The Distributed Processing Units

The physical process interfacing and the remote processing such as monitoring and control of the subsystem are provided by means of Distributed Processing Units (DPU)

DPUs are available in different versions in form of digital and analogue input and output modules of different data width (16/32 bits) for digital modules, respectively different number of channels (8/16) in case of analogue modules. Specific system functions are provided by means of dedicated DPUs like units for Generator Control & Protection. Fig. 3 shows a DPU for Analogue Inputs.

Fig. 3: DPU for 16 channel Analogue Input(Photo: NORCONTROL)

DPU modules are based on the Infineon C167 microcontroller with two CAN interfaces. The modules provide a standard CANopen interface [6] and are completely configurable via the CAN bus. Due to their rugged design they may be used directly in the harsh environment of a ship's machine room or directly mounted onto the engines. The modules boot manager software allows updating of the module software via the CAN bus. Module configuration data is stored on flash memory or EEPROM, respectively. With each power-up the boot manager performs a self-test routine. For testing purposes each module furthermore provides a simulation mode, which can be activated via the CAN bus. Access to module configuration parameters is password protected.

In addition to the process interfacing function of normal DPUs, the so-called " Intelligent Distributed Processing Units" provide data processing capability based on programmable logic functions. These modules are also able to operate as so-called " MMI-Server" for simple operator interfaces (LOS) (will be explained later).