MarkDCS™
MarkDCS™ is a powerful development tool for creating process control applications on a wide variety of devices, even in the most demanding contexts.
Its unique architecture allows object-oriented design in a non-procedural framework, making it possible to create and manage extremely complex networks of asynchronous events.
Because of its non-procedural nature, a MarkDCS™ compiled application does not represent executable instructions and must be interpreted by a run-time support module.
MarkDCS Runtime™ support is available for a wide range of platforms, from traditional desktop systems to embedded devices, including Windows, Linux, Android, and optionally microcontrollers.
Key Features of MarkDCS™
Network-Distributed Architecture
Create seamlessly distributed applications across multiple nodes with transparent communication handling.
Object-Oriented Design
Model complex processes with reusable objects that encapsulate behavior and state, improving maintainability.
Event-Driven Model
Handle asynchronous events efficiently with a sophisticated non-blocking architecture designed for real-time response.
Cross-Platform Support
Deploy the same application across different operating systems and hardware platforms without code changes.
Mission-Critical Reliability
Built for environments where failure is not an option, with robust error handling and fault tolerance features.
High Performance
Optimized runtime execution delivers the responsiveness required for time-sensitive control applications.
MarkDCS Components
The MarkDCS™ ecosystem consists of six integrated components working together to create robust control applications:
Runtime
Execution Engine
- Core execution environment for MarkDCS applications
- Processes compiled application modules
- Optimized for real-time performance and reliability
MarkLang
Programming Language
- Specialized language for control system programming
- Features robust type safety and object orientation
- Extensible through custom base definitions
Compiler
Build System
- Translates source code into executable modules
- Performs comprehensive static code analysis
- Produces optimized code with diagnostic capabilities
SDK
Development Toolkit
- Comprehensive tools for application development
- Extensive standard library of pre-built components
- Automated update system for development tools
Debugger
Testing & Diagnostics
- Real-time application monitoring and inspection
- Powerful event capture and analysis capabilities
- Simulated data injection for testing scenarios
IDE BETA
Development Environment
- Integrated environment for streamlined development
- Combined visual designer and code editing tools
- Seamlessly interfaces with SDK and compiler
Supported Platforms
MarkDCS Runtime™ support is currently available for the following platforms:
Case Studies: MarkDCS™ in Action
Discover how MarkDCS™ powers mission-critical systems across different industries:
Safety Management and Control System (SMCS)
One of the most challenging MarkDCS™ applications to date
Its task is to monitor all on-board safety subsystems: in first place fire detectors and damping as well as flood detectors, fire and watertight doors, but also auxiliary systems involved in an emergency like ventilation, lighting and paging.
It dispatches operator commands and performs automatic actions in response to an emergency in the absence of operator intervention.
According to configuration and ship size, from 2 to 20 interconnected workstations control up to several tens of thousands of sensors and actuators. Any station can interchangeably take control of all functions and communicate with the field in a hot-backup scheme.
The SMCS is developed and maintained by ASIC, the R&D division of the MARTEC group, with which we have a decade-long co-operation story, and is being routinely installed on most major cruise ships, starting from the Grand Princess (picture), who debuted in 1998, at that time the largest cruise ship ever built. Since then, SMCS has been installed on hundreds of large and small cruise ships and military vessels. Our partners' website also hosts a list of major installations.
M/S Grand Princess. Photo courtesy of Princess Cruises.
"SMCS has been installed on hundreds of large and small cruise ships and military vessels worldwide, providing critical safety management capabilities in demanding maritime environments."
Microdata MD2020 FDS Central Unit. Photo courtesy of Microdata.
"The Microdata FDS system demonstrates how MarkDCS™ can provide the reliability and deterministic behavior required for maritime safety systems while maintaining flexibility across diverse vessel types."
Microdata Fire Detection System (FDS)
Advanced fire detection for maritime vessels
The Microdata FDS is an advanced maritime fire detection and alarm system powered by MarkDCS™ technology. This system provides comprehensive fire detection capabilities critical for maritime safety.
MarkDCS™ serves as the core technology that enables the FDS to reliably monitor and manage fire safety systems throughout the vessel with the performance and reliability required for maritime applications.
The system features a distributed architecture where multiple fire detection control panels can operate independently or as part of a networked system, providing the redundancy required by maritime safety regulations and ensuring comprehensive protection across the entire vessel.
Key benefits of MarkDCS™ in the Microdata FDS include:
- Rapid, deterministic response times essential for maritime fire safety
- Configurable logic to meet SOLAS and classification society requirements
- Robust redundancy and failover capabilities for maximum system reliability
- Integration with other onboard safety systems and controls
The Microdata FDS has been successfully deployed on numerous commercial vessels and cruise ships, demonstrating the versatility and reliability of MarkDCS™ in critical maritime safety applications.
Interested in MarkDCS™ for your project?
We'd be happy to discuss how MarkDCS™ can benefit your control systems and automation needs.
Contact Us