MultiPort RAM: a PC-Based Implementation of the Fieldbus Concept

The rapid introduction of industrial personal computers into the manufacturing automation throughout the last years gave an increasing importance to the PC-based distributed automation systems. One such system is MultiPort RAM, a software package which implements the conventional fieldbus concepts while running on a standard personal computer architecture. The paper reviews a general structure of this system, it’s functionality, operation principles, and application development aspects. The networking implementation is investigated in detail. Finally, a methodology for the MultiPort RAM integration with other field and wide area networks is discussed.