between PLCs
• upload capability to a host computer from any PLC
• download capability from a host computer to any PLC
• reading/writing of I/O values and registers to any PLC
• monitoring of PLC status and control of PLC operation
2.0 Communication of the PLC and the LAN network
This chapter gives us a clear explanation on how the communication between the different hosts
is being performed. To have a better understanding, let us consider some important aspect in our
system first. Below is some basic explanation which will help us throughout this chapter.
2.1 Hardware Components of a PLC System
Central Processing Unit (CPU)

CPU – Microprocessor based, may allow arithmetic operations, logic

Page 7
operators, block memory moves, computer interface, local area

network, functions, etc.
CPU makes a great number of check-ups of the PLC controller itself so
eventual errors would be discovered early.
System Busses
The internal paths along which the digital signals flow within the PLC are called
busses.
The system has four busses:
- The CPU uses the data bus for sending data between the different elements,
- The address bus to send the addresses of locations for accessing stored data,
- The control bus for signals relating to internal control actions,
- The system bus is used for communications between the I/O ports and the I/O unit.
Memory
System (ROM) to give permanent storage for the operating system and the fixed data used by the
CPU.
RAM for data. This is where information is stored on the status of input and output devices and
the values of timers and counters and other internal devices. EPROM for ROM’s that can be
programmed and then the program made permanent.
I/O Sections
Inputs monitor field devices, such as switches and sensors.
Outputs control other devices, such as motors, pumps, solenoid valves, and lights.
Power Supply
Most PLC controllers work either at 24 VDC or 220 VAC. Some PLC controllers have electrical
supply as a separate module, while small and medium series already contain the supply module.
Programming Device
The programming device is used to enter the required program into the memory of the processor.
The program is developed in the programming device and then transferred to the memory unit of
the PLC.

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2.2 The communication component of the system
The figure above best described the communication process between

the different workstations. As illustrated, there is two substation and a
master station from which all the monitoring and controlled is being
carried out. The two substations mainly consist of the following
component which makes the distributed processing possible:
• PLC – this is where all the sensors and transducer are connected
from the I/O module such as the Variable Speed Drive for speed
control of the pump, the float switches for the Start and stop of
the pump, the temperature sensor of the pump, the moisture
detector of the pump, the pressure sensor for measuring of pump
pressure, running of the generator and change-over module and
contactors for the opening and closing of the gate valve and
manual operation of the pump.
• The autodialer and the PSTN Telco line – used in case of

emergency.
• Data logger – This stored all the events occurred throughout the
day and are being transmitted to the SCADA found at the PCs for
every Station.
Page 9
• PC – this is where the SCADA software is installed for the

monitoring of the data from the Pumping station. The processor
of the CPU communicates to the PLC processor either by a serial
or parallel communication depending on the set-up.
• Router – used for communication between the PC between the

different Workstations.
• Printer – this print the report for the events occurred throughout
specified days.
2.3 The existing components of the system

The main important components of our distributed system is the PLC,
the SCADA software, the PC and the Router for communication
purposes. The system being a real one consist of real and existing
components as listed below.
2.31 SOFREL PLC S50 Remote Terminal Unit

and the SCADA software
Description
The SOFREL S50 Remote Terminal Unit is

dedicated to the remote control and
management of geographically widespread
or isolated facilities.
RTU S50 contains the following plug-in boards:
• A Power Supply unit;
• A CPU board with memory, serial interface, i/o daughterboards, etc.
• Input/output boards;
• modem boards for communication over dial-up/dedicated lines;
• Serial interface boards;

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• A voice board.
Function and specifications of the PLC
S50 is a self-contained RTU package allowing you:
• To continuously check the operational status of your remotely

controlled facility;
• To be automatically notified of a failure or fault condition;
• To locally or remotely control your equipment;
• To log, record, and process operating data collected from your

facility.
RTU S50 meets the requirements of any combination of separate or

interconnected sites. RTU S50 offers a comprehensive set of features
and tools combining high performance, open communications,
flexibility, and ease-of-use. S50 is a fully user-configurable RTU that
can be run on a PC running the SOFTOOLS software, either locally or
remotely.
RTU S50 lets you view and print:
• Mimic diagrams of the remotely controlled facility;
• Alarm and event logs;
• Historical records of operating data;
• Operating data reports.
In local mode, S50 connects to:
• A PC running SOFTOOLS;
• PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers)
• a local display (direct viewing, alarm acknowledgement, etc.)
• one or several badge readers (access control),

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In remote mode, S50 can communicate with:
• A PC running SOFTOOLS;
• A standard DTMF telephone (using SOFREL ‘VOICE SERVER’);
• Pagers;
• Mobile telephones;
• Other SOFREL RTUs (via SOFREL ‘INTER-RTU’ connections);
• A SOFREL CS100 front-end processor, and
• SCADA Master Stations and supervisory control host devices.
Communications media used by RTU S50 include:
• The Public Switched Telephone Network, referred to as ‘Dial-up

phone network’.
• Mobile telephone networks;
• Radio links;
• Dedicated lines
• RS-232 and RS-485 serial links.
2.32 Connectivity of the PLC and other related RTUs.

The PLC S50 communicates with the SCADA master stations or
supervisory control host computers. SCADA master stations or
supervisory control hosts are used to centralize RTU calls and poll RTUs

Page 12
automatically. The data collected by the RTUs are logged to disk for
retrieval and further processing using popular spreadsheet packages
(EXCEL, and the like). Data may be displayed in graphic or tabular
format (mimic diagrams, trend charts, tabular reports, etc.). Many
commercially available process control systems are compatible with
S50.
Communication with the HMI display
Information may be viewed directly on the remote display connected

to the S50 terminal and the following operations may be carried out:
• viewing the alarm log,
• Global alarm acknowledgement,
• Consultation of datapoint groups,
• positioning setpoints (DO, AO),
• initializing counters (CI)
• Remotely controlled facility

Page 13
Communication with other RTUs
Using ‘Inter-RTU’ links, RTU S50 can directly call one or more SOFREL
RTUs to transfer data and control remote sites.
Over a radio link, a single frequency can be used. RTU S50 can also
serve as a “relay station” for communicating with other stations.
Radio communication
The S50's radio functions offer a wide range of possibilities; they are
compatible with traditional radio sets as well as with the new radio sets
that do not require a license for use.
• The « Radio relay» function makes it possible for the Master station
to communicate with Station B via Station A, in which case the latter
behaves transparently.

Page 14
• With the « Configuration download », station configurations can be

downloaded by radio (Reading/Writing), including for the relayed
stations.
• The « Spontaneous call » function means that in the event of an

alarm or event, an instant values message can be sent directly to the
Master station or to another RTU (relayed or not).
Communication with other PLC and Interfacing with Printers
S50 can interact with PLCs or supervisory control software systems

using the ‘SERIAL connection’ function supporting various
communications protocols. Similarly the RS 232 can be used for
interfacing the Printer with the RTUs.
2.33 Communication Protocols

Communicating with Master Stations
RTU S50 supports major PLC communications protocols in addition to

SOFREL’s proprietary SOFBUS. SOFBUS is based on the industry-
standard MODBUS protocol complemented with several layers
allowing:
• Communications over any type of media (fixed or mobile phone

network, radio, etc.),
Page 15
• Transmission of time-stamped values (historical measurement data

and alarms,etc.), in point-to-point mode;
• Transfer of data to a “relay station” (for radio networks).
Communicating with PLCs
RTU S50 can serve as a SCADA interface for monitoring and controlling
one or more PLCs. Supported protocols include:
• MODBUS, in MASTER mode;
• MODBUS, in SLAVE mode; and
• TELEMECANIQUE, in UNI-TELWAY mode.
RTU S50 handles:
• Two RS-232C/RS-485 serial links for communicating with ten

MODBUS slaves; and
• One RS-485 serial link for communicating with ten TELEMECANIQUE

(UNITELWAY) servers.
Communications between S50 type RTUs
Using the ‘INTER-SITE feature, RTU S50 can exchange snapshot data
directly with one or more other SOFREL RTUs.
This allows S50 to send its own control/setpoint and status data to
remote sites and retrieve the process data from these sites.
Inter-site data exchange is performed through polls or can be initiated

by DI state changes.
Over a RADIO link, RTU S50 can spontaneously transmit current data to
other stations, using a single frequency for several stations. S50 can
also be used as a “relay station” to pass data along other stations.
INTER-SITE connections can be simultaneously performed via several

communications boards, which may be linked up to external modems
(for radio or mobile phone communications).
Page 16
3.0 The S50 System components and specification

Page 17
3.1 Specification of the PLC

The communication must be there for the distributed processing to
take place. So far we have been acquaint with different communication
and connectivity which can be performed by the PLC , PC and the
SCADA system. Technically speaking, the PC and the PLC are two
separate stand alone embedded components. For the communication
to be successful there must be a proper synchronization between
them.
RTU S50 consists of several electronic boards, which can be easily

removed or inserted into their slide rails. The chassis must be housed
in a metal enclosure for wall mounting, or snapped into a DIN rail
within an equivalent metal cabinet.

Page 18
3.11 Additional boards

Various add-ins can be plugged onto the CPU:
• One SERIAL daughterboard for serial RS-232 / RS-485 connections
• One or two I/O daughterboards among the following options:
- One ‘FAULT option’ board;
- One or two ‘Digital Output option’ boards (STOR/DO),
- One or two ‘Analog Input option’ boards (EANA/AI).
3.12 Communications boards

For data exchanges, S50 handles up to four communications
boards:
• One DIAL-UP MODEM board;

Page 19
• One to four DEDICATED LINE MODEM boards;
• One to four SCOM boards fitted with the ‘SERIAL’ daughterboard;
• One VOICE board for restoring messages over the phone.
3.2 Detailed view of the CPU motherboard

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3.21 Serial daughterboards and Connectivity linked

The CPU board consists of serial daughterboards which are used for the
communication of the different components of the system. Below is
some brief description of the linked process. The SERIAL-A
daughterboard provides an RS-232C link and a nonisolated RS-485
link. The RS-485 is used for communication between the PLC itself
while the RS 232 is used for connection between the PLC and the PC .
RS-232 transmission
An RS-232 link typically requires a twisted-pair cable with a shield or

screen for each pair of stranded wires.
The cable must be connected to earth on only one side. The maximum
length for an RS-232 cable is 15 meters.
RS-485 transmission
An RS-485 link typically requires a shielded or screened twisted-pair

cable. The cable must be wired to earth on one side only. Polarities
must be observed.
The RS-485 link for communicating with S50 I/O is not electrically
isolated. The following rules are to be applied:
• The RS-485 bus must have a line structure (i.e., no ring, no star
topology);
• Branches from the main bus must be kept as short as possible (less
than 10 meters);
• The bus must be properly terminated to prevent reflections and

suppress interference.
A common method is to install a jumper-selectable 120-ohm

terminating resistor on the device located at the end of the bus line. To
do this, set jumper S2 to ‘A’ on the CPU motherboard, and jumper S3 to
‘B’ on an I/O board.

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3.22 Connection using the Serial communication

Connecting two RTUs via RS 485
The diagram above illustrates how the communication is being

performed between two RTUs found in different Pumping stations by
using the RS 485 cable.

Page 22

Page 23
4.0 Important review of distributed processing
4.1 Synchronous and asynchronous transmissions

Synchronous and asynchronous transmissions are two different
methods of transmission synchronization. Synchronous
transmissions are synchronized by an external clock, while
asynchronous transmissions are synchronized by special signals along
the transmission medium.
Like any data transfer methods, Serial Communication also requires

coordination between the sender and receiver. For example, when to
start the transmission and when to end it, when one particular bit or
byte ends and another begins, when the receiver's capacity has been
exceeded, and so on. Here comes the need for synchronization
between the sender and the receiver. A protocol defines the specific
methods of coordinating transmission between a sender and receiver.
Let us take an example. A serial data signal between two PCs must
have individual bits and bytes that the receiving PC can distinguish. If
it doesn't, then the receiving PC can't tell where one byte ends and the
next one begin or where one bit ends and begins. So the signal must
be synchronized in such a way that the receiver can distinguish the
bits and bytes as the transmitter intends them to be distinguished.
There are two ways to synchronize the two ends of the communication
namely synchronous and asynchronous. The synchronous signaling
methods use two different signals. A pulse on one signal line indicates
when another bit of information is ready on the other signal line. The
asynchronous signaling methods use only one signal. The receiver uses
transitions on that signal to figure out the transmitter bit rate (known
as auto baud) and timing, and set a local clock to the proper timing,
typically using a PLL to synchronize with the transmission rate. A pulse
from the local clock indicates when another bit is ready. That means
synchronous transmissions use an external clock, while asynchronous
transmissions are use special signals along the transmission medium.
( Refer Fig1.a)
Asynchronous communication is the commonly prevailing

Page 24
communication method in the personal computer industry, due to the

reason that it is easier to implement and has the unique advantage
that bytes can be sent whenever they are ready, an no need to wait for
blocks of data to accumulate.
Mode of connection: -
In a simple connection, the hardware configuration is such that only
one-way communication is possible. For example, from a computer to
printer that cannot send status signals back to the computer. In a half-
duplex connection, two-way transfer of data is possible, but only in one
direction at a time. But in a full-duplex configuration, both ends can
send and receive data simultaneously, which technique is common in
our PCs.
Synchronous transmission - a brief explanation:

In synchronous transmission, the stream of data to be transferred is
encoded and sent on one line, and a periodic pulse of voltage which is
often called the "clock" or "strobe" is put on another line, that tells the
receiver about the beginning and the ending of each bit (or byte). In
general, such synchronous transmission protocols are used for all the
types of parallel communications. For example, in a computer, address
information is transmitted synchronously, i.e.: the address bits over
the address bus, and the read strobe in the control bus.
Synchronization can also be embedded into a signal on a single wire. In
differential Manchester encoding, used in video-tape systems, each
transition from a low to high or high to low represents a logical zero. A
logical one is indicated when there are two transitions in the same time
frame.

Page 25
5.0 References:
 Lecture notes
 http://www.sofrel.com/
 http://arxiv.org/abs/1010.4065
 http://www.lesman.com/unleashd/catalog /sensors_multiranger.html

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HCA3110 Embedded Distributed Systems – Distributed Processing in a box

BEng (Hons.) Electronic Engineering & Computer

Module Title: Embedded Systems and Design

Title: “Embedded Distributed Systems-

Academic Year 2010 – Semester 1 Assignment1

Submission and Presentation Date: 17.11.10

Name: KHODABUX Yaasir (100372)

Prepared by: Paraouty, Boodoo, Khodabux

1.0 OVERVIEW OF DISTRIBUTED PROCESSING...........................................................3

1.1 Definition of embedded distributed system.......................................................3

1.2 Applications of Distributed processing .............................................................3

1.3 Advantages and disadvantages of Distributed processing systems..................4

1.5 Selected Real-time example

2.0 Communication of the PLC and the LAN network.................................................7

2.1 Hardware Components of a PLC System

2.2 The communication component of the system..................................................9

2.3 The existing components of the system..........................................................10

2.32 Connectivity of the PLC and other related RTUs. .......................................12

2.33 Communication Protocols...........................................................................15

3.0 The S50 System components and specification.................................................17

3.1 Specification of the PLC...................................................................................18

3.11 Additional boards.......................................................................................19

3.12 Communications boards............................................................................19

3.2 Detailed view of the CPU motherboard...........................................................20

3.21 Serial daughterboards and Connectivity linked..........................................21

3.22 Connection using the Serial communication..............................................22

4.0 Important review of distributed processing........................................................24

4.1 Synchronous and asynchronous transmissions...............................................24

Prepared by: Paraouty, Boodoo, Khodabux

1.0 OVERVIEW OF DISTRIBUTED PROCESSING

A distributed system is a collection of independent computers that

In Distributed Processing, the controller elements are not the core

1.2 Applications of Distributed processing

• The world wide web – information, resource sharing

• Clusters, Network of workstations

• Distributed manufacturing system (e.g.,automated assembly line)

• Network of branch office computers -Information system to

• Network of embedded systems

• New Cell processor (PlayStation 3)

Prepared by: Paraouty, Boodoo, Khodabux

1.3 Advantages and disadvantages of Distributed processing systems

1.5 Selected Real-time example

The wastewater system at Grand Baie Treatment Plant

Prepared by: Paraouty, Boodoo, Khodabux

the Grand Baie Area which consists of inhabitation, bungalows,

At a pumping station there is an ultrasonic level transmitter for

Brief description of the Pumping Station

Prepared by: Paraouty, Boodoo, Khodabux

The wastewater is pumped from the wet well of the PS to the

The most important part of this system in our case is the

Distributed Processing involved in the automated wastewater

As already described above the data acquisition, monitoring and

Prepared by: Paraouty, Boodoo, Khodabux

implemented for supervisory purposes. The data collection and

Distributed control applications allocate control functions, once

• communication between PLCs

• upload capability to a host computer from any PLC

• download capability from a host computer to any PLC

• reading/writing of I/O values and registers to any PLC

• monitoring of PLC status and control of PLC operation

2.0 Communication of the PLC and the LAN network

2.1 Hardware Components of a PLC System