The difference between upper computer and lower computer

There are obvious differences between the upper computer and the lower computer in terms of their functions, application scenarios, communication methods, hardware and software in the system.

1. Functions and functions

Host computer:

1. The host computer refers to a computer that can directly issue control commands, usually a PC/laptop, etc. The commands issued by the upper computer are essentially to monitor and coordinate the management of the lower computer.
2. The upper computer software usually has a user interface, which can display and edit various graphics and text, issue commands to the lower computer, and exchange data with the lower computer.
3. The host computer software usually needs to have functions such as real-time data collection, data processing, data storage and playback, alarm processing, and network communication.
4. In some complex systems, the host computer also needs to perform system configuration, fault diagnosis, debugging and calibration.

Lower computer:

1. The lower computer refers to the computer that directly controls the equipment to obtain the equipment status, usually a PLC/single chip microcomputer, etc.
2. The lower computer needs to receive instructions from the upper computer, perform corresponding actions according to the instructions, and return the action results to the upper computer at the same time.
3. The lower computer generally needs to have functions such as input and output, data conversion, control and adjustment.

2. Application scenarios

The upper computer is usually used to:

1. Monitor the working status of multiple lower computers.
2. Manage and control the actions of the lower computer.
3. Collect and process the data returned from the lower computer.
4. Display and record data and generate reports.
5. Fault alarm and fault handling.
6. Communicate with other devices or computers over the network.

The lower computer is usually used to:

1. Control specific equipment or systems.
2. Receive the instructions from the host computer and execute them.
3. Send device status or data to the host computer.
4. Convert and process the input signal.
5. Self-diagnosis and troubleshooting.
6. Communicate with other devices or computers over the network.

3. Communication method

The communication between the upper computer and the lower computer usually adopts serial communication or network communication. Serial communication includes RS-232, RS-485, CAN bus, etc., while network communication includes Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, etc. Depending on the actual application scenario and needs, the appropriate communication method can be selected.

4. Hardware and software

The hardware and software of the upper computer and the lower computer are also different. The host computer usually uses a high-performance processor and large-capacity memory to handle complex tasks and store large amounts of data. The lower computer usually uses a low-power processor and a smaller memory to meet the needs of real-time control and energy saving. In terms of software, the host computer usually uses high-level programming languages ​​such as C, Java, etc. for development, while the lower-level computer may use low-level programming languages ​​such as C language or assembly language for development. In addition, the choice of operating systems of the host computer and the slave computer may also be different. For example, the host computer may use a general operating system such as Windows or Linux, while the slave computer may use a real-time operating system (RTOS).

Summary: There are obvious differences between the host computer and the slave computer in terms of their functions, application scenarios, communication methods, hardware and software in the system. The upper computer is mainly responsible for monitoring and managing the working status of the lower computer, while the lower computer is responsible for controlling specific equipment and systems. In terms of communication methods, the upper computer and the lower computer can choose different communication protocols to meet actual needs. In terms of hardware and software, the selection of upper and lower computers is also different to meet their respective needs and functions.

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