Method for transmitting signals between a master device and a slave device

Abstract

This invention relates to radio engineering, and more specifically, to a method for transmitting signals between devices. The method includes: detecting a connection between a master device's second type of contacts and a slave device by determining the voltage at a second type of contact; identifying a master device's first type of contacts to which the slave device is connected by setting different voltages at first type of contacts and determining the voltage at the second type of contacts; changing the voltage between the first type of contacts to which the slave device is connected and an internal power line connected via impedance to the second type of contacts to which the slave device is connected; generating a signal in the slave device by changing the resistance between contacts connected to the master device; and receiving the signal in the master device by measuring the voltage at the second type of contacts to which the slave device is connected, thereby simplifying the circuitry for signal transmission between the master device and the slave device connected thereto.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to radio engineering, and more particularly, to a method for transmitting signals between devices. The invention is most advantageously suited for situations where a master device has multiple contacts, multiple slave devices are connected to multiple contacts, each slave device is connected to two contacts, and signals are transmitted therebetween. The invention can be used in the construction of electronic components to enable data exchange between these components that form part of communication systems, remote control systems, telemetry systems, educational and children's play devices. Background Technology

[0002] A data communication protocol called 1-Wire, designed by Dallas Semiconductor Corporation, is known. One implementation of this protocol is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,210,846 (One-Wire Bus Architecture, published June 29, 1999, IPC G11C8 / 20). According to this prior art solution, a bidirectional connection is established between a master and a slave device via two wires to exchange data and power the slave device; this is a key characteristic of the prior art protocol. Data exchange is initiated by the master device. After receiving power, the slave device sends a presence pulse to the communication line. Data is exchanged byte-by-byte using so-called "time slots," with each pulse sent to the communication line corresponding to one bit of information. There are four types of time slots: one for the master device to receive '1' or '0', and one for the master device to transmit '1' or '0'. The duration of any time slot is finite in time, providing a time interval between consecutive time slots. Many other implementations of this prior art protocol are disclosed in other patents.

[0003] Utility model patent RU102404 (published February 27, 2011, IPC G06F 13 / 00) discloses a prior art device for data acquisition and transmission over a power grid. The prior art device is connected to the power grid along with M similar devices to form a network of M+1 devices. Each device is assigned an identifier, and one of the devices is designated as a base device. The base device polls the networked devices by sending polling signals in the form of high-frequency modulated pulses to the network. Each such signal contains data about the identifier of the queried device (modem) and the type of information requested. Then, depending on the type of information requested, the signal is forwarded from the queried modem to an external master information device (counter, concentrator, etc.) via an RS-485 interface. The signal from the master information device is received by the modem and then returned to the power grid in the form of a high-frequency modulated pulse train, and received by the base device, where the signal is converted into data packets to be recorded.

[0004] Prior art methods for data transmission / reception devices coupled via a combined two-wire communication and DC power line are disclosed in invention patent number RU2474958 (published February 10, 2013, IPC H04B 3 / 00). In the device transmitter, a carrier signal of several hundred kilohertz is modulated in the form of a digital data signal; the resulting radio signal is summed with the power supply voltage and transmitted via the combined communication and power line; in the device receiver, the data radio signal is extracted from the summed line voltage; the original digital signal is reconstructed in the device receiver; the signal is decoded by a controller, and a response signal for the transmitter is generated.

[0005] A prior art system for interconnecting a wired communication line with a control unit is disclosed in invention patent number RU2539648 (published January 20, 2015, IPC H04B 3 / 54), wherein the wired communication line is configured to transmit signals containing power and data. In the prior art system, the control unit includes a power terminal and a data terminal. The wired communication line has a characteristic impedance. The system is configured to receive signals containing power and data, which have the same frequency spectrum.

[0006] A common drawback of the aforementioned prior art solutions is that increasing the number of contacts used to connect the slave device to the master device leads to a more complex hardware implementation of signal exchange at the hardware level. This complex implementation requires a separate receive / transmit circuit for each contact on the master device. Furthermore, it becomes difficult to identify the contacts to which the slave device is connected. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical objective of this invention is to provide a relatively simple technical device for signal transmission, which is made of inexpensive and readily available components.

[0008] The technical advantage provided by this invention is a simpler design for the circuit used to transmit signals between a master device and a slave device connected thereto.

[0009] A further technical outcome is the possibility of using cheaper and more abundant components for signal switching implementation.

[0010] This invention relates to a method for transmitting signals between a master device and at least one slave device. The master device has at least two external first-type contacts, at least one internal power line, a voltage measuring device, and at least one external second-type contact, wherein the at least one external second-type contact is directly connected to the voltage measuring device and connected to an internal power line via impedance. The method includes the following steps:

[0011] – The connection between one of the second type contacts of the master device and the slave device is detected by determining the voltage at the second type contact;

[0012] – Identify the first type of contacts of the master device to which the slave device is connected by setting different voltages at the first type of contacts and determining the voltage at the second type of contacts;

[0013] – Change the voltage between the first type of contact connected to the device and the internal power line connected to the second type of contact connected to the device via impedance;

[0014] – A signal is generated in the slave device by changing the resistance between the contacts connected to the master device;

[0015] – The signal is received in the master device by measuring the voltage at the second type of contact connected to the slave device.

[0016] Other advantages and essential features of the present invention are described with reference to the following specific embodiments.

[0017] Specifically, it detects the connection between the master device and more than one slave device.

[0018] Specifically, the impedance between the main device's second-class contacts and the internal power lines is configured to be an element selected from the group consisting of resistors, capacitors, and inductors or combinations thereof.

[0019] Specifically, the voltage measuring device is an analog-to-digital converter, with each channel connected to at most one Class II contact.

[0020] Specifically, the voltage measuring device includes an analog-to-digital converter and at least one voltage summer, each input of which is connected to a second-type contact, and the output of which is connected to a channel of the analog-to-digital converter.

[0021] Specifically, the voltage measuring device includes an analog-to-digital converter and at least two resistors, each resistor being connected to a second-class contact and a channel of the analog-to-digital converter, and more than one resistor being connected to at least one channel of the analog-to-digital converter.

[0022] Specifically, different voltages are set in the internal power lines in order to measure the voltage at the second type of contact.

[0023] Specifically, identifying the first type of contacts connected to the device includes dividing the first type of contacts into two groups, setting the same voltage at all contacts in the first group, and setting the same voltage at the contacts in the second group that is different from the voltage at the contacts in the first group.

[0024] Specifically, receiving signals in the main device involves setting a voltage of one amplitude in one internal power line and setting a voltage of the same amplitude in the remaining internal power lines and at the first type of contact.

[0025] Specifically, changing the voltage between the first type of contacts connected to the device and the internal power line connected to the second type of contacts connected to the device via impedance includes the symbol for reverse voltage.

[0026] Specifically, a slave device is a circuit composed of passive electrical components. The slave device can be a rectifier diode or other rectifier element. Analog signals from external devices can be transmitted to the master device via the slave device.

[0027] Specifically, the slave device receives power from the two contacts it connects to the master device.

[0028] Specifically, the slave device includes a voltage converter that converts the voltage at the two contacts of the slave device connected to the master device into a DC voltage. Other components of the slave device can receive power from the output of the voltage converter. External devices connected to the slave device can also receive power from the output of the voltage converter. The voltage converter is capable of converting high voltage to low voltage.

[0029] Specifically, a digital or synchronization signal is generated in the master device by changing the voltage between the internal power line of the first type of contact connected to the slave device and the second type of contact connected to the slave device via impedance, and the signal is received in the slave device by measuring the voltage at the two contacts connected to the master device.

[0030] Specifically, the resistance between two contacts connected to the main device is changed by connecting and disconnecting the resistor.

[0031] Specifically, digital or synchronization signals are generated in the slave device by changing the time interval between connecting and disconnecting the resistor.

[0032] Specifically, signals from the master device to the slave device and signals from the slave device to the master device are transmitted simultaneously.

[0033] The method of the present invention allows the transmission of analog signals (e.g., from analog sensors) and digital signals (digital sensors, indicating devices), thereby eliminating the need to provide analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) and digital-to-analog converters (DACs) in the slave device.

[0034] In the case of digital signal transmission, simultaneous bidirectional transmission is possible, thus increasing the total transmission rate and making it possible to reduce the requirements on the timing characteristics of the components used.

[0035] In the case of unidirectional transmission of digital signals, the reverse signal can be used as a synchronization signal, thereby eliminating the need to provide a clock in the slave device.

[0036] When the main device has a large number of outputs, the described method allows the use of a multi-channel ADC and a large number of inexpensive and readily available resistors.

[0037] The method for protection is designed to be implemented in a system consisting of a master device with multiple external contacts and multiple slave devices that can be connected to the master device via two contacts, without having a built-in power supply. This method enables simultaneous power transfer from a master device to multiple slave devices and signals.

[0038] By eliminating the need for an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) or digital-to-analog converter (DAC) in the slave device, by using the response signal generated in the slave device as a synchronization signal (thus eliminating the need for a clock in the slave device), by utilizing a multi-channel ADC and multiple resistors in the master device, and by enabling simultaneous bidirectional transmission of signals between the master and slave devices (thus eliminating the need for a clock in the slave device), a simpler design for the circuitry used for signal transmission between the master device and the slave device connected to the master device via two contacts is achieved.

[0039] The terms "Type I contact" and "Type II contact" are used to distinguish the functions of the contacts. Type I contacts have a voltage setting function. Type II contacts have both voltage setting and voltage measurement functions. When the contact circuit is designed to enable voltage setting and voltage measurement, such a contact can be used as either a Type I or Type II contact under different conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0040] This invention is illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0041] – Figure 1 An exemplary functional arrangement of a system for implementing the claimed method of transmitting signals via a power supply circuit is shown;

[0042] – Figures 2a-2b An exemplary embodiment of the voltage measuring device is shown;

[0043] – Figure 3 An exemplary circuit for analog signal transmission is shown;

[0044] – Figure 4 An exemplary circuit of a slave device is shown, including a microcontroller for implementing the claimed method. Detailed Implementation

[0045] like Figure 1As shown, the master device 101 may have multiple first-type contacts 102 and second-type contacts 103, and one or more slave devices are connected to these contacts via wires. Each second-type 103 contact is connected to a voltage measuring device 104 and to an internal power supply line 106 via an impedance 105. In this example, the voltage between the first-type 102 contacts and the internal power supply line 106 is changed by switching a switch 107 between two sides of the power supply: a first side (positive Vcc) 109 and a second side (ground) 110.

[0046] The main device 101 may further include one or more internal power lines not connected to the first type 102 or the second type 103 contacts. Such lines are intended for supplying power to the internal components of the device 101.

[0047] Preferably, a multi-channel ADC is used as the voltage measurement device 104, and each of the second type 103 contacts is connected to one channel of the ADC.

[0048] Figure 2a One implementation is shown where the voltage measuring device 104 is an ADC 201, with a plurality of second-type 103 contacts connected to a channel via resistors 202. Therefore, in each channel of the ADC 201, a voltage equal to the average of the voltages at all contacts connected to it is generated. Preferably, each second-type 103 contact connected to a channel of the ADC 201 is connected to a separate internal power line 106 via impedance 105. With this circuit design, when measuring the voltage at the second-type contacts, preferably a uniform voltage is set at all first-type 102 contacts and all power lines 106 except one. If these conditions are met, a uniform voltage will be set at all contacts except one second-type 103 contact connected to a channel of the ADC 201, and the voltage at said contact can be determined based on readings from the ADC 201.

[0049] Figure 2b One implementation is shown, in which the voltage measuring device 104 is an ADC 201, the output of a summer 203 is connected to one channel of the ADC, and a second type 103 contact is connected to the input of the summer 203. Similar to... Figure 2a In one embodiment, the voltage at each of the second type 103 contacts can be effectively measured by controlling the voltage at the first type 102 contact in the power line.

[0050] Based on the voltage value at the second type 103 contact, it can be determined whether any slave device 108 is connected to that contact. Preferably, the master device 101 may have more than two first type 102 contacts. At one of these contacts, a potential different from the potential set at the other first type 102 contacts can be provided. It is necessary to determine the first type contact to which the slave device 108 connected to the second type 103 contact is connected based on the voltage value of the second type 103 contact.

[0051] Furthermore, the first type 102 contact can be disconnected from the power supply sides 109 and 110, i.e., electrically isolated. The voltage at the first type 102 contact will then become equal to the voltage at the second type contact connected from the device.

[0052] Preferably, switch 107 is configured as a transistor half-bridge.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, after each switching operation, the first type 102 and the second type 103 contacts become connected to different sides of the power supply; therefore, each switching operation will reverse the sign of the voltage, or in other words, change the direction of the voltage at the contacts.

[0054] The impedance 105 can be active (resistor) or reactive (capacitor, inductor). The impedance can be configured in various combinations of the components.

[0055] Preferably, the main device 101 may provide a microcontroller therein for controlling the switch 107 and receiving data from the voltage measuring device 104.

[0056] Each slave device 108 is connected to two wires. One wire connects the slave device to the Class I contact 102, and the other wire connects it to the Class II contact 103. Multiple slave devices 108 can be connected to the same wire.

[0057] In a particular embodiment, the slave device 108 is a circuit composed of passive electrical components that converts analog signals. Here, by changing the voltage direction at the contacts to which the slave device 108 is connected and by determining the voltage value at the second type 103 contacts, a signal can be received from the device 108 in the form of a response from the passive circuit contained therein to the change in voltage direction.

[0058] Now for reference Figure 3In the scenario shown, the impedance 105 of the master device 101 is a resistor, the circuit of the slave device 108 connected thereto is configured as a rectifier diode 301, and the slave device 108 has an external device 302 connected in parallel thereto as a thermistor 303. In this case, an embodiment is implemented where an analog signal is transmitted from the external device 302 to the master device 101 via the slave device 108. For this purpose, based on readings from the voltage measuring device 104, the sum of voltage drops in the lines connecting the devices 101 and 108 and in the circuit of the slave device 108, where the slave device has the external device 302 connected thereto, is determined in different voltage directions. In one voltage direction, the voltage drop in the slave device 108 becomes zero, and its resistance can be determined based on the voltage drop in the lines connecting these devices. Taking this into account, in the other voltage direction, the resistance of the connected thermistor 303 can be determined. Thus, by using the described method, the purpose of receiving data from the analog sensor, i.e., the thermistor, can be achieved.

[0059] When impedance 105 is reactive, the sum of the line impedance and the impedance of slave device 108 can be determined based on the change in voltage at the second type 103 contact over time.

[0060] In another embodiment, the slave device 108 includes digital circuitry. Figure 4 An embodiment of this circuit is shown. The circuit allows the voltage direction at the output to be determined, and a resistor is connected between the outputs. The circuit includes a microcontroller 401, an AC-DC voltage converter (diode bridge 402), a resistor 403, and a transistor 404. The resistor 403 is connected by turning on the transistor 404. The polarity of the connection is determined by determining the voltage at the output 405 of the microcontroller 401. Power is supplied to the microcontroller 401 from the diode bridge 402. External devices can be connected to this circuit. External devices can receive power via output 406 and exchange data with the microcontroller via output 407. A slave device 108 can be connected to a master device 101 using output 408. Overvoltage and electrostatic discharge protection elements can be added to this circuit.

[0061] To compensate for the voltage drop at resistor 105, a voltage higher than the operating voltage of the slave device is preferably provided between the first type of contact and the internal power line. Preferably, in this case, the step-down circuit is integrated into the slave device's circuitry.

[0062] A digital signal is sent from the master device 101 to the slave device 108 by changing the time interval (cycle) between the voltage change (voltage direction change) at the first type 102 contact and the internal power line 106 of the master device 101. The duration of the polarity reversal cycle is determined by continuously determining the connection polarity, and the signal is received in the slave device 108.

[0063] To transmit a signal from device 108 to master device 101, the total resistance between the two contacts of slave device 108 is repeatedly changed. The resistance between the contacts of device 108 is changed by connecting and disconnecting resistors. Furthermore, the device contacts 108 can be short-circuited with each other; that is, a zero-ohm resistor can be connected. Digital signals are transmitted by changing the period between connections. Master device 101 receives signals by continuously determining the resistance of slave device 108, thereby determining the period between connections.

[0064] Furthermore, various variations can be used to transmit signals between devices 101 and 108. In the case where more than one slave device 108 is connected to the same first-type contact of the master device 101, digital signals can be sent simultaneously to all slave devices connected to said contact. Addressing methods commonly used for common bus data transmission protocols can also be used.

[0065] Simultaneous bidirectional synchronous or asynchronous (full-duplex) data transmission between master device 101 and slave device 108 is possible.

[0066] In another embodiment, the signal from master device 101 to slave device 108 may be a synchronization signal for the signal transmitted from slave device 108 to master device 101. In such an embodiment, the master device reverses the voltage direction on the contacts at regular time intervals, and each such reversal of the contact voltage direction is a significant moment for slave device 108.

[0067] Similarly, the signal from device 108 to master device 101 can be a synchronization signal used to send signals from master device 101 to slave device 108.

[0068] In products employing the present invention, the master device 101 can be configured as a plate having staggered first and second type contacts on its surface. The plate accommodates slave devices, each with two exposed contacts. The slave devices are designed such that their two exposed contacts can only connect to adjacent contacts at the rectangular grid, i.e., to one first type 102 contact and one second type 103 contact. In such an embodiment, the master device 101 can accommodate a large number of slave devices, whose positions can be detected and data exchanged with them.

[0069] The above-described implementation can be used in children's play kits. The user arranges the slave devices on the master device in a specific order. The master device 101 determines the contacts connected to the slave devices and activates the light and sound indicators on the slave devices.

[0070] The above-described implementation can also be used in electronic building kits for children. In this kit, the master device 101 mimics a circuit board, while the slave devices mimic electrical components. The master device 101 detects the position of the slave devices, calculates the resulting circuit, and activates light and sound indicators based on the calculation results.

[0071] It should be noted that the above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided as an example and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention, which is defined only by the scope of the appended claims.

[0072] The specific embodiments described above have been described with reference to specific steps performed in a specific order; however, it should be apparent that the steps may be combined, separated, or performed in a different order without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, the order or grouping of steps does not limit the nature of the invention.

[0073] The embodiments described above have been described with reference to specific components that are connected to each other in a particular manner. In this regard, it should also be apparent that the invention may include a plurality of such components, and the connection between them depends only on how much the number of identical components increases, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A method for transmitting signals between a master device and at least one slave device, wherein, The main device has at least two external first-type contacts, at least one internal power line, a voltage measuring device, and at least one external second-type contact, wherein the at least one external second-type contact is directly connected to the voltage measuring device and connected to an internal power line via impedance; the method includes: – The connection between one of the second type contacts of the master device and the slave device is detected by determining the voltage at the second type contact; – The first type of contacts of the master device to which the slave device is connected are identified by setting different voltages at the first type of contacts and determining the voltage at the second type of contacts; – Change the voltage between the first type of contact to which the slave device is connected and the internal power line connected to the second type of contact to which the slave device is connected via the impedance; – A signal is generated in the slave device by changing the resistance between the two contacts of the slave device connected to the master device; – The master device receives a signal by measuring the voltage at the second type of contact to which the slave device is connected.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The impedance between the second type of contact of the main device and the internal power line is configured to be an element selected from the group consisting of resistors, capacitors and inductors or combinations thereof.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The voltage measuring device is an analog-to-digital converter, with each channel connected to at most one Class II contact.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The voltage measuring device includes an analog-to-digital converter and at least one voltage summer, each input of the voltage summer being connected to a second-type contact, and the output of each voltage summer being connected to a channel of the analog-to-digital converter.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The voltage measuring device includes an analog-to-digital converter and at least two resistors, each resistor being connected to a second-type contact and a channel of the analog-to-digital converter, and more than one resistor being connected to at least one channel of the analog-to-digital converter.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein, In order to measure the voltage at the second type of contact, different voltages are set in the internal power line.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Identifying the first type of contacts connected to the slave device includes dividing the first type of contacts into two groups, setting the same voltage at all contacts in the first group, and setting the same voltage at the contacts in the second group that is different from the voltage at the contacts in the first group.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Receiving the signal in the main device includes setting a voltage of one amplitude in an internal power line and setting the same voltage of another amplitude in the rest of the internal power line and at the first type of contact.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Changing the voltage between the first type of contact to which the slave device is connected and the internal power line connected to the second type of contact to which the slave device is connected via the impedance includes reversing the sign of the voltage.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The slave device is a circuit composed of passive electrical components.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The slave device is a rectifier diode or other rectifier element.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein, Analog signals from external devices are transmitted to the master device via the slave device.

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The slave device receives power from the two contacts it connects to the master device.

14. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The slave device includes a voltage converter that converts the voltage at two contacts of the slave device connected to the master device into a DC voltage.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, Other components of the slave device receive power from the output of the voltage converter.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein, An external device connected to the slave device receives power from the output of the voltage converter.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein, The voltage converter is capable of converting high voltage to low voltage.

18. The method according to claim 1, wherein, A digital or synchronization signal is generated in the master device by changing the voltage between the first type of contact connected to the slave device and the internal power line, the internal power line being connected to the second type of contact connected to the slave device via the impedance, and the signal being received in the slave device by measuring the voltage at the two contacts of the slave device connected to the master device.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein, Signals from the master device to the slave device and signals from the slave device to the master device are transmitted simultaneously.

20. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The signal is simultaneously transmitted to all slave devices connected to the same Class I contact.

21. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The resistance between the two contacts of the slave device connected to the master device is changed by connecting and disconnecting the resistor.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein, Digital signals or synchronization signals are generated in the master device by changing the time interval between connecting and disconnecting the resistor.

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