Communications for Cyber-Physical Systems

Abstract

Communication networks are an essential part of any cyber-physical system (CPS) as they interconnect the CPS subsystems and components. In this chapter, we first introduce CPSs and the major role of networked control in such systems. Then, data communication networks are outlined in general and the different types of communication networks for CPSs are presented. The chapter goes on to describe some of the deficiencies of data networks and their influences on control loops. Thereafter, we highlight the need for improved communication reliability to realize CPSs and describe the existing general approaches to improve it. The potential benefits and the challenges to use the Internet are discussed after that. This is followed by considering a prominent communication standard for CPSs in the domain of smart grids. Then, the importance of pattern-based development is indicated and a description of common communication patterns for CPSs is provided. Finally, we conclude this chapter.