Back-up controller

[TaanTao]

Hi!
I have a FP2015 controller with 9 different modules connected to it (including types AI,DI,RLY,TC). Then, I embed my application in it and launch it at start-up. Everything works fine in the lab. Next, this system will be installed in a harsh environment and will not be accessible during most of time (once/year). Therefore, I really need a way to back up the controller (not the whole system).... How can this be done?

Is it possible to have a second controller (with same application loaded) to take over the first one when it's crashed?

[Otis]

Most of your concerns have already been addressed in another post: Redundancy in fieldpoint

As far as having a backup controller, that would be pretty much impossible. You could try to custom build a switching system that would break out the wires to the bank of FieldPoint Modules and then switch between one controller and the next, but even then you would still need a reboot before reinitializing everything.

The only practical backup system would be to have an identical parallel bank connected to all the same systems. You might be able to set it up to where if an error is thrown on the first controller and bank, then it could shut down that bank and the backup bank could take over.

Realistically though, I would try to stay within the limits mentioned in the above thread.

[TaanTao]

This is my other idea, can someone tell me if it is feasible?

I will have a second FP controller in parallel with the first one, but it is only connected to the most important actuators/sensors.

Then, the 1st one will send a "heart beat" to the second one. Once the heart beat stops, the second will do a software reboot of the first one. Is software reboot possible? If the first one still doesn't work, the second will take over.

[tst]

Like the other thread said, you can do a software reboot using the hardware watchdog.
Using the watchdog VIs, you can set a time (let's say 60 seconds) and an action (reboot) and continuosly reset (whack) the watchdog.
Then, if you haven't whacked it for 60 seconds, the watchdog will reset the module.
Definitely much cheaper and simpler than buying and connecting another FP.
Of course, if the problem runs more deeply, this won't help.