The role of edge controllers in edge computing

Detailed explanation of the role of edge controllers in edge computing

As an important supplement to cloud computing, edge computing plays an increasingly important role in building interconnected factories. Edge computing realizes the analysis, processing and storage of data on the edge of the network, which not only reduces the dependence on the cloud, but also improves the security of data. Whether it is because of cloud computing itself, network transmission limitations, or concerns about data security, edge computing is one of the priorities that must be considered in the process of building smart factories nowadays. Although this is a PC-based controller, the edge controller is not equivalent to a separate industrial control computer. It integrates PLC, PC, and motion controller into the same device, which has two tasks: data processing and logic control. It can be done at the same time without interfering with each other.

In order to give you a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the new controller type of edge controller, today we take Jihecheng Technology's KAGO series edge controller as an example, and use the KAGO edge controller working topology diagram as a guide. Open the mystery of the edge controller.

What is edge computing

Edge computing is not a new word, the concept of edge computing has been proposed as early as 2003! Edge computing refers to the use of an open platform that integrates network, computing, storage, and application core capabilities on the side close to the source of things or data, and provides the nearest services nearby. Its applications are initiated on the edge side to generate faster network service responses and meet the industry's basic needs in real-time business, application intelligence, security and privacy protection. Edge computing is between physical entities and industrial connections, or at the top of physical entities. Cloud computing can still access historical data of edge computing.

For the Internet of Things, a breakthrough in edge computing technology means that many controls will be achieved through local devices without having to hand over to the cloud, and the processing will be completed at the local edge computing layer. This will undoubtedly greatly improve processing efficiency and reduce the load on the cloud. Being closer to the user, it can also provide users with a faster response. The concept of the Internet of Things has been proposed for more than 15 years. However, the Internet of Things has not become a hot application.

There is a long process from a concept to a real application. The matching technology, the cost of the product and equipment, the degree of acceptance, and the trial and error process are all lengthy, so the market for mass use often cannot be formed quickly. However, the application of industrial Internet of Things will enter an explosive period in the next 5-10 years. Many unresolved needs in the early days will be resolved at the edge. This means that edge computing has greatly promoted the automation and intelligence of the industrial Internet of Things.

Cloud edge

The role of edge control in edge computing

In edge computing, the edge controller plays an extremely important role. Generally speaking, when the household appliances in the home are abnormal during operation, or even short-circuit and fire, etc., we don’t have a fire extinguisher at home and we need to dial 119. Notify firefighters to arrive at the scene to put out the fire, and our edge controller is equivalent to a fire extinguisher. Relying on the high real-time nature of the edge controller, it can be extinguished immediately when a fire is found.

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KAGO edge controller detailed

In order to meet the application requirements of CNC machine tool motion controllers, especially laser cutting machines, CNC machining centers, laser engraving and milling/engraving machines, and multi-axis industrial robotic arms, as well as the needs of some machine vision inspections, there is an urgent need for a system that is more than traditional PLC High processing power hardware platform.

Based on this collection, Hecheng Technology has newly designed the KAGO series of products. The hardware platform is positioned as an edge controller, which integrates PLC controllers, PCs, gateways, motion control, I/O data acquisition, fieldbus protocols, machine vision, and equipment networking Integration of multi-domain functions. Realize equipment motion control, data acquisition, calculation and network connection in the automation field, and realize intelligent production line control in collaboration with the remote industrial cloud platform on the edge side.

The KAGO series is equipped with Intel's 6th and 7th generation Pentium Core series processors, with DP and DVI-I dual display interfaces. The DVI-I display interface can display signals up to 30m, adapting to the HMI display wiring requirements of different CNC equipment, with 4 Intel210 AT The chip POE camera interface and 16-channel photoelectric isolation DIO are options for vision guidance.

Support 4G, WiFi, Bluetooth and other wireless functions, support high real-time system, can load EtherCAT Master closed-loop master station protocol, can also optionally support CanOpen protocol, our INTime test clock jitter can reach 5 microseconds, Ubantu Preemt-RT It is 30 microseconds level. At the same time, it is optional to support the third-party controller development platform Codesys, which reduces the difficulty of development and shortens the time for productization of the solution, and the product support expansion can increase the expansion card expansion including 1 PCIeX4 slot, 2 32-bit PCI slots, compatible with the market All mainstream motion control cards, for customers to configure their own motion control card solutions.

The expansion module and host are easy to disassemble. The compact structure, the ingenious combination of active and passive heat dissipation design reflects a unique industrial beauty, intelligent temperature control silent fan, and good dustproof function; standard Din-Rail rail installation and wall-mounted installation, Save space resources.

KAGO series