MCA2 - Requirements

Quick Overview

Module Build

All Methods are integrated into standardized modules with 4 unified interfaces: ControllerInput, ControllerOutput, SensorInput and SensorOutput. Data flow is realized by two functions of these methods: Control() and Sense(). A 5th interface enables access to internal module parameters in order to change the behaviour during runtime.

Combine

Modules are plugged into groups that also behave like normal modules. The arrangement in levels is built automatically. The functions Control() and Sense() of Groups propagate data through the levels by calling the modules Control() resp. Sense() functions and copying data from output to input interfaces. Module

Module Execute

Groups are executed within MCAParts and distributed among several PCs in a network environment. RTAI/LXRT is used in order to satisfy realtime requirements. Of course, these realtime capabilities are only available under Linux in combination with RTAI/LXRT.

Debug

A tool connects via TCP/IP to processes, visualizes the hierarchical control system and provides access to module interfaces: mcabrowser. It enables fast and efficient program analysis, debugging, test and manipulation. As it connects via TCP/IP remote access to MCA2 programs is possible from around the world using the internet. Module

Module Use

Another tool enables fast and efficient creation of graphical user interfaces that are easily be connected to the inputs and outputs of an MCA2 controle system. mcagui satisfies the needs of different possibilities to test and control programs during their development process. Creating graphical interfaces to mca2 programs take only minutes.
Apply

Many applications have been develloped using MCA2. There are a couple of research groups and industrial partners which use MCA2 successfully. robots

Hosted at MCA2.org

	Quick Overview
	Build All Methods are integrated into standardized modules with 4 unified interfaces: ControllerInput, ControllerOutput, SensorInput and SensorOutput. Data flow is realized by two functions of these methods: Control() and Sense(). A 5th interface enables access to internal module parameters in order to change the behaviour during runtime.
	Combine Modules are plugged into groups that also behave like normal modules. The arrangement in levels is built automatically. The functions Control() and Sense() of Groups propagate data through the levels by calling the modules Control() resp. Sense() functions and copying data from output to input interfaces.
	Execute Groups are executed within MCAParts and distributed among several PCs in a network environment. RTAI/LXRT is used in order to satisfy realtime requirements. Of course, these realtime capabilities are only available under Linux in combination with RTAI/LXRT.
	Debug A tool connects via TCP/IP to processes, visualizes the hierarchical control system and provides access to module interfaces: mcabrowser. It enables fast and efficient program analysis, debugging, test and manipulation. As it connects via TCP/IP remote access to MCA2 programs is possible from around the world using the internet.
	Use Another tool enables fast and efficient creation of graphical user interfaces that are easily be connected to the inputs and outputs of an MCA2 controle system. mcagui satisfies the needs of different possibilities to test and control programs during their development process. Creating graphical interfaces to mca2 programs take only minutes.
	Apply Many applications have been develloped using MCA2. There are a couple of research groups and industrial partners which use MCA2 successfully.