Single-pair Ethernet network, actuator for automation technology and assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a single-pair Ethernet network (SPE) (10) set up for data exchange between an actuator (1) of the automation technology and an electronic device (2) such as another actuator (2.1) of the automation technology or an edge device (2.2) or a central control station (2.3), comprising: at least two SPE transmit receivers (11) connected via an SPE data line (12), wherein the SPE data line (12) comprises SPE data cable (12.1) for data transmission, characterized by the fact that the SPE data line (12) has at least one data signal conditioning device (12.2), wherein the data signal conditioning device is configured to condition data signals passing between the SPE transmit receivers (11).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a single-pair Ethernet network, an actuator for automation technology which is designed for communication in the single-pair Ethernet network, and an assembly comprising such an actuator and a data signal conditioning device.

[0002] Single-pair Ethernet technology in connection with actuators in automation technology is known, for example, from patent CN116255492A and provides a simple and robust way to supply such actuators with energy and to enable communication between such an actuator and other electrical devices.

[0003] A disadvantage is that signal degradation during typical operation limits cable lengths to approximately one kilometer. Therefore, single-pair Ethernet networks have limited applicability in actuator applications. For applications requiring significantly longer distances, fiber optic connections are used, for example. However, this is associated with considerably higher costs.

[0004] The object of the invention is to propose a single-pair Ethernet network, an actuator and an assembly in which the application limitations of such single-pair Ethernet networks in the actuator field are lifted.

[0005] The problem is solved by a single-pair Ethernet network according to claim 1, by an actuator of the automation technology according to claim 9, and by an assembly according to claim 10.

[0006] A single-pair Ethernet network (SPE) according to the invention, set up for data exchange between an actuator of the automation technology and an electronic device such as another actuator of the automation technology or an edge device or a central control station, comprises at least two SPE transceivers connected via an SPE data line, the SPE data line comprising SPE data cables for data transmission, wherein the SPE data line has at least one data signal conditioning device, wherein the data signal conditioning device is configured to condition digital data signals running between the SPE transmit receivers.

[0007] In this way, the length of an SPE data line can be extended over several kilometers, thus removing the original application limitation.

[0008] In one embodiment, the data signal processing device has two transmit / receive circuits and one signal processing circuit. wherein the transmit / receive circuit is configured to receive data signals arriving via one of the SPE data cables and to feed data signals processed by the signal conditioning circuit into the respective SPE data cable, wherein the signal conditioning circuit is set up to interpret signal levels of the incoming data signals and assign corresponding digital signal states and to generate a processed digital data signal based on the assigned signal states.

[0009] In one embodiment, the SPE transceivers are configured to generate data signals with a signal component and a power component, the power component being configured to supply energy to the data signal conditioning device. or wherein at least one of the transmit / receive devices is configured to apply a DC voltage to the SPE data line, the data signal being modulated onto the DC voltage, wherein the DC voltage is configured to supply energy to at least one data signal conditioning device of the SPE data line.

[0010] The number of usable data signal conditioning devices in an SPE data line is therefore limited by the maximum electrical power that can be transmitted via the SPE data line and by the power consumption of the data signal conditioning devices.

[0011] For example, at the time of the application, depending on the performance class according to IEEE 802.3bu or IEEE 802.3cg from November 2019, up to 200 data signal conditioning devices can be powered via an SPE data line between one data signal conditioning device.

[0012] In one embodiment, a line length-based distance between an SPE transceiver and a data signal processing device or between two data signal processing devices is a maximum distance limit.

[0013] This ensures that the data signal conditioning device does not assign incoming signal levels to incorrect digital signal states.

[0014] In one configuration, the maximum distance is limited at a transmission rate of 10 Mbit / s, for example. at least 600 meters, and in particular at least 800 meters and preferably at least 900 meters, and / or where the maximum distance limit at most 4000 meters, and in particular at most 3000 meters and preferably at most 2500 meters.

[0015] In this way, an SPE data line length of several kilometers can easily be set up.

[0016] In one embodiment, the SPE transceivers are configured to inject electrical power with a power limit into the SPE data line. wherein the maximum energy consumption of one of the at least one data signal processing device is at most 50 percent, and in particular at most 30 percent and preferably at most 10 percent of the maximum power output.

[0017] In this way, at least three data signal processing devices can be set up in the worst case.

[0018] In one embodiment, one of the SPE transceivers and an adjacent data signal processing device are configured to exchange information regarding a performance class of data transmission, for example on the basis of a data protocol.

[0019] This can reduce the likelihood of incorrect use of the data signal processing device.

[0020] In one embodiment, the data signal processing device includes a power supply device, wherein the power supply device is configured to provide energy for the processing of the data signals. wherein the power supply device includes a battery and / or a mains connection for power supply.

[0021] In this way, a limitation regarding the number of data signal processing devices can be mitigated.

[0022] An actuator according to the invention for automation technology for actuating a valve in a channel such as a canal or a pipeline comprises: a motor for generating force or torque, such as a fluid motor or an electric motor; an electronic operating circuit for operating or controlling the motor; a drive for operating the fitting; a gearbox for transmitting engine power to the output; a communication device for transmitting data, wherein the communication device comprises an SPE transceiver and / or a data signal processing device of an SPE network according to one of the preceding claims.

[0023] The transmission of engine power can involve converting between two torque values ​​or converting torque into force.

[0024] An assembly according to the invention comprises an actuator according to the invention, a data signal processing device according to an SPE network according to the invention.

[0025] The invention will be described below using exemplary embodiments. Fig. Figure 1 shows an exemplary sketch of a single-pair Ethernet network according to the invention with an assembly according to the invention; Fig. Figure 2 shows an exemplary sketch of a data signal processing device according to the invention; Fig. Figure 3 shows an exemplary sketch of an actuator according to the invention.

[0026] Fig. Figure 1 shows a sketch of an exemplary single-pair Ethernet network 10 (SPE network) according to the invention, comprising three actuators 1 which can be connected to an electronic device 2 via a distributor 12.3 and an SPE data line 12. The electronic device 2 can, for example, be another actuator of the automation technology 2.1, an edge device 2.2, or a control center 2.3. Such an SPE data line has several SPE data cables 12.1 which are configured to transmit data signals between network participants.

[0027] According to the invention, the SPE data line 12 has at least one data signal conditioning device 12.2, which is configured to condition data signals. In this way, the length of an SPE data line can be extended over several kilometers and the original application limitation of SPE networks 10 in the actuator area can be overcome.

[0028] The network according to the invention shown here is exemplary in that such an SPE network 10 can also be configured between a single actuator 1 and a single electronic device 2 as defined by the invention. For example, in this case, the distributor 12.3 can be omitted.

[0029] Alternatively, an actuator can also include the function of a distributor and have multiple data inputs for SPE data cables.

[0030] The number of actuators 1 on one topological side of the distributor and the number of controllable electronic devices 2 on another topological side of the distributor 12.3 are freely selectable.

[0031] In one embodiment, a line length-based distance between an SPE transceiver 11 and a data signal processing device 12.2 or between two adjacent data signal processing devices 12.2 is a maximum distance limit.

[0032] For example, with a transmission rate of 10 Mbit / s, the following applies to this distance limit: the distance limit is at least 600 meters, and in particular at least 800 meters and preferably at least 900 meters. and / or where the maximum distance limit at most 4000 meters, and in particular at most 3000 meters and preferably at most 2500 meters.

[0033] In this way, SPE networks can be set up in a simple and robust manner, where data line lengths or line length-based distances between two participants in the SPE network can span several kilometers.

[0034] An actuator 1 according to the invention for automation technology comprises an SPE transmitter-receiver to be assigned to the network according to the invention.

[0035] Such an actuator and a data signal processing device 12.3 according to the invention form an assembly 100 according to the invention.

[0036] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic exemplary sketch of a data signal conditioning device 12.2 according to the invention. This device has two transmit / receive circuits 12.21, which are configured to receive digital data signals from associated SPE data cables 12.1 of the SPE data line 12 and to feed the processed data signals into the associated data line. A signal conditioning circuit 12.22 is configured to interpret the signal levels of the incoming data signals and assign them to corresponding digital signal states, and to generate a processed digital data signal based on the assigned signal states.

[0037] As shown here, the data signal conditioning device can have a battery 12.231 and / or a mains connection 12.232 to provide the energy required for data signal conditioning. The electrical power can then be allocated to the signal conditioning circuit 12.22 via a power distributor 12.233.

[0038] Alternatively, the SPE transceivers can be configured to generate data signals with a signal component and a power component, the power component being configured to supply energy to the data signal conditioning device. or wherein at least one of the transmitter-receivers is configured to apply a DC voltage to the SPE data line, the data signal being modulated onto the DC voltage, and the DC voltage being configured to supply energy to the at least one data signal conditioning device of the SPE data line. In this case, no accumulator, mains connection, or power distributor is required.

[0039] For example, the SPE transceivers 11 can be configured to inject electrical power with a power limit into the SPE data line, wherein the maximum energy consumption of one of the at least one data signal conditioning device is at most 30 percent, and in particular at most 20 percent and preferably at most 10 percent of the power limit.

[0040] For example, one of the SPE transceivers 11 and an adjacent data signal conditioning device 12.2 can be configured to exchange information regarding a performance class of the data transmission. In this way, the probability of faulty use of the data signal conditioning device can be reduced.

[0041] Fig. Figure 3 shows a sketch of an exemplary actuator 1 according to the invention in operative connection with a fitting 20 for adjusting a flow cross-section of a channel 30, such as a pipeline, for example.

[0042] The actuator comprises a motor 1.1 for generating a force or torque, such as a fluid motor or an electric motor; an electronic operating circuit 1.2 for operating or controlling the motor; an output 1.3 for actuating the valve; a gearbox 1.4 for transmitting the motor power to the output; and a communication device 1.5 for transmitting data, wherein the communication device comprises an SPE transceiver 11 and / or a data signal conditioning device 12.2 of an SPE network according to one of the preceding claims.

[0043] The output 1.3 is configured by means of an output shaft 1.31 to actuate an actuator 21 of the fitting 20. The actuator 21 can comprise a slide valve or a valve actuating element.

[0044] The embodiments shown here are not to be interpreted restrictively, but serve to illustrate the inventive aspects. Reference symbol list 1 actuator 1.1 Engine 1.2 electronic operating circuit 1.3 Downforce 1.31 Output shaft 1.4 gearbox 1.5 Communication device 2 electronic devices 2.1 Actuator 2.2 Edge Device 2.3 Control Center 10 SPE network 11 transceivers 12 SPE data lines 12.1 SPE data cable 12.2 Data signal conditioning device 12.21 Transceiver circuit 12.22 Signal conditioning circuit 12.23 Power supply device 12,231 accumulator 12,232 network connection 12,233 power distributors 12.3 Distributor 20 fittings 21 Actuator 30 channels 100 assembly QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] CN 116255492A

[0002]

Claims

Single-pair Ethernet network (SPE) (10) set up for data exchange between an actuator (1) of the automation technology and an electronic device (2) such as another actuator (2.1) of the automation technology or an edge device (2.2) or a central control station (2.3), comprising: at least two SPE transceivers (11) which are connected via an SPE data line (12), wherein the SPE data line (12) comprises SPE data cables (12.1) for data transmission, characterized in that the SPE data line (12) has at least one data signal conditioning device (12.2), wherein the data signal conditioning device is configured to condition digital data signals passing between the SPE transceivers (11). SPE network according to claim 1, wherein the data signal conditioning device (12.2) comprises two transmit / receive circuits (12.21) and a signal conditioning circuit (12.22), wherein the transmit / receive circuits are each configured to receive data signals arriving via one of the SPE data cables (12.1) and to feed data signals processed by the signal conditioning circuit into the respective SPE data cable (12.1), wherein the signal conditioning circuit (12.22) is configured to interpret signal levels of the incoming data signals and assign them to corresponding digital signal states and to generate a processed data signal based on the assigned signal states. SPE network according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the SPE transceivers (11) are configured to generate data signals with a signal component and a power component, wherein the power component is configured to supply energy to the data signal conditioning device (12.2), or wherein at least one of the transceivers (11) is configured to apply a DC voltage to the SPE data line, wherein the data signal is modulated onto the DC voltage, wherein the DC voltage is configured to supply energy to the at least one data signal conditioning device (12.2) of the SPE data line (12). SPE network according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a line length-based distance between an SPE transceiver (11) and a data signal conditioning device (12.2) or between two adjacent data signal conditioning devices (12.2) is a maximum distance limit. SPE network according to claim 4, wherein the maximum distance is, for example, at a transmission rate of 10 Mbit / s, at least 300 meters, and in particular at least 500 meters and preferably at least 800 meters, and / or wherein the maximum distance is at most 4000 meters, and in particular at most 3000 meters and preferably at most 2000 meters. SPE network according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the SPE transceivers (11) are configured to inject electrical power with a power limit into the SPE data line, wherein a maximum energy consumption of one of the at least one data signal conditioning device is at most 30 percent, and in particular at most 20 percent and preferably at most 10 percent of the power limit. SPE network according to one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the SPE transmit receivers (11) and an adjacent data signal conditioning device (12.2) are configured to exchange information regarding a performance class of data transmission. SPE network according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the data signal conditioning device comprises a power supply device (12.23), wherein the power supply device is configured to provide energy for the conditioning of the data signals, wherein the power supply device comprises a battery (12.231) and / or a mains connection (12.231) for the power supply. An actuator (1) of automation technology for actuating a valve (20) in a channel (30) such as a canal or a pipeline, comprising: a motor (1.1) for generating a force or torque, such as a fluid motor or an electric motor; an electronic operating circuit (1.2) for operating or controlling the motor; an output (1.3) for actuating the valve; a gearbox (1.4) for transmitting motor power to the output; a communication device (1.5) for transmitting data, wherein the communication device comprises an SPE transceiver (11) and / or a data signal conditioning device (12.2) of an SPE network according to one of the preceding claims. Assembly comprising: an actuator (1) according to claim 9, a data signal conditioning device (12.2) according to an SPE network according to one of claims 1 to 8 .

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