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Networking and
JavaSoftware
in Automation
September 2005
Basic Java
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Basic Java information

¾ Java - a popular programming language.

ª The Java platform is installed on 650 million PCs worldwide.
ª The Java platform is the leading platform for mobile applications and
services, with more than 93 carrier deployments around the world.
ª Roughly 350 million phones use Java technology (source: Ovum).
ª More than 600 million Java platform-based smart cards provide security
worldwide.
ª More than 80 percent of today's application servers are Java platform-
based.
ª The Java 2 Runtime Environment, Standard Edition (JRE) is the second
most popular download in history, with an average of 7 million downloads
per month.
ª Reportedly, 7 out of 10 wireless applications currently under construction
will use a Java technology runtime environment (source: Evans Data
Corporation).
Basic Java
Products/Software

Basic Java information

¾ First programming language developed after Internet

was established.
¾ Reasons for Java’s popularity
ª Main Features
(1)Easy to learn
(2)Platform independence
(3)Robust architecture
(4)High affinity with Internet
Basic Java
Products/Software

Basic Java information(1)

(1)Easy to learn
ª A Subset of C++
ª C/C++ users are already familiar with most of Java syntax.

Java Application
JVM JVM
(2)Platform independence
BIOS BIOS
ª Write Once and Run Anywhere
Linux Windows
ª Byte code interpreter for compatibility
ª Just-In-Time compiler for fast execution
ª Packages to match specific application requirements
" J2EE - Enterprise (Rich functionalities, a lot of resources, server platform)
" J2SE - Desktop (Reasonable functionalities and resources)
" J2ME - Embedded (adjustable size, limited functionalities)
Basic Java
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Basic Java information(2)

(3)Robust Architecture
ª Object Oriented
" Single inheritance
" Garbage Collector
ª Pointer-less and strict type checking
ª Sandbox model
" Sandbox is an area of the Web browser allocated specifically to the applet.
" A downloaded applet’s actions are restricted to its sandbox.
(4)High affinity with Internet
ª Support basic protocols for Internet
" TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP
ª Class Loading Mechanism via network
ª Security mechanism
" Sandbox
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Java hardware concept

¾ A hardware unit that runs Java applications

ª Open, flexible language
ª Takes over HMI/SCADA scripting functions
¾ Designed like an industrial HMI but without a screen
ª Robust – PLC type vibration and temperature resistance
ª No moving parts – Longer MTBF than PC
¾ Why Java technology?
ª Java can be run on a variety computing devices, from smart cards to
supercomputers (WORA – Write Once Run Anywhere)
ª Java applications can update themselves dynamically
ª Java technology is easy to use and has plenty of developers.
ª Java applications can be developed 2x to 5x quicker than C++.
ª The best implementation of object-oriented design available for
industrial apps is Java technology.
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Positioning of different solutions

Price

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Performance
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Hardware HMI

¾ Robust, local visualisation solution

¾ Also can handle communication protocol conversion
¾ Built-in communications hardware (Ethernet/RS232/RS485)
¾ Performance can suffer in graphically intensive operations
¾ Limited trending and historical functions
¾ Manufacturer specific programming / set-up, hard to
migrate
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Software HMI

¾ PC Based, local visualisation solution

¾ Limited network options,
¾ Dongle protection in some cases
¾ Usually small scale, several 100’s tags
¾ Integrates with standard Windows environment
¾ No application data compatibility with other software HMI
systems
¾ Future compatibility depends on manufacturer support
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Web Server

¾ Robust, embedded in automation application

¾ Scalable, 1000s of tags available
¾ HTML and Java based information delivery
¾ Built in security
¾ Not easy to copy applications to other Q Web Server
¾ Fully open language
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SCADA

¾ PC Based, local and remote visualisation solution

¾ Various network options
¾ Fully scaleable, 10’s to unlimited tags
¾ Usually needs dongle for viewing data – not best solution
for field maintenance
¾ Can be expanded with other modules
¾ No application data compatibility with other SCADA
systems
¾ Future compatibility depends on manufacturer support
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Hardware + Java

¾ PC or non-PC visualisation solution

¾ Remote visualisation, no screen for local viewing
¾ Almost totally custom coding or libraries needed for
applications
¾ Can include built-in communications hardware
(Ethernet/RS232/RS485)
¾ Fully open language
¾ Can be developed to include Fieldbus interfaces (e.g.
Profibus, DeviceNet, CC-Link)
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SCADA or Java – How to decide?

¾ Customer needs:
Scenario 1 Scenario 2
•Off the shelf solution •Custom solution
•Pre-built graphics •Custom graphics
•Medium performance •High performance
•PC platform •Embedded HW platform
•Standard communications •Specialist communications
•Data via Internet / Intranet or local •Data via Internet / Intranet only
•Thin / Thick client mixture •Thin client technology

Use SCADA Use JAVA

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System Integrator Benefits with Java

¾ IPR protection
ª SI can develop custom code and protect it
¾ Programming is similar to C++, so learning curve is not too
steep
¾ Can offer off the shelf solution (SCADA), custom solution
(Java) or a mixture
¾ Use as a value add to old applications
ª Legacy installations with various communication protocols
ª Internet viewability of existing plant and assets
¾ Use as a differentiator for new applications
ª Totally internet based data delivery concept
ª Built-in communications conversion
ª Complements PLC/Hardware HMI offering
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Customer benefits

¾ Java Security
ª Nothing is left on the client PC after Java application is run (unlike Active X)
ª Strong protection features for Internet transmission
¾ Java Hardware platforms
ª Deploy and forget
ª Box is part of the application, not liable to be stolen
ª Rugged and designed for industrial environment
ª High reliability – Real-time data access 24/7
¾ Java Environment
ª Platform independent, web based, open protocol
ª Easy maintenance, cost saving through quicker development
¾ Real-time distributed architecture
ª Industrial level system performance, Inter node communication
¾ End to End Solution (Layer-less)
ª Easy and direct connection to ERP (SAP, Siebel, etc) system
ª Simple point maintenance
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Simple system example

Internet environment
Remote PCs can connect to server and
view data / information. Connection can
be made from anywhere.

Server / Intranet environment

Java connects directly to a server
via Ethernet TCP/IP. All information is in
Java and XML formats.

Automation / Application environment

Java is installed with the control
equipment and connected directly to
automation components.
Plant Equipment
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Current – Layered Architecture

ERP, APO,
Level 4 Logistics
Systems
Business Process Information Network
MES, LIMS,
Level 3 WMS, CMM
Systems
Operations Information Network

Level 2 HMI, SCADA,

Batch Systems
Automation Network
PLC, DCS,
Packaged Systems
Discrete & Process Device Communication Networks
Level 1 I/O, Devices,
Sensors
 Products/Software

Layered Architecture with Java

ERP, APO,
Level 4 Logistics
Systems
Business Process Information Network
MES, LIMS,
Level 3 WMS, CMM
Systems
Java

Operations Information Network

Level 2 HMI, SCADA,

Batch Systems
Automation Network
PLC, DCS,
Packaged Systems
Discrete & Process Device Communication Networks
Level 1 I/O, Devices,
Sensors
Introduction of JAB
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Platforms and categories

ªPackages to match specific application requirements

ªJ2EE - Enterprise (Rich functionalities, a lot of resources, server platform
ªJ2SE - Desktop (Reasonable functionalities and resources)
ªJ2ME - Embedded (adjustable size, limited functionalities)

Enterprise
Layer

General PC

Application
Layer
Embedded PC

Device Embedded
Layer
Platform

J2EE J2SE J2ME

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Java and Compatibility

Sun One
iJava Standard Efforts
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Java Related Standard Activities

Two organizations exist

¾ Java Community Process (JCP)
ª Led by Sun Microsystems since 1995
ª Open process by approved members
¾ java.net
ª Open source community of Java technologies since 2003 (like Linux)
ª Industrial related projects
" JDDAC: Java Distributed Data Acquisition and Control
" JTI: Java Transducer Interface
" JPCSI: Java Precision Clock Interface
" JDOS: Java Device Open System
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Application example - iParking

 Products/Software

Benefits - iParking
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SUMMARY

¾ Robust and reliable – Vital for internet data delivery

¾ Scalable – Single unit handles 1000’s of tags, units can be
connected together
¾ Leverage thin client technology
¾ Flexible, custom platform based on Java & Linux
¾ Removes or reduces licensing costs