RUPDB

RUPDB product features :

  • Embedded Database
  • High Speed
  • Small Resource Footprint
  • Modular
  • Scaleable
  • Distributed Network
  • Multi-platform
  • Robust/Reliable
  • Customisable
  • Low System Management
  • Runs on Industry Standard Hardware


RUPDB Architecture
RUPDB Architecture

What is RUPDB ?

RUPDB is a software package for real time SCADA and, dynamic data gathering and distribution applications. It is made up of a suite of software modules that run on a number of different operating systems such as QNX, MS-Windows, LINUX and UNIX.

RUPDB is very scalable. For small scale applications it can be used to build simple embedded data loggers with only a few I/O points. Alternatively it can be used to implement distributed, networked systems that contain thousands of data points and perform email reporting, data file transfers and support many end user display stations. Please refer to the section on RUPDB and networks for more information.

A typical RUPDB system will run continuously for months on end and require little or no system management. The RUPDB software has robustness at its heart. The result is that if the system starts and runs OK for the first few minutes then it will continue to do so for a long time (usually until the power fails). Please refer to the section on reliability for more information.

The first version of RUPDB was developed in 1992. Since then it has been enhanced and upgraded to encompass developments in the computer industry especially the deployment of large scale corporate networks. From its original inception the design of RUPDB was based on a message passing client/server architecture which has proved itself over the years.

The RUPDB design and source code is owned and controlled by RUP Limited.

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What can RUPDB be used for ?

RUPDB can be used for a number of different applications such as:

  • Pipeline Telemetry
  • Data Distribution
  • Data Loggers
  • FPSO Excursion / Positon Monitoring
  • Intelligent Instruments
  • Embedded Controllers
  • SCADA Devices
  • Flow Computers
  • Mobile Devices
  • Virtual Meters

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RUPDB and Networks

The RUPDB product suite supports networks. While this is not unusual, RUPDB stands out from other SCADA software suites in that RUPDB was designed from the beginning to support distributed network environments.

RUPDB is based on a client/server, message passing communications model. For example, consider a simple live value database and mimic display situation. The mimic display process is the client and the live value database process is the server. When the data needs to be refreshed on the mimic display the client sends a data request message to the server which responds with a data reply message. All interaction between RUPDB processes is conducted using this interprocess communications (IPC) model. Networks are supported easily since all that is required to move the mimic display process onto a remote client PC is some network driver software which carries the IPC messages over the network between the client PC and the server machine.

The preferred network environment for RUPDB is TCP/IP. The RUPDB network software has been used successfully for several years on large corporate networks in the UK North Sea Oil and Gas industry. It even copes well with satellite transmission delays.

The RUPDB package includes client PC support for MS-Windows. This allows end users to run the display software on their own desktop PCs.

RUPDB was first implemented for the QNX operating system which makes heavy use of message passing, see www.qnx.com.

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RUPDB Reliability

The main reason for RUPDB reliability is to be found in the RUPDB design principles. The most important of these design principles concern memory allocation and disk file management.

Dynamic memory allocation and freeing kept to a minimum or else is eliminated entirely. The main RUPDB system processes allocate all the memory they need to run on start-up. Process creation is also kept to a minimum; most processes such as server processes, report generators and communications drivers all run continuously. Even GUI window display tools are kept loaded and running were possible.

A similar approach is adopted with disk files. The core RUPDB disk files such as historic database files, alarm and event logs and process state files are pre-grown to their full size when the system is installed. The file formats are designed to tolerate partial updates. As a consequence of these measures the typical RUPDB system is almost immune to disk file corruption caused by power failure.

RUPDB Specials

RUPDB is a good platform for implementing special applications. The high speed database ensures that there are lots of spare CPU cycles for executing iterative process models and other types of application specific software.

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RUPDB Application Examples

RUPDB has been used in various different applications around the world. The following examples are provided to demonstrate RUPDB's flexibility.


More Information

For more information please contact RUP Limited.