Input / output device and operation method therefor

Abstract

An input / output device according to one embodiment disclosed in the present document comprises: a plurality of input / output ports respectively connected to a plurality of electronic devices; and a processor for controlling the supply of power required for the operation of the plurality of electronic devices. The processor may control the electrical connection between the plurality of input / output ports such that power provided from a first electronic device connected to a first input / output port among the plurality of input / output ports is supplied to a second electronic device connected to a second input / output port.

Description

Input / output device and its operating method

[0001] Cross-citation with related applications

[0002] This invention claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0120175, filed September 11, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Technology field

[0004] The embodiments disclosed in this document relate to an input / output device and a method of operating the same.

[0005] Input / output devices (I / O) control the input and output of data and other information. I / O devices can receive data from various electronic devices connected to them via I / O ports, or provide data stored on the I / O device to electronic devices. Furthermore, I / O devices supply the power necessary for the operation of connected electronic devices.

[0006] However, situations may arise where the power supplied by the input / output device is insufficient to provide sufficient power for the electronic device to operate. If the power supplied by the input / output device falls short of the required power for the electronic device's operation, the electronic device may be connected to multiple input / output ports and receive power from the input / output devices. This can result in unnecessary connections to input / output ports and waste of power.

[0007] One purpose of the embodiments disclosed in this document is to provide an input / output device and a method of operating the same capable of supplying power supplied from an electronic device connected to a port to another electronic device.

[0008] The technical problems of the embodiments disclosed in this document are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0009] An input / output device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document includes a plurality of input / output ports each connected to a plurality of electronic devices, and a processor controlling the supply of power required for the operation of the plurality of electronic devices, wherein the processor can control electrical connections between the plurality of input / output ports such that power provided from a first electronic device connected to a first input / output port among the plurality of input / output ports is supplied to a second electronic device connected to a second input / output port.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the input / output device may further include a plurality of transceivers connected to each of the plurality of input / output ports and supplied with power from an external source via a power line.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the plurality of input / output ports are respectively connected to the plurality of transceivers via power supply lines and data transmission lines, and the power supply lines of each of the plurality of input / output ports can be electrically connected to each other.

[0012] In one embodiment, the processor can open a switch between the first input / output port and a first transceiver connected to the first input / output port via a power supply line.

[0013] In one embodiment, the processor may short-circuit a switch between the second input / output port and a second transceiver connected to the second input / output port via a power supply line.

[0014] In one embodiment, the processor can short-circuit a switch between the first input / output port and the second input / output port electrically connected to the first input / output port.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the first electronic device may include a power supply that stores driving power required for the operation of the first electronic device, and may be a sensor operable based on power provided by the power supply.

[0016] In one embodiment, the driving power required for the operation of the second electronic device may be greater than the power supplied through the power supply line.

[0017] An operating method of an input / output device according to an embodiment disclosed in this document may include a step of dividing a plurality of electronic devices connected to a plurality of input / output ports into a first electronic device and a second electronic device, and a step of controlling an electrical connection relationship between the plurality of input / output ports so that power provided from the first electronic device connected to a first input / output port among the plurality of input / output ports is supplied to the second electronic device connected to the second input / output port.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the first electronic device may include a power supply unit that stores driving power required for the operation of the first electronic device, and may be a sensor operable based on power provided by the power supply unit, and the second electronic device may include a sensor in which the driving power required for the operation of the second electronic device is greater than power supplied externally through a power supply line of the input / output device.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the controlling step may include opening a switch between the first input / output port and a first transceiver electrically connected to the first input / output port, short-circuiting a switch between the second input / output port and a second transceiver electrically connected to the second input / output port, and short-circuiting a switch of a power supply line between the first input / output port and the second input / output port.

[0020] According to one embodiment disclosed in this document, an input / output device capable of supplying power supplied from an electronic device connected to a port to another electronic device and a method of operating the same are provided.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining an input / output device and peripheral configuration according to one embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining a schematic configuration of an input / output device and an operation of the input / output device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining the operation of an input / output device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0024] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining in detail the configuration of an input / output device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0025] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of an input / output device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0026] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a process for distinguishing sensors according to an embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this document will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. When designating components in each drawing, it should be noted that, where possible, identical components are given identical reference numerals, even if they appear in different drawings. Furthermore, when describing embodiments disclosed in this document, detailed descriptions of related known structures or functions will be omitted if they are deemed to hinder understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this document.

[0028] In describing the components of the embodiments disclosed in this document, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are only intended to distinguish the components from other components and do not limit the nature, order, or sequence of the components. In addition, unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments disclosed in this document belong. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning they have in the context of the relevant technology, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this application.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining an input / output device and peripheral configuration according to one embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 1, a plurality of input / output devices (1000, 2000) and a master controller (100) controlling the plurality of input / output devices (1000, 2000) are illustrated.

[0031] The input / output device (1000, 2000) can input data or output data. The input / output device (1000, 2000) can be configured to store data input from the outside, process data input from the outside, and output data stored internally to the outside.

[0032] The input / output devices (1000, 2000) can operate in response to the control of the master controller (100). The master controller (100) can be configured to perform maintenance and management operations on the input / output devices (1000, 2000), monitor the operating status of the input / output devices (1000, 2000), or sequentially or non-sequentially control the input / output devices (1000, 2000). The master controller (100) can control the operations of various facilities or devices (not shown) connected to the master controller (100) based on various data provided by the input / output devices (1000, 2000).

[0033] According to an embodiment, the master controller (100) may include a programmable logic controller (PLC) that controls input / output devices (1000, 2000) in industrial facilities, for example, production and verification facilities that produce or verify battery cells, battery modules, battery packs, etc. In this case, the master controller (100) may control the operations of various facilities or devices used to produce or verify battery cells, battery modules, battery packs, etc. based on various data provided by the input / output devices (1000, 2000).

[0034] According to an embodiment, the input / output device (1000) may be, but is not limited to, an IO Link Master device that communicates based on a digital communication protocol (IO Link) used for connecting digital sensors or actuators.

[0035] The input / output device (1000, 2000) can exchange data with the outside world through multiple input / output ports. For convenience of explanation, the following description will focus on the input / output device (1000), but is not limited thereto.

[0036] The input / output device (1000) may include a plurality of input / output ports (1010 to 1080). The input / output ports (1010 to 1080) are bidirectional ports through which the input / output device (1000) can be physically connected to other electronic devices or sensors, and the input / output device (1000) may receive data, signals, etc. from other electronic devices or output data, signals, etc. to the electronic device through the input / output ports (1010 to 1080). Referring to FIG. 1, the input / output device (1000) is illustrated as including eight input / output ports (1010 to 1080), but is not limited thereto, and the number of input / output ports may vary depending on the design.

[0037] The input / output device (1000) can be connected to various electronic devices via input / output ports (1010 to 1080). The input / output device (1000) can be connected to an electronic device and communicate with the electronic device in one direction or two directions to exchange data, etc. According to an embodiment, the electronic device may be, but is not limited to, an analog or digital sensor such as a pressure sensor, a photoelectric sensor, or a temperature sensor that converts detected environmental information into an electrical signal.

[0038] The input / output port (1010) can be connected to an electronic device through a plurality of pins. According to an embodiment, the input / output port (1010) of the input / output device (1000), which is an IO-Link Master device, is illustrated as having five pins, but is not limited thereto, and may be variously modified, such as configured to have three pins.

[0039] According to an embodiment, the input / output port (1010) may include five pins. Each pin of the input / output port (1010) may be configured such that pins of the electronic device are connected to different lines within the input / output device (1010).

[0040] According to an embodiment, among the pins of the input / output port (1010), the first pin (a) and the second pin (b) may be connected to a power supply line of the input / output device (1000), and the third pin (c) may be connected to a data transmission line of the input / output device (1000), but this is not limited thereto. The remaining pins, excluding the first pin (a) to the third pin (c), may be configured to be connected to various lines depending on the design.

[0041] According to an embodiment, the electronic device is connected to input / output port 1 (1010) and can be supplied with power through the first pin (a) and the second pin (b). In addition, the electronic device is connected to input / output port 1 (1010) and can supply power to the input / output device (1010) through the first pin (a) and the second pin (b). The power supply line connected to the second pin (b) can be electrically connected to a ground terminal.

[0042] According to an embodiment, the electronic device is connected to the input / output port 1 (1010) and can provide data to the input / output device (1000) through the third pin (c).

[0043] For example, assuming that an electronic device is connected to input / output port 1 (1010), the electronic device can receive power required to drive the electronic device through the first pin (a) and the second pin (b), and provide data processed by the electronic device to the input / output device (1000) through the third pin (c). The input / output device (1000) can provide data provided by the electronic device to the master controller (100), and the master controller (100) can control production equipment or verification equipment based on the data provided by the electronic device.

[0044] FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining a schematic configuration of an input / output device and an operation of the input / output device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0045] In Fig. 2, the input / output device (1000) is used as an example, but the same can be applied substantially to the input / output device (2000, see Fig. 1).

[0046] Referring to FIG. 2, the input / output device (1000) may include two input / output ports (1010, 1020), two transceivers (1011, 1012), a switch (1010a, 1020a) positioned on a power supply line between the input / output ports (1010, 1020) and the transceivers (1011, 1021) respectively connected thereto, a switch (1015) positioned on a power supply line electrically connecting the respective input / output ports (1010, 1020), and a processor (1100) for overall control of the input / output device (1000). However, FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic configuration of the input / output device (1000), and more detailed information will be described later in the description of FIG. 4.

[0047] The input / output ports (1010, 1020) may be connected to electronic devices, respectively. The input / output ports (1010, 1020) may each include a plurality of input / output pins (see FIG. 1), and may connect the electronic device and the input / output device (1000) through a plurality of lines connected to the plurality of input / output pins.

[0048] In the following, it is assumed that the electronic devices connected to the input / output ports (1010, 1020) are digital or analog sensors such as temperature sensors, photoelectric sensors, pressure sensors, humidity sensors, etc.

[0049] The input / output ports (1010, 1020) may be connected to the transceivers (1011, 1021), respectively. Specifically, the input / output ports (1010, 1020) may be electrically connected to the transceivers (1011, 1021) via a power supply line, and may be connected to transmit or receive data with the transceivers (1011, 1021) via a data transmission line.

[0050] The transceiver (1011, 1021) may be connected to the outside via a power line, and may be connected to the input / output ports (1010, 1020) via a power supply line and a data transmission line, respectively. According to an embodiment, the transceiver is a concept encompassing a transmitter and a receiver, and may provide power supplied from the outside via a power line to the input / output ports (1010, 1020) via the power supply line, or may receive power from the input / output ports (1010, 1020) via the power supply line. In addition, the transceiver (1011, 1021) may be configured to receive data provided by sensors (10, 20) respectively connected to the input / output ports (1010, 1020) via a data transmission line, or to transmit data to sensors (10, 20) respectively connected to the input / output ports (1010, 1020).

[0051] According to an embodiment, a switch (1010a, 1020a) may be positioned on a power supply line connected between the input / output ports (1010, 1020) and the transceivers (1011, 1021), respectively. Each electrical connection between the transceivers (1011, 1021) and the input / output ports (1010, 1020) may be determined based on the state of the switch (1010a, 1020a).

[0052] The input / output port (1010) may be electrically connected to another input / output port (1020). According to an embodiment, the input / output ports (1010, 1020) may be connected to each other through a power supply line connecting a power supply line between the input / output port (1010) and a transceiver (1011) and a power supply line between the input / output port (1020) and a transceiver (1021). According to an embodiment, a switch (1015) controlling the electrical connection between the input / output ports (1010, 1020) may be located on the power supply line between the input / output port (1010) and the input / output port (1020).

[0053] The processor (1100) can control the overall operation of the input / output device (1000). According to an embodiment, the processor (1100) can be configured to provide data provided by various electronic devices (10, 20) connected to the input / output device (1000) through a data transmission line to the master controller (100, see FIG. 1), control the input / output device (1000) in response to a command from the master controller (100), or control the transceiver (1011, 1021).

[0054] The processor (1100) can control the supply of power required for the operation of various sensors (10, 20) connected to the input / output device (1000).

[0055] According to an embodiment, the processor (1100) can control a switch (1010a, 1020a) located on a power supply line so that power supplied from the outside through the power line is provided to the input / output ports (1010, 1020) through the transceiver (1011, 1021).

[0056] According to an embodiment, the processor (1100) can divide the sensors (10, 20) connected to the input / output ports (1010, 1020) into a first sensor and a second sensor, and control the supply of power required for the operation of the first sensor and the second sensor.

[0057] According to an embodiment, the processor (1100) can determine whether the sensor (10) connected to input / output port 1 (1010) is a first sensor or a second sensor based on a communication frame. Similarly, the processor (1100) can determine whether the sensor (20) connected to input / output port 2 (1020) is a first sensor or a second sensor based on a communication frame.

[0058] According to an embodiment, the first sensor may be a sensor that includes a power supply and can operate on power supplied by the power supply, and the second sensor may be a sensor that does not include a power supply. For convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the electronic device (10) connected to input / output port 1 (1010) is the first sensor, and the electronic device (20) connected to input / output port 2 (1020) is the second sensor.

[0059] Since the first sensor contains its own power supply, it can operate without receiving external power via a power line. However, the second sensor does not contain its own power supply, so it must receive external power via a power line to operate.

[0060] The processor (1100) can control the power supply required for the operation of the sensor (10) connected to the input / output port 1 (1010) and the sensor (20) connected to the input / output port 2 (1020), the switch (1010a) between the input / output port 1 (1010) and the transceiver (1011), the switch (1020a) between the input / output port 2 (1020) and the transceiver (1021), and the switch (1015) between the input / output port 1 (1010) and the input / output port 2 (1020).

[0061] According to an embodiment, since the sensor (10) connected to input / output port 1 (1010) is a first sensor, the sensor (10) can operate even if power supplied from the outside through a power line is not supplied to the sensor (10). The processor (1100) can control the switch (1010a) between input / output port 1 (1010) and the transceiver (1011) to open so that power supplied from the outside through the power line is not supplied to the sensor (10).

[0062] According to an embodiment, a situation may occur where the power supply included in the sensor (10) is discharged, or the driving power required for the sensor (10) to operate becomes greater than the power supplied by the power supply. The processor (1100) may detect, based on a communication frame, a situation where the power supply included in the sensor (10) can no longer supply power, the power of the sensor (10) is turned off, or the driving power for the sensor (10) to operate becomes greater than the power supplied by the power supply. In this case, the processor (1100) may control the power supplied from the outside through the power line to be supplied to the sensor (10) by short-circuiting the switch (1010a) between the input / output port 1 (1010) and the transceiver (1011), even if the sensor (10) includes a power supply.

[0063] According to an embodiment, since the sensor (20) connected to the input / output port 2 (1020) is a second sensor, power supplied from the outside through a power line must be supplied to the sensor (20) in order for the sensor (20) to operate. The processor (1100) can control the power supplied from the outside through the power line to be supplied to the sensor (20) by short-circuiting the switch (1020a) between the input / output port 2 (1020) and the transceiver (1021). Here, it is assumed that the sensor (20) can operate with the power supplied from the outside through the power line because the power supplied from the outside through the power line is greater than the driving power of the sensor (20). The sensor (20) can operate with the power supplied from the outside through the power line.

[0064] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining the operation of an input / output device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0065] As described above in the description of FIG. 2, the processor (1100) can control the supply of power required for the operation of the sensor (10) and the sensor (20) connected to the input / output port 1 (1010) and the input / output port 2 (1020), respectively. The processor (1100) can distinguish whether the sensor (10) connected to the input / output port 1 (1010) is a first sensor or a second sensor based on the communication frame.

[0066] For convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the sensor (10) connected to input / output port 1 (1010) is the first sensor, and the sensor (20) connected to input / output port 2 (1020) is the second sensor.

[0067] According to an embodiment, since the sensor (10) connected to the input / output port 1 (1010) is the first sensor, the sensor (10) can operate even if power supplied from the outside through the power line is not supplied to the sensor (10). The processor (1100) can control the switch (1010a) between the input / output port 1 (1010) and the transceiver (1011) to be opened so that the power supplied from the outside through the power line is not supplied to the sensor (10). In this case, the sensor (10) connected to the input / output port 1 (1010) operates with the power it contains and can provide the detected environmental information to the transceiver (1011) through the data transmission line.

[0068] According to an embodiment, since the sensor (20) connected to the input / output port 2 (1020) is a second sensor, power supplied from the outside through a power line must be supplied to the sensor (20) in order for the sensor (20) to operate. The processor (1100) can control the power supplied from the outside through the power line to be supplied to the sensor (20) by short-circuiting the switch (1020a) between the input / output port 2 (1020) and the transceiver (1021). However, unlike the sensor (20) illustrated in FIG. 2, it is assumed that the sensor (20) illustrated in FIG. 3 cannot operate with only the power supplied from the outside through the power line because the power supplied from the outside through the power line is smaller than the driving power of the sensor (20).

[0069] Since it is difficult for the sensor (20) to operate with only the power supplied from the outside through the power line, additional power must be supplied to the sensor (20) in order for the sensor (20) to operate. The processor (1100) controls the electrical connection between the input / output port (not shown) not shown in FIG. 2 and the input / output port (1020) to which the sensor (20) is connected, so that the power supplied by the sensor (10) is supplied to the sensor (20) without supplying the power supplied from the outside through the power line to the sensor (20), and the electrical connection between the input / output port 1 (1010) and the input / output port 2 (1020) can be controlled.

[0070] According to an embodiment, the processor (1100) can short-circuit the switch (1015) between the input / output port 1 (1010) and the input / output port 2 (1020). The power supplied by the sensor (10) can be supplied from the input / output port (1010) to the sensor (20) through the switch (1015) and the input / output port (1020). The sensor (20) can operate based on power supplied from the outside through a power line and power supplied by a power supply device of the sensor (10).

[0071] The sensor (10, 20) can be connected to the input / output port (1010, 1020) to convert various environmental information into data and provide it to the input / output device (1000). For example, if the sensor (10, 20) is a temperature sensor, the sensor (10, 20) can convert environmental information including the detected temperature and changes in temperature into data and provide it to the input / output device (1000), and if the sensor (10, 20) is a pressure sensor, the sensor (10, 20) can convert environmental information including the detected pressure and changes in pressure into data and provide it to the input / output device (1000).

[0072] However, the sensor (10, 20) may require driving power to operate. If the sensor (10, 20) includes a power supply, the sensor (10, 20) can operate based on the power supplied by the power supply, but if the sensor (10, 20) does not include a power supply, power must be supplied to the sensor (10, 20) to operate. The processor (1100) can distinguish the sensor (10, 20) connected to the input / output device (1000) into a first sensor and a second sensor depending on whether the sensor (10, 20) includes a power supply as described above.

[0073] If the power supplied from the input / output device (1000) is not sufficient to operate the sensor, an additional power supply is required for the sensor to operate. If power is supplied to the sensor by connecting an additional input / output port other than the input / output port connected to the sensor in order to supply the insufficient power to the sensor, unnecessary waste of the input / output port may occur and excessive power may be used. According to one embodiment disclosed in the present document, the processor (1100) can control the electrical connection relationship between the input / output ports so that the power supplied by the first sensor including the power device is supplied to the second sensor requiring an additional power supply. The processor (1100) can prevent unnecessary waste of the input / output port by supplying the power supplied by the first sensor to the second sensor.

[0074] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining in detail the configuration of an input / output device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 4, the connection relationship between input / output ports (1030, 1080), transceivers (1031, 1081) and multiple input / output ports (1010 to 1080) not shown in FIGS. 2 to 3 is shown.

[0076] Each of the plurality of input / output ports (1010 to 1080) may be electrically connected. According to an embodiment, a power supply line between the input / output port (1010) and the transceiver (1011) may be electrically connected to a power supply line between the input / output port (1020) and the transceiver (1021), a power supply line between the input / output port (1030) and the transceiver (1031), and / or a power supply line between the input / output port (1080) and the transceiver (1081).

[0077] Similarly, the power supply line between the input / output port (1020) and the transceiver (1021) may be electrically connected to the power supply line between the input / output port (1030) and the transceiver (1031) and / or the power supply line between the input / output port (1080) and the transceiver (1081).

[0078] Similarly, the power supply line between the input / output port (1030) and the transceiver (1031) can be electrically connected to the power supply line between the input / output port (1080) and the transceiver (1081).

[0079] According to an embodiment, the power supply lines between the plurality of input / output ports (1010 to 1080) and the plurality of transceivers (1011 to 1081) may include switches (1010a to 1080a) that control the connection between the plurality of input / output ports (1010 to 1080) and the plurality of transceivers (1011 to 1081). For example, a switch (1010a) may be located in a power supply line between an input / output port (1010) and a transceiver (1011), a switch (1020a) may be located in a power supply line between an input / output port (1020) and a transceiver (1021), a switch (1030a) may be located in a power supply line between an input / output port (1030) and a transceiver (1031), and a switch (1080a) may be located in a power supply line between an input / output port (1080) and a transceiver (1081).

[0080] According to an embodiment, the power supply lines connected between the plurality of input / output ports (1010 to 1080) may each include switches (1015, 1016, 1017, 1025, 1026, 1035) that control electrical connections between the plurality of input / output ports (1010 to 1080). For example, the switch (1015) may be located in the power supply line between the input / output port (1010) and the input / output port (1020), the switch (1016) may be located in the power supply line between the input / output port (1010) and the input / output port (1030), and the switch (1017) may be located in the power supply line between the input / output port (1010) and the input / output port (1080).

[0081] Similarly, the switch (1025) may be located on the power supply line between the input / output port (1020) and the input / output port (1030), the switch (1026) may be located on the power supply line between the input / output port (1020) and the input / output port (1080), and the switch (1035) may be located on the power supply line between the input / output port (1030) and the input / output port (1080).

[0082] Additionally, input / output ports (1040 to 1070) not shown in FIG. 4 can also be electrically connected in the same manner as described above.

[0083] According to an embodiment, a switch (1010a to 1080a) controlling a connection between a plurality of input / output ports (1010 to 1080) and a plurality of transceivers (1011 to 1081) may be located between a power supply line electrically connecting the plurality of input / output ports (1010 to 1080) and the plurality of transceivers (1011 to 1081).

[0084] The power line may be a line that provides power required for the operation of the input / output device (1000) from the outside. For example, power applied from the outside may be supplied to a processor (1100) and a plurality of transceivers (1011 to 1081) connected to the power line.

[0085] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of an input / output device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 5, in step S501, the input / output device (1000, see FIG. 1) can distinguish sensors connected to multiple input / output ports (1010 to 1080, see FIG. 1) into a first sensor and a second sensor.

[0087] According to an embodiment, the input / output device (1000) can distinguish a sensor including a power supply as a first sensor and a sensor not including a power supply as a second sensor.

[0088] According to an embodiment, the input / output device can check information such as whether power can be supplied to the input / output device (1000) through a power device included in the first sensor based on a bit at a preset position of the communication frame.

[0089] According to an embodiment, the second sensor may include two types of sensors. For example, the second sensor may include a sensor that is sufficient to operate with power supplied from the input / output device (1000) because the power supplied externally through the power line of the input / output device (1000) is greater than the driving power required for the sensor to operate, and may include a sensor that is sufficient to operate with power supplied from the input / output device (1000) because the power supplied externally through the power line of the input / output device (1000) is less than the driving power required for the sensor to operate, and may require a power supply other than the power supplied from the input / output device (1000).

[0090] At step S503, the input / output device (1000) can control the electrical connection of the input / output port to which the first sensor is connected to supply power necessary for the operation of the first sensor.

[0091] According to an embodiment, the first sensor can operate based on power supplied by the power supply device even if power is not supplied from the outside through the power line of the input / output device (1000). The input / output device (1000) can open a switch between a first input / output port to which the first sensor is connected and a first transceiver electrically connected to the first input / output port. Power supplied from the outside through the power line of the input / output device (1000) will not be supplied to the first sensor.

[0092] At step S505, the input / output device (1000) can control the electrical connection of the input / output port to which the second sensor is connected to supply power necessary for the operation of the second sensor.

[0093] According to an embodiment, in order for the second sensor to operate, power must be supplied from the outside through the power line of the input / output device (1000). The input / output device (1000) can short-circuit a switch between a second input / output port to which the second sensor is connected and a second transceiver electrically connected to the second input / output port. Power supplied from the outside through the power line of the input / output device (1000) can be supplied to the second sensor.

[0094] At step S507, the input / output device (1000) can check whether the power supplied externally through the power supply line of the input / output device (1000) is less than the driving power of the second sensor.

[0095] According to an embodiment, if the power supplied externally through the power supply line of the input / output device (1000) is greater than the driving power of the second sensor (N), an additional power supply may not be required for the second sensor.

[0096] According to an embodiment, if the power supplied externally through the power supply line of the input / output device (1000) is less than the driving power of the second sensor (Y), additional power must be supplied to the second sensor so that the second sensor can operate. The input / output device (1000) can control the electrical connection between the first input / output port and the second input / output port so that the power provided from the first sensor is supplied to the second sensor in order to supply additional power to the second sensor.

[0097] According to an embodiment, the input / output device (1000) can short-circuit a switch between a first input / output port and a second input / output port connected via a power supply line. The second sensor can operate based on power provided from the first sensor and power supplied from the outside via the power line.

[0098] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a process for distinguishing sensors according to an embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 6, a detailed process in which the input / output device (1000, see FIG. 4) distinguishes a sensor as a first sensor or a second sensor is illustrated in step S501.

[0100] When a sensor is connected (S601), the input / output device (1000) can check whether the sensor includes a power supply (S603). The input / output device (1000) can distinguish a sensor (Y) including a power supply as a first sensor and a sensor (N) not including a power supply as a second sensor. According to an embodiment, the input / output device (1000) can check whether the sensor includes a power supply based on a communication frame. According to an embodiment, the input / output device (1000) can check information such as whether the sensor includes a power supply and can supply power to the input / output device (1000) through the power supply based on a bit at a preset position of the communication frame.

[0101] According to an embodiment, since the first sensor includes a power supply, even if connected to the input / output device (1000), a separate power supply from the input / output device (1000) may not be required. Since the second sensor does not include a power supply, it may require a power supply from the input / output device (1000) in order to operate while connected to the input / output device (1000).

[0102] According to an embodiment, the driving power required for operation of each sensor may vary depending on the type of information detected, the operating method, the sensitivity, etc. Since the power supplied to the sensor through the input / output device (1000) is power supplied externally through the power line, the amount of power supplied to the sensor may be limited. Therefore, the second sensor may include two types of sensors. For example, the second sensor may include a sensor that is sufficient to operate with the power supplied from the input / output device (1000) because the power supplied externally through the power line of the input / output device (1000) is greater than the driving power required for the sensor to operate, and may include a sensor that is sufficient to operate with the power supplied from the input / output device (1000) because the power supplied externally through the power line of the input / output device (1000) is less than the driving power required for the sensor to operate, and may include a sensor that requires a supply power other than the power supplied from the input / output device (1000).

[0103] In the above, all components constituting the embodiments have been described as being combined or operating in combination as one. However, this is not necessarily limited to such embodiments, and within the scope of the purpose, all components may be selectively combined and operated in one or more combinations. Furthermore, terms such as "include," "comprise," or "have" described above, unless specifically stated to the contrary, imply that the corresponding component may be inherent, and therefore should be interpreted to include other components rather than excluding other components.

[0104] The above description is merely an example of the technical idea disclosed in this document, and those skilled in the art to which the embodiments disclosed in this document pertain may make various modifications and variations without departing from the essential characteristics of the embodiments disclosed in this document.

[0105] Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in this document are intended to illustrate, rather than limit, the technical concepts disclosed in this document, and the scope of the technical concepts disclosed in this document is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the technical concepts disclosed in this document should be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical concepts within the equivalent scope should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the rights of this document.

[0106] [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 100: Master Controller

[0108] 1000, 2000: Input / output devices

[0109] 1010, 1020, 1030, 1080: Input / output ports

[0110] 1011, 1021, 1031, 1081: Transceivers

[0111] 1010a, 1020a, 1015: Switch

Claims

1. Multiple input / output ports each connected to multiple electronic devices; and A processor that controls the supply of power required for the operation of the plurality of electronic devices; The above processor, An input / output device that controls electrical connections between the plurality of input / output ports so that power provided from a first electronic device connected to a first input / output port among the plurality of input / output ports is supplied to a second electronic device connected to a second input / output port.

2. In paragraph 1, An input / output device further comprising a plurality of transceivers connected to each of the plurality of input / output ports and supplied with power from an external source through a power line.

3. In paragraph 2, The above plurality of input / output ports are each connected to the plurality of transceivers through a power supply line and a data transmission line, An input / output device in which the power supply lines of each of the plurality of input / output ports are electrically connected to each other.

4. In the third paragraph, the processor, An input / output device that opens a switch between the first input / output port and the first transceiver connected to the first input / output port through a power supply line.

5. In the third paragraph, the processor, An input / output device that short-circuits a switch between the second input / output port and a second transceiver connected to the second input / output port through a power supply line.

6. In the fourth paragraph, the processor, An input / output device that short-circuits a switch between the first input / output port and the second input / output port electrically connected to the first input / output port.

7. In the first paragraph, the first electronic device, An input / output device that includes a power supply that stores driving power required for the operation of the first electronic device, and is a sensor that can operate based on the power provided by the power supply device.

8. In paragraph 2, An input / output device in which the driving power required for the operation of the second electronic device is greater than the power supplied through the power supply line.

9. A step of dividing a plurality of electronic devices connected to a plurality of input / output ports into a first electronic device and a second electronic device; and An operating method of an input / output device, comprising: a step of controlling an electrical connection relationship between the plurality of input / output ports so that power provided from the first electronic device connected to the first input / output port among the plurality of input / output ports is supplied to the second electronic device connected to the second input / output port.

10. In paragraph 9, The first electronic device includes a power supply that stores driving power required for the operation of the first electronic device, and is a sensor that can operate based on the power provided by the power supply. A method of operating an input / output device, wherein the second electronic device includes a sensor whose driving power required for the operation of the second electronic device is greater than the power supplied externally through the power supply line of the input / output device.

11. In the 9th paragraph, the controlling step is: A step of opening a switch between the first input / output port and a first transceiver electrically connected to the first input / output port; A step of short-circuiting a switch between the second input / output port and a second transceiver electrically connected to the second input / output port; and A method of operating an input / output device, comprising: a step of short-circuiting a switch of a power supply line between the first input / output port and the second input / output port.

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