Wireless Interface to Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)

"This Phase II Proposal outlines a development plan for a low-cost Wireless PLC unit to address the need for reduced cost of wiring, installation, and maintenance for shipboard control systems and commercial manufacturing plants. The challenge of thesesystems is the thousands of feet of hardwiring to sensor and control inputs. The Phase I effort resulted in a working, wireless software demonstration of the concept and demonstrated that a Wireless PLC architecture utilizing an Open ControllerArchitecture consisting of a Scanner and Controller Module is a viable, logical approach to achieving the stated project goals: (1) universal plug-n-play, (2) low-cost, and (3) compatibility with existing legacy PLC systems. The final product hardwarewill consist of two elements: (1) A dedicated self-contained, wireless Scanner Module that directly interfaces to actuators and sensors in place of the PLC, and (2) a wireless Controller Card capable of implementing an interface to an off-the-shelf PLCthrough standard manufacturing network protocols such as WorldFIP, Profibus, DeviceNET, Modbus, etc. The opportunities are: Decreased amount of cable, Reduced number of cable drops, Decreased numbers of PLC's, Faster installation and setup, Greatlyreduced sensor installation cost, Quicker system debug/fault isolation, and Decreased installation issues associated with shipboard systems."