Introduction to Cyber-Physical System

We interact with devices in real time, however the physical and computational elements of these devices operate separately. This system can have problems. We have Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) to solve these problems. CPS combines the physical systems with computation, sensors etc.

CPS has different types of devices such as autonomous vehicles, healthcare systems, smart grids, industrial automation, etc. We connect these devices to interact with the physical world using sensors and actuators. These devices are all connected using a feedback loop. We can monitor the CPS devices in real-time and control its various applications.

Characteristics of Cyber-Physical System

Some of the important characteristics of Cyber-Physical Systems are listed below −

• Integration − We combine physical elements (e.g., machines, sensors) with computational components (e.g., processors, software). We create a system that monitors and controls physical processes.
• Real-Time Monitoring − We collect data from its environment using sensors. We process this data in real-time. We can adjust physical processes using actuators.
• Feedback Loops − CPS depends on feedback loops. Sensors collect real-time data. The system processes it. Actuators execute actions based on the analysis. So it forms a continuous cycle of monitoring and control.
• Network Connectivity − CPS uses advanced network technologies (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4G/5G) to connect different components for efficient communication between devices and systems.
• Safety and Reliability − There are many CPS applications like autonomous vehicles and industrial automation. These are safety-critical, so we require reliable operation to prevent errors and malfunctions.

Architecture of Cyber-Physical System

There are three layers in the architecture of cyber-physical systems: Perception Layer, Transport Layer, and Application Layer.

• Perception Layer − This is the first layer of the CPS architecture. It collects data from the environment. It has sensors, cameras, RFID tags, GPS devices. It also has other intelligent equipment which detect physical changes and convert them into digital signals.
• Transport Layer − The transport layer acts as the communication bridge between the perception and application layers. It uses various technologies like Wi-Fi, Zigbee, 4G, and Internet protocols to transmit data between components.
• Application Layer − This layer processes the information collected and transmitted by the lower layers. It uses intelligent algorithms to analyze data and make decisions. These are then sent back to the perception layer as control commands. This layer is used for the physical processes to operate.

Components of Cyber-Physical System

There are various components of the CPS. These are grouped into three main categories as given below −

• Physical Components − These are equipment like power generators, motors, valves, and other hardware. We use these to control physical processes.
• Detection Components − This group comprises sensors and aggregators. Sensors detect and collect real-time data. Whereas aggregators process and transmit this data to the control system.
• Control and Communication Components − These are devices like Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Distributed Control Systems (DCSs), and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems. These components control the entire CPS. So the system runs in secure mode.

How Does Cyber-Physical System Work?

CPS links physical devices (i.e., sensors and actuators) with computing systems using a communication network. The perception layer collects data from the environment. It is then transmitted using the transport layer to the application layer for processing.

Based on the data analysis, the system sends control commands back to the physical devices using actuators. It creates a continuous feedback loop for the system to respond to real-time conditions.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Cyber-Physical System

There are various advantages and disadvantages of the Cyber Physical System (CPS). Some of these are given below −

Advantages of CPS

• We control and take decisions in real-time.
• It increases efficiency and safety of physical processes.
• We can reduce human intervention.
• It has reliable data for better system management.
• It has various uses in many industries, from healthcare to transportation.

Disadvantages of CPS

• It is tough to integrate. Because of complexity and coordination of physical and digital components.
• It can be vulnerable to cyberattacks because of its dependency on the network.
• It has high implementation and maintenance costs.
• We require robust cybersecurity strategies to protect data.

Difference between Cyber-Physical System and Internet of Things

The following table compares and contrasts the important features of Cyber-Physical System and Internet of Things −

Conclusion

Cyber-Physical System (CPS) combine physical and computational systems such as sensors, computational algorithms, and network technologies. Using CPS, we can monitor and control processes in real time in various industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and transportation. However, as CPS technology grows, it can give rise to cybersecurity concerns.