Input / output module interface with low power consumption mode
By introducing the design of the first and second interfaces into the I/O module, and controlling the power consumption mode of the first interface using the second interface detection signal, the energy consumption problem of the I/O module in the non-communication stage is solved, and the energy consumption reduction and system energy efficiency improvement are achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202510217851.X
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-02-27
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-26
- Publication Date
- 2025-08-29
AI Technical Summary
The I/O module still consumes energy when it is not conducting data communication, resulting in increased energy consumption.
The I/O module is designed with a first and a second interface, and controls the power consumption mode of the first interface through the second interface detection signal, and switches to the communication mode only when needed to reduce energy consumption.
It effectively reduces the energy consumption of I/O modules in the non-communication stage and improves the energy efficiency of the system.
Smart Images
Figure CN120560073A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to data exchange between an input / output module (I / O module) and a control module. In particular, the present invention relates to reducing energy consumption when exchanging data between the I / O module and the control module. Background Art
[0002] I / O modules are usually connected to the network via wired interfaces, such as local bus interfaces and field bus interfaces, and can send or receive data via these wired interfaces. In the phase where no communication occurs, the interface still consumes energy when monitoring the transmission line. Summary of the Invention
[0003] An I / O module according to the present invention includes a first interface and a second interface, wherein the I / O module is configured to transmit first process data to a control module via the first interface and / or receive second process data from the control module via the first interface. The I / O module is further configured to transmit a first signal indicating the availability of the first process data to the control module via the second interface and / or receive a second signal indicating the availability of the second process data from the control module via the second interface. The I / O module is further configured to, when the first interface is in a low-power mode and a second signal is received via the second interface, switch the first interface from the low-power mode, in which the first interface is not ready to receive data, to a communication mode, in which the first interface is ready to receive data. If the first interface switches back to the low-power mode, the I / O module can be placed in the low-power mode, in which substantially only the second interface is monitored, when the I / O module no longer has tasks to process.
[0004] The term "module" as used in the context of this specification and the claims is to be understood in particular as a device that is designed to be electrically connected to another device in order to expand its capabilities, wherein the two devices functionally form a single unit. For example, if internal coordination of the two devices is necessary to provide the required data and / or services, and the recipient of the data and / or services does not have to influence this internal coordination, then the two devices form a functional unit. Furthermore, it can also be provided that the two devices are designed to be connected to each other not only electrically but also mechanically, so that they form a single unit not only functionally but also mechanically. In this regard, the term "I / O module" as used in the context of this specification and the claims is to be understood in particular as a device that is connected to a control module during operation via a local bus, which device, during operation, connects one or more field devices to the control module (via the local bus) and, if necessary, to a higher-level control device (via the control module).
[0005] Furthermore, the term "control module" as used in the context of this specification and the claims is to be understood in particular as a fieldbus coupler that is a modular fieldbus node, the task of which is to make data and / or services of I / O modules connected to the fieldbus coupler available via the fieldbus to which the fieldbus coupler is connected. In this context, the term "local bus" as used in the context of this specification is to be understood in particular as a bus via which (only) I / O modules connected to the fieldbus coupler are connected to one another or (directly) to the fieldbus coupler.
[0006] Furthermore, the term "first interface" as used in the context of this specification and the claims is to be understood in particular as a bus interface that is designed to connect to a local bus (or to generate a local bus) and to exchange (process) data with one or more other I / O modules and / or a fieldbus coupler. If the I / O module can be connected directly to the fieldbus, i.e., if the I / O module can communicate via the fieldbus without a fieldbus coupler, then the term "first interface" as used in the context of this specification and the claims is to be understood in particular as a fieldbus interface, wherein during operation the I / O module connects one or more field devices (via the fieldbus) to a higher-level control device. In this case, the control module or its functionality can be integrated into the higher-level control device.
[0007] The I / O module can have one or more inputs and / or outputs designed to input status signals and / or output control signals (control voltages and / or control currents). The I / O module can be configured to derive first process data from the status signals or to derive control signals from second process data. In particular, the I / O module can be configured to use configuration data to derive first process data to be sent to the control module from signals input via the inputs or to use configuration data to derive signals to be output at the outputs from second process data received by the control module. The I / O module can also have a memory in which the configuration data can be stored.
[0008] For example, the I / O module may include a processor and a memory storing configuration data therein, wherein the processor is configured to derive first process data to be sent to the control module from a signal input via the input terminal using the configuration data, or to derive a signal to be output at the output terminal from second process data received from the control module using the configuration data. Furthermore, the processor may be configured to transmit the first process data to the first interface, or the first interface may be configured to transmit the second process data to the processor.
[0009] Field devices can be connected to the inputs and / or outputs, which provide status signals or process control signals. The term "field device" as used in the context of this specification and the claims is to be understood in particular as a sensor or actuator that is connected to (e.g., connected to) an I / O module (signaling technology). In this context, the terms "input" or "output" as used in the context of this specification and the claims are to be understood in particular as electrical terminals. It can be provided that the voltage and / or current at the input of the I / O module is generated by another device, and the voltage or current at the output of the I / O module is generated by the I / O module itself.
[0010] An I / O module can have a housing that is designed to allow it to be cascaded to another I / O module or to be connected to a fieldbus coupler. The term "housing" as used in the context of this specification is to be understood in particular as a structure made of solid insulating material, in which electrically conductive structures are embedded, wherein the housing is generally designed such that accidental contact with live conductors is essentially excluded. Furthermore, the term "cascade" as used in the context of this specification is to be understood in particular as the establishment of a friction-locking or form-locking connection between the housings, via which a plurality of modules can be connected in series. The housing can be configured in such a way that a wired transmission path is formed within the framework of the series connection (without further aids).
[0011] Furthermore, the term "second interface" as used in the context of this specification and claims may be understood to mean, in particular, an interface designed to be connected to a conductor and to detect a voltage applied to the conductor and to apply a voltage to the conductor. Alternatively, the second interface may be configured as an optical interface or as a wireless interface.
[0012] The I / O module may be designed to switch the first interface from the low power consumption mode to the communication mode when the first interface is in the low power consumption mode and the first signal is sent through the second interface.
[0013] The I / O module may further comprise a first input, which is designed for connecting a first field device, wherein the I / O module may further be designed to derive first process data from a first field device signal received at the first input.
[0014] The I / O module may further comprise a second input terminal designed for connecting to a second field device and a first output terminal designed for connecting to a third field device, wherein the I / O module may further be designed to derive a third field device signal to be output at the first output terminal from a second field device signal received at the second input terminal.
[0015] This means that the I / O module can be designed to locally process tasks that can ultimately be handled locally (i.e., by the I / O module itself), and only wake up other system components when their cooperation is required to perform the task. For example, the second field device can be a sensor and the third field device can be an actuator, with the I / O module designed to derive control signals for the actuator from sensor signals received from the sensor, without involving the control module (or another I / O module). If the control module (or another I / O module) does not need to be involved, the first interface can remain in a low-power mode while the output is being processed.
[0016] The I / O module may further comprise a second output which is designed for connecting a fourth field device, wherein the I / O module may further be designed to derive the field device signal to be output at the second output from the second process data.
[0017] For example, the first field device may be a sensor and the fourth field device may be an actuator, wherein the I / O module is designed to derive control signals for the actuator from sensor signals received from the sensor, with the involvement or guidance of the control module or a higher-level control unit. Therefore, since the control module (or another I / O module) must be involved, the first interface must be placed in communication mode during output execution.
[0018] Transmitting the first signal may include applying a specific voltage to a conductor connected to the second interface, and receiving the second signal may include detecting a specific voltage at the conductor connected to the second interface. The first signal and the second signal may be the same. For example, the first signal and the second signal may be specific voltages applied to the conductor.
[0019] A system may include a first I / O module and a second I / O module, a bus, and an electrical conductor, wherein a first interface of the I / O module is connected to the bus, and wherein a second interface of the I / O module is connected to the electrical conductor.
[0020] The system may further include a control module, wherein the control module is configured to query the first I / O module and / or the second I / O module for the first process data in response to the first signal. Here, the control module may act as a "master" and the I / O modules may act as "slaves," wherein the master initiates and controls data exchange.
[0021] The control module can also be designed to derive second process data from the first process data and send it to the first I / O module and / or the second I / O module. When deriving the second process data, the superordinate control device can also participate or can take into account the data received by the superordinate control device.
[0022] The first I / O module and / or the second I / O module may also be configured to process the second process data and, after processing, to switch the first interface from communication mode to low power consumption mode when or once the second signal is no longer received via the second interface. If only one I / O module must process the second process data, the first interfaces of all remaining I / O modules (or the I / O modules themselves) may be immediately switched to low power consumption mode once the second signal is no longer received via the second interface.
[0023] The system may further comprise a superior control unit, wherein the superior control unit may be designed to switch the control module from a sleep state to an awake state in response to an internal or external trigger mechanism, in which the control module may receive information from the superior control unit.
[0024] The superior control unit can be connected to multiple control modules, and these control modules exchange data via the superior control unit.
[0025] The control module may also be designed to determine based on the information whether to place the first interface of the I / O module in the communication mode, and to transmit the second signal to the I / O module via the electrical conductor if the first interface of the I / O module is placed in the communication mode.
[0026] The system may further comprise a further control module, wherein the superordinate control unit may be designed to receive information from the further control module.
[0027] Furthermore, it should be understood that in principle all steps performed by an I / O module can be features of the corresponding method, and vice versa. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] The invention is explained in detail below using exemplary embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0029] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing a fieldbus system;
[0030] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a fieldbus node of a fieldbus system shown in;
[0031] Figure 3 Explanation of the configuration using a computer connected to the fieldbus node Figure 2 The fieldbus node shown in FIG;
[0032] Figure 4 Shows that when there is no communication or communication is about to take place through the first interface, Figure 1 Which operating mode the interface of the fieldbus system shown in is in;
[0033] Figure 5 It shows that when the communication initiated by the I / O module is carried out through the first interface, Figure 1 A sequence of operating modes of an interface of a fieldbus system is shown;
[0034] Figure 6 It shows that when the control module initiates communication through the first interface, Figure 1 A sequence of operating modes of an interface of a fieldbus system is shown;
[0035] Figure 7 shows a modification of the fieldbus node; and
[0036] Figure 8 Explains the process flow for exchanging data between the I / O modules and the control module.
[0037] In this case, identical or functionally similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals in the figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0038] Figure 1 1 shows a block diagram of a fieldbus system 1000. Fieldbus system 1000 includes fieldbus nodes 100, 200, 300, and 400, which are interconnected via a fieldbus 500. Fieldbus node 400 is configured as a superordinate control unit and can be used not only to monitor but also to regulate devices (not shown) controlled by fieldbus system 1000. When superordinate control unit 400 monitors the devices, it can cyclically or acyclically receive first process data from one or more of fieldbus nodes 100, 200, and 300, the first process data describing the status of the devices, and generate a fault signal or an alarm signal when the status of the devices deviates (substantially) from an expected / permitted state or a state range. When the superordinate control unit 400 (not only monitors but also) controls the device, the superordinate control unit 400 can cyclically or acyclically receive first process data from one or more of the fieldbus nodes 100, 200 and 300 and determine second process data, which are transmitted to one or more of the fieldbus nodes 100, 200 and 300, taking into account the first process data.
[0039] Figure 2A modular fieldbus node 100 is shown, comprising a control module 110 and two I / O modules 120 and 130 cascaded to the control module 110, to which sensors 140 and actuators 150 are connected. During operation, the I / O module 130 reads sensor signals via inputs 134 and generates first process data from these sensor signals. These first process data are transmitted to the control module 110 via a first interface 132 of the I / O module 130, a (local) bus 160, and a first interface 112 of the control module 110. Before transmitting the first process data via the bus 160, the I / O module 130 indicates the availability of the first process data by applying a specific voltage (e.g., a high level) to a conductor 170 (e.g., a single wire) connected to a second interface 136 of the I / O module 130.
[0040] When the control module 110 detects the availability of first process data by reading a specific voltage via the second interface 116 of the control module 110, the control module 110 causes the first interface 112 to transition from a low-power mode (in which the first interface 112 is not ready to receive data) to a communication mode (in which the first interface 112 is ready to receive data), or, if the first interface 112 is already (or still) in the communication mode, to remain in the communication mode. Depending on the configuration of the control module 110 and the type and / or content of the first data, the control module 110 may process the first data locally or forward the first data via the fieldbus interface 114 of the control module 110. To this end, the control module 110 may include a processor and a memory in which information regarding the configuration of the control module 110 is stored.
[0041] The information about the configuration of the control module 110 can specify, for example, which or how many I / O modules 120, 130 are cascaded to the control module 110 and how the control module 110 should handle the received first process data. The control module 110 can be configured, for example, to process the first process data locally and / or forward it (in modified form, if necessary) to the superordinate control unit 400 via the fieldbus interface 114 and the fieldbus 500. The superordinate control unit 400 (or, in the case of local processing, the control module 110) can then generate the second process data taking into account the first process data.
[0042] The second process data generated by the superordinate control unit 400 can then be transmitted to the control module 110 via the fieldbus 500. The second process data transmitted to the control module 110 (or generated by the control module 110 in the case of purely local processing) is then forwarded or transmitted (if necessary in a modified form) to the I / O module 120. The I / O module 120 receives the second process data and outputs a control signal corresponding to the second process data at an output 124 connected to the actuator 150. The data communication between the components of the fieldbus system 1000 and the mapping of sensor signals to first process data and second process data to control signals can be adapted to different application scenarios by configuring the fieldbus node 100.
[0043] In this regard, Figure 3 The diagram shows a fieldbus node 100 and a computer 600 (e.g., a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet computer, etc.) connected to the fieldbus node 100 and configured to configure the I / O modules 120 and 130 of the fieldbus node 100. The computer 600 can be used solely or primarily for configuration, or it can also take on other tasks (in addition to configuration). In particular, the computer 600 can be part of the superordinate control device 400 and, in addition to configuration, also take on monitoring and / or control tasks. For example, the computer 600 can monitor the system and be configured to switch from one operating mode to another (and possibly modify or update the configuration during the switchover process) when certain conditions exist.
[0044] like Figure 4 As schematically shown in FIG, the components of the field bus node 100 can be in a low power mode during a phase when communication via the bus 160 is not required, and remain in the low power mode until a second signal is received via the conductor 170 or an internal wake-up condition is met. Figure 5 As shown in FIG, if the I / O module 130 detects a wake-up condition in phase A1 (e.g., a sensor signal is received, from which first process data to be transmitted to the control module 110 is derived), the I / O module 130 outputs a first signal via the second interface 136, which indicates the availability of the first process data.
[0045] In phase B1, the first signal output via second interface 136 is read by I / O module 120 and control module 110 via second interfaces 126 and 116. In phase C1, the signal read via second interfaces 126 and 116 causes first interfaces 122 and 112 to switch from low-power mode to communication mode. Simultaneously, first interface 132 switches from low-power mode to communication mode. Then, in phase D1, control module 110 queries I / O module 120 for the availability of new process data. If I / O module 120 has the new process data, it transmits the new process data to control module 110 via bus 160.
[0046] In phase E1, the control module 110 queries the I / O module 130 for the availability of new process data. Because the I / O module 130 has the new first process data, it transmits the new first process data to the control module 110 via the bus 160. After the I / O module 130 transmits the first process data to the control module 110 via the bus 160, the I / O module 130 stops outputting the first signal through the second interface 136. However, since the control module 110 derives the second process data from the first process data, transmits it to the I / O module 130, and outputs the second signal at the second interface 116 until the transmission is completed, the first interfaces 122 and 132 remain in the communication mode.
[0047] After completing the transmission of the second process data to the I / O module 130, the control module 110 checks whether other data is to be transmitted via the bus 160 and stops outputting the second signal at the second interface 116 in phase F1, since there is (currently) no other data to be transmitted via the bus 160. By ceasing to output the second signal at the second interface 116, the first interfaces 122 and 132 also switch to a low-power mode and remain in this state in phase G1 until the second signal is received again via the conductor 170 or an internal wake-up condition is met. Thus, in phases where no events are occurring, not only the interfaces 122 and 132, but also all other components in the system that do not need to monitor the conductor 170 can switch to a low-power mode.
[0048] As in Figure 6As shown in FIG, if the control module 110 detects a wake-up condition in phase A2 (e.g., receipt of second process data from a higher-level control unit), the control module 110 outputs a second signal via the second interface 116, indicating the availability of the second process data. In phase B2, the second signal output via the second interface 116 is read by the I / O modules 120 and 130 via the second interfaces 126 and 136. In phase C2, the second signal read via the second interfaces 126 and 136 causes the first interfaces 122 and 132 to switch from low-power mode to communication mode. Simultaneously, the first interface 112 switches from low-power mode to communication mode. In phase D2, the control module 110 queries the I / O module 120 for the availability of new process data. If the I / O module 120 has the new process data, it transmits the new process data to the control module 110 via the bus 160.
[0049] In phase E2, control module 110 transmits the second process data to I / O module 130 and, if necessary, queries I / O module 130 for the availability of new process data. If I / O module 130 has new process data, it transmits the new process data to control module 110 via bus 160. After completing the transmission of the second process data to I / O module 130, control module 110 checks whether further data is to be transmitted via bus 160 and, in phase F2, stops outputting the second signal at second interface 116 because no further data is to be transmitted via bus 160. By ceasing outputting the second signal at second interface 116, first interfaces 122 and 132 also switch to low-power mode and remain in this state in phase G2 until a second signal is received again via conductor 170 or an internal wake-up condition is satisfied.
[0050] As in Figure 7 As shown in FIG, a second communication branch can be constructed in a star topology by using an expansion module 910, which is controlled by the control module 110 and replaces the position occupied by the control module 110 relative to the I / O modules 120 and 130 in terms of communication with the I / O modules 920 and 930, wherein the individual branches can be activated independently of each other.
[0051] Figure 8 A flow chart shows a process for exchanging data between I / O module 130 and control module 110. In this process, in step 2000, I / O modules 120 and 130 are awakened by applying a voltage to conductor 170. Subsequently, in step 2100, data is transferred via bus 160, and after the data transfer is complete, I / O modules 120 and 130 are placed back into low-power mode via the wake-up conductor.
[0052] Reference Signs List
[0053] 100 fieldbus nodes
[0054] 110 control module
[0055] 112 First Interface
[0056] 114 Fieldbus interface
[0057] 116 Second interface
[0058] 120 I / O modules
[0059] 122 First Interface
[0060] 124 output
[0061] 126 Second interface
[0062] 130 I / O modules
[0063] 132 First Interface
[0064] 134 Input
[0065] 140 sensors
[0066] 150 actuators
[0067] 160 bus
[0068] 170 Conductor
[0069] 200 fieldbus nodes
[0070] 300 fieldbus nodes
[0071] 400 Superior control unit
[0072] 500 Fieldbus
[0073] 600 Computer
[0074] 700 devices
[0075] 800 devices
[0076] 910 expansion module
[0077] 920 I / O module
[0078] 930 I / O module
[0079] 1000 (Fieldbus) System
[0080] 2000 steps
[0081] 2100 steps
Claims
1. Input / output module, i.e. I / O module (130), comprising: a first interface (132), wherein the I / O module (130) is designed to send first process data to the control module (110) via the first interface (130) and / or receive second process data from the control module (110) via the first interface (132); and a second interface (136), wherein the I / O module (130) is further configured to send a first signal indicating the availability of first process data to the control module (110) via the second interface (136), and / or to receive a second signal indicating the availability of second process data by the control module (110) via the second interface (136); The I / O module (130) is further designed to switch the first interface (132) from the low power consumption mode to the communication mode when the first interface (132) is in the low power consumption mode and receives a second signal through the second interface (136). In the low power consumption mode, the first interface (132) is not ready to receive data, and in the communication mode, the first interface (132) is ready to receive data.
2. The I / O module (130) according to claim 1, wherein The I / O module (30) is further designed to switch the first interface (132) from the low power consumption mode to the communication mode when the first interface (132) is in the low power consumption mode and a first signal is sent through the second interface (136).
3. The I / O module (130) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: A first input terminal (134) configured to connect to a first field device (140); The I / O module (130) is further designed to derive the first process data from a first field device signal received at the first input (134).
4. The I / O module (130) according to claim 3, further comprising: a second input terminal, designed to connect to a second field device; as well as a first output terminal, designed to be connected to a third field device; The I / O module (130) is further designed to derive a third field device signal to be output at the first output from the second field device signal received at the second input.
5. The I / O module (130) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: a second output terminal, designed to be connected to a fourth field device; The I / O module (130) is further designed to derive a field device signal to be output at the second output from the second process data.
6. The I / O module (130) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in, The sending of the first signal includes applying a specific voltage to a conductor (170) connected to the second interface (136); and The receiving of the second signal includes detecting a specific voltage at a conductor (170) connected to the second interface (136).
7. A system (1000), comprising: The first I / O module (130) according to any one of claims 1 to 6; The second I / O module (120) according to any one of claims 1 to 6; and A bus (160), wherein the first interface (132, 122) of the I / O module (130, 120) is connected to the bus (160); and An electrical conductor (170), wherein the second interface (136, 126) of the I / O module (130) is connected to the electrical conductor (170).
8. The system (1000) according to claim 7, further comprising: Control module (110); The control module (110) is designed to query the first I / O module (130) and / or the second I / O module (120) for first process data in response to a first signal.
9. The system (1000) according to claim 8, in, The control module (110) is further designed to derive the second process data from the first process data and send the second process data to the first I / O module (130) and / or the second I / O module (120).
10. The system (1000) according to claim 9 in, The first I / O module (130) and / or the second I / O module (120) are further designed to process second process data and, after processing, place the first interface (132, 122) from the communication mode into the low power mode when or as soon as the second signal is no longer received via the second interface (136, 126).
11. The system (1000) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, further comprising: A superior control unit (400), wherein the superior control unit (400) is designed to switch the control module (110) from a sleep state to a wake-up state in response to an internal or external trigger mechanism, wherein the control module (110) receives information from the superior control unit (400) in the wake-up state.
12. The system (1000) according to claim 11, in, The control module (110) is further designed to determine, based on the information, whether to place the first interface (132, 122) of the I / O module (130, 120) in a communication mode, and to transmit the second signal to the I / O module (130, 120) via the electrical conductor (170) if the first interface (132, 122) of the I / O module (130, 120) is to be placed in the communication mode.
13. The system (1000) according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising: Another control module, wherein the superior control unit (4000) is further designed to receive information from the another control module.