Abstract
Concept development of a real-time Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)-based switched Ethernet data communication network for the Man-Machine Interface System (MMIS) is presented in this paper. The proposed design discussed in this research is based on the systems engineering (SE) approach. The design methodology is effectively developed by defining the concept development stage of the life-cycle model consisting of three successive phases, which are developed and discussed: needs analysis; concept exploration; and concept definition. This life-cycle model is used to develop an FPGA-based time-triggered Ethernet (TTE) switched data communication network for the non-safety division of MMIS system to provide real-time data transfer from the safety control systems to the non-safety division of MMIS and between the non-safety systems including control, monitoring, and information display systems. The original IEEE standard 802.3 Ethernet networks were not typically designed or implemented for providing real-time data transmission, however implementing a network that provides both real-time and on-demand data transmission is achievable using the real-time Ethernet technology. To develop the design effectively, context diagrams are implied. Conformance to the stakeholders needs, system requirements, and relevant codes and standards together with utilizing the TTE technology are used to analyze, synthesize, and develop the MMIS non-safety data communication network of the APR1400 nuclear power plant.