Simulation based performance analysis of networked control systems with resource constraints

Abstract

Performance analysis is an integral part in the development of a networked control system (NCS) since it answers the key question of whether the resulting quality of control (QoC) fulfills its requirements. It is also difficult to analytically quantify the impacts of CPU and network constraints on QoC of NCS. In present work, a simulation-based approach to performance analysis of NCSs subject to CPU and network constraints is proposed, in a manner of integrating scheduling, communication and control. The characteristics of control loop timing are presented as a combination of computational delay and communication delay. A numerical example involving DC servo problems is employed to illustrate our simulation-based approach. How CPU and network constraints, based on different scheduling schemes and network protocols, affect the control performance is shown. Simulation results and analysis give valuable suggests for NCS design.