The generic device on ARM based hardware — An analysis on cycle time limits

Flexibility is a key requirement in automation. This requires flexible solutions for design and implementation of field devices. The easy implementation of device functions for an early test in a system can be performed by introducing generalized approaches. The Generic Device, based on standard IT hard- and software, is an approach addressing this flexibility. The availability of low-price controller boards with Ethernet connection and general purpose I/O connectors, e.g. ARM based systems like Raspberry Pi, supports this idea. The paper analyses and discusses several alternatives for implementation of a Generic Device based on different hardware solutions. An analysis of cycle times and a comparison with dedicated industrial IO devices has been performed and the results are discussed. Topics for further work are discussed.