A Fiber-Optic-Based Protocol for Manufacturing System Networking

在大型制造企业中，计算机通信网络对于管理、工程设计和生产过程的集成正变得越来越重要。使用光纤作为传输介质可以显著提高计算机集成制造(CIM)网络的效率和灵活性。由于光纤的物理特性与同轴电缆有很大不同，因此需要修改现有CIM网络架构中的拓扑结构和介质访问机制。本研究的目标是在综合办公和工厂通信网络中进行基础和应用研究。这项研究将集中于开发和分析一种基于光纤的高速网络协议，该协议将把实时分布式制造过程与工程设计和工厂管理数据库集成在一起。具有国家重要性的项目，如(1)制造自动化协议，(2)技术和办公协议，以及(3)综合业务数字网将直接受益于这项研究。

Computer communication networks are becoming increasingly important for integration of administrative, engineering design, and production processes in the large-scale manufacturing business. The efficiency and flexibility of networks for computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) can be significantly improved by using optical fibers as the transmission media. Since the physical characteristics of optical fibers are significantly different from those of coaxial cables, the topology and medium access mechanisms in the existing CIM networking architectures need to be revised. The objective of this research is to conduct basic and applied research in integrated office and factory communication networks. The research will focus on the development and analysis of a high- speed fiber-optic-based network protocol that will integrate real- time distributed manufacturing processes with engineering design and plant management databases. Projects of national importance like (1) Manufacturing Automation Protocol, (2) Technical and Office Protocols, and (3) Integrated Services Digital Network will directly benefit from this research.