An advanced and distributed control architecture based on intelligent agents and neural networks

A new layered architecture for the implementation of intelligent distributed control systems is proposed. The proposed architecture distinguishes four layers in a distributed control system. Upper layer consists of a digital control layer, where high level decisions are taken. This level is implemented by means of intelligent agents that carry out the discrete control functions, system supervision as well as diagnosis and fault tolerance. Third layer deals with numeric values, performs analog operations and implement analog control loops. It is also in carry of the conversion from numerical variables values to evaluated expressions. This layer has been implemented by means of neural networks. Communications network appears in the second layer. Selected network was CAN (controller area network) because of its particular characteristics. Finally, every node should implement a hardware interface with the process to control. Some interesting characteristics provided by this architecture are its low-cost implementation, easy distribution through a communication network, distributed execution in virtual generic nodes-with no hardware dependency-, bounded response time and fault tolerance mechanisms