Fault tolerant two-level pyramid networked control systems

In this paper, a pyramid control hierarchy is proposed. It is based on the presence of a supervisor controller on top of separate controller nodes. A simulation study is conducted to test the functionality of the system. The proposed model is an enhancement of machine modeled in form of networked control systems (NCS). Two models are tested: one supervisor/two sub-controllers, one supervisor/three sub-controllers. All possible combinations of supervisor-controller intercommunication are tested. Also, all supervisor/controller inter-changeability possibilities are taken into consideration. Results are illustrated and discussed. Recommendations are drawn out. All machine models of this study are built using switched gigabit Ethernet in star topology