Backplane module for electrically connecting a plurality of functional modules and a modularly constructed communication system

Abstract

The invention relates to a backplane module (20; 90) for coupling a plurality of functional modules (160-190; 200-230), having the following features: a base body (21; 91), a network coupling element (80; 100) arranged in the base body (21; 91), at least one first connection device (50; 110) arranged on the base body (21; 91), which is configured for coupling a functional module (180; 200), wherein the at least one first connection device (50; 110) has at least one communication interface (51; 111), which is connected to a port (85; 103) of the network coupling element (80; 100) via a signal line (244; 252), at least one second connection device (30; 130) arranged on the base body (21; 91), which is configured for coupling a functional module (160; 220), wherein the at least one second connection device (30; 130) has at least two communication interfaces (31, 32; 131, 132), which are respectively connected to one of the ports (81, 82; 106, 107) of the network coupling element (80; 100) via a separate signal line (240, 241; 254, 255), which can jointly form a logical transmission channel.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a backplane module for coupling a plurality of functional modules and to a modularly constructed communication system having at least one such backplane module. BACKGROUND

[0002] Backplane systems, also referred to as backboard systems, are known, for example, from modularly constructed devices. For example, a backplane system can have a backplane bus and a plurality of slots which are electrically connected via the backplane bus. Different electronic modules can be inserted into the slots.

[0003] It is furthermore known that device modules which can be arranged side by side are electrically connected to one another by means of a backplane or backboard, wherein there is a point-to-point connection between each two adjacent modules. In this case, each device module is responsible for forwarding data to the module which is arranged after the forwarding device module in the direction of transmission. However, the problem here is that if one of the modules fails, all modules which are located after the failed module in the direction of transmission are also cut off from communication. The module cannot be removed or replaced without loss of communication to the other modules in operation.

[0004] GB 2 404 815 B discloses a packet-switched backplane or backboard which has a plurality of slots which are electrically connected via the backplane. The known backplane is in this case configured as a passive component which electrically connects the slots to one another via point-to-point connections, i.e. in a fixed, predetermined manner. An aggregation card comprising an Ethernet switch can be inserted into one of the slots.

[0005] US 2005 / 0078706 A1 likewise discloses a packet-switched backplane which can connect switching nodes and active nodes to one another by means of individual point-to-point connections or by means of a bus. SUMMARY

[0006] It is an object of the present application to provide a backplane module for coupling a plurality of functional modules, wherein the backplane module enables a flexible electrical connection of its connection means and a dynamically variable communication between the functional modules connected on the connection means. A further object can be to provide a modularly constructed communication system, in particular for industrial process control, which has at least one such backplane module.

[0007] The core idea of the present application can be that the backplane module, also referred to as backboard module, is equipped with an active component by means of which the slots can be flexibly and dynamically variable connected to one another as required. The active component is a network coupling element which can also be referred to as a network switch.

[0008] The aforementioned technical problem is solved, in part, by the features of claim 1 and by the features of claim 7, which relates to a communication system with a modular construction, particularly for industrial process control.

[0009] Advantageous improvements and designs are the subject of the dependent claims. Attached Figure Description

[0010] The following examples, in conjunction with appendices, illustrate the concepts. Figure 1 This invention will be described in detail. Detailed Implementation

[0011] Figure 1 An exemplary modular communication system 10 is illustrated, which can be used, in particular, in automated equipment for industrial process control. The exemplary modular communication system 10 has at least one baseboard module 20 for electrical, optical, capacitive, or inductive coupling, and preferably also for mechanical coupling, of multiple functional modules 160-190. Functional modules 160-190 are preferably modules in which at least one electronic circuit is implemented respectively. Functional modules can be implemented, for example, as input / output modules (also known as I / O modules), as control devices, such as as programmable logic controllers (SPS), by means of which industrial processes can be controlled, for example. Input / output modules can be sensors and actuators. The exemplary modular communication system 10 is particularly used in this case for transmitting process data between functional modules via baseboard module 20 and, if present, via at least one additional baseboard module 90.

[0012] The base module 20 has a base 21, which may be constructed, for example, as a housing. A network coupling element 80 with multiple ports 81-89 is disposed within the base 21. The network coupling element 80 may be, for example, an Ethernet switch, which can selectively exchange data packets between its ports 81-89 according to the Ethernet protocol. At least one connection device 50 is arranged on the base 21, which is configured to electrically, and preferably also mechanically, couple a functional module, such as functional module 180. The connection device 50 may be configured as an Ethernet plug connector. The connection device 50 has at least one communication interface 51, which is connected to a port of the network element 80, such as port 85, via a signal wire 244. Functional module 180, for example, has a connection device with a communication interface 181 to be coupled to the connection device 50. A second connection device 30 is preferably arranged on the base 21, which is configured to electrically, and preferably also mechanically, couple a functional module, such as functional module 160. The second connection device 30 has at least two communication interfaces 31 and 32, which are respectively connected to ports of the network coupling element 80 via separate signal wires, which can form a logical transmission channel. As shown, communication interface 31 is connected to port 81 via signal wire 240, while communication interface 32 is connected to port 82 of the network coupling element 80 via signal wire 241. It should be mentioned here that, with the cooperation of the network coupling element 80, a so-called link aggregation function can be implemented for the connection device 30, where multiple physical interfaces, such as communication interfaces 31 and 32, can be logically clustered into a single channel to improve data throughput and failover safety, for example, relative to a single communication interface. For this purpose, the Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) can be used, for example. In other words, the network coupling element 80 can be configured to execute the LACP protocol to receive data from or transmit data to the functional module 160, for example, by clustering the logical transmission channel of the two signal wires 240 and 241.

[0013] To enable, for example, an electrical connection to the connection device 30, the functional module 160 has a connection device including two communication interfaces 161 and 162. Alternatively, the connection device 30 can be optically, capacitively, or inductively coupled to the communication interfaces 161 and 162. The functional module 160 is preferably configured to transmit data to and receive data from the network coupling element 80 via a logical transmission channel comprising two separate signal wires 240 and 241.

[0014] An additional connection device 40 may be provided on the base 21. This connection device may have at least two communication interfaces 41 and 42, each of which is connected to a port of the network coupling element 80 via a separate signal wire. As shown, communication interface 41 is connected to port 83 via signal wire 242, while communication interface 42 is connected to port 84 of the network coupling element 80 via signal wire 243. Depending on the configuration, the two signal wires 242 and 243 may form a logical transmission channel. To enable connection to the connection device 40, the functional module 170 has a connection device comprising two communication interfaces 171 and 172. The connection device 40 may therefore be optically grounded, inductively grounded, capacitively grounded, or electrically grounded to the communication interfaces 171 and 172. The functional module 170 is preferably configured to send data to and receive data from the network coupling element 80 via a logical transmission channel comprising two separate signal wires 242 and 243.

[0015] Figure 1 A fourth connection device 60 is shown arranged on the base 21. This fourth connection device may have at least one communication interface 61, which is electrically connected to port 86 via signal wire 245. Functional module 190 has a connection device with a communication interface 191, which can be electrically, optically, inductively, or capacitively grounded, and preferably mechanically coupled, to the connection device 60 of the base module 20. It should be noted that, as Figure 1 As shown, the base plate module 20 may also have more than four connecting devices 30 to 60.

[0016] To allow for flexible expansion of the modularly constructed communication system 10, another connection device 70 with at least one communication interface can be provided on the base plate 21. In the example shown, the connection device 70 has two communication interfaces 71 and 72. The connection device 70 is configured to electrically connect the base plate module 20 to another base plate module 90, and in particular, mechanically couple it.

[0017] As in Figure 1 As shown, connecting devices 30, 40, 50, and 60 are arranged side-by-side and spaced apart from each other on base surface 21a about an imaginary line, which is parallel to the plane. Figure 1 The coordinate system shown extends along the x-axis, with the base plane located in the xz plane. The connecting device 70 is arranged on the end face 21b of the base 21, which extends perpendicularly to the base plane 21a, wherein the end face 21b is located... Figure 1 In the yz plane of the coordinate system shown. It should be noted that the base surface 21a may have a depth in the z-direction, which, for example, corresponds to the depth or length of functional modules 160-190. The base plate module 20 may also have a locking element 22 to lock onto the support rail.

[0018] To enable electrical and mechanical coupling with the base plate module 20, the base plate module 90 has a connection device 150 disposed on the substrate 91. This connection device 150 preferably has two communication interfaces 151 and 152, wherein the connection device 150 is configured to complement the connection device 70 of the base plate module 20. The connection device 150 is disposed on the end face 91b of the substrate 91 located in the yz plane. Figure 1 As shown, connecting devices 70 and 150 are aligned in the assembled state. Complementarily constructed locking elements can be provided on end faces 21b and 91b for mechanically coupling base plate modules 20 and 90.

[0019] Similar to baseboard module 20, a network coupling element 100 with multiple ports 101 to 109 is arranged in the base 91 of baseboard module 90. This network coupling element 100 is preferably configured as an Ethernet switch. Furthermore, baseboard module 90 has, for example, a connection device 110 with a communication interface 111, another connection device 120 with a communication interface 121, another connection device 130 with two communication interfaces 131 and 132, and another connection device 140 with two communication interfaces 141 and 142. Similar to baseboard module 20, the connection devices 110 to 140 are arranged on a base plane 91a of the base 91 located in the xz plane. Functional modules can be connected to the connection devices 110 to 140 respectively. However, baseboard module 90 may also have more than four connection devices 110 to 140. Figure 1 As shown, functional module 200 with communication interface 201 can be electrically, optically, capacitively, or inductively grounded to connection device 110, and preferably mechanically as well. Functional module 210 with communication interface 211 can be electrically, optically, capacitively, or inductively grounded to connection device 120 of base module 90, and preferably mechanically as well. Another functional module 220 with two communication interfaces 221 and 222 can be electrically, optically, capacitively, or inductively grounded to connection device 130, which also has two communication interfaces 131 and 132, and preferably mechanically as well. Another communication module 230 with two communication interfaces 231 and 232 can be electrically, optically, capacitively, or inductively grounded to connection device 140, and preferably mechanically as well. Figure 1As can be seen, communication interface 111 is connected to port 103 of network coupling element 100 via signal wire 252. Communication interface 151 is connected to port 101 via signal wire 250, communication interface 152 is connected to port 102 via signal wire 251, communication interface 121 is connected to port 104, the two communication interfaces 131 and 132 of connection device 130 are connected to port 106 via signal wire 254 or to port 107 via signal wire 255, and the two communication interfaces 141 and 142 of connection device 140 are connected to port 109 via signal wire 257 and to port 108 of network communication element 100 via signal wire 256.

[0020] It should be noted that the two network coupling elements 80 and 100 can be interconnected according to stacking methods known from networking technology, such that they, and therefore the two baseboard modules 20 and 90, appear externally as system units with only one IP address. For this purpose, connections including signal wires 247 and 251 or signal wires 246 and 250, or separate connections (not shown), can be used, for example.

[0021] At end face 91c opposite end face 91b, an additional connection device 270 may be provided on the base 91 of the base plate module 90. This additional connection device 270 has, for example, two communication interfaces 271 and 272, which are connected to port 250 via signal wire 261 and to port 105 of network coupling element 100 via signal wire 260. A connection device of another base plate module (not shown) may be connected to the connection device 270. The base 91 of the base plate module 90 may also have a locking element 92 for locking onto a support rail, which, in the exemplary embodiment shown, extends parallel to the x-axis.

[0022] These two network coupling elements 80 and 100 can each be configured as VLAN-capable network coupling elements. In this way, virtual connections or logical subnets can be constructed within or even via network coupling element 80 or network coupling element 100 between various connecting devices and therefore between some of the functional modules 160 to 230, such as between functional modules 160 and 230. For example, a virtual connection can be established between connecting device 30 and connecting device 140 in this way via signal wires 240, 246, 250, and 257. In this way, functions such as the synchronization of redundant functional modules (e.g., functional modules 160 and 230) can be achieved without implementing separate communication technologies specifically designed for that function.

[0023] By using baseboard modules, each with active network coupling elements, complex modular communication systems 10 can be implemented in a simple and flexible manner, which can be particularly constructed for industrial process control.

[0024] At least some of the exemplary aspects described above are summarized below.

[0025] A baseboard module for coupling multiple functional modules is provided, wherein, for example, in... Figure 1 The base plate module 20 or base plate module 90 shown is the basis. For example, functional modules 160 to 190 can be connected to base plate module 20, and functional modules 200 to 230 can be connected to base plate module 90. Base plate module 20 or 90 may have the following characteristics:

[0026] Matrix 21; 91,

[0027] Network coupling elements 80 and 100 arranged inside the substrate 21 and 91 have multiple ports 81-89 and 101-109.

[0028] At least one first connection device 50; 110 disposed on the substrate 21; 91 for coupling functional modules 180; 200, wherein the at least one first connection device 50; 110 has at least one communication interface 51; 111, which is connected to the port 85; 103 of the network coupling element 80; 100 via signal wires 244; 252.

[0029] At least one second connection device 30; 130 disposed on the base 21; 91 for coupling functional modules 160; 220, wherein the at least one second connection device 30; 130 has at least two communication interfaces 31, 32; 131, 132, which are respectively connected to one of the ports 81, 82; 106, 107 of the network coupling element 80; 100 via separate signal wires 240, 241; 254, 255, which together can form a logical transmission channel, wherein the network coupling element 80; 100 is used to receive data packets from and to the at least one first connection device 50; 110 and the at least one second connection device 30; 130.

[0030] Preferably, at least one third connection device 70; 270 is arranged on the substrate 21; 91, which has at least one communication interface 71, 72; 271, 272, which is used to couple the base plate module 20; 90 to another base plate module.

[0031] A compact and space-saving arrangement is thus achieved, for example, in that at least one first connecting device 50; 110 and at least one second connecting device 30; 130 are arranged side-by-side and spaced apart from each other on the base surface 21a; 91a of the base 21; 91 with respect to imaginary lines, and

[0032] The at least one third connecting device 70; 150 is arranged on the surface 21b; 91b of the base 21; 91, which extends perpendicularly to the base surface 21a; 91a.

[0033] Advantageously, the network coupling element 80; 100 can be configured as an Ethernet switch.

[0034] The operational capability of the baseboard modules 20 and 90 can be enhanced by optionally or additionally configuring the network coupling elements 80 and 100 as VLAN-capable network coupling elements.

[0035] In order to enable the base plate module 20; 90 to be installed, for example, in a switch cabinet, mounting elements 22; 92 can be constructed on the base 21; 91 for mounting the base plate module 20; 90 on a support rail.

[0036] According to another aspect, a modularly constructed communication system 10 is provided, which can be particularly configured for industrial process control, and the communication system can have the following characteristics:

[0037] As explained earlier, the first base plate module 20,

[0038] At least one first functional module 180, the first functional module having a connection device with at least one communication interface 181, wherein the at least one first functional module 180 is optically, capacitively, electrically, or inductively coupled to the first base plate module 20 via the at least one first connection device 50, and preferably also mechanically.

[0039] At least one second functional module 160, the second functional module having a connection device with at least two communication interfaces 161, 162, and the second functional module being optically, capacitively, electrically, or inductively coupled to the first base plate module 20 via the second connection device 30, and preferably also mechanically.

[0040] A beneficial improvement provides a second baseboard module 90, already described above, coupled to the first baseboard module 20, wherein the network coupling element 80 of the first baseboard module 20 and the network coupling element 100 of the second baseboard module 90 are connected to each other via at least one electrical connection (246, 250; 247, 251). The electrical connection may have signal wires 246 and 250. Alternative or additional connections may have signal wires 247 and 251. At least one third functional module 200 is provided, having a connection means with at least one communication interface 201, wherein the at least one third functional module 200 is optically, capacitively, electrically, or inductively coupled to the second baseboard module 90 via at least one first connection means 110, and preferably also mechanically. In addition, at least one fourth functional module 220 is provided, which has a connection device with at least two communication interfaces 221, 222, and the fourth functional module is optically, capacitively, electrically, or inductively coupled to the second base plate module 90 via at least one second connection device 130, and preferably also mechanically.

[0041] For example, in order to improve data throughput between at least two functional modules, the functional modules (e.g., functional modules 160 and 170) can be connected to each other via at least two separate electrical connections using a network coupling element 80, which can form a logical transmission channel. In an example case, one electrical connection has, for example, signal wires 240 and 242, while the other connection may include signal wires 241 and 243.

[0042] Preferably, at least two of the functional modules, such as functional modules 160 and 230, are able to communicate via a virtual connection. In this case, the virtual connection can be established through communication interface 31, signal wire 240, ports 81 and 89 of network coupling element 80, signal wires 246 and 250, ports 101 and 109 of network coupling element 100, signal wire 257, and communication interface 232.

[0043] Preferably, each of the functional modules 160-230 can be configured as an I / O module, a communication module, or a controller.

[0044] It should also be noted that communication interfaces can be electrical connectors in their simplest form. However, they can also be constructed as inductive, optical, or capacitive coupling elements.

Claims

1. Backplane module (20; 90) for coupling a plurality of functional modules (160-190; 200-230), the backplane module having: a base body (21; 91), a network coupling element (80; 100) arranged inside the base body (21; 91) having a plurality of ports (81-89; 101-109), at least one first connection device (50; 110) having only one communication interface (51; 111) connected via a signal line (244; 252) with a port (85; 103) of the network coupling element (80; 100), at least one second connection device (30; 130) arranged on the base body (21; 91), the second connection device being configured for coupling a functional module (160; 220), wherein the at least one second connection device (30; 130) has at least two communication interfaces (31, 32; 131, 132), wherein the at least two communication interfaces (31, 32; 131, 132) are each connected via a separate signal line (240, 241; 254, 255) with one of the ports (81, 82; 106, 107) of the network coupling element (80; 100), respectively, wherein the at least two separate signal lines (240, 241; 254, 255) together form a logical transmission channel, and the network coupling element (80; 100) is configured to execute a link aggregation control program for receiving and sending data packets from and to the at least one first connection device (50; 110) and the at least one second connection device (30; 130) over the logical transmission channel.

2. Backplane module according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one third connection device (70; 270) having at least one communication interface (71, 72; 271, 272) configured for coupling the backplane module (20; 90) with a further backplane module is arranged on the base body (21; 91).

3. Backplane module according to claim 2, characterized in that the at least one first connection device (50; 110) and the at least one second connection device (30; 130) are arranged next to each other and spaced apart from each other on a base surface (21a; 91a) of the base body (21; 91) with respect to an imaginary line, and the at least one third connection device (70; 150) is arranged on a surface (21b; 91b) of the base body (21; 91) extending perpendicular to the base surface (21a; 91a). at least one first connection device (50; 110) arranged on the base body (21; 91), which is configured for coupling a functional module (180; 200), wherein 4. Backplane module according to claim 1, characterized in that the network coupling element (80; 100) is an Ethernet switch.

5. Backplane module according to claim 1, characterized in that the network coupling element (80; 100) is a network coupling element having VLAN capability. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 6. The base plate module according to claim 1, Its features are, Mounting elements (22; 92) for mounting the base plate module (20; 90) on the support rail are constructed on the base plate (21; 91).

7. A modular communication system (10) for industrial process control, comprising: The base plate module (20) according to any one of the preceding claims is a first base plate module (20). At least one first functional module (180) having a connection device with at least one communication interface (181), wherein the at least one first functional module (180) is coupled to the first base plate module (20) via the at least one first connection device (50). At least one second functional module (160) having a connection device with at least two communication interfaces (161, 162) and the second functional module being coupled to the first base plate module (20) via the second connection device (30).

8. The modularly constructed communication system according to claim 7, Its features are, A base plate module (90) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, coupled to the first base plate module (20), wherein the base plate module is a second base plate module (90), wherein The network coupling element (80) of the first base plate module (20) and the network coupling element (100) of the second base plate module (90) are interconnected via at least one electrical connection having signal wires (246, 250; 247, 251). At least one third functional module (200) having a connection device with at least one communication interface (201), wherein the at least one third functional module (200) is coupled to the second base plate module (90) via the at least one first connection device (110). At least one fourth functional module (220) having a connection device with at least two communication interfaces (221, 222) and the fourth functional module being coupled to the second base plate module (90) via the at least one second connection device (130).

9. The modularly constructed communication system according to claim 8, Its features are, At least two of the functional modules (160-230) are interconnected by at least two connections that each has a signal wire (240, 242; 241, 243) and form a logical transmission channel.

10. The modularly constructed communication system according to claim 8, Its features are, At least two of the functional modules (160-230) communicate via a virtual connection.

11. The modularly constructed communication system according to claim 7, Its features are, Each of the functional modules (160-230) is configured as an I / O module, a communication module, or a controller.

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