Nature-Like Structural Node Components for Software and Hardware Complexes on the Basis of Single-Board Computers

The paper presents the results of research on the possibility of using single-board computers in instrumentation and control systems. It is shown on the example of the OPERATOR software platform it is possible to create nature-like structural nodal components for software and hardware complexes on the base of sinlge-board computers. The authors called these node elements as "veurons". The advantages (the reduction of manufacturing costs, complete hardware unification, easy repair and replacement of units) and limitations (need of parallel computational algorithms, moderate network and data flows) of veurons are given. The examples of veuron- based configurations of the top-level of instrumentation and control systems are presented.