UDP/IP based distributed control for a hydraulic valve

The hardware and software development of a remotely controlled hydraulic valve assembly is described. The valve becomes a dedicated server in a distributed control environment. The communication system is an Ethernet network supporting the UDP/IP communications protocol. A client/server application model is developed that allows a client to specify a desired control position for a valve spool. The solution is being proposed as an alternative to a formal fieldbus solution, where precision real-time operation is not required. The performance of the valve is measured under different configurations considering both open loop and closed loop models. The justification for selecting the UDP/IP protocol is stated. The resulting hydraulic valve control system is efficient, accurate and flexible.