Method for forwarding data content and node of a data network

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for forwarding data content from a second data port (27) and a third data port (38) of a node (10) of a data network to a first data port (15) of the node (10), wherein data content received at the second data port (27) is prioritized over data content received at the third data port (38). According to the invention, the forwarding of data content received via the third data port (38) is interrupted as soon as it is identified that data content is received at the second data port (27). The data content received at the second data port (27) is directed to an intermediate buffer (37) and the data content received via the second data port (27) is delayed via an output of the first data port (15) for a determinable period of time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for forwarding data content having the features of claim 1 and a node of a data network having the features of claim 11. Background Technology

[0002] Data networks with a large number of nodes are specifically used for exchanging data or signals between different devices or machines. In this paper, a data network can be understood as a combination of various technologically advanced, primarily independent electronic systems (e.g., computers, sensors, actuators, agents, and other electronic components) that enable communication between these systems. The goal here is resource sharing. Communication typically uses prescribed protocols, which specifically define the construction and transmission of data content. The data content is usually embedded as valid data in so-called data telegrams with a structure defined by the protocols.

[0003] For example, field devices distributed across a data network can exchange data with a central controller and / or with each other via the data network. Field devices can be integrated into the data network directly (i.e., directly) or indirectly via nodes in the data network. For example, each field device can have a sensor and / or actuator. Measurement data or other signals recorded by the sensors can be transmitted to the controller via the data network. Alternatively or additionally, data can be transmitted from the controller to the sensor or actuator, for example, in the form of control signals.

[0004] The term "field device" should be understood very generally here. It should be understood as any device directly or indirectly connected to a data network, capable of sending data to or receiving data from it. Therefore, a field device can also be designed as, for example, an operating unit of an elevator system, used to call the elevator and / or to input the destination floor. Such a control unit sends data in the form of user input and receives data, for example, data output via a display. For example, information about the selected floor can be displayed, as well as graphics, images, or video sequences. For example, a field device can also be designed as a display that only receives and displays information.

[0005] WO2021 / 004835A1 describes a method for transmitting data content and a data network with nodes, particularly for transmitting data content in elevator equipment. WO2021 / 004835A1 primarily concerns the rapid and secure transmission of safety-related data in elevator equipment. However, it does not discuss in detail how other data, such as data from and transmitted to the operating unit or display of the elevator equipment, can be transmitted. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In contrast, the specific objective of this invention is to provide a method for forwarding data content and a node in a data network that allows the transmission of different data content within the data network while ensuring the fast and secure transmission of priority data content. According to the invention, this objective is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1 and a node in a data network having the features of claim 11.

[0007] The following example uses a data network in an elevator system to describe possible configurations of nodes in a data network, the data network itself, and methods for communicating with and forwarding data content within the data network. However, it should be noted that the implementations of the nodes, data network, and methods described herein can also be used in various other applications. The methods described herein are particularly suitable for applications where a large number of field devices and / or safety input / output units need to communicate with a controller and are arranged at relatively large distances from each other.

[0008] The described embodiments also relate to methods for forwarding data content from a node's second and third data ports in a data network to the node's first data port and the node itself. In other words, the steps mentioned below, for example, with reference to this method, can also be implemented as features of the node, and vice versa. Therefore, the node is specifically configured to enable it to perform the described methods or to be used to perform the described methods.

[0009] In the method according to the invention, data content is forwarded from a second data port and a third data port of a node in a data network (particularly an elevator device) to a first data port of the node, wherein,

[0010] A first data telegram containing first data content can be output via a first data port according to the Ethernet protocol.

[0011] The second data telegram, which contains the second data content, can be received via the second data port according to the Ethernet protocol.

[0012] The third data telegram, which forms the third data content, can be received via the third data port according to the Ethernet protocol, and

[0013] The seventh data content can be received through the node's fourth data port.

[0014] The data content, as so-called valid data, is embedded in a so-called data telegram, the structure of which is defined by a protocol.

[0015] A first data telegram, output via a first data port and containing first data content, is sent from a second or third data telegram. This means that the received second data telegram is output identically to or modified from the first data telegram, or the received third data telegram is output identically to or modified from the first data telegram. Therefore, the first data telegram is not generated by the second and third data telegrams. In particular, the third data telegram is output identically to the first data telegram, i.e., without modification. Depending on the application, the second data telegram can be output as the first data telegram in a modified form. In particular, the data content can be incorporated into the second data telegram before output.

[0016] The method also includes the following method steps performed in the order described:

[0017] Once the reception of the second data telegram is detected through the second data port, the forwarding of data received through the third data port is interrupted.

[0018] The received second data telegram is routed to the intermediate buffer, and

[0019] The data received via the second data port is delayed from the intermediate buffer via the output of the first data port for a determinable period of time or time interval.

[0020] In other words, in the method for forwarding data content from the second data port and the third data port (i.e., during the forwarding of data content received at the third data port, where data telegrams are also received at the second data port), the forwarding of data content received through the third data port is interrupted.

[0021] In the method according to the invention, when the second data content received via the second data port is forwarded to the first data port, the received seventh data content is integrated into the first data telegram output via the first data port without delay.

[0022] Therefore, additional data content can be advantageously integrated into the priority transmission of the second data content without delay. This is particularly advantageous if the seventh data content involves security-related data. The delay-free integration of the seventh data content is achieved, in particular, according to the method described in WO2021 / 004835A1.

[0023] In the design of the method according to the invention, the eighth data content can also be output via the fourth data port. Specifically, the seventh data content can be received simultaneously, and the eighth data content can be output simultaneously. Therefore, the fourth data port particularly possesses full-duplex capability.

[0024] The fourth data port is specifically designed as a so-called Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI), which enables fast and reliable data transmission. The fourth data port is specifically connected to safety sensors or safety actuators and therefore to safety input / output units that perform safety-critical functions. These input / output units are also known as "safety I / O." The fourth data port can be connected, for example, to safety door contacts in elevator equipment, which perform a safety-critical function of identifying the closed state of the elevator doors.

[0025] The first and second data ports of a node are specifically constructed as two parts. The first external part receives analog signals via a transmission medium, particularly via cable, and converts the contents of a data telegram into a digital signal when it is recognized that a data telegram has been received. This digital signal representing the data telegram, along with other signals required for data transmission according to the Ethernet protocol, is transmitted to the second internal part of the data port for forwarding to the second part for further processing. The internal part may also be referred to as the so-called "MAC (Media Access Control)" or "Host". To output a data telegram, the corresponding digital signal is transmitted from the internal part to the external part for subsequent output as an analog signal. Therefore, the external part of the data port depends on the transmission medium used, while the internal part is independent of the transmission medium.

[0026] The external portions of the node's first and second data ports are specifically designed as a so-called PHY. A PHY is a dedicated integrated circuit responsible for encoding and decoding data between purely digital systems and modulated analog systems. Here, PHY stands for Physical Interface.

[0027] The internal portions of the first and second data ports of the node are specifically implemented as a so-called "Media Independent Interface (MII)" or "Simplified Media Independent Interface (RMII)".

[0028] Once the external portion of the second data port recognizes the reception of the second data telegram, it sends a signal recognizing the data reception as an additional signal, namely the reception signal, to the internal portion of the second data port, in addition to the data telegram. This additional signal is specifically referred to as the RX DV signal (an abbreviation for "Received Data Valid"). If the reception signal is forwarded from the internal portion of the second data port and a portion of the first data telegram corresponding to the third data telegram has already been output via the first data port, then the output of the first data telegram is immediately interrupted when the forwarding of the third data content is interrupted. Specifically, this interrupts the output of the third data telegram, which is subsequently partially forwarded.

[0029] The second data message received through the second data port is not output directly through the first data port, but is instead directed to an intermediate buffer, i.e., the node's intermediate memory, whereby at least a portion of the second data message is stored. The intermediate buffer is specifically designed as a so-called First-In-First-Out (FIFO) memory or register. Thus, the portion of the second data message that is first directed to the intermediate buffer is also first removed from it. Here, the intermediate buffer is specifically chosen to be large enough to accommodate the portion of the second data message to be stored. After a determinable period of time has elapsed, the data content of the portion of the second data message stored in the intermediate buffer begins to be output as the first data message via the first data port. This occurs regardless of whether the second data message has been completely read.

[0030] The output delay of the data received via the second data port from the intermediate buffer via the first data port is such that there is a time gap between the first data telegram based on the third data telegram and partially output via the first data port and the first data telegram based on the second data telegram and output via the first data port. This gap is necessary so that the individual first data telegrams can be distinguished from each other and thus can be correctly received by the receiving node that receives the first data telegram.

[0031] Therefore, the method according to the invention advantageously enables data content from field devices connected to the node via a third data port to be output via a first data port, while simultaneously ensuring the transmission of higher-priority data content received via a second data port, and forwarding it with minimal guaranteed time delay, thereby outputting it via the first data port. This is particularly advantageous when the second data content includes safety-related data, which must be forwarded within a predetermined time for the safe operation of devices with nodes, especially elevator equipment.

[0032] When using the method according to the invention, the transmission of a third data telegram interrupted via the first data port is not lost. According to the Ethernet protocol, once output is possible again, the interrupted output of the data telegram is repeated from the beginning. After the data content of the second data telegram is output, the interrupted output of the data content of the third data telegram is repeated because the output of the third data telegram's data content was interrupted. Specifically, after identifying that neither the first data telegram has been output via the first data port nor the second data telegram has been received via the second data port, the output is repeated after a random waiting period. This method is defined in the Ethernet protocol or specified in the event of a collision in half-duplex transmission.

[0033] Specifically, the node features a so-called "Field-Programmable Gate Array" (FPGA), an integrated circuit of digital technology into which logic circuitry can be loaded. This allows the desired circuit structure of the node to be predetermined. The internal portions of the first and second data ports described above are implemented on the FPGA. The FPGA can send and receive data telegrams through the two data ports according to the Ethernet protocol. Here, the internal portion of the first data port can be considered as the first interface of the FPGA, and the internal portion of the second data port can be considered as the second interface of the FPGA.

[0034] The third interface is implemented on the FPGA, forming the node's third data port. This interface is specifically implemented as a "Media Independent Interface" (MII) or a "Reduced Media Independent Interface" (RMII). The FPGA can send and receive data telegrams via the third interface according to the Ethernet protocol. Thus, the FPGA's third interface receives and outputs digital signals. These digital signals are transmitted, for example, via conductor rails or via plug-in connections between electronic components.

[0035] From the perspective of an electronic device (e.g., a microcontroller for a field device) connected to the node via a third data port, the node thus represents a PHY, through which the electronic device can receive and output data telegrams via a MAC or host, particularly in the form of a Media Independent Interface (MII) or a Simplified Media Independent Interface (RMII) through the node's first data port.

[0036] The node may also have integrated circuitry with a circuit structure configured in the FPGA and the aforementioned interface.

[0037] The first data telegram is output via the first data port, and the second data telegram is received at the second data port, specifically according to the Ethernet standard IEEE 802.3bw 100BASE-T1 (also known as automotive Ethernet). Analog transmission operates at a data transmission rate of 100 Mbit / s via an unshielded twisted-pair cable (“unshielded twisted-pair” cable). This cable can be considered as a data communication path connecting different nodes.

[0038] Data transmission via the third data port also follows the Ethernet standard at a data transmission rate of 100 Mbit / s.

[0039] The above objective is also achieved through a node in a data network having a first data port, a second data port, a third data port, and a fourth data port, wherein the node is configured to:

[0040] A first data telegram containing first data content is output via the first data port according to the Ethernet protocol.

[0041] According to the Ethernet protocol, a second data telegram containing second data content is received via the second data port, and

[0042] According to the Ethernet protocol, a third data telegram containing third data content is received via a third data port.

[0043] Receive the seventh data content through the fourth data port.

[0044] The first data telegram is derived from the second or third data telegram.

[0045] Once a node detects that it has received a second data telegram through the second data port, it stops forwarding the data received through the third data port.

[0046] The received second data telegram is imported into the intermediate buffer.

[0047] The data received through the second data port is delayed from the intermediate buffer through the output of the first data port for a determinable time period, and

[0048] When the second data content received via the second data port is forwarded to the first data port, the received seventh data content is integrated into the first data telegram output via the first data port without delay.

[0049] In the design of the method according to the invention, data content is sent or received at the same transmission rate at the first, second and third data ports, and a predetermined time period before the data content received via the second data port is output from the intermediate buffer via the first data port is at least equivalent to the minimum latency of the Ethernet type used by the first and second data ports.

[0050] Adherence to this time period guarantees that a sufficiently large interval exists between a first data message partially output through the first data port and containing third data content, whose output is interrupted, and a first data message containing second data content output after the expiration of this time period. This ensures that, according to the Ethernet protocol used, the two messages can be reliably identified as two separate data messages and can be correctly received by the receiving node receiving the data message. This guarantees the reliable transmission of the second data content.

[0051] Specifically, the aforementioned time period is precisely the minimum waiting time. This also enables the rapid transmission of the second data content. The mentioned time period can also be slightly longer than the mentioned minimum waiting time.

[0052] For the Ethernet protocol, the minimum latency (Interpacket Gap, abbreviated as IPG) is essentially 96 bits of time. One bit of time is the transmission duration of one unit. When using the Ethernet standard IEEE 802.3bw100BASE-T1 with a data transmission rate of 100 Mbit / s, the minimum latency is 0.92 μs.

[0053] The length of the mentioned time period directly affects the size of the intermediate buffer imported into the received second data telegram. The intermediate buffer must be at least as large as the amount of data that can be sent or received within the stated time period. Therefore, for a time period of 96 bits, the intermediate buffer must be at least 96 bits or 12 bytes in size. In particular, the intermediate buffer is exactly 96 bits or 12 bytes in size.

[0054] In the design of the method according to the invention, a third data telegram can be received or a fourth data telegram can be output via the third data port at a certain point in time. Therefore, the data content is transmitted via the third data port in a so-called half-duplex manner according to the Ethernet protocol. This allows the method to be implemented in a very simple and low-cost manner.

[0055] The third data port is specifically connected to the microcontroller of the field device. Such microcontrollers typically have a Media Independent Interface (MII) or a Simplified Media Independent Interface (RMII) with half-duplex functionality. A variety of such microcontrollers are available on the market at low cost.

[0056] In the design of the method according to the invention, a third data port is connected to a first external data interface of a first field device for data transmission. To interrupt the forwarding of data received via the third data port once a second data telegram is detected received via the second data port, a receive signal is output to the first external data interface via the third data port. This receive signal indicates the output of a fourth data telegram from the third data port to the first external data interface, thereby identifying a conflict during data transmission between the third data port and the first external data interface according to the Ethernet protocol used, and stopping the data transmission at the third data port.

[0057] Therefore, the transmission of the third data telegram from the first external data interface can be interrupted very easily. As described above, the third data telegram sent during the interruption is not lost, but is automatically and completely transmitted again through the first external data interface once the first data protocol can be output again via the node's first data port.

[0058] Specifically, the received signal is output to the first external data interface for a sufficient period of time until the second data content received via the second data port has been output via the first data port.

[0059] Data transmission between the external data interface of the first field device and the third data port of the node should be understood here as the exchange of third and fourth data telegrams. Additionally, other signals necessary for the correct process of data transmission may be exchanged, such as the aforementioned receive signals.

[0060] When the third data port is implemented as a "Media Independent Interface" (MII), the received signal output from the third data port to the first external data interface is called the CRS signal. When the third data port is implemented as a "Simplified Media Independent Interface (RMII)," the received signal output from the third data port to the first external data interface is called the RX_DV signal.

[0061] The external data interface of the first field device can also be indirectly connected to a third data port. For example, the third data port can be connected to a converter to form a USB port, and the external data interface of the first field device can be connected to this USB port.

[0062] In the design of the method according to the invention, a congestion signal sent from the first external data interface to the third data port according to the Ethernet protocol used is not output through the first data port. This congestion signal indicates a collision during data transmission between the third data port and the first external data interface. Therefore, the FPGA will not forward the congestion signal to the first data port. In particular, for this purpose, a (logic) switch is configured in the FPGA, which can interrupt the connection from the third data port to the first data port.

[0063] As described above, according to the Ethernet protocol, a minimum waiting time must be observed between data telegrams, where a congestion signal is also considered a data telegram. Therefore, the output of a congestion signal received via the third data port will delay the start of the output of the second data content of the second data telegram that is fed into the intermediate buffer. Thus, suppressing the output of the congestion signal enables the transmission of the second data content particularly quickly.

[0064] In the design of the method according to the invention, a fifth data telegram is received via a first data port while a first data telegram is being sent, and a sixth data telegram is output via a second data port while a second data telegram is being received. Here, the fifth data telegram received via the first data port is output as the sixth data telegram via the second data port without modification.

[0065] Therefore, the data content is transmitted via the first and second data ports in a so-called full-duplex manner according to the Ethernet protocol. Furthermore, only the second data content received via the second data port and output via the first data port can be modified.

[0066] The fifth data telegram received via the first data port is output as the fourth data telegram, specifically via the third data port. Therefore, large amounts of data can be easily transmitted via the third data port to the field devices connected there.

[0067] The described method for forwarding data content from the second and third data ports of a node in a data network to the first data port of the node can be used particularly advantageously in methods for transmitting data content within a data network, wherein the data network is, in particular, part of an elevator system.

[0068] In this method of transmitting data content within a data network:

[0069] The data network comprises multiple nodes interconnected via data communication paths. Each node has a first data port and a second data port to facilitate the exchange of data telegrams containing data content between the nodes.

[0070] In this chain, nodes are connected in series with each other via a data communication path and a first data port and a second data port to form a chain extending from the first node to the last node.

[0071] At least two nodes are connected to the first external data interface of the corresponding field device via a corresponding third data port, and to the corresponding secure input / output unit (60) via a corresponding fourth data port (48) for data transmission.

[0072] In the node connected to the first data field device for data transmission and the node connected to the secure input / output unit, the second data content received from the second data port, the third data content received from the third data port, and the fourth data content received from the fourth data port are forwarded using the method described above for forwarding data content.

[0073] The nodes of the data network described above according to the invention can be used particularly advantageously in data networks, particularly as part of elevator equipment.

[0074] In such data networks, especially in elevator equipment:

[0075] A data network has multiple nodes interconnected via data communication paths. Each node has a first data port and a second data port to exchange data telegrams containing data content.

[0076] In this chain, nodes are connected in series with each other via a data communication path and a first data port and a second data port to form a chain extending from the first node to the last node.

[0077] At least two nodes are designed as described above according to the invention.

[0078] Elevator equipment with this data network has the advantage of being able to transmit data content quickly and securely. Attached Figure Description

[0079] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings of embodiments, wherein identical or functionally identical elements are given the same reference numerals. The drawings are merely illustrative and not drawn to scale.

[0080] Here:

[0081] Figure 1 This shows the nodes of the data network connected to field devices and secure input / output units;

[0082] Figure 2 Shown in through Figure 1 The illustrative signal curves when a node forwards the received second and third data contents;

[0083] Figure 3 An elevator system with a data network is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0084] according to Figure 1 , Figure 1 Data networks not shown in the figure Figure 3 Node 10 (74) has a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) 12. FPGA 12 has a first interface 14, which is implemented as a Simplified Media Independent Interface (RMII) with full-duplex capability. The first interface 14 forms the internal portion of the first data port 15 of node 10. The first interface 14 connects to the external portion 16 of the first data port 15 of node 10, which is formed by a so-called PHY. The external portion 16 of the first data port 15 is hereinafter referred to as the first PHY 16. The first PHY 16 can be configured according to the Ethernet standard IEEE 802.3bw100BASE-T1 via a connected unshielded twisted-pair cable (“unshielded twisted-pair” cable). Figure 3(94) Outputs a first data telegram and simultaneously receives a fifth data telegram. Therefore, the first data port 15 can send and receive data telegrams using a full-duplex method according to the Ethernet protocol. The first data telegram is symbolically shown as outgoing arrow 18, and the fifth data telegram is symbolically shown as incoming arrow 20. In addition to data telegrams 18 and 20, other signals required for data transmission according to the Ethernet protocol are exchanged between the first interface 14 and the first PHY. Other signals sent from the first interface 14 to the first PHY 16 are symbolically shown as dashed arrows 22, and other signals received by the first interface 14 from the first PHY 16 are symbolically shown as dashed arrows 24.

[0085] FPGA 12 also has a second interface 26 implemented similarly to the first interface 14. The second interface 26 is connected to a second PHY 28 of the second data port 27 of node 10, and the second PHY is implemented similarly to the first PHY 16. The second PHY 28 can be configured according to the Ethernet standard IEEE 802.3bw100BASE-T1 via a connected unshielded twisted-pair cable. Figure 3 (94) Receives the second data telegram and simultaneously outputs the sixth data telegram. Therefore, the data transmission rate is 100 Mbit / s. The second data telegram is symbolically represented by incoming arrow 30, and the sixth data telegram is symbolically represented by outgoing arrow 32. Therefore, the second data port 27 can send and receive data telegrams using a full-duplex method according to the Ethernet protocol. In addition to data telegrams 30 and 32, other signals required for data transmission according to the Ethernet protocol are also sent and received. In addition to data telegrams 30 and 32, other signals required for data transmission according to the Ethernet protocol are exchanged between the second interface 26 and the second PHY. The other signals sent from the second interface 26 to the second PHY 28 are symbolically shown as dashed arrow 34, and the other signals received by the second interface 26 from the second PHY 28 are symbolically shown as dashed arrow 36.

[0086] FPGA 12 has memory 37 or memory 37 configured within FPGA 12. Memory 37 is configured as a so-called first-in-first-out (FIFO) memory or register and can hold 12 bytes. FPGA 12 is configured such that a second data telegram 30 received from the second data port 27 can be temporarily stored, at least partially, in memory 37. The data content of the second data telegram 30 previously stored in memory 37 is also first retrieved from memory 37 again.

[0087] FPGA 12 also has a third data port 38 designed as a third interface. The third interface, and therefore the third data port 38, is implemented as a "Simplified Media Independent Interface" (RMII) with half-duplex capability. Third data messages can be received via the third data port 38, and fourth data messages can be output digitally at a data transmission rate of 100 Mbit / s according to the Ethernet standard. Because the third data port is designed for half-duplex capability, it cannot simultaneously receive a third data message and output a fourth data message; rather, it can either receive a third data message or output a fourth data message at any given time. The third data message is symbolically represented by an incoming arrow 40, and the fourth data message is symbolically represented by an outgoing arrow 42. In addition to data messages 40 and 42, other signals required for data transmission according to the Ethernet protocol are also sent and received. The received additional signals are symbolically shown as dashed incoming arrows 44, and the transmitted additional signals are symbolically shown as dashed outgoing arrows 46.

[0088] FPGA 12 also features a fourth data port 48, designed as a fourth interface. This fourth interface, along with the fourth data port 48, is implemented as a full-duplex Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI). The fourth data port 48 can simultaneously receive a seventh data message and output an eighth data message. The seventh data message is symbolically represented by an incoming arrow 50, and the eighth data message is symbolically represented by an outgoing arrow 52. The fourth data port 48 can be used in either full-duplex or half-duplex mode.

[0089] Nodes with the described data ports can also be designed as integrated circuits. FPGA nodes may also lack a fourth data port, having only the first, second, and third data ports.

[0090] Node 10 is connected to field device 54 via third data port 38. Field device 54 can be designed as, for example, an operating unit for elevator equipment (see...). Figure 3 This is used to call the elevator and / or to input the destination floor. Field device 54 has a microcontroller 56 with a data interface 58 implemented as a Simplified Media Independent Interface (RMII) with half-duplex capability. Data interface 58 is connected to the third data port 38 of node 10 via a direct-plug connector. Therefore, the direct-plug connector can output a third data telegram 40 to the third data port 38 and receive a fourth data telegram 42 from the third data port 38 of node 10. Additionally, another signal 44 can be output and another signal 46 can be received.

[0091] Node 10 is connected to a secure input / output unit 60 via a fourth data port 48. The secure input / output unit 60 can be implemented as, for example, a safety door contact of an elevator device (see...). Figure 3 The input / output unit 60 has a data interface 62 designed as a full-duplex Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI). The data interface 62 is connected to the fourth data port 48 of node 10. Therefore, the data interface can output a seventh data message 50 to the fourth data port 48 and receive an eighth data message 52 from the fourth data port 48 of node 10. The data interface 62 can be used in either full-duplex or half-duplex mode.

[0092] If node 10 is integrated into the data network ( Figure 3 In step 74), the node is connected to another network participant via the first data port. This other network participant can be a node of the same configuration, specifically connected to field devices and secure input / output units. In this case, the first data port is connected to the second data port of the other node. The other network participant can also be designed as a control unit or a node with a different configuration. The other network participant only needs to have a data port capable of outputting and receiving data telegrams in full-duplex mode according to the Ethernet standard IEEE 802.3bw 100BASE-T1.

[0093] If node 10 is integrated into the data network ( Figure 3 If the node is not the last node in the node chain, then the node is connected via the second data port to the first data port of another node of the same configuration, wherein the other node is also connected to field devices and secure input / output units.

[0094] Node 10 or FPGA 12 is configured such that the fifth data telegram 20 received from the first data port 15 is directly and unmodifiedly output as a sixth data telegram 32 from the second data port 27. Therefore, node 10 cannot output information generated by that node via the second data port.

[0095] If the second data message 30 is not received via the second data port 27, the third data message 40 received from the field device 54 via the third data port 38 is output by the FPGA 12 as the first data message 18 via the first data port 15. This situation changes immediately when the second data message 30 is received via the second data port 27, i.e., when the second PHY 28 sends a receive signal to or receives the signal from the second interface 26 of the FPGA 12 in the form of a so-called RX DV signal. For this purpose, the FPGA 12 switches logic switch 63, which is in... Figure 1 It is symbolically shown in the middle. Figure 2The diagram shows a schematic signal curve relating to the second and third data contents received and forwarded by node 10 over time.

[0096] exist Figure 2 It is shown that:

[0097] Line 64: Signal curve (signal TX_3) when the third data telegram 40 is output from the data interface 58 of the field device 54 to the third data port 38;

[0098] Line 66: Signal curve of the received signal (signal RX_DV_3) from the third data port 38 to the data interface 58 of the field device 54;

[0099] Line 68: Signal curve of the received signal (signal RX_DV_2) output from the second PHY 28 to the second interface 26;

[0100] Line 70: The signal curve (signal RX_2) when the second data telegram 30 is received at the second data port 27, and

[0101] Line 72: Signal curve (signal TX_1) when the first data telegram 18 is output at the first data port 15.

[0102] At time t1, the third data telegram 40 begins to be received at the third data port 38, as can be seen from the alternating signal TX_3. The third data telegram 40 is output as the first data telegram 18 at the first data port 15 with a minimum time delay (not shown), such that until time t2, the curve of signal TX_1 corresponds to the curve of signal TX_3.

[0103] At time t2, reception of the second data telegram 30 begins at the second data port 27, as can be seen from the alternating signal RX_2. Consequently, the signal RX_DV_2 changes its state from 0 to 1. Since the forwarding of the second data content of the second data telegram 30 takes precedence over the forwarding of the third data content of the third data telegram 40, the forwarding of the third data content of the third data telegram 40 is immediately interrupted at time t2. This interruption is achieved by the FPGA 12 outputting a receive signal (signal RX_DV_3 changes from 0 to 1) to the data interface 58 of the field device 54 via the third data port 38. Since the third data telegram 40 is simultaneously output from the data interface 58 to the third data port 38 (signal TX_3), the data interface 58 recognizes the collision and interrupts the output of the third data telegram 40 according to the Ethernet protocol used. After the interruption, the data interface 58 still outputs a so-called congestion signal (see the peak in TX_3 between time points t2 and t3), which is not forwarded by the FPGA 12 to the first data port 15 and therefore is not output via the first data port 15.

[0104] The second data content of the second data telegram 30 received at time point t2 is not immediately output via the first data port 15, but is temporarily stored in the memory 37.

[0105] The output of the second data content of the second data telegram 30 from memory 37 only begins after the 96-bit time interval at time point t3 has expired, i.e., after 0.92 μs, as can be seen from the alternation curve of TX_1. Therefore, the output is delayed by the aforementioned time interval. The output can also be delayed slightly longer, for example, 1 μs.

[0106] The reception of the second data telegram 30 continues until time point t4, after which signal RX_2 stops alternating. Consequently, signal RX_DV_2 changes its state from 1 to 0. Since the output of the second data content of the second data telegram 30, which is the first data telegram 18, at the first data port 15 has not yet ended at time point t4, signal RX_DV_3 remains at 1, causing the data interface 58 of the field device 54 to still recognize that it does not allow the output of the third data telegram 40.

[0107] The second data content of the second data telegram 30, as the output of the first data telegram 18 at the first data port 15, ends at time point t5, which is after time point t4 within the mentioned time period. Therefore, signal TX_1 between time points t3 and t5 is equivalent to signal RX_2 between time points t2 and t4.

[0108] At time t5, signal RX_DV_3 changes from 1 to 0. Data interface 58 of field device 54 thus recognizes that it is allowed to output the third data telegram 40. According to the Ethernet protocol, after waiting for a random wait time, at time t6, data interface 58 again begins outputting the third data telegram 40, which began at time t1. The entire output of the third data telegram 40 is completed at time t7. Starting from time t6, the third data telegram 40 is again forwarded by FPGA 12 to the first data port 15 and output as the first data telegram 18, such that until time t6 and t7, the curve of signal TX_1 corresponds to the curve of signal TX_3.

[0109] Thus, the second data content of the second data telegram 30 received through the second data port 27 is transmitted as quickly as possible without losing the third data content of the third data telegram 40 received through the third data port 38.

[0110] FPGA 12 of node 10 is configured to execute the described method.

[0111] Figure 1 The description in the text, execution exploit Figure 2Node 10 of the method describing the signal curve in the diagram can be particularly advantageously used in situations where... Figure 3 The data network 74 of elevator equipment 76.

[0112] In elevator equipment 76, the elevator car 78 and counterweight 80 can be vertically moved within the elevator shaft 84 by means of a drive motor 82, and can reach different floors 86. The operation of the drive motor 82 is controlled by an elevator controller 88. Shaft doors 90 are provided on each floor 86, by means of which the shaft doors 90 can block or release access to the entrance of the elevator shaft 84 or the elevator car 78 located behind it. The current closed state of each of these shaft doors 90 is monitored by a door contact 60 provided on the respective shaft door 90. Therefore, the door contact 60 is Figure 1 The security input / output unit shown determines and outputs corresponding signals or data based on whether the shaft door 90 is open or closed.

[0113] Each door contact 60 is connected to according to Figure 1 Node 10 is more precisely connected to the fourth data port 48 of node 10. The various components of node 10 are... Figure 2 The details are not shown in more detail. Each node 10 is also connected via its third data port 38 to a field device in the form of an operating unit 54 for calling the elevator car 78 and / or for entering the destination floor. The nodes 10 are arranged in a row such that, in all nodes 10 except the first node 10.1 and the last node 10.n, the first data port 15 is connected via an unshielded twisted pair cable 94 to the second data port 27 of the preceding node. Thus, the nodes 10 form a chain extending from the first node 10.1 to the last node 10.n. The first node 10.1 is also connected via its first data port 15 to the master station 92 via an unshielded twisted pair cable 94, which monitors the safety of the elevator equipment 76 and is in signal connection with the elevator controller 88. The second data port 27 of the last node 10.n is not connected to any other device.

[0114] During the operation of elevator equipment 76, master station 92 outputs a data telegram to first node 10.1. This data telegram, as described in conjunction with the figures, is received via first data port 15 as fifth data telegram 20 and, without modification, output as sixth data telegram 32 via its second data port 27 to the next node 10. If fifth data telegram 20 contains data content related to the operation unit 54 connected to node 10, then fifth data telegram 20 can be output from the node's FPGA 12 to the operation unit 54 via third data port 38. This process is repeated until the last node 10.n receives the data telegram from master station 92. In response to receiving fifth data telegram 20 from the last node 10.n, the FPGA 12 of the last node 10.n generates a first data telegram 18 output via first data port 15. This first data telegram 18 may, but does not necessarily, contain the data content of the received fifth data telegram 20. Information received from door contact 60 in the form of a seventh data telegram 50 can be integrated into the first data telegram 18. Information can also be output to door contact 60 based on the data content of the fifth data telegram 20.

[0115] Such as combination Figure 1 and Figure 2 As described, the operation unit 54, connected to node 10.n via the third data port 38, can also output data content to node 10.n in the form of a third data telegram 40, which is output as a first data telegram 18 via the first data port 15. Here, the data telegram generated by the FPGA 12 of the last node 10.n is output with a higher priority than the aforementioned third data telegram 40. This priority is implemented similarly to the forwarding of the received third data telegram 40. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The priority of forwarding the second data content of the received second data telegram 30 is described.

[0116] The first data telegram 18 of the last node 10.n is received by the preceding node as a second data telegram 30 via its second data port 27, and as described above, forwarded to its first data port 15 and output as the first data telegram 18. Here, as in conjunction with Figure 1 and Figure 2 As described, the output of the second data content of the received second data telegram 30 takes precedence over the forwarding of the third data telegram 40 received from the operation unit 54.

[0117] At each node 10, information received in the form of a seventh data telegram 50 can be integrated without delay into a first data telegram 18 from gate contact 60. This delay-free integration of the seventh data content is specifically implemented according to the method described in WO202I / 004835A1. Information can also be output to gate contact 60 based on the data content of the fifth data telegram 20.

[0118] The master station 92 evaluates the safety-related information received from each door contact 60 from the first node 10.1. When an error is detected, the master station 92 initiates necessary measures, such as stopping the elevator equipment 76.

[0119] The master station 92 also forwards information, particularly information from the various operating units 54, to the elevator controller 88. The master station also receives information from the elevator controller 88 and outputs that information to the first node 10.1. Additionally, the master station 92 can connect to other electronic devices and receive information from these devices to forward to the first node 10.1.

[0120] Because security-related information in the described data network 74 is transmitted to the door contact 60, each node 10 requires a specific identification number. This identification number is specified or assigned when the data network 74 is initialized.

[0121] To achieve simple and automatic initialization, each node 10 can interrupt the output of the fifth data telegram 20 received at the first data port 15 as the sixth data telegram 32 via the second data port 27. This interruption is active if node 10 does not yet have an identification number. If the master station 92 then outputs a data telegram to the first node 10.1, the data telegram only reaches the first node 10.1 that responded to it. The master station assigns a first identification number to the first node 10.1. Thus, the first node 10.1 cancels the interruption, such that when the master station 92 retransmits a data telegram, it is forwarded from the first node 10.1 to the second node. The second node responds to the master station, and is then assigned a second identification number. This process continues until an identification number is assigned to the last node 10.n.

[0122] The door contacts of the elevator equipment do not need to be connected to the node. The door contacts can also be designed as switches, which are the series connection part of a traditional safety circuit. In this case, the node does not need a fourth data port. Then, the first node does not need to be connected to the master station, but can be directly connected to the elevator controller. Therefore, the node also does not need an identification number.

[0123] Finally, it should be noted that terms such as "having" or "comprising" do not exclude other elements or steps, and terms such as "a" or "an" do not exclude multiple. Furthermore, it should be pointed out that features or steps described with reference to one of the above embodiments can also be used in combination with other features or steps of the other embodiments described above. Any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting.

Claims

1. A method for forwarding data content from a second data port (27) and a third data port (38) of nodes (10, 10.1, 10.n) of a data network (74) to a first data port (15) of said nodes (10, 10.1, 10.n), wherein, A first data telegram (18) that forms the first data content can be output via the first data port (15) according to the Ethernet protocol. It can receive a second data telegram (30) containing second data content via the second data port (27) according to the Ethernet protocol, and It can receive third data telegrams (40) that form third data content via the third data port (38) according to the Ethernet protocol. The first data message (18) is derived from the second data message (30) or the third data message (40), and It can receive the seventh data content through the fourth data port (48) of the nodes (10, 10.1, 10.n). The method includes the following steps: Once a second data telegram (30) is detected received through the second data port (27), the forwarding of data received through the third data port (38) is interrupted. The received second data telegram (30) is directed to the intermediate buffer (37), and The data received via the second data port (27) is delayed from the output of the intermediate buffer (37) via the first data port (15) by a determinable time period, and During the forwarding of the second data content received via the second data port (27) to the first data port (15), the received seventh data content is integrated into the first data telegram (18) output via the first data port (15) without causing additional delay.

2. The method according to claim 1, Its features are, The data network (74) is the data network of the elevator equipment (76).

3. The method according to claim 1, Its features are, The transmission or reception of data telegrams is completed at the same transmission rate at the first data port (15), the second data port (27), and the third data port (38), and / or The time period is at least equivalent to the minimum wait time of the Ethernet type used by the first data port (15) and the second data port (27).

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, Its features are, At any given time, the third data port (38) can either receive a third data telegram (40) or output a fourth data telegram (42).

5. The method according to claim 4, Its features are, The third data port (38) is connected to the first external data interface (58) of the first field device (54) for data transmission. Once the reception of the second data telegram (30) is detected through the second data port (27), the forwarding of the data content received through the third data port (38) is interrupted, and the received signal is output to the first external data interface (58) through the third data port (38). The received signal represents the output of the fourth data telegram (42) from the third data port (38) to the first external data interface (58). Therefore, according to the Ethernet protocol used, a conflict according to the Ethernet protocol is identified during data transmission between the third data port (38) and the first external data interface (58), and the data transmission at the third data port (38) is stopped.

6. The method according to claim 5, Its features are, A congestion signal sent from the first external data interface (58) to the third data port (38) according to the Ethernet protocol used is not output through the first data port (15). The congestion signal indicates a collision during data transmission between the third data port (38) and the first external data interface (58).

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, Its features are, While sending the first data telegram (18), the fifth data telegram (20) is received through the first data port (15). While receiving the second data telegram (30), a sixth data telegram (32) is output through the second data port (27), and The fifth data telegram (20) received via the first data port (15) is output as the sixth data telegram (32) via the second data port (27) without any changes.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, Its features are, The identifiable time period has a duration of at least 96 bits.

9. A method for transmitting data content within a data network (74), in, The data network (74) has multiple nodes (10, 10.1, 10.n) connected to each other via a data communication path (94), each node having a first data port (15) and a second data port (27) to exchange data telegrams (18, 20, 30, 32) forming data content between the nodes (10, 10.1, 10.n). Nodes (10, 10.1, 10.n) are connected in series with each other via data communication path (94) and first data port (15) and second data port (27) to form a chain extending from the first node (10.1) to the last node (10.n). At least two nodes (10, 10.1, 10.n) are connected via their respective third data ports (38) to the first external data interface (58) of their respective field devices (54) and via their respective fourth data ports (48) to their respective secure input / output units (60) for data transmission. The respective nodes (10, 10.1, 10.n) connected to the field device (54) and the secure input / output unit (60) for data transmission shall forward the second data content received from the second data port (27), the third data content received from the third data port (38), and the fourth data content received from the fourth data port (48) to the first data port (15) using the method according to any one of claims 1-8.

10. The method according to claim 9, Its features are, The data network (74) is the data network of the elevator equipment (76).

11. The method according to claim 9, Its features are, While sending the first data telegram (18), the fifth data telegram (20) can be received through the first data port (15) of the nodes (10, 10.1, 10.n). While receiving the second data telegram (30), it is also possible to output the sixth data telegram (32) through the second data port (27), and The fifth data telegram (20) received via the first data port (15) is output as the sixth data telegram (32) via the second data port (27) without any changes.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9-11, Its features are, The seventh data content can be received through the corresponding fourth data port (48), and When the second data content received via the second data port (27) is forwarded to the first data port (15), the received seventh data content is integrated into the first data telegram (18) output via the first data port (15) without delay.

13. A node of a data network (74) having a first data port (15), a second data port (27), a third data port (38) and a fourth data port (48). in, Nodes (10, 10.1, 10.n) are configured as follows: According to the Ethernet protocol, a first data telegram (18) forming the first data content is output via the first data port (15). According to the Ethernet protocol, a second data telegram (30) forming the second data content is received via the second data port (27). According to the Ethernet protocol, a third data telegram (40) forming the third data content is received via the third data port (38), and The seventh data content is received through the fourth data port (48). The first data telegram (18) is derived either from the second data telegram (30) or from the third data telegram (40). Once nodes (10, 10.1, 10.n) recognize that they have received the second data telegram (30) via the second data port (27), they interrupt the forwarding of the data received via the third data port (38). The received second data telegram (30) is directed to the intermediate buffer (37). The data received via the second data port (27) is delayed from the output of the intermediate buffer (37) via the first data port (15) by a determinable time period, and During the forwarding of the second data content received via the second data port (27) to the first data port (15), the received seventh data content is integrated into the first data telegram (18) output via the first data port (15) without causing additional delay.

14. A data network, in, The data network (74) has multiple nodes (10, 10.1, 10.n) connected to each other via a data communication path (94), each node having a first data port (15) and a second data port (27) to exchange data telegrams (18, 20, 30, 32) forming data content between the nodes (10, 10.1, 10.n). The nodes (10, 10.1, 10.n) are connected in series with each other via a data communication path (94) and a first data port (15) and a second data port (27) to form a chain extending from the first node (10.1) to the last node (10.n), and At least two nodes (10, 10.1, 10.n) are designed as nodes (10, 10.1, 10.n) as described in claim 13.

15. The data network according to claim 14, Its features are, The data network is the data network of the elevator equipment (76).

16. An elevator device having a data network (74) according to claim 14 or 15.

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