Device: tempctl0 (Temperature Control Card)

Physical Concept

Form Factor: Industrial controller module mounted in instrumentation backplane

Core Components:

  • Microcontroller with PID control loop execution
  • Thermocouple acquisition (2 channels) - digitized temperature sensors
  • Relay output drivers (2 channels) - switches for heater/cooler control
  • Communication interface for device protocol
  • Non-volatile storage for setpoint/configuration

Operational Pattern

Primary Function: Temperature regulation with manual or automatic control

Operating Modes:

  • Open Loop: Host directly controls relays, temperatures monitored
  • Closed Loop: Onboard controller maintains setpoint, host monitors progress

Typical Control Flow:

  1. Host polls temperature signals periodically
  2. Manual mode: Host calls relay functions to control heating/cooling
  3. Automatic mode: Host sets mode and setpoint, controller handles relay actuation
  4. Controller maintains setpoint autonomously until mode change or new setpoint

Protocol Interface

Signals (read by host):

  • tc1_temp, tc2_temp (double) - Temperature readings
  • relay1_state, relay2_state (bool) - Relay states
  • control_mode (string) - Current mode
  • setpoint (double) - Target temperature

Functions (called by host):

  • set_mode(mode) - Switch control mode
  • set_setpoint(value) - Set target temperature
  • set_relay(relay_index, state) - Manual relay control (open mode only)

Precondition: Manual relay control blocked when in closed-loop mode

Simulation Purpose

Validates multi-signal coordination, mode-based preconditions, and stateful control patterns.

Represents: Sensor ā†’ Controller ā†’ Actuator feedback loop