Triple Modular Redundancy (TMR) is a fault-tolerant process that utilizes a two out of three (2oo3) voting scheme to produce a single output from three independent inputs. This technology was developed in the 1960's for the Apollo space program. Imagine if Nasa control in Houston had an indication that a latch on a space vehicle became unhinged. If there was only a single indication, then immediate action would have to be taken to abort the mission and protect the astronauts. A TMR based system would ensure that three readings would be processed, thus avoiding a system shutdown due to a false reading. Therefore, TMR technology provided both safety and availability to critical missions.
As the Apollo space program finished in the 1970's due to waning public support, TMR technology was in the public domain for private companies to exploit. But which markets could support such a technology and which companies would be bold enough to invest in it? An obvious target would be the petro-chemical industry, whose global refineries processed volatile chemicals each day and were responsible for the production and transportation of hazardous waste. Plus, they had a lot of money.
The first company to exploit the TMR concept for a safety market was August Systems, based in Washington State, founded in 1978. They were followed by a second company, called Triplex. In September 1983, a third TMR company was started, Triconex. Over the next decade, the competition between the three independent companies would be brisk, spirited, and very, very expensive.
By 1991, a winner was declared.
More to follow.....
As the Apollo space program finished in the 1970's due to waning public support, TMR technology was in the public domain for private companies to exploit. But which markets could support such a technology and which companies would be bold enough to invest in it? An obvious target would be the petro-chemical industry, whose global refineries processed volatile chemicals each day and were responsible for the production and transportation of hazardous waste. Plus, they had a lot of money.
The first company to exploit the TMR concept for a safety market was August Systems, based in Washington State, founded in 1978. They were followed by a second company, called Triplex. In September 1983, a third TMR company was started, Triconex. Over the next decade, the competition between the three independent companies would be brisk, spirited, and very, very expensive.
By 1991, a winner was declared.
More to follow.....
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