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Note: This is the third in a series of ARC Insights on Software for Open Process Automation.
The Distributed Control Node
The distributed control node (DCN) is the smallest, lowest level, and lowest cost component in the ExxonMobil Open Process Automation (OPA) vision. A DCN combines the capabilities of today’s DCS I/O modules and controllers, but on a far smaller scale. Some DCNs might be dedicated to controlling a single process loop, interfacing to just two to three process field devices and executing a very small number of control function blocks. This report will not address DCN hardware, except to note the required physical interfaces. The major challenges for the development and success of DCNs lie in the software realm.
DCN Software Requirements
Developing DCN software will be challenging, because a wide variety of software capabilities may be needed, even for otherwise identical DCN hardware. Note that an open process automation system may include anywhere from just a few to up to several thousand DCN modules. All requirements must be manageable at that scale. A brief discussion of the key functional requirements as envisioned by ARC Advisory Group follows.
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Keywords: Containers, DCN, Distributed Control Node, Docker, Embedded Systems, IIoT, Linux, Open Process Automation, ARC Advisory Group.