Communication device

Abstract

The utility model relates to a communication device. The communication device comprises: a processor for processing a received data signal; and a plurality of communication channels, the communication channels are connected with the processor, each communication channel is provided with an external communication interface, and each communication channel operates independently. The communication device can be integrated into different communication systems by introducing a plurality of communication interfaces capable of being externally connected with equipment, the flexibility and reusability are improved, the communication device is provided with a plurality of channels which operate independently, the tolerance of the communication system to a single-point fault is improved, and the reliability of the communication system is improved. And the stability, the anti-interference performance and the safety of the communication system are enhanced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of communications, and in particular to a communication device. Background Art

[0002] With the continuous development of science and technology, higher requirements are placed on the reliability of communication systems in some key areas such as coal mining machinery, aerospace, medical equipment, and energy systems. At the same time, the complex and changing communication environment, the advancement of industrial automation, and the demand for key infrastructure have also promoted the pursuit of communication stability and anti-interference. In areas with high security and anti-interference requirements, such as military communications and information security, there are extremely high requirements for system security.

[0003] However, existing communication devices generally fail to achieve diversity in communication interfaces, which makes it difficult to integrate the communication devices into different communication systems, and the flexibility and reusability of product use will be greatly reduced.

[0004] Secondly, if several communication channels use the same data transmission interface, the failure of these devices may cause multiple channels to fail at the same time, increasing the risk of single point failure. Moreover, these communication channels are susceptible to the same environmental interference, electromagnetic interference or other common mode interference, which may affect all channels at the same time, weakening the anti-interference ability of the communication system. Using the same communication channel also means that it cannot be interconnected with different types of devices or networks, greatly reducing the flexibility and compatibility of the system, and the scalability of the system will also be greatly reduced, and it cannot adapt to different application scenarios. Summary of the invention

[0005] In view of this, the present invention provides a communication device, thereby solving or at least alleviating one or more of the above problems and other problems existing in the prior art.

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the first aspect of the present utility model provides a communication device, wherein the communication device comprises:

[0007] a processor, the processor being configured to process a received data signal; and

[0008] A plurality of communication channels are connected to the processor, each of the communication channels has an externally connectable communication interface, and each of the communication channels operates independently.

[0009] In the communication device as described above, optionally, outputs of the independent communication channels respectively use different communication interfaces.

[0010] In the communication device as described above, optionally, the processor provides a serial port communication (USART) output.

[0011] In the communication device as described above, optionally, the communication device has three communication channels, and the communication interfaces used by the respective communication channels are RS485 communication interface, RS422 communication interface and serial port to optical fiber interface.

[0012] In the communication device as described above, optionally, a 485 isolation chip is arranged in the communication channel between the RS485 communication interface and the processor, a 422 isolation chip is arranged in the communication channel between the RS422 communication interface and the processor, and a serial-to-fiber module is arranged in the communication channel between the serial-to-fiber interface and the processor, and the processor communicates serially with the 485 isolation chip, the 422 isolation chip, and the serial-to-fiber module, respectively.

[0013] In the communication device as described above, optionally, the 485 isolation chip, the 422 isolation chip and the serial port to optical fiber module each have a conversion module for electrical isolation.

[0014] In the communication device as described above, optionally, the communication device has a debugging module, and the debugging module is connected to the processor to download codes and perform programming debugging on the processor.

[0015] In the communication device as described above, optionally, the communication device has a power module, and the power module is used to supply power to the components of the communication device.

[0016] In the communication device as described above, optionally, the communication device has a status display module, which is connected to the power module, the RS485 communication interface, the RS422 communication interface and the serial port to fiber optic interface, and is used to display the working status of the power module, the RS485 communication interface, the RS422 communication interface and the serial port to fiber optic interface.

[0017] In the communication device as described above, optionally, the status display module includes a first indicator light, a second indicator light, a third indicator light and a fourth indicator light, the first indicator light indicates the working status of the power module, and the second indicator light, the third indicator light and the fourth indicator light respectively indicate the working status of the RS485 communication interface, the RS422 communication interface and the serial port to fiber optic interface.

[0018] The utility model provides a communication device, which can be integrated into different communication systems by introducing multiple communication interfaces capable of externally connecting devices, thereby improving flexibility and reusability. The communication device is provided with multiple channels that operate independently of each other, thereby improving the tolerance of the communication system to single-point failures, and enhancing the stability, anti-interference and security of the communication system.

[0019] The communication device provided by the utility model realizes the change from a single interface to a diverse interface by converting a single serial port communication into different communication interface standards, which also enables the communication device to have greater applicability and match different communication scenarios, not just serial port communication. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The disclosure of the present invention will become more apparent with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these drawings are only for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. In the drawings:

[0021] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of a communication device of the utility model;

[0022] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of multiple communication channels in .

[0023] Figure numerals: 1-processor; 2-485 isolation chip; 3-422 isolation chip; 4-serial port to optical fiber module; 5-debugging module; 6-power module; 7-status display module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] With reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, the structure, composition, characteristics and advantages of a communication device of the present invention will be described below in an exemplary manner. However, all descriptions should not be used to form any limitation on the present invention.

[0025] In addition, for any single technical feature described or implied in the embodiments mentioned in this document, or any single technical feature displayed or implied in the drawings, the present invention still allows for any combination or deletion of these technical features (or their equivalents) without any technical obstacles, and thus it should be considered that these more embodiments according to the present invention are also within the scope of the description in this document.

[0026] Figure 1 The utility model is a structural schematic diagram of a communication device.

[0027] The communication device may include a processor 1, a debugging module 5, a power module 6, a status display module 7 and multiple communication channels. The processor 1 is used to process the received data signal. The debugging module 5 is connected to the processor 1 to download code and program and debug the processor 1 to achieve the functions desired by the staff. For example, a person skilled in the art can write the code and then download the code to the baseboard (the entire circuit board) of the processor 1 through the debugging module 5. The power module 6 is used to power the various components of the communication device, and the power supply can be 5V or 3.3V.

[0028] The multiple communication channels are connected to the processor 1, and each of the communication channels operates independently. The independent operation of each channel can improve the stability of the system. If a channel has a problem, other channels can still operate normally. Multiple channels can switch communication channels at any time, reducing the risk of the entire communication system being affected by a fault point. This isolation helps to improve the reliability of the system. The independent operation of multiple channels enables the system to adapt to more complex communication scenarios, such as processing real-time data transmission, command control and configuration data at the same time. Such a design is particularly useful in systems that require multiple types of communications. This design of independent operation of multiple channels allows the system to process multiple communication tasks at the same time, thereby achieving parallel processing, improving the throughput and response speed of the entire communication system, especially when multiple communication streams need to be processed simultaneously. Since each channel is independent of each other, the maintenance and upgrade of the system also become more flexible. The hardware or software of a certain channel can be upgraded or replaced separately without affecting other channels, reducing the difficulty of maintenance.

[0029] The power module 6 is connected to the processor 1, the status display module 7 and the communication interface module to provide a stable power supply. The communication interface module includes a plurality of communication interfaces capable of externally connecting to communication devices, and the outputs of the independent communication channels respectively use different communication interfaces. In this embodiment, the communication device may have three communication channels, and the communication interfaces used by the communication channels may be RS485 communication interface, RS422 communication interface and serial port to fiber optic interface. In actual operation, these communication interfaces can be automatically switched by code programming without manual adjustment.

[0030] In an optional embodiment, the external communication device may be the communication device described in this embodiment, or may be other communication devices. Specifically, when the external communication device is the communication device described in this embodiment, that is, the communication device communicates in series. It should be noted here that the communication device described in this embodiment can communicate in series, and series communication means that the communication distance can be increased, the quality of signal transmission can be guaranteed, etc. The other communication device may be other devices containing RS485 communication interface, RS422 communication interface or optical fiber communication interface.

[0031] In other optional embodiments, the number and arrangement of the communication channels and communication interfaces can be set according to actual work needs. For example, the channel interface can also use a 232 communication interface to convert serial communication into RS232 communication.

[0032] Different users or applications may need to use different types of interfaces. The communication device provided by the utility model has a variety of communication interfaces, which makes the communication device more flexible to adapt to different application scenarios, helps to improve the interoperability of the device, and enables it to communicate with devices of various manufacturers and models, which is crucial for building complex multi-device systems. In addition, the use of diverse interfaces can also make the communication device easier to integrate into different communication systems. In other optional embodiments, those skilled in the art can choose an interface type that is easier to integrate with other external communication devices or communication systems, simplifying the construction and configuration process of the entire communication system.

[0033] The status display module 7 is connected to the power module 6, the RS485 communication interface, the RS422 communication interface and the serial port to optical fiber interface, and displays the working status of the power supply and each communication interface. Specifically, the status display module 7 may include a first indicator light, a second indicator light, a third indicator light and a fourth indicator light.

[0034] The first indicator light indicates the working status of the power module 6. When the power supply is normal, the first indicator light is always green; otherwise, the first indicator light is off.

[0035] The second indicator light, the third indicator light and the fourth indicator light are all controllable indicator lights, which respectively indicate the working status of the RS485 communication interface, the RS422 communication interface and the serial port to optical fiber interface. After the baseboard of the processor 1 is powered on, when the baseboard is not involved in any communication work, the second indicator light, the third indicator light and the fourth indicator light are turned off by default. When any communication interface has normal communication work, the corresponding indicator light is always green; when any communication interface has a communication failure, the corresponding indicator light is turned off.

[0036] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of multiple channels.

[0037] A 485 isolation chip 2 can be set in the communication channel between the RS485 communication interface and the processor 1, a 422 isolation chip 3 can be set in the communication channel between the RS422 communication interface and the processor 1, and a serial port to optical fiber module 4 can be set in the communication channel between the serial port to optical fiber interface and the processor 1. The 485 isolation chip 2, the 422 isolation chip 3 and the serial port to optical fiber module 4 respectively have a conversion module for electrical isolation, which provides electrical isolation for signal transmission to ensure the reliability and stability of data transmission. The electrical isolation is a way to avoid the current from flowing directly from the serial port communication area to other communication areas in the backplane chip circuit of the 485 isolation chip 2, the 422 isolation chip 3 and the serial port to optical fiber module 4, that is, a path for the direct flow of current is not established between the two areas. Although the current cannot be directly intercommunication, energy or data signals can still be transmitted through other means, such as electromagnetic induction or electromagnetic waves, or by optical, acoustic or mechanical means. This can well prevent the accidental current from flowing to the personnel, thereby causing dangers such as electric shock, and ensure the safety of data communication.

[0038] In this embodiment, the signals outputted from the processor 1 are all serial communication signals, for example, the signals transmitted between the processor 1 and the 485 isolation chip 2, the 422 isolation chip 3, and the serial port to optical fiber module 4 are all USART (serial communication) signals. The 485 isolation chip 2 automatically converts the USART signal from the processor 1 into an RS485 signal and outputs it to an external RS485 interface communication device, so that the communication device can perform data communication in the RS485 network; the 422 isolation chip 3 automatically converts the USART signal from the processor 1 into an RS422 signal and outputs it to an external RS422 interface communication device, so that the communication device can perform data communication in the RS422 network; the serial port to optical fiber module 4 automatically converts the USART signal from the processor 1 into an optical fiber signal and outputs it to an external optical fiber interface communication device, so as to realize long-distance data transmission.

[0039] It should be noted that the USART signal is a full-duplex serial signal, that is, the so-called serial communication can perform bidirectional transmission simultaneously in the same channel. The 485 isolation chip 2, the 422 isolation chip 3 and the serial port to optical fiber module 4 can also convert RS485 signals, RS422 signals and optical fiber signals into USART signals respectively.

[0040] In other optional embodiments, the serial port to fiber optic module 4 can also be used in environments that require long-distance transmission, have large electromagnetic interference, or require electrical isolation.

[0041] In other optional embodiments, the above three communication interfaces can be widely used in the fields of industrial automation, communication equipment, computer networks, etc.

[0042] In this embodiment, the processor 1 adopts an STM32 processor with three USART output interfaces. In other optional embodiments, those skilled in the art can select different types of processors 1 according to actual work needs and application scenarios. The USART output interface is inherent in the processor 1 itself, and different models have different numbers of interfaces. The more advanced the processor 1, the more USART interfaces it has.

[0043] The maximum communication rate of each communication channel of the communication device proposed by the utility model can reach 10M bps (baud rate), which can transmit data faster and match more application scenarios. High communication rate enables information to be transmitted faster between networks or devices, thereby increasing the data transmission rate. High communication rate can usually match more application scenarios. For example:

[0044] Industrial automation and control systems: In factories and production lines, high-speed communications can be used to transmit large amounts of sensor data, monitor equipment status, and control production processes.

[0045] Data Centers: Data centers require high-speed communications to support large-scale data storage, cloud computing, and fast data transmission to ensure high performance and low latency.

[0046] Intelligent Transportation Systems: In urban traffic management, high-speed communications can be used for real-time traffic monitoring, intelligent traffic signal control, and remote monitoring of vehicles.

[0047] Agricultural Automation: In modern agriculture, high-speed communications can be used to remotely control agricultural equipment and monitor soil and weather conditions to increase crop yields.

[0048] Environmental Monitoring: In meteorology, climate research, and environmental monitoring, high-speed communications can be used to transmit large amounts of sensor data so that timely actions can be taken.

[0049] Remote Monitoring and Telemetry: High-speed communications are useful for applications such as remote monitoring of weather, environment, traffic, or energy equipment to obtain real-time data.

[0050] The communication device proposed by the utility model contains a core processor 1 and is designed with a variety of external communication interfaces, so it can also be used as a data repeater to achieve the purpose of extending the communication distance, improving the signal quality, connecting the communication links between multiple devices, ensuring the reliability and continuity of communication, etc. The maximum transmission distance standard value of the RS485 communication interface and the RS422 communication interface is 1200 meters. The optical fiber signal can reach a transmission distance of 1800 meters without a repeater. After adding a repeater, the transmission distance can reach up to 10 kilometers.

[0051] Serial communication usually has a short (tens of meters) transmission distance limitation and is easily affected by electromagnetic interference. The communication device designed in the utility model overcomes the distance limitation through standards such as RS485 communication, RS422 communication and optical fiber communication, and is superior in anti-interference performance. Serial communication is converted into these communication standards through different multiple communication interfaces to achieve longer distance data transmission, improve anti-interference capability, ensure the reliability and stability of data transmission, and adapt to the needs of different application scenarios.

[0052] Specifically, in terms of industrial automation and control systems, RS485 and RS422 communications are widely used in factory automation, actuators, PLC electric control boxes, human-machine interfaces (HMIs), and other equipment. In this application scenario, the long communication distance of RS485 and RS422 also provides convenience. In terms of data acquisition and monitoring, RS485 communication and RS422 communication can be used to collect environmental data, meteorological data, power data, and water quality monitoring data, and then transmit the data to a central control system or data center. In medical equipment, such as medical instruments, medical sensors, and patient detection equipment, RS485 and RS422 communications can be used to transmit data and control signals. In building automation, RS485 and RS422 communications can be used to manage security systems, lighting, air conditioning, and energy management in large commercial and office buildings. Since RS485 communication also supports multi-point communication, it is very suitable for applications where multiple sensors or instruments are connected to a single controller, such as weather stations, monitoring stations, and laboratory equipment for multi-point data acquisition.

[0053] In addition, serial communication may have potential safety risks in electrical signals, while standards such as RS485 communication, RS422 communication and optical fiber communication usually have electrical isolation functions. The corresponding conversion modules can improve the system's electrical isolation level and enhance the security of data transmission.

[0054] The utility model converts a single serial port communication into different communication interface standards, realizing the change from a single interface to a diversified interface, which also enables the communication device to have greater applicability and match different communication scenarios, not just serial port communication.

[0055] The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the contents in the above description. Those skilled in the art can make various deformations and modifications to the above implementation without departing from the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and these deformations and modifications should all fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device comprises: A processor (1), the processor (1) being configured to process a received data signal; and A plurality of communication channels, the communication channels being connected to the processor (1), the communication channels each having an externally connectable communication interface, and each of the communication channels operating independently; The communication device has three communication channels, and the communication interfaces used by the communication channels are RS485 communication interface, RS422 communication interface and serial port to optical fiber interface.

2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein: The outputs of the multiple communication channels respectively use different communication interfaces.

3. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein: The processor (1) provides serial communication output.

4. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: A 485 isolation chip (2) is provided in the communication channel between the RS485 communication interface and the processor (1), a 422 isolation chip (3) is provided in the communication channel between the RS422 communication interface and the processor (1), and a serial port to optical fiber module (4) is provided in the communication channel between the serial port to optical fiber interface and the processor (1). The processor (1) communicates with the 485 isolation chip (2), the 422 isolation chip (3), and the serial port to optical fiber module (4) in serial port manner.

5. The communication device according to claim 4, characterized in that The 485 isolation chip (2), the 422 isolation chip (3) and the serial port to optical fiber module (4) respectively have a conversion module for electrical isolation.

6. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The communication device has a debugging module (5), which is connected to the processor (1) and performs code downloading and programming debugging on the processor (1).

7. The communication device according to claim 6, characterized in that The communication device has a power module (6), and the power module (6) is used to supply power to the components of the communication device.

8. The communication device according to claim 7, characterized in that The communication device comprises a status display module (7), wherein the status display module (7) is connected to the power module (6), the RS485 communication interface, the RS422 communication interface and the serial port to optical fiber interface, and is used to display the working status of the power module (6), the RS485 communication interface, the RS422 communication interface and the serial port to optical fiber interface.

9. The communication device according to claim 8, characterized in that The status display module (7) comprises a first indicator light, a second indicator light, a third indicator light and a fourth indicator light, the first indicator light indicating the working status of the power module (6), the second indicator light, the third indicator light and the fourth indicator light respectively indicating the working status of the RS485 communication interface, the RS422 communication interface and the serial port to optical fiber interface.

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