Multi-fan system and operating method for multi-fan system

Abstract

The invention provides a multi-fan system and an operation method for the multi-fan system. The multi-fan system includes a control source circuit and a plurality of fan devices. The control source circuit provides a first data string during a first period and provides a second data string during a second period. The first data string includes a plurality of identification code signals. The second data string includes a plurality of driving data corresponding to different identification code signals. The plurality of fan devices sequentially receive one of the identification code signals according to the first data string in a first period so as to obtain a corresponding identification code signal. The plurality of fan devices sequentially receive driving data corresponding to the received identification code signals in a second period according to a second data string so as to operate by using the received driving data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic system and an operation method for an electronic system, and particularly relates to a multi-fan system and an operation method for a multi-fan system. Background Art

[0002] Generally, multi-fan systems are widely used in many application fields. However, in a multi-fan system, how to implement an operation protocol between multiple fan devices remains a challenge. Traditional methods may require a large number of communication lines and complex control modules, increasing the cost and design difficulty of the multi-fan system. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention provides a multi-fan system and an operation method for a multi-fan system, which can provide settings for the operation between multiple fan devices.

[0004] The multi-fan system of the present invention includes a control source circuit and a plurality of fan devices. The control source circuit provides a first data string during a first period and provides a second data string during a second period. The first data string includes a plurality of identification code signals. The second data string includes the plurality of identification code signals and a plurality of drive data corresponding to the plurality of identification code signals. The plurality of fan devices are coupled to the control source circuit. The plurality of fan devices sequentially receive one of the identification code signals according to the first data string during the first period to obtain a corresponding identification code signal. The plurality of fan devices sequentially receive the drive data corresponding to the received identification code signal according to the second data string during the second period, and operate using the received drive data.

[0005] The operation method of the present invention is used for a multi-fan system. The multi-fan system includes a control source circuit and a plurality of fan devices. The operation method includes: providing, by the control source circuit, a first data string during a first period, where the first data string includes a plurality of identification code signals; sequentially receiving, by the plurality of fan devices, one of the identification code signals according to the first data string during the first period to obtain a corresponding identification code signal; providing, by the control source circuit, a second data string during a second period, where the second data string includes the plurality of identification code signals and a plurality of drive data corresponding to the plurality of identification code signals; sequentially receiving, by the plurality of fan devices, the drive data corresponding to the received identification code signal according to the second data string during the second period, and operating using the received drive data.

[0006] Based on the above, the multiple fan devices receive identification code signals in sequence according to a first data string during a first period, and receive drive data corresponding to the received identification code signals in sequence according to a second data string during a second period, so as to operate using the received drive data. Therefore, once the corresponding drive data is received, the multiple fan devices operate respectively based on the operation protocol of the second data string. In this way, the cost and design difficulty of the multi-fan system can be reduced. Description of the Drawings

[0007] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a multi-fan system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0008] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a data string according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0009] Figure 3 is a waveform diagram of an identification code signal according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0010] Figure 4 is a flowchart of an operation method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0011] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a fan device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0012] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a transmission switch according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a processor and a bidirectional circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a data string according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 9 is a flowchart of an operation method during a first period according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 10A 、 Figure 10B is a flowchart of an operation method during a second period according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Description of Reference Numerals

[0018] 100: Multi-fan system

[0019] 110: Control source circuit

[0020] 120_1~120_n, 220, 320: Fan devices

[0021] 121_1, 121_2: Fan elements

[0022] 122_1, 122_2: Light-emitting elements

[0023] 123_1, 123_2: Controllers

[0024] 1231: Processor

[0025] 1232: Transmission switch

[0026] 1233, 1234: Drive switches

[0027] 1235: Bidirectional circuit

[0028] B1, B2: Buffers

[0029] CMD1, CMD2: Commands

[0030] D1: First pitch

[0031] D2: Second pitch

[0032] DZ1: Clamping element

[0033] EN: Enable signal

[0034] FID: Identification flag

[0035] FSYN: Synchronization flag

[0036] GA: AND gate

[0037] ID1, ID1’, ID2, IDn: Identification code signals

[0038] IDC, IDC’: Identification codes

[0039] IVT: Inverter

[0040] LGC: Logic circuit

[0041] P1, P2, P3: Pulses

[0042] R1, R2, R3: Resistors

[0043] S100, S200, S300: Operating methods

[0044] S110~S140, S201~S212, S301~S316: Steps

[0045] SD1~SDn: Drive data

[0046] SDF1, SDF2, SDFn: Fan drive signals

[0047] SDL1, SDL2, SDLn: Light-emitting drive signals

[0048] SDR1, SDR2: Data strings

[0049] SYNC1, SYNC2, SYNCn: Synchronization signals

[0050] TD1~TD3, TD1’~TD3’: Predetermined time periods

[0051] TL, UL: Transmission lines

[0052] VCC: System high voltage

[0053] VD: Power supply voltage value

[0054] VSS: System low voltage Detailed implementation manners

[0055] Some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings hereinafter. For the component symbols cited in the following description, when the same component symbols appear in different drawings, they will be regarded as the same or similar components. These embodiments are only a part of the present invention and do not disclose all the implementable manners of the present invention. More precisely, these embodiments are only examples in the patent claims of the present invention.

[0056] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a multi-fan system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the multi-fan system 100 includes a control source circuit 110 and fan devices 120_1~120_n. The control source circuit 110 provides the data string SDR1 during a first period and provides the data string SDR2 during a second period. The data strings SDR1, SDR2 can be set based on different operation protocols of the fan devices 120_1~120_n. In this embodiment, the data string SDR1 includes different identification code signals ID1~IDn. The data string SDR2 includes the identification code signals ID1~IDn and drive data SD1~SDn corresponding to the identification code signals ID1~IDn.

[0057] In this embodiment, the fan devices 120_1~120_n are coupled to the control source circuit 110. During the first period, the fan devices 120_1~120_n sequentially receive the identification code signals in the data string SDR1. Therefore, the fan device 120_1 receives the identification code signal ID1 during the first period. The fan device 120_2 receives the identification code signal ID2 during the first period. By the same token, the fan device 120_n receives the identification code signal IDn during the first period. The first period can be regarded as the identification code setting period of the fan devices 120_1~120_n.

[0058] During the second period, the fan devices 120_1 to 120_n sequentially receive drive data corresponding to the received identification code signals according to the data string SDR2, and operate using the received drive data. For example, the fan device 120_1 receives drive data SD1 corresponding to the identification code signal ID1 during the second period. The fan device 120_1 operates using the drive data SD1. The fan device 120_2 receives drive data SD2 corresponding to the identification code signal ID2 during the second period. The fan device 120_2 operates using the drive data SD2. Similarly, the fan device 120_n receives drive data SDn corresponding to the identification code signal IDn during the second period. The fan device 120_n operates using the drive data SDn. The second period can be regarded as the drive period of the fan devices 120_1 to 120_n.

[0059] It is worth mentioning here that the fan devices 120_1 to 120_n sequentially obtain different identification code signals during the first period. The fan devices 120_1 to 120_n sequentially receive drive data corresponding to the received identification code signals during the second period, and operate using the received drive data. Therefore, once the corresponding drive data is received, the fan devices 120_1 to 120_n operate respectively based on the operation protocol of the data string SDR2. In this way, the cost and design difficulty of the multi-fan system 100 will be reduced.

[0060] Please also refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a data string according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, Figure 2 shows the data strings SDR1, SDR2. In this embodiment, the data string SDR1 includes the synchronization signals SYNC1, SYNC2 and the identification code signals ID1 to IDn. The data string SDR2 includes the synchronization signals SYNC1, SYNC2, the identification code signals ID1 to IDn and the drive data SD1 to SDn corresponding to the identification code signals ID1 to IDn.

[0061] In this embodiment, the data string SDR1 is provided during a first period. Based on the timing of the data string SDR1, the identification code signal ID1 is after the synchronization signal SYNC1. The synchronization signal SYNC2 is after the identification code signal ID1. The identification code signal ID2 is after the synchronization signal SYNC2, and so on. Thus, when the fan device 120_1 can start receiving the identification code signal ID1 according to the synchronization signal SYNC1. When the reception of the identification code signal ID1 is completed, the fan device 120_1 transmits the data string SDR1 to the fan device 120_2. Therefore, based on the timing of the data string SDR1, the fan device 120_2 does not receive the synchronization signal SYNC1 and the identification code signal ID1. The fan device 120_2 can start receiving the identification code signal ID2 according to the synchronization signal SYNC2. When the reception of the identification code signal ID2 is completed, the fan device 120_2 transmits the data string SDR1 to the next fan device.

[0062] In this embodiment, the data string SDR2 is provided during a second period after the first period. Based on the timing of the data string SDR2, the identification code signal ID1 is after the synchronization signal SYNC1. The drive data SD1 is after the identification code signal ID1. The synchronization signal SYNC2 is after the drive data SD1. The identification code signal ID1 is after the synchronization signal SYNC2. The drive data SD2 is after the identification code signal ID2. The drive data SD1 includes a fan drive signal SDF1 and a light emission drive signal SDL1. The drive data SD2 includes a fan drive signal SDF2 and a light emission drive signal SDL2.

[0063] In this embodiment, the fan device 120_1 includes a fan element 121_1, a light emission element 122_1, and a controller 123_1. The controller 123_1 is coupled to the fan element 121_1 and the light emission element 122_1. During the first period, the controller 123_1 preferentially receives the data string SDR1. The controller 123_1 determines whether the synchronization signal SYNC1 is received. When the synchronization signal SYNC1 is received, the controller 123_1 receives the identification code signal ID1 within a predetermined time period TD1. Once the reception of the identification code signal ID1 is completed, the controller 123_1 obtains the identification code corresponding to the identification code signal ID1 and transmits the data string SDR1 to the fan device 120_2.

[0064] The fan device 120_2 includes a fan element 121_2, a light-emitting element 122_2, and a controller 123_2. The controller 123_2 is coupled to the fan element 121_2 and the light-emitting element 122_2. The controller 123_2 determines whether a synchronization signal SYNC2 is received. When the synchronization signal SYNC2 is received, the controller 123_2 receives an identification code signal ID2 within a predetermined time period TD1'. Once the identification code signal ID2 is completely received, the controller 123_2 obtains the identification code corresponding to the identification code signal ID2 and transmits a data string SDR1 to the next fan device.

[0065] During a second period, the controller 123_1 receives the data string SDR2. After receiving the identification code signal ID1, the controller 123_1 drives the fan element 121_1 and the light-emitting element 122_1 with drive data SD1 within predetermined time periods TD2 and TD3. Further, the controller 123_1 drives the fan element 121_1 with a fan drive signal SDF1 within the predetermined time period TD2 and drives the light-emitting element 122_1 with a light-emitting drive signal SDL1 within the predetermined time period TD3. In this embodiment, the identification code signal ID1 has a fixed number of pulses. The fan drive signal SDF1 and the light-emitting drive signal SDL1 each have a header signal and a trailer signal. Therefore, the controller 123_1 can use the number of pulses to determine whether the complete identification code signal ID1 is received. The controller 123_1 can use the trailer signal to determine whether the complete fan drive signal SDF1 and the complete light-emitting drive signal SDL1 are received.

[0066] The controller 123_2 receives the data string SDR2. After receiving the identification code signal ID2, the controller 123_2 drives the fan element 121_2 and the light-emitting element 122_2 with drive data SD2 within predetermined time periods TD2' and TD3'. Further, the controller 123_2 drives the fan element 121_2 with a fan drive signal SDF2 within the predetermined time period TD2' and drives the light-emitting element 122_2 with a light-emitting drive signal SDL2 within the predetermined time period TD3'.

[0067] In this embodiment, the control source circuit 110 can be a data generation device in any form. The controllers 123_1 and 123_2 are, for example, a Central Processing Unit (CPU), or other programmable general-purpose or special-purpose microprocessors, Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), programmable controllers, Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), or other similar devices, or a combination of these devices, which can load and execute computer programs. The fan elements 121_1 and 121_2 are, for example, elements for providing air flow. The light-emitting elements 122_1 and 122_2 are, for example, elements including at least one light-emitting diode.

[0068] In some embodiments, based on actual design requirements, the light-emitting elements 122_1 and 122_2 may be omitted.

[0069] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3 , Figure 3 is a waveform diagram of an identification code signal according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the identification code signal ID1 includes, for example, a plurality of pulses P1 to P3 (however, the present invention is not limited thereto). The controller 123_1 generates a plurality of code values based on a plurality of intervals between two adjacent pulses, and combines the plurality of code values into an identification code IDC. For example, a first interval D1 between two adjacent pulses P1 and P2 corresponds to a first code value (such as "0") of the identification code IDC. A second interval D2 between two adjacent pulses P1 and P2 corresponds to a second code value (such as "1") of the identification code IDC. The first interval D1 is different from the second interval D2. The first code value is different from the second code value. For example, the controller 123_1 obtains that the identification code IDC is equal to "0,1" based on the identification code signal ID1. For example, the controller 123_1 obtains that the identification code IDC' is equal to "1,0" based on the identification code signal ID1'.

[0070] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 4 , Figure 4It is a flowchart of an operation method according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the operation method S100 is used for the multi-fan system 100. The operation method S100 includes steps S110 to S140. In step S110, the control source circuit 110 provides a data string SDR1 (i.e., the first data string) during the first period. In step S120, the fan devices 120_1 to 120_n sequentially receive one of the identification code signals according to the data string SDR1 during the first period to obtain the corresponding identification code signal. In step S130, the control source circuit 110 provides a data string SDR2 (i.e., the second data string) during the second period. In step S140, the fan devices 120_1 to 120_n sequentially receive the drive data corresponding to the received identification code signal according to the data string SDR2 during the second period to operate using the received drive data.

[0071] The implementation details of steps S110 to S140 have been clearly described in Figures 1 to 3 the embodiment of

[0072] Please refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 5 , Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of a fan device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the fan device 120_1 includes a fan element 121_1, a light-emitting element 122_1, and a controller 123_1. The controller 123_1 includes a processor 1231. The processor 1231 determines whether a synchronization signal SYNC1 is received during the first period. When the synchronization signal SYNC1 is received, the processor 1231 receives the identification code signal ID1 within a predetermined time period TD1.

[0073] The controller 123_1 further includes a transmission switch 1232. One end of the transmission switch 1232 receives one of the data strings SDR1 and SDR2. The second end of the transmission switch 1232 is coupled to the next fan device. The control end of the transmission switch 1232 is coupled to the processor 1231. During the first period and the second period, when the controller 123_1 finishes receiving the identification code signal ID1, the processor 1231 turns on the transmission switch 1232.

[0074] The controller 123_1 further includes driving switches 1233 and 1234. The first end of the driving switch 1233 receives the data string SDR2. The second end of the driving switch 1233 is coupled to the fan element 121_1. The control end of the driving switch 1233 is coupled to the processor 1231. The first end of the driving switch 1234 receives the data string SDR2. The second end of the driving switch 1234 is coupled to the light-emitting element 122_1. The control end of the driving switch 1234 is coupled to the processor 1231. When the identification code signal ID1 in the data string SDR2 is received, the processor 1231 turns on the driving switch 1233 within a predetermined time period TD2 to drive the fan element 121_1 using the driving data SD1, and turns on the driving switch 1234 within a predetermined time period TD3 to drive the light-emitting element 122_1 using the driving data SD1.

[0075] It is worth mentioning here that when the driving switch 1233 is turned on, the fan element 121_1 operates by receiving the fan driving signal SDF1 in the data string SDR2. When the driving switch 1234 is turned on, the light-emitting element 122_1 operates by receiving the light-emitting driving signal SDL1 in the data string SDR2. The processor 1231 does not provide the fan driving signal SDF1 and the light-emitting driving signal SDL1. Therefore, the fan driving signal SDF1 does not need to be sent to the fan element 121_1 through the processor 1231. The light-emitting driving signal SDL1 also does not need to be sent to the light-emitting element 122_1 through the processor 1231. In this way, the starting time points of the operations of the fan element 121_1 and the light-emitting element 122_1 can be advanced.

[0076] Please also refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6 , Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a transmission switch according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the transmission switch 1232 includes resistors R1, R2, and a logic circuit LGC. Taking this embodiment as an example, the logic circuit LGC includes an AND gate GA. The first input terminal of the AND gate GA is coupled to the processor 1231 to receive the enabling signal EN provided by the processor 1231. The second input terminal of the AND gate GA is coupled to the first end of the transmission switch 1232 to receive one of the data strings SDR1 and SDR2. The output terminal of the AND gate GA is coupled to the second end of the transmission switch 1232. The resistor R1 is coupled between the system high voltage VCC and the first input terminal of the AND gate GA. The resistor R2 is coupled between the first input terminal of the AND gate GA and the system low voltage VSS (such as ground).

[0077] In this embodiment, the processor 1231 can provide an enable signal EN with a low logic level to cause the second end of the transmission switch 1232 to output a signal with a low logic level. Therefore, the transmission switch 1232 enters the "off" state to stop transmitting the data strings SDR1 and SDR2. The processor 1231 can provide an enable signal EN with a high logic level to make the signal output by the second end of the transmission switch 1232 equal to one of the data strings SDR1 and SDR2. Therefore, the transmission switch 1232 enters the "on" state to transmit one of the data strings SDR1 and SDR2.

[0078] When an exception occurs in the processor 1231, the processor 1231 provides a high impedance (Hi-Z) signal and cannot provide an enable signal EN with a high logic level. It is worth mentioning here that the resistors R1 and R2 can provide a voltage-divided signal of the system high voltage VCC to the first input terminal of the AND gate GA, thereby causing the transmission switch 1232 to enter the "on" state. In other words, when an exception occurs in the processor 1231, the transmission switch 1232 enters the "on" state to transmit one of the data strings SDR1 and SDR2. In this way, when an exception occurs in the processor 1231, the fan devices 120_2 to 120_n can also receive one of the data strings SDR1 and SDR2.

[0079] In this embodiment, the transmission switch 1232 further includes a resistor R3 and a clamping element DZ1. The resistor R3 is coupled between the system high voltage VCC and the power input terminal of the logic circuit LGC. The resistor R3 is used to limit the value of the power current input to the power input terminal of the logic circuit LGC. The clamping element DZ1 is, for example, a zener diode. The cathode of the clamping element DZ1 is coupled to the power input terminal of the logic circuit LGC. The anode of the clamping element DZ1 is coupled to the system low voltage VSS. The clamping element DZ1 is used to clamp the power voltage value VD input to the power input terminal of the logic circuit LGC. In this way, the logic circuit LGC can receive a stable power supply.

[0080] In some embodiments, the transmission switches of the fan devices 120_2 to 120_n can also have a circuit design similar to that of this embodiment.

[0081] Please also refer to Figure 1 and Figure 5, in this embodiment, the controller 123_1 further includes a bidirectional circuit 1235. The bidirectional circuit 1235 is coupled to the control source circuit 110 and the processor 1231. The bidirectional circuit 1235 transmits the command CMD1 from the control source circuit 110 to the processor 1231 and transmits the information from the processor 1231 to the control source circuit 110. Further, the information provided by the processor 1231 may be the operation result data of the fan device 120_1. The bidirectional circuit 1235 can be connected to the control source circuit 110 through the transmission line UL. The transmission line UL may be a Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter (UART) transmission line, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0082] For further illustration, please refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 5 and Figure 7 , Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a processor and a bidirectional circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the bidirectional circuit 1235 includes buffers B1, B2 and an inverter IVT. The input terminal of the buffer B1 is coupled to the transmitting terminal of the processor 1231. The output terminal of the buffer B1 is coupled to the transmission line UL. The control terminal of the buffer B1 is coupled to the processor 1231 to receive the enable signal EN from the processor 1231. The input terminal of the buffer B2 is coupled to the transmission line UL. The output terminal of the buffer B2 is coupled to the receiving terminal of the processor 1231. The input terminal of the inverter IVT is coupled to the control terminal of the buffer B1 and receives the enable signal EN. The output terminal of the inverter IVT is coupled to the control terminal of the buffer B2. Therefore, the buffers B1 and B2 do not transmit signals simultaneously.

[0083] The processor 1231 enables the buffer B2 and disables the buffer B1. Therefore, the control source circuit 110 can provide the commands or data strings SDR1, SDR2 to the receiving terminal of the processor 1231. In addition, the processor 1231 enables the buffer B1 and disables the buffer B2. Therefore, the processor 1231 can report the operating states of the fan element 121_1 and the light-emitting element 122_1 and / or the information of the fan device 120_1 to the control source circuit 110.

[0084] The output terminal of the buffer B1 and the input terminal of the buffer B2 are respectively coupled to the transmission line UL.

[0085] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 8 , Figure 8Schematic diagram of a data string according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the transmission line TL may be a PWM signal line. The transmission line UL may be an FG signal line. In this embodiment, the transmission line TL is used to transmit the synchronization signals SYNC1, SYNC2, the fan drive signals SDF1, SDF2, and the identification code signals ID1, ID2. The transmission line UL is used to transmit the light emission drive signals SDL1, SDL2, the commands CMD1, CMD2, and the feedback information (not shown) from the fan devices 120_1 to 120_n.

[0086] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 9 , Figure 9 Flowchart of an operation method in a first period according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, in the first period, the operation method S200 can be used for one of the fan devices 120_1 to 120_n of the multi-fan system 100. The operation method S200 includes steps S201 to S212. Taking the fan device 120_1 as an example, after the fan device 120_1 is started, the controller 123_1 determines whether the identification code signal ID1 has been received in step S201 by using the identification flag FID. The first value of the identification flag FID corresponds to the status value of not having received the identification code signal ID1. The second value of the identification flag FID corresponds to the status value of having received the identification code signal ID1. Therefore, the controller 123_1 can use the value of the identification flag FID to determine whether the identification code signal ID1 has been received. When the controller 123_1 determines that the identification code signal ID1 has been completely received by using the identification flag FID with the second value, the controller 123_1 makes the fan device 120_1 run in step S202. The fan device 120_1 can run by using the previously received fan drive signal SDF1 and the light emission drive signal SDL1.

[0087] On the other hand, when the controller 123_1 determines that the identification code signal ID1 has not been received by using the identification flag FID with the first value, the controller 123_1 determines in step S203 whether the synchronization signal SYNC1 has been received by using the synchronization flag FSYN. The first value of the synchronization flag FSYN corresponds to the state value of not having received the synchronization signal SYNC1 yet. The second value of the synchronization flag FSYN corresponds to the state value of having received the synchronization signal SYNC1. Therefore, the controller 123_1 can use the value of the synchronization flag FSYN to determine whether the synchronization signal SYNC1 has been received. When the controller 123_1 determines that the synchronization signal SYNC1 has not been received by using the synchronization flag FSYN with the first value, the controller 123_1 determines in step S204 whether the synchronization signal SYNC1 is currently received. When the synchronization signal SYNC1 is not currently received, the controller 123_1 operates the fan device 120_1 in step S202. When the synchronization signal SYNC1 is currently received, the controller 123_1 sets the first value of the synchronization flag FSYN to the second value in step S205, and then operates the fan device 120_1 in step S202.

[0088] In step S203, when the controller 123_1 determines that the synchronization signal SYNC1 has been previously received by using the synchronization flag FSYN with the second value, the controller 123_1 receives the synchronization signal SYNC1 again in step S206 and determines whether the synchronization signal SYNC1 is received within a predetermined synchronization period to determine whether the synchronization signal SYNC1 is correct. When the controller 123_1 does not receive the synchronization signal SYNC1 within the predetermined synchronization period, this indicates that the previously received synchronization signal SYNC1 is incorrect. Therefore, the controller 123_1 does not receive the identification code signal ID1, the fan drive signal SDF1, and the light emission drive signal SDL1 after the current synchronization signal SYNC1. Next, the controller 123_1 operates the fan device 120_1 in step S207. The fan device 120_1 can operate by using the previously received fan drive signal SDF1 and the light emission drive signal SDL1.

[0089] On the other hand, when the controller 123_1 receives the complete synchronization signal SYNC1 within a predetermined synchronization period, the controller 123_1 receives and stores the identification code signal ID1 in step S208, and determines in step S209 whether the complete received identification code signal ID1 is received within a predetermined period TD1 (i.e., the first predetermined period). In step S208, the controller 123_1 can obtain the identification code based on the identification code signal ID1 and count the number of digits of the identification code. When the number of digits of the identification code has not reached the predetermined value within the predetermined period TD1, it means that the controller 123_1 has not received the complete identification code signal ID1 within the predetermined period TD1 and cannot obtain the complete identification code. Therefore, the controller 123_1 operates the fan device 120_1 in step S210. For example, the fan device 120_1 can operate using the previously received fan drive signal SDF1 and the light emission drive signal SDL1.

[0090] On the other hand, when the number of digits of the identification code reaches the predetermined value within the predetermined period TD1, it means that the controller 123_1 has received the complete identification code signal ID1 within the predetermined period TD1 and has obtained the complete identification code. Therefore, the controller 123_1 sets the first value of the identification flag FID to the second value and stores the identification code in step S211. The controller 123_1 turns on the transmission switch 1232 in step S212. Next, the controller 123_1 operates the fan device 120_1 in step S210. It should be noted that the fan device 120_1 can operate using the new fan drive signal SDF1 and the new light emission drive signal SDL1.

[0091] Please also refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 5 、 Figure 10A and Figure 10B , Figure 10A 、 Figure 10BIt is a flowchart of an operation method during a second period according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, during the second period, the operation method S300 can be used for one of the fan devices 120_1 to 120_n of the multi-fan system 100. The operation method S300 includes steps S301 to S316. Taking the fan device 120_1 as an example, in step S301, the processor 1231 uses the synchronization flag FSYN to determine whether the synchronization signal SYNC1 has been received. When the processor 1231 determines, using the synchronization flag FSYN, that the synchronization signal SYNC1 has not been received, the processor 1231 determines in step S302 whether the synchronization signal SYNC1 is currently received. When the synchronization signal SYNC1 is not currently received, the processor 1231 turns off the drive switches 1233 and 1234. For example, the fan device 120_1 can operate using the previously received fan drive signal SDF1 and the light emission drive signal SDL1. When the synchronization signal SYNC1 is currently received, the processor 1231 then sets the first value of the synchronization flag FSYN to the second value in step S304, and then makes the fan device 120_1 operate in step S303.

[0092] In step S301, when the processor 1231 determines, using the synchronization flag FSYN, that the synchronization signal SYNC1 has been previously received, the processor 1231 determines in step S305 whether the identification code signal ID1 has been completely received within a predetermined time period TD1. When the processor 1231 determines whether the identification code signal ID1 has been completely received within the predetermined time period TD1, the processor 1231 determines in step S306 whether the identification code signal ID1 matches the identification code IDC. When the identification code signal ID1 matches the identification code IDC, the processor 1231 sets the first value of the identification flag FID to the second value in step S308, and then makes the fan device 120_1 operate in step S308.

[0093] In step S305, when the processor 1231 has not completely received the identification code signal ID1 within the predetermined time period TD1, the processor 1231 proceeds to the operation in step S309. In step S306, when the identification code signal ID1 matches the identification code IDC, the processor 1231 also proceeds to the operation in step S309.

[0094] In step S309, the processor 1231 uses the determination recognition flag FID to determine whether the identification code IDC (i.e., the previous identification code IDC) is consistent with the current identification code IDC. When the processor 1231 determines, using the recognition flag FID with a first value, that the previous identification code IDC is inconsistent with the current identification code IDC, this indicates that the processor 1231 has not received an identification code signal ID1 that matches the current identification code so far. Therefore, the processor 1231 operates the fan device 120_1 in step S308. In the above case, the fan device 120_1 can operate using the previously received fan drive signal SDF1 and the light emission drive signal SDL1.

[0095] On the other hand, in step S309, when the processor 1231 determines, using the recognition flag FID with a second value, that the previous identification code IDC is consistent with the current identification code, the processor 1231 determines in step S310 whether it has entered a predetermined time period TD2. When it has entered the predetermined time period TD2 (i.e., the first predetermined time period), the processor 1231 turns on the drive switch 1233 (i.e., the first drive switch) in step S311, and operates the fan device 120_1 according to the fan drive signal SDF1 in step S312. When it is not within the predetermined time period TD2, the processor 1231 turns off the drive switch 1233 in step S313.

[0096] In step S314, the processor 1231 determines whether it has entered a predetermined time period TD3 (i.e., the third predetermined time period). When it has entered the predetermined time period TD3, the processor 1231 turns on the drive switch 1234 (i.e., the second drive switch) in step S315, and operates the fan device 120_1 according to the light emission drive signal SDL1 in step S312. When it is not within the predetermined time period TD3, the processor 1231 turns off the drive switch 1234 in step S316, and operates the fan device 120_1 in step S303.

[0097] In summary, the multiple fan devices first sequentially obtain different identification code signals during a first period. Next, the multiple fan devices sequentially receive drive data corresponding to the received identification code signals during a second period to operate using the received drive data. Therefore, once the corresponding drive data is received, the multiple fan devices operate respectively based on the operation protocol of the second data string. In this way, the cost and design difficulty of the multi-fan system will be reduced.

[0098] Although the present invention has been disclosed as above with embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, may make some modifications and refinements. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention shall be subject to that defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A multi-fan system, characterized in that, the multi-fan system includes: a control source circuit configured to provide a first data string during a first period and a second data string during a second period, wherein the first data string includes a plurality of identification code signals, and wherein the second data string includes the plurality of identification code signals and a plurality of drive data corresponding to the identification code signals; and a plurality of fan devices coupled to the control source circuit and configured to: receive, during the first period, one of the identification code signals in sequence according to the first data string to obtain a corresponding identification code signal, and receive, during the second period, the drive data corresponding to the received identification code signal in sequence according to the second data string to operate using the received drive data.

2. The multi-fan system according to claim 1, characterized in that: the first data string includes a first identification code signal and a second identification code signal, and during the first period, when a first fan device among the plurality of fan devices finishes receiving the first identification code signal, the first fan device transmits the first data string to a second fan device among the plurality of fan devices, so that the second fan device receives the second identification code signal.

3. The multi-fan system according to claim 2, characterized in that, the second data string further includes a first synchronization signal and first drive data corresponding to the first identification code signal.

4. The multi-fan system according to claim 3, characterized in that, the first fan device includes: a fan element; a light-emitting element; and a controller coupled to the fan element and the light-emitting element, including: a processor configured to determine, during the first period, whether the first synchronization signal is received, and when the first synchronization signal is received, receive the first identification code signal within a first predetermined time period.

5. The multi-fan system according to claim 4, characterized in that, the controller further includes: a transmission switch, a first end of the transmission switch receives one of the first data string and the second data string, a second end of the transmission switch is coupled to the second fan device, and a control end of the transmission switch is coupled to the processor, wherein during the first period and the second period, when the controller finishes receiving the first identification code signal, the processor turns on the transmission switch.

6. The multi-fan system according to claim 4, characterized in that, the controller further includes: a first drive switch, a first end of the first drive switch receives the second data string, a second end of the first drive switch is coupled to the fan element, and a control end of the first drive switch is coupled to the processor; and a second drive switch, a first end of the second drive switch receives the second data string, a second end of the second drive switch is coupled to the light-emitting element, and a control end of the second drive switch is coupled to the processor.

7. The multi-fan system according to claim 6, characterized in that, during the second period: When receiving the first identification code signal in the second data string, the processor turns on the first driving switch within a second predetermined period to drive the fan element with the first driving data, and turns on the second driving switch within a third predetermined period to drive the lighting element with the first driving data.

8. The multi-fan system according to claim 4, wherein, the controller further includes: a bidirectional circuit, coupled to the control source circuit and the processor, configured to transmit commands from the control source circuit to the processor and transmit information from the processor to the control source circuit.

9. The multi-fan system according to claim 8, wherein, the bidirectional circuit includes: a first buffer, an input end of the first buffer is coupled to a sending end of the processor, an output end of the first buffer is coupled to a transmission line, and a control end of the first buffer is coupled to the controller to receive an enabling signal from the controller; a second buffer, an input end of the second buffer is coupled to the transmission line, and an output end of the second buffer is coupled to a receiving end of the processor; and an inverter, an input end of the inverter is coupled to the control end of the first buffer and receives the enabling signal, and an output end of the inverter is coupled to the control end of the second buffer.

10. The multi-fan system according to claim 4, wherein: the first identification code signal includes a plurality of pulses, the processor generates a plurality of code values based on a plurality of intervals between two adjacent pulses, and combines the plurality of code values into an identification code.

11. The multi-fan system according to claim 10, wherein: a first interval between two adjacent pulses corresponds to a first code value of the identification code, a second interval between two adjacent pulses corresponds to a second code value of the identification code, the first interval is different from the second interval, and the first code value is different from the second code value.

12. The multi-fan system according to claim 4, wherein: the first driving data includes a fan driving signal and a lighting driving signal, the control source circuit transmits the first synchronization signal, the first identification code signal, and the fan driving signal through a first transmission line, and the control source circuit transmits the lighting driving signal through the first transmission line.

13. An operation method for a multi-fan system, wherein, the multi-fan system includes a control source circuit and a plurality of fan devices, and the operation method includes: providing, by the control source circuit, a first data string during a first period, where the first data string includes a plurality of identification code signals; sequentially receiving, by the plurality of fan devices, one of the identification code signals according to the first data string during the first period to obtain a corresponding identification code signal; providing, by the control source circuit, a second data string during a second period, where the second data string includes the plurality of identification code signals and a plurality of driving data corresponding to the plurality of identification code signals; and During the second period, the plurality of fan devices sequentially receive drive data corresponding to the received identification code signals according to the second data string, and operate using the received drive data.

14. The operating method according to claim 13, wherein, the first data string includes a first identification code signal and a second identification code signal, and the step of obtaining the corresponding identification code signal includes: During the first period, when a first fan device among the plurality of fan devices finishes receiving the first identification code signal, the first fan device transmits the first data string to a second fan device among the plurality of fan devices, so that the second fan device receives the second identification code signal.

15. The operating method according to claim 14, wherein, the second data string further includes a first synchronization signal and first drive data corresponding to the first identification code signal.

16. The operating method according to claim 15, wherein, the first fan device includes a fan element, a light-emitting element, and a controller, wherein the controller is coupled to the fan element and the light-emitting element, and the step of obtaining the corresponding identification code signal further includes: The controller determines whether the first synchronization signal is received during the first period. When the first synchronization signal is received, the first identification code signal is received within a first predetermined time period.

17. The operating method according to claim 16, wherein, the controller includes a transmission switch, wherein a first end of the transmission switch receives one of the first data string and the second data string, wherein a second end of the transmission switch is coupled to the second fan device, and the step of transmitting the first data string from the first fan device to the second fan device among the plurality of fan devices includes: During the first period and the second period, when the controller finishes receiving the first identification code signal, the transmission switch is turned on.

18. The operating method according to claim 17, wherein, the controller includes a first drive switch and a second drive switch, wherein a first end of the first drive switch receives the second data string, wherein a second end of the first drive switch is coupled to the fan element, wherein a first end of the second drive switch receives the second data string, wherein a second end of the second drive switch is coupled to the light-emitting element, and the step of operating using the received drive data includes: When the first identification code signal in the second data string is received, the first drive switch is turned on within a second predetermined time period to drive the fan element using the first drive data, and the second drive switch is turned on within a third predetermined time period to drive the light-emitting element using the first drive data.

19. The operating method according to claim 14, wherein, the first identification code signal includes a plurality of pulses, and the operating method further includes: Generate a plurality of code values based on a plurality of intervals between two adjacent pulses, and combine the plurality of code values into an identification code.

20. The operation method according to claim 19, wherein: a first interval between two adjacent pulses corresponds to a first code value of the identification code, a second interval between two adjacent pulses corresponds to a second code value of the identification code, the first interval is different from the second interval, and the first code value is different from the second code value.

Images