Data acquisition and distribution systems: Criteria and methods for the optimal architecture design of a system for a local network in industrial environments

Abstract Criteria and methods adopted in the design of the architecture of an automatic system for data acquisition and distribution, operating in industrial environments, are presented. The system will be used in a wide range of applications including both continuous and discrete processes. In the paper, the decision-making method used for the choice of the architecture is described. This method is based upon a formalised procedure consisting of the construction of a tree which displays the possible design alternatives, and of a decision-making process which enables the choice of the best architecture. Finally, some system configurations are shown as examples. These can be implemented by means of the chosen architecture and are suitable for specific plants.