Design and implementation of multiprocessor-based fault-tolerant cell controller for FMS

A flexible manufacturing system (FMS) provides many benefits, such as, increased machine utilization, increased productivity, reduced labor, reduced lead time, consistent product quality, and so on, but the complexity of the manufacturing control system makes it unreliable. A multiprocessor system provides high performance and a very good environment for fault-tolerance and monitoring, so the reliability of the control system for FMS can be greatly improved. YH-MCS is a multiprocessor-based cell controller for FMS based on transputers and PCs implemented in China. This paper describes its characteristics and implementation issues on architecture, fault-tolerance, and fault location.